National Football League

[movingtarget]

You might use that word, "bust" too liberally. By such a metric about a quarter or more players in the NFL are busts.

Then again, here's the thing with Tua. He's entering the 5th year on his rookie deal. There's talk right now about how the Dolphins are going to sign him to a massive extension, something along the lines of Justin Herbert, as he is their guy. Something around $45m a year, with at least $30m of that guaranteed (depending on how that is structured), despite some impressive games, and very impressive throws, I have yet to see any indication to me Tua is worth that much (very comparative term, NONE of these guys are "worth" this much cash. The world's top neurosurgeon likely isn't "worth" $50m a year, nor does he/she earn that).

Let me give you an example, last year Roquan Smith signed a huge deal with Baltimore. Arguably the best LB in the NFL, maybe even a top 10 defensive player in the entire league. His pay? $13m this year, though there are bonuses, and his full contract is a nice $60m guaranteed over 5 years. Pretty good pay, really.

So, is Tua worth TRIPLE what Roquan Smith is? Ask me that about Patrick Mahomes? Sure! Lamar Jackson? Probably (if he can stay healthy). But Tua? Who in their right mind thinks so? Well, it's pretty likely Miami will pay him like he is, or close to it.

And it's not like Tua is stuck on a crappy team, having to elevate guys around him. His offense is stacked! So, he fails to deliver on that and take Miami deep into the playoffs in the next couple years, you might as well call him a bust.

Miami is in a similar position to the Cowboys. Good teams but not getting the best from their QB's in the playoffs and I still wouldn't put either team up there with the Chiefs or the 49ers. Cowboys didn't do much in FA and most people seemed to think their draft was one of the worst. I wouldn't be surprised to see both the Lions and GB and maybe even the Rams have more wins than the Cowboys this season. I put Miami in a similar situation to the Bills and many think the Bills draft wasn't too good at filling their needs either. Miami's needs are probably on the other side of the ball. Eagles are another NFC team that might bounce back although they still lost some quality veterans like Kelce to retirement, and FA.

Remains to be seen whether the Texans, and Ravens now with Henry, can measure up to Kansas in the playoffs while the Bengals with a healthy Burrow, a Harbaugh led Chargers with some new talent plus Miami, the Browns and the Bills and of course the Jets are a big question mark, all of which adds up to another very competitive AFC.

 

[jmdirt]

Just watched the roast of Tom Brady on Netflix, funny stuff

I'm hoping to catch a poached version soon.

 

[Nomad]

Remains to be seen whether the Texans, and Ravens now with Henry, can measure up to Kansas in the playoffs while the Bengals with a healthy Burrow, a Harbaugh led Chargers with some new talent plus Miami, the Browns and the Bills and of course the Jets are a big question mark, all of which adds up to another very competitive AFC.

And the Titans are a huge question mark whether new HC Callahan can turn this team around. They've been a sinking ship the last two years (6-11 & 7-10). Vrabel loses his job last year & in comes the young OC from Cincinnati to try his luck.

Levis has got to perform & show fans why the comparisons to Brett Favre are legit. He's has 9 starts under his belt (3-6) so he's not totally inexperienced. And they signed Boyd to help out the passing game, and Pollard takes over as the primary RB filling the Henry void. Their big acquisition is massive JC Lotham (I mean massive at 342 lbs!) - the 2nd OL taken in the draft. He's a day-1 impact starter & should hopefully help out Levis in badly needed pass protection.

This is it for the Titans. Levis is the franchise QB & it's his responsiblity to turn things around...and fast. The Titans are getting a new super-stadium in 2027 and the fans don't want to see a bad team start playing there. Lol.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Remains to be seen whether the Texans, and Ravens now with Henry, can measure up to Kansas in the playoffs while the Bengals with a healthy Burrow, a Harbaugh led Chargers with some new talent plus Miami, the Browns and the Bills and of course the Jets are a big question mark, all of which adds up to another very competitive AFC.

I think anyone not picking the Chiefs to win the SB again would have to have a very specific reason. If they stay healthy.

I'm not going to write the Ravens off though. They don't strike me as crushed from losing in the playoffs. They strike me as a team that learned a lesson from getting hit in the mouth by a smarter team. They lost players on their OL, but stole Josh Jones away from the Texans. Their draft was solid, if not spectacular. They likely didn't lose much overall, and the addition of Henry will help.

To me the Bengals are a huge "if". As in, if Joe Burrow stays healthy. If Joe Burrow plays at his best. If what they are paying him doesn't hurt them too much elsewhere, as he is The Guy there.

If I'm reading the tea leaves, it looks to me like Buffalo is re-tooling to have a team ready to compete for a title in 2025, 2026 and beyond. Consider this. They lost: Stefon Diggs, Micah Hyde, Jordan Poyer, Tre’Davious White, and Mitch Morse. But did losing those guys really hurt them? Most were aging, injured a lot. Diggs was a problem. By doing this, they cleared significant cap room. They also traded down in the first round, twice, and loaded a total of 10 picks into this draft. Taking key needs first (WR and DB), but also in the trenches. It's really hard to tell how well they will do in 2024. But they are a lot younger, and aren't bound by big contracts to as many players as before.

I know this sounds pessimistic, but I'll be surprised if Aaron Rodgers plays more than about 6 games. The Jets could end in in the cellar again. Rodgers will be pushed to finally retire. Saleh will be fired, so will others, and the Jets will start anew, once again.

I think the Chargers have some work to do to get to the playoffs and winning ways. Harbaugh or no Harbaugh. Let's see Herbert start earning that $267m contract he signed.

Upon analysis, Dallas quiet draft wasn't bad. They did get Tyler Guyton an OT from OK, who by from what I can tell should be a week 1 starter and contribute in an area they need. The rest of their picks seemed down the middle, bread and butter, no reaches, no huge scores. Time will tell.

 

[SHAD0W93]

It’s hard to look past the Chiefs win they won in a year their offense looked mediocre to bad majority of the time, and they only got better. The other question is if the changes on defense will affect them. Hubris and cockiness could always bite them in the butt, but I wonder if they turn back into the 2018-2020 offense if their inability to maintain long drives will come back. They have all the tools on offense and if their defense plays great to elite it’s hard to see past them getting the three peat.

Ravens, Bengals, and Texans are the only teams I can see knocking them off. Bills look like they need a year to get back on track, Dolphins are going to Dolphin and get punched in the mouth again, and the rest just don’t have it. Niners, Eagles, Lions, and Cowboys could all beat the Chiefs on their day, they just have to be on their day at the biggest moment.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

This is it for the Titans. Levis is the franchise QB & it's his responsibility to turn things around...and fast. The Titans are getting a new super-stadium in 2027 and the fans don't want to see a bad team start playing there. Lol.

But he was only a 2nd round draft pick. He'll make a piddly $1.1m this year. Anoint the franchise to him or not. I think they're only anointing the starting QB job. He showed his great arm last year, but also wasn't exactly a world beater, or that consistent. If he doesn't deliver, moving away from him wouldn't be the end of the world.

Agree though on that stadium complex. The fans, and owners, are going to expect wins. That new thing to me though is rather ugly. I hate that it's indoors (even if the roof is plexiglass, like Vegas). I mean, in Tennessee? And the thing looks more like a silicon valley industrial complex from the surrounding area than a sports stadium. Look at US Bank, or SoFi. Those are beautiful, even if indoor. Same to some degree with Allegiant and ATT Cowboy Stadium.

 

[movingtarget]

It’s hard to look past the Chiefs win they won in a year their offense looked mediocre to bad majority of the time, and they only got better. The other question is if the changes on defense will affect them. Hubris and cockiness could always bite them in the butt, but I wonder if they turn back into the 2018-2020 offense if their inability to maintain long drives will come back. They have all the tools on offense and if their defense plays great to elite it’s hard to see past them getting the three peat.

Ravens, Bengals, and Texans are the only teams I can see knocking them off. Bills look like they need a year to get back on track, Dolphins are going to Dolphin and get punched in the mouth again, and the rest just don’t have it. Niners, Eagles, Lions, and Cowboys could all beat the Chiefs on their day, they just have to be on their day at the biggest moment.

49ers have lost their last three SB's. Some 49ers fans think it had to be last year or this season otherwise they won't do it with Shanahan. Took Andy Reid a while to convert and really the 49ers loss in the last SB came down to a few mistakes and a few plays but I always thought they had to win in it regulation or they were not going to win it. But the natives are getting restless, that sixth SB win is a long time coming...............30 years........

 

[Nomad]

But he was only a 2nd round draft pick. He'll make a piddly $1.1m this year. Anoint the franchise to him or not. I think they're only anointing the starting QB job. He showed his great arm last year, but also wasn't exactly a world beater, or that consistent. If he doesn't deliver, moving away from him wouldn't be the end of the world.

Only $1.1m? Lol (That's top 1% annual income in this country). Plus he got a sweet $3.9m signing bonus. And only a 2nd round pick? Ironically, Favre was also the exact same pick (2/33). And Hurts & Brees were 2nd rounders (I don't think there's much difference between a low 1st rounder & high 2nd rounder except for the $$$).

It's all the Levis show. Like I said this franchise is a sinking ship. Vrabel was run out of town. Tannehill dumped for Levis. I'd say he's got two years to get the team to the playoffs or both he & Callahan will be gone.

And you're right it won't be the end of the world moving away from Levis. Drew Lock was a 2nd rounder (supposedly the next "John Elway") who was anointed the franchise to take the Broncos back to the promised land. 3 seasons & 23 starts later - he was dumped! Now it looks like he'll be in QB rehab for the rest of his career. Lol.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Don't forget about Paxton Lynch. Taken in the first round by Denver. They did everything they could to get him what he needed, and after two years they cut bait, and he floated around benches and practice squads until he went 0-5 in the XFL last year, and wasn't even picked up by any UFL team this year, none.

The "only" Levis makes is of course in relation to others on his team, and in this league. Bryce Young for example makes almost 10x the amount Levis will this year. I do not disagree most athletes in big sports, including the NFL, are grossly overpaid. But so are the owners. It's a messed up system. This is another reason I like the UFL, as I've said several times. AJ McCarron or Adrien Martinez is going to likely win the UFL MVP, and will make about $80k for the entire season. Most players are in the $60-65k salary range.

 

[movingtarget]

Don't forget about Paxton Lynch. Taken in the first round by Denver. They did everything they could to get him what he needed, and after two years they cut bait, and he floated around benches and practice squads until he went 0-5 in the XFL last year, and wasn't even picked up by any UFL team this year, none.

The "only" Levis makes is of course in relation to others on his team, and in this league. Bryce Young for example makes almost 10x the amount Levis will this year. I do not disagree most athletes in big sports, including the NFL, are grossly overpaid. But so are the owners. It's a messed up system. This is another reason I like the UFL, as I've said several times. AJ McCarron or Adrien Martinez is going to likely win the UFL MVP, and will make about $80k for the entire season. Most players are in the $60-65k salary range.

Did anyone pick up that kicker from the UFL ? Can't remember his name. He was kicking some long range kicks.

 

[Nomad]

Bears' Caleb Williams named starting QB: Chicago wastes no time anointing No. 1 pick as top signal-caller

Chicago got this out of the way quickly

www.google.com

No surprises there. Lol. The big question is can he put together a rookie season like Stroud did? This is will be one of the biggest moments in Bears football history

 

[snipeheem]

At the end of the day mahomes is on diffrent level, he is better than Brady and thats the fact

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

It's a fact? Hmmm.

Did anyone pick up that kicker from the UFL ? Can't remember his name. He was kicking some long range kicks.

The NFL cannot legally "pick up" (sign, or attempt to sign) any player from the UFL until the UFL season is over. I believe you are talking about Jake Bates, who is the kicker for the Michigan Panthers, and has made 3 field goals over 60 yards this season (so far). Apparently at least one NFL team tried to "casually" contact him, and Michigan coach Mike Nolan raised a stink. Ironically, Jake Bates wasn't even a kicker in college. He was a soccer player, and kick-off specialist.

Last season, Brandon Aubrey was the best kicker in the XFL, the Dallas Cowboys signed him after the XFL season was over, and Aubrey made it to the pro bowl!

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

If you were ever curious about a UFL game, but haven't watched, tomorrow (Saturday, May 11) is the game to tune in to. 3pm local time (4pm EST, 1pm PST).

At 6-0 the Birmingham Stallions sit atop of the USFL Conference and as two-time defending champions haven't lost a game in a year. They are hosting the St. Louis Battlehawks who lead the XFL Conference standings at 5-1. Their only loss in week one on the road with that Jake Bates 64 yard FG. This has all the makings of a superb football matchup. The two best teams indeed, and they have never played each other. This is also a "homecoming" of sorts for AJ McCarron, who went to school at Alabama and won two national championships there. The last time AJ played in the state? That infamous Iron Bowl loss on the last second missed FG resulting in a 109 yard return for the Tigers. Ticket tales likely to be around 20,000 for this game. When one looks at the stadium seating, it appears the visitors section is close to sold out. St. Louis has the most rabid fans in the league, and AJ is still very popular in Alabama.

 

[Unchained]

Did anyone pick up that kicker from the UFL ? Can't remember his name. He was kicking some long range kicks.

Nobody has called me.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

In case you missed it, the Birmingham - St. Louis UFL game was close, as expected. AJ McCarron suffered an ankle injury late in the game which didn't help St. Louis, though he stayed on the field after telling his coach he felt it was broken. No update yet. I think there's a very good chance both teams will meet again in the championship presuming AJ can play. Ironically perhaps, there were more mistakes in this game than the early game which featured the two worst teams in the league, Arlington beating Memphis.

Most NFL teams rookie days are over and various mini-camp drills starting. To me it's always nice when in the workouts where vets are not required, they show up anyway even if all they are doing is participating in stretching, light work. If I were a coach that would make an impression on me.

 

[movingtarget]

Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. agrees to four-year, $84.1 million contract

Lions QB Jared Goff agrees to terms on four-year, $212 million extension

 

[movingtarget]

2024 NFL schedule release: Cowboys to play at Browns in Week 1 in Tom Brady's broadcasting debut

 

[Nomad]

And the Jets open up against the 9ers on MNF. Let's hope Rodgers can make it through at least the first series without getting hurt again. Lol

 

[Unchained]

The Cost of a Beer and Hot Dog at Every NFL Stadium

For many football fans, beer and hot dogs are essential parts of the game, but they can cost a lot depending on the stadium.

blog.cheapism.com

 

[Nomad]

“Bo Nix Is the Exact Opposite of Russell Wilson”: Sean Payton Impressed as Broncos Insider Analyzes Rookie QB’s Mini Camp Performances

Sean Payton lauds Bo Nix's unique traits in Broncos' camp, signaling a fresh direction from Russell Wilson's style, sparking curiosity.

www.essentiallysports.com

No kidding coach since he's been compared to Drew Brees. Lol

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Lions QB Jared Goff agrees to terms on four-year, $212 million extension

I'm curious what this means for the career of Hendon Hooker. In case everyone forgot about him, in the middle of the 2022 NCAA season he lit things up at Tennessee, and was a top Heisman candidate, SEC offensive player of the year, a likely top 10 draft pick, maybe top 5, then tore his ACL and couldn't finish the college season, couldn't participate in the Combine or Pro Day, and fell to Detroit, and he sat on the bench and healed his entire rookie season. Not one single snap. Barely practiced at the end of the year. But Hooker is also another "older" QB, who will be 26 this year. Goff is still only 29, and has been one of the most durable QBs in the NFL.

I expect to see a lot of Hooker in camp, and the pre-season. Unless he looks bad, I can't believe teams have completely forgotten about him. Someone, perhaps a team who wasn't able to draft a QB, might trade for him?

And the Jets open up against the 9ers on MNF. Let's hope Rodgers can make it through at least the first series without getting hurt again. Lol

I'm sticking to my prediction of about 6 games until he suffers another serious injury. Go ahead and call me a pessimist. Jets also have what appears to be the toughest schedule in the league. I remember back to last season when it was announced all their tough games in 2023 would be early, but their schedule was favorable, which would be great for Rodgers. Ooops, never got there.

 

[Nomad]

I'm curious what this means for the career of Hendon Hooker. In case everyone forgot about him, in the middle of the 2022 NCAA season he lit things up at Tennessee, and was a top Heisman candidate, SEC offensive player of the year, a likely top 10 draft pick, maybe top 5, then tore his ACL and couldn't finish the college season, couldn't participate in the Combine or Pro Day, and fell to Detroit, and he sat on the bench and healed his entire rookie season. Not one single snap. Barely practiced at the end of the year.

According to this report, the ACL injury had less to do with his draft stock falling as it was more about the offense he played in at Tennessee (Josh Heupel high-octane offense). Even after the injury, he was projected by some scouts as a late 1st/early 2nd rd pick. In fact, one scouting report had him as the 3rd best QB behind Young & Stroud.

Why Hendon Hooker fell in NFL Draft and why Detroit Lions finally picked him

Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes hinted at why Hendon Hooker fell to the third round and what Tennessee's offense had to do with it.

www.knoxnews.com

Usually a lower body injury with today's surgical advancements as opposed to an injury to the QB's throwing arm isn't going to hurt their draft status much even if they don't participate in the combine or pro day. Recall Tua who during his junior season (2019) at Bama suffered both a high-ankle sprain that required surgery & that devastating hip dislocation/fracture injury that finished his season (there was some speculation that the hip injury could be career-ending). He had successful surgery & forgoed his senior season declaring for the draft (he missed the combine). His recovery was sufficient enough that the injury didn't hurt his draft status too much as he was a #5 OA pick & 2nd QB taken behind Burrow.

 

[Nomad]

Bargin Blowout!

Ticket Prices For One NFL Team Are So Low That It'll Be Cheaper To Attend All Their Home Games Than To Pay & Watch On TV

Ticket prices for one NFL team are so low that it'll actually be cheaper for fans to attend all game than to watch on TV.

www.totalprosports.com

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

According to this report, the ACL injury had less to do with his draft stock falling as it was more about the offense he played in at Tennessee (Josh Heupel high-octane offense). Even after the injury, he was projected by some scouts as a late 1st/early 2nd rd pick. In fact, one scouting report had him as the 3rd best QB behind Young & Stroud.

JT O'Sullivan did a video talking about Hooker, he had three concerns: 1 ) He didn't see him take a single snap under center. 2) Tennessee frequently ran plays splitting the field - their high powered offense was so quick Hooker only had to focus on half (or 2/3) of the field. 3) He ran a fair amount, and JTO wasn't sure if that would work nearly as well in the NFL, or how often Hooker would focus just on passing. I think he likened him to Geno Smith.

JTO also thought Bryce Young would be better than CJ Stroud and be creative enough of a QB, clutch enough, to overcome the weaknesses in Carolina.