National Football League

[Alpe d'Huez]

Tua's future is ? jimmy G would be the obvious replacement after playing with McDaniels for so long if Tua calls it a day.

I think you're confusing Mike McDaniel (coach of Mia) with Josh McDaniels (coach of Vegas, former OC in NE)! Tua's future remains a mystery. I'm sure he'll fully heal in the off-season, but if you were the Miami coach would you put all your eggs in the basket of him being healthy? At the very least they need a more solid back-up than Skylar Thompson (or Bridgewater).

As to Vegas, who knows? They are going to have to get another QB, even if they think Stidham is the starter. At the very least they'd draft one in the first few rounds to compete with Stidham. The problem they have is they need position players across the entire defense. They badly need DT help, they need safety help, ILB help, CB help, OLB help. And they are thin there. Their OL played okay, but there's no depth. When they tired, or someone was out, they struggled. Drafting a high QB, or paying a heap of cash to someone like Brady or Garappolo isn't going to help their defense one bit.

Cousins contract is up in 12 months. i doubt that the Vikings let him go even withe the lack of playoff wins. But its probably in their long term interest to try for rookie lower down the draft as well.

I think you are right. There are a lot worse QBs than him. But he seems like he's hit his ceiling. Good, never great. He's like a poor man's version of Alex Smith. Good. Safe. Solid. Alex never won a SB, but at least won a few playoff games. Cousins can't quite reach that level. I can easily see them looking for a QB in the first 3-4 rounds and see if that guy pans out sitting on the bench in 2023, and getting a handful of snaps even drives in games out of reach.

Jim Harbaugh says he's staying in Michigan. That removes him from the Denver sweepstakes.

I didn't mention this before, but Dak had a heck of a game tonight. Smart, superb play. Lead the team, took few risks, made repeatedly solid passes and let the whole offense do its thing. They won't be able to move the ball like the did against SF, but they won't get blown out by the 49ers either.

Gage apparently suffered a concussion, and neck sprain. Being evaluated at the local hospital. But it appears nothing terribly serious. At least not as bad as it looked. Smart of the officials and medical crew on the field to take zero chances though and be safe with him.

 

[movingtarget]

NFL got their wish. 49ers v Cowboys will draw a huge TV audience and there's bound to be plenty of chippiness after last year's match up and crazy finish. Add Purdy to the mix and its ESPN heaven. and a boon for the NFL hype machine.

 

[Potomac]

Before he sells the team I think Dan Snyder will trade 3 first round draft picks to get Tom Brady.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Brady holds all the cards though. Soon an UFA. No trade required. He could start talking to other teams right now I believe.

 

[jmdirt]

Brady needs to retire. Period. He's not going to get better. He's not going to go "back" to how he was in 2014, or 2020 for that matter. The regression is starting to show. It's over. Quit now.

If he wants to keep playing, some team will sign him for sure. There's going to be several options next year, and he will increase ticket sales, swag, and put people in seats, so someone will sign and pay him. If the Raiders pay him $40m, just because he played with JMD, when the team badly needs help on defense, it would be a travesty. I think Tom would want to play with a more serious contender though. But there's no "Denver" team out there for him to go to with a stout defense, and decent offense, where he can retire like Peyton did. He should have retired two years ago if he wanted that.

Here are the teams I see needing a QB next year:

• Washington - Wentz is done. Henike is a backup. Organization a total mess. Team may sell in off-season.
• New Orleans - Winston is done there. Could be better with a top QB, but no cap room until 2024 or later.
• Atlanta - May need a rebuild.
• Indianapolis - See Atlanta.
• NY Jets - May stick with Zach Wilson, or White. Not both. Help needed elsewhere on offense. Organization a mess.
• Carolina - Just started a re-build. Over the cap already. A lot of dead money.
• Tennessee - Need help more than just QB. Not much cap room.
• Las Vegas - Need a QB, have cap room, but badly need to rebuild their defense, everyone not named Maxx. OL also lacks depth.
• Arizona - Maybe? I'm assuming Murray is out for much of 2023. Another mess of an organization.

Now, for some strange reason, a lot of people think Detroit needs a new QB. Some still think Seattle. If you look at the stats, Jared Goff and Geno Smith outplayed Tom Brady in almost every single stat. (Goff 5th in QBR, Smith 6th. Brady? 18th. Geno 5th in passer rating. Goff 7th. Brady? 18 again. It's the same all the way down the list) Smith is 32 years old. Goff just 28.

Here's who else will be available to sign, and likely play in 2023. Bryce Young, CJ Stoud, and Will Levis are all likely to be drafted in the top 10. Even though I'm not sure any of them will make an immediate big impact, they'll be expected to, and start, if not right away, as soon as Pickett did. In FA we'll have Jimmy Garappolo, Baker Mayfield, Derek Carr. Maybe Lamar Jackson, maybe Daniel Jones, also Jamis Winston, Sam Darnold, Andy Dalton. Heck, toss in Tyler Huntley, Cooper Rush, Teddy Bridgewater, Gardner Minshew, I'm believing the rumors Aaron Rodgers will play for Green Bay, or retire. I'm all but certain both Daniel Jones and Geno will either be franchised, or just sign. Now, before you say "Brady is better than all those guys!!!" Yes, he's better than several. However, remind yourself this will be Tom Brady 2023, not Tom Brady 2011, or 2017, or 2020 even. And he'll be more expensive than any of them.

Hindsight is always 20/20, but had the Seahawks just signed Geno to a 5 year $100m deal early in the season, he likely would have agreed to it. Now, his market value is about $35m, for 2023.

SEA and DET do not need to go QB hunting.

 

[Unchained]

There were a couple things written lately about Allen Iverson..at the time signing and then for years later, his backend contract was seen as genius.
Brady is the golden boy.. If for some crazy reason he decided to continue some innovative pay scheme could play out for Tom Terrific.. His TV, stadium draw, merchandise and franchise promotion are second to none.. If some team thought in the medium term..1,2 years signed to be on the field and2,3 as TV spokes model and front office promotion and recruiting icon I could see something happening.. He doesn't look motivated, does not appear to need the money, post divorce probably has other problems and goals.. and if my strange scenario was to play out.. he would only go to a team w a shot and who is that? It's time for Tom to hang it up

Thanks Chargers for the couple of firings so far

 

[Nomad]

My understanding is that:

A) Teams that interviewed him in the past felt he didn't interview well, or have much of an overall plan. The long, long list of OCs who would peter principle as a HC (Norv Turner, Bill Callahan, Marty Mornhinweg, etc.).

B) He was hugely hyped 2+ years ago, then was completely out coached in the Super Bowl against Tampa by Todd Bowles (who may possibly be a brilliant DC, but average HC himself? Jury still out).

Is Bieniemy more suited now than he was 2 years ago? Or is it just that he has the best QB in the NFL he's coaching, and one of the best HCs in the NFL, who make him look great? You tell me.

Where did you hear that Bieniemy didn't interview well? I suppose Hackett interviewed well, got the job & turn out to be the crappiest coach in Bronco history. Lol. And I could argue the same thing with Hackett - was he really an efficient coordinator or did Rodgers make him look good for those 3 yrs he was OC at GB? (2019-2021).

Conversely, Mike McDaniels was given a shot & he wasn't that great at SF for the 5 yrs he was a coordinator having only 2 winning seasons. But yet his inaugural season at Miami turned out pretty good going 9-8 & playoffs - he'll back for a 2nd season.

And then there's Lovie - fired after just one season at Houston. And here's the irony - after two back to back bad losing seasons in his 2 yrs at TB, he was given another HC stint when Houston signed him. Unbelievable when see these kinds of hirings when a guy like Bieniemy can't even get a first-time shot at a HC job.

 

[Nomad]

One of the talking heads uttered the words 'dual threat' to describe Jones. I remember when that phrase got hot with Vick, but IMO Tark, Staubach, Steve Young, Cunningham are the QBs who ushered that into modern NFL. Obviously I'm forgetting several like Newton, Kaepernick, Grojoune... I prefer 'running QB' (like I used above) because all NFL QBs can throw. The big difference is: are they run first (Jackson, Fields...). Ds have to dedicate a safety or LB to watch/spy on some QBs because of their running ability, which might be as big of advantage as their actual running ability because that takes that guy out of the rush or out of coverage. IMO, Allen and Jones get more yards because it doesn't seem like teams treat them like running QBs (disclaimer, I didn't watch much of Jones until yesterday)(I think that the two of them were pretty close in yards over the season).

Hurts is a running QB, but even though he loves to run, it doesn't seem like his first reaction (excluding designed runs of course), especially this year.

Jones isn't a "dual-thread" QB - he's not fast enough & he wasn't in a RPO scheme in college. The one benchmark for a dual-threat QB is RB/WR-type speed. Those stud dual-threat guys like Jackson, Fields, Murray, etc, all have blazing speed in the 4.3 - 4.4 range. Vick was the first one to bring that kind of blazing speed with an NFL caliber arm. Like I said before, dual-threats can beat you with their arm or feet. And some can throw very well. Murray threw for 4300 yds in one season alone at Oklahoma. In his pro-day, he recorded one of the fastest velocities (right up there with the "gunslinger") as well as uncanny accuracy & touch with his throws. How else could a 5'10" QB end up being a #1 OA pick if it wasn't for his elite throwing ability.

 

[jmdirt]

I frequently hammer Dak for trying to be a hero, but if he can play like he did last night on a regular basis, he will be a hero. I don't just mean the physical part either, he was making much better decisions than usual.

On paper I see four potentially great games next week! The BUF vs CIN game will have the extra 'game that never happened' vibe at least early.

 

[Nomad]

Arizona - Maybe? I'm assuming Murray is out for much of 2023.

Looks like he's on schedule to start the 2023 season. It was a clean ACL tear with no complications;

Kyler Murray has a chance to be ready at start of 2023 season

Murray will undergo ACL and meniscus surgery near start of the new year

www.google.com

And the owner wants Murray have some input on the next coach:

Kyler Murray will have input on next head coach in Arizona, Cardinals owner says

The Arizona Cardinals will seek input input from quarterback Kyler Murray as the organization looks to hire its next head coach after firing Kliff Kingsbury on Monday.

www.google.com

Clear case ownership is soley blaming Kingsbury for their woes & another losing season. Coach or QB? IMO, we'll have to wait & see who's hired & if Murray can play the entire season as well as have a clean Hopkins for a full season (remember he missed the first 6 games because of the IOC-PED positive).

 

[King Boonen]

GO JAGS!!! Derek's playing working its magic!!



(They're gonna get hammered aren't they..?).

 

[Unchained]

Looks like he's on schedule to start the 2023 season. It was a clean ACL tear with no complications;

Kyler Murray has a chance to be ready at start of 2023 season

Murray will undergo ACL and meniscus surgery near start of the new year

www.google.com

And the owner wants Murray have some input on the next coach:

Kyler Murray will have input on next head coach in Arizona, Cardinals owner says

The Arizona Cardinals will seek input input from quarterback Kyler Murray as the organization looks to hire its next head coach after firing Kliff Kingsbury on Monday.

www.google.com

Clear case ownership is soley blaming Kingsbury for their woes & another losing season. Coach or QB? IMO, we'll have to wait & see who's hired & if Murray can play the entire season as well as have a clean Hopkins for a full season (remember he missed the first 6 games because of the IOC-PED positive).

Watching Brady, Herbert, Trevor Lawrence, Josh Allen.. Sure the Arizona Cardinals need a coach.. but also having a constantly scrambling, no pocket offensive line and a garden gnome is also a problem.. saw a 6 foot 8 tight end the other night.. I think the NFL and NBA are going to start sharing players.. having a quarterback that can see over the line of scrimmage is a great starting point

 

[movingtarget]

Where did you hear that Bieniemy didn't interview well? I suppose Hackett interviewed well, got the job & turn out to be the crappiest coach in Bronco history. Lol. And I could argue the same thing with Hackett - was he really an efficient coordinator or did Rodgers make him look good for those 3 yrs he was OC at GB? (2019-2021).

Conversely, Mike McDaniels was given a shot & he wasn't that great at SF for the 5 yrs he was a coordinator having only 2 winning seasons. But yet his inaugural season at Miami turned out pretty good going 9-8 & playoffs - he'll back for a 2nd season.

And then there's Lovie - fired after just one season at Houston. And here's the irony - after two back to back bad losing seasons in his 2 yrs at TB, he was given another HC stint when Houston signed him. Unbelievable when see these kinds of hirings when a guy like Bieniemy can't even get a first-time shot at a HC job.

McDaniel wasn't really the OC at the 49ers,. His unofficial title was play designer. Shanahan did the rest. but watching the last Miami game, he has a lot to learn especially with using the clock correctly.. What would Shanahan do with those Miami weapons ?

Rumors going around............Rodgers to Las Vegas ?

 

[movingtarget]

Jones isn't a "dual-thread" QB - he's not fast enough & he wasn't in a RPO scheme in college. The one benchmark for a dual-threat QB is RB/WR-type speed. Those stud dual-threat guys like Jackson, Fields, Murray, etc, all have blazing speed in the 4.3 - 4.4 range. Vick was the first one to bring that kind of blazing speed with an NFL caliber arm. Like I said before, dual-threats can beat you with their arm or feet. And some can throw very well. Murray threw for 4300 yds in one season alone at Oklahoma. In his pro-day, he recorded one of the fastest velocities (right up there with the "gunslinger") as well as uncanny accuracy & touch with his throws. How else could a 5'10" QB end up being a #1 OA pick if it wasn't for his elite throwing ability.

Murray's biggest weakness seems to be upstairs. Short QBs even though not liked in the draft too much can still dominate on the right team. Wilson and Brees ? Purdy is also short though bigger than Murray and Wilson but all of them move well and can obviously scramble but because of their size, don't want to take too many hits. Wilson took a pounding at Seattle but rarely missed a game until late in his tenure and that was mainly the hand injury.

 

[SHAD0W93]

Russell Gage released from hospital after being injured during NFL Wild-Card playoff game, team says | CNN

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Russell Gage has been released from the hospital after being injured during a NFL Wild-Card playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys Monday, the team said.

amp.cnn.com

 

[jmdirt]

GO JAGS!!! Derek's playing working its magic!!



(They're gonna get hammered aren't they..?).

I don't know, they are a hot young team so you just never know...

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Where did you hear that Bieniemy didn't interview well?

Quite a few sources when he interviewed last. Here's one. Here's another. You can find more if you just look. Some people refute it, others question that. None of us were in the interviews. So, you tell me?

Unbelievable when see these kinds of hirings when a guy like Bieniemy can't even get a first-time shot at a HC job.

Do you think it's Bieniemy, not so much Patrick Mahomes, or Andy Reid, is a big reason for the Chiefs offensive success? Legit question I think. Would I hire him? Maybe. I'm honestly surprised Jim Caldwell has never been hired (back). Two very good seasons in Indy, including one where they lost the SB to the Colts. One bad season there (when Manning got hurt and missed the entire year). Took Detroit to the playoffs, and came away with a winning record there. Jim may be getting old to some people. He may also be old-school: quiet, stern. In a period where people like young, flashy, coaches.

And the owner wants Murray have some input on the next coach:

Why does that seem like a really, really bad idea to me? "I want someone who won't make me study the playbook and let me just make plays with my legs and all the talent I have."

Clear case ownership is solely blaming Kingsbury for their woes & another losing season.

I love how the guy is already on a plane to Thailand for an extended vacation. When asked about interviewing for possible coaching positions next year? "I'm good". was all he uttered, as he headed to the airport.

GO JAGS!!! Derek's playing working its magic!!
(They're gonna get hammered aren't they..?).

I wouldn't count them out. But they have to play mistake free to beat KC, in KC. The Chiefs had 4 or so games this year where the looked very beatable, barely beating sub average teams. If that KC team shows up, it will help. But Andy Reid has I think been around too long for that to happen, at least in their first playoff game. Plus, Mahomes almost single handedly won those "bad" games for them. So he, they, can never be counted out. Jags have absolutely nothing to lose though. Teams like that can be dangerous.

Rumors going around...Rodgers to Las Vegas ?

I'll believe it when I see it. I think the hype is Rodgers to Adams, with JMD calling plays. But at $40m a year? I'm not so sure. The Raiders need bad help on defense, many positions. And as one of you pointed out, they could sign TWO Von Miller's for that price.

Signing Rodgers (or Brady, or even Garappolo maybe) goes against what I seem to be hearing from Dave Ziegler. Who keeps saying they are trying to build a team that will last. But, Mark Davis is the one with the check book, and he's made some rash decisions in the past, so who knows?

Murray's biggest weakness seems to be upstairs. Short QBs even though not liked in the draft too much...

Murray is one of the shortest QBs I remember at 5'10". Only Doug Flutie I remember being that short. Drew Brees was 6', Brock Purdy is 6'1". Russell Wilson 5'11', and with his inability to run like in the past, he had a lot of batted balls, and missed receivers he couldn't (likely) see open.

I think an issue with QBs like this is that it's hard to plan around the way they play, unless it's almost all RPO's with a sneak option. But Murray made a lot of plays with his legs, both running, but also scrambling around, waiting for a receiver to get open that he can find. How to you coordinate that? With all the hype on Bryce Young coming to the NFLnhe's barely bigger than Murray. At the start of the year he was 5'11". Now the web says he's 6'. Late blossom I guess. Still under 200lbs. Bryce at least seems by all counts to have a very good head on his shoulders, much better discipline and work ethic. That could be a key to a solid NFL career, regardless of his size.

I'm getting ahead of the season, but after doing some research (read and watch vids, you know) I'd draft either Anthony Richardson or Will Levis mid 1st round if I could. Knowing they need some work, a good coach, and to sit several games, if not the season. Just the raw talent alone is why. Both guys are big, strong, Richardson runs tougher than Josh Allen, and Levis has a John Elway like arm. Very fast release.

 

[SHAD0W93]

Every single 7th seed has wound up as fodder for the NFL’s elite in the postseason

www.sbnation.com

 

[Potomac]

Brady holds all the cards though. Soon an UFA. No trade required. He could start talking to other teams right now I believe.

Snyder will gave away draft picks anyway. That's what he does best, waste picks on QBs

 

[jmdirt]

RE: Head Coaches:
-Its interesting how many unsuccessful head coaches get interviews with other teams.
--I guess failure at one team doesn't mean that they can't have success elsewhere with different pieces.

-Like I said above, a successful OC/DC/Etc. does not necessarily men that they will be a good HC. Same for NCAA coaches (maybe more so?).

RE: Aaron Rodgers:
-I have never liked his arshat persona, but appreciated what he could do on the field. IMO his disingenuous/smarmy shtick has only gotten worse over the last two-three years. If you take TB12's longevity out of the equation, AR would retire, but I think that he wants to try to 'match' TB12 being at a high level into his mid 40s.

EDIT: Gronk is giving AR some *** for taking about MVPs instead of Superbowls.

Look at the age of the QB's left in the final 8:
Larence-23
Purdy-23
Hurts-24
Jones-25
Burrow-26
Allen-26
Mahomes-27
Prescott-29 (old!)

Obviously they are all on good teams but...

 

[Nomad]

Do you think it's Bieniemy, not so much Patrick Mahomes, or Andy Reid, is a big reason for the Chiefs offensive success? Legit question I think. Would I hire him? Maybe.

Of course, it's Mahomes. I've posted numerous comments in the past how the Gunslinger turned around an above-average Chiefs team that could win the division & make the playoffs to a SB winning dynasty team (I got the Chiefs winning the whole thing again). Reid wasn't having that kind of success with Alex Smith, who mind you was a #1 OA pick.

The fact that Mahomes is what defines the Chief's offense & makes coaches look very good shouldn't disqualify Bieniemy from a shot at a HC job. Brian Daboll got his shot with the Giants. He was OC at Buffalo from 2018 - 2021 where the reason for the Bill's offensive success is Allen. Bieniemy might do well & turn a losing team around or he might choke. We simply don't know & it's all speculation until he's given a chance.

I love how the guy is already on a plane to Thailand for an extended vacation. When asked about interviewing for possible coaching positions next year? "I'm good". was all he uttered, as he headed to the airport.

Too funny. But hey, he's got millions $$$ & a hot supermodel GF - what else would a man need to live a happy life.

Kliff Kingsbury loses interest in NFL: buys one-way Thailand ticket with IG model girlfriend Veronica Bielik

After getting fired by the Arizona Cardinals, Kliff Kingsbury has no interest in pursuing a new coaching job. At least not at the moment. The former Cards head coach is currently e

www.google.com

 

[Nomad]

ESPN Computer Predicts Super Bowl Winner After Wild Card Games

The NFL's Super Wild Card Weekend wrapped up on Monday night with a Cowboys' win over the Buccaneers. With the first round of the playoffs officially in the

www.google.com

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

I'm not surprised the ESPN computer picked KC, even though the had some iffy games. What surprises me is the 34%, while they only give SF 6% chance of winning?

By their metric, the Cowboys will also beat the 49ers, in SF, this coming weekend.

I wonder if this is an issue of GIGO?

Snyder will gave away draft picks anyway. That's what he does best, waste picks on QBs.

Daniel Snyder does not have control over the team, and can only have minimal contact with anyone on staff. I think he can only watch games from the box. He tried before and the NFL seriously spanked him. However, since his family has ownership, only a fool would think such a domineering egotist would not try to control the team anyway.

The question is, when will the other owners purge him? I think when two things line up: They are certain they have enough votes from other owners. And, they have a billionaire in waiting ready to cut a check and buy them. There's supposed to be some sort of vetting process, but that's almost laughable. It's a rich boys club. They're going to do what they want.

Of course, it's Mahomes.... shouldn't disqualify Bieniemy from a shot at a HC job. We simply don't know & it's all speculation until he's given a chance.

This is certainly true. Couldn't do much worse than Kliff Kingsbury!

Too funny. But hey, he's got millions $$$ & a hot supermodel GF - what else would a man need to live a happy life.

Yep! I'll trade lives with him! I read somewhere that the way his contract was set up, he's basically going to be collecting money from the Cardinals for over the next four years, at $7.5m a year, guaranteed of course. The only way Bidwell gets out of it is if the team goes bankrupt. Who says Kliff was an idiot?!

Predictions soon. But the first two thoughts that come to my mind are Jacksonville has to play mistake free to beat KC, and better on D than they have all season. Even then I'm not sure they will. KC could have run up 40 points on them last time, beating them easily by 10. Jax also floundered in the first half of that game. But the Jags have nothing to lose this week. Also, if either Alex Cappa or Jonah Williams are out for the Bengals, they are not going to beat the Bills, in Buffalo. I don't see it. Injury reports for all teams tomorrow. I can't seem to find any info at all on those guys. Are they just dealing with typical late season bruises? Or hampering injuries?

Despite the ESPN super computer's thoughts, I think SF is going to be a tough out. I just don't see Dallas playing the same way beating up a sagging TB team, against the juggernaut SF. Day and night teams here. I even think SF can go into Philly and beat them. But let's see what happens this weekend first.

 

[King Boonen]

I wouldn't count them out. But they have to play mistake free to beat KC, in KC. The Chiefs had 4 or so games this year where the looked very beatable, barely beating sub average teams. If that KC team shows up, it will help. But Andy Reid has I think been around too long for that to happen, at least in their first playoff game. Plus, Mahomes almost single handedly won those "bad" games for them. So he, they, can never be counted out. Jags have absolutely nothing to lose though. Teams like that can be dangerous.

I'm hopeful! Play-offs are when I actually start to pay more attention so would be good to finally pick a team that gives me something to watch, but it feels like they'll need KC to essentially turn up drunk.

 

[jmdirt]

I'm hopeful! Play-offs are when I actually start to pay more attention so would be good to finally pick a team that gives me something to watch, but it feels like they'll need KC to essentially turn up drunk.

KC has looked that way many times this year, but their lack of focus is probably better now that its the playoffs.

RE: Kliff: we can all bash him, but he's living our dreams now.