National Football League

[Unchained]

Tour dFrance just posted on their website that Aaron Rodgers just registered in the open category.. I think that means he is going to fill an Astana spot..Rodgers bio says that he crushed riding near the beach in Santa Monica and he was up there in a charity gran fondo..says TDF should not be a problem if the money is right..will be riding a new brand of bike..Jet Bikes

 

[movingtarget]

Shane Steichen dismisses claims Colts are vying for Lamar Jackson, says they remain focused on draft

Speaking Wednesday, Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen said that the Colts are focusing solely on the draft and quarterbacks they can acquire through that avenue, instead of looking at superstars such as Lamar Jackson.

www.nfl.com

 

[movingtarget]

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BdYA10LR2k

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

[Edit: Looks like Movingtarget and I posted at the same time!] Looks like the Commanders are going to very likely be sold within a month, to the Harris group. This is the one where Magic Johnson would be part owner, and if I were a fan of the team I'd much rather have this group than Jeff Bezos. While Ron Rivera might last this season, I wouldn't be at all surprised if the entire system is flushed at the end of the 2023-2024 season, with only Eric Bienemy surviving. It wouldn't surprise me if the new ownership changed both the name, and color scheme, even though they have only been the Commanders for 2 years. The more they can wash away everything Daniel Snyder, the better. I would also expect the new ownership to come in with a rudimentary plan in place to finally tear down RFK, and using a mix of private/public money, put in a new stadium with a retractable translucent roof costing perhaps $2b.

I can't imagine the Colts earnestly want Lamar Jackson. The other "rumor" I hear is in several mock drafts experts* have the Ravens taking a QB this draft. Usually either Levis or Richardson falling that far, or lately several mocks have Hendon Hooker moving up to the 1st round. I have no idea why the Ravens would do that, unless they are 100% certain they are about to trade Lamar away. But even then, they have Huntley, who isn't bad, has actually played good at times. It would thus make more sense to take one of the next tier of QBs in rounds 3-6, see if someone falls. See if that guy develops.

I find it somewhat refreshing in some experts* have both Levis and Richardson falling some, as I don't see either of those guys as top level QBs in the NFL. Heck, I'm not even sure either Young or Stroud will be top level, considering they are all but certain to go 1-2. But mocks having Richardson go #1 overall, or all four of these guys going 1, 2, 3, 4 are nuts. I also have to admit I think Hooker will be a bit of a risk, and I don't know why he's moving so high up in mocks. It's not entirely his ACL, it's more that he played a spread in college, never took a single snap from center, and he'll possibly be 26 by the time he starts. Would you draft that guy in the 1st round?

*experts. As in, anyone is one when it comes to sportswriters making predictions.

 

[Unchained]

Financial news saying that the Broncos still set standard at @$4.2 billion and that all of the last 5 major sports franchises sold were to Wall St private equity types..this sale is somehow having lipstick on because some interests are from DC area..so I am guessing that billionaires that are from DC are different..?

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

They're probably taking into consideration some sort of list of political gimmies (in DC? No! ). I think for starters it has to be a new stadium on the drawing board. There's been talk for a few years about tearing down RFK and putting something new there. Also, FedEx is considered maybe the worst stadium in the NFL, on several levels. I'm 100% certain the new owner group is, as I said before, going to push for a state-of-the-art facility that rivals what the Cowboys and Raiders have, and likely get it without having to cough up a ton of money. Doing so likely adds a good $1b to the value of the team alone. Your tax dollars at work.

In side news, I actually found on3m@n@rmy! Well, he actually found me, out of sheer coincidence! I don't think he'll be posting here again, but it seems like he's doing well, out riding his bike.

 

[movingtarget]

Safety Budda Baker requests trade from Cardinals

Pro Bowl safety Budda Baker has requested a trade from the Arizona Cardinals, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Friday afternoon.

www.nfl.com

 

[jmdirt]

They're probably taking into consideration some sort of list of political gimmies (in DC? No! ). I think for starters it has to be a new stadium on the drawing board. There's been talk for a few years about tearing down RFK and putting something new there. Also, FedEx is considered maybe the worst stadium in the NFL, on several levels. I'm 100% certain the new owner group is, as I said before, going to push for a state-of-the-art facility that rivals what the Cowboys and Raiders have, and likely get it without having to cough up a ton of money. Doing so likely adds a good $1b to the value of the team alone. Your tax dollars at work.

In side news, I actually found on3m@n@rmy! Well, he actually found me, out of sheer coincidence! I don't think he'll be posting here again, but it seems like he's doing well, out riding his bike.

Good to hear about on3m@n@rmy. I'm surprised that they dropped the forum, but whatever, right.

I hope that the tax payers don't have to pay a dime for a new stadium, but one way or another, we always do.

 

[Nomad]

I find it somewhat refreshing in some experts* have both Levis and Richardson falling some, as I don't see either of those guys as top level QBs in the NFL. Heck, I'm not even sure either Young or Stroud will be top level, considering they are all but certain to go 1-2. But mocks having Richardson go #1 overall, or all four of these guys going 1, 2, 3, 4 are nuts. I also have to admit I think Hooker will be a bit of a risk, and I don't know why he's moving so high up in mocks. It's not entirely his ACL, it's more that he played a spread in college, never took a single snap from center, and he'll possibly be 26 by the time he starts. Would you draft that guy in the 1st round?

I'm going to disagree & go with Richardson drafted ahead of either Young or Stroud - maybe even an outside chance that he'll be taken #1. I see Richardson having potential as a top level NFL QB. The league hasn't seen this kind of size, speed & arm strength since Cam Newton. You've got to stop & think for a second & marvel at that kind of size (6-4/244), unbelievable speed (4.43) & a canon of an arm comparable to a one Josh Allen (70+ yds).

If Richardson goes to either Carolina or Houston - baring a catastrophic preseason - I see him being given the car keys & starting right off the bat. The current QB depth chart for those two clubs is nothing short of dreadful: Carolina (Dalton/Corral/Eason), Houston (Mills/Keenum/Perry). If he goes to Indy, he might initially sit behind Minshew (unless Richardson beats him out in preseason). However, unless the team is winning & looking like a legit playoff contender, Richardson will eventually start (as historically most of these top 1st rd QBs eventually end up starting anyway).

Either way, Richardson will be thrown to the wolves & his rookie year won't be pretty. But he's got the size to withstand NFL caliber punishment. And with his running capability & superior arm strength, he can keep defenses honest. Hopefully, he'll have a very good QB coach to work on his accuracy & reads, along with the experience he gets that rookie year.

Wouldn't this be ironic if Carolina took him as #1 OA? (The last time Carolina had the first OA pick was back in 2011).

https://www.si.com/nfl/panthers/.amp/gm-report/anthony-richardson-is-still-in-the-mix-for-the-panthers

 

[jmdirt]

One way to get your offense started is to toss a 60 yard bomb for a TD on your first play of the season!

EDIT: I forgot the link:

USFL Week 1 highlights: Birmingham Stallions roll past New Jersey Generals

Here are the top plays from the defending USFL champion Birmingham Stallions' victory over the New Jersey Generals on Saturday.

www.theusfl.com

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Good to hear about on3m@n@rmy. I'm surprised that they dropped the forum, but whatever, right.

I didn't ask him, but I seem to recall he was always much more interested in college football than the NFL.

I'm going to disagree & go with Richardson drafted ahead of either Young or Stroud - maybe even an outside chance that he'll be taken #1. I see Richardson having potential as a top level NFL QB.

You make a valid argument, and I agree whomever drafts him has to play him. Roll the dice, and see what you get. He's bound to both take some teams by surprise and make some highlight reel plays, and plenty of mistakes. He simply didn't play enough in college, but the only way he's going to get better is to play. Can he adapt? Maybe, maybe not. The talent is there. But accuracy, pressure, reads, that could take a big leap of faith. I think I wrote before that if I were a team that drafted Richardson I'd set up an offense that looks like this: 1) Run the ball. 2) Throw deep, often, to almost any 1 on 1 coverage. 3) Have QB look at 1st, 2nd reads, if not open, then either take off and run or look for check down pass. This is kind of a throwback style to days of yonder. QBs like Daryle Lamonica, Jim Hart etc. But with a QB that can run more. Days when interceptions didn't mean what they do now, because a 50 yard pass that's intercepted was interpreted about the same as a punt.


I saw that USFL game! Interesting watching the USFL again, after watching most of the XFL. The quality of play is about the same for both leagues, but the XFL rules are different. The kickoffs, extra points, more. The USFL is more like the NFL, except they have one rule I really, really wish the NFL would adopt. PI in the USFL is 15 yards and an automatic 1st down, just like the NCAA. However, the USFL has an additional rule of flagrant PI, which is a spot foul. Just like the XFL, the first week here in the USFL was a mix of good play, and sloppy play, but worth watching.

 

[Unchained]

I didn't ask him, but I seem to recall he was always much more interested in college football than the NFL.


You make a valid argument, and I agree whomever drafts him has to play him. Roll the dice, and see what you get. He's bound to both take some teams by surprise and make some highlight reel plays, and plenty of mistakes. He simply didn't play enough in college, but the only way he's going to get better is to play. Can he adapt? Maybe, maybe not. The talent is there. But accuracy, pressure, reads, that could take a big leap of faith. I think I wrote before that if I were a team that drafted Richardson I'd set up an offense that looks like this: 1) Run the ball. 2) Throw deep, often, to almost any 1 on 1 coverage. 3) Have QB look at 1st, 2nd reads, if not open, then either take off and run or look for check down pass. This is kind of a throwback style to days of yonder. QBs like Daryle Lamonica, Jim Hart etc. But with a QB that can run more. Days when interceptions didn't mean what they do now, because a 50 yard pass that's intercepted was interpreted about the same as a punt.


I saw that USFL game! Interesting watching the USFL again, after watching most of the XFL. The quality of play is about the same for both leagues, but the XFL rules are different. The kickoffs, extra points, more. The USFL is more like the NFL, except they have one rule I really, really wish the NFL would adopt. PI in the USFL is 15 yards and an automatic 1st down, just like the NCAA. However, the USFL has an additional rule of flagrant PI, which is a spot foul. Just like the XFL, the first week here in the USFL was a mix of good play, and sloppy play, but worth watching.

While I tend to agree.. NBA and especially the NFL have multiple infractions, every play and the officiating in both sports can be generously described as subjective. Holding and pass interference calls are completely random on scale, personal fouls again often have a random feel..
The rule that has me complaining from start to finish is kick offs going out the end line and long run backs have all but been eliminated as part of the game.

 

[movingtarget]

Jalen Hurts, Eagles agree to terms on five-year, $255 million contract extension

Jalen Hurts will be in Philadelphia for years to come. The Eagles and their superstar quarterback agreed to terms Monday on a five-year, $255 million contract extension that makes him the highest-paid player in NFL history.

www.nfl.com

 

[jmdirt]

Jalen Hurts, Eagles agree to terms on five-year, $255 million contract extension

Jalen Hurts will be in Philadelphia for years to come. The Eagles and their superstar quarterback agreed to terms Monday on a five-year, $255 million contract extension that makes him the highest-paid player in NFL history.

www.nfl.com

I just couldn't live on so little money!

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Incredible contract for Hurts. Is he "worth" it? You tell me! The money is there for the Eagles, but should that much go to just him? I have my doubts, but he is good.

Both XFL and USFL players make something like $5,000 per week, with some bonuses, with a pretty good health insurance package and the league covering travel costs and two meals per day. A player could make $60k or so just playing less than a half year total. Plus, tickets to games are between $15 and $100 most places. It's like going back to the AFL days, and one of the reasons I like and support both leagues.

As to penalties, this is why I like the XFL. The fact that almost everything is reviewable, and everyone is mic'd up, it moves very quickly. Bad calls, even when PI is reviewed, are rarely wrong or costly. There was in fact one game where a tough call was made, then after the result was sent back to the on-field referees, a few seconds later Dean Blandino could be heard on his mic saying he thinks they blew the call. He later confirmed it, and I think this adds a level of honesty to the game. Also, XFL kickoffs are not like the NFL. I like them a lot. There hasn't been a run back for a TD this year, but there have been some very good run backs, as almost every kick off the ball is in play.

 

[Oldermanish]

Incredible contract for Hurts. Is he "worth" it? You tell me! The money is there for the Eagles, but should that much go to just him? I have my doubts, but he is good.

Both XFL and USFL players make something like $5,000 per week, with some bonuses, with a pretty good health insurance package and the league covering travel costs and two meals per day. A player could make $60k or so just playing less than a half year total. Plus, tickets to games are between $15 and $100 most places. It's like going back to the AFL days, and one of the reasons I like and support both leagues.

As to penalties, this is why I like the XFL. The fact that almost everything is reviewable, and everyone is mic'd up, it moves very quickly. Bad calls, even when PI is reviewed, are rarely wrong or costly. There was in fact one game where a tough call was made, then after the result was sent back to the on-field referees, a few seconds later Dean Blandino could be heard on his mic saying he thinks they blew the call. He later confirmed it, and I think this adds a level of honesty to the game. Also, XFL kickoffs are not like the NFL. I like them a lot. There hasn't been a run back for a TD this year, but there have been some very good run backs, as almost every kick off the ball is in play.

Dealing with the lifelong orthopedic consequences of early high school football practice; I wouldn't play pro ball of any sort for less than $1mil/year. It is a guarantee you will not survive the "career" without medical issue. $50mil a year for Hurts? He'll make enough to ease that type of pain. He'll need therapy after the Igglesnation torments him if he doesn't win a SB, though. That could cost him a bit.

 

[movingtarget]

Incredible contract for Hurts. Is he "worth" it? You tell me! The money is there for the Eagles, but should that much go to just him? I have my doubts, but he is good.

Both XFL and USFL players make something like $5,000 per week, with some bonuses, with a pretty good health insurance package and the league covering travel costs and two meals per day. A player could make $60k or so just playing less than a half year total. Plus, tickets to games are between $15 and $100 most places. It's like going back to the AFL days, and one of the reasons I like and support both leagues.

As to penalties, this is why I like the XFL. The fact that almost everything is reviewable, and everyone is mic'd up, it moves very quickly. Bad calls, even when PI is reviewed, are rarely wrong or costly. There was in fact one game where a tough call was made, then after the result was sent back to the on-field referees, a few seconds later Dean Blandino could be heard on his mic saying he thinks they blew the call. He later confirmed it, and I think this adds a level of honesty to the game. Also, XFL kickoffs are not like the NFL. I like them a lot. There hasn't been a run back for a TD this year, but there have been some very good run backs, as almost every kick off the ball is in play.

Now you can see why Lamar won't settle for a mediocre contract extension. Geno Smith is getting 35 mill after one good season, hasn't won a playoff game. Rodgers has been MVP multiple times but his playoff history is spotty. Hurts has already been to a SB while Lamar has won one playoff game. Some people say but yes he was also MVP. I'm starting to think that the game history matters little to the contract size. Jimmy G was the highest paid QB in the league for a short while after his first extension as was Kirk Cousins. Be very interesting to see how much Allen and Herbert get on their next contract also Burrow while the 49ers got to the NFC game with Mr Irrelevant ! I don't see QB salaries slowing down any time soon and I guess WR receiver salaries will start to jump as well with the next superstar extensions. Chase's next contract should be interesting. Bosa's contract extension will be the next big one for defensive players.

 

[movingtarget]

Bills safety Damar Hamlin plans on 'making a comeback' to NFL, details cause of cardiac arrest

Bills safety Damar Hamlin on Tuesday provided details to reporters on the cause of his cardiac arrest during a game on Jan. 2 and confirmed that he plans on "making a comeback to the NFL."

www.nfl.com

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Now you can see why Lamar won't settle for a mediocre contract extension.

Mediocre? Just before last season the Ravens offered him roughly $250m over 5 years ($46m a year) with about $200m of that guaranteed (link here, but easy to find this info online). Lamar turned them down, because he wanted the same fully guaranteed contract that Deshaun Watson got, or better. The Ravens said no, so he played last year for $23m, figuring he'd get even more money this year. He was wrong.

Fast forward to March of this year, after giving him the franchise tag ($32m fully guaranteed 1 year), the Ravens offered him $133m over 3 years ($44m a year), with it 100% fully guaranteed. He turned this down as well.

No one in their right mind would argue the Ravens ever once offered him a mediocre contract extension.

 

[movingtarget]

Mediocre? Just before last season the Ravens offered him roughly $250m over 5 years ($46m a year) with about $200m of that guaranteed (link here, but easy to find this info online). Lamar turned them down, because he wanted the same fully guaranteed contract that Deshaun Watson got, or better. The Ravens said no, so he played last year for $23m, figuring he'd get even more money this year. He was wrong.

Fast forward to March of this year, after giving him the franchise tag ($32m fully guaranteed 1 year), the Ravens offered him $133m over 3 years ($44m a year), with it 100% fully guaranteed. He turned this down as well.

No one in their right mind would argue the Ravens ever once offered him a mediocre contract extension.

Guilty as charged . Please allow the insane person to respond.........poor choice of words. The word I was looking for wasn't available at the time so I settled for mediocre ! Let's just say "less than ideal in Lamar's mind" and to his way of seeing things. As I said, one playoff win, Mr Irrelevant already has two !

Everyone understands, those in their right minds, that the contracts for Russell Wilson and Watson were ridiculous and offered from two seemingly desperate teams at the time. The Browns realized that Mayfield wasn't going to get them where they wanted to be with a pretty solid team at that time and Denver has been snakebit with QB selections since Manning and somewhat naively thought adding Wilson was going to get them to the promised land when in reality their roster didn't even approach the talent levels of the 49ers, Eagles and Kansas or a few others although they did spend big in free agency with some good pick ups and also now have Payton so there are really no more excuses for Denver. Ironically Denver beat the 49ers in a godawful game early in the season and that may have been their high point. Both the Browns and Denver are waiting for the marquee signings to show their worth and it will get interesting if they don't reach near their previous levels. Mahomes looks positively a steal at only 48 million compared to some of the others but then he does have the 10 year contract, two SB wins, a great coach and will probably be there for his career unless Reid retires and gets tired of winning SB's or the team goes off the boil unexpectedly. It would probably take a nightmare injury run re the 49ers in 2020 for that to happen at the moment.

 

[jmdirt]

Gabbert to KC. Probably a good back up, but he can add a few more pieces to PM's game.

 

[Oldermanish]

Gabbert to KC. Probably a good back up, but he can add a few more pieces to PM's game.

Andy Reid probably has a great playlist to mess with defenses anytime Gabbert steps on the field.

 

[Unchained]

Age old.. Nowhere in the word team is the letter I.
Probably many position players, especially quarterbacks would be more famous ( if possible) if they played on winning teams.. As many know I rag insistently on Jets and Chargers and only wonder.. Personally I thought in years past what RG3 would have been if not in a Redskins uniform.. and how much more can one man take in Chicago? If Geno Smith spent more time in Seattle instead of on the ground in Meadowlands..all big what ifs as I drink beer and eat chips watching games..
Lamar is a talent for certain and I think his salary could hardly be described as him settling..

 

[SHAD0W93]

Source: Chiefs add Gabbert to back up Mahomes

The Chiefs are adding quarterback Blaine Gabbert to back up Patrick Mahomes, a source confirmed to ESPN.

www.espn.com

Chiefs and Bucs continue to bounce players between themselves. Also interesting both Gabbert and Henne played for Jags. Would be interesting if Gabbert has to come in and win the game like Henne.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Lamar's biggest issue is he seems completely hung up on, obsessed with, that ridiculous contract Watson got. Even Hurts didn't get a contract like that. The problem for Lamar is, Watson didn't deserve that contract, everyone on the planet, except the Browns (specifically owner Jimmy Haslem), and Lamar, knows that contract was absurd and Watson didn't deserve anything close to it. As only the Browns and Haslem would hand out that contract. End of story. Sorry Lamar.