National Football League

Page 668 - Get up to date with the latest news, scores & standings from the Cycling News Community.
Mar 11, 2009
10,526
3,651
28,180
The other small thing I noticed in KC is while their D is playing quite well, some teams are getting more pressure on Mahomes than in years past. I'm not sure if it's because they lost Orlando Brown, or this is a fixable issue. But right now, it certainly looks like a repeat of last year's Super Bowl is quite possible. It's also November 7, and the Super Bowl is three months from now. Many past SB teams have looked great at the start of the following season.

Well, we were right about Carson Wentz. As bad as he's declined, the attrition rate is so high someone signed him. I would have thought Colt McCoy would have got the call before him, but I guess not.

The guy who wrote that Yardbarker article must not have watched Aiden O'Connell play. He also didn't bother looking up Garappolo's contract, or he would have known if the Raiders cut him after June 1st the payout is still "only" $28m, but the cap hit is spread over two seasons, making it relatively easy to move on from him. He's also assuming Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert will remain healthy for the rest of the season apparently, as he didn't comment on just how dire their back-up QB depth chart is. Anyone who watched any preseason game knows if Cincinnati has to start Jake Browning or Will Grier, they are doomed. For some bizarre reason some beat writers who must not watch much football think Easton Stick is a capable back-up QB, or they are basing it on the Chargers saying he did well in OTAs. Well, WTF? Because they must have never watched the guy actually play. Just awful in every preseason game I've seen of him. Both of these teams will struggle to win a game without their starting QB.
 
  • Like
Reactions: jmdirt and Nomad
Aug 5, 2009
15,733
8,189
28,180
Vikings made the right call with Dobbs. Even if Mullens was back, he rarely played with as much flair as Dobbs is at the moment. And Dobbs has better weapons at his disposal now. Have a feeling that this might be Stafford's last season, maybe Donald's as well. Rams have Stetson Bennett on IR and have plenty of holes to fill after losing good defensive players plus RBs and a WR. But after 8 years or so they will have a first round pick in the draft Rams have a bye so if Wentz plays it might only be for one game unless Stafford gets hurt again. The thumb injury isn't season ending so far.

Howell had another decent game for Washington. Rivera seems confident about him. As good as the Texans QB looked on the stats sheet he also made plenty of errors. No doubt he has the raw ability. That was an entertaining game albeit not so much for defense. Rams looked awful against GB and McVay looked like he was going to stroke out after their new kicker missed his first kick ! Tannehill's days as a starter might be over. He's in the same category as Daniel Jones and Jimmy G at the moment while Matt Jones and Wilson continue to struggle. Kyler Murray probably back this week. Think Colt McCoy might have retired. Not sure.
 
Apr 20, 2016
779
2,820
15,680
Tannehill's days as a starter might be over.
Sure looks like it. The Will Levis hype machine is in full swing - he's being compared to Brett Favre. Lol.


These sports writers crack me up - some are so delusional they'll write anything to garner attention: Trevor Lawrence is the next "Payton Manning," Bryce Young is the next "Drew Brees," and now Levis is the next "Favre." Lol.
 
Last edited:
Apr 20, 2016
779
2,820
15,680
I think Troy Aikman said it perfectly at one point though. The Jets offense has a lot of problems, and even if Aaron Rodgers were playing they'd be better, but they'd still have a lot of problems. Rodgers talks about returning by Christmas. But if they aren't in contention, why? Why push it at all?
I'm confused; is Rodgers' anticipated late December comeback contingent on the Jets making the playoffs or is he planning a comeback no matter what?

Cam Akers tore his Achilles week#1 in 2021 & opted for the "SpeedBridge" procedure. He returned in time for the playoffs that season & played some. However, Cam was 22 at the time & Rodgers is 39.

In the 2022 season, Cam had a productive year on his repair Achilles, but sadly he just tore his other (right) Achilles and is done for the year:


I'm thinking he was favoring the repaired Achilles which might have led to overuse of his right ankle/foot? The worst of this is he now has bilateral tears which could be career ending.
 
Last edited:
Dec 6, 2013
8,524
7,830
23,180
Dec 6, 2013
8,524
7,830
23,180
Vikings made the right call with Dobbs. Even if Mullens was back, he rarely played with as much flair as Dobbs is at the moment. And Dobbs has better weapons at his disposal now. Have a feeling that this might be Stafford's last season, maybe Donald's as well. Rams have Stetson Bennett on IR and have plenty of holes to fill after losing good defensive players plus RBs and a WR. But after 8 years or so they will have a first round pick in the draft Rams have a bye so if Wentz plays it might only be for one game unless Stafford gets hurt again. The thumb injury isn't season ending so far.

Howell had another decent game for Washington. Rivera seems confident about him. As good as the Texans QB looked on the stats sheet he also made plenty of errors. No doubt he has the raw ability. That was an entertaining game albeit not so much for defense. Rams looked awful against GB and McVay looked like he was going to stroke out after their new kicker missed his first kick ! Tannehill's days as a starter might be over. He's in the same category as Daniel Jones and Jimmy G at the moment while Matt Jones and Wilson continue to struggle. Kyler Murray probably back this week. Think Colt McCoy might have retired. Not sure.
You might be right about Tannehill, but if Wentz can get a job Tannehill definitely can.
 
Aug 13, 2011
7,899
12,106
23,180
Honestly if Rodgers rushes back I’d be worried something else happens from his body already over compensating. He isn’t a spring chicken and seems to have some form of sprain, tear, or strain every year.
 
Honestly if Rodgers rushes back I’d be worried something else happens from his body already over compensating. He isn’t a spring chicken and seems to have some form of sprain, tear, or strain every year.
If the Jets get close to playoffs I could see his motivation to be the late season hero and maybe rush things to play. Seems to me his pass motion and quick release depends heavily on his balance and drive in the pocket. You can't fake that or choose to scramble your way out and he and Jets would be better served if he saved heroics for 2024-25.
 
Apr 20, 2016
779
2,820
15,680
Honestly if Rodgers rushes back I’d be worried something else happens from his body already over compensating. He isn’t a spring chicken and seems to have some form of sprain, tear, or strain every year.
Good point - and those sprains & strains can easily turn into more serious ruptures. He tore his left Achilles but had strained the calf on that left leg in OTAs back in May according to his injury history. It also says that calf strain was a problem in preseason camp. So, it appears the calf strain was the impetus of the Achilles rupture. Probably any future "strains & sprains" would need downtime & aggressive rehab to reduce the risk of further damage. His age is working against him & he doesn't have the Brady anti-aging genetics. Lol.


 
Mar 11, 2009
10,526
3,651
28,180
Decent win for Chicago. Bears offense still anemic, but Bagent made no mistakes. Hard to tell if Chicago's D is as solid as they looked, or it's because they played the worst team in the NFL? Sweat played well in his first game. At least for Carolina their D is okay, and Young didn't have as terrible of a game as last week. He actually looked okay that last drive. I'm still really skeptical he's going to amount to much. The excuse their offense is terrible may be somewhat true, but don't forget they looked like a different offense when Andy Dalton played.
These sports writers crack me up - some are so delusional they'll write anything to garner attention: Trevor Lawrence is the next "Payton Manning," Bryce Young is the next "Drew Brees," and now Levis is the next "Favre." Lol.
LOL! No kidding. A mini-Patrick Mahomes was the other comparison. Even Tony Gonzales said it again tonight. It's ridiculous.
Wentz likely won't be helpful to LAR.
Can't believe they would consider him over Rypien. Or...just about anybody! Did they see his last year in Washington? What about his last game in Indy, when he and Frank Reich were supposedly dialed-in, and ready to head into the playoffs - only to have the Colts jettison Wentz as soon as the season ended (after a horrible loss)?

I don't get the Stetson Bennett "injury". At first he had a non-football injury that put him on IR. Then Sean McVey said it was likely he wouldn't play this season due to something "bigger than football." Whatever it is, I hope he's at least okay.
 
Apr 20, 2016
779
2,820
15,680
I don't get the Stetson Bennett "injury". At first he had a non-football injury that put him on IR. Then Sean McVey said it was likely he wouldn't play this season due to something "bigger than football." Whatever it is, I hope he's at least okay.
It's a big mystery, but the way it's being kept so tight lipped - I'm guessing a substance abuse issue? (he was arrested for public intoxication in Dallas this past Jan). And remember this is the guy that McVay said has the potential to be a starter in the league. Not off to a good start.

View: https://youtu.be/8UVOwCF8Fns?si=3xu-s1nwia79T9Aa
 
Last edited:
Mar 11, 2009
10,526
3,651
28,180
That's as good of guess as any. One possible speculation is that he was given a longer leash when in college and they simply put up with more than they do in the NFL, and specifically the Rams and McVey. If one goes back to the preseason, he looked fairly good in the first game, at least okay in the second, and the third he did threw several bad passes. But there was no reason to think he wouldn't be on the team as the 3rd string QB. I agree with that guy in the video. His ceiling likely is a steady back-up in the NFL. But that takes more than studying the playbook, it takes a certain personality.

Bennett could have joined the ranks as one of 10 rookie QBs that have started this season (so far). If anyone is curious, there were 14 QBs drafted this past year, and 2 UFAs. The non-starting (yet) draftees were: Bennett, Sean Clifford (GB, looked fairly good in preseason), Max Duggan (Chargers 3rd string, okay in preseason), Tanner McKee (Philly 3rd string, so-so in preseason), and Hendon Hooker, who is apparently not going to play this season in Detroit, though he's been seen running drills and working out with the team after his ACL tear last year. The other UFA (besides Bagent) is Malik Cunningham in NE.

Stroud is far and away the best QB (and player) from this draft class, so far at least. I'm curious what Cincinnati throws at him this coming weekend. But no matter what happens, he's on the fast track to ROY.

Compare this to the miserable season Bryce Young is having. And to think, Carolina had McCaffery, Moore, and Steve Wilkes at coach, they could have drafted Will Levis at 9 in the draft. Or picked up Tyson Bagent, who is playing about as well as Young, in the 7th round. They had a potential to build around at that point. Young may turn out okay, it's hard to say. But this is what happens when you have an owner who thinks he knows more about player personnel and potential than a GM and scouts, and makes all the key decisions himself.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Nomad and jmdirt
Mar 11, 2009
10,526
3,651
28,180
Thoughts on games:

IND@NE - In Germany. Early. Yawn.
CLE@BAL - I’m curious if the Browns defense can derail Lamar as much as anything. It also looks like Watson is 100%. Should be interesting.
HOU@CIN - I think there’s a lot of fight in Houston and this could be entertaining.
SF@JAX - A pivotal game. We'll get a chance to see what each team is like.
NO@MIN - I like the Vikings chances here.
GB@PIT - Steelers have a knack for barely winning games they should, and could. May not work come playoffs, but I see them going to 6-3 here.
ATL@ARI - Kyler Murray is playing, will it matter?
DET@LAC - This is the kind of game the Chargers could surprise, or completely blow.
WAS@SEA - Good bounce back opportunity for Seahawks.
NYJ@LVR - Curious of the Raiders energy continues. Jets may have more trouble on offense.

DEN@BUF - Broncos got a huge boost beating KC, while the Bills have been struggling.
 
Aug 5, 2009
15,733
8,189
28,180
Browns stopped the high flying 49ers offense. Can they do the same with the Ravens ? Probably end up a one score game either way.

Upset alert. If Denver can get reasonable QB play they will push a Bills team that has looked out off sync for much of the season.

Washington should be competitive against the Hawks and Howell has been in good form. Hawks have to stop the Commanders run game getting momentum.

Jets and Raiders defenses have been playing well. Expect a low scoring close game
.
Think the Bengals offense will be a little too hot for the Texans.

Detroit and the Chargers looks like a good game on paper. Could be the game of the round along with :

Jags v 49ers. 49ers are desperate for a win. They have Deebo and probably Williams back which means better for Purdy and better for CMC and the run game.. but really the game will be decided by the 49ers run defense which has gone totally off the boil. If they allow Etienne and Lawrence to rack up the yards, I can't see them winning. Now the 49ers have Drake Jackson on IR but have now got Chase Young as well. All three players need to have an inpact for the 49ers. 49ers in a close one.
 
  • Like
Reactions: jmdirt
Aug 13, 2011
7,899
12,106
23,180
View: https://twitter.com/NFLonFOX/status/1723752228102521186?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

View: https://youtu.be/eAZGqj5GaFw?si=YxYp-ExEsFCkcJ6x


I don’t know if I’ve ever seen Belichick react like this. The offense has been terrible for multiple seasons while Jones hasn’t looked the same since the Bills destroyed them in the playoffs and he got intercepted on that crazy play in the end zone. This all cumulating into Jones missing two potential touchdown throws to get benched at the end with an interception in the redzone, and only for Zappe to come out for the final drive and throw an interception on a fake spike. Patriots have no faith in their quarterback and are stuck rushing the ball, a system many before said that the Patriots could always do and still win the game. Well they can’t.

There is no reason Belichick shouldn’t be fired as GM at the end of the season and rightfully so. Whether that turns into him leaving/fired as HC is up for debate, and I’ve honestly been thinking the Patriots need a new direction. He could even be treated like how he’s treated so many before. In some ways it’s not Belichick’s fault, but in a lot of others it is.


On the flip side Colts get to not only 5-5 when they got written off with a path to the playoffs but stick it to a team that’s stuck it to the Colts as a whole many an occasion. That has to be a great feeling for Jim Irsay.
 
Last edited:
Aug 13, 2011
7,899
12,106
23,180


I thought someone already posted this as well, but Thomas continues his bad decision making and C. Jordan continues to get egg on his face after saying “his boys aren’t criminals”.
 
  • Like
Reactions: jmdirt
Mar 11, 2009
10,526
3,651
28,180
What a miserable game for the Patriots, Belicheck, and Mac Jones. There's only so much blame Belicheck should absorb, but Jones has reached Carson Wentz, Matt Leinhart, Tim Couch territory. I can't see him starting anywhere next year, and he could even be benched this year again. I also can't see Belicheck as GM in the future. Patriots need a new QB, be that the draft, or elsewhere. They also have one of the weakest receiving groups in the NFL. Both OL and DL are average. What a mess.
 
Sep 5, 2016
5,330
8,443
23,180
I don't know a few things.. Is it disrespectful to call Michigan about a new coach while you are playing a team from Michigan? Who cares Chargers are as predictable as can be. And why not just get a defensive coordinator while you are at it!!.
 
Aug 5, 2009
15,733
8,189
28,180
49ers back on track. Another good win for the Browns and Texans. Patriots are a mess like the Giants and even worse for the Patriots they haven't been doing much in the draft either. Not having a decent QB or a few quality WRs doesn't help. The time is ripe for a shake up and the rumors about Kraft's dissatisfaction have been circulating for a while now. Can't see it continuing next season for a franchise that's had so much success. Full rebuild on the agenda you would think and the Giants also need a lot of upgrades.
 
Apr 20, 2016
779
2,820
15,680
Upset alert. If Denver can get reasonable QB play they will push a Bills team that has looked out off sync for much of the season.
This is a must win for the Bills: Playing at home on MNF & barely over .500, they need to win or I think this team will continue to struggle & risk not making the playoffs.

The Broncos, OTOH, also need to win to show that the victory over KC wasn't a fluke. A Broncos win & they're 4-5 - and firmly in the playoff hunt.
 
Last edited:
Apr 20, 2016
779
2,820
15,680
49ers back on track.
Yeah...but what about the Jags? Did they stink up the joint or what. Lol. The next "Payton Manning" threw for only 185 yds, no TDs, 2 picks and only 3 offensive points! If the Jags want to be taken seriously as a legitimate SB contenders, they can't be getting hammered like that against good teams.

And Lawrence needs to play much better & make adjustments if his O-line is getting owned by Bosa & Young (he looked dazed & confused out there). This is Lawrence's 3rd year in the league as a starter - he should know more & start playing like Manning making adjustments to the game plan.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: movingtarget
Aug 13, 2011
7,899
12,106
23,180
What a miserable game for the Patriots, Belicheck, and Mac Jones. There's only so much blame Belicheck should absorb, but Jones has reached Carson Wentz, Matt Leinhart, Tim Couch territory. I can't see him starting anywhere next year, and he could even be benched this year again. I also can't see Belicheck as GM in the future. Patriots need a new QB, be that the draft, or elsewhere. They also have one of the weakest receiving groups in the NFL. Both OL and DL are average. What a mess.
That’s the crux of the matter since Belichick is the head coach and general manager. It’s not his fault players aren’t developing or progressing as they should, but it is his fault for getting majority subpar ingredients and making his premier ingredients want to leave. Among other decisions, I mean for gosh sake he wanted to trade Gronkowski to the Lions in order to help Mat Patricia, Gronk who ended up being insurmountable in their Super Bowl win the following season. Jones has regressed since his start but Belichick has also not set him up for success with having a special teams and defensive coordinator as his OC’s and the rumors that Belichick was the one calling the offense. On top of the players being unPatriot like in their discipline and mistakes being made that you rarely saw before. It’s a hot mess up there and I know for a fact I would not want to be on that plane ride or meeting room.


On the other side another big win for the Lions!!!! Chargers are floundering under what I hoped but the Lions are flourishing and look set to win the North in a very long time. In the division it’s good Vikings are surviving with Cousins being injured.