National Football League

[Nomad]

You must be forgetting that Manning won a SB in his last season.

That's true but the point I'm making is that his performance was substandard that year - which incidentally was his final season before retirement (despite pleas from Elway to play one more year). Manning's SB performance was the worst of any SB winning QB ever (141 yds, 1 INT, no TDs, 56 passer rating). It was the defense that won that game (Von Miller SB MVP). And Manning missed 7 regular season games due to the plantar fasciitis injury. Even before the injury he looked gimpy out there and a shadow of his former self. Many times to avoid getting hit from a sack, he'd just fall down - no attempt to scramble & extend plays. He was a sad sight to watch playing in the last season of his career.

I heard one NFL analyst say the other day that Rodgers still has the arm. That may be true but he does not have the athleticism & mobility that he had in his prime. Without that mobility he will not survive today's pass rush & win many games as the immobile pure pocket passer is a dying breed phasing out at a rapid rate.

As I pointed out before, 3 out of 4 QBs in the conference championship games last year were dual-threat QBs including the eventual SB winner, with the 4th QB a very mobile, athletic pocket passer. This is the trend that we've discussed often & I think we'll see a similar situation with this year's conference championship finalists.

 

[Nomad]

Colts QB Anthony Richardson to miss minicamp after suffering shoulder injury

That's the same shoulder he had surgery on his rookie season. The guy just can't catch a break. It's bad enough that he's got to compete with Jones for the starting job & now a concerning shoulder injury that could hamper his chances.

 

[movingtarget]

That's the same shoulder he had surgery on his rookie season. The guy just can't catch a break. It's bad enough that he's got to compete with Jones for the starting job & now a concerning shoulder injury that could hamper his chances.

Rumors going around that he's going to be released. No confirmation yet.

 

[movingtarget]

Seven NFL enigmas in 2025: Kyler Murray, Kyle Pitts, Bryce Huff among a confounding group of players

 

[movingtarget]

Five new quarterback-play-caller duos NFL defenses should be most worried about in 2025

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Peyton was definitely a shell of his former self his last year. Immobile, not much arm but still accurate.

You want to see defensive numbers, don't look at the Broncos numbers in that game, look at the Panthers numbers.

Cam Newton decides to fall on his fumble, the Panthers have a real chance to win the game. He didn't, and it was over, and the beginning of the end to his career. I still to this day can't believe he hesitated, and just stood there. It's not like he's built like Bryce Young, and it was the Super Bowl!

Rumors going around that he's going to be released. No confirmation yet.

That can't be. Someone must mean after this season, as he's still on a rookie deal, and it would be a huge cap hit to dump him. They could put him on IR and sign someone though. If they release AR5 after this year, that would be a much easier pill to swallow, and my guess is they could trade him for a lower pick.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Good article about play caller/QB threats. I think every football fan there is wonders what kind of plays Ben Johnson is going to dial up for Caleb Williams. A highly dynamic, young QB, and one of the most inventive OCs in some years.

I disagree with pretty much everything this guy at USA Today is saying about QB moves this season. He gives the Steelers an A- for signing Rodgers, and thinks they can win a playoff game with him.

 

[movingtarget]

Good article about play caller/QB threats. I think every football fan there is wonders what kind of plays Ben Johnson is going to dial up for Caleb Williams. A highly dynamic, young QB, and one of the most inventive OCs in some years.

I disagree with pretty much everything this guy at USA Today is saying about QB moves this season. He gives the Steelers an A- for signing Rodgers, and thinks they can win a playoff game with him.

Yeah I think the Steelers need more than Rodgers. Interesting week one match up : Jets v Steelers............

 

[movingtarget]

Peyton was definitely a shell of his former self his last year. Immobile, not much arm but still accurate.

You want to see defensive numbers, don't look at the Broncos numbers in that game, look at the Panthers numbers.

Cam Newton decides to fall on his fumble, the Panthers have a real chance to win the game. He didn't, and it was over, and the beginning of the end to his career. I still to this day can't believe he hesitated, and just stood there. It's not like he's built like Bryce Young, and it was the Super Bowl!

That can't be. Someone must mean after this season, as he's still on a rookie deal, and it would be a huge cap hit to dump him. They could put him on IR and sign someone though. If they release AR5 after this year, that would be a much easier pill to swallow, and my guess is they could trade him for a lower pick.

Maybe they meant next season but it sounded like sooner rather than later which makes little financial sense.

 

[Oldman]

Cam Newton decides to fall on his fumble, the Panthers have a real chance to win the game. He didn't, and it was over, and the beginning of the end to his career. I still to this day can't believe he hesitated, and just stood there. It's not like he's built like Bryce Young, and it was the Super Bowl!

That was the single most character and career defining moment. It was clear Superman wouldn't take risks for his team; even when it was his f*ckn' job.

 

[Oldman]

You must be forgetting that Manning won a SB in his last season.

I don't think Rodgers will do to the Steelers what he did to the Jets (as in win less games than Zach Wilson), but I won't be at all surprised if this is Tomlin's first losing season, and Rodgers injured at some point. What they see in him is desperation is my guess. They didn't plan worth a crap, botched keeping Fields. Probably botched Pickett's development. Haven't been able to draft a QB, and now there is nothing left but an

And I think his personality borders on toxic at times, and I think it will come out even more this season as they lose games.

Some people at ESPN and NFL Network are buying into it though. Or so they claim. The only thing that will keep Pittsburgh in games is their defense. And the only thing keeping them likely out of last place in that division now is Cleveland.

One hard hit! Didn't he miss a season and collected $40mil just taking a lateral cut move on the turf to avoid the Floyd sack? It didn't look like an out of the ordinary play and he will get no slack from defenses this season.
He'll be out in 3 games and avoid the comparison to Zach Wilson while he sits out....

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Ironically, Zach is now the #2 guy in Miami. And with Tua's injury history...

 

[Nomad]

Every year 14 teams make the NFL playoffs. And on average 6 teams who made them one year, don’t make them the next. This gives an illusion of more parity than there actually is, but makes for at least a competitive league. Here are the teams who made it last season.

AFC Kansas City Buffalo Baltimore Houston LA Chargers Pittsburgh Denver

NFC Philadelphia Detroit Tampa Washington LA Rams Minnesota Green Bay

Here are the six teams I am calling out now for not making the 2025-2026 playoffs. I reserve the right to change my mind later.

Pittsburgh, Denver, LA Chargers
Philadelphia, LA Rams, Minnesota

The six teams that will make the playoffs:

Cincinnati, Jacksonville, Indianapolis
Atlanta, San Francisco, Arizona

The biggest name that stands out is the Eagles. While I’m somewhat confident Washington will win that division, saying the Eagles won’t make the playoffs seems crazy. But they did lose several players, and the hangover I believe may ding them. I just didn’t know who else to add, because I think both Detroit and Green Bay are going to be very good. It also seems to me Denver should still make the playoffs, but again, I had to remove a team. Call me crazy with this prediction, but try and make your own list and see how hard it is!

Nice graph. I agree it's hard & that's why I'm not going to even try. Lol. I will make a couple of observations: If the Broncos & Chargers falter not making the playoffs that would be a MAJOR regression for the Broncos & disastrous for the Chargers. Nix exceeded expectations & there's still a lot of upside with him. Payton added some offensive weapons in 2nd rd pick RJ Harvey & TE Evan Ingram. And Vance Joseph's defense could be one of the best in the league. If Broncos fail to make the playoffs - big black eye for Payton..

If the Chargers falter with Herbert who had an impressive season last year (he showed some good mobility doing some Josh Allen impressions), and with some serious weapons in McConkey, Williams & Harris, that would be catastrophic for Harbaugh & they might as well fire him. He was hired to bring magic to this team & compete for a title right away. No rebuilding because I have a great QB...he said last year. And they did look good in the regular season but too bad they stunk it up in playoffs. Lol.

I see Philly repeating. They still have the one-two punch of Hurts & Barkley (Barkley has said he's not ready for retirement yet). Their running attack in the spread RPO scheme is their bread & butter. And Hurts still has Smith, Brown & Goedert to throw to. I think Hurts is highly motivated to win another one & show that this wasn't a fluke. He wants to establish himself as an elite all-time great & future HOF, and what better way than to win back to back SBs.

Jalen Hurts emerges as the Eagles' commanding conductor with newfound precision and poise in spring OTAs

Witness Jalen Hurts' impressive precision and poise at Eagles OTAs under new guidance. Don't miss this evolution.

motorcyclesports.net

 

[Nomad]

Ironically, Zach is now the #2 guy in Miami. And with Tua's injury history...

Wilson still has to beat out Ewers. And McDaniel really likes Ewers - this could be interesting.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Ahh, but I've never seen Ewers throw a pass like this!

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

If the Broncos & Chargers falter not making the playoffs that would be a MAJOR regression for the Broncos & disastrous for the Chargers.

And I think both are possible. That doesn't mean likely, I just said possible, going by the historic rule. I think Denver regressed on defense and overspent on players. I also think it's possible Nix has a sophomore slump. I also think Payton's ego is so huge, his expectations are so high, they will possibly finish about 10-7 and miss the playoffs.

I just have low faith in Harbaugh. He was supposed to turn their offense around, and it was without question the Chargers defense that were keeping them winning games. It wasn't Herbert, who really did well at one thing: not throwing interceptions. He wasn't doing much else on their offense. Just a few good throws here and there. Nothing else really impressed me about the guy. And he's never shown anything in the clutch, choking once again in the playoffs - and no, it wasn't the incredible Texans defense that did him in - they were ranked 27th overall last year. It was Herbert choking. I don't care if he can run some, all that makes him is a big stiff. His entire five year career has been about his "potential". At this point he'll be nearing retirement and they'll all be singing his praises and talking about that potential. Call me a skeptic, but I'll believe it when I see it with him.

I think the Eagles offense could get better, perhaps. But I think their defense took a bigger hit than people realize. Losing Milton Williams, Josh Sweat, Darius Slay, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and Isaiah Rodgers. Those are some big shoes to fill for a team that actually did have a powerful defense last year, certainly in the playoffs. Eagles also have the 3rd hardest schedule in the NFL this coming season. Still, I have to admit it would be shocking if they failed to even make the playoffs. Again, I had to choose six teams, so I went out on a limb.

 

[movingtarget]

I think Kansas while making the playoffs are going to find SB wins harder to come by now. It's noticeable that some teams have improved a lot but the Mahomes/Reid partnership has been lethal in the playoffs. . Yes the Eagles have a better team but you also argue that the 49ers have had better teams when healthy as well especially on offense sans the QB position. The Bills and Ravens are still yet to crack the Mahomes/Reid code in the playoffs although the Bills probably should have already done it minus a few bad plays. be interested to see how Washington backs up or whether they do what the Texans did after a year of success. The Lions also have to make more of the players they currently have which includes some better coaching decisions in the playoffs while the 49ers seem more and more like a team in transition. The first half of the season will tell a lot about them also the Vikings and Rams. Some of the talking heads are talking up the Rams for the SB. even though Vegas seems to be happy to take that bet ! Intrigued to see how Darnold and Kupp go at the Hawks with the new coach also Vegas with all of the changes they have had and the new gun RB.

 

[Nomad]

Ahh, but I've never seen Ewers throw a pass like this!

....I've never seen Wilson throw 85. Lol

View: https://youtube.com/shorts/jYsRTBXVzEE?si=KpqimVeByMQAow2q

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Sounds and looks like a nice tailwind there for Quinn. It's funny how everyone is up in arms about Shedeur falling to the 5th round, but there was talk in January about Ewers maybe going as high as the 2nd, and he fell to the 7th. And after the championship Howard was talked about being the 3rd QB off the board, and he fell to the 6th.

With AR5 out for some time, I'm curious how Riley Leonard does in camp for the Colts. Not saying the kid is the next Josh Allen, but he's big, strong, doesn't make many mistakes, and is a true dual-threat QB. This is a great opportunity for him.

 

[Nomad]

And I think both are possible. That doesn't mean likely, I just said possible, going by the historic rule. I think Denver regressed on defense and overspent on players. I also think it's possible Nix has a sophomore slump. I also think Payton's ego is so huge, his expectations are so high, they will possibly finish about 10-7 and miss the playoffs.

I just have low faith in Harbaugh. He was supposed to turn their offense around, and it was without question the Chargers defense that were keeping them winning games. It wasn't Herbert, who really did well at one thing: not throwing interceptions. He wasn't doing much else on their offense. Just a few good throws here and there. Nothing else really impressed me about the guy. And he's never shown anything in the clutch, choking once again in the playoffs - and no, it wasn't the incredible Texans defense that did him in - they were ranked 27th overall last year. It was Herbert choking. I don't care if he can run some, all that makes him is a big stiff. His entire five year career has been about his "potential". At this point he'll be nearing retirement and they'll all be singing his praises and talking about that potential. Call me a skeptic, but I'll believe it when I see it with him.

I think the Eagles offense could get better, perhaps. But I think their defense took a bigger hit than people realize. Losing Milton Williams, Josh Sweat, Darius Slay, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and Isaiah Rodgers. Those are some big shoes to fill for a team that actually did have a powerful defense last year, certainly in the playoffs. Eagles also have the 3rd hardest schedule in the NFL this coming season. Still, I have to admit it would be shocking if they failed to even make the playoffs. Again, I had to choose six teams, so I went out on a limb.

Denver improved on defense big time. Their 1st rd pick was Jahdae Barron from Texas - the best corner in this draft (Jim Thorpe Award winner). Instant rotation if not a starter. With Surtain II (NFL defensive player of the year), Moss, Locke, etc, they should have the best secondary in the league. Plus with their 3rd rd pick, they took edge rusher Sai'vion Jones from LSU - a big guy at 280 with excellent speed & quickness. He should team up nicely with Zach Allen (2nd team All-Pro).

Sure, Nix could have a "sophomore slump" but so could Daniels. And yes Payton does have a huge ego but so do about dozen other coaches like Campbell, Shanahan, Tomlin, Serianni, Quinn, Vrabel, McVay, both Harbaughs, Lol. And if they do finish 10-7 again they could very well miss the playoffs this time around - didn't 10-7 Seattle miss the playoffs last year?

Harbaugh did turn the team around from the embarrassing 5-12 record in 2023 under Staley to an impressive 11-6 & playoffs...not bad (almost as good as the Washington turn around: 4-13/12-5). And you're right, they choked big time in playoffs. They didn't look like they were prepared for that game, so that's on Harbaugh & Herbert.

The Charger offense was good last year with Herbert playing some of his best football - and relatively free from injury. The offense was 11th in scoring with more PF than the Texans, Rams & Steelers - all playoff teams last year. Herbert's passing rating was a very impressive 101.7 & he rushed for a career high 306 yds & a couple of scores. He's far from a "big stiff" & very athletic. At 6-6, 237 basically identical to Allen with a similar 20 yd shuffle time but faster in the 40 (4.68/4.75). Add 10 lbs to Herbert & he could play TE. He can run ball very well & needs to more often. He has the potential to be a Josh Allen-esque player while he's still young enough:

 

View: https://youtube.com/shorts/4OHM5adSNTY?si=5FLRyM3J0eWjsP0u

​

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Well then, I guess we can expect to see the Broncos vs. the Chargers in the AFC championship then! Right?!

 

[Nomad]

Sounds and looks like a nice tailwind there for Quinn. It's funny how everyone is up in arms about Shedeur falling to the 5th round, but there was talk in January about Ewers maybe going as high as the 2nd, and he fell to the 7th. And after the championship Howard was talked about being the 3rd QB off the board, and he fell to the 6th.

With AR5 out for some time, I'm curious how Riley Leonard does in camp for the Colts. Not saying the kid is the next Josh Allen, but he's big, strong, doesn't make many mistakes, and is a true dual-threat QB. This is a great opportunity for him.

Yeah, it looks like there was a real good tailwind there - I just threw that video in there for fun. Lol. I had heard some draft experts last year having Ewers actually going in the 1st rd. He certainly can throw the ball & was good enough last year to keep Manning on the bench. Why he fell so far down is confusing unless it has to do with his lack of mobility. This from one of his pre-draft scouting reports:

"Limited mobility and rushing ability severely restrict offensive flexibility - cannot threaten defenses with his legs."

Notice they use the word "severely" - that is definitely going to turn off some teams.

On Howard - didn't he have a bad showing at the Combine? (which would be like going into an important job interview hungover. Lol).

The knock on Leanard that I heard is his lack of arm strength & he's not a developed passer. Didn't you bring up a good point that Daniels is a developed passer which makes him that more dangerous as a dual-threat?

I'm curious if Bazooka Joe will get some playing time & maybe supplant Prescott if he's not playing well & they're losing? Talk about an alien arm - Bazooka Joe takes the cake.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

On Howard - didn't he have a bad showing at the Combine? (which would be like going into an important job interview hungover. Lol).

Yes he did. Making it worse he just dismissed his bad performance like it didn't matter. Well, it did.

"Bazooka Joe" might maybe have the strongest arm in the NFL, which may mean in NFL history. The problem is, the Cowboys are married to Dak through 2027. Just look at the eye popping numbers. Impossible to cut due to a backbreaking dead cap hit, and too expensive to trade. No other GM in his right mind would eat that contract. In 2026 alone Dak will account for nearly 1/4 of the Cowboys entire salary cap. Top MVP, Super Bowl winning QB level pay for a guy who is 2-5 in the playoffs over 9 seasons. Their only hope then would be restructure, and kick the can down the road, like the Browns have tried with Watson. Dak and his agent completely fleeced Jerry Jones.

I see Leonard developing into a modern version of a good back-up teams like to have. Sort of like Tyrod Taylor, Jacoby Brissett, or Marcus Mariota in recent years. A guy you feel comfortable about starting a slew of games if needed, and winning some them, though never a true QB1. Modern because of his ability to do damage with his legs, if he can work on his passing. He also seemed to have the exact opposite attitude of Howard. Leonard reminded me of Max Duggan with his positive attitude and determination. But he's a lot bigger than Max (who is playing quite well for St. Louis in the UFL).

I wonder if he can step up to Malik Willis level (who I still see potential in). But the Titans damaged Willis so it's hard to tell with him. It makes one wonder about Will Levis all the same.

 

[movingtarget]

Sounds and looks like a nice tailwind there for Quinn. It's funny how everyone is up in arms about Shedeur falling to the 5th round, but there was talk in January about Ewers maybe going as high as the 2nd, and he fell to the 7th. And after the championship Howard was talked about being the 3rd QB off the board, and he fell to the 6th.

With AR5 out for some time, I'm curious how Riley Leonard does in camp for the Colts. Not saying the kid is the next Josh Allen, but he's big, strong, doesn't make many mistakes, and is a true dual-threat QB. This is a great opportunity for him.

The 49ers were really impressed with Leonard according to insiders reports but decided to wait till later in the draft to get a rookie QB. They probably had too many other needs after the free agency they just had.

 

[movingtarget]

Texans expected to sign former Browns RB Nick Chubb