National Football League

[Nomad]

Jets also cut Brady Cook. Going with just 2 QBs. Fields and Taylor.

Seattle keeping 3 QBs on the roster: Darnold, Lock and Milroe. There is no way they were risking Milroe being picked up by another team as he looks like could lead the team one day.

So much for the accolades that I gave out to Cook. Lol. I'm surprised by that decision because the coaching staff had said on day 1 of camp that QB3 would be open for competition between Martinez & Cook. It would seem that's why they signed both of them in the first place. Oh well, if Cook clears waivers & signs on the practice squad not all is lost.

Looks like the plan is for Milroe to be involved in some situational type plays factored into the weekly game plan. This is great for Milroe getting playing time & he could leapfrog Lock for the backup sometime during the season.

Seahawks plan to build package of plays for rookie QB Jalen Milroe

www.nfl.com

Hurts went into the start of his rookie season as QB3 & was promoted to backup early in the season when they got him involved in situational plays from the wildcat. With 4 games left in the season, Wentz was benched in favor of Hurts & the rest is history.

Milroe is identical in size & strength with Hurts. Milroe is even faster & has a stronger arm. Both are dual-threats with the same playing style. Now I'm not implying that Milroe is the next Jalen Hurts, but the situation that McDonald has set up is very similar to what the Eagles did with Hurts. And getting some playing time early on will only help Milroe's development in his potential of a starter. Watch & see if Milroe gets promoted to backup sometime during the season. Afterall, he wasn't a 3rd rd pick for nothing.

 

[Nomad]

Broncos trade Devaughn Vele to the Saints for a couple of low draft picks. Strange move since Payton said Vele was a steal in the 7th last year as he went on to be the team's 3rd leading receiver showing a promising future.

Broncos also cut Audric Estime who was subsequently signed by the Eagles. Another strange move as Payton said last year he was very pleased with the big, 230 lb RB taken in the 5th rd. This currently leaves the Broncos without a RB over 212 lbs.

The starting receiving corp going into the season is Sutton, Mims Jr & Troy Franklin. Payton said he's impressed with 3rd rd pick Pat Bryant, who'll be in the rotation. Engram is the starter at TE.

Dobbins & 2nd rd pick RJ Harvey will split the RB duties. Undrafted Jaleel McLaughlin makes the roster for the 3rd yr in a row.

We'll see if this new look is a winning combination for Nix & the Broncos.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Well, Denver certainly looked a lot better in the preseason than the Chargers. Yes, I realize the preseason doesn't count. But it gives you clues.

I was a little skeptical about Milroe at Alabama as he wasn't the most consistent or accurate passer. But the more I looked at him, the more sold I was. I wouldn't be at all surprised if he leapfrogs Lock, and Seattle starts pushing to see if he can be their franchise QB, and be ready to take over if Darnold doesn't have it.

Chiefs also cut Cam Jones, who had been a solid part of their linebacker platoon the last two seasons, also playing special teams.

Spencer Rattler will not last as the starting QB for the Saints. I don't see it. It must be an issue of Shough not being completely ready for Moore's playbook.

 

[Nomad]

Shough couldn't beat out Rattler? WTH? This shouldn't have even been close. Look at the talent difference for one: Shough elite arm strength vs above-average arm strength for Rattler (in fact, several scouts said Shough had strongest arm of this draft class). Shough elite size (6-5, 220) vs undersized for Rattle (6-0, 211). Shough 4.63 40 vs 4.95 for Rattler. Plus Shough played in a pro-style offense at Louisville that should have helped him with the transition to the NFL.

Rattler is a 5th rounder & backup material (he started 6 games last year & was absolutely terrible going 0-6). Shough is a 2nd rounder & franchise material. I don't know what to make of this. Lol.

Daboll is taking a chapter out of Kingsbury's book & running a spread RPO heavy offensive scheme with Dart - similar offense he played in at Ole Miss under Lane Kiffin - while running a totally different offense for Wilson.

This makes tremendous sense with Dart, who was one of the best mobile pocket passers/dual-threats in all of college last year. We saw the success that Daniels had with a spread RPO heavy offensive scheme that fit his style of play & was similar to the offense he ran at LSU.

Giants running ‘totally different offense’ with Jaxson Dart, former NFL player says

A former NFL player noticed something different in the Giants' offense when Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart was on the field Saturday.

www.nj.com

 

[Nomad]

Too funny:

Bears' Ben Johnson driving Caleb Williams to 'road rage'

In an attempt to master Ben Johnson's complex offense, Chicago Bears' quarterback Caleb Williams listens to recordings of his playcalls while driving in his car

www.si.com

 

[SHAD0W93]

NFC North will be crazy good this year. Only weak link is Chicago.

BREAKING: Dallas Cowboys Trade Star DE Micah Parsons To The Packers

After dealing two first round picks and DT Kenny Clark, Micah Parsons in a Green Bay Packer. The Cowboys dealt their franchise player on the defensive side of the football to another NFC contender Thursday after contract negotiations stalled between Jerry Jones and Micah Parsons. Parsons is now...

dailysnark.com

Speaking of Chicago.

REPORT: Former Bears QB Jay Cutler Sentenced To Four Days In Jail For 2024 DUI Case

Former NFL quarterback Jay Cutler is headed to jail. Cutler will serve four days in jail as part of a plea deal from a 2024 DUI case. Tony Garcia of WSMV 4 Nashville reported Cutler is also required to pay a $350 fine and attend a DUI safety class. His Tennessee license was revoked, and he […]

dailysnark.com

 

[movingtarget]

Cowboys are so chaotic but sooner or later the overpays had to stop I suppose.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Jerry Jones is the worst GM in the NFL. He's reached the same point of senility Al Davis did in his last few years with the Raiders, making one bad decision after another.

I can't see how this works out better for Dallas. Unless they really are headed to a rebuild. But then why would they have given Lamb and especially Dak the mostrous deals they got? Every time one of Jerry's key players contracts gets close to ending instead of being proactive in negotiating, he stalls, and stalls, and then he either pays out the rear end (Dak, CeeDee, Eliot in 2019, Jaylon Smith around the same time), or he waits until it's too late, and loses the guy for less than he should have (Amari Cooper, now Micah). And then there are bad decisions like trading a 4th rounder for Tre Lance, then got nothing in return for his leaving.

On the flip side, the Packers have several players probably entering their prime, plus now Michah. They could be a force in that division. Considering Rashan Gary (Packers other DE) is an elite run stopper, and Micah is an elite pass rusher, this duo could be a real force in the NFC. The two 1st round draft picks they gave up for Parsons are likely going to be in the "25th pick" range. Was Jerry aware of that?

 

[Potomac]

I'm happy to see Parsons out of the NFC East.

Edit:

dammit......Redskins play packers week 2

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Who's playing the Packers??

 

[Nomad]

Speaking of Chicago.

REPORT: Former Bears QB Jay Cutler Sentenced To Four Days In Jail For 2024 DUI Case

Former NFL quarterback Jay Cutler is headed to jail. Cutler will serve four days in jail as part of a plea deal from a 2024 DUI case. Tony Garcia of WSMV 4 Nashville reported Cutler is also required to pay a $350 fine and attend a DUI safety class. His Tennessee license was revoked, and he […]

dailysnark.com

Disgusting...rear-ended a car while DUI, possessing loaded firearms while intoxicated. Inexcusable behavior - he could have killed someone in that collision. He's a 42 yr old father of 3 - he should know better.

Speaking of Cutler, I remember all too well that day in 2006 when he was drafted #11 - still the highest drated QB in Bronco History. He was the talk of town & was supposed to be the savior after the Brian Griese experiment failed miserably. Cutler had elite size, excellent athleticism, a cannon of an arm (being compared to Favre), and was a graduate of Vanderbilt. Fans weren't talking about just winning another SB but winning multiple SBs.

Shanahan displayed his gem by benching Jake Plummer mid-season starting the rookie Cutler. It basically ended before it even got started. 3 seasons later & with 37 starts, Cutler was a disappointing 17-20 with no winning seasons nor postseason appearances. The anger & frustration from Pat Bowlen resonated throughout the Rocky Mountain region & Shanahan was fired. That's right - a 2xSB winning coach & the best coach in Bronco history was gone.

And since Cutler signed with Chicago & had a fair career there (a couple of winning seasons & playoff appearances), he's technically not consider a bust. But in Bowlen's eyes, he was a colossal failure despite being given a short lease.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Outside of Manning for 3 1/2 years, it's been a revolving door ever since: Orton, Simms, Tebow, Osweiller, Lynch, Siemian, Flacco, Lock, Allen, Driskel, Lindsay, Rypien, Bridgewater. Then of course the trade for Russ to fix it all. That debacle led to Stidham then Rypien again. Several of those guys got 2-3 stints as the starter, back and forth. Only team I think that may have them beat over that time frame is Cleveland.

You remove Manning, and John Elway was a pretty bad GM.

Now, finally they have Nix, who looks like he'll stick around at least another 2 years as their starter.

 

[Nomad]

Jim Harbaugh rescues, resurrects Chargers' QB Trey Lance

While most NFL experts believed Trey Lance's career was over, the Los Angeles Chargers just named him as Justin Herbert's backup.

www.si.com

Harbaugh has done with Lance what no other team could do. He's keeping just two QBs on the 53 - DJ Uiagalelei to the practice squad. This certainly is a step in the right direction for Lance. I bet Harbaugh won't hesitate to make a change in the event Herbert's struggling & the team is losing.

 

[Unchained]

Jerry Jones is the worst GM in the NFL. He's reached the same point of senility Al Davis did in his last few years with the Raiders, making one bad decision after another.

I can't see how this works out better for Dallas. Unless they really are headed to a rebuild. But then why would they have given Lamb and especially Dak the mostrous deals they got? Every time one of Jerry's key players contracts gets close to ending instead of being proactive in negotiating, he stalls, and stalls, and then he either pays out the rear end (Dak, CeeDee, Eliot in 2019, Jaylon Smith around the same time), or he waits until it's too late, and loses the guy for less than he should have (Amari Cooper, now Micah). And then there are bad decisions like trading a 4th rounder for Tre Lance, then got nothing in return for his leaving.

On the flip side, the Packers have several players probably entering their prime, plus now Michah. They could be a force in that division. Considering Rashan Gary (Packers other DE) is an elite run stopper, and Micah is an elite pass rusher, this duo could be a real force in the NFC. The two 1st round draft picks they gave up for Parsons are likely going to be in the "25th pick" range. Was Jerry aware of that?

I sort of agree with you but in the follies of some laissez faire funny business, Jerry Jones looks like he is out of touch with reality but he can't stop making more money even as he puts a loser on the gridiron! And a Dallas ticket is expensive and hard to get.

Who are the most valuable NFL teams? Cowboys ($13B) top Forbes' list for 2025

NFL teams are valued at numbers that top the GDP of some small countries. Here's a look at the Forbes list of franchise valuations for 2025.

www.usatoday.com

$13,000,000,000..I mean really

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Meanwhile, for two years people wondered why wasn't "the best quarterback recruit ever" starting at Texas?

Today, we learned why.

And it wasn't just a stout defense. He looked like he just didn't have it. Inability to let the ball go. Missed open guys. Threw balls into the dirt. One ill advised pick, inches from having another. Maybe he'll improve soon, but right now he looks like he needs a lot of work. Like, declare for the NFL in 2027, that much work.

 

[Nomad]

And meanwhile, Garrrett Nussmeier was doing his best Burrow impression by shredding the defense of #4 Clemson throwing for 230, 1 TD, 77 CMP% (133 RTG) & making a bid for QB1 in next year's draft.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Nussmeier, Allar, and Beck are three QBs who could have declared last year and been drafted. All were smart to stay, and will get a heap of snaps, and expect to carry their teams this season. If it's anything we're learning it's that the whole "generational talent" and "enormous potential" mean far less than guys who do the actual work and get the experience. Arch may even play excellent this season, he's on a powerhouse of a team. But he's implied he'll be at Texas this year and next, and right now that seems very wise, as he looked far, far behind Nussmeier.

Jim Harbaugh rescues, resurrects Chargers' QB Trey Lance

While most NFL experts believed Trey Lance's career was over, the Los Angeles Chargers just named him as Justin Herbert's backup.

www.si.com

Harbaugh has done with Lance what no other team could do. He's keeping just two QBs on the 53 - DJ Uiagalelei to the practice squad. This certainly is a step in the right direction for Lance. I bet Harbaugh won't hesitate to make a change in the event Herbert's struggling & the team is losing.

Mmmm, did you watch him play this preseason? Because I watched all of their games. He looked okay. Just okay. A few good runs. The mobility sure is there. A few nice passes, not too many terrible ones. Definitely better than the guy who looked like he was headed to the UFL when on Dallas. But I wouldn't get the apple cart ahead of the horse here.

 

[movingtarget]

Nussmeier, Allar, and Beck are three QBs who could have declared last year and been drafted. All were smart to stay, and will get a heap of snaps, and expect to carry their teams this season. If it's anything we're learning it's that the whole "generational talent" and "enormous potential" mean far less than guys who do the actual work and get the experience. Arch may even play excellent this season, he's on a powerhouse of a team. But he's implied he'll be at Texas this year and next, and right now that seems very wise, as he looked far, far behind Nussmeier.

Mmmm, did you watch him play this preseason? Because I watched all of their games. He looked okay. Just okay. A few good runs. The mobility sure is there. A few nice passes, not too many terrible ones. Definitely better than the guy who looked like he was headed to the UFL when on Dallas. But I wouldn't get the apple cart ahead of the horse here.

Agree about Lance. He still looks like a 3 to me. I didn't see much improvement since the 49ers stint, and the preseason game against the 49ers left most pundits underwhelmed it seems. Lots of check downs. I still think a full season in the UFL would give him valuable playing time and the 49ers currently have the UFL MVP as their practice squad QB in Adrian Martinez as Mordecai and Bradley both got banged up in the final preseason game.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

I was surprised the Jets cut both Martinez and Cook. I think one bad interception did Martinez in with the Jets coaches, but otherwise he played okay in the preseason. He certainly looked like he could handle running an offense, more than Lance if we're to compare the two.

But Lance (or Martinez, or Cook) isn't going to the UFL, unless he's completely cut, the way Max Duggan and Alex McGough eventually were. The UFL pays about $80k a season. The NFL practice squad pays over $200k. A guy labeled 3rd string, even if he's an emergency QB and doesn't play a single down all year, pays about $1m, or more if a true vet. Plus in the NFL you get access to world class facilities, training, coaching, all of it. I like the UFL a lot. But it's also easy to see why some people even in the UFL want to find a way to partner with the NFL, even if not officially a developmental league (the NFL treats the NCAA like that). The problem is the NFL is a cabal of billionaires who own teams. The UFL is owned by a group (Fox, and RedBird. Dwayne Johnson is a minority owner). It won't surprise me at all if one day I wake up and hear the UFL is selling teams as franchises to "managing partners", basically how MLS works, where the league still pretty much owns the teams, but new owners have a great deal of autonomy on how to manage, promote, market the team. It's just a matter of finding enough rich dudes to buy teams, accept that risk. But even then, it will take some time, some success, before the UFL salaries break a $200k threshold making it practical for a player like Lance to spend a year on loan there. The UFL has had good TV ratings, but attendance is lagging. For the last two years they've hovered around the break even point (official $ numbers unknown) so it would really take something to make that kind of salary happen.

In case people are curious, the CFL pays better than the UFL (between $70k minimum, and about $500k max). But taxes are higher in Canada, and the rules are kind of funky (IMO).

 

[Nomad]

Mmmm, did you watch him play this preseason? Because I watched all of their games. He looked okay. Just okay. A few good runs. The mobility sure is there. A few nice passes, not too many terrible ones. Definitely better than the guy who looked like he was headed to the UFL when on Dallas. But I wouldn't get the apple cart ahead of the horse here.

I watched him in the HOF game & then some highlights of his other games. His passing stats aren't all that bad; 334 yds, 2 TDs, no picks, 85 Rtg. His rushing stats are impressive; 81 yds on 14 carries, 1 TD, no fumbles. You're spot on - his mobility & running capability is there (4.6 speed & a 1100 yds rushing in one season at NDSU). That's a big plus in his game that I'm sure Harbaugh considered in his decision. I think it was the turnover free football he played that sealed the deal.

Like I said it's a start in the right direction. Harbaugh said Lance's skill set is "electric" but that he needs to play more consistent to become a starter. Maybe can learn some under Herbert. And being the backup he'll get some reps with the 1st unit every week in practice. Of course, if Herbert gets injured, we'll see real quickly how much improvement he's made & whether or not Harbaugh made the right choice

On Arch, I think he should just stay another year no matter what & enjoy the college experience. He's got plenty of NIL money to keep happy (he currently holds the highest NIL valuation in college sports at $6.8M). You know the day he turns pro, he'll be under constant scrutiny by the media. Every time he takes the field, he'll be compared to Peyton & Eli. I'd say he'd be entering the most high-profile, pressure situation in the history of the NFL. That's tough on a young man who's expected to be great player because of his pedigree.

 

[Nomad]

Riley Leonard makes the team as QB3 after a very impressive performance against the Bengals: 15/20 189 1 TD 120 Rtg, 14 yds rushing. Leonard is a dual-threat who's playing style is similar to Danny Jones. Interestingly, all three QBs on the Colt's roster are dual-threats - probably the only team in the league with this setup.

Quinn Ewers did enough to impress McDaniel making the 53.

Here's the final tally on roster spots with this year's drafted QBs:

13 drafted (2 - 1st rd)
10 made rosters (77%)
(2 cut & signed to the PS, one on Reserve/Non-Football Injury list)

 

[movingtarget]

Riley Leonard makes the team as QB3 after a very impressive performance against the Bengals: 15/20 189 1 TD 120 Rtg, 14 yds rushing. Leonard is a dual-threat who's playing style is similar to Danny Jones. Interestingly, all three QBs on the Colt's roster are dual-threats - probably the only team in the league with this setup.

Quinn Ewers did enough to impress McDaniel making the 53.

Here's the final tally on roster spots with this year's drafted QBs:

13 drafted (2 - 1st rd)
10 made rosters (77%)
(2 cut & resigned to the PS, one on Reserve/Non-Football Injury list)

49ers met with Leonard pre draft and reportedly were impressed by him. Many expected them to draft him but they never pulled the trigger. Instead they opted for Mordecai..........

 

[Nomad]

And what's the deal with Mordecai? Have you seen this guy's draft analysis? 4.46 speed on a 6-2, 218 lb frame! (that's Lamar type speed!). The report says Mordecai has excellent zip on the ball & can make impressive NFL-level throws! It further states "ball placement" is his strength. He's got elite dual-threat written all over him.

Granted, his numbers went down significantly at Wisconsin compared to the two previous years at SMU, but that's because Wisconsin, like Michigan, is a run-heavy team (he rushed for over 300 yds in that one season at Wisconsin). He definitely blows Purdy away in the physical skills dept.

Tanner Mordecai Quarterback Wisconsin | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report

Rating: 72.5 Rank: #18 Forty: 4.46 Tanner Mordecai from Midway High School was rated a 4-star recruit by ESPN and handed a 4-star grade by 247 Sports. After high school, Mordecai opted to j...

www.nfldraftbuzz.com

This article came out a year ago - you've probably seen this?

Could UDFA QB Tanner Mordecai be a hidden gem for the 49ers?

The 49ers didn’t select a quarterback in the draft, but picked one up in undrafted free agency.

www.ninersnation.com

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

I like Riley Leonard as a modern project of sorts. He has the size and traits of a modern NFL dual threat QB for sure. And the kid has a very positive attitude.

Some predictions for the season, which starts on Thursday.

MVP - Lamar Jackson
ROY - Cam Ward
DPOY - Will Anderson
Coach - Mike Vrabel
Come back - Aiden Hutchinson

Super Bowl - Ravens over Packers (I'm not fully counting out the Chiefs, Eagles or Bills, just making a wild guess).

Teams most likely to surprise: Denver (most of my concerns were washed away in the last month. They will push KC for the div title), Green Bay (is that a surprise?) Atlanta, maybe Seattle, maybe NE.

Teams most likely to disappoint: LA Chargers, Chicago, Steelers (is that a surprise?), Dallas (same). Maybe the Bengals and Detroit, (though I see them going 10-7 and making the playoffs with a better defense, weaker offense than last year).

Teams that are unsettled at QB, or playing someone with few snaps will have the toughest time: Browns, Saints, Giants, Vikings, Titans.

Don't be fooled by records early/mid season. The schedule may do that. After the week 1 Bills-Ravens matchup, Buffalo has an easyish schedule until November. Arizona starts out fairly easy too. Atlanta and Jax too. Chicago and the Giants have it tough right out of the gate. But both KC and Philly have pendulum schedules. Back and forth between the hardest teams, and not so hard.

Injuries are so hard to predict, other than to say I predict a lot. Last year at QB wasn't as bad as 2023 (59 QBs started a game in 2024, compared to 66 in 2023), but the attrition rate could be ugly. Expecting at least a third of all starting QBs to miss several games is not out of question. Depth on defense and OL late in the season will also be big (look at Detroit last year. Buffalo in 2023).

 

[movingtarget]

And what's the deal with Mordecai? Have you seen this guy's draft analysis? 4.46 speed on a 6-2, 218 lb frame! (that's Lamar type speed!). The report says Mordecai has excellent zip on the ball & can make impressive NFL-level throws! It further states "ball placement" is his strength. He's got elite dual-threat written all over him.

Granted, his numbers went down significantly at Wisconsin compared to the two previous years at SMU, but that's because Wisconsin, like Michigan, is a run-heavy team (he rushed for over 300 yds in that one season at Wisconsin). He definitely blows Purdy away in the physical skills dept.

Tanner Mordecai Quarterback Wisconsin | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report

Rating: 72.5 Rank: #18 Forty: 4.46 Tanner Mordecai from Midway High School was rated a 4-star recruit by ESPN and handed a 4-star grade by 247 Sports. After high school, Mordecai opted to j...

www.nfldraftbuzz.com

This article came out a year ago - you've probably seen this?

Could UDFA QB Tanner Mordecai be a hidden gem for the 49ers?

The 49ers didn’t select a quarterback in the draft, but picked one up in undrafted free agency.

www.ninersnation.com

Yeah pretty sure I read those before.. Mordecai and Bradley got hurt in the final preseason game and went to IR. 49ers signed Martinez from the UFL to the practice squad to run the scout team. Rourke is still recovering from his ACL and is out for the season. Mordecai and Bradley were both bad in the first preseason game but showed improvement in the next two. Mac Jones as the QB 2 also got injured but is expected back this week and should be right for the Hawks game on Sunday. They only went with two QB's on the 53.