National Football League

[Nomad]

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels has knee injury, status uncertain vs. Raiders

Daniels, who was sacked four times and hit another six times in the loss to Green Bay, was hurt on a fourth-quarter scramble.

www.nytimes.com

Dodged a bullet - MRI showed no structural damage just a sprain. Day to day.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Raiders fans are also wondering about Jeanty. It's two things really. First is that for some reason the Raiders, despite saying they planned to run a lot, have so far been very pass heavy. The second is their OL isn't very good, especially at run blocking. But to only run the ball to Jeanty some 11 times a game when he's a grinder type guy who wears defenses down over time, it makes little sense. And yes, I'm sure Pete isn't very happy with Geno. Just bad decision making on several passes over 15 or so yards.

Awaiting the injury update on Mack. My guess is he suffered either an elbow separation, or torn ligaments of some sort. Meaning he's going to miss at least some time. At some point they'll be able to put one of those bionic braces on him that Gronk used to wear, and he'll get out there. Chargers also have Perryman on IR. If Mack misses significant time, it makes the Chargers failure to re-sign Bosa look like a decision they may regret.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

As to Lawrence:

So, we'll see how this year goes if he stays healthy & can play a full 17 game schedule (note though that short of a SB MVP or a league MVP, he always will be considered an underachiever because of the #1 OA tag).

He wasn't just the #1 overall tag. He was the most hyped player coming out of college in memory. More than Andrew Luck, more than Eli Manning, more than Peyton Manning. To me you have to go back to John Elway being drafted, over four decades ago, to reach the anticipation NFL fans and teams had of winning the Trevor Lawrence sweepstakes.

 

[Nomad]

As to Lawrence:

He wasn't just the #1 overall tag. He was the most hyped player coming out of college in memory. More than Andrew Luck, more than Eli Manning, more than Peyton Manning. To me you have to go back to John Elway being drafted, over four decades ago, to reach the anticipation NFL fans and teams had of winning the Trevor Lawrence sweepstakes.

Yeah, he was hyped up big time but in terms of the "generational talent" tag, not anymore than some of the other top prospects drafted recently. IMO, I think a lot of his hype came from his physical skills more so than his actual performance at Clemson. He has elite height, elite arm talent & good speed/athleticism for such a tall athlete. He also made some "Zach Wilson" type crazy throws at his pro day that oohed & aahed the scouts.

Check out his stats at Clemson - they weren't overwhelming compared to Murray's Sr year at Oklahoma, Williams' Jr year at USC & Young's Jr at Bama. In fact, in 3 full seasons of starting, Lawrence couldn't even win the Heisman beaten out by Murray, Burrow & Devante Smith over those seasons. Lol But again, a 6'6" giant with an elite arm & athleticism shines at his pro day & teams start salivating...you know the drill.

Some other "generational talents" that were also hyped up:

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/cardinals-gm-on-why-he-traded-josh-rosen-kyler-murray-is-a-generational-talent/

Kyler Murray is 'a generational talent' worth recent Cardinal QB struggles, GM says | Sporting News

GM Steve Keim said his team's QB issues, including one-and-done Josh Rosen's struggles last year, were worth it to land Kyler Murray.

www.sportingnews.com

Heisman winner. Murray was so hyped that Arizona dumped Rosen, a 1st rd, 10th OA pick that they traded the house away to get, after just ONE season in order to draft Murray #1 OA! (If that's not hype, l don't know what is?).

Bryce Young: NFL’s Next All-Time Great Quarterback

Alabama Football’s quarterback Bryce Young is a generational talent. Currently in his junior year of college, he has made a name for…

medium.com

Heisman winner. Saban had said Young is the best QB he's ever seen at Bama.

  

Caleb Williams' ‘generational talent' shined brightest in games he couldn't save USC

Caleb Williams' five losses in 2023 are often seen as data points against his transcendent ability. But to the players who got the better of him on those days, it was further proof he'll be as advertised as the next level.

sports.yahoo.com

Heisman winner. Another top prospect with an elite skillset that no team can supposedly go wrong with. Look at what Nick had to say:

View: https://youtube.com/shorts/BRfAiLpv8KA?si=MgOldKvqV7hPwGXR

(Weren't you doing backflips & cartwheels over the Williams sweepstakes much like I did over Anthony Richardson? Lol)

Lawrence is listed as Tier 3 QB along with Murray, Young & Williams. He isn't a bust but is definitely underachieving - but no more so than Murray, IMO.

I think moving forward any #1 OA is going to be hyped as a "generational talent" & a "can't miss prospect." The hype will continue in every draft only the names will change.

 

[Nomad]

Fields ruled out of Sunday's game vs the Bucs due to concussion protocol. An absolutely brutal impact with the turf. You can see the shockwave to his head & neck upon impact:

View: https://youtu.be/xBwgT5EQngM?si=UOBesoY9aEPfvih2

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Reportedly the guardian cap is supposed to help a good deal against those kinds of head hitting the turf concussions. I don't believe a QB has worn one yet.

So, if the Bills plaster the Dolphins tomorrow, which seems likely, what are the ramifications in Miami? I know McDaniel will be a target of a lot of ire, the first to go, but I also don't think he's the primary problem. They have a lot of holes in their roster, all over the place.

 

[Nomad]

McDaniel has never started off 0-3 and the last time the Dolphins started 0-3 was in 2007. However, McDaniel is 28-25 (.521) in 3 seasons with two postseason appearances in years 1 & 2. And last year he finished 8-9 despite losing Tua for 6 games. So, even if they lose to Buffalo, I'd be surprised if he was fired at this time.

IMO, the problem seems to be Tua's injury history (hip, ankle, concussions) & durability. He's an elite passer & can throw with the best of them. Because of his injuries, he's less mobile now becoming more a traditional pocket passer. But I still think he's the best option they have at QB if they can keep him healthy (I don't see Zach Wilson doing any better if McDaniel makes a change?).

This is funny. I'm not sure why he would say this unless it's damage control if they get hammered by the Bills tonight & Allen badly out performs him. Lol

Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa draws backlash for admitting he 'can't do half' of what Bills star Josh Allen can

Tua Tagovailoa's high-praise of quarterback Josh Allen ahead of the Dolphins-Bills game on Thursday night has made the Miami veteran the subject of criticism.

www.foxnews.com

 

[movingtarget]

Reportedly the guardian cap is supposed to help a good deal against those kinds of head hitting the turf concussions. I don't believe a QB has worn one yet.

So, if the Bills plaster the Dolphins tomorrow, which seems likely, what are the ramifications in Miami? I know McDaniel will be a target of a lot of ire, the first to go, but I also don't think he's the primary problem. They have a lot of holes in their roster, all over the place.

Tua definitely should be wearing one with his concussion history.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Miami played well, but Buffalo too good. Mistakes killed the Fins chances. What a head's up play by Terrell Bernard. James Cook is also earning every penny of that contract he signed.

About every other game TNF has their post-game crew set up either too close to fans, or have microphones pointed at the fans, so we can barely hear what the pundits are saying with all the chanting and yelling. It's great the Bills mafia is out in full force, but you'd think the NFL/Amazon crew would make this a little more easy to watch/hear.

 

[movingtarget]

Miami played well, but Buffalo too good. Mistakes killed the Fins chances. What a head's up play by Terrell Bernard. James Cook is also earning every penny of that contract he signed.

About every other game TNF has their post-game crew set up either too close to fans, or have microphones pointed at the fans, so we can barely hear what the pundits are saying with all the chanting and yelling. It's great the Bills mafia is out in full force, but you'd think the NFL/Amazon crew would make this a little more easy to watch/hear.

Yep two mistakes in the 4th quarter, A horrible throw from Tua and the penalty on the hit on the punter which was unfortunate as the defender made a great play but couldn't stop his momentum in time to avoid the collision. James Cook is a top five RB for sure. Still, an improved performance by Miami.

 

[Nomad]

What a costly pick! Tua plays great for 3 plus quarters showing some uncharacteristic mobility & some rushing yards. But then comes the pick deep in Buffalo territory killing a potentially game tying/winning drive. Totally inexcusable.

He's an elite passer particularly in the areas of accuracy & ball placement - and he sure placed the ball perfectly in the hands of Bernard killing any hope of winning the game. No wonder he's listed as "Tier 3" QB. Lol. And how in the hell can McDaniel save his job when his star QB chokes at crunch time?

https://twitter.com/x/status/1968871504461889856

View: https://x.com/EmmanuelAcho/status/1968871504461889856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1968871504461889856%7Ctwgr%5E93a0c643f2bdbf321db267846af71b96a0dcd605%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.si.com%2Fnfl%2Ffootball-fans-couldnt-believe-tua-tagovailoa-backbreaking-interception-bills

Finns 0-3 for the first time since 2007.

 

[Nomad]

Reportedly the guardian cap is supposed to help a good deal against those kinds of head hitting the turf concussions. I don't believe a QB has worn one yet.

Do you think the guardian cap will become mandatory someday? As silly as they look, if it not only reduces the number of concussions but the severity as well, it would be worth it, IMO.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

I sure do. Maybe not for every player, but I can absolutely see a day when a player who has suffered a concussion cannot come back unless he wears the cap for a month after being cleared to play. I can also see players with a history of concussions (like Tua) it being mandatory, period. I actually don't think they look that silly. Maybe I did a little at first, but I also immediately saw their value, and I think most fans do too, and don't mind them.

One play that's also supposedly a penalty and never called is when a RB or returner leads with his head. Yes, this happens on a lot of plays, but I think the league is going to have to identify this more clearly and start throwing flags when it's more apparent. Right now it's a 15 yard penalty, but in 2024 not a single running back was flagged for doing it, and only five total in 2023, when the rule was expanded. However, 16 players (any position) in 2024 were later fined for doing so. I wonder if it were reduced to a 5 yard penalty and spot foul if that would get the zebras to toss more flags?

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Jayden Daniels out against the Raiders. Marcus Mariota taking over. This will definitely impact the game, but I still think Washington should be favored. They have a very good defense, and the Raiders offense is a work in progress. I can see the Commanders still winning one of those 16-13 games.

Rams-Eagles, Broncos-Chargers, and Lions-Ravens could all be very entertaining this coming weekend.

 

[SHAD0W93]

Dolphins need a change from the owner, GM, and HC but that’ll never happen. They still found a way to lose despite playing well. I expect Hill, Waddle, and Achan to be traded to setup a rebuild. They missed their window 2-3 years ago.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

2023 was their best shot with this group I think. They started out the year hot, going 11-4 and leading the division before getting blown out by Baltimore late, then to Buffalo at home, pushing them to the WC. Then they had to go to KC and play in that game that was below zero.

But an argument can be made that was really the Ravens best chance at a SB. That was the year they blew other teams out: SF, Cincy, Detroit. But come playoff time Harbaugh and OC Monken called for a pass heavy game in the AFC Championship against KC, when the Chiefs were much better against the pass than run, and the Ravens had one of the best run offenses in the league. It made zero sense.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Most interesting games:

CIN@MIN - Both teams with backup QBs. Both teams solid otherwise. Supposedly Wentz is ready to play for the Vikings. Should be interesting.
PIT@NE - Both teams are 1-1, who will step up?
LV@WAS - Daniels out for Washington makes this an interesting game. Could be low scoring.
DEN@LAC - I like the Broncos chances here in another low scoring affair.
DAL@CHI - If the Bears lose here they will go to 0-3.
KC@NYG - Which team of each team shows up? KC cannot afford to go 0-3, and I see them pulling out the win.

DET@BAL - This could be really fun to watch.

 

[SHAD0W93]

Big for the Chiefs is Worthy is out again. They just can’t go into this game expecting to win.

 

[Potomac]

LV@WAS - Daniels out for Washington makes this an interesting game. Could be low scoring.

Well it got off to a quick start each team scoring on its first possession, but then Washington had a turn over deep in raiders territory and now have missed a 37 yd FG.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Big for the Chiefs is Worthy is out again. They just can’t go into this game expecting to win.

They're playing the Giants.

 

[Potomac]

Big for the Chiefs is Worthy is out again. They just can’t go into this game expecting to win.

I assume you're making a joke.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Some lopsided, wild games today. A few teams really fought hard - Browns, Jags, Buccaneers, Eagles, even the Jets in a loss.

Some teams were either bad, ugly bad, or made horrible mistakes: Falcons, Bengals, Raiders. Steelers had no business beating the Patriots. Five turnovers, two of them at the goal line, dominated the stat line just killed the Pats.

Carson Wentz fulfilled his promise. Not a lot of yards, but 2 nice TDs and some sharp passes. Maybe his best game since his 2nd year in Philly. A big win in a jersey for the team he cheered for as a kid.

One criticism of Pete Carroll's last few Seahawks teams were that they didn't build an OL. Well, the Raiders now have probably the worst OL in the entire NFL. Can't run block, can't pass block. Pete's son Brennan is the team's OL coach. It's a nepo world. Raiders paid DE Maxx Crosby a fat extension in the off season, and he's almost invisible.

 

[Unchained]

Some lopsided, wild games today. A few teams really fought hard - Browns, Jags, Buccaneers, Eagles, even the Jets in a loss.

Some teams were either bad, ugly bad, or made horrible mistakes: Falcons, Bengals, Raiders. Steelers had no business beating the Patriots. Five turnovers, two of them at the goal line, dominated the stat line just killed the Pats.

Carson Wentz fulfilled his promise. Not a lot of yards, but 2 nice TDs and some sharp passes. Maybe his best game since his 2nd year in Philly. A big win in a jersey for the team he cheered for as a kid.

One criticism of Pete Carroll's last few Seahawks teams were that they didn't build an OL. Well, the Raiders now have probably the worst OL in the entire NFL. Can't run block, can't pass block. Pete's son Brennan is the team's OL coach. It's a nepo world. Raiders paid DE Maxx Crosby a fat extension in the off season, and he's almost invisible.

Geno Smith despite being really old still has some mobility, he scrambled his way out of additional sacks and big losses. Coaching , you can't allow defensive line to tee off on everything.. Play clock down to 1 or 2 on way too many snaps. And when you need to supplement it's not bad to go old school and put a full back looking player in the backfield trying to give Geno some time.. Deep shotgun on 1st, 2nd, 3rd down give defense a look of pass only offense. Geno Smith was hurried or hurt too many times because of a porous offensive line. Not saying 2 tight ends every snap, but if down linemen can't do the job you gotta block for minimum of the quarterback!
Typing and crying as Chargers give up big play..instead of 10 nothing at half.. Up by skinny 3. Big injuries all over.

 

[Potomac]

I assume you're making a joke.

OTOH....if the Giants had made that extra point they would be leading 7-6 just before the half.

And now they are threatening to score again before the half.

So I guess it was me making the joke.

 

[SHAD0W93]

They're playing the Giants.

And the score is 6-6 and they’ve looked like crap. Mahomes best play was taking the backwards pass from the Giant player preventing Giants points.

I assume you're making a joke.

You can lose any game in the NFL, especially already assuming they’ll win when they’ve been struggling.