National Football League

[movingtarget]

Broncos QB Bo Nix feels 'a lot better' understanding Denver's offense heading into Year 2

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix believes he has a better understanding of head coach Sean Payton’s offense heading into his second season.

www.nfl.com

 

[Nomad]

It makes one wonder about Will Levis all the same.

Titans Predicted to Trade Will Levis to Intriguing NFC Team

With Cam Ward in the Tennessee Titans' building after being selected as the team's number-one overall pick and future franchise quarterback just over a month ag

www.si.com

He's got to go. You can't have a QB backing up your franchise guy who says his situation "sucks" & that he got a raw deal. That's only going to create a distraction on the team.

 

[Nomad]

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.

What was reasoning for drafting Kurtis Rourke? (7th/227). Does Shanahan see him as the future QB especially if Purdy doesn't live up to expectations? This one doesn't make sense since the 9ers have Mac Jones firmly in place as the backup & Tanner Mordecai as QB3 (I thought Shanahan was excited about him? Decent arm, elite speed & athleticism, bonafide dual-threat, etc). And factor in that Rouke had ACL surgery in January & may not even be ready for preseason camp.

 

[Nomad]

Vikings reportedly passed on Rodgers for 'three year window' with J.J. McCarthy

Minnesota had a lot of options this offseason, but they're confident with McCarthy at quarterback.

www.si.com

I think his heart was set on playing for the Vikings & returning to the NFC North. But O'Connell didn't want him messing up things with McCarthy. Lol.

 

[movingtarget]

What was reasoning for drafting Kurtis Rourke? (7th/227). Does Shanahan see him as the future QB especially if Purdy doesn't live up to expectations? This one doesn't make sense since the 9ers have Mac Jones firmly in place as the backup & Tanner Mordecai as QB3 (I thought Shanahan was excited about him? Decent arm, elite speed & athleticism, bonafide dual-threat, etc). And factor in that Rouke had ACL surgery in January & may not even be ready for preseason camp.

Yeah it raised a few eyebrows. Not really sure. A lot of teams no longer carry four QB's, Of course the Browns have five but that won't last long.

 

[SHAD0W93]

Vikings reportedly passed on Rodgers for 'three year window' with J.J. McCarthy

Minnesota had a lot of options this offseason, but they're confident with McCarthy at quarterback.

www.si.com

I think his heart was set on playing for the Vikings & returning to the NFC North. But O'Connell didn't want him messing up things with McCarthy. Lol.

Oh absolutely it was. Rodgers was trying to finish off his Favre journey while also wanting to try and get back at the Packers. Not only would he have messed up the McCarthy situation but destroyed the good things they’ve built up in Minnesota. I don’t even think he’d listen to Vrabel or Campbell. One of the reasons I think he wanted the Steelers was they play the Jets and Packers. Now it’s reported Rodgers was the Steelers third choice, wouldn’t be surprised to see him try and bounce ship to the Browns after losing to the Jets and Packers to try and beat the Steelers.

View: https://youtu.be/N4OlrU3o6UE?si=U0JUE2l0HxOpCG_b

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

I think they are all correct in that video.

I think another key reason he wanted to play with the Vikings is they have a very good OL, and he would be throwing the ball to the best WR in the NFL in Jefferson, as well as Addison, and Hockensen is a very good TE as well.

 

[Nomad]

Broncos QB Bo Nix feels 'a lot better' understanding Denver's offense heading into Year 2

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix believes he has a better understanding of head coach Sean Payton’s offense heading into his second season.

www.nfl.com

Interesting article. Sounds like he's aware of the "sophomore slump" & is doing everything to avoid it.

Nix definitely exceeded expectations but there really wasn't anything that special about winning 10 games. They had an easy schedule & other than the early win against TB, they lost to the good teams & beat the bad teams. In the division, they split with KC (*note though the season ending win was against most of KC's reserves), lost to LAC twice & beat the Raiders both times.

The playoffs really exposed the Broncos' weaknesse & showed they're a long way off from SB contention with that 31-7 drubbing by Buffalo. In that game, Nix couldn't generate any offense with 3 & out after 3 & out. They had no running game with a team total of only 79 yds with Nix the leading rusher at 43 (vs Buffalo's 210 yds rushing). He didn't throw the ball well & their time of possession was only 18 mins vs 42 for Buffalo. And Allen torched supposedly one of the top defenses for 279 & 2 scores.

But they do have the foundation in the making of a franchise QB not seen since Elway. Nix's athleticism as a dual-threat & his above-average arm are his attributes that he can hopefully improve uopn.

So, the big question is: Under the tutelage of Payton, will he continue to improve & can the Broncos close the gap against the AFC's elite teams? Only time will tell.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Although I'm not as optimistic on Denver this year as you are, I think what you just wrote says more about Buffalo than it does anything. They have a stacked team, an elite QB (now MVP) and there is no reason they shouldn't win a SB in the next couple years. I think they partially lost to KC due to psychological reasons, then toss in two bad calls, and they couldn't get past them. I have a hunch their offense this year could be a juggernaut, as they were able to keep Joe Brady as OC. They were already good, but added Curtis Samuel, and Kendrick Green, two solid players, which is all they really needed. They also patched holes on their D in both FA and the draft, Bosa won't be expected to play every down, and has to be an improvement over the washed Von Miller who was never the same after tearing his ACL. If the Bills can simply stay reasonably healthy on D, that could be the key to putting them over the top.

 

[Nomad]

Batimore with Lamar & OC Todd Monken are just as every bit as good as Allen/Brady & they haven't been able to get to the SB either. And what Lamar did last year was mind-boggling; career highs in passing yardage & passer rating, 41 TDs to 4 picks, and despite having Henry, he still rushed for 915 yds! What else does he have to do?

The problem is no one can dethrone the Chiefs in the conference. They're one of the most playoff efficient teams in the history of the NFL. Remember a couple of years ago when they finished 11-6 & the pundits were saying the Chiefs won't get back to the SB. Not only did they get back to SB, but won it! Lol. The Chiefs are a dynasty with Mahomes. As long as he stays healthy, the Chiefs are never out of it & remain the team to beat (and look who Reid took with their 1st rd pick - one of the top pass blocking OT from Ohio St, and later on another speed burner WR - providing Mahomes with more weapons).

 

[movingtarget]

Myles Garrett on Aaron Rodgers joining AFC North: 'Good opportunity to put him in the graveyard'

 

[Nomad]

New Broncos RB J.K. Dobbins fires back at Chargers after signing with AFC West rivals

Dobbins had a productive season for the Chargers in 2024, but was made a free agent anyway

www.cbssports.com

Big addition to the RB room. The fallout from a lack of a running game against Buffalo has prompted a shakeup: Javonte Williams was released (signed by the Cowboys) & Payton took RJ Harvey in the 2nd rd - the 5th back taken in this draft.

Dobbs, despite missing 4 games last season due to injury, still rushed for 905 yds (4.6 avg) & 9 scores (no fumbles) plus an additional 32 catches. And he's only 26. Add McLaughlin, a speed burner scatback & big Audric Estime, and this is looking like a pretty good RB corp.

 

[Nomad]

What a whiner. Lol

View: https://youtube.com/shorts/nK3W3OqO2tU?si=82FPXF8pYIr9KBIj

 

[Unchained]

Antonio Brown wanted for attempted murder?? What?

 

[SHAD0W93]

Antonio Brown wanted for attempted murder?? What?

I just saw the headline but I think it’s from when a group tried robbing him, he got away and the people were leaving and Brown came back with his gun while they were leaving and I don’t remember if he fired it at them or in the air.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

That's it. He told the cops that guys tried to rob him, and he was unarmed when they questioned him, but security footage and bystander phone footage later showed a different story. Brown is currently on the lam, so to speak, riding a bike somewhere in the Middle East. Here's what I could find from the AP:

Brown, 36, is accused of grabbing a handgun from a security staffer and firing two shots at a man he had gotten into a fistfight with earlier. The victim, Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, told investigators one of the bullets grazed his neck.

The second-degree attempted murder charge carries a maximum 15-year prison sentence and up to a $10,000 fine.

News clip here:

As to JK Dobbins to Denver, he has to stay healthy. In fact, last season seemed like the first year he was mostly healthy.

 

[Nomad]

Tyreek Hill runs 100 meters in 10.15 seconds at California track meet

Still, a Noah Lyles race would likely not go well.

www.nbcsports.com

About a tenth of a second off the 2028 Olympic qualifying time.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

UFL championship game really wasn't close after the 2Q, with DC beating Michigan (first appearance since winning the 1983 USFL Championship! ) 58-34. But it was still fairly entertaining with the two teams combining for over 1000 yards of offense.

DC QB Jordan Ta'amu is a modern day, highly mobile QB who has been on practice squads for something like 8 NFL teams over 5 or so years. But that doesn't mean he'll be invited to camp, let alone make a team. Numerous position players from the UFL (and XFL and USFL) made NFL teams in recent years, but few QBs stick around. Alex McGough made it just over 1 year in GB on their practice squad and emergency QB. Adrien Martinez is likely still the Jets 3rd string QB or on the practice squad. Luis Perez has played in pre-seasons for the Rams and Chargers and been on practice squads. Bryce Perkins (losing QB in this game) played some for the Rams a couple years back. Matt Corrall too played in pre-seasons, practice squads. Chase Garbers is another. But none seem to really stick to teams, showing just how competitive the QB position is.

 

[Nomad]

Unfortunately, I missed the championship game (I made a note to watch it but I got tied up on some things). I did watch about a dozen games in their entirety this season & actually enjoyed them. QB play seem to have really improved over last season. One thing I'd like to see the UFL do is have primetime games on Sunday & Monday night - paralleling the NFL. Though they would be going head to head against Sunday night MLB, I think timeslots on Sunday & Monday night could bring in more viewership.

Ta'amu is a puzzling case as to why he can't make it in the NFL as a backup. Though undersized at 6-3, 215, the scouting reports note he posess NFL arm talent with good drive velocity. Plus his athleticism & mobility as an effective runner making him a dual-threat. Therefore, why some team hasn't been able to develop him is a mystery. But it's not looking good if he's been on practice squads on 8 different teams - can't say he hasn't been given a chance though.

Speaking of Adrian Martinez, he'll be competing against UDFA rookie Brady Cook out of Missouri for that important QB3 spot. Martinez & Cook match up pretty close. Both are about the same height with Martinez a few pounds heavier. Both have adequate arms that can make all the NFL throws (scouting report on Brady states he "possesses a strong arm with a relatively effortless delivery"). Both are athletic & fast (sub 4.6 speed) having dual-threat capability (Cook scored the highest on the RAS athletic test out of all the QB prospects at the Combine). And Cook has a slightly higher prospect grade at 5.80 vs 5.60 for Marintez.

Though it's unknown if the Jets will carry 3 QBs on the active roster, this QB3 competition is very important because QB2 is Tyrod Taylor, and with his injury history risk, QB3 can quickly become QB2. Lol.

 

[Oldman]

Vikings reportedly passed on Rodgers for 'three year window' with J.J. McCarthy

Minnesota had a lot of options this offseason, but they're confident with McCarthy at quarterback.

www.si.com

I think his heart was set on playing for the Vikings & returning to the NFC North. But O'Connell didn't want him messing up things with McCarthy. Lol.

Well, Mr. Tomlin may have to respond to fans in Pitt who've noticed Mr. Rodgers not showing up for team drills.
Doubt McCarthy would have enjoyed the experience. Been there, done that.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

No way the Vikings were going to let Rodgers and his selfish antics "poison" young JJ. It was never happening.

Ta'amu is a puzzling case as to why he can't make it in the NFL as a backup. Though undersized at 6-3, 215...

That's undersized?! He's almost the same exact size as Lamar Jackson. What do you think of Bryce Young and his size?

I agree the QB play has gotten better. They've really weeded out all immobile QBs, with Luis Perez and maybe Matt Corral being the only two pocket passers left, and Matt will run some, and Luis moves well in a pocket in mostly a pass-first, pass-often, system. Pretty much every other QB is very mobile, or a dual threat. Ta'amu, Bryce Perkins, Max Duggan, etc. But why Ta'amu can't make an NFL team is likely the same reason Alex McGough didn't last in GB more than a year. The competition at QB is just that high, even for practice squad spots.

 

[Potomac]

I don't know anyone that has heard of the DC defenders.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

The UFL is effectively minor league football. Something between college and the NFL, with plenty of players cut from NFL teams. The games often have sparse crowds, as there's not much cash to promote it. Most games are entertaining, decent play. Picture a game between the Titans and the Panthers, but with backup QBs playing. If the game is good, close, it's definitely worth watching, even if you don't recognize many names and it lacks the incredible athleticism elite players and true stars bring.

But what makes the UFL great is it's innovative in its rules, and officiating, and the game moves along quickly, with many players mic'd up, including coaches and referees. And best of all tickets to games are generally between $8 and $35. The average ticket to an NFL game is about $200.

 

[Nomad]

Don't you think it's an alternative professional football league for those that can't make it in the NFL? It's certainly not a developmental league -- that's the state of FBS NCAA football which has become a billion dollar industry & feeder system for the NFL.

I'll focus on QBs: Almost all seem to be low drafted or undrafted prospects that couldn't make it in NFL but want to continue to play professional football. Take Max Duggan for example. Drafted in the 7th rd by LAC & released after just one year where he simply doesn't have a "NFL caliber arm." Instead of going into coaching or getting a job in his college degree field, he gets to play professional football because of the UFL. If he thinks he's in the UFL to develope a NFL caliber arm, that's not going to happen.

NFL caliber arms are usually seen already at the HS level, hence your 4 & 5 star recruits (it's similar to these HS pitchers throwing in the 90s that get attention from the MLB scouts & top college baseball programs). These college QBs either have a NFL caliber arm or they don't (accuracy, ball placement, trajectory, etc, are all elements that can be developed but not arm strength). And there can be starting QBs at FBS schools that don't have NFL caliber arms but a good enough arm to play at that level. I see this all the time at Wyoming, Colo St, Air Force, etc - some of the lower-tier FBS schools in my neck of the woods (other than Josh Allen, when did a Wyoming QB ever make it in NFL?).

So, if the league continues indefinitely, it provides an outlet where these NFL QB rejects can still play football & get a little dough for it (probably better than working a 9-5 or trying to start a successful YT channel. Lol).

 

[Nomad]

That's undersized?! He's almost the same exact size as Lamar Jackson. What do you think of Bryce Young and his size?

I agree the QB play has gotten better. They've really weeded out all immobile QBs, with Luis Perez and maybe Matt Corral being the only two pocket passers left, and Matt will run some, and Luis moves well in a pocket in mostly a pass-first, pass-often, system. Pretty much every other QB is very mobile, or a dual threat. Ta'amu, Bryce Perkins, Max Duggan, etc. But why Ta'amu can't make an NFL team is likely the same reason Alex McGough didn't last in GB more than a year. The competition at QB is just that high, even for practice squad spots.

Well, the average height/weight of a NFL QB is 6'3," 220 lbs. So, anyone under that would be undersized, right? Bryce Young is severely undersized & why he was ever drafted #1 OA is beyond me. At 5'10" how can see over those giant linemen? Lol

Matt "Golden" Corral was a dual-threat at Ole Miss operating out of Kiffin's spread RPO scheme. He lit it up his SR year rushing for over 600 yds & 11 scores to go along with his 3300 yds passing.

Remember he was drafted by Carolina in the 3rd rd as their franchise guy only to sustain a Lisfranc injury in preseason missing the entire year. Carolina released him at the end of the season not wanting to deal with damaged goods, I guess.

So it sounds like the injury is affecting his running ability as Lisfranc injuries can be tough to come back to 100% pre-injury level (they can be career ending for some players).

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