National Football League

[Nomad]

As to Hendon Hooker, it's baffling that some teams haven't given him a chance. I think they just thought he was too old to develop or something. It makes me wonder if a team is going to take a chance on 26 year old Will Levis this next off season?

Good news for Hooker - the Jets signed him to the active rooster as QB3 behind Cook & Taylor. Whether or not he sees action in any of these last 2 games is up to Glenn, but at least it's a move in the right direction.

The issue with Levis will be how well he recovers from the major surgery to his throwing shoulder (high-grade AC tear). He had the surgery last July, so I would imagine he's throwing by now? With his elite size, elite arm strength, excellent athleticism, and being a 2nd rd pick, I would think he would be on someone's radar as a potential starter?

 

[Nomad]

PHI@BUF - This could be a very tough game. Supposed to be cold and wet.

No kidding - they're predicting heavy rain & gusty winds for essentially a night game (4:25 PM Eastern start). That's right rain - not snow . Plus Allen is playing on that foot injury sustained last week. Could be a slop fest with the passing & kicking game heavily impacted.

 

[Nomad]

Jets should just forfeit the 2nd half, 35-3 after just 2 Qts. Lol. NE: 5 possessions = 5 TDs. Maye already 230 yds & 4 TDs to 4 different receivers. Jets even tried taking out Maye with a cheap shot that sent Vrabel steaming (I imagine he & Glenn will have some words after the game). Drew Brees doing the color commentary stating Maye is one of best passers he's seen in awhile.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Good news for Hooker - the Jets signed him to the active rooster as QB3 behind Cook & Taylor. Whether or not he sees action in any of these last 2 games is up to Glenn, but at least it's a move in the right direction.

There were rumors when Ben Johnson left Detroit, he'd take Hooker with him. Try to develop him, if only as a backup. I have no idea what happened there. Bears certainly aren't going to keep him while they have Bagent.

The issue with Levis will be how well he recovers from the major surgery to his throwing shoulder (high-grade AC tear). He had the surgery last July, so I would imagine he's throwing by now? With his elite size, elite arm strength, excellent athleticism, and being a 2nd rd pick, I would think he would be on someone's radar as a potential starter?

He's putting up short videos on Instagram of him sort of working out. He's sponsored by a couple energy/food substances and he's pimping them, but he looks good. I don't follow him, just watched a few, and didn't see him actually throw a football, but he is going through motions in his workouts with weights, machines, etc. I can't imagine he won't be 98% healthy come camp.

Same old Jets. Should have hired Rex Ryan.

 

[Nomad]

They elevated Hooker to backup because Taylor is supposedly injured again (he listed as QB2 on the depth chart). I have no idea why he's not in the game. Cook has been atrocious - 71 yds, a pick, 35 Rtg - unable to move the offense at all. Cook is out of his element at this level (this is his third start & has shown no improvement). Hooker could do no worse if he was in there.

Varabel sat Maye late in the 3rd after a 5 TDs thrown (19/21, 256) 157 Rtg & 100% scoring drive efficacy on all possessions. McDaniels has done one hell of job with Maye & that O.

Definitely the Jets should have hired T-Rex - and he could have brought Mac Jones in as his starter. Lol.

Upset in the making with the Browns-Steelers game.

 

[SHAD0W93]

Just like that, we have two meaningful games next week and if Falcons win a third one.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Plenty of fingers pointed at DK Metcalf costing the Steelers. And he won't be playing next week against Baltimore either.

Gritty win for Jacksonville over the Colts. Jags very likely to finish 13-4. If my math is correct, the Jags cannot get the #1 seed. It will be either Denver, or New England. Colts started 8-2. Now 8-8.

Nice win for Seattle. The Panthers made them work.

Battle between Saints and Titans looked like two (bad) teams headed in the right direction.

 

[Oldman]

Plenty of fingers pointed at DK Metcalf costing the Steelers. And he won't be playing next week against Baltimore either.

Gritty win for Jacksonville over the Colts. Jags very likely to finish 13-4. If my math is correct, the Jags cannot get the #1 seed. It will be either Denver, or New England. Colts started 8-2. Now 8-8.

Nice win for Seattle. The Panthers made them work.

Battle between Saints and Titans looked like two (bad) teams headed in the right direction.

Today on the NFL pregame show one of the sportcasters noted that the particular fan harassing DK Metcalf did it the previous year and was reported to his team's management and the NFL. It's not OK that Metcalf even approached the guy but that level of fan to player abuse demands a ban from all NFL venues. It's like what has happened to MvP in races...requires a serious response from the sponsors and federations; not to mention local courts.

 

[Nomad]

Plenty of fingers pointed at DK Metcalf costing the Steelers. And he won't be playing next week against Baltimore either.

Gritty win for Jacksonville over the Colts. Jags very likely to finish 13-4. If my math is correct, the Jags cannot get the #1 seed. It will be either Denver, or New England. Colts started 8-2. Now 8-8.

Nice win for Seattle. The Panthers made them work.

Battle between Saints and Titans looked like two (bad) teams headed in the right direction.

Great point on Metcalf. Since he's been Rodgers' #1 target all season long, his absence was probably the difference in the game. I don't think anyone here believes the Browns are actually better than the Steelers? Lol. The loss sets up a showdown with the Ravens for all the marbles. Will LJ play?

The Jags looked good winning another one on the road. Lawrence using his legs rushing for 26 & 2 scores. I believe the Jags hold the tiebreaker over both the Broncos & Pats. If by some small miracle both the Broncos & Pats were to lose, and Jags take care of business against the Titans, they get the #1 seed.

The Saints four in a row with Shough who was on fire throwing for 333 & 2 scores. He's now the leading candidate for ROY. Moore definitely has his starter for next year & can concentrate on getting him some weapons.

Nice the comeback attempt by the Bills, but too little too late. Down 13-0 for 3 1/2 Qts, they score two TDs in the last 5 mins but miss a costly extra-point on the first score. On 4th & inches at the GL with a few seconds left, Allen punches it in making it 13-12. McDermott surprisingly goes for 2 & Allen uncharacteristically misses a wide open receiver. Philly played great D holding the Bills to a season-low 12 pts. Hurts also looked good with no offensive turnovers in those weather conditions. With the loss, the Pats claim the division title.

 

[SHAD0W93]

Bills found every way possible to lose that and Eagles hold on in a wet, defensive game. If I’m Bills I’d rest everyone while keeping the seventh seed as Patriots would be the easiest team to go to. Even still Bills don’t look like they’re going to make a deep run. Eagles on the other hand would be better to play their starters for their offense to try and get more insync while attempting to get the second seed as Packers would be the easiest team. Their defense has been playing great, the offense just can’t get on the same page.

 

[BullsFan22]

Today on the NFL pregame show one of the sportcasters noted that the particular fan harassing DK Metcalf did it the previous year and was reported to his team's management and the NFL. It's not OK that Metcalf even approached the guy but that level of fan to player abuse demands a ban from all NFL venues. It's like what has happened to MvP in races...requires a serious response from the sponsors and federations; not to mention local courts.

Players hear god knows what every game. I don’t condone DK’s actions, but the guy must have said something that likely crossed the line. It’s almost a miracle things like this don’t happen more often.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

To me DK has no excuse, period. I don't care if he reported the guy before. That doesn't give him the right to physically make contact with the guy. We are a nation and society of laws and rules. DK didn't follow those rules. If the fan didn't, it wasn't DK's job or onus to do anything about it other than report him again, and reach out to Steeler management to make sure something is done about it.

It would be like me filing a complaint about the guy down the street making too much noise. Then determining that the cops didn't do enough about it, so I'm going to take the law into my own hands and go confront, then slap the guy.

 

[Nomad]

Missed the 9ers/Bears game but it sounded like a good old fashioned shootout between two good passers that were completely on opposite ends of the draft spectrum. And Purdy 26 yds rushing for two scores (he's more athletic than I give him credit for). CMC 181 scrimmage yards. They sure didn't miss Kittle. This team is looking solid heading into the playoffs.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Amazing game! As good as CMC is, Purdy was a wizard. One clutch throw after another. Niners D gave up way too much, but held on when it mattered. Caleb terrific in a losing cause. But what a finish!

Winner of Seattle at SF game next week gets HFA. Rams won't even win the division now. The 49ers won the first meeting way back at the start of the season, and Purdy is 6-1 against Seattle. There is no question SF had an easier schedule, but you can only beat who you play. Seattle's D will put up much more resistance than the Bears did.

If Seattle wins, and the Lions beat the Bears, it's very likely the WC will be a rematch of this game, but in Chicago. Only one "weak" team in the NFC playoffs, the winner of Tampa-Carolina. There will be some epic match-ups in the NFC playoffs.

 

[Oldman]

Players hear god knows what every game. I don’t condone DK’s actions, but the guy must have said something that likely crossed the line. It’s almost a miracle things like this don’t happen more often.

Apparently the guy was sitting in the same seat, same BS the year before. Not just "hearing" but if you're going to be a Pro; you gotta filter.

 

[Oldman]

Amazing game! As good as CMC is, Purdy was a wizard. One clutch throw after another. Niners D gave up way too much, but held on when it mattered. Caleb terrific in a losing cause. But what a finish!

Winner of Seattle at SF game next week gets HFA. Rams won't even win the division now. The 49ers won the first meeting way back at the start of the season, and Purdy is 6-1 against Seattle. There is no question SF had an easier schedule, but you can only beat who you play. Seattle's D will put up much more resistance than the Bears did.

If Seattle wins, and the Lions beat the Bears, it's very likely the WC will be a rematch of this game, but in Chicago. Only one "weak" team in the NFC playoffs, the winner of Tampa-Carolina. There will be some epic match-ups in the NFC playoffs.

Purdy's TD slide into the end zone marked his Style Council statement. Chicago didn't flinch but the last drive was not scripted, IMO.
Seattle's DQ was watching and next week should be a serious mind game. Two great coaches and some very good offense on SF side and countered by SEA D. Not sure how it turns out but this won't be the last game either meets...

 

[Oldman]

To me DK has no excuse, period. I don't care if he reported the guy before. That doesn't give him the right to physically make contact with the guy. We are a nation and society of laws and rules. DK didn't follow those rules. If the fan didn't, it wasn't DK's job or onus to do anything about it other than report him again, and reach out to Steeler management to make sure something is done about it.

It would be like me filing a complaint about the guy down the street making too much noise. Then determining that the cops didn't do enough about it, so I'm going to take the law into my own hands and go confront, then slap the guy.

Why Seattle let him go. His emotional reinforcement has little filter and it comes out in the professional stage. That tends to disqualify you as "the Guy you think you are". Just like meeting a blownup jock from high school at a bar, 3 beers past his prime.

 

[movingtarget]

Expect the 49ers/Seattle game to be a war. Divisional game with the 1 seed on the line. Contrast in styles.

Good old fashioned shoot out today. Kittle didn't play and they lost Trent Williams on the first play of the game. Both QB's were very good so was CMC. Went down to the wire as expected when it became apparent that defense wasn't going to matter much, until the final play. Game couldn't have started worse for Purdy but he settled in quickly and is playing as well as he ever has.

 

[movingtarget]

Bills QB Josh Allen becomes fastest, youngest player to reach 300 total touchdowns

 

[Nomad]

Miami to upset the Buccs.

Hey, that's pretty good - are you using the same crystal ball that Shadow uses? Lol.

Speaking of Miami, do you think McDaniel gets another year? (They're sitting at 7-9 but play NE to close out the season). If he stays, do you think he'll move on from Tua?

 

[SHAD0W93]

Hey, that's pretty good - are you using the same crystal ball that Shadow uses? Lol.

Speaking of Miami, do you think McDaniel gets another year? (They're sitting at 7-9 but play NE to close out the season). If he stays, do you think he'll move on from Tua?

Yes I think he gets another year and Tua will not start next year in Miami. Dolphins vs Patriots and Chargers vs Broncos happen at the same time so Patriots might just rest everyone. It’ll be interesting how all but Dolphins strategize the final week. Overall I think McDaniel should be let go (him go to Chiefs, Bills, Bengals, Eagles, or Lions) and just rebuild with trying to get a new quarterback and get rid of Hill.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

The only "problem" is Tua's contract. It may compel them to hold onto him for another season. But it's not as bad/binding as Watson's contract. And Tua is at least a decent QB.

McDaniel has done a fairly good job I think, but not great. And having him around when a new GM is hired is going to be like that guy having to eat someone else leftovers when you're hungry. That could get McDaniel fired just as much as a losing season.

If McDaniel is fired, and IF the Raiders keep Pete Carroll another year (I think yes), and IF the Raiders get the #1 pick in the draft, McDaniel may be enticed by heading to the Raiders to be the OC for Mendoza (Moore?), and be first in line to take the HC job when Pete retires. Raiders also have a heap of cash to spend in FA the next two years. 2nd most this coming season, and more than any other team heading into 2027. They are arguably where the Patriots were two years ago.

 

[movingtarget]

Hey, that's pretty good - are you using the same crystal ball that Shadow uses? Lol.

Speaking of Miami, do you think McDaniel gets another year? (They're sitting at 7-9 but play NE to close out the season). If he stays, do you think he'll move on from Tua?

Think McDaniel might be done. Tua might stick around until they find someone better. They might try someone else, at the start of next season. Think the Steelers are ripe for a change even if the Steelers make the playoffs or win a playoff game. Maybe the same for the Ravens. Cards coach might get another season same with the Browns coach. Cards coach in a similar position to Miami's coach re QB play plus they had a horrific run with injuries in the second half of the season. And the Browns coach also, has had major headaches with the QB position. Dan Campbell might get one more season. if they miss the playoffs next season, he's probably gone. The Jets, God only knows. Saints are rebuilding like the Titans so the coaches should get some leeway. Buccs coach another one probably not safe. Falcons coach who knows.

 

[Nomad]

The only "problem" is Tua's contract. It may compel them to hold onto him for another season. But it's not as bad/binding as Watson's contract. And Tua is at least a decent QB.

McDaniel has done a fairly good job I think, but not great. And having him around when a new GM is hired is going to be like that guy having to eat someone else leftovers when you're hungry. That could get McDaniel fired just as much as a losing season.

If McDaniel is fired, and IF the Raiders keep Pete Carroll another year (I think yes), and IF the Raiders get the #1 pick in the draft, McDaniel may be enticed by heading to the Raiders to be the OC for Mendoza (Moore?), and be first in line to take the HC job when Pete retires. Raiders also have a heap of cash to spend in FA the next two years. 2nd most this coming season, and more than any other team heading into 2027. They are arguably where the Patriots were two years ago.

I think Tua is done even with contract issues. The key here is the benching of Tua for lack of performance & replacing him with Ewers not Zach Wilson. Ewers is playing to see what his potential is as a starter for next year. These late season moves where benching the non-performing veteran for the rookie isn't for any audition for backup roles but for starting options (backups are competed for & determined during preseason). Remember Hurts' rookie year? Wentz was benched with 4 games to go in favor of Hurts who played well enough to be named the starter for next season. And he started the season off as QB3...just like Ewers.

McDaniel sees something in Ewers. He has elite arm strength & spins the ball well. Ewers has good speed & mobility. His performance against the Bucs was pretty good though he didn't throw that much. Once upon time ago, he was even considered a 1st rd prospect. He also given an unusual high prospect grade for a 7th rounder: 6.15 ("Good Backup With The Potential Of Developing Into Starter"), which is in the same category as Dart (6.17), Shough (6.16) & Gabriel (6.10).

 https://phinphanatic.com/it-only-to...wers-to-outshine-tua-in-key-area-01kd3h92sbnp

On the Raiders: If they get the #1 pick, are you fairly confident they will take Mendoza? Having won the Heisman now, he's considered the premier QB in this upcoming class & should be a #1 OA pick (5 out of the last 7 #1 OA QB picks were Heisman winners). I would hope the Raiders don't try another year with Smith at the helm. Lol.

 

[movingtarget]

Chargers QB Justin Herbert to sit out regular-season finale vs. Broncos