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Raiders in total rebuild. Likely to go maybe 4-13 next year with Mendoza and a slew of young players,
And you'll get to see your guy tonight in the CFP national championship game!

Btw, the other QB, Carson Beck, has moved up to QB4 prospect in this draft class with Moore deciding to stay another year. Projections for Beck are late 2nd or 3rd rd. But all that could change tonight with a good showing & a championship.
 
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When you say you expect the Broncos to be "competitive" are you talking about them being in the game having a chance to win or are you implying that they won't get blown out & embarrassed?
Uh...the latter!

I'm thinking something like 24-13 Pats. Where after the game people notice that Stidham didn't play terrible, didn't lose the game, but didn't do much either, and simply didn't have what it takes to lead them to a victory. Which is why his entire NFL career has been, and will be as a backup.

I think the ship has indeed sailed on Zach. He's in the same territory as Tre Lance, Hendon Hooker. Where the guy has talent, but there's more to being an NFL qb than raw talent. He is not the next Sam Darnold, waiting for the right team. He's not even Mac Jones either. You are right in the fact that McDaniel played Ewers over him, at a time when McDaniel was fighting for his job and trying desperately to win games. That tells you all you need to know. He had a QB who has 33 NFL starts, was a highly drafted prospect, played under Sean Payton, and instead McDaniel goes with a 6th round rookie. Zach will float around camps, preseason snaps, stand on sidelines. But it will take attrition and injuries to get him into games from here on out.
 
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Supposedly Seattle will get Holani back this week. So that will help at RB.

As to the draft, I am certain the Raiders will take Mendoza, even if he has a bad game and they lose.

I posted over a week ago about how Beck earned my respect. He was all but written off at Georgia, and critics were saying he was too skittish, immobile. But he's answered all of that, and won three big games in a row when underdogs for Miami, following in Cam Ward's footprints. His size will help too in the NFL, though like Mendoza he could stand to put on a good 5-10 lbs of muscle (which they will). Guys he reminds me of - if things go great he could have an Eli Manning like career. Or at least someone like Davis Mills, or Aiden O'Connell.
 
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Very happy for Eric, even though I'm not a Chiefs fan. Their offense did much better with him than they did with Nagy. I've written about him before, it's always been puzzling why he didn't get more HC interviews, or even solid OC interviews. I've heard he's stiff in interviews, and can be very hard on players, a total perfectionist (though both Alex Smith and Mahomes spoke highly of him), but my fear is there's racism involved at some level.

Judge or judge not, credit Andy Reid all you like, but they were 63-18-0 with Eric as their OC. Pretty incredible actually.
 
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Saleh has a lot of head coach interviews. Nine vacancies, he probably likes his chances. Well 8 vacancies now including the Bills job as Harbaugh got one and the Dolphins look set. 49ers may lose Kubiak as well as OC but looks less likely maybe.. DC's as head coaches seem to be back in vogue.
 
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I think bringing EB back is too little too late and should have been done after Nagy’s first year. The Chiefs offense doesn’t just have a discipline problem, they have issues all over the offense that has worsened every year. Even with EB Chiefs still constantly struggled to move the ball methodically down the field. This looks more like Belichick bringing back old friends/yes men Patricia and Judge. First and foremost if Mahomes doesn’t recover his running ability next season I don’t see them winning 10 games. Second, Reid needs to work on his play calling since teams have been getting better and better at reading and diagnosing his play calls. Third, they need to get a better receiver and/or running back. Fourth, on a team level the penalties need to get better but that was even an issue when EB was there before. I think Chiefs would have been better off bringing in a different, unfamiliar face to better identify issues.
 
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Finally watched the games. Think the Rams will give Seattle a game as they usually do. Patriots were impressive. Their offense is more dynamic than I expected, but they have to watch the turnovers especially against Denver.. No QB is throwing the ball better than Williams but like Stroud his decision making lets him down. Williams has such a good arm, he can get away with it a lot of the time but it was costly against the Rams while Stroud had an awful game for the Texans and let the defense down. Bears had a good season overall as did the busted up 49ers. Bills need a partial rebuild on both sides of the ball as does Kansas. First they have to find the right coach. Jaguars should be able to build on their season while it's back to the drawing board for the Chargers, Ravens and Lions. Campbell is getting closer to the door if the Lions don't make the playoffs again. GB has some work to do on their roster. Still hard to pick the SB winner from the last four teams but I will stick with Seattle . Their defense is locked in and firing.
 
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The Tennessee Titans were hoping for rookie-year Jayden Daniels when they selected Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Instead, they got rookie-year Caleb Williams.
Ward looked raw and underdeveloped as a rookie and former head coach Brian Callahan paid the price for it. With the Titans' future contingent on Ward playing like a future superstar, the team entered the offseason determined to find a coach who could bring the best out of last year's top draft pick.
The team reportedly zeroed in on that coach on Monday night. The team is working to finalize a deal with San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
 
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Seattle loses their #2 running back to an ACL tear and associated damage for the LA game. Pundits are quick to grant the NC win to the Rams. I'm sure it's a relief to those major media market prognosticators that they may be correct and the Rams could do it.
Pair that with the Pats beating the Broncos and the NFL/ superbowl advertisers win both coastal markets with a bigger payday. Only bummer for them is who cares about the Pats outside of Boston? West coasters will tune in because they want to see if the 'Hawks make it to the Superbowl, bet their coastal preference if the Rams win while NE bettors lose another mortgage payment.
I'll watch because Stafford is running on fumes and SEA has figured out Puka's tendencies. SEA may not need much offense this coming weekend.
 
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Agree there. Media has always loved Northeast and SoCal teams. It's subtle, but the bias is there. I figured that out as a teenager. From the way this report sounds, you'd think Zach Charbonet was better than Saquon Barkley.

I'm also hoping to see a Seattle-Denver Super Bowl. I'm sure the last person the media wants to be interviewing all week is Jarett Stidham!

I've said it most of the season, Stafford can still throw as well as ever, but you put pressure on him, and he's not the guy he was just 5 years ago. We even saw that in the Carolina game. Now, if Seattle can't do that...

Titans hiring Saleh will certainly shore up their D, but who is going to develop Ward? He seemed to only show modest progress the last few games of the season. Saleh isn't going to fix than anymore than he developed Zach Wilson when HC of the Jets.

Raiders brass must be partying big time in Miami tonight at Tom's beachfront home. They go to the Natty, see Mendoza come away with a gritty win, plus interview Mike McDaniel.
 
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Agree there. Media has always loved Northeast and SoCal teams. It's subtle, but the bias is there. I figured that out as a teenager. From the way this report sounds, you'd think Zach Charbonet was better than Saquon Barkley.

I'm also hoping to see a Seattle-Denver Super Bowl. I'm sure the last person the media wants to be interviewing all week is Jarett Stidham!

I've said it most of the season, Stafford can still throw as well as ever, but you put pressure on him, and he's not the guy he was just 5 years ago. We even saw that in the Carolina game. Now, if Seattle can't do that...

Titans hiring Saleh will certainly shore up their D, but who is going to develop Ward? He seemed to only show modest progress the last few games of the season. Saleh isn't going to fix than anymore than he developed Zach Wilson when HC of the Jets.

Raiders brass must be partying big time in Miami tonight at Tom's beachfront home. They go to the Natty, see Mendoza come away with a gritty win, plus interview Mike McDaniel.
Be interesting to see which OC, and QB coach the Titans hire..........and the 49ers will be looking for their 4th DC in four years ! Gannon is getting interviewed by the Cowboys for the DC job and McDaniel is being interviewed by the Rams for the OC job.
 
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And you'll get to see your guy tonight in the CFP national championship game!

Btw, the other QB, Carson Beck, has moved up to QB4 prospect in this draft class with Moore deciding to stay another year. Projections for Beck are late 2nd or 3rd rd. But all that could change tonight with a good showing & a championship.
Beck should go into the draft. Particularly now that it was disclosed he missed classes for the last two years. That's bad even for SEC teams.
 
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Agree there. Media has always loved Northeast and SoCal teams. It's subtle, but the bias is there. I figured that out as a teenager. From the way this report sounds, you'd think Zach Charbonet was better than Saquon Barkley.

I'm also hoping to see a Seattle-Denver Super Bowl. I'm sure the last person the media wants to be interviewing all week is Jarett Stidham!

I've said it most of the season, Stafford can still throw as well as ever, but you put pressure on him, and he's not the guy he was just 5 years ago. We even saw that in the Carolina game. Now, if Seattle can't do that...

Titans hiring Saleh will certainly shore up their D, but who is going to develop Ward? He seemed to only show modest progress the last few games of the season. Saleh isn't going to fix than anymore than he developed Zach Wilson when HC of the Jets.

Raiders brass must be partying big time in Miami tonight at Tom's beachfront home. They go to the Natty, see Mendoza come away with a gritty win, plus interview Mike McDaniel.
The media bias is corporately understandable. Highlighting areas that half of US citizens couldn't find on a map means fewer eyes on the advertising. NFL and College teams gets paid by the eyes....That, and folks that live in NE urban areas spend most of Winter indoors more than those with ample outdoor recreation options.

As for Charbonnet; he contributes less than half of yards to Walker vs. LA. Seattle will miss him in short yardage but will be forced to adjust. LA is tuned to take advantage of it but Seahawks defense should also press Stafford; who has slowed down.
 
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Another example why the UFL has rules right. Every single play can be challenged and reviewed, and every possible call and penalty, there is no "does not qualify for replay". The only limitations is how many challenges a coach has.

I also have said 20-30 times the days of a ref on the field looking at a tablet should have died over a decade ago.
While I agree with you in theory, holding and pass interference are observed and enforced in a highly subjective way. As I have complained about it before I find it absolutely flabbergasting that a rules consultant is part of most NFL broadcasting and commentary team asks the rules expert to chime in on if the ruling that was made was right or incorrect.
Why not just select some random person at a pub, he or she could give their opinion after watching play, penalty call, and a replay or 2,3. between sips of beer.
The on air rules expert's opinion doesn't change what is called at the game, it means absolutely nothing, it's offered why? For what benefit?
It would appear with technology that individual players can have their actions during each play isolated in video. Why not just have analysts in New York to call penalties on every play?
I didn't see the Bills penalty call that everyone is talking about, Rex Ryan coming completely unglued over what he considers a blown call or 2
I actually find the Brothers Manning playful play by play pretty entertaining and I almost always enjoy guests both football professionals and regular people, fun to hear their take.
 
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The media bias is corporately understandable. Highlighting areas that half of US citizens couldn't find on a map means fewer eyes on the advertising. NFL and College teams gets paid by the eyes....That, and folks that live in NE urban areas spend most of Winter indoors more than those with ample outdoor recreation options.

As for Charbonnet; he contributes less than half of yards to Walker vs. LA. Seattle will miss him in short yardage but will be forced to adjust. LA is tuned to take advantage of it but Seahawks defense should also press Stafford; who has slowed down.
There is no doubting Charbonnet being out takes away from the running game. But I’m one of those who would prefer to see Walker get more carries anyways. My bigger concern is pass protection-Walker is not as able, and completely whiffed on on blitzes who ended up getting to Darnold in the last game. I believe the Hawks will have a rougher time running the ball against the Rams front 7, so we will see more passing from Darnold. That also attacks the weakest part of Rams defense. Thus pass protection becomes more critical especially on the left side if LT Cross can’t go or can’t go full speed.
 
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Beck should go into the draft. Particularly now that it was disclosed he missed classes for the last two years. That's bad even for SEC teams.
How many classes are we talking? Or do they mean all classes?! I believe Beck is a senior anyway.

I have said in other forums it's only a matter of time before the scholastic requirements for student athletes is removed all together. Or at most a player will be required to be enrolled in simply one class per year sort of thing. The money is too great, and the US is basically rooted in greed. Everything is corporate America now. Everything is about money.
While I agree with you in theory, holding and pass interference are observed and enforced in a highly subjective way.
Watch the UFL. Some of the replays and challenges of holding (line, and by DBs) has been fascinating to watch review, and hear Blandino and Pereira talk about. While there is subjectivity, what players and teams look for is consistency.

This is what I think has the Bills upset. No PI calls the entire game, until Denver's last drive. Though as I said before, they lost that game anyway, bad calls or no bad calls. They had plenty of chances to win and blew it. Same thing going back to the first Chiefs-Eagles SB. Was that last PI call valid? It wasn't consistent with the rest of the game. But the Eagles had 2, 3, chances to put that game away in the 4th quarter and couldn't do it.
Why not just select some random person at a pub, he or she could give their opinion after watching play, penalty call, and a replay or 2,3. between sips of beer.
They sort of tried that some years ago with Dennis Miller and Rush Limbaugh as guest commentators. The former was pretty bad aside from a few chuckles. The latter was a total unmitigated disaster.
It would appear with technology that individual players can have their actions during each play isolated in video. Why not just have analysts in New York to call penalties on every play?
The UFL has the Sky Judge team, that can do that, to a degree. But I agree technology is there to where another dozen 4k or 8k cameras could be put into every stadium - tied to software that detects things like motion (early offsides), and people watching monitors could be assigned to watch every player on every play, and call penalties accordingly. It may be strange, but fans will get used to it. The key again though will be consistency. But I can see this in the years ahead. I can actually see a day when less, maybe zero, referees are on the field even.

It sounds like Seattle will get George Holani back at RB. He was their 3rd string RB who played most similar to Charbonnet before he suffered a hamstring injury and went on IR. I honestly think people are overthinking Zach being out. If the Seahawks win the game it will be from Sam Darnold playing mistake free with a few clutch throws, and from their defense disrupting Stafford at least some. They don't do that, they certainly could lose. Charbonnet or no Charbonnet.
 
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How many classes are we talking? Or do they mean all classes?! I believe Beck is a senior anyway.

I have said in other forums it's only a matter of time before the scholastic requirements for student athletes is removed all together. Or at most a player will be required to be enrolled in simply one class per year sort of thing. The money is too great, and the US is basically rooted in greed. Everything is corporate America now. Everything is about money.

Watch the UFL. Some of the replays and challenges of holding (line, and by DBs) has been fascinating to watch review, and hear Blandino and Pereira talk about. While there is subjectivity, what players and teams look for is consistency.

This is what I think has the Bills upset. No PI calls the entire game, until Denver's last drive. Though as I said before, they lost that game anyway, bad calls or no bad calls. They had plenty of chances to win and blew it. Same thing going back to the first Chiefs-Eagles SB. Was that last PI call valid? It wasn't consistent with the rest of the game. But the Eagles had 2, 3, chances to put that game away in the 4th quarter and couldn't do it.

They sort of tried that some years ago with Dennis Miller and Rush Limbaugh as guest commentators. The former was pretty bad aside from a few chuckles. The latter was a total unmitigated disaster.

The UFL has the Sky Judge team, that can do that, to a degree. But I agree technology is there to where another dozen 4k or 8k cameras could be put into every stadium - tied to software that detects things like motion (early offsides), and people watching monitors could be assigned to watch every player on every play, and call penalties accordingly. It may be strange, but fans will get used to it. The key again though will be consistency. But I can see this in the years ahead. I can actually see a day when less, maybe zero, referees are on the field even.

It sounds like Seattle will get George Holani back at RB. He was their 3rd string RB who played most similar to Charbonnet before he suffered a hamstring injury and went on IR. I honestly think people are overthinking Zach being out. If the Seahawks win the game it will be from Sam Darnold playing mistake free with a few clutch throws, and from their defense disrupting Stafford at least some. They don't do that, they certainly could lose. Charbonnet or no Charbonnet.
The report I heard was....he didn't attend any classes. That would be all.
Totally agree on Sam not giving the ball up. He's got the receivers to make LA work and it'll take a play mixture to win this and the upcoming game. Play action is a good medium for him.
 
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There is no doubting Charbonnet being out takes away from the running game. But I’m one of those who would prefer to see Walker get more carries anyways. My bigger concern is pass protection-Walker is not as able, and completely whiffed on on blitzes who ended up getting to Darnold in the last game. I believe the Hawks will have a rougher time running the ball against the Rams front 7, so we will see more passing from Darnold. That also attacks the weakest part of Rams defense. Thus pass protection becomes more critical especially on the left side if LT Cross can’t go or can’t go full speed.
Walker was somewhat to totally ineffective blocking. That's where George Holani or the TE's come in, depending on play selection.
 
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Walker was somewhat to totally ineffective blocking. That's where George Holani or the TE's come in, depending on play selection.
Agreed. Holani was really playing well (including his practice reps) before he got hurt. Hard to know how close to 100% he might be just coming off the IR now. But that shouldn't effect his blocking much.
 
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How many classes are we talking? Or do they mean all classes?! I believe Beck is a senior anyway.

I have said in other forums it's only a matter of time before the scholastic requirements for student athletes is removed all together. Or at most a player will be required to be enrolled in simply one class per year sort of thing. The money is too great, and the US is basically rooted in greed. Everything is corporate America now. Everything is about money.

Watch the UFL. Some of the replays and challenges of holding (line, and by DBs) has been fascinating to watch review, and hear Blandino and Pereira talk about. While there is subjectivity, what players and teams look for is consistency.

This is what I think has the Bills upset. No PI calls the entire game, until Denver's last drive. Though as I said before, they lost that game anyway, bad calls or no bad calls. They had plenty of chances to win and blew it. Same thing going back to the first Chiefs-Eagles SB. Was that last PI call valid? It wasn't consistent with the rest of the game. But the Eagles had 2, 3, chances to put that game away in the 4th quarter and couldn't do it.

They sort of tried that some years ago with Dennis Miller and Rush Limbaugh as guest commentators. The former was pretty bad aside from a few chuckles. The latter was a total unmitigated disaster.

The UFL has the Sky Judge team, that can do that, to a degree. But I agree technology is there to where another dozen 4k or 8k cameras could be put into every stadium - tied to software that detects things like motion (early offsides), and people watching monitors could be assigned to watch every player on every play, and call penalties accordingly. It may be strange, but fans will get used to it. The key again though will be consistency. But I can see this in the years ahead. I can actually see a day when less, maybe zero, referees are on the field even.

It sounds like Seattle will get George Holani back at RB. He was their 3rd string RB who played most similar to Charbonnet before he suffered a hamstring injury and went on IR. I honestly think people are overthinking Zach being out. If the Seahawks win the game it will be from Sam Darnold playing mistake free with a few clutch throws, and from their defense disrupting Stafford at least some. They don't do that, they certainly could lose. Charbonnet or no Charbonnet.
I certainly have not thought it all the way through, don't know if I could really comprehend the foreseeable and unforeseeable circumstances from ultra technology approach to officiating the game, some kind of Rollerball hybrid were offending player(s) have a light that comes on. I think lots has improved with cameras and replay. I like lots of it, but like other people who hate it when the officiating team becomes a huge factor in the outcome.. I only know the problems not comprehensive solutions.
You left out a short run by Frank Caliendo who had a decent run. Dennis Miller was excellent. The Manning brothers are in a good place, can talk some inside football technical stuff but don't have such play by play pressure to not allow people to make Payton forehead jokes or that Eli through interceptions to dozens and dozens of different people. Will Ferrel and Big Ben Rothlesburger had some really funny back and forth jokes. Both Mannings come off as being able to take a joke as well as dish it out.

View: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jBvLED7FAZs&pp=ygUZZnJhbmsgY2FsaWVuZG8gam9uIGdydWRlbg%3D%3D