Lamar Jackson vs. Chiefs OWINGS MILLS, MD – AUGUST 12: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens attempts a pass during training camp at Under Armour Performance Center Baltimore Ravens on August 12, 2024 in Owings Mills, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) In four games against Kansas City, Lamar Jackson owns a 1-3 Record. The MVP quarterback is 68 of 121 passing (56.2% completion) for 750 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions, with ten sacks for 74 yards. As a runner, Jackson has 47 rushes for 303 rush yards (6.45 ypc), three rush touchdowns, and 2 Fumbles Lost. Derrick Henry OWINGS MILLS, MD – AUGUST 12: Derrick Henry #22 of the Baltimore Ravens participates in a drill during training camp at Under Armour Performance Center Baltimore Ravens on August 12, 2024 in Owings Mills, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) In four games against the Chiefs, Derrick Henry’s teams own a 3-1 Record. Henry has logged 78 carries for 447 yards (5.7 YPC) and six rushing scores. Lamar Jackson vs. the Blitz Jan 28, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) throws the ball as Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Drue Tranquill (23) defends during the first half in the AFC Championship football game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports Jonas Shaffer broke down Jackson’s struggles against the blitz during the 17-10 AFC title loss. Primetime dominance Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) is pulled down by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Odafe Oweh (99) as he throws in he first quarter of the NFL Week 11 game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. The Ravens have been really good over the past two seasons, but they’ve been almost unbeatable in primetime. Ravens defense was legit in 2023 Aug 9, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (92) warms up on the field before a preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports In 2023, Baltimore became the first team in league history to finish a season ranking No. 1 in points allowed (16.5 ppg), sacks (60), and takeaways (31, tied with/ NYG). Ravens can beat really good teams Aug 24, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh looks on during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports In 2023, the Ravens recorded an NFL-record 10 victories vs. teams that finished with a winning record and posted six wins vs. playoff teams. Baltimore also ranked No. 1 in the NFL in both point differential (+203) and turnover margin (+12, tied w/ NYG). Lamar Jackson the ultimate winner BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 02: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens runs with the ball against the Buffalo Bills at M&T Bank Stadium on October 02, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson needs one win over his first three starts to become the fifth QB in NFL history to reach 60 victories within the first 80 starts of a career, joining Patrick Mahomes (64), Tom Brady (60), Ken Stabler (60) and Roger Staubach (60). Patrick Mahomes could go into the HOF today Jan 28, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws the ball against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half in the AFC Championship football game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports As a starter, Patrick Mahomes has led the Chiefs to six consecutive AFC Championship Games and four Super Bowl appearances, winning NFL MVP twice (2018, 2022) and Super Bowl MVP honors thrice (2019, 2022, 2023). Since 2018, Mahomes has led the league in passing yards (28,140), touchdowns (219), 25+ yard completions (237), and first-down throws (1,389). With only 62 interceptions, he owns a +157 TD/INT ratio. Travis Kelce is legendary Jan 28, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) scores a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship football game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports Travis Kelce surpassed 11,000 receiving yards in the Week 12 regular season matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023. He now has amassed 11,342 yards from scrimmage (14 rush, 11,328 receiving), making him the only Chiefs player with 11,000+ scrimmage yards and one of two players with 11,000+ combined yards, joining Chiefs Hall of Famer Dante Hall (12,356). This accomplishment also made him the fastest tight end to reach 11,000 yards (154 games) and the only tight end in NFL history to have seven straight 1,000-yard seasons. Kelce also has the most receptions in his first 160 games (907) among tight ends in NFL history. Chris Jones Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) is pressured by Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) in the second half in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports Chris Jones has the most sacks (75.5) and sack yards (528.5) since 2016 among active defensive tackles and the second-most in the league among all defensive tackles, trailing only Aaron Donald (91.0). Jones also ranks first in passes defended (37) among all defensive tackles during that period.
Ravens vs. Chiefs: 10 stats to know for Week 1
More positive buzz on Bengals and Ja’Marr Chase making progress on contract extension
Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Plus a look at what Ja’Marr Chase’s contract would look like. Just before the NFL kicked off their 2023 season, the Cincinnati Bengals announced they had extended quarterback Joe Burrow, making him one of the highest-paid players in the history of the sport. The announcement came just before the Kansas City Chiefs opened the season on Thursday Night Football. Well, the Chiefs open the season against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night, which is the day after tomorrow, and, according to some, there may be positive movement between the Bengals and superstar wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. According to Albert Breer, the main thing that held up negotiations was CeeDee Lamb’s lack of an extension. Now that’s no longer an issue, and he could see that breaking the stalemate. “What Lamb’s deal does then, because of the similarities we ran through above, is confirm that Jefferson’s contract is now the going rate for the super elite at the position rather than some sort of outlier contract to be dismissed,” he wrote. “It won’t help the Bengals save money on Chase, but it does crystallize what it’ll cost to sign him now and that it’ll probably be even more expensive to do in 2025.” He further states that the Bengals obviously chose Chase over Tee Higgins, whom they offered the franchise tag, but no more. Now that Lamb’s deal is in the books, Chase could be close behind, because now the Bengals know exactly what the magic number is. According to Ian Rapoport, the two sides have made some progress in recent days. “The two sides are in talks for a deal though to make him among the highest-paid receivers in the NFL, or the highest-paid receiver, higher than Justin Jefferson,” he said. “There have been some talks, there has been some progress, but there’s for sure nothing done yet. So we’ll see what his status is.” Jeremy Fowler echoed Rapoport’s sentiments, saying he believes the Bengals are working harder now to get a deal done. “From what I’m hearing, the Bengals have intensified their efforts to try to get this done in recent days,” he said on SportsCenter. “They are hopeful to try to get him back on the practice field, because he’s been that hold in, on Monday, to get this going and get him under contract on a deal that would be well above $30 million per year on average.” The Athletic’s Dianna Russini (via the Scoop City podcast) reports that the Bengals still have Chase in the game plan for Sunday’s matchup with New England, so the team is at least planning for him to play. Finally, The 33rd Team’s Ari Meirov also reports that the Bengals made progress over the weekend with Chase and bridged the gap, enough that Meirov said he’s more optimistic that a deal will get done than he was last week. So, what would a Ja’Marr Chase extension look like? NFL salary cap guru Andrew Perrota projected what Chase’s deal could look like if it does make him the highest-paid wide receiver in the world. Here’s a Ja’Marr Chase extension proposal: 4yrs/$140.4M $35.1M APY (#1 for WRs) $70.25M Fully GRTD at signing (#2 WRs) $110M in total guarantees (tied 1st with Jefferson) Highest yr-1 cash ($40M) Highest 2-yr cash flow ($70.25M thru 2025 season) Under contract thru 2029 pic.twitter.com/TbBfvXePKX — Andre Perrotta (@andreperrotta13) September 2, 2024 Now that Labor Day is over, the Bengals have just over 48 hours to get a deal in the books before the opening day kickoff. Not that Thursday night stops them from extending Chase before Sunday, but it’s just more time ticking away. There’s also the possibility that Chase decides he won’t play without a new contract, something neither he nor the team have denied is a possibility. Considering that the Bengals want to get off to a fast start and that they face the Chiefs in Kansas City in Week 2, in a game that could have far-reaching playoff implications, they need Chase on the field. When he and Burrow are together, and both are at 100 percent, they’re among the most electric duos in the league. The Bengals know it, and Chase does, too, so it’s time for both sides to work something out. Hopefully, the two sides will come together in the next couple of days and get this over the finish line before Sunday’s opener against the New England Patriots.
Raiders roster: What’s Tyreik McAllister’s 2024 ceiling?
Tyreik McAllister | Photo by Louis Grasse/Getty Images Could 1 of surprises of training camp make an impact this season? Wide receiver/returner Tyreik McAllister was one of the surprise picks to the Las Vegas Raiders’ initial 53-man roster Let’s look at what to expect from McAllister in the 2024 NFL season: Size: 5-11, 180 pounds. Previous playing experience: McAllister, 26, played at Charleston and he was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2022. He spent some team on their practice squad that season and was cut by Denver the following spring. He spent the 2023 season with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League. McAllister led the league in returning yards and all-purpose yards. Why he made the team: McAllister showed improvement as training camp went on and he had a huge final preseason game against San Francisco with a punt return for a score and a long touchdown pass play in which he lashed his big speed. What he offers Raiders in 2024: For now he’s not guaranteed of being on the active game-day roster. But his big-play potential is tempting and the team could find ways to use him, especially on special teams early in the season. Best-case 2024 scenario: He is part of the playing rotation and he is option both on offense and on special teams as a dynamic kick and punt returner.
Game-by-game predictions for every Bills game in 2024
Game-by-game predictions for every #Bills game in 2024: Week 1: vs. Arizona Cardinals Cardinals’ Josh Mauro (69) puts pressure on Bills’ Josh Allen (17) during the fourth quarter at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. on Nov. 15, 2020. Prediction: Win Record: 1-0 The Cardinals have a lot to prove after a bad 2023… and an Orchard Park home opener is going to be difficult for anybody. Week 2: at Miami Dolphins (Thursday) Jan 7, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (86) is tackled by Miami Dolphins linebacker Jerome Baker (55) after running with the football during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports Prediction: Win Record: 2-0 It’s a short week but still early on in the year so it’s less of a worry. What will be a worry is someone being a Dolphins fan here–Josh Allen seems to always save his best games for Miami. Week 3: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (Monday) Oct 8, 2023; London United Kingdom, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) carries the ball against Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Josh Allen (41)during the first half of an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Prediction: Win Record: 3-0 The Bills get some revenge for losing to the Jaguars in London last year in a game where multiple players, such as linebacker Matt Milano, went down with injury. Week 4: at Baltimore Ravens (Sunday night) BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 02: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens drops back to pass while being chased by Tremaine Edmunds #49 of the Buffalo Bills in the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on October 02, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) Prediction: Loss Record: 3-1 The Ravens are fresh off a visit to the AFC Championship. This is a tough road game. Week 5: at Houston Texans Oct 3, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox (88) reacts to his touchdown catch and run as Houston Texans cornerback Terrance Mitchell (39) looks on during the first half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports Prediction: Loss Record: 3-2 Sorry to those upset at Stefon Diggs after he was traded to Houston… but the Texans look like a real powerhouse. Week 6: at New York Jets (Monday) Nov 19, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New York Jets cornerback D.J. Reed (4) tackles Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (86) after he made a catch during the first half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports Prediction: Loss Record: 3-3 Assuming the Jets still have Aaron Rodgers under center by Week 6, it’s hard to win every single division game in a year. Week 7: vs. Tennessee Titans Buffalo Bills place kicker Tyler Bass (2) kicks a field goal during the second quarter against the Titans at Highmark Stadium Monday, Sept. 19, 2022, in Orchard Park, New York. Prediction: Win Record: 4-3 Back to winning ways. Not only are the Titans weakened on paper this season, the Bills would be motivated to bounce back. Week 8: at Seattle Seahawks Nov 8, 2020; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) passes the ball as Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker K.J. Wright (50) defends during the second quarter at Bills Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports Prediction: Win Record: 5-3 It’s a west coast trip so it will be difficult but the Bills can get the upper hand here. Week 9: vs. Miami Dolphins MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 07: Khalil Shakir #10 of the Buffalo Bills is tackled by David Long Jr. #51 of the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) Prediction: Loss Record: 5-4 Again, it’s tough to win every game in the division and like it or not, the Dolphins are an improving team over the past few years. There’s a reason why Buffalo did not wrap up their fourth-straight AFC East title until the final week of the season last year. Weeek 10: vs. Indianapolis Colts Bills quarterback Josh Allen is brought down by Colts Ibraheim Campbell. Prediction: Win Record: 6-4 The Colts look like they might be rolling in the right direction. But by comparison, the Bills should edge them out at home if they’re serious. Week 11: vs. Kansas City Chiefs Jan 21, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) runs with the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second half of the 2024 AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports Prediction: Win Record: 7-4 The Bills have a better record against the Chiefs during the regular season than they do in the postseason. On top of struggling earlier on in the year during a tough stretch, Buffalo will want to win a big game in a big way here. Week 12: Bye ORCHARD PARK, NY – JULY 28: A general view of the helmets worn by Buffalo Bills players during training camp at the Adpro Sports Training Center on July 28, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) Prediction: Win (just kidding) Record: 7-4 Week 13: vs. San Francisco 49ers (Sunday night) Dec 7, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox (88) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers cornerback Jason Verrett (22) during the third quarter at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Chow-Arizona Republic Prediction: Win Record: 8-5 The Bills will be well rested against a team traveling from across the country. The 49ers are a solid team, but another big win here for Buffalo. Week 14: at Los Angeles Rams Sep 8, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Ben Skowronek (18) runs the ball defended by Buffalo Bills cornerback Christian Benford (47) in the first quarter at SoFi
Minnesota Vikings News and Links: What Are The Keys To Victory Over The Giants?
Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images Is this a trap game? It’s game week! The fan (that is us) is ready for whatever is going to hit it. The Vikings are slight favorites against the Giants which could mean this is a “trap” game (or not?). I think the Giants may feel like the Vikings as far as being disrespected by the prognosticators. I do not think the Vikings can take this game lightly nor do I think they will. I expect it will be much closer than we would like to see. What do you think? Minnesota Vikings open season Sunday at New York Giants: Matchups to watch Dallas Turner vs. Andrew Thomas Malik Nabers vs. the Vikings’ secondary Interior offensive line vs. Dexter Lawrence Darnold vs. the Giants’ pass rush Will Reichard vs. the kicker curse 5 New York Giants who can make life hell for the Minnesota Vikings 1. Dexter Lawrence, DT 2. Brian Burns, EDGE 3. Malik Nabers, WR 4. Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE 5. Andrew Thomas, LT Giants-Vikings, Week 1 storylines: 5 things to watch this week Minnesota Vikings News and Links Vikings Excited to Reach Week 1: ‘The Real Thing’s Here’ “It’s game week. It’s finally here,” Darrisaw said Monday. “All the buildup that led to it … to be here in September and the week coming up, the first one of the year, we’re definitely excited to go out as a full team and show who we are this year. “We’ve got to go do the work,” Darrisaw added. “It’s really not talking about it. It’s about doing it, so we just have to put it on the film and show what we’re about.” Veteran newcomers like Blake Cashman and Aaron Jones, Sr., are looking forward to making their Vikings debuts. “Just finally getting to put all our work together and showcasing it not only for ourselves but for our fans and the league,” Cashman said when asked the best part of reaching Week 1. “Nobody is really talking about the Minnesota Vikings, but a team that’s focused and prepares well is a dangerous team, and [we have] a lot of pieces where we can be successful and have a great year, so I look at it as we have everything to gain and nothing to lose.” After seven seasons with the Packers, Jones is beginning a new chapter. “I feel like the awareness is heightened,” Jones said. “Everybody’s a little more locked in. You know, camp is long, so I feel like toward the end of camp, it’s monotonous, some of the guys are – not tired, but drained a little bit. And so now it’s a fresh kick. Like, ‘Hey, we’ve had a couple days off, and now we get to jumpstart; the real thing’s here.’ “ Vegas Believes in Vikings Rookie Dallas Turner Prior to his injury, McCarthy was one of the favorites to win Offensive Rookie of the Year. Now, that is no longer possible. But the Vikings’ other first rounder is still very much in the running for Defensive Rookie of the Year. As of Monday morning, Turner is tied for the best odds available at BetMGM (+400). He has the 2nd-best odds, behind Laiatu Latu (Colts), at DraftKings (+450) and FanDuel (+440). Jaren Hall is back in the NFL On Monday morning, the Seattle Seahawks announced that they have signed Hall to their practice squad. Hall becomes the third quarterback on the Seahawks roster, joining starter Geno Smith and offseason acquisition Sam Howell. Vikings Announce Jersey Number Changes for 2024 Week 1 Stephon Gilmore – 2 Brian Asamoah II – 6 Will Reichard – 16 Fabian Moreau – 23 Nahshon Wright – 25 Theo Jackson – 26 Bobby McCain – 28 Dwight McGlothern – 29 Additionally, the Vikings announced newly added quarterback Brett Rypien will wear No. 19. Nike releases new Minnesota Vikings sneaker, check out the 2024 Air Zoom Pegasus 41 shoe ESPN simulated the 2024 NFL season. Vikings fans won’t like the results. FPI simulates the season thousands of times to offer predictions on records, playoff chances and more, but ESPN’s Seth Walder highlighted one specific simulation for a season preview. In this simulation, the Vikings manage a pathetic four wins, good for the worst record in the league and the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft. To throw salt in the wound, every other NFC North team finished with double-digit wins and made the playoffs. Again, we all know the rules, but in case someone is new: No discussion of politics or religion No feeding of the trolls Leave the gender hatred at the door Keep the bad language to a minimum (using the spoiler tags, if you must) Speaking of which, if discussing a newer show or movie, please use spoiler tags No pictures that could get someone fired or in serious trouble with their employer If you can’t disagree in a civil manner, feel free to go away While navigating the open thread, just assume it’s sarcasm
Jaguars vs. Dolphins: Miami slight favorites in 2024 Week 1 odds
Al Diaz/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images The Miami Dolphins open as home favorites in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Miami Dolphins open their 2024 NFL regular season on Sunday as they host the Jacksonville Jaguars. The typical South Florida September heat home field advantage for Miami is somewhat negated as they host another team from the state, but how much of an impact does that have on the betting odds in Week 1? Sunday afternoon is expected to have a high around 90 degrees Fahrenheit with a change of afternoon thunderstorms. The team index should be high, with the Jaguars stuck on the sunny sideline in Hard Rock Stadium while the Dolphins enjoy the shade caused by the stadium’s canopy. Is that enough to give Miami an odds? According to FanDuel Sportsbook odds, the Dolphins are favorites for the game – but not by much. Miami is listed as a three-point favorite as of Tuesday, essentially picking up just the home field advantage line as FanDuel’s oddsmakers seem to see the two teams as equals. Miami is -166 as the straight-up winner for the game while Jacksonville is +140 to win. The point total is set at 49.5. Do you think the three-point line accurately represents the Dolphins chances in Week 1? Will the line move as we progress through the week? Let us know your thoughts in the comments at the bottom of the page.
Only 2 Detroit Lions missing from Week 1 opening practice
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK The Detroit Lions had near full attendance in their Week 1 opening practice in preparation for the Los Angeles Rams. The Detroit Lions took the field on Tuesday afternoon for their initial Week 1 practice in preparation for Sunday night’s game against the Los Angeles Rams. It’s a slight deviation from a typical NFL schedule. Most Tuesdays are a player’s day off with Wednesday being the first practice of the week, but it appears the Lions wanted to get a head start on their week. Media is only now allowed to watch the first 15-20 minutes of practice, which typically only involves individual drills. But based on those observations, the Lions are entering the week quite healthy for the Rams game. Only reserve safeties Ifeatu Melifonwu and Loren Strickland were missing from practice. On Monday, coach Dan Campbell gave a very nondescript update on Melifonwu, whose injury is reported as an Achilles issue, per the Detroit Free Press. “It’s really something that’s just been lingering, even before (the Chiefs preseason game),” Campbell said. “It’s slow moving, that’s all. It’s slow healing and take it as it comes.” It’s unclear why Strickland was absent from Tuesday’s practice, and we won’t know officially until we get an official injury report, which is expected on Wednesday. If both players can’t go this week against the Rams, it would leave Detroit’s depth at safety a little thin. Detroit still has the services of Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph, and Brandon Joseph but the only possible other replacement they have is Erick Hallett, a second-year player who was only recently by the Lions to their practice squad last week. The good news is that several Lions players who were sidelined in the last week of training camp were all on the field and participating. That includes Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, Kevin Zeitler, Terrion Arnold, Carlton Davis, and Brian Branch. We’ll see if any of those players were technically limited in their participation when the official injury report drops on Wednesday afternoon.
VIDEO: Dan Campbell shows acting chops in hilarious Applebee’s commercial
Lions coach Dan Campbell is in a new Applebee’s commercial, and it’s as awesome as you’d expect. As if Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell couldn’t be more beloved. In just three short years, he’s managed to win in an “unwinnable” city. Along the way, he’s earned a ton of fans through his genuine and affable personality, not to mention some quirky moments here and there. The Applebee’s ad campaign managed to take all of Campbell’s best qualities and fit them in a 30-second spot featuring the Lions coach acting as an Applebee’s waiter. Check out the funny ad below: A couple things here. First, Campbell has some legitimate acting chops here. Whether it’s the darting eyes behind the notebook or the delivery of “They’ll never see it coming” through a wry smile, he absolutely nails the part. Second, let’s just take a moment to digest the fact that a Detroit Lions head coach is now the face of a national brand. Is there any other coach in Lions history you could imagine doing this (and succeeding at it)? This is all pretty damn cool.
Brian Daboll finally admits what we already knew — he will call plays
Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images Giants head coach will take over complete control of the offense New York Giants coach Brian Daboll finally admitted on Tuesday something that has been obvious for months. He will call offensive plays this season after allowing offensive coordinator Mike Kafka to do that the last two seasons. “Yeah I’m doing it,” Daboll said Tuesday. Daboll has called plays for the Giants’ offense since OTAs begin in the spring. Until Tuesday, the third-year head coach had not been willing to confirm that he would take on that role this season. Daboll was offensive coordinator with the Cleveland Browns (2009-2010), Miami Dolphins (2011), Kansas City Chiefs (2012), the University of Alabama (2017), and the Buffalo Bills (2018-2021) before taking the job as head coach of the Giants. Daboll is, then, no stranger to calling plays. The right decision? Yes, I believe this is the right move for Daboll. He has established himself as a coach now, and established relationships with players on both offense and defense. There is pressure on Daboll to both produce a better offense than the Giants had a season ago and to win games. To try and improve the chances of doing those things, Daboll is leaning into what he does best. Here is something I wrote about that on Sunday: Why do I think it’s the right call? “To start with, it is what Daboll does best. It’s what he loves. His offensive scheming and play-designing is what got him the Giants’ head-coaching gig in the first place. “This is a make-or-break year for Daboll’s quarterback. He has a shiny new toy in Nabers. As good a coach as I believe offensive coordinator Mike Kafka is, there has always been the oddity of Kafka calling the plays in what has been Daboll’s offense. “There is heat on Daboll to win more games, and to get his offense to score more than the 15.6 points per game it did last year, 30th in the league. “I think he is right to lean into his strength and be the voice in Jones’ ear on game days. “Rather than scream at Kafka about the ball not getting down the field enough, he can control that himself.” Injury updates Daboll had previously said he won’t discuss injuries until Wednesday when the first injury report comes out. He did confirm that everyone on the 53-man roster was available for practice in some capacity on Tuesday. New look Per Dan Salamone of Giants.com: The Giants are wearing their winged helmets at practice this week as part of the “Century Red” uniform. The offense is practicing in red jerseys (quarterbacks in blue), and the defense is in white. To me, that’s pretty cool.
Lawrence Taylor, of course, voted No. 1 player in New York Giants franchise history
Lawrence Taylor | Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images Giants release top 10 players, completing their top 100 list Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor, to no one’s surprise, has been voted the No. 1 player in New York Giants franchise history. The Giants on Tuesday released their top 10 players, completing the top 100 list created by an independent committee. See the full list on the team’s official website. Everyone on the Giants’ top 10 list are members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Only two have started their careers post-1990. Here’s the list: 10. DE Andy Robustelli (1956-1964) Robustelli started his career with the Los Angeles Rams in 1951. He was a 19th-round draft pick (228th overall) out of Arnold College in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He was traded to the Giants and helped New York conquer the Eastern Division; the Giants played in six conference championships during his tenure in New York, with one NFL championship (1956). Robustelli was a two-time NFL champion (won one with the Rams in 1951), a six-time First-team All-Pro, a four-time Second-team All-Pro, and a seven-time Pro Bowler. The 6-foot. 230-pound defensive end is in the Giants’ Ring of Honor. He also is the only football player to have played in the first two nationally televised NFL games. 9. LB Sam Huff (1956-1963) The Giants drafted Huff in the third round out of West Virginia. Defensive coordinator Tom Landry knew Huff fit perfectly into his new 4-3 defense as the MIKE linebacker. Huff helped the Giants win the NFL Championship in 1956 and was a two-time First-team All-Pro and a four-time Second-team All-Pro. He also made the Pro Bowl five times. Huff left the Giants and played for the Washington Redskins from 1964-1967. He did not play in 1968 but returned to Washington in 1969 after Vince Lombardi talked him out of retirement. Huff coached Washington’s linebackers in 1970. He is a member of both the Giants and Washington’s Ring of Honor, and his number 75 is retired at West Virginia. 8. QB Eli Manning (2004-2019) Eli Manning brought the New York Giants back to prominence after he was selected first overall by the San Diego Chargers out of Ole Miss in 2004. Ernie Accorsi traded to acquire Manning’s rights; the rest is history. Manning won the Giants two Super Bowls, in which he was the MVP. He made the Pro Bowl four times and is a rightful member of the Giants’ Ring of Honor. Manning finished his career with 57,023 passing yards with 366 career passing touchdowns, both of which rank 10th all-time. He also held the third-longest consecutive starts streak by an NFL quarterback — an impressive 210 straight games from 2004-2017. He is one of the recent faces of the franchise and is still active with the organization. He said it best when quoting the late Wellington Mara at his retirement ceremony: “Once a Giant, always a Giant…for me, it’s only a Giant.” 7. LB Harry Carson (1976-1988) The Giants selected Carson out of South Carolina State in the fourth round (105th overall). He played in 173 games with the Giants and helped them win Super Bowl XXI. Carson was a four-time Second-team All-Pro and a nine-time Pro Bowler. Bill Belichick considered Harry Carson one of the best all-around linebackers he has ever coached. He was one of the NFL’s most disciplined and sound-run-defending linebackers of all time. After quite a long wait, he was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006. He was one of three captains on the Giants’ first Super Bowl team, and his name engenders great respect from those who had the privilege of playing next to him. 6. DB Emlen Tunnell (1948-1958) Tunnell was an elite safety and kick return specialist for the Giants. He went undrafted in 1948 out of Iowa and Toledo before that. He was the first African American to play for the New York Giants. At the time of his retirement, Tunnell held NFL career records for interceptions with 79, interception return yards with 1,282, total punt returns with 258, and total punt return yards with 2,209. He was a two-time NFL champion—1956 with the Giants and 1961 with Vince Lombardi and the Packers. He was a six-time First-team All-Pro and a nine-time Pro Bowler. He was a member of the 1950s All-Decade Team, the 50th Anniversary All-Time Team, and the 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. He also enlisted in both the Army and the Navy during World War II, but a neck injury landed him with the Coast Guard, where he served on the USS Etamin, where his heroic efforts saved fellow American lives in the South West Pacific. 5. DE Michael Strahan (1993-2007) The Giants selected Strahan in the second round (40th overall) out of Texas Southern. He was one of the most dominant defenders in his era. In 2001, he was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year after setting the sack record; 22.5 sacks is still the record, although he shares it with current Pittsburgh Steeler T.J. Watt. Strahan was a four-time First-team All-Pro and a two-time Second-team All-Pro, and he made the Pro Bowl eight times. He led the league in sacks twice (2001 and 2003) and was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 2000s. Strahan finished his career with 854 tackles, 24 forced fumbles, four interceptions, three defensive touchdowns, and 141.5 sacks, which ranks sixth all-time — officially — since sacks were not a counted statistic until 1982. He is tenth all-time on the unofficial list. 4. Frank Gifford (1952-1960 / 1962-1964) Frank Gifford did it all for the Giants. He was selected out of USC in the first round (11th overall) and thrived at half-back, quarterback, flanker, and safety for the Giants. He was the MVP when the Giants won the NFL Championship in 1956. He was a six-time First-team All-Pro and an eight-time Pro Bowler. Gifford also won Comeback Player of the Year in 1962 after taking a football
