The expected outcome of both position battles. Now that Week 1 is here, the Cincinnati Bengals have confirmed the winners of two position battles. On Monday, head coach Zac Taylor announced that Trent Brown would be the starting right tackle. Taylor also announced that Dax Hill would be the second starting boundary cornerback. Zac Taylor says Dax Hill will start at CB. That’s in line with how reps have gone for some time. Taylor also says Trent Brown will start at RT. Not saying specifically due to injury, but points out Mims as a rookie not practicing today not ideal with veteran they like in place. — Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) September 2, 2024 It’s no surprise to see Brown win the job after his only competitor — first-round rookie Amarius Mims — has been sidelined for several weeks due to a pectoral injury. Brown was always the favorite for this job once he signed with the Bengals this offseason. However, Mims had a great training camp and preseason, while Brown missed the start of camp due to injury. That made this a competition, but it was effectively over once Mims was hurt and Brown was back at practice. Taylor also gave a brief update on Mims, saying the team would see how the week goes before deciding whether the rookie tackles will suit up against the New England Patriots. For what it’s worth, Mims was in uniform for practice but did not fully participate on Monday. Zac Taylor still staying close to the vest about Ja’Marr Chase. Says anything regarding his status is day-to-day. Also noncommittal about Amarius Mims (strained pec). Said that he would see about getting him through the week. pic.twitter.com/tNX9XAhRoD — Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) September 2, 2024 Amarius Mims was at practice today in uniform. Was last week as well, but just as last week, when we were viewing did not do any significant contact work. Example: When all starters blocked the 5-man sled together, he blocked an assistant holding a big red ball next to them. — Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) September 2, 2024 As for the cornerback battle, this was a much more contested battle after Hill was moved from safety this offseason to compete with DJ Turner. Hill played surprisingly well after struggling mightily at safety last year, so it’s good to see the former first-round pick may have found his natural NFL position.
Zac Taylor confirms winners of 2 position battles; gives update on Amarius Mims
Vikings/Giants Opening Odds: Minnesota Starts as a Road Favorite
Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images A rare position for the Vikings as of late In their opening game of the 2024 NFL season, the Minnesota Vikings currently find themselves in a position that seems a bit unfamiliar. According to our friends at FanDuel, the Vikings are a road favorite over the New York Giants in their 2024 season opener in early betting, with the purple currently installed as a 1.5-point favorite. The Giants will be kicking off their 100th season of existence on Sunday, and they’ll be doing so by sporting some. . .let’s call them “unique”. . .uniforms to celebrate the occasion. They’ll also be seeing the return of starting quarterback Daniel Jones, who appeared in just six games last season before tearing an ACL and threw just two touchdown passes. It will also be the debut for the Giants’ exciting first-round pick, wide receiver Malik Nabers, who will attempt to make things easier for Jones. The Vikings are going through plenty of changes of their own and are probably happy to get out on the field given all of the things that have happened to the team recently. It’s been a roller coaster of an offseason for the purple with the drafting (and subsequent loss for the season) of young quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the tragic death of rookie Khyree Jackson in an automobile accident, and numerous other on and off-field issues. The Vikings have moved on from Kirk Cousins at quarterback, as they’ll give Sam Darnold what could be his last opportunity to make an impression. You could definitely argue that Darnold has never had this much offensive talent around him as a starting quarterback, and it will be interesting to see whether or not he can take advantage of it. We’ll see if the Vikings can make good on their status as the road favorite in this one. Kickoff is slated for Sunday at noon Central time with coverage being provided by FOX.
Detroit Lions expect fans to push noise record, treat Stafford as enemy again
Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images Detroit Lions players are preparing for fans to push the Ford Field noise record, and that could mean enemy-territory treatment for Matthew Stafford again. The last time the Detroit Lions faced off against the Los Angeles Rams, Ford Field broke some records. Fans, excited for the first home playoff game in 30 years, set the stadium record for noise, reaching an ear-bleeding 133.6 decibels—a mark they would actually break the following week against the Buccaneers in the Divisional Round of the playoffs (134.4). “It was really loud. I don’t even know how to describe it,” linebacker Alex Anzalone said of the Rams game. “There was just like a buzz in the air, and I think that’s how it’s going to be going forward. So I’m really excited about that.” The two teams will face off again this week, just as they did in the Wild Card round eight months ago: Sunday night, Ford Field, Lions fans crazy and amped up as ever. “I’m fully expecting our fans to try and break that sound record again,” left tackle Taylor Decker said. “You know it’s going to be rocking and they’re going to be partying all day. It’s going to be fun. And they deserve to have the fun because they’ve been supporting us, or supporting this team for maybe 30, 40 years.” One of the more interesting questions is the type of reception former Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford will get in his second return to Detroit. Last season, Stafford was met with boos and “Jared Goff” chants the second he stepped on the field—even two hours before the game began. Will that change given this is only a regular season game, not the first playoff game in three decades? Decker admitted he doesn’t know what to expect, but he has an educated guess. “I have no idea what to expect. Knowing our fans, I’m expecting hostile territory for anybody who comes in here,” Decker said. “I know Stafford is going to take that in stride as a competitor. I don’t think that’s going to bother him one bit. But that’s just the nature of the business. They want to cheer for their team and anybody who comes in here is the enemy.” We’ve already gotten a taste of what Lions fans are capable of this year. In the preseason finale—yes, a preseason game—the Lions managed to not only sell out tickets (including standing room only seats), but the noise helped force two false start penalties by the Steelers. .@Lions fans causing false starts in preseason. GRIT. : #PITvsDET on @NFLNetwork : Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/7Y4Qk40g2t — NFL (@NFL) August 24, 2024 “That last preseason home game, definitely cool and kind of got the juices flowing, as far as the excitement and just getting in front of the fans,” Anzalone said. “Playing defense, there’s really nothing better than playing here.” It’s easy for defenders to feed off the energy, but the crowd noise does present a problem specific for Anzalone: attempting to communicate with his teammates pre-snap. It’s essential to get the initial play call in and convey any pre-snap adjustments to his teammates. Still, Anzalone knows the Rams offense is going to be struggling even more. “After the game, I’m going home and don’t really have a voice left for my wife and kid. So yeah, you definitely have to be more vocal, especially calling the plays. Signals become important playing defense,” Anzalone said. “It’s definitely difficult, but it hurts the opposing offense more.”
Lions announce captains for 2024 season, including 1 first-timer
David Rodriguez Munoz / USA TODAY NETWORK The Detroit Lions have named six players as their 2024 team captains, and one of them is a first-timer. The Detroit Lions announced on Monday the six players who will serve as captains for the 2024 season. They are Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Penei Sewell, Aidan Hutchinson, Alex Anzalone, and Jalen Reeves-Maybin. Last year, the Lions’ six captains were Goff, St. Brown, Sewell, Anzalone, Charles Harris and Reeves-Maybin. Goff and Anzalone have now both been team captains for each year under coach Dan Campbell. Sewell and St. Brown—two players who received big contract extensions this offseason— enter their second consecutive season as team captains. Reeves-Maybin is also entering his second straight season as captain, although he served as captain in a previous stint with the Lions. Of course, that leaves us with Hutchinson, the Lions’ first-round pick in 2022. This marks the first time in his Lions career he has been named captain. He was a two-time captain at Michigan, so it’s not all that surprising to see him take over that role again at the NFL level, particularly after leading the Lions in sacks for two consecutive seasons. “Hutch has been unbelievable this offseason, and I think he’s made huge, huge, huge strides from the time I arrived until where we are now,” new defensive line coach Terrell Williams said this summer. “It’s not me, it’s him studying tape. It’s him asking questions. Everybody sees big, tall 97 with long arms and Mr. Michigan, and all this other stuff, but what you don’t see is the time this guy puts in. “And he’s constantly asking questions, studying tape and studying other players, and working on his crazy. He’s an extremely coachable player. I love the guy because of what he’s about. He’s about getting better. He’s not about the glamour and glitz, he’s just a grinder. We need a lot more guys that have that mentality.” O captain, my captain pic.twitter.com/KWlI5Mvs0A — Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 2, 2024
NFL Week 1 odds have the Eagles favored against the Packers on a neutral field
Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images Which bet do you like more? NFL Weeks 1 odds have long been available by this point but, hey, I’d say the subject is especially topical now since … game week is FINALLY HERE! That’s right, your Philadelphia Eagles are kicking off their 2024 season with a “home” game against the Green Bay Packers in São Paulo, Brazil this Friday night. The Birds are currently three-point favorites at this neutral field location, according to FanDuel. This means the Eagles would likely be six-point favorites if the game was instead taking place at Lincoln Financial Field, since home field advantage is generally worth three points. At the risk of pissing everyone off (who, me?) at a time when people are just trying to be excited about the upcoming season, I tend to like the Packers in this matchup. I’ve been saying as much since this year’s schedule was announced. I’m buying the Packers hype. After some first half growing pains last year, the youngest team in the NFL finished the season red hot. They absolutely demolished Dallas at AT&T Stadium before arguably looking like the better team in a playoff loss to San Francisco. Jordan Love looks like the real deal. I think this will be a really good and competitive game between two of the top teams in the NFC but I’m giving the edge to Green Bay, a side that is 56-27 in the Matt LaFleur era. EAGLES LOSE: 0-1 Before you angrily start typing in the comment section below (too late?), a few things: I still have the Eagles going 13-4! I’m hardly down on the team’s big picture outlook simply because I think they’ll lose in Week 1. I just think the Packers are also going to be a very good team. And I think some are taking them a little too lightly. I do feel more encouraged about the Eagles’ outlook leaving camp than I did entering it. Jalen Hurts had a great summer, the team’s vibes seem to be high, key injuries were avoided … maybe I need to reconsider my stance on this game. I think this game will be really close even if the Eagles win, hence my inclination to take the three points rather than give them. The Packers could cover in a loss. OK, vibe check time on your end. What say you?
Eagles jersey number updates: Another new look for Jahan Dotson and more changes
Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images Philadelphia’s new wide receiver has already had two jersey numbers despite joining the team on August 22. As the unquestioned authority on all thing jersey numbers, we’d be remiss not to comment on some recent Philadelphia Eagles developments since the last time we checked in last week. It’s time for yet another very important #JerseyNumberAnalytics update. OVERVIEW CHANGE ON THE ROSTER WR Jahan Dotson — from No. 87 to No. 83 NEW PLAYER ON THE ROSTER DT Byron Young — No. 94 PRACTICE SQUAD CHANGES AND NEW PLAYERS TE Jack Stoll — from No. 83 to No. 87 TE Kevin Foelsch — No. 41 WR Griffin Hebert — No. 46 S JT Woods — No. 37 Let’s sort through this news on a player-by-player basis. JAHAN DOTSON We previously wrote that No. 87 wasn’t a good look for Dotson, so, the good news is that he’s no longer wearing that! The bad news is that No. 83 isn’t much better. No. 83 was most recently worn by John Ross. Here’s the history before that, via Pro Football Reference: Not exactly the most prestigious company, with all due respect to G-Lew. Positive spin: Dotson has the opportunity to carve out his own path. And he is at least aware that the number isn’t an ideal for him: I hope y’all understand the number decision is out of my control Just a guy happy to be here ! — Jahan Dotson (@JahanDotson) August 31, 2024 Still, no good reason for the Eagles to not make Braden Mann switch to something else to let Dotson have No. 10. If Dotson isn’t good, the team can’t say they gave him every opportunity to succeed. Gotta get more serious. BYRON YOUNG No. 94 is a solid get for a player entirely new to the team. Young was No. 93 on the Las Vegas Raiders and he was No. 47 at Alabama. His new number fits his role as a depth defensive tackle who can hopefully be credible but isn’t counted on to be a star or anything. If he can turn out to be anything like Beau Allen, who once held No. 94, that’d be a pretty great result relative to realistic expectations. Of course, he has a long way to get to that level. JACK STOLL Stoll was seen wearing No. 83 in practice last week upon rejoining the team. Good to now see him in Brent Celek’s old number, which we called for. Get Dotson out of No. 87 and give that to Stoll, who last wore No. 89 (now Johnny Wilson’s number) before leaving Philly earlier this offseason. Just not the part where Dotson gets No. 83. KEVIN FOELSCH Foelsch was wearing No. 43 for the Eagles in training camp. No. 41 isn’t ideal, but, hey, that’s life as the third tight end in the pecking order on the practice squad. GRIFFIN HEBERT Hebert had No. 48 (shared with Patrick Johnson) in camp. No. 46 is similarly not awesome, no real change for his stock. JT WOODS Woods had No. 22 at Baylor and on the Los Angeles Chargers. But now the 2022 third-round pick needs to rebuild his stock. Humbling moment for him.
Random Ramsdom: LA to add this former college coach?
Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports Los Angeles Rams News and Links for 9/2/24 Reportedly (and perhaps this will be confirmed by the time this Random Ramsdom is published) the Los Angeles Rams are going to hire a former college head coach in Scott Frost. I don’t know much about Frost nor do I know much about what his role will be, and that seemed like a pretty good topic for a Random Ramsdom! Please comment on whatever you like and happy Labor Day! LA Rams expected to hire former Nebraska head coach Scott Frost as senior analyst (on3.com) “The Los Angeles Rams are expected to hire former Nebraska head coach Scott Frost as a senior football analyst, On3’s Pete Nakos has confirmed. Frost was the head coach at Nebraska from 2018 through 2022. Before that, he held the same position at UCF where he helped the Knights finish 13-0 in 2017.” Been that way. Still that way.#RamsHouse | : @jayrock pic.twitter.com/T9M7U3du3y — Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) September 1, 2024 NFL Rumors: Former Nebraska HC Scott Frost Hired to Rams Staff Under Sean McVay (bleacherreport) “Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic and ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Sunday that head coach Sean McVay is hiring former NFL player and former Nebraska head coach Scott Frost. Thamel noted the position is officially senior football analyst, while Rodrigue said Frost “will help with a variety of roles on the staff (including special teams where they have a vacancy).” Rodrigue also explained “this has been in the works for a few days” after Frost spent time with the Rams during training camp.” how’d we do? pic.twitter.com/WQGhND1DuZ — Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) September 1, 2024 Rams’ offense will be passable only if Kyren Williams and company stay in running (latimes.com) “Now the pair — along with Ronnie Rivers — are poised to complement quarterback Matthew Stafford and receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua in coach Sean McVay’s scheme. In the second half last season, McVay and offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur adopted more of a smash-mouth rushing attack — and Williams flourished. He rushed for 100 yards or more four times in his last six games as the Rams rebounded from a 3-6 start and made the playoffs for the fifth time in seven seasons under McVay.” Most rushing yards per game in a single Rams season since Steven Jackson Broke as many tackles as Derrick Henry in five less games➕ More as Kyren heads into Year 3 — Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 31, 2024
10 Ravens poised for a breakout season in 2024
LB Odafe Oweh Nov 5, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Odafe Oweh (99) celebrates after making a defensive play against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports The Ravens watched Patrick Queen bet on himself last season and depart for greener pastures in Pittsburgh. The organization avoided making that mistake with their most naturally talented pass rusher, signing Odafe Oweh to his fifth-year option. The former Penn State edge rusher can focus on what he does best: rushing the passer. Baltimore drafted Oweh in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft out of Penn State. He started in 13 games last season and registered five sacks, tied for the most in his career. He also had 23 tackles, 12 quarterback hits, and two forced fumbles. With the departure of Jadeveon Clowney to the Carolina Panthers in free agency, Oweh could break out and have a double-digit sack season. CB Brandon Stephens BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 28: Rashee Rice #4 of the Kansas City Chiefs carries the ball against Brandon Stephens #21 of the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter in the AFC Championship Game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) Last season, Stephens finished 21st among qualifying corners in coverage DVOA with 11 passes defensed. Stephens started 16 games at cornerback, and the converted safety logged two interceptions and a 65.5 grade in coverage. WR Zay Flowers OWINGS MILLS, MD – AUGUST 12: Zay Flowers #4 of the Baltimore Ravens catches 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) The former Boston College star can get in and out of breaks better than most veterans in the league, and he’s reaching another gear after leading Baltimore in receiving as a rookie. The rookie led the team with 77 receptions for 858 receiving yards, developing into Lamar Jackson’s most reliable playmaker on the outside. Among other NFL rookie receivers last season, Flowers finished fifth in yards, fourth in receptions, fourth in yards per game (53.6), and seventh in touchdowns (5) while playing in an offense that led the NFL in rush attempts (541). WR Rashod Bateman Dec 17, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (7) celebrates after the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports A 2021 first-round pick, Bateman missed most of his second season after having foot surgery. He was still dealing with the effects last season after finishing with 56 targets, the fourth-most on the team behind Zay Flowers, Odell Beckham Jr., and Mark Andrews. Bateman caught 32 passes for 367 yards and one touchdown, playing in 16 games and starting 12 contests. Bateman will be in line for a more significant target share with Beckham gone. OL Andrew Vorhees Baltimore Ravens offensive linemen Andrew Vorhees (72) and Ronnie Stanley (79) run through a drill during a joint practice with the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at Ray Nitschke Field in Ashwaubenon, Wis. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Vorhees appeared in 44 games on the offensive line at USC, with 25 starts at right guard before the All-American tore his ACL during the 2023 scouting combine. With Kevin Zeitler departed, Vorhees will step right into the lineup after a redshirt year as a rookie and could earn Pro Bowl honors. TE Isaaih Likely Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (80) catches a pass during a joint practice with the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at Ray Nitschke Field in Ashwaubenon, Wis. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin He is “a chess piece” for offensive coordinator Todd Monken, and the 24-year-old tight end is coming off a 2023 season in which he logged 50 catches for 411 yards and five touchdowns. Most of that production came while Andrews (who missed seven games last season) was injured. DT Travis Jones Aug 17, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Travis Jones (98) tackles DAtlanta Falcons running back Carlos Washington Jr. (28) behind the line of scrimmage during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports Jones played less than 40 percent of the Ravens’ defensive snaps in his first two seasons, and in 2023, he logged 36 combined tackles and one sack with a 70.6 grade from PFF. A 2022 third-round pick out of UConn, Jones has appeared in 32 games for the Ravens over his first two seasons, starting just three contests. Jones has accounted for 60 career tackles, five tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. A talented pass rusher with game-shifting power, Baltimore is looking for more from the 6-4, 340-pound defensive tackle. DT Michael Pierce INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 26: Michael Pierce #58 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates a defensive stop against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second quarter in the game at SoFi Stadium on November 26, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) The Ravens and Pierce agreed to a 2-year, $7.5M contract extension through the 2025 season. The 31-year-old had 37 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, and a pair of fumble recoveries this past season. LB Trenton Simpson GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – AUGUST 24: Samori Toure #83 of the Green Bay Packers makes a catch against Trenton Simpson #23 of the Baltimore Ravens in the first half during a preseason game at Lambeau Field on August 24, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) Simpson gave a preview of his potential in the season finale against Pittsburgh, logging seven tackles and one sack on 26 snaps played. During the preseason, he played a lot of snaps, and looked like a future Pro Bowl weakside linebacker. RB Justice Hill OWINGS MILLS, MD – AUGUST 12: Justice Hill #43 of the Baltimore Ravens participates in a drill during
Atlanta Falcons Cut Two Players From Roster On Thursday
The Atlanta Falcons made a couple of roster moves on Thursday. They released offensive lineman Nolan Potter and defensive lineman Willington Previlon. Potter was with the team as an undrafted free agent while Previlon has been on several teams over the last few years. Both have yet to play in … HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 02: Atlanta Falcons helmets on the field during the Super Bowl LI practice on February 2, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) The Atlanta Falcons made a couple of roster moves on Thursday. They released offensive lineman Nolan Potter and defensive lineman Willington Previlon. Potter was with the team as an undrafted free agent while Previlon has been on several teams over the last few years. Both have yet to play in a regular season game and will be looking for new work elsewhere. Potter spent his collegiate career at Northern Illinois while Previlon played at Rutgers. The Falcons enter the 2024 season with a new coaching staff and a quarterback. Raheem Morris will be in his first season as head coach while Kirk Cousins will be the new starting quarterback after signing a five-year deal during free agency. They also have Michael Penix Jr. as the heir apparent to Cousins as he’ll get to develop behind him. The Falcons finished the 2023 season with a 7-10 record, good for third in the NFC South. They’ll start the 2024 season against former head coach Arthur Smith and the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 8 at 1 p.m. ET. Related: Falcons Coach Raheem Morris Rips Team’s Quarterback Play
Ja’Marr Chase is still sitting out of Bengals practice
Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images As the Chase turns. Game week is here for the Cincinnati Bengals, and it’s still a big question mark whether Ja’Marr Chase suits up Sunday against the New England Patriots or not. ‘Or not’ appears to be a very real possibility now. After sitting out the final two practices last week, Chase was once again in street clothes for the start of Monday’s practice. Chase is considered day-to-day, and it’s unclear if he plans to practice at all this week if a contract extension is not struck. The good news is this isn’t one of the three official game-week practices. Those begin on Wednesday and will offer the biggest hint as to whether or not Chase plans to play this week without a contract extension. Let’s hope a deal gets done soon and the Bengals can put this all behind them. Ja’Marr Chase (white shirt) is at practice and in stretch. pic.twitter.com/lebbbGrvFS — Mike Petraglia (@Trags) September 2, 2024 Want more Cincy Jungle coverage? Then go follow us on Twitter and Facebook to get all the latest Cincinnati Bengals news and views. And Who DEY!
