/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73909630/2082477849.0.jpg?w=1920&resize=1920,1267&ssl=1 "Mining prospects that didn’t get invited to the NFL Scouting Combine")
KOC seems optimistic about Addison suiting up in Week 1 | Brad Rempel-Imagn Images The second-year wideout is “in a good spot” per his head coach In the pivotal Wednesday media session before a Sunday game, Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell appeared optimistic about having his No. 2 option in the passing game available on Sunday. Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell says WR Jordan Addison “is in a good spot” and said “I feel pretty good about him” for the game. Said WR Jalen Nailor is progressing well, too, from an ankle injury suffered in practice. — Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) September 4, 2024 Officially, Jordan Addison was limited on Wednesday and is listed as questionable for Sunday, but seems to be more likely to suit up than Jalen Nailor, who would likely be the team’s third option at wideout but is dealing with an ankle injury suffered in practice last week. Brian Flores’ defense may have been a giant step forward from the abomination the team fielded under Ed Donatell the year before, but the team is looking for even more progress in Year 2 as the the entire team — including the defense — is in the midst of a major retooling. Brian Flores has more buttons to push with Vikings’ defense this year (sub req’d) In this piece from Matthew Coller at Purple Insider, he breaks down what the additions mean as the team has spread things out financially with Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel and rookie Dallas Turner as opposed to putting all their eggs — fragility pun possibly intended? — in the Danielle Hunter basket. Minnesota Vikings News and Links With Kene Nwangwu out of the picture, it was unclear who the Vikings would have returning kickoffs with the new rule change for the 2024 season. Initially, Myles Gaskin was considered an option — and while it appears things will stay in the backfield after Nwangwu’s departure, those duties will go to second-year rusher Ty Chandler. Vikings running back Ty Chandler will return kickoffs in NFL’s new format Chandler returned kicks in college at both of his stops — Tennessee and North Carolina — and will now get a chance to handle the ball a bit more often than as the handcuff to starting running back Aaron Jones. If you need a refresher on the new kickoff rules, click here. Judd Zulgad has a fun one over on his aptly named Judd’s Substack about how Vikings legend Harrison Smith isn’t quite ready to hang them up. Smith, a second-round pick in 2012, is one of just 21 draftees from that class to take at least one snap last season (as well as current Vikings cornerback Stephon Gilmore (10th overall) and former Vikings Riley Reiff (No. 23) and Kirk Cousins (No. 102). Not done yet: Harrison Smith isn’t prepared to say this will be his last season Related: Smith tore the gracilis in his left thigh in Dec. 2015 and has played through it, despite attempting (and ultimately succeeding in) purposely tearing the remaining 10 percent Smith wants to push further on down that list of players from his draft class — and how’s this for a wild story? He tore a muscle in his left thigh against the Seahawks in 2015 — and deliberately tried (through much pain and anguish) to tear it the rest of the way on purpose before it happened almost accidentally. What a warrior. Matt Fries has a good piece over at Zone Coverage detailing how the Vikings and their Week 1 opponent, the Giants, have found themselves in similar situations entering the 2024 season. The Vikings and Giants Took Diverging Paths — Did They End Up In The Same Place? We all remember Danny Dimes ending the Vikings’ 2022 season in the playoffs, right? But we all also realize he’s played just seven games since — and won just one — right? Both teams have question marks at quarterback, but only one team is paying theirs a huge portion of their salary cap this season. How similar are the Vikings and Giants right now? Fries also draws comparisons with tight end trades and free-agent additions, though the quarterback stuff is the main course in my view. Stop me if you’ve heard this before: the national media is overrating the Packers again. More on that in a second. Bill Barnwell of ESPN.com posted his list of 20 teams who could make the playoffs this season — spoiler alert: the Vikings are the only NFC North team not mentioned — and at the end, he concludes that the Packers will lose in the Super Bowl to the Chiefs. 2024 NFL playoff field projections: 20 teams that could make it Don’t get me wrong; there’s certainly a chance Jordan Love is the next in the line of Packers quarterback lineage to lead the team to, or near to, the promised land. But do we really have to put them in the top five in power rankings to start every single season as though they’re written there in Sharpie? Maybe it’s just sour grapes, but I really do think the national media’s love-fest with the Packers every offseason is just a bit too much. Sound off in the comments if you disagree. In the news Tyrone Tracy Jr. did not appear on the injury report for the Giants this week — a minor miracle after he departed a training camp practice on a cart with an air cast nearly a month ago. Instead, Tracy was diagnosed with an ankle injury that did not cost him much time in the preseason, and he’s not slated for second-team work behind starter Devin Singletary. MarShawn Lloyd was projected as “limited” in Wednesday’s practice for the Packers. The team was traveling to Brazil for its first game of the season on Friday and not actually on the field practicing (hence the “projected” above). The Vikings play the Packers at the end of the month, so it’ll be worth
Minnesota Vikings News and Links: KOC Feeling “Pretty Good” About Jordan Addison Playing vs. Giants
Phinsider Question Of The Day: Week 1 Dolphins MVPs Edition
Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images This is finally it. We are only one day away from the NFL season kickoff and only four days from seeing our Miami Dolphins retake the field in a game that matters. With many new faces on the Dolphins 2024 roster vs. last season, we will all be looking to some of the new free agents and drafted rookies to make a splash this season if we hope to see this team take another step forward. Can we get a playoff win or two this season, please? But who will show that the faith that the Dolphins front office put in them by signing or drafting them was warranted? So tonight’s Phinsider Question Of The Day is: Who do you think will kick off the 2024 season by being the MVP(s) of the Miami Dolphins for week one on both offense and defense? Please give us your answers and thoughts on the question of the day in the comments section below-
Miami Dolphins dealing with plethora of injuries; thirteen players listed on first official injury report
Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images Many veterans rested on Wednesday; Jalen Ramsey sits with hamstring injury. The Miami Dolphins will host the Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday as the NFL’s regular season finally arrives. Ahead of that contest, the Dolphins released their first official injury report of the season following Wednesday’s practice — and in classic Miami fashion, it reads like a CVS receipt. In total, thirteen players were listed on the team’s injury report. Of those thirteen, four were named strictly for “vet rest” purposes. Those players were left tackle Terron Armstead (DNP), defensive tackle Calais Campbell (DNP), cornerback Kendall Fuller (LIMITED), and linebacker David Long (LIMITED). Three other players were listed as “vet rest,” but also other ailments. Those included linebacker Jaelan Phillips (DNP) who is still recovering from his offseason achilles surgery, Jordan Poyer (LIMITED) who is making his way back from a thumb injury, and linebacker Anthony Walker (LIMITED) who is battling a knee issue. Starting center Aaron Brewer was limited with his hand laceration, linebacker Quinton Bell was limited with a thumb injury, defensive tackle Benito Jones was limited with a knee injury, rookie wide receiver Malik Washington was limited with a quad injury and safety Jevon Holland was a full participant despite an ankle injury. The only Dolphins player who did not participate due to an injury alone was that of star defensive back Jalen Ramsey who is dealing with a hamstring injury. If he is unable to suit up on Sunday against the Jaguars, Miami’s cornerback unit will suddenly look very thin on paper. In stark contrast to the large number of injuries the Dolphins are dealing with, the Jaguars listed only one player on their report — backup safety Daniel Thomas who was limited with an achilles injury. We will continue to keep you updated on all of Miami’s injuries as the week progresses. First Dolphins injury report of the season: It’s officially a hamstring injury for CB Jalen Ramsey. Vet rest DNPs for Terron Armstead, Jaelan Phillips and Calais Campbell Aaron Brewer limited with a hand injury pic.twitter.com/kxEdpveS6m — Marcel Louis-Jacques (@Marcel_LJ) September 4, 2024
Poll: How many games will the Giants win in 2024?
Photo by David Berding/Getty Images That’s the question at hand in this week’s ‘SB Nation Reacts’ survey The 2024 NFL season is here, and with it comes the return of our ‘SB Nation Reacts’ surveys. We’re starting off with the question on everyone’s mind as the New York Giants get set to take on the Minnesota Vikings in the season opener: How many games will the Giants win in 2024? Vegas has settled on 6.5 wins as the over/under for the Giants in 2024. The Giants have only exceeded that mark once since 2017 — their 2022 trip to the playoffs — so outlets are split on whether they’ll have more than six wins this year. I came up with an average record of 5-12 when I simulated their season earlier this year, with 4, 5, or 6 wins as their most common result. But a lot has changed since May, and now we want to see what Giants fans think about their team heading into the season. How many games do you think they’ll win? Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in New York Giants fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys. Please take our survey
Could this new addition to coaching staff be Rams future offensive coordinator?
Dylan Widger-Imagn Images Could new addition Scott Frost be a future offensive coordinator for the Rams? It seems like almost every offseason, the Los Angeles Rams coaching staff under head coach Sean McVay has gotten purged. Whether it’s coordinators taking head coach positions such as Kevin O’Connell, Zac Taylor, Raheem Morris, and Brandon Staley or position coaches taking coordinator job like Zac Robinson did this past offseason, everybody wants part of what the Rams are building. While it can be frustrating to lose coaches and coordinators every single offseason, it also helps keep ideas fresh and it is part of what makes a good culture. However, that doesn’t mean that McVay can’t or shouldn’t prepare for it to happen. Last week, the Rams made the decision to bring in Scott Frost who formerly coached Nebraska and UCF. Said McVay, “Scott’s a guy that I’ve always really respected from afar. He came out and spent a couple of weeks with us this offseason and there’s a lot of mutual connections. Tetting a chance to see him spend time with our group and a lot of different people on our staff, it felt like a really seamless fit. He’ll help [Special Teams Coordinator] Chase [Blackburn] out with special teams, but he’ll also have involvement on offense and defense. Just to be able to get a quality caliber coach like him in the building…As you guys know, we’ve had a lot of turnover for the right reasons and you can’t have enough good quality people in-house.” The last part of what McVay said about Frost is interesting. It’s almost as if McVay brought in Frost with the expectation that he will be losing coaches this offseason and this is a coach that he respected. Frost may be helping initially with special teams, but as McVay noted, he’ll also be involved on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Frost played special teams when he played in the NFL as a safety and with the Rams needing help on that side of the ball after a poor showing in 2023, it makes sense for his primary role to be in that spot. However, unless the Rams opt to move in a different direction, Blackburn will probably be back as the special teams coordinator in 2025. One coordinator who the Rams may not be as lucky with is Mike LaFleur. Going into his second year as the offensive coordinator under McVay, it’s almost expected that he will get a head coach job next year. That will especially be the case if the offense once again ranks inside the top-10. Under McVay, the Rams have never had the same offensive coordinator for more than two years and LaFleur is going into his second season. Notably, while Frost does have some defensive coaching experience, he was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Oregon from 2013-2015. With the Ducks, he finished every year ranked among the nation’s top six in both scoring and total offense. At UCF in 2017, Frost took Chip Kelly’s offense from Oregon and evolved it. The Knights ranked fifth in total yards while going 13-0. While his offenses weren’t as successful at Nebraska, he led the 28th ranked offense in 2018 and the 21st ranked offense in 2021. Before he got fired in 2022, the Cornhuskers were averaging 492 yards per game. That’s not to say that Frost’s offense didn’t have problems or that he was perfect as a head coach. His tenure at Nebraska came with its fair share of drama and unprofessionalism. As noted at the time by The Athletic’s Mitch Sherman, “He’s an undisciplined coach and the players lack discipline…Leadership has to come from the top. When adversity strikes, you bring everybody together…For too long, Frost wouldn’t look for help. It was stubbornness with him. His personality wouldn’t allow it.” Frost’s stint with the Rams could be an attempt to heal his image and learn from one of the best. The Rams have typically hired within when it comes to the offensive coordinator positions. The fact that McVay is making this type of hire right before the season is notable. If LaFleur were to get a head coaching job, Nick Caley or Dave Ragone would certainly be in contention. Still, this seems to be a coach that McVay clearly respects and with the departure of Chili Davis, adding Frost to the special teams staff makes sense. With that said, Frost’s experience as an offensive coordinator is certainly worth noting. If someone like Ragone were to get promoted, Frost could potentially step in as the quarterbacks coach and be the next in line. Throughout the McVay era, the Rams have been one of the best when it comes to developing future coaches. At this point, it’s clear that McVay is aware and the addition of Frost is a testament to that.
Ravens CB Brandon Stephens is not worried about being in contract year
Ravens CB Brandon Stephens is not worried about being in contract year Kevin Oestreicher The Baltimore Ravens will rely heavily on cornerback Brandon Stephens during the 2024 season. He will play opposite Marlon Humphrey at the cornerback position and look to build upon his phenomenal 2023, which saw him take center stage as Baltimore’s No. 1 cornerback when Marlon Humphrey went down with injuries. Stephens is entering a contract year, which presents him with a big opportunity to earn big money with another standout season. When asked about his situation, he said he’s not worried about it, wanting to focus on doing his job while the rest takes care of itself. “I’m not even worried about it. I’m just here to do my job – the rest will take care of itself, and I’ll let that side just handle itself. I can’t really do anything about it on my own – all I can do is come out here on the field and continue to prove myself.” Stephens has had quite the NFL journey, switching positions multiple times before finding his place as an outside cornerback. He is a big part of what Baltimore does on the defensive side of the ball and is needed to have a big year.
Burrow says Chase is ready to go; admits there are game plans for Chase playing vs. being out
Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images The Bengals are still preparing for Ja’Marr Chase to potentially be out Sunday. As of now, it appears the Cincinnati Bengals will have Ja’Marr Chase ready for Sunday’s opener vs. the New England Patriots, but it’s far from a given. Following an extended hold-in that crept into this week, Chase returned to practice on Wednesday, a good sign that he plans to play this week, even if a contract extension is not reached. However, the Bengals are still preparing for the scenario of Chase not being available this week. Following Wednesday’s practice, Joe Burrow shared some insight into Chase’s return. Burrow said that Chase looked like he was ready for live game action. However, Burrow added that the team does have separate game plans for Chase being in or out on Sunday. Burrow also admitted that Chase hasn’t said if he will play or not. Joe Burrow confirms the Bengals have separate game plans for Week 1 Sunday against New England— one if Chase is available and one if he isn’t active. On Chase’s physical shape: “He is ready to go.” — Charlie Clifford (@char_cliff) September 4, 2024 Burrow on Chase playing: I don’t have any expectations. We haven’t had those discussions. — Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) September 4, 2024 Even though Chase has returned to practice, there’s still a chance he opts to sit out Sunday if a deal isn’t reached by then, so it’s a smart move for the Bengals to game plan for both scenarios. Let’s just hope the two sides reach a contract agreement and we don’t have to worry about the scenario of Chase sitting out. Joe Burrow, on Ja’Marr Chase: “Our relationship hasn’t changed. I’m not getting involved in his business.” Here’s a clip from Joe’s press conference— pic.twitter.com/rWK8FvCUyh — Caleb Noe (@CalebNoeTV) September 4, 2024 Follow our Twitter and Facebook pages for more Cincinnati Bengals news. Who Dey!!
Miami Dolphins Week 1 fan survey: Who will be the best addition this year?
Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images Our SB Nation Reacts poll is back as the Miami Dolphins prepare for Week 1. Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Miami Dolphins fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys. The Miami Dolphins kick off their 2024 NFL regular season on Sunday when they host the Jacksonville Jaguars. The first of 17 game over the next 18 weeks, Sunday’s contest will provide some insight into the 2024 version of the Dolphins. How will the newcomers to the team perform? Our SB Nation Reacts poll returns for your thoughts as the season kickoff looms. Along with voting for which new player on Miami’s roster will have the biggest impact on the team this year, we asked if you think wide receiver Tyreek Hill will break the NFL record for receiving yards in a season (1,964 yards from Calvin Johnson in 2012). We also have a chance to update our fan confidence poll for the Dolphins. Check out the poll below and head to the comments to discuss why you voted as your did. Please take our survey
Week 1 injury report: Jahmyr Gibbs returns in full, just 3 Lions dealing with injuries
Sign up for Season 2 of PODD Big things are in store for our newsletter, Pride of Detroit Direct. I’m excited to announce we’ve added Ty Schalter this season. Listen to exclusive podcasts sent directly to your inbox and read more voices from our team at Pride of Detroit by clicking below to sign up for a 7-day free trial today!
Eagles Film Room: Concept of the Week – Dart
Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images Football is back! As we start the new season, I want to thank you all for reading my stuff over the years. I started my own blog around 2015, and after it was picked up by BLG, I’ve been writing for Bleeding Green Nation since 2016. I’m immensely grateful for this wonderful site, and the opportunity is never lost on me. This year, in addition to writing the All22 offense and defense reviews after the game, I will also be adding another article known as ‘Concept of the Week’. I will break down a certain concept or play on offense and defense and explain the play in more detail. Hopefully, this will allow you to look out for that play in future weeks. This week, we will start with a play we saw in preseason, known as Dart. Dart Dart is a gap-scheme run rather than a zone run (such as outside zone or inside zone). If you are wondering what the difference is, in zone runs, the offensive linemen move into space and block whoever comes into their zones. On gap scheme runs, it is predetermined based on the alignment who the offensive lineman will be blocking. Some coaches will call Dart tackle power because it plays out like Power but with a pulling tackle rather than a pulling guard. Here are some examples of Dart on the whiteboard, courtesy of the excellent Logan Radke. It’s an easy play to spot; just look for a pulling tackle. And here’s what it looks like with real players! Take a look at the play side guard, as he is in the perfect position to block the 1-technique. We will get to him later! So, let’s talk about what Dart is and why I like the concept. Firstly, unlike with the zone running game, you won’t see double teams at the line of scrimmage. Dart is also a great mix-up to power/counter because those runs involve pulling guards, leaving you vulnerable to quick interior penetration from the opposing defensive tackle. Dart allows your interior lineman to stay inside, which makes it a ‘safer’ run, but as I said earlier, the tackle has further to travel, so he needs to be very athletic. Luckily for the Eagles, they have two highly athletic tackles! The running back will usually aim to run behind the tackle who is pulling and look for a gap to open up. The Eagles ran Dart quite a few times in the preseason, so I expect to see it over the next few weeks. They may rely on their two outstanding tackles more now that Jason Kelce is no longer the focus of the run game. Here are some examples from the preseason. 6) I was very happy to see some ‘Dart’ (tackle power) a couple of times in this game. The Eagles barely ran it last year which I never understood considering how athletic both tackles are. I hope we see it more frequently this year! This is another tidy run from Shipley too. pic.twitter.com/Cc843ySMmZ — Jonny Page (@JonnyPage9) August 19, 2024 Dart!! @JonnyPage9 pic.twitter.com/XjoJd8VSj0 — Shane Haff (@ShaneHaffNFL) August 24, 2024 Dart is a challenging play to run, and you don’t see a lot of it because the offensive tackle has a lot of ground to cover. A pulling guard is more popular because he has a shorter distance to travel. One of the significant benefits of Dart is that the offense can attack the defense’s 1-technique. On zone runs such as outside zone, the guard will often have to cross the face of the defensive lineman before you can block him. Whereas, with Dart, the guard is already in the perfect position to block the 1-technique, who is often going to be the defense’s best-run defender. Finally, although we haven’t seen this in the preseason, the Eagles have run QB Dart in recent years. It’s the same play, but quarterback runs give you an extra man in the box, so the Eagles don’t have to block the EDGE defender next to the tight end. I am fascinated to see if Kellen Moore runs Jalen Hurts a lot this year. QB Dart pic.twitter.com/6JBsVPAlhk — Jonny Page (@JonnyPage9) July 10, 2023 Lastly, I am going to be doing the same segment on my podcast weekly, so if you want to check out a video explanation in addition to the article, you can do so here! On the Shane Page Ep.4⃣5⃣ Eagles @ Patriots All-22 Film Review Is the Kenny Pickett hate out of control? The Eagles concept of the week: Dart Our Patreon members chose Nakobe Dean for our player spotlight so we take a deep dive into his performance@ShaneHaffNFL… pic.twitter.com/MilUK0vXlm — Eagles Pin-Pull: A Philadelphia Podcast Network (@EaglesPinPull) August 20, 2024 As always, feedback and comments are appreciated, especially as this is a new segment. Thanks all!
