/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73916598/2188541132.0.jpg?w=1920&resize=1920,1267&ssl=1 "The Linc – Kevin Patullo is “well-deserving and a great, great coach”")
PFF: #Bills’ James Cook named a 2024 ‘fantasy football league winner’ This is the year to invest in James Cook, according to Pro Football Focus. The football analytics outlet named five “league winners” for the upcoming fantasy football and NFL season. Cook’s name appears. Fresh off his first season as a Pro Bowler in 2023, Cook could be a big piece in fantasy football leagues this year. Especially since Joe Brady was named Buffalo’s full-time offensive coordinator. When Brady took over for Ken Dorsey last season in the middle of the year, he had a new-found commitment to the rushing attack which Cook benefited from. But the one concern Cook owners might have would be with his touchdown totals. Could fourth-round rookie Ray Davis cut into Cook’s totals? PFF’s full fantasy football breakdown on Cook can be found below: Cook flashed versatility in his second season, playing well on gap/zone plays and excelling on non-perfectly blocked plays and against eight-man boxes. He has been particularly good at breaking off longer runs, although they haven’t led to touchdowns. The Georgia product took major steps forward in his utilization from his rookie year to his sophomore campaign, playing significantly more snaps in every situation while receiving the ball roughly the same amount while he was on the field. Latavius Murray and Damien Harris were his primary competition early in the 2023 season, but neither is on the 2024 roster. Buffalo signed Leonard Fournette in the middle of the season, but he ended up playing only 26 snaps. Ty Johnson has been mostly a receiving back in his NFL career and could have that role again, while fourth-rounder Ray Davis may also factor in. The big question for Cook is what his goal-line work will look like. He ran the ball four times when the Bills were within four yards of scoring last season, which isn’t nearly enough. The other Bills running backs had 13 such carries. Davis may get those carries in 2024, given his size. The bigger problem is dual-threat quarterback Josh Allen, who ran 15 times in those situations. Ideally, Cook will get more goal-line carries, but even if he doesn’t, we should expect similar touchdown production to last season, if not better with more breakaway runs for touchdowns. The Bills fired offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey following Week 10 of 2023, and Joe Brady took over. That corresponds closely to when Cook started receiving the ball more often. He averaged 12 carries and 2.4 receptions per game in 2023 with Dorsey and 17 carries and 3.1 receptions per game with Brady. Cook finished at RB12 last season, in part thanks to his ability to stay healthy, but several factors, including less veteran competition, the offensive coordinator change, continuity on the offensive line and the Bills not being as strong, all point to Cook seeing more opportunities this season.
PFF: Bills’ James Cook named a 2024 ‘fantasy football league winner’
GA Skol’s 2024 Season Preview
The Minnesota Vikings can be a tough team to predict. The team has been unable to string together successful seasons in recent years. However, when you think things are bad, they also sometimes surprise to the upside. Case Keenum knows how that works. Can the Vikings find the same magic in journeyman Sam Darnold? Can Brian Flores work his magic and piece together a top tier defense? Can Kevin O’Connell pull the team together for a run? There is a lot of reason for doubt, but there is always a chance it swings their way. You can see my previous two years here. 2023 Prediction Here, 11-5 might have been good if Kirk didn’t go down. 2022 Prediction Here, nailed that 13-4. Phase 1: Weathering the Tough Start Week 1: Vikings @ Giants They can’t lose to Danny Dimes again can they? Saquon is in Philly. Malik Nabers is in his first NFL game. The defense is decent, but not elite. The Vikings need to get off to a good start here with a tough stretch to start the season. It’ll be huge for Sam Darnold to build some confidence here. I’m going to say they pull off the road win. Vikings 23 – Giants 16 Week 2: 49ers @ Vikings The home opener is here! The Vikes are 1-0 and the bank is rocking. Brock Purdy rolls in with Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle and, recently extended, Brandon Aiyuk. Their defensive line is stout. The 49ers are one of the best teams in the league. It might be a long day for guys in purple. 49ers 30 – Vikings 17 Week 3: Texans @ Vikings CJ Stroud and our good friends Stephon Diggs and Danielle Hunter roll into town Week 3. The Vikings (1-1) are smarting from the 49er loss and are coming off 2-6 at home in 2023. They’ll want to go against that trend, but that Texans offense is no joke. The Vikings have a couple of former Texans too. It’ll be a fun game watching that Texans offense and each team’s new pieces gel. I am not fully buying the CJ Stroud hype. He had a great rookie year, but the NFL isn’t that easy for anyone not named Patrick Mahomes. Vikings 20 – Texans 17 Week 4: Vikings @ Packers The rivalry starts early this year. A September matchup with Green Bay might prove to be important later in the year. Is Jordan Love another one of Green Bay’s Hall of Fame QBs or was it just a good run to end last year. I don’t think this team sweeps the Packers, so I will give them this one in Green Bay. Packers 27 – Vikings 24 Week 5: Jets @ Vikings (LONDON) The return of A A Ron would’ve been fun in Minneapolis, but the NFL wanted to send it to London. I am planning on being at this one. How does Aaron look after the achilles injury? Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall are the two big weapons he has to play with. The defensive line in NY is also a problem with Javon Kinlaw, Quinnen Williams and Hassan Reddick lining up. It will be a big test for the Vikings (2-2). I don’t think the Jets have enough fire power. Vikings 24 – Jets 20 Week 6: BYE Vikes are 3-2 and still in it. Week 7: Lions @ Vikings The reigning NFC North Champions roll into Minneapolis. The Lions didn’t lose much this offseason and the team appears to be stacked. I think the Lions are the class of the NFCN this year and the Vikings (3-2) wills struggle to stop Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs. Aidan Hutchinson and our old friend Marcus Davenport are on the defensive side. Although, Davenport is usually out by this point. Justin Jefferson plays big against the Lions and I think they’ll need it to win this one. Much like the Packers, I think the Vikings split the season series. They somehow win at home. Vikings 30 – Lions 28 Week 8: Vikings @ Rams Thursday Night game, on the road, coming off a divisional game. I don’t think this team is good enough to compete in a scenario like this. Chalk this loss up to the schedule gods and move on. Rams 27 – Vikings 13 Phase II: Winnable Games Week 9: Colts @ Vikings The Vikings (4-3) get an extended rest coming off the Thursday Night game against LA. The Colts will be coming off a divisional road game at the Texans. Anthony Richardson looked good until he got hurt last year. It’s unknown how good he’ll look in year two. This is definitely a game that could swing either way. It will all be about stopping Johnathan Taylor for the Vikings. Vikings 20 – Colts 17 Week 10: Vikings @ Jaguars The Jaguars are another interesting team this year. Trevor Lawrence looked to be on his way to superstardom a few years ago. Now, he’s dangerously getting closer to the Kirk Cousins tier. I think the Jaguars are headed in the wrong direction. Their offensive line isn’t great and they plan on starting our old friend Ezra Cleveland at LG. Look for the Viking pass rushers to have a day. Vikings 21 – Jaguars 20 Week 11: Vikings @ Titans Year 2 of Will Levis in Tennessee. They will be without Derek Henry this year and I don’t think that team is ready to compete. They’ll be picking top 5 in the draft. However, are the Vikings (6-3) mature enough to win back to back road games? Three potential wins in a row here. Vikings 24 – Titans 16 Week 12: Vikings @ Bears The Vikings (7-3) 3rd road game in a row here. That isn’t doing them any favors after spending back to back weeks in the Southeast. The Bears are improved and their WR corps are strong. Caleb Williams will be rocking and rolling at this point. I
Around SB Nation: Will Bengals and Chase get a deal done this week
Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb, and Brandon Aiyuk have all inked new deals. Will Ja’Marr Chase get one soon? Last week the Dallas Cowboys and CeeDee Lamb agreed to a new contract and then the San Francisco 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk agreed to a new deal. Big name receivers are getting paid, but Ja’Marr Chase has yet to strike a new deal with the Cincinnati Bengals. From the sounds of it, the Bengals are ramping up their efforts to get a deal done this week, so stay tuned for that news. Check out what the Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers, and other NFL teams are talking about in our roundup. AFC EAST: New England Patriots (via Pats Pulpit) Jacoby Brissett reacts to winning Patriots starting QB job over Drake Maye – Pats PulpitThe Patriots name Brissett their starter over rookie Drake Maye last week. New York Jets (via Gang Green Nation) New York Jets: Rex Ryan shares his thoughts on the AFC East – Gang Green NationCan the Jets go to the Super Bowl this year? Buffalo Bills (via Buffalo Rumblings) 91 Buffalo Bills players in 91 days: WR Keon Coleman – Buffalo RumblingsColeman was almost Buffalo’s first Round 1 draft choice at wideout since Sammy Watkins in 2014 AFC NORTH: Baltimore Ravens (via Baltimore Beatdown) Eric DeCosta believes Ravens will have NFL’s ‘best tandem’ at tight end – Baltimore BeatdownThe duo of Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely can “create a lot of problems for opposing defensive coordinators.” Pittsburgh Steelers (via Behind the Steel Curtain) Steelers vs. Falcons odds: How odds for Week 1 have shifted since May – Behind the Steel CurtainHere’s an updated look at the odds on the board for the Steelers’ Week 1 matchup against the Falcons. Cincinnati Bengals (via Cincy Jungle) Ja’Marr Chase Contract: Encouraging update on Bengals’ talks with hold-in WR – Cincy JungleWill the two sides get a deal done before Week 1? There’s some positive movement… Cleveland Browns (via Dawgs By Nature) Browns season predictions: David Njoku leading the team and 3 more half-baked takes – Dawgs By NatureFor the Browns, new wrinkles could surprise many AFC SOUTH: Houston Texans (via Battle Red Blog) The Value of Things: Houston Texans Final Roster Analysis – Battle Red BlogAre Nick Caserio and DeMeco Ryans finished putting together the roster? Tennessee Titans (via Music City Miracles) Titans trade Elijah Molden Chargers – Music City MiraclesIt’s been a busy few days for Ran Carthon Jacksonville Jaguars (via Big Cat Country) Reacts Survey results: Jaguars fans share thoughts on EDGE unit – Big Cat CountryThe results are in, and the majority of Jaguars fans are worried about the pass rush. Indianapolis Colts (via Stampede Blue) Colts’ Chris Ballard is sticking to his guns to the bitter end – Stampede BlueThe GM for the Colts isn’t worried about getting fired. Maybe he should be. AFC WEST: Denver Broncos (via Mile High Report) Looking at the average NFL rookie starting quarterback from 2010-2023 – Mile High ReportWhere should we set our expectations for Bo Nix as a rookie starting QB in the modern NFL? Los Angeles Chargers (via Bolts from the Blue) Chargers News: CB Asante Samuel Jr. 2024 player profile – Bolts From The BlueAsante Samuel has recorded at least 11 pass breakups in every year since entering the NFL as a second-round draft pick by the Chargers. Las Vegas Raiders (via Silver and Black Pride) Raiders 2024: Gardner Minshew, Davante Adams are keys to season – Silver And Black PrideLas Vegas Raiders starting quarterback Gardner Minshew getting in-tune with his wide receivers is key ahead of the season opener at Los Angeles Chargers Kansas City Chiefs (via Arrowhead Pride) Chiefs News: Confidence in supporting cast without Hollywood Brown – Arrowhead PrideThe Kansas City Chiefs added Hollywood Brown hoping he would be ready to play his former team, but the rest of the room has them confident. Justin Watson, Xavier Worthy and JuJu Smith-Schuster should pick up the slack. NFC EAST: New York Giants (via Big Blue View) Are the Giants better in 2024? They better be – Big Blue ViewThis spring and summer have felt more productive — now will the work lead to wins? Philadelphia Eagles (via Bleeding Green Nation) Vic Fangio Defense 101: Part 4 – Runs Fits and Pressure Looks – Bleeding Green NationThe “Fangio defense”. Named after its creator, Vic Fangio, who was recently hired as the Eagles’ defensive coordinator, this defense is known for being complex. In particular, Fangio’s defense is… Dallas Cowboys (via Blogging the Boys) Dallas Cowboys roster: Dalvin Cook says he can produce at high level – Blogging The BoysThe Dallas Cowboys pulled in Dalvin Cook to add depth to their running back room, and the veteran still has confidence in his game. Washington Commanders (via Hogs Haven) One thought about each player on the Commanders roster – Hogs HavenWashington Commanders Roster NFC NORTH: Green Bay Packers (via Acme Packing Company) Packers Swing for the Fences at Backup Quarterback – Acme Packing CompanyI probably would have just taken the single. Detroit Lions (via Pride of Detroit) Lions believe 2 rocky seasons were ‘blessing in disguise’ for Jameson Williams – Pride Of DetroitJameson Williams’ first 2 seasons didn’t go quite as planned. But Lions GM Brad Holmes sees where the WR is at now, and believes the turbulence was a “blessing in disguise.” Chicago Bears (via Windy City Gridiron) 77% of NFL fans confident the Bears are headed in the right direction – Windy City GridironInteresting results on the SB Nation Reacts survey this week, as these went to fans of all 32 teams. Minnesota Vikings (via Daily Norseman) SB Nation Reacts: Not a Lot of Confidence in the Vikings Right Now – Daily NorsemanBut I guess that’s to be expected NFC SOUTH: New Orleans Saints (via Canal Street Chronicles) Saints march into Week 1 as 4.5-point favorites against the Panthers – Canal Street ChroniclesIt’s an early NFC South matchup for New Orleans’ season opener.
Mailbag: Which Lions practice squad WR will win a spot on the 53-man roster?
Kimberly P. Mitchell / USA TODAY NETWORK The Detroit Lions have a positional battle still happening at WR. Who will win out the job? We discuss in our Week 1 mailbag. While most of the Detroit Lions roster is set, there is one position that remains a bit of a mystery. Despite coach Dan Campbell’s pleas for a big-bodied wide receiver to step up in training camp, it never ended up happening, and now the Lions simply don’t have one on their 53-man roster. That said, they are still on the hunt. Detroit quickly added veterans Tim Patrick and Allen Robinson to the team to compete with Donovan Peoples-Jones for that role—with all three of them currently on the practice squad. Patrick comes with a lot of hype from Denver Broncos fans, but two serious injuries in the past two years have put a damper on his career, and leave many justifiably wondering if he still has it in him. Robinson is the eldest of the group, and while he has three 1,000-yard seasons under his belt, he only has 1,029 yards in the last three years combined. Peoples-Jones had his chance at the job and couldn’t win it in camp. So who will come out on top of that competition? Will any of them end up signing to the 53-man roster? Could more than one make their way onto the gameday roster? And who will take on the role for Week 1? That’s our (Jeremy Reisman and Erik Schlitt’s) big topic in this week’s Midweek Mailbag podcast. For the Los Angeles Rams game, it’s easy to see why Peoples-Jones may be the favorite to play. He’s been around the offense longer, knows the system better, and has had more in-person work with Jared Goff. But Goff explained on Tuesday how impressed he was with Patrick and Robinson, as their veteran status has helped them pick things up quickly. “It’s fun to work with vets like that where that learning curve seems to be a bit shorter, and you can kind of speak a language they can understand,” Goff said. We expand upon that conversation in the podcast below. Here’s a look at every topic we discussed, along with the timestamp you can find that conversation: 3:30 — What will the Lions do with the 53rd spot on their roster? 8:30 — Which practice squad WR will be on the field in Week 1 (if any)? 13:10 — How will they treat the WR-X position all season? 16:45 — What will Isaiah Williams’ role be in Week 1? Could he be the kick returner? 20:00 — Will we see more packages with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs on the field at the same time? 25:00 — Are we buying the Bears and Packers hype? What about them is a legitimate threat? What is noise? 31:30 — Will Derrick Barnes play much with the Rams in 11 personnel so often? 35:00 — Can the Lions exploit the loss of Rams LB Ernest Jones with Texas routes from Gibbs? 39:00 — What will Sione Vaki’s role on offense be this year? 42:20 — Will the Lions DBs hold up against a tough early schedule against good passing offenses? You can listen to the show below, or re-watch the live stream over on YouTube or Twitch.
2024 Detroit Lions season preview: Breakout Player of the Year prediction
Eric Seals / USA TODAY NETWORK Who will be the Detroit Lions’ Breakout Player of the Year? Our 2024 season preview and predictions continue here. Normally during our 2024 Detroit Lions preview, this would be where we predict the team’s Rookie of the Year. However, that’s a little anticlimactic this season, with only first-round pick Terrion Arnold set to take over a starting role this year (unless you include Hogan Hatten). What is a much more interesting question is figuring out which player will break out this season. There are a handful of players who have either flashed during last season, or shown something in training camp season. So let’s take a look at our predictions for 2024 Detroit Lions Breakout Player of the Year: Previously: Offensive MVP prediction Defensive MVP prediction 2024 Detroit Lions Breakout Player of the Year Morgan Cannon: Jameson Williams Give me all of the Jameson Williams stock. He is coming off of a Spring and Summer where he got a ton of praise from this coaching staff, including being called, “A man on a mission,” by coach Dan Campbell. During his post-preseason press conference, general manager Brad Holmes also talked about how far he thinks Williams has come as a person as well as a football player over the course of the last two years. At the end of the day, a lot of this offense is still going to flow through the running game, St. Brown, and LaPorta. But if Williams can take the steps many are hoping for in 2024—watch out. This offense could reach new levels of terrifying for opposing defenses. Jeremy Reisman: Jack Campbell After splitting time at the MIKE position with Derrick Barnes last year, Campbell is expected to take over full time, and if training camp is any indication, he’s ready for the role. With his rare combination of size, speed, and smarts, I expect Campbell to be a force in three phases of the game: pass rush, run defense, and—perhaps the biggest jump he’ll take—in coverage. Meko Scott: Levi Onwuzurike This really came down to Jameson Williams and Levi Onwuzurike for me. And while Jamo will have more opportunities and would be the more exciting answer, I can’t help but be excited about everything we’ve heard about Levi this offseason. As a former 2nd round pick, Onwuzurike has dealt with a number of setbacks in his young career due to injuries. Getting through camp and playing meaningful snaps last season was a big step in the right direction, and it’s sounding like this upcoming season we could finally season the type of player that nearly had Brad Holmes ready to trade up for him. So yeah, I’m rooting like hell for Levi and I believe we could see him make some big plays has a key rotational player on the defensive line. Ryan Mathews: Terrion Arnold Terrion Arnold could be a popular candidate considering he’s slated to be the starting outside cornerback opposite of Carlton Davis, but just because he’s the popular choice doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be the pick here for the Lions player to breakout in 2024. An opportunity like this for a rookie is about as high stakes as it gets in the NFL, and from all indications, Arnold looks ready for the challenge. If his learning curve isn’t steep and Arnold helps improve the Lions pass defense from being just an average unit from a year ago (16th in pass defense DVOA, 6.5%), he’s likely going to be an important piece to the overall improvement of that unit. Erik Schlitt: Levi Onwuzurike The Lions have several players who could find themselves in the “breakout player” category, but based on what I saw at training camp, Levi Onwuzurike should run away with this award. Now fully healthy, Onwuzurike has been sensational on the field and finally looks like the player we were expecting to see coming out of Washington. If you haven’t been out to training camp this offseason, buckle up, he’s been a lot of fun to watch. Brandon Knapp: Jameson Williams Jamo is going to pop off this year, as I even wrote about him hitting a 1,000-yard season. He took a few weeks last year to move into the WR2 role and he still missed time due to his suspension. This year he’s had another offseason to grow and improve and he’s looked good in a lot of training camp practices. With the offense having him, St. Brown, and LaPorta being the main targets, I don’t think teams will respect him enough to start the year to worry about him until he starts breaking out. Also, with his speed he can be used on jet sweeps, reverses, and other trick play ideas that he’ll be used creatively at times and get wide open. Hamza Baccouche: Levi Onwuzurike When I look up and down the Lions roster, it’s hard to see anyone competing with Levi Onwuzurike for this title, assuming reports out of Allen Park aren’t an exaggeration. We’ve heard nothing but phenomenal stuff all preseason, and I’m excited to see it with my own eyes come regular season. Onwuzurike is an established veteran with several offseasons under his belt, so I’m expecting to play like a force to be reckoned with from Week 1. John Whiticar: Derrick Barnes With Alex Anzalone as the leader of the linebacking corps and Jack Campbell as the heir apparent and partner in crime, Barnes might be forgotten by many. As the projected starting SAM linebacker, it is unclear how many snaps he will see during the 2024 season, but I think he could make a serious impact when he is on the field. He quietly had a great season at linebacker last year, and this year he will get to channel his college pass rushing skills at SAM. The Lions have pass rushers like Marcus Davenport and James Houston, but I think it could be Barnes that emerges as one of the Lions’ best weapons
NFL Week 1 power rankings: Giants considered one of league’s worst teams
Daniel Jones | Rich Barnes-Imagn Images The Giants are projected as one of the worst teams heading into the 2024 season. Well, not much has changed since the preseason began. The media doesn’t have much faith in the New York Giants heading into Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season, as the franchise is ranked in the lower half of every team ranking leading up to this weekend’s opening kickoff. While one media outlet has a little more faith in the Giants, the majority believe they’ll finish within the bottom four spots of the league standings. If you average the eight mainstream media poll rankings we’ve included, the Giants sit at an average of No. 29 overall (just percentage points above the No. 30 overall spot). Yikes. SI.com– No. 24 Depending on what happens with the Eagles and the Cowboys, I withhold some optimism that the Giants can make a run at second place in the division and possibly find themselves in a wild-card game. I have them currently projected for eight wins—with or without Daniel Jones at the helm—with my main questions being the efficacy of this offensive line and the maturity of the secondary. These are big, big questions but the Giants also have new coaches for both units. CBS Sports– No. 29 This might be a win-or-else season for Brian Daboll. It’s going to be a challenge to win in a good division with quarterback questions. NFL.com– No. 30 There’s only so much room for growth imaginable here until we see Daniel Jones perform somewhere close to the level he did in 2022, when he was good but hardly transcendent. Helping his cause are a legitimate WR1 in waiting in Malik Nabers and an offensive line that added several parts this offseason — and there’s absolutely nowhere for that group to go but up. The Giants addressed the pass rush by trading for Brian Burns, which was a must; they blitzed relentlessly last year and were near the bottom in sack rate. Yet, with the loss of Saquon Barkley, as well as the reality of Jones and a very young secondary facing the fire this season in a division that features two heavyweights and a suddenly intriguing Commanders team, my optimism for the 2024 Giants thriving is fairly limited. Yahoo! Sports– No. 30 The Giants are banking heavily on two things this season: Their defensive line might be one of the best in the NFL, and Malik Nabers could step right into a 100-catch season. The rest? It might not be very pretty. This is a tough task for Brian Daboll, who is likely on the hot seat. Fox Sports– No. 31 I started the preseason thinking that Daniel Jones wouldn’t be the Giants’ quarterback in 2025, and I’m not moving off my spot. I think the hope in New York this season is that Malik Nabers and this offensive line will grow into promising pieces that can help the Giants’ next QB. New York Times– No. 31 Preseason vibes: Feisty at least The Giants were fined $200,000 for a series of fights during joint practices with the Lions. Detroit was fined, too. The difference is that might be the most competitive the Giants are this season. The Athletic’s win projections have New York at 6.7, the fourth-lowest total in the league. Rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, who was right in the middle of the practice fights, at least looks like the real deal, so he’ll make New York interesting. ESPN.com– No. 32 The Giants have won six or fewer games in six of the past seven seasons, and arguably the league’s worst overall roster suggests they will make it seven of eight in 2024. If Daniel Jones doesn’t make a big leap after returning from an ACL tear, there’s a good chance the Giants will choose his replacement with the first pick in April’s draft. USA Today– No. 32 Any optimism that might have been engendered by the offseason version of “Hard Knocks” pretty much went out the window as soon as QB Daniel Jones reverted to his worst professional self during his preseason return.
Giants news, 9/4: Daniel Jones uses the ‘P’ words, more headlines
Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images New York Giants headlines for Wednesday Good morning, New York Giants fans! From Big Blue View Giants’ RB Devin Singletary ready for challenge of replacing Saquon Barkley Brian Daboll finally admits what we already knew — he will call plays Lawrence Taylor, of course, voted No. 1 player in New York Giants franchise history Fantasy Football ‘24: 15 not-so-bold predictions Giants-Vikings, Week 1 storylines: 5 things to watch this week More headlines After terrible 2023, revamped Giants O-line cautiously optimistic entering new season – nj.comThe Giants’ line was historically bad in 2023 as they allowed 85 sacks, which was the most allowed by an NFL team in 37 years. Giants QB Drew Lock Earns Respectable Ranking in New Backup Quarterback RankingLock can win a team games, that is if his decision-making is on point. Dismal Giants O-line derailed last season. Will it be a ‘hell of a lot better’ this year? – The AthleticCompetency up front will go a long way in the Giants’ uphill climb toward redemption. 2024 NFL predictions, odds: Malik Nabers, Byron Murphy II win Rookie of the Year | New York PostThis would be good for the Giants. How the Jets and Giants can give their fans hope again in 2024 | New York Post This time a year ago, there was genuine giddiness on either side of New York’s football aisle. Jets fans were drinking in every ounce of Aaron Rodgers’ weekly adventures on “Hard Knocks,” dreaming of all the possibilities to come. Giants fans were basking in the glow of 9-7-1 and a playoff win, bursting with belief in the partners of the football dream factory of Schoen & Daboll. It took four plays for the Jets’ optimism to go belly-up, at precisely the moment that Rodgers’ Achilles folded up like a lampshade and he staggered to the turf. And even as bad as that was, Jets hopes of a charmed season lasted longer than the Giants’ did, since just over 24 hours earlier on the same field, the Cowboys had toyed with Big Blue on the way to rolling them, 40-nil. One more football season that felt like it died before the last day of summer. The two teams combined for 13 wins. By the end of the season it was hard to remember even one of them. By the end of the season, Giants fans were left to root for the Jersey kid, Tommy DeVito, to try to keep his Jeremy Lin imitation going as long as he could. Rookie receivers are coming to the NFL ready to dominate. Is Malik Nabers next? | New York Post This year, three rookie receivers entered the league with great expectations. Marvin Harrison Jr. went to the Cardinals with the No. 4 overall pick. Malik Nabers went No. 6 to the Giants. And Rome Odunze went No. 9 to the Bears. There are top prospects at this position most years but these three are considered to be elite, as far as their potential as Day 1 playmakers. The best thing you will watch today One night only… ManningCast: The Musical pic.twitter.com/M6Zjm0BeAv — Omaha Productions (@OmahaProd) September 3, 2024 BBV mailbag Have a Giants-related question? E-mail it to [email protected] and it might be featured in our weekly mailbag. BBV YouTube You can find and subscribe to Big Blue View YouTube from the show’s home page Follow BBV BBV on Twitter: Follow @BigBlueViewEd Valentine: Follow @Valentine_EdBBV on Facebook: Click here to like the Big Blue View Facebook pageBBV on YouTube: Subscribe to the Big Blue View YouTube channelBBV on Instagram: Click here to follow our Instagram page EDITOR’S NOTE: What happened to the podcasts? A number of people have asked why Big Blue View podcasts have stopped updating. SB Nation recently made the difficult decision to shut down the podcast network across all of our sites. Big Blue View is continuing to offer that content via our YouTube.
WATCH: Ravens will honor Jacoby Jones and Joe D’Alessandris with helmet stickers
WATCH: Ravens will honor Jacoby Jones and Joe D’Alessandris with helmet stickers glenn erby The Baltimore Ravens are looking to get back to the Super Bowl, and the organization will be motivated by the passing of two key franchise members. Legendary Ravens Jacoby Jones and Joe D’Alessandris passed away this summer, and on Tuesday, the team announced that they’ll honor both with helmet stickers. D’Alessandris was hospitalized about 11 days ago and diagnosed with an acute illness. A 45-year coaching veteran, D’Alessandris had entered his eighth season as Baltimore’s offensive line coach. The Ravens hired George Warhop as interim coach. Warhop has 40 years of coaching experience, including 27 years in the NFL. A New Orleans native, Jones was named first-team All-Pro in 2013 and helped Baltimore defeat the 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII. He returned a kickoff 108 yards for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers for the longest play in Super Bowl history. He also became the first player to catch a touchdown and score on a return in the same Super Bowl. Jones finished his career with 203 receptions for 2,733 yards and 14 touchdowns with 7,628 return yards and nine scores on special teams. Jones played for the Texans from 2007 to 2011 before signing with the Ravens as a free agent after being released by the Texans in 2012, playing in Baltimore for three seasons.
Colts-Texans opening odds: Colts open as 2.5-point underdogs
Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images The NFL season is underway, but they aren’t favored to start. The Indianapolis Colts are set to open the 2024 NFL season right where they left off against the Houston Texans at home from Lucas Oil. The teams and venue remain the same, but Colts fans are hoping for a different outcome. The Texans ended an unexpectedly exciting season for the Colts in dramatic fashion. A failed conversion on fourth and short sent the Texans to the playoffs with the division championship. FanDuel Sportsbook has the Colts as 2.5-point underdogs, so they will have an uphill battle to start. The current money line sits at +132 with the over/under at 49.5. The Colts are returning nearly their entire roster from last year. One change that stands out, however, is a major one. The return of Anthony Richardson will echo throughout Lucas Oil, and when he runs out of the tunnel, it will be electric. He is a difference maker. That is why the Colts drafted him fourth overall. He has the ability to take a franchise all the way. The Texans can only partially plan for him in preparation for the matchup. He has athletic gifts that quarterbacks dream of. He is the ultimate duel threat. Couple that with Jonathan Taylor and it becomes a triple threat…right? The Texans are going to have to pick their poison in this one. Meanwhile, the Texans are coming off a great 2023. Their rookie quarterback, C.J. Stroud, looked incredible while taking his team to the playoffs. Not only did they make the playoffs, but they advanced to the Divisional Round. The Texans used the offseason to reload and acquire top talent in Stefon Diggs and Danielle Hunter. The team that beat the Colts in January looks even better in September. It isn’t hard to make the prediction that they have the best shot to repeat as AFC South champs. The season is just around the corner. Sundays will be football Sundays for the next twenty plus weeks. I expect a rocking atmosphere in Indianapolis on Sunday morning and hope it continues through the night after a Colts win. It won’t be easy. The Texans are a formidable opponent, but if the Colts want to get back to the greatness of old, it starts on Sunday.
Amari Gainer’s preseason performance makes Raiders optimistic about his future
Amari Gainer | Photo by Louis Grasse/Getty Images Undrafted free agent might be a special teamer this year but could have a big role on the defense moving forward Linebacker Amari Gainer was the star of the preseason for the Las Vegas Raiders, and the last month played out like the script of an underdog movie for him. Gainer went from being an undrafted free agent and longshot to make the roster to the Raiders’ best player during the preseason and earning a spot on the team’s 53-man roster at the end of training camp. While the fanbase wasn’t able to see what he could bring to the table until August, it sounds like the rookie made a strong impression on Las Vegas’ coaching staff as soon as he stepped into the building. “Listen, when he came in the door day one, it was like, ‘Wow, this is a pretty sucker here,’” head coach Antonio Pierce said of Gainer. “He looks good and you saw the movement with him in college from Florida State to North Carolina, but there was always like, ‘Man, there’s more to him.’” Pierce’s quote highlights one of the reasons why Gainer slipped through the cracks of the NFL Draft. He spent his first four years in college at Florida State where he began as an edge defender before lining up more as an off-ball linebacker during his last three years at Tallahassee. Then, a Week 1 injury sidelined the former Seminole for several games in 2022, and his playing time significantly decreased upon returning, recording just 77 snaps that season, per Pro Football Focus. So, he transferred to North Carolina for the 2023 campaign and returned to his original spot on the edge. Flipping back and forth between positions is likely a big reason why Gainer’s true talent was never able to shine through in college. But the Raiders kept him as an off-ball linebacker during OTAs, minicamp and training camp and the results were immediately noticeable. The undrafted backer only played 19 snaps in Las Vegas’ first preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings but he made the most of them, surrendering just one completion on four targets for four yards while breaking up a pass to earn an elite 90.6 PFF grade. Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty ImagesAmari Gainer He got more playing time the following week—25 snaps—versus the Dallas Cowboys and continued to shine by adding another PBU to his stat line while recording an impressive 75.5 grade. Finally, everything fell into place for Gainer in the Raiders’ last matchup of August against the San Francisco 49ers where he was on the field for 75 defensive snaps and led the team with 13 total tackles. More importantly, that performance locked in his spot on the 53-man roster. “I think the best thing that happened for him was that last game,” Pierce said while recapping the linebacker’s preseason performance. “He went out there and played 90-plus snaps. 70-plus on defense and another 15 or so on special teams. And all you saw throughout the game, and we’ve been seeing it all preseason, is a guy just getting better and better. “But more importantly, somebody that just was playing his heart out. And it meant something to him. Even to that last play where the 49ers were throwing the ball around, if you look at it, I mean, he’s on the ground three times, tackling people, and when the ball ends up at the two-yard line, he’s right there finishing it. So, I thought he did an excellent job.” As the entire NFL transitions to the regular season, Gainer’s role on the Silver and Black’s defense will diminish. Barring an injury, it’s unlikely that he’ll make any starts at linebacker in the fall. But, like most players on the backend of the roster, he’ll have a role on special teams as a rookie and the organization is optimistic about his future. “[Gainer has] put himself in position, not just at linebacker, but also on special teams, to be one of the core guys for us,” Pierce said. “There’s still some development there at the linebacker position that will take place over the course of the season, but he gives us a lot of flexibility because of what he’s able to do both on the line of scrimmage, off the ball linebacker and special teams.” “Amari Gainer had a really good training camp,” general manager Tom Telesco added. “He’s got size and speed, and he shows up. I mean, he really does show up in the passing game really well. And again, [he is] going to have to have some special teams value,…but he’s a young guy with some upside there.” Las Vegas’ two starting linebackers—Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo—are both impending free agents, so the club could use a long-term solution on the second level of the defense next season. Gainer still has plenty of work to do between now and then, and making the most of his limited opportunities in 2024 will be paramount. However, don’t forget his name around this time next year…
