Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports Reggie White will still be the quickest but not youngest to 100 sacks Nothing is certain in the NFL. Besides Patrick Mahomes’ dominance, figuring out how a season will go is always very difficult. If it wasn’t, betting lines would be easy wins for fans. The 2024 NFL season is all about building on last year for the Cleveland Browns. Making the playoffs with five different quarterbacks in the best division in the history of the league was impressive but, in the end, meaningless without at least a trip to the AFC Championship game. With Michael Jordan comparisons being appropriate, Mahomes changes Super Bowl expectations for AFC teams. Browns DE Myles Garrett is near the top of the list of players that will decide Cleveland’s season and, hopefully, playoff outcomes. If anyone, along with his stellar teammates, can make Mahomes’ life difficult it is Garrett. This season also puts the record for the youngest player to reach 100 sacks in the sights of Cleveland’s top draft pick in 2017. Now 28 years old and not turning 29 until December, Garrett sits at 88.5 sacks for his career. Needing just 11.5 more, the Browns stud defender hasn’t had less than 11 since 2019 when he had 10 playing in only 10 games due to suspension. The only other time in his seven-year career that Garrett didn’t have at least 12 sacks was as a rookie in 2017 when he played in just 11 games. One record that seems likely to stand the test of time is Reggie White reaching 100 sacks the fastest, in just 96 games. If Garrett reaches 100 sacks in the first 14 games of the season, assuming that TJ Watt will reach the mark (3.5 sacks short) earlier in the year, they will both join the top five fastest to 100. Are you surprised that Garrett is in a position to be the youngest ever to reach 100 sacks? What are your thoughts on the start of the former #1 overall pick’s career? Share your thoughts in the comment section below
Browns Myles Garrett on pace to break record in 2024
Baltimore Ravens’ roster comparison: 2023 vs. 2024 offense
Baltimore Ravens’ roster comparison: 2023 vs. 2024 offense glenn erby The Baltimore Ravens unveiled their 53-man roster for the 2024 NFL regular season. Baltimore has 25 players on offense, 25 on defense, and three specialists to round out a juggernaut of a roster on both sides of the football. GM Eric DeCosta made some tough decisions on offense, including waiving sixth-round pick Devin Leary and fan favorite Dayton Wade. After a 17-10 loss to the Chiefs in the AFC title game, Baltimore signed a future Hall of Fame running back Derrick Henry and retooled the offensive line, adding three new starters. With the team preparing for the NFL opening kickoff matchup against the Chiefs, we’re comparing the Ravens’ 2023 roster to the updated version in 2024. QB Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) rides a young fan’s bicycle to a joint practice with the Green Bay Packers on Aug. 22, 2024 in Green Bay, Wis. 2023: Lamar Jackson, Tyler Huntley 2024: Lamar Jackson, Josh Johnson Tyler Huntley and Josh Johnson switched spots as the backups, but everything revolves around Lamar Jackson. RB 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) 2023: J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, Justice Hill, Keaton Mitchell, Patrick Ricard 2024: Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, Patrick Ricard, Rasheen Ali Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins departed, while Derrick Henry has joined the Flock. Rookie Rasheen Ali made the roster, while Keaton Mitchell is on the PUP list. WR Aug 17, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Deonte Harty (3) returns a kickoff during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports 2023: Odell Beckham Jr., Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Devin Duvernay, Nelson Agholor, Tylan Wallace 2024: Zay Flowers, Nelson Agholor, Rashod Bateman, Deonte Harty, Devontez Walker, Tylan Wallace Odell Beckham Jr. departed, allowing the chance for Rashod Bateman to blossom. Former UNC star Devontez Walker arrives as a fourth-round draft pick, while Deonte Harty will be the primary return man. TE 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 2023: Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, Charlie Kolar 2024: Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, Charlie Kolar The Ravens return the same three tight ends, with Isaiah Likely having improved leaps and bounds. OL 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 2023: Ronnie Stanley, John Simpson, Tyler Linderbaum, Kevin Zeitler, Morgan Moses, Patrick Mekari, Daniel Faalele, Ben Cleveland, Sala Aumavae-Laulu 2024: Ronnie Stanley, Andrew Vorhees, Tyler Linderbaum, Daniel Faalele, Roger Rosengarten, Ben Cleveland, Josh Jones, Patrick Mekari, Nick Samac, Sala Aumavae-Laulu Sala Aumavae-Laulu
Drake London Has Warning For Opposing Defenses Heading Into 2024
The Atlanta Falcons are hoping to look a lot different on offense this year with a new head coach, new quarterback and new coordinator in 2024. The Falcons have always had some intriguing weapons between Kyle Pitts, Drake London and an exciting young running back in Bijan Robinson. But now London … ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 10: Drake London #5 of the Atlanta Falcons runs the ball during the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) Alex Slitz/Getty Images The Atlanta Falcons are hoping to look a lot different on offense this year with a new head coach, new quarterback and new coordinator in 2024. The Falcons have always had some intriguing weapons between Kyle Pitts, Drake London and an exciting young running back in Bijan Robinson. But now London says that opposing teams are going to have to be prepared for a track meet when they come to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. “It’s just the type of play style we’re trying to play,” London explained. “It’s really, really fast. You got to be in condition. I think that speed is a killer in this game. If you have it, you can win a lot of things.” London also said they he expects big things out of himself in Year 3 after recording 900 yards last season. “I want to go out there and make a stand for myself,” the former No. 8 pick said. “I know what I can do. I know what type of player I am.” The ATL wideout has definitely flashed some impressive ability over his first couple seasons. Now it’s just a matter of consistently being a threat — especially in the redzone. If Kirk Cousins is able to fully recover from his Achilles tear the Falcons should be a lot better this fall, but that’s a decent-sized question mark. Related: Kirk Cousins Knows Who The Falcons Need To Beat In The NFC
The Bengals have one of the NFL’s easiest schedules vs. QBs
Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images The good thing about Joe Burrow being on the team is the Bengals don’t have to play against him. While an NFL team doesn’t need a franchise quarterback to win a Super Bowl, having one definitely makes it easier. The last five quarterbacks to win the whole thing were Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady, and Matthew Stafford. While it isn’t impossible to win without a star behind center, it’s improbable. No position has more control over the game than a quarterback. The Athletic’s Mike Sando recently ranked each team’s strength of schedule based on the quarterbacks they play by organizing all the signal callers into tiers. According to Sando’s ranking, the Cincinnati Bengals have the fourth-easiest schedule in the NFL in 2024. “Burrow’s injury last season delivered a fourth-place schedule (hello, Jacoby Brissett and Will Levis),” Sando wrote. “That last-place divisional finished also helped Cincy draft Carolina and Bryce Young for its 17th opponent. The Bengals play seven games against Tier 4 quarterbacks, tied with the Chargers, Jaguars, Bears and Falcons for most in the NFL.” The Bengals face only one Tier 1 quarterback, and that, of course, is Patrick Mahomes. Sando considers Lamar Jackson, Justin Herbert, Dak Prescott and Jalen Hurts to be Tier 2. Tier 3 includes Deshaun Watson and Russell Wilson, and Tier 4 is all the other quarterbacks, which includes Daniel Jones, Gardner Minshew, Brissett, Young, Levis, and the rookie quarterbacks they face (Bo NIx and Jayden Daniels). The Bengals defense has a rebuilt secondary. They brought in Geno Stone and brought back Vonn Bell to help lead the safety room, and they still have Jordan Battle in the position as well. Dax Hill’s move to corner seems to have worked fairly well, at least through the preseason (which doesn’t count), and Josh Newton needs a little development but definitely has talent. The rebuilt secondary, coupled with some added pass-rushing juice supplied by Sheldon Rankins, should hopefully put Lou Anarumo’s defense in a good position to help the offense reach a Super Bowl. Playing against only one Tier 1 quarterback, in Sando’s opinion, will help. And before you ask, of course, Joe Burrow was Tier 1. He, Mahomes, and Buffalo’s Josh Allen are the three top quarterbacks in the league. Not playing against Burrow helps, too!
Colts round out remainder of practice squad with 4 signings
Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images The Colts have completed their 16-player practice squad with four new signings. Two of them being familiar faces. The Indianapolis Colts filled out the remainder of their practice squad with the following signings to their 16-man taxi team: We have signed DT McTelvin Agim, DE Titus Leo, TE Sean McKeon and G Atonio Mafi to the practice squad. — Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) August 29, 2024 DT McTelvin Agim: Formerly a 2020 3rd round pick of the Denver Broncos, Agim spent time on the Colts practice squad from 2022-23. The 6’3,” 300 pound defensive tackle has appeared in 18 career games, recording 14 tackles (4 solo), 1.5 sacks and 2 passes defensed. DE Titus Leo: Originally a 2023 6th round pick of the Colts, the 6’3,” 245 pound edge rusher out of Wagner has not yet appeared in an NFL game. He missed some time in training camp and preseason with an injury but recorded 3 tackles during Indy’s preseason opener. TE Sean McKeon: A 6’5,” 255 pound undrafted tight end out of Michigan, who previously spent time with the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions organizations. He’s appeared in 45 career games (3 starts)—all with the Cowboys, recording 6 receptions for 38 receiving yards (6.3 ypr. avg.) and a touchdown reception during his first 4 seasons. OG Atonio Mafi: Having been a 2023 5th round pick of the New England Patriots, the 6’3,” 329 pound offensive guard appeared in 17 games (5 starts) last year. He was 2nd-Team All-Pac 12 with UCLA. Of course, the backend of the Colts practice squad can be fluid, so it wouldn’t be surprising if there’s a little more shuffling in the coming days—as other teams maneuver their rosters.
Silver Minings: Josh Jacobs refused to sign with Chiefs
Josh Jacobs | Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images Running back said the Raiders’ rivals pursued him in free agency Former Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs has taken his fair share of shots at the organization he left in free agency this offseason. However, while it was more subtle than his off-putting comments, Jacobs did show some loyalty to Las Vegas this past spring. The Raiders’ biggest rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs, tried to sign the 2022 rushing champ in free agency but he refused. “They were trying to get me hard,” Jacobs told The Athletic’s Daniel Pompei. “But there was no way I was going there. I feel like once you are rivals with somebody, you have a genuine hate for them. I couldn’t see myself in that color. And besides, I never wanted to be the guy that joined the dominant team. I want to be the guy that beats the dominant team.” Jacobs also revealed that the Denver Broncos, among several other teams, were interested in signing him. Ultimately, he inked a four-year, $48 million contract with the Green Bay Packers which he said Las Vegas declined to match. “When the Packers offered $48 million over four years, he was intrigued, but he still pictured himself as a Raider for life,” Pompei wrote. “In his mind, his first team wasn’t his employer as much as his home. So he gave the Raiders an opportunity to match. When they said no, he told them he would accept less than the Packers offered if they included incentives. The Raiders turned him down. ‘I really didn’t want to up and move,’ he said. ‘But I could tell that s— was over with.’” Ultimately, both parties are moving on and going their separate ways. Jacobs and the Packers will open up the season next week against the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday night in Brazil while the Raiders take on the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. In Other Raiders’ Links: What can Darnay Holmes bring to Las Vegas’ defense?: A film breakdown of Silver and Black’s new corner. Garner Minshew, Davante Adams need synergy: “My role in the offense is going to be making good decisions and keeping guys on track to make explosive plays,” Minshew noted via Silver and Black Pride’s Ray Aspuria. “It’s about fine-tuning things and getting comfortable and understanding how everyone sees the game. It will be good for all our skill guys to go get some extra work.” Raiders setting the standard for alumni relations: “I never get the feeling of being a former player, it’s like I am still on the team — that’s how much the Raiders care about you,” Marcus Allen said via The Athletic’s Vic Tafur. “It’s unique how much (owner) Mark Davis cares about these guys.” Agents rank Raiders most unstable franchise: “The owner (Mark Davis) frequently makes significant changes. He put Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler in charge and fired them after less than two seasons,” an anonymous agent told The Athletic Ben Standig. “Now, the Raiders have an inexperienced coach in Antonio Pierce and a retread GM hire in Tom Telesco. Organizations start at the top, and Davis doesn’t provide stability.”
Biggest questions about the Bills defense in 2024
Biggest questions about the #Bills defense in 2024: Biggest questions about the Bills defense in 2024 Nick Wojton The Buffalo Bills offense has seen plenty of the headlines this offseason. As we inch toward the start of the 2024 NFL season, the spotlight on quarterback Josh Allen is brighter than ever with the likes of All-Pro receiver Stefon Diggs out of the picture. That’s just the start of the questions for the offense in Buffalo… but the defense has plenty of them too. Some we saw coming, others unfolded throughout the summer. With that, here are the seven biggest questions facing the Bills defense ahead of the 2024 season: Life without Matt Milano ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – JUNE 11: Matt Milano #58 of the Buffalo Bills walks off the field after Buffalo Bills mandatory mini camp on June 11, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) After a brutal leg injury in 2023, the Bills were excited to get Matt Milano back in the fold this year. Then the All-Pro linebacker sustained a bicep injury and his return is not exactly clear. When will he be back? He is considered “out indefinitely to start the season In the meantime, it will be Dorain Williams’ chance to prove his place in the NFL. The 2023 third-round pick out of the Tulane is the next-man up. Who plays the most snaps at safety next to Taylor Rapp? Injured Bills Cole Bishop and Mike Edwards hit the conditioning bikes as they watch practice from the sidelines. The starting safety position next to Taylor Rapp has been up for grabs throughout the summer. The battle has mainly been between Damar Hamlin, Mike Edwards and second-round rookie Cole Bishop. At various times, all three sustained injuries which really clouded this positional group. Adding to that: Lewis Cine. A former first-round pick who has seen plenty of injury himself to start his career was signed to Buffalo’s practice squad. Could he make a push? This answer could easily change throughout the upcoming season, too. …and Taylor Rapp? Bills defensive back Taylor Rapp. And speaking of Rapp… he was essentially handed the keys to one of Buffalo’s starting safety spot following the departures of Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde. Was that the right decision? Is Von back? Bills edge Von Miller throws aside a blocking sled during drills. Greg Rousseau and AJ Epenesa will likely lead the pass rush for the Bills… or at least see plenty of the snaps. Buffalo is still eager to see what Von Miller has left in the tank. Miller returned from an ACL injury in 2023 but never looked right. Most medical experts and sports clubs insist that it takes a player up to two years to fully recover from such a serious issue. The Bills have been no different, sending out that same party line. Is the 35-year-old able to prove his team right? The cornerback rotation Bills defensive back Kaiir Elam high steps as he warms up. At various points throughout training camp and the preseason a rotation has occured at cornerback for the Bills. Christian Benford and Rasul Douglas could be written in as the two starting outside cornerbacks but former first-round pick Kaiir Elam still continues to get huge levels of support from the coaching staff and front office. Does Elam finally get himself an opportunity to have a breakout year? Bernard is back? (Getty) Terrell Bernard burst onto the scene in 2023. It was a breakout year no one saw coming… but it’s never a guarantee a player will follow that up. Can Bernard in 2024? Babich calling plays Bills defensive coordinator Bobby Babich sports his Slobber Knocker of the Week t-shirt during the Buffalo Bills training camp Monday, Sept. 5, 2024 at St. John Fisher University. We finally got the answer to one of the biggest questions that has been asked since the Bills promoted Bobby Babich to defensive coordinator. Who will call plays for the defense? Babich reportedly will, but it was never clear cut. There was always a chance that the head coach still would… but Babich will for now. McDermott could always change his mind. Read all the best Bills coverage at the Democrat and Chronicle and Bills Wire.
Giants-Vikings Week 1 odds: Giants are the underdog at home
Giants will look to get season started on a good note If you cared to look at betting odds throughout the offseason, you would have found that the New York Giants spent most of that time as the favorite over the Minnesota Vikings in their Week 1 game this Sunday at MetLife Stadium. That has changed. With Week 1 here, the Giants are 1.5-point underdogs to the Vikings, per FanDuel. The Giants are +128 on the moneyline, and the 41.5-point over/under is -110. The Giants will not only be at home, they will be throwing a 100th season of NFL competition party. They will be wearing their much-discussed throwback uniforms for the only time this season. They will also be celebrating the full release of their top 100 players in franchise history. The game itself will be the culmination of a weekend celebration that will begin on Friday with a FanFest at the stadium that will be attended by many of the players on the franchise’s top 100 list. There will be a 5K and Kids Run on Saturday in which some Giants legends will participate. On Sunday, the Giants will host the Vikings at 1 p.m. The Giants will be hoping for a better result than last year’s 40-0 season-opening loss to the Dallas Cowboys, and for a more promising start than the 2-8 record they compiled in last year’s first 10 games. Join FanDuel to wager on NFL games, and more.
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Vikings Links: Can The Vikings Defeat The Giants?
Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images 8 days to go before the Vikings face the Giants and Daniel Jones. I am not sure how Jones will play as he looked a bit shaky in the preseason but he is coming back from a torn ACL. Can the Vikings handle Malik Nabers? I am sure there will be deeper dives this week as we prepare for the games. I was surprised the team cut Jaren Hall but picks after the 5th round are not a guarantee of making the roster. KOC did draft him though. It is interesting to read the comments about the team wanting to add him to the practice squad which has not happened yet. I wonder if he is waiting to see if another team will want him and where he might get a better shot. Next year, it has to be the JJ McCarthy show unless they do something crazy like what is in a link below. I can say that none of the QBs really inspire much confidence. Darnold is in the hopeful category while Mullens and Rypien are in the “oh crap” category. It is still a biy of a wonder why they did not give Cousins what he wanted AND drafted JJ. Cousins said they told him they would not draft a QB if he re-signed and they told him they would not guarantee as long or much as he wanted. Seems like a compromise would have been to give him the guarantees as long as he knew they were taking a QB. Fingers crossed for the season! Minnesota Vikings News and Links Kevin O’Connell & Kwesi Adofo-Mensah Explain Vikings Plan After QB Roster Moves The Vikings wanted to add experience to their quarterbacks room and did so by signing Brett Rypien Thursday, but they also want to continue the development of Jaren Hall. To make room for Rypien, who is entering his sixth NFL season, as the team’s third quarterback on the 53-man roster, Minnesota waived Hall, a second-year pro who had made the initial 53 with starter Sam Darnold and veteran backup Nick Mullens. Within about two hours of announcing Thursday’s moves, General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Head Coach Kevin O’Connell participated in previously scheduled media sessions and explained their plan, which includes trying to sign Hall to Minnesota’s practice squad — if he clears waivers. “Jaren has done a great job for us. Obviously, he had really improved over the preseason,” Adofo-Mensah said. “We talk, and I use that ‘development’ word a lot. And with quarterbacks, you don’t want to throw these guys in too early. And I think with him, we just want more time to where we’re going to. “I’ve learned from last season that you’re either one snap away or one snap from being one snap away,” Adofo-Mensah added. “We just wanted to be in a position where we felt, you know, adding Brett to the room feels good. We feel good about that decision, but also giving us more time to pour into Jaren and work with him if he so chooses to do that.” “Brett has some exposure to, you know, different variations of our system that will give him a fast-track timeline,” O’Connell said. “And just knowing where he’s at mentally, the type of preseason he had, it gives us a little bit more of a short-term kind of foundational plan for a week from Sunday versus what might be in Jaren Hall’s best interest for what’s best for his career. Hall, a fifth-round pick in 2023, finished his second NFL preseason having completed 28 of 46 passes for 339 yards with four touchdowns, no interceptions and a passer rating of 112.5. “I fully believe in Jaren Hall’s future,” O’Connell said. “I believe that we brought Jaren here for a long-term process that, quite honestly, you guys have heard me talk about quarterback journeys a lot. That timeline got sped up when we went through the numbers at the position we did a year ago. “And all Jaren has done, you know, since that is do all the right things, improve. I thought he was, you know, showing a lot of those things in the preseason action,” O’Connell added. “That move was really indicative of knowing what we went through last year, having the opportunity to have a couple veteran guys behind Sam that give us an opportunity, with comfort in the system.” Despite rebuilding, Minnesota Vikings have a surprisingly old team. Is that a problem? The Minnesota Vikings are in the third year of their competitive rebuild under general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah with this season having the lowest expectations of thre three. That competitive rebuild has seen the Vikings turn over the roster over the past three years to the tune of just 10 players from the 2021 season are still on the roster. Even with that fact, the Vikings are shockingly old. They are the second-oldest team in the National Football League at 27.2 years old. That is a high number for a team in a competitive rebuild. One of the intriguing elements for the Vikings concerning their age is how many players they have with four or more years of experience. They are tied for third in the NFL at 33. QB guru foresees big season for Sam Darnold, playoff potential for Vikings Former NFL quarterback Jordan Palmer has become one of the most well-respected voices in the sport as a renowned coach. He was recently on The Rich Eisen Show and had nothing but good things to say about Sam Darnold’s outlook with the Vikings. “I am really excited to see Sam Darnold, finally in a good situation,” Palmer said. “Stats are stats, numbers are numbers, but I think it’s hard to argue, he’s been in tough spot after tough spot after tough spot, impossible to succeed type spots.” “I think that context last year, now entering a new locker room, Kevin O’Connell, some great pieces obviously in that huddle
Jaelan Phillips provides injury update, talks Calais Campbell as Miami Dolphins prepare for Week 1
Filed under: Jaelan Phillips provides injury update, talks Calais Campbell as Miami Dolphins prepare for Week 1 Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips continues to build toward a return from a 2023 Achilles tear. He talked about his recovery and the team’s addition of Calais Campbell this week. By Sep 1, 2024, 10:28am EDT
