Junfu Han-USA TODAY Sports Our Detroit Lions season preview continues. Predicting the team’s defensive MVP for 2024. Our 2024 Detroit Lions preview series continues now with the defense. This year, the Lions made some monster changes on that side of the ball in the hopes of improving a unit that ranked 23rd in points allowed last year. Whether it be free agent additions like DJ Reader, drafted talent like Terrion Arnold, or players they traded for like Carlton Davis, there are players that will certainly offer some reasons for optimism in 2024. But who will be the Lions’ defensive MVP this year? Here are our selections. Previously: Offensive MVP prediction 2024 Detroit Lions Defensive Player of the Year Brandon Knapp: Aidan Hutchinson With an improvement to the secondary and the defensive line, Hutchinson will benefit the most from it. With the coverage being able to do their job for longer, it will give Hutchinson more time to get to the quarterback. What also helps is the addition of DJ Reader to help the interior defensive line become an even bigger threat, which should have Hutchinson see fewer double teams. John Whiticar: Aidan Hutchinson While I think the overhaul in the secondary will be a boon for the front seven, Hutchinson should still be the unquestioned defensive MVP on this team. His pressure total (101) outweighed his sack total (11) by a fair bit, but he was also the only edge playing worthwhile football last year—Alim McNeill was second on the team with total pressures. With a better secondary behind him and added linemen like DJ Reader and Marcus Davenport, Hutchinson is being set up for an excellent year. Jeremy Reisman: Aidan Hutchinson I love that there are actual options this year like Alim McNeill, DJ Reader, Jack Campbell, Terrion Arnold, and Brian Branch, but Hutchinson will again take the honors. He quietly had a dominant training camp, and with a better cast of players around him, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him turn what was the most pressures in the league last year into a 15+ sack season. Ryan Mathews: Brian Branch Brian Branch is going to solidify himself as the most valuable player in this Lions defense for a variety of reasons, but let’s start with his positional versatility. Branch is a player who came into Detroit a year ago and was so ready to contribute at a high level, the Lions made him the team’s starting nickel cornerback and changed course with their plans for veteran C.J. Gardner-Johnson. In Year 2, he’s moving to safety, but not out of necessity–it’s to ensure he’s on the field as much as possible after having a dynamite rookie campaign manning the slot (first among rookie CBs in run-defense stop rate [7.8%] and 11th in passer rating against). Morgan Cannon: Aidan Hutchinson This was a really tough call, but because of the position he plays and the impact he can have on the game, I am going with third-year edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. The former University of Michigan star was wildly productive in 2023 with a supporting cast that didn’t always do him a ton of favors. Now with a deeper and more talented interior defensive line group, Hutchinson should see more one-on-ones this year which will hopefully lead to more sacks. If Hutchinson can elevate his game to the level of the elite tier of rushers in the NFL, it will go a long way towards this defense making some pretty giant strides in 2024. Meko Scott: Brian Branch I have to admit that this one is some wishful thinking on my part. I know that Aidan Hutchinson is the Lions best player and I fully expect him to continue to climb the ranks of the NFL’s best pass rushers, but I really think we could see something special from Brian Branch this season. The move to safety will give Branch more opportunities to do something he did quite often in his rookie season, and that is make plays and generate turnovers. He played at a level last year that I believe was worthy of All-Pro honors at the nickel position in Aaron Glenn’s defense, and I think he picks up where he left off and takes things to another level by becoming one of the best young safeties in the NFL. Erik Schlitt: Aidan Hutchinson The Lions invested heavily in the secondary and added more depth to the linebacker core, but the addition of DJ Reader should open the door for Aidan Hutchinson to get more one-on-one opportunities, which will be a problem for Lions opponents. The Lions’ offseason moves have put talent across the defense, but Hutchinson remains the most impactful player and should take his game up another level. Hamza Baccouche: Alex Anzalone I want to say Aidan Hutchinson here, but I truly think it’s Alex Anzalone. He may not get there in the flashiest way, as we learned last year. Anzalone graded out as one of the league’s best coverage linebackers, and it was often through quarterbacks not being able to throw his way, rather than interceptions or pass breakups. The more I pay attention to it, the more I believe Anzalone is key to holding down the second level and softening the blow from the injuries and turnover that have plagued the Lions secondary in recent years. With a much younger secondary entering 2024, Anzalone will be a glue for this defense once again. Max Gerber: Aidan Hutchinson Detroit’s defensive MVP has to go to Aidan Hutchinson. While he might have hit a bit of a sophomore slump compared to his rookie season, he still was one of the league’s best edge defenders in 2023. I expect a double-digit sack season from Hutchinson this year. Alex Reno: Aidan Hutchinson Last year, Hutchinson didn’t have a ton of help along the defensive line, and he still put up ridiculous numbers despite teams using nearly all of their resources to try and stop him. Now, with
2024 Detroit Lions season preview: Defensive MVP prediction
Open thread: Which Lions player coming off of an injury will have the biggest impact in Week 1?
Eric Seals-USA TODAY Sports Dan Campbell had some positive injury updates for the media on Monday. Which Detroit Lion coming back from injury will have the biggest impact against the Rams? On Monday, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell spent some time with the media to provide some injury updates. The news was mostly good, with the focus of the conversation being on safety Ifeatu Melifonwu, who is a bit of an unknown heading into Week 1. Campbell’s comments indicated that the rest of the players dealing with minor ailments should be good to go against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night. That’s huge news, considering at one point during training camp the Lions seemed to be dealing with an injury or two a day. That means, barring any setbacks, we should expect to see guys like Sam LaPorta, Jahmyr Gibbs, Terrion Arnold, Carlton Davis III, and Kevin Zeitler back in the starting lineup and ready to go. Today’s Question of the Day is… Which Lions player coming off of an injury will have the biggest impact in Week 1? My answer: Carlton Davis III. The Lions’ pass defense took a beating last year, and during their Wild Card matchup against the Rams, wide receiver Puka Nacua went nuclear catching nine passes on ten targets for 181 yards and a touchdown in a narrow loss. Cam Sutton was on the receiving end for the sole touchdown where he got absolutely torched on a subtle hesi-move. Looking to replace Sutton as CB1 for the Lions is Davis III, who I expect to receive a bulk of the looks across from Nacua, though they do like to move the Rams receiver around quite a bit. Davis, acquired from the Bucs in an offseason trade, is a shutdown corner that fits exactly what defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has been searching for, and this is his opportunity to prove he can shut down one of the top receivers in the NFL. Let’s hear from you. What player returning from injury will have the biggest impact against the Rams? Post your thoughts in the comments below.
Giants-Vikings, Week 1 storylines: 5 things to watch this week
Gunner Olszewski | Lucas Boland-USA TODAY Sports Adoree’ Jackson, injuries, more things to watch The 2024 NFL season is here! The New York Giants open their regular season on Sunday at MetLife Stadium against the Minnesota Vikings with a 1 p.m. kickoff. The day will feature the culmination of the franchise’s celebration of its 100th season of NFL competition. The Giants will wear their specially-designed 100th-year throwback uniforms and honor the top 100 players in franchise history as voted by a panel of experts. Let’s look at some of the storylines for this week. A fast start is a must In Brian Daboll’s first season as head coach, the Giants began the year 7-2 and made the playoffs. In his second, the Giants staggered to a 2-8 record and finished 6-11. The Giants need a quick start to the 2024 season to avoid having a second straight season filled with meaningless games. The schedule, with winnable games at home against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1 and on the road vs. the Washington Commanders in Week 2, offers them an opportunity to get off to a good start. That is followed by this difficult six-game stretch: Week 3 at Cleveland BrownsWeek 4 vs. Dallas CowboysWeek 5 at Seattle SeahawksWeek 6 vs. Cincinnati BengalsWeek 7 vs. Philadelphia EaglesWeek 8 at Pittsburgh Steelers I wrote on Sunday about the Giants needing to be better this season, and took the view that there were signs they could be. Those signs need to show up immediately, though, or there is potential for an ugly first half of the season. Adoree’s status Adoree’ Jackson’s first practice since signing with the Giants over the weekend was on Monday. How much the veteran cornerback might be able to play vs. the Vikings is unknown. “We’ve got to get him out here and ramp him up and see where he’s at,” Daboll said. “We’ll take it day by day, see where he’s at and how much to play him, how much not to play him.” The starting job was Jackson’s a year ago. Cor’Dale Flott and Nick McCloud have been the primary competitors for that job this summer without Jackson in camp. We might see all three in that spot on Sunday. Injury updates Daboll would not provide any injury information on Monday, saying that would wait until the team had to produce an injury report on Wednesday. That, though, doesn’t mean we can’t speculate about a couple of key injuries. Gunner Olszewski — The punt returner suffered a groin injury in mid-August that was expected to sideline for up to four weeks. Somewhere along the way that began being reported as an ankle injury, but whatever. Olszewski was reportedly still moving gingerly while catching punts during practice last week. His status for Sunday has to be considered up in the air. Who returns punts if Olszewski can’t? Adoree’ Jackson? Daboll didn’t rule that out on Monday, though it seems unlikely the Giants would add that to his plate as he ramps up after not practicing all summer. Somebody who isn’t on the roster right now? Does Olszewski go to IR if he isn’t ready? Micah McFadden — The starting linebacker injured a hip in a preseason game against the Houston Texans. Will he be ready? Drew Lock — The No. 2 quarterback injured a hip and suffered a strained oblique in the preseason-opening game against the Detroit Lions. He did not play in the remaining two preseason games and has done little in practice. Has Lock progressed enough to be the backup for Daniel Jones on Sunday? Come together right now, OL! The Giants’ starting offensive line did not practice together in the positions they will play this Sunday until the middle of last week. The Giants have to hope that the veteran nature of the line, with only second-year center John Michael Schmitz being a younger player, will help the group deal with a less-than-ideal circumstance. “Those players have, when they’ve practiced, they’ve all practiced well, albeit not all together, but they’ve all practiced well,” Daboll said. “They’ve come in, they’ve worked hard, they’re smart, they communicate with one another well. The last couple of practices we had here before the break, it was good to get them all out there. “So, do everything you can do. That’s just not them, that’s everybody, to be as ready as you can go for Week 1.” The scenario isn’t perfect, but it is better than it was a season ago. At that time the Giants did not even know at the end of the preseason which players they wanted to use on the line. This year, they have known for a while but injuries have prevented them from practicing as a unit. Another chance for Sam Former New York Jets No. 3 overall pick Sam Darnold has not been a full-time starter since losing his starting gig with the Carolina Panthers in the middle of the 2021 season. With rookie J.J. McCarthy on season-ending IR because of a torn meniscus, Darnold has that chance this season. He begins trying to prove that he is a starting-caliber quarterback Sunday at MetLife Stadium, where he flopped with the Jets. Daboll scouted Darnold extensively in 2018 when he was with the Buffalo Bills and the team drafted Josh Allen. “I’ve got a lot of respect for Sam,” Daboll said. “I know he’s been to four different places, but he’s an athletic quarterback that has a good head on his shoulders, knows where to go with the football. He’s surrounded by some really good players at Minnesota and experience helps at any position. But I’ve always been a big fan of Sam, and he’s got a good team around him, a good play-caller, and it’ll be certainly a challenge.”
Vic Fangio says Quinyon Mitchell is ready to play 100% of the Eagles’ snaps in Week 1
This and more from Philadelphia’s defensive coordinator. The Eagles had another practice on Monday, with just a few days left before their season opener in Brazil, and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio spoke to reporters about how they prepare for Week 1, and gave insights into a bunch of individual players. He noted that he does still get nervous for games, but not always, and he’s excited to learn how good this team can be after playing in a regular season game. Fangio admitted that in the first game, they have to temper things backs a bit and make sure not to put too much on the players right out of the gate — something they took into account when creating the game plan. Here’s what else the DC had to say: On preparing for Week 1 Fangio said that the Packers are pretty much the same team they were last year, at the end of the season, and that’s unfortunate because they were playing good football into the playoffs. “The biggest problem with defending their offense is they run it just as good as they throw it. So, they have a really good mix on first and second down, running play action, and it makes it hard to defend — and then you through in, what you alluded to, a scrambling, mobile quarterback, it adds another dimension to it.” He noted that they have predominantly the same staff, same offense, same players with the addition of Josh Jacobs. “[Jacobs’] a hell of a back. Obviously I knew of him when he was with the Raiders. He’s a hard runner. He’s got good contact balance. He’s a good pass blocker when they need him to be. He can catch the ball. He’s really one of those all-around good backs in the league, but really excels with the ball in his hand.” The DC then acknowledged that it’s going to be tough for the LB group, explaining that the Packers have a really good play action game which primarily attacks the linebackers. They haven’t seen much of that type of play action in training camp, so it is a challenge. On individual players Quinyon Mitchell Fangio said that he can see rookie CB Quinyon Mitchell being on the field for every defensive play, and thinks he’s ready for that responsibility as early as Week 1. “He’s just played well. He’s done a good job picking up his responsibilities, done a good job playing, and he will be out there.” The DC explained that he knew pretty quickly that Mitchell would be able to handle whatever they would throw at him, especially once they had him play nickel early on and he did fine. “I do think for him personally, it would be good to lock in at one spot, because even though we’ve been very happy with his development and his learning abilities, he still is a rookie, and I do think if he can get comfortable at one spot, it would be to his benefit. But we may not be able to do that.” Cooper DeJean “I think he’s as prepared as he can be, but having said that, not where he needs to be.” Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis’ conditioning “We’ll see. They haven’t been pushed like they potentially can be pushed in this game as far as the amount of plays they may have to play. So that’s TBD.” Fangio later said that this game, and the next few, will serve as a better barometer as far as the workload Carter will be able to have this season. He noted that practice is practice, and he won’t have an answer to that until they get some game reps in. Bryce Huff “Hopefully he’ll continue to improve, and I think he will with reps. Now each and every week will present new challenges to him because you’re seeing different types of offenses every week. So different style of runs, different style of passes, when, on the rare occasions, he does have to drop [into coverage]. So, every week will be a new challenge for him.” Other notables As far as the position battles, like at linebacker, Fangio said that they will still be ongoing as the season continues, but he does hope that there is continuity at positions or at least normal play-time rotations. The DC noted that even though Avonte Maddox has spent more time at safety, he can and will still play nickel. Fangio told veteran Brandon Graham to be ready because he’ll likely get used more than last season, and also confirmed that the DE is not on a pitch count to start the season. He admitted that there’s never enough practice heading into a season, but they certainly had enough to be ready for Week 1. The DC said it would have been nice to have one or two more joint practices to see different things schematically and to continue to gel as a group with new players and coaches, but overall he thinks the offseason program went well.
Giants news, 9/3: Adoree’ Jackson, Ty Dunne interview, Wan’Dale Robinson, more headlines
Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports New York Giants news for Tuesday Good morning, New York Giants fans! From Big Blue View How much can Giants expect from Adoree’ Jackson vs. Vikings? Giants-Vikings Week 1 odds: Giants are the underdog at home Are the Giants better in 2024? They better be Turns out the Giants never made an offer to Josh Jacobs How young is the New York Giants’ roster? This young Big Blue View mailbag: Roster comparison, jersey numbers … and Evan Neal Other Giant observations 2024 NFL Season: Predicting Every Game, All 32 Team Records | SI.com New York Giants: 8–9. But I think that if I were a Giants fan, I would try to look at the next two seasons as one continuous season. By that I mean, give these players at wide receiver, cornerback and offensive line a chance to develop and in 2025, when Dallas is still digging itself out of cap hell and the Eagles are possibly starting over at either head coach or quarterback, there will be a foundation here. Daniel Jones embracing likely last chance to make Giants fans believers again | New York Post For now, he is thrilled to be back, gearing up to start another season opener — Sunday at home against the Vikings. “You miss all of it,” Jones said. “You miss being a part of the preparation, going through practice, game-planning, obviously going out on the field is the culmination of all that, that’s what you enjoy most, being out there with your teammates. And winning. When you’re back in the locker room celebrating, that’s what you’re working for. I missed it a lot. Feels good to be back out there.” Week 1 Hype Video One more week. A forever story. #Giants100 pic.twitter.com/GqgALELrLB — New York Giants (@Giants) September 1, 2024 Intel on all 32 NFL teams, Russ skepticism, Davante Adams trade talk and more | The Athletic They’ve got some impressive young receivers with Malik Nabers, Jalin Hyatt and Wan’Dale Robinson as high draft picks in recent years, but rival executives are skeptical quarterback Daniel Jones will get the best out of them. After general manager Joe Schoen tried to trade into the top three of the draft, it’s pretty clear the clock is ticking on Jones, who has two years but no guaranteed money remaining on his contract after this season. It’s hardly an obtrusive contract in 2025-26, especially in the current QB landscape, but Jones probably has to play well enough to keep it on the books after this season. Giants’ Daniel Jones has simple goal for offense: ‘We’re trying to score a lot of touchdowns’ | NJ.com “(I’m) always trying to protect the ball and try to create explosive plays,” Jones said. “That doesn’t mean we’re going to be cautious. We’re going to take chances, but I’ve always placed a high importance on protecting the ball.” NFL team previews 2024 – Predictions, rankings, depth charts | ESPN Bold prediction for 2024: An improved Giants offensive line will give Jones a chance to make plays. Since 2020, the best finish the Giants have had in pass block win rate is 24th. But with Thomas at left tackle and Eluemunor at right tackle — along with the addition of Runyan at guard — this line could be passable. Not amazing, but passable with a top-20 ranking in pass block win rate. Bold predictions for all 32 NFL teams in 2024 | PFF Malik Nabers Breaks Odell Beckham Jr.’s Rookie Record. Rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers is in for a massive target share this upcoming season. Though it’s difficult to have much faith in who might be throwing Nabers the football, volume is king. Nabers’ stat line could look similar to that of Odell Beckham’s 1,300 receiving yards, 12 receiving touchdowns and 91 catches when he won the award with the Giants in 2014. Nabers might not have the touchdowns, but I’ll say he gets similar yards with as much as I think the Giants will be throwing the football this season. A Giants history lesson from Prof. Peter Schrager The coolest news of the week came from the @Giants yesterday, with Malik Nabers getting permission from Ray Flaherty’s family to wear no. 1. So… Who’s Ray Flaherty? @gmfb @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/MNb7WZgSR3 — Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) August 30, 2024 24 intriguing players for the 2024 NFL season, including Marvin Harrison Jr. and many QBs | The Athletic 10. Malik Nabers, WR, New York Giants. The rookie flashed in the preseason and seems capable of fulfilling the Giants’ long-standing need for an elite playmaker. Two years ago, the acquisition of Tyreek Hill helped Tua Tagovailoa settle in and begin ascending as a passer. Could Nabers’ presence have a similar impact on Jones, who lost one security blanket in Saquon Barkley and now enters a make-or-break season? Wan’Dale Robinson helping Giants fill Sterling Shepard void: ‘Brings that fire’ | New York Post “Shep was a bit on the extreme end of that [trash talk] spectrum and Wan’Dale is not Shep level, but I think it’s him growing into his confidence,” laughed the 6-foot-1 Slayton. “Wan’Dale is as brave as they come. I tell him, ‘You are giving me courage’ when I think I’m not the biggest guy. He plays with that same level of bravery as Shep.” Giants players predict breakout candidates: Tyler Nubin has one teammate ‘excited as hell’ | The Athletic Theo Johnson was another rookie to receive multiple votes. The fourth-round pick has turned heads with his combination of size (6 foot 6, 264 pounds) and athleticism. •WR Darius Slayton: “If you built a tight end on Madden, you would build Theo. He would look like Theo; he would be tall like Theo; he would run like Theo; he would catch like Theo; he would be strong and block like Theo. I honestly can’t think of a single tight end trait you want your tight end to have that Theo does not have, other than the fact
Justin Madubuike changes his name to Nnamdi Madubuike ahead of Week 1 vs. Chiefs
Justin Madubuike changes his name to Nnamdi Madubuike ahead of Week 1 vs. Chiefs glenn erby Justin Madubuike has officially arrived, and nothing says you’re a star in this league like your peers naming you to the NFL’s Top 100 Players list, a brand new contract, and a fresh, new name. Looking to stay centered in his roots and be true to himself and his family, Madubuike is undergoing a name change and is set to take on his middle name, Nnamdi. Ravens reporter Kyle Phoenix was among the first to notice the change to the nameplate on his locker. Madubuike made the change to his Instagram page as well. Madubuike explained his decision to Giana Han of the Baltimore Banner. Madubuike improved significantly in his fourth season with the Ravens. He led the team with 13 sacks, 33 quarterback hits, and 12 tackles for loss, which earned him his first Pro Bowl honor. Madubuike had a breakout season in a contract year, setting himself up for a four-year, $98 million extension.
Reasons for optimism heading into 2024 season – The Splash Zone 9/3/24
Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images Welcome to the Splash Zone, the quickest way to get your day started off right. We bring you a rundown of Miami Dolphins news from the last 24 hours. Football will be back for the Miami Dolphins and the rest of the NFL this week. It’s hard to believe another season is about to begin and expectations for the Dolphins remain high. Since Mike McDaniel took over as head coach, the Dolphins have had one of the most electric offenses in the league with playmakers all over the offense. But while they have been explosive, defenses have figured them out as the seasons went along. It’s up to McDaniel and staff to adapt when it gets late into the season. You can check out that story here, and the rest of the day’s round-up below. Five Biggest Reasons for Optimism for Miami Dolphins Heading into 2024 Regular SeasonThe Miami Dolphins’ explosive offense makes the team almost an automatic contender Mike McDaniel Miami Dolphins Coach Mike McDaniel Discusses Stephen Ross Dinner, Contract ExtensionThe Miami Dolphins head coach has a new three-year extension Dolphins Offense What Made the Difference For Miami Dolphins TE Tanner Conner and WR Erik EzukanmaThe hidden factors that likely affected the roster status of Miami Dolphins TE Tanner Conner and WR Erik Ezukanma. Dolphins Defensive Line New Miami Dolphins team captain Zach Sieler fights to get ‘all emotional’ – Yahoo SportsZach Sieler and David Long discuss what being a Miami Dolphins team captain means to them, joining a list that includes Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill. Dolphins Linebackers Dolphins rookie DE Chop Robinson taking tips from OT Terron Armstead – ESPNChop Robinson eagerly soaked up the knowledge Armstead shared and already has put it to good use. Dolphins Injury Report Miami Dolphins Practice Report: Encouraging Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Aaron Brewer UpdatesThe Miami Dolphins should have their entire starting offense available when they open the regular season Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Dolphins Roster ‘They’ve earned their stripes.’ Meet your 2024 Miami Dolphins captains – Yahoo SportsJalen Ramsey, Calais Campbell, Zach Sieler and David Long Jr. are the four newcomers. Phinsider News You May Have Missed Mike McDaniel extension creates continuity – Miami Dolphins News 9/1/24 – The PhinsiderWelcome to the Splash Zone, the quickest way to get your day started off right. We bring you a rundown of Miami Dolphins news from the last 24 hours. Miami Dolphins fans sound off on the media that covers the team! – The PhinsiderWith the season quickly approaching, I asked the following question this past week: Which Miami Dolphins beat reporters or NFL reporters, local or national, do you both respect and count on to give… Miami Dolphins’ Jalen Phillips talks injury recovery, addition of Calais Campbell ahead of Jaguars in Week 1 – The PhinsiderMiami 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. Dolphins’ HC Mike McDaniel talks contract, team captains, and Jaguars – The PhinsiderMiami Dolphins Head Coach Mike McDaniel spoke with the media first time since his contract extension as the team prepares for Week 1 vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars. Miami Dolphins starting center Aaron Brewer will practice ahead of season opener – The PhinsiderMike McDaniel doesn’t commit to Brewer playing against Jacksonville Jaguars. Dolphins name Tua Tagovailoa and seven others as 2024 team captains – The PhinsiderQuarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been a team captain each season since Mike McDaniel became coach of the Miami Dolphins. Five Things I Think I Think About the 2024 Miami Dolphins – Season Predictions – The Phinsider“Can’t wait!” — Bart Scott, philosopher Jacksonville Jaguar You Would Steal For The Miami Dolphins – The PhinsiderWe ask Miami Dolphins fans which Jacksonville Jaguar player they would steal for our team if possible.
Ravens injury report heading into Week 1 against the Chiefs
Ravens injury report heading into Week 1 against the Chiefs glenn erby The Baltimore Ravens released their first injury report of the regular season, and only two of the 53 players on the roster are dealing with injuries. Adisa Isaac missed another practice with a hamstring injury, while rookie running back Rasheen Ali is dealing with a neck injury. For Kansas City, defensive tackle Chris Jones (shoulder), linebacker Nick Bolton (elbow) and offensive guard Joe Thuney (pec) were all full participants. Only wide receiver Hollywood Brown (shoulder), who isn’t expected to play, missed practice. Baltimore will practice one more time on Tuesday in Baltimore, before departing for Kansas City on Wednesday afternoon following the walkthrough.
NFL Fans Not Happy With Punishment Given To Atlanta Falcons
If you thought the NFL was going to slam the hammer down on the Atlanta Falcons for violating the league’s anti-tampering policy, you were sadly mistaken. The NFL announced Thursday that it’s docking the Falcons a 2025 fifth-round pick for their actions. Additionally, the franchise … FLOWERY BRANCH, GEORGIA – MAY 14: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons speaks to the media during OTA offseason workouts at the Atlanta Falcons training facility on May 14, 2024 in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images If you thought the NFL was going to slam the hammer down on the Atlanta Falcons for violating the league’s anti-tampering policy, you were sadly mistaken. The NFL announced Thursday that it’s docking the Falcons a 2025 fifth-round pick for their actions. Additionally, the franchise received a $250,000 fine, and Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot was fined $50,000. Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk blasted the NFL for this weak punishment. “The NFL took only a fifth-round pick and imposed minimal fines on the Falcons for tampering with THREE DIFFERENT PLAYERS,” Florio said. “Message to league = tamper away.” Most NFL fans agree with this take from Florio, which isn’t something we say often. “Unserious penalty,” one fan said. “I’d run it back.” “A tap on the wrist,” a second fan wrote. “Not even a slap.” Another fan tweeted, “Law and Order in America is non existent. It’s all Mad Max Fury Road now.” It’s hard to blame fans for feeling this way. Stripping the Falcons of a fifth-round pick isn’t exactly going to teach them a lesson. The Falcons, meanwhile, said in a statement they’re “pleased” that the NFL’s review is complete. Well, of course they are. “We are pleased this review is complete,” the Falcons said. “We cooperated fully with the league and its review, and appreciate the NFL’s thoroughness. As we do with every process, we will review how we operate and look for ways to improve.” After seeing how the NFL handled this situation in Atlanta, it wouldn’t surprise us if teams intentionally violate the league’s anti-tampering policy in 2025. Related: NFL Announces Punishment For Falcons For Kirk Cousins Signing
Colts announce signing of ex-Rams CB David Long Jr. for final practice squad spot
Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images The Colts have added a former All-Big Ten standout to bolster their secondary depth with their final practice squad spot. On Monday, the Indianapolis Colts announced the signing of former New York Giants cornerback David Long Jr. for the final spot on their practice squad: We have signed CB David Long Jr. to the practice squad. — Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) September 2, 2024 The All-Big Ten standout for Michigan, who was a former 2019 NFL 3rd round pick, has also played with the Los Angeles Rams (*where he began his career), Las Vegas Raiders, Carolina Panthers, and Green Bay Packers organizations. At 5’11,” 196 pounds (with 30 3’4” arms), the 5-year veteran has 96 tackles (82 solo), an interception, and 8 passes defensed during 66 career games (12 starts). He appeared in 14 games (2 starts) last season for the Raiders, Panthers, and Packers organizations collectively, recording 19 tackles (15 solo), and a pass defensed. Long doesn’t have the prototypical size and length that the Colts covet from their cornerbacks, but he’s gritty, physical, and competitive—and can also contribute on special teams—which is the type of player a general manager likes for those last few roster spots, particularly on a practice squad. Here’s his former NFL.com draft profile overview from 2019: Overview Death, taxes and David Long sitting under a receiver’s chin waiting to jam and bully the release – all three are inevitable. He lacks height, length and makeup burst, but it is hard to find tape where those areas came back to haunt him very often. He’s patient from press, stays connected to routes underneath, but may have to adjust to off-man and prove he can withstand vertical challenges against taller targets. He’s not as long, loose or fast as teams like, but he’s a consistent cover man with the talent to find reps early in his career. He’s not the impact ‘veteran cornerback addition’ that most Colts fans were envisioning this offseason, but he does provide experience to the tail-end of their cornerback depth chart—if he’s ever elevated from their taxi-man squad on game day.
