LB Odafe Oweh Nov 5, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Odafe Oweh (99) celebrates after making a defensive play against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports The Ravens watched Patrick Queen bet on himself last season and depart for greener pastures in Pittsburgh. The organization avoided making that mistake with their most naturally talented pass rusher, signing Odafe Oweh to his fifth-year option. The former Penn State edge rusher can focus on what he does best: rushing the passer. Baltimore drafted Oweh in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft out of Penn State. He started in 13 games last season and registered five sacks, tied for the most in his career. He also had 23 tackles, 12 quarterback hits, and two forced fumbles. With the departure of Jadeveon Clowney to the Carolina Panthers in free agency, Oweh could break out and have a double-digit sack season. CB Brandon Stephens BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 28: Rashee Rice #4 of the Kansas City Chiefs carries the ball against Brandon Stephens #21 of the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter in the AFC Championship Game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) Last season, Stephens finished 21st among qualifying corners in coverage DVOA with 11 passes defensed. Stephens started 16 games at cornerback, and the converted safety logged two interceptions and a 65.5 grade in coverage. WR Zay Flowers OWINGS MILLS, MD – AUGUST 12: Zay Flowers #4 of the Baltimore Ravens catches a pass during training camp at Under Armour Performance Center Baltimore Ravens on August 12, 2024 in Owings Mills, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) The former Boston College star can get in and out of breaks better than most veterans in the league, and he’s reaching another gear after leading Baltimore in receiving as a rookie. The rookie led the team with 77 receptions for 858 receiving yards, developing into Lamar Jackson’s most reliable playmaker on the outside. Among other NFL rookie receivers last season, Flowers finished fifth in yards, fourth in receptions, fourth in yards per game (53.6), and seventh in touchdowns (5) while playing in an offense that led the NFL in rush attempts (541). WR Rashod Bateman Dec 17, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (7) celebrates after the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports A 2021 first-round pick, Bateman missed most of his second season after having foot surgery. He was still dealing with the effects last season after finishing with 56 targets, the fourth-most on the team behind Zay Flowers, Odell Beckham Jr., and Mark Andrews. Bateman caught 32 passes for 367 yards and one touchdown, playing in 16 games and starting 12 contests. Bateman will be in line for a more significant target share with Beckham gone. OL Andrew Vorhees Baltimore Ravens offensive linemen Andrew Vorhees (72) and Ronnie Stanley (79) run through a drill during a joint practice with the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at Ray Nitschke Field in Ashwaubenon, Wis. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Vorhees appeared in 44 games on the offensive line at USC, with 25 starts at right guard before the All-American tore his ACL during the 2023 scouting combine. With Kevin Zeitler departed, Vorhees will step right into the lineup after a redshirt year as a rookie and could earn Pro Bowl honors. TE Isaaih Likely Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (80) catches a pass during a joint practice with the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at Ray Nitschke Field in Ashwaubenon, Wis. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin He is “a chess piece” for offensive coordinator Todd Monken, and the 24-year-old tight end is coming off a 2023 season in which he logged 50 catches for 411 yards and five touchdowns. Most of that production came while Andrews (who missed seven games last season) was injured. DT Travis Jones Aug 17, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Travis Jones (98) tackles DAtlanta Falcons running back Carlos Washington Jr. (28) behind the line of scrimmage during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports Jones played less than 40 percent of the Ravens’ defensive snaps in his first two seasons, and in 2023, he logged 36 combined tackles and one sack with a 70.6 grade from PFF. A 2022 third-round pick out of UConn, Jones has appeared in 32 games for the Ravens over his first two seasons, starting just three contests. Jones has accounted for 60 career tackles, five tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. A talented pass rusher with game-shifting power, Baltimore is looking for more from the 6-4, 340-pound defensive tackle. DT Michael Pierce INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 26: Michael Pierce #58 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates a defensive stop against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second quarter in the game at SoFi Stadium on November 26, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) The Ravens and Pierce agreed to a 2-year, $7.5M contract extension through the 2025 season. The 31-year-old had 37 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, and a pair of fumble recoveries this past season. LB Trenton Simpson GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – AUGUST 24: Samori Toure #83 of the Green Bay Packers makes a catch against Trenton Simpson #23 of the Baltimore Ravens in the first half during a preseason game at Lambeau Field on August 24, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) Simpson gave a preview of his potential in the season finale against Pittsburgh, logging seven tackles and one sack on 26 snaps played. During the preseason, he played a lot of snaps, and looked like a future Pro Bowl weakside linebacker. RB Justice Hill OWINGS MILLS, MD – AUGUST 12: Justice Hill #43 of the Baltimore Ravens participates in a drill during
10 Ravens poised for a breakout season in 2024
Atlanta Falcons Cut Two Players From Roster On Thursday
The Atlanta Falcons made a couple of roster moves on Thursday. They released offensive lineman Nolan Potter and defensive lineman Willington Previlon. Potter was with the team as an undrafted free agent while Previlon has been on several teams over the last few years. Both have yet to play in … HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 02: Atlanta Falcons helmets on the field during the Super Bowl LI practice on February 2, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) The Atlanta Falcons made a couple of roster moves on Thursday. They released offensive lineman Nolan Potter and defensive lineman Willington Previlon. Potter was with the team as an undrafted free agent while Previlon has been on several teams over the last few years. Both have yet to play in a regular season game and will be looking for new work elsewhere. Potter spent his collegiate career at Northern Illinois while Previlon played at Rutgers. The Falcons enter the 2024 season with a new coaching staff and a quarterback. Raheem Morris will be in his first season as head coach while Kirk Cousins will be the new starting quarterback after signing a five-year deal during free agency. They also have Michael Penix Jr. as the heir apparent to Cousins as he’ll get to develop behind him. The Falcons finished the 2023 season with a 7-10 record, good for third in the NFC South. They’ll start the 2024 season against former head coach Arthur Smith and the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 8 at 1 p.m. ET. Related: Falcons Coach Raheem Morris Rips Team’s Quarterback Play
Ja’Marr Chase is still sitting out of Bengals practice
Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images As the Chase turns. Game week is here for the Cincinnati Bengals, and it’s still a big question mark whether Ja’Marr Chase suits up Sunday against the New England Patriots or not. ‘Or not’ appears to be a very real possibility now. After sitting out the final two practices last week, Chase was once again in street clothes for the start of Monday’s practice. Chase is considered day-to-day, and it’s unclear if he plans to practice at all this week if a contract extension is not struck. The good news is this isn’t one of the three official game-week practices. Those begin on Wednesday and will offer the biggest hint as to whether or not Chase plans to play this week without a contract extension. Let’s hope a deal gets done soon and the Bengals can put this all behind them. Ja’Marr Chase (white shirt) is at practice and in stretch. pic.twitter.com/lebbbGrvFS — Mike Petraglia (@Trags) September 2, 2024 Want more Cincy Jungle coverage? Then go follow us on Twitter and Facebook to get all the latest Cincinnati Bengals news and views. And Who DEY!
Report: Former Super Bowl champion Leonard Fournette to visit Colts for workout
Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Chris Godwin #14 and Leonard Fournette #7 celebrate during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium — November 28, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. | Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images Free agent running back Leonard Fournette is visiting the Indianapolis Colts on Monday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Free agent running back Leonard Fournette is visiting the Indianapolis Colts on Monday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Indianapolis welcomed Fournette, 29, to a group workout with other free agents. The Colts feature star running back Jonathan Taylor in the backfield, but may aim to address the depth in the unit before the start of the 2024 regular season. Fournette signed with the Bills practice squad last year and added 40 rushing yards on 12 carries in two games. Former Buccaneers and Bills RB Leonard Founette is visiting today with the Indianapolis Colts, per source. pic.twitter.com/PIHyXi7ztv — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 2, 2024 After Fournette spent his first three NFL seasons in Jacksonville from 2017 to 2019, he was suddenly waived less than two weeks before the Jaguars’ 2020 season opener against the Colts. Fournette signed a three-year, $21 million deal with the Buccaneers six days later and his career was revitalized when he joined legendary quarterback Tom Brady on a new quest in Tampa Bay. Fournette won Super Bowl LV with the Buccaneers and ran for a game-high 89 rushing yards on 16 carries, including a 27-yard touchdown run midway through the third quarter. Following a stellar collegiate career at LSU, Fournette was selected by the AFC South rival Jaguars with the fourth overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He found immediate success on the gridiron, becoming the first player in Jaguars’ franchise history to rush for 100 yards in his NFL debut and reach the end zone in his first six career games. In 81 career games, Fournette has compiled 4,518 rushing yards with 34 rushing touchdowns and seven receiving TDs. He tallied 10 total TDs in 10 career playoff games. Indianapolis added one veteran free agent on both sides of the football this offseason, including backup quarterback Joe Flacco, 39, and defensive tackle Raekwon Davis, 27. If the Colts sign Fournette to the 53-man roster or the practice squad, ‘Playoff Lenny’ will be the most experienced skill position player on the team besides Flacco. The Colts intend to bolster the running back unit with the addition of Fournette, since RBs Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson took just 48 carries last season and have a combined three NFL starts.
Raiders NFL Draft: Sanders, Beck, 2025 QB class gets off to hot start
Shedeur Sanders | Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty Images First full weekend of college football provides some optimism for Raiders’ future at quarterback While the ideal situation for the Las Vegas Raiders is that Gardner Minshew (or even Aidan O’Connell) emerges as the franchise’s quarterback of the future this season, let’s be honest, the Raiders are likely going to address the position during the NFL Draft. Meanwhile, this past weekend was Week 1 of the College Football Season and several big names showed why they’ve been getting some buzz heading into the campaign. Shedeur Sanders Game result: 31-26 win over North Dakota State Stats: 26/34 (76.5%), 445 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT Sanders made a handful of ‘big-time’ throws (BTTs)—five to be exact, per Pro Football Focus—but what was most encouraging to me was he showed much more poise in the pocket. His arm talent has never been a problem but last season he would often leave the offensive tackles out to dry by dropping too deep or drifting out of the pocket and holding the ball too long. However, Sanders was only sacked once on 12 pressures for an 8.3 percent pressure-to-sack rate compared to last year’s figure of 25.1 percent, via PFF. Clearly, the Buffalo was focusing on that in the offseason and it was on display last Thursday. That combined with the outstanding throws was good to see to begin the year. Per @PFF, Shedeur Sanders had the highest possible passer rating of 158.3 on plays in which he was in the pocket for 2.5 seconds or more. And these were NOT always clean pockets. pic.twitter.com/Y4Ail7gcYQ — Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) August 30, 2024 Carson Beck Game result: 34-3 win over Clemson Stats: 23/33 (69.7%), 278 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs One of Beck’s biggest issues last year was that he would have too much faith in his arm strength and make throws that he shouldn’t have. But against Clemson, he was much more measured and did a good job of going through his reads, picking and choosing his spots to be aggressive. Also, the Bulldog was pretty accurate for most of the game as the completion percentage above was deflated by four drops, according to PFF. The site credited him with an 81.4 adjusted completion percentage. Overall, it was an impressive season debut for Beck when it comes to his prospects as a pro. This is probably my favorite throw from Carson Beck on Saturday. He sees the corner is out leveraged, and the only other defender (No. 7) has his back turned and has no way of knowing the ball is coming. A good decision by Carson, and a good adjustment by Humphreys. pic.twitter.com/R5qxmia7PM — Harrison Reno (@HarrisonReno) September 1, 2024 Cam Ward Game result: 41-17 win over Florida Stats: 26/35 (74.3%), 385 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT Heading into the weekend, Ward wasn’t the biggest name and wasn’t getting much first-round buzz but those conversations will likely start after Saturday. He has a funky side-arm style release, but he can throw the ball all over the field, throw from multiple arm angles and fit balls into tight windows which was on display against Florida. Ward kind of reminds me of Philip Rivers in that regard, just without Rivers’ size, and the Hurricane can certainly sling it as PFF credited him with four BTTs. #Miami QB Cam Ward vs. Florida Loose, relaxed playmaker with easy arm strength. His best throw of the game came on 3rd-and-11. pic.twitter.com/IMDSRYvHxX — Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) September 1, 2024 Drew Allar Game result: 34-12 win over West Virginia Stats: 11/17 (64.7%), 216 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs, 6 rushes, 44 yards Allar had the least-impressive performance of the quarterbacks mentioned but that’s primarily due to having the lowest volume of passes. But he did show off some arm talent by pushing the ball down the field, recording 12.7 yards per attempt with a 12.0-yard average depth of target. The Nittany Lion also made a few plays with his legs, rushing for four first downs and forcing a couple of missed tackles, per PFF. 37 seconds of Drew Allar being a DUDE vs West Virginia pic.twitter.com/VHJGgJ2qhA — LandonTengwall (@landon_tengwall) September 1, 2024
How to buy Buffalo Bills vs. Arizona Cardinals 2024 NFL Week 1 tickets
How to buy Buffalo Bills vs. Arizona Cardinals 2024 NFL Week 1 tickets Nick Wojton The start of the Buffalo Bills’ regular season is just a few days away. The Bills and Arizona Cardinals will kickoff their respective seasons with a Week-1 matchup in Orchard Park, NY on Sept. 8 2024 at 1 p.m. This Week 1 intra-conference matchup will feature two hyper-mobile quarterbacks in Josh Allen and Kyler Murray. Limited tickets remain for the season opener in Buffalo. SHOP: Buffalo Bills vs. Arizona Cardinals tickets The Bills are the defending AFC East champions, but after another disappointing loss against the Kansas City Chiefs in the playoffs and an offseason that saw star receiver Stefon Diggs traded away, there is trepidation in Buffalo. Arizona is looking to rise from the cellar to the crowded top of a division that features three teams who finished last season above .500 and the defending NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers. A road win against Buffalo to begin the season would be just what the doctor ordered for Cardinals fans. Will the Bills are Cards start the season with a win? Tickets are available from $135. Shop Bills vs. Cardinals Week 1 tickets We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. Bills Wire operates independently, though, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
Vikes Views: What is your Prediction for the Vikings Season?
Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports This year is very hard to judge for me. I can’t tell if I am optimistic because the pass rushers look improved and CBs might be alright or if I am pessimistic because the DL is weak and Darnold might not magically improve. I usually lean optimistic on my record predictions. I nailed the 13-4 prediction in 2022. I was fairly optimistic last year with my 11-6 Prediction. That might have been spot on if Kirk didn’t go down. I will write my prediction this week, but would love to hear everyone’s thoughts. Let me know what you think in the comments. Reasons for Hope – Improved Pass Rush, Improved CBs, Kevin O’Connell without Kirk Cousins Reasons for Doom – Sam Darnold is who they think he is, Defensive Line, Interior OL, Injuries, Strong Divisional Opponents, Tough Opening Schedule, Early Bye Week 1 – at Giants Week 2 – 49ers Week 3 – Texans Week 4 – at Packers Week 5 – Jets in London Week 6 – Bye Week 7 – Lions Week 8 – at Rams Week 9 – Colts Week 10 – at Jaguars Week 11 – at Titans Week 12 – at Bears Week 13 – Cardinals Week 14 – Falcons Week 15 – Bears Week 16 – at Seahawks Week 17 – Packers Week 18 – at Lions
Everything we learned from Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel during Today’s Press Conference | 9/2
Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images Miami 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. The Miami Dolphins kick off the 2024 NFL Season in six days as the team faces the Jacksonville Jaguars at Hard Rock Stadium. Head Coach Mike McDaniel met with the media briefly to give his thoughts on his recent contract extension, Miami’s 2024 team captains, injury news, a look ahead at the Jaguars, and everything in between. Here’s everything we learned from Mike McDaniel’s 9/2 Press Conference. Mike McDaniel on his new contract extension “Congratulations goes to the organization. There are a lot of people that lift you up to give you an opportunity to be a head coach, but for that program to sustain (success), I see that as each and every person involved. So I see that as an accomplishment for the entire organization.” McDaniel said he had dinner with Ross a few weeks ago to discuss the contract negotiation and finished his steak. He continued: “For me, I haven’t really thought twice about it afterward from the regard of, I guess I’ve had a ton of reasons to approach every day with everything I have, and giving myself to everyone as best I can. I guess this is another reason to be motivated to attack each and every day to your fullest… I probably have some more reasons to do what i’ve been tending to do since i got on grounds here.” McDaniel on Miami’s eight captains and what it meant to those players: “Really good players. I think, off the top of my head, 28 Pro Bowls. BOOM, how about that!? Fast facts. I think you have guys that not only have respect and regard from their teammates, but they’ve earned their stripes from the league… I think the National Football League, the opinions of your peers, and there’s nothing that can have a stronger attachment towards you if you’re a player. It’s as important as the name on the back of your jersey. With our particular unit, I think it was cool to see the amount of conviction the team had for the individuals across the board.” McDaniel on what it meant for David Long to be named a captain: “There were a lot of captain-worthy leaders, and I could tell by how the award winners were received; it meant a great deal because it was a very high honor on this team. “He tried to play it cool in front of all his teammates. I’m convinced he and a couple of other fellow captains probably had an emotional moment behind closed doors. But that’s just me guessing because I know how much this game means to David Long. This was a very cool orchestration to let him know how much regard his teammates hold for him. It was a very cool moment to be a part of.” McDaniel on Jacksonville’s defensive front “How they come off the ball. How they play with consistent technique and fundamentals and their relentless strain… I think that’s pretty obvious from the minimal game tape we’ve watched, but that’s been a paramount part of their D-line. They are a very talented group playing hard together. McDaniel says both Tavon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen are very good players, and the Dolphins have worked this off-season to improve their protection. “It’s a very timely matchup…any time you have speed with depth rushers on the EDGE, they can really expand your pocket. And if you’re not tied together with your launch point or where your blockers are, you can have players get EDGEd pretty quickly & that’s tough… they’re a good group to start with because they’re super talented, and if you’re not on your game, you’ll be exposed. And that’s something you need to be used to in the NFL when protecting the passer because you do not get a week off against #elite pass rushers. McDaniel on Aaron Brewer and Benito Jones: “You’re going to see them participate in practice this week.” He says the Dolphins believe Brewer can play center with the laceration on his hand. McDaniel says he feels good about the starting o-line and the contingencies they have in place if players can’t go… “my crystal ball is broken.” McDaniel says both Waddle and Hill will be practicing today. “No setbacks to relay — as of yet — so they’ll be out on the field today. McDaniel on Chop Robinson’s growth: “We ask a lot from EDGE defenders in our defense. We ask them not only to be a primary importance in the run game, but pass game as well. I think understanding the box you have to play in as a pass-rusher is huge… gone are the days of looping… typically, you have to really tighten that angle because QBs don’t drop back as far, as well as different keys about how to play the game within the game. Different stance keys that diagnose run or pass, situational awareness, all these things, he doesn’t waste a day out on the field. Which is good news for us because he’s talented, and we expect him to contribute… he attacks each practice the way a veteran would where you try to get something out of it and add to the tools of your game.” McDaniel on Jaguars rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas: “Super talented of player that has a unique combination of being a down-the-field third-level receiver that can track & make plays while also having the route-running skills to do the underneath stuff..you see a very talented individual that can take his game as far as he can take it… We will be well aware of where he is on the field because we did a lot of work on him. McDaniel on how the running back room will play out during a game: “Just to give individuals opportunities and to let that shape
Ifeatu Melifonwu’s Week 1 status ‘unsure,’ remaining injured players ‘good’ to go
Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images On Monday, Dan Campbell noted the majority of injured Lions players would be “good” to play in Week 1, with only the status of a couple players still up in the air. It’s officially Week 1 of the 2024 NFL regular season and during Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell’s time with the media on Monday, he provided updates on the players dealing with injuries. Fortunately, the news is mostly good, as the majority of injured players are expected to play in this Sunday’s game, with only defensive back Ifeatu Melifonwu’s—and likely defensive tackle DJ Reader’s—status being in flux. Melifonwu is currently dealing with an Achilles injury, and according to Campbell, it’s been something that has been lingering for some time, and the the healing process is “slow moving.” Campbell has previously mentioned that Melifonwu didn’t have a clear recovery timeline established, and the team needed to take its time and deal with things as they come. On Monday, Campbell said the plan was to test Melifonwu out later in the day, but they still are not sure how far along he is in the recovery process. “Yeah, Iffy [Melifonwu] will be the only one right now who’s still not sure, still not sure on him,” Campbell said. “We’re going to try to get him moving around a little bit today and tomorrow and see where he’s at. Everybody else we’re good.” While Campbell said the remaining injured players were good, it’s worth pointing out he was likely not including Reader in this group because Campbell had previously told the media the bulking nose tackle likely wouldn’t be ready until Week 2 — though he did leave the door open just a bit. “I would love to say we’re targeting that (Week 1). We’re just going to take it as it comes,” Campbell said of Reader ahead of cutdowns. “We’d always said, long term, that we were kinda shooting for (Week 2 vs.) Tampa [Bay]. Look, our eyes are open, and we’re going to pay close attention and see how he does, how he feels, and kinda go from there if it’s sooner.” While it’s possible Reader could come back early, it’s worth noting that when discussing the defensive tackle depth for Week 1, Campbell identified Alim McNeill, Levi Onwuzurike, Josh Paschal, and Mekhi Wingo as players they needed to count on this week. This further points to Reader still targeting Week 2 as a potential return to game action. The injured Lions players expected to be ready include starters Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, Kevin Zeitler, Carlton Davis, and Terrion Arnold, as well as Malcolm Rodriguez and Ennis Rakestraw, all of whom returned to practice over a week ago. The Lions’ official injury report is due out on Wednesday, and we will provide a more detailed update once practice participation levels have been released.
Dan Campbell thankful Aaron Donald is gone, but knows Rams DL filled with youth
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK Dan Campbell is glad they won’t have to tirelessly game plan for Aaron Donald this week, but knows the Rams young DL will present its own problems. For the first time in a decade, the Los Angeles Rams be without future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald. The eight-time Defensive Player of the Year opted to retire this offseason, leaving a massive hole along the defensive line that, quite simply, cannot be replaced by one man. For Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell, that’s a major relief. Between his time with the Lions and Saints, Campbell has had to help game plan against Donald six total times. And as he explained during his Monday morning press conference, it’s an exhausting job to account for Donald. “You needed to know where he was at, at all times, really on all downs,” Campbell said. “It was a constantly—you were shifting and motioning just for him, and you’re damn near doing it every play.” But the Rams have been proactive in planning for Donald’s exit. Last year they drafted Kobie Turner with a third-round pick, and he rewarded their investment with an impressive 9.0 sacks—most of any NFL rookie in 2023. They doubled down this offseason, drafting edge defender Jared Verse in the first round and defensive tackle Braden Fiske in the second. “It’s nice not to have to necessarily worry about (Donald), but the guys they have over there are young and hungry, high-motor,” Campbell said. “Man, they’ve got an influx of youth that’s pretty damn talented.” Detroit, of course, is relatively well-equipped to handle the Rams’ defensive front. Many expect them to have the best offensive line in football, and even with Donald last year, the Rams struggled to generate pressure in the Wild Card game against the Lions. While Jared Goff did take three sacks, the Rams didn’t do much else to disrupt his day. Goff finished 22-of-27 for 277 yards, a touchdown, and a 121.8 passer rating. Still, every new season presents new surprises. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned from Campbell’s first three seasons, he’s going to have the team ready for the Rams’ young defensive front, even if it’s without Donald.
