Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images Los Angeles Rams News and Links for 11/21/24 The Los Angeles Rams selected Braden Fiske in the NFL’s most recent draft and it was not without controversy. In fact, it’s perhaps one of the most fascinating picks of Les Snead’s most recent draft (and perhaps ever). The amount of back and forth about whether or not Fiske was worth trading up for were happening when he was drafted, and those narratives are still being weighed today. Go back to draft weekend, LA traded up and gave up a record amount to add Fiske to the team. Anytime that happens people will ask was the price worth it? Part of the fun and frustration of the NFL is that rarely are questions answered right away (though we often think they are). Part of the reason that Snead and the organization gave up so much was because if Fiske became an elite player, then who is going to remember what was given up? Flash forward to now and there is an argument that Fiske was worth every pick sent the Carolina Panthers way. What makes this narrative so entertaining is that in a game that changes week to week, Fiske will be worth his draft value one day, then perhaps fans will lament what was given up another day. That’s life, that’s business, that’s NFL football. So, what do you think? Do you remember what LA gave up to get Fiske? Are you enjoying the Braden Fiske and Jared Verse experience? Does LA have NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year all but locked up between Fiske or Verse? Please comment on whatever you’d like and thanks for checking out this longer form edition of Random Ramsdom, and thank you for checking out Turf Show Times! Rams Rookie Might Be Steal of the 2025 NFL Draft (si.com) “Los Angeles arguably had one of their most successful drafts this past offseason. The Rams’ first-round pick, Jared Verse, has received plenty of recognition, and rightfully so. However, Megan Armstrong of The Sporting News noted that the Rams also successfully drafted their second-round pick. Verse’s college teammate, Braden Fiske, has become a quality addition to the team along with Verse. “The Rams took Fiske in the second round of April’s 2024 NFL Draft, and he has wasted zero time making his mark,” Armstrong said. “Fiske recorded two sacks in the Rams’ 28-22 win in New England on Sunday, November 17.” 4 Rams who can play their way into larger roles for HC Sean McVay after Week 12 (ramblinfan) “The momentum of LA Rams games often falls to the performance of individual players. While the Rams have won four of their last five games after their Week 6 BYE, success has not fallen out of the sky like rain. Gathering experience and playing time has helped rookie and young players, aiding in their development. So it makes sense for players to develop over the season. Some players, unfortunately, have not developed yet. Whether they were not given the opportunity, came to the team too late, have been too inconsistent, or simply haven’t lived up to their expectations, they have witnessed their roles either not take off or diminish over time.” .@byron_97 is having a helluva sophomore szn. pic.twitter.com/HNhEfFJUAd — Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) November 20, 2024 Eagles vs. Rams Injury Report (philadelphiaeagles.com) “Sirianni praised the depth of the rotation at the edge rusher position to absorb the snaps in Huff’s absence. “We feel good about the depth that we have here and some of the young guys. Nolan’s (Smith) done a really good job and Jalyx (Hunt), we’ll see where he’s is as we continue on here. Jalyx keeps getting better as a football player,” Sirianni said. “(Josh) Sweat’s had some really good games and been playing at a top-notch level. BG (Brandon Graham) is continuing to be steady throughout like he has his entire career.” As he should! @AllHands81 is a modern-era semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025. pic.twitter.com/fVipylyDCY — Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) November 20, 2024
Random Ramsdom: Braden Fiske’s post-draft narratives are fascinating
The NFL 5-Year Rule: Is it time to move on from Zac Taylor?
Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images The numbers tell a clear story. The Cincinnati Bengals picked up their seventh loss of the season Sunday night, failing to complete the comeback against the Los Angeles Chargers. Another heartbreaking close loss. More “almost.” Is it time to make a change? If you listen to “The 5-Year Rule,” it is. FiveThirtyEight shows that no NFL head coach/quarterback combination in the history of the NFL has won a Super Bowl together after five seasons together. That is exactly where the Joe Burrow/Zac Taylor duo is. If one side has to leave Cincinnati, it surely won’t be Joe Burrow. Ahead of an NFL coaching cycle with some interesting names, could the Bengals give Taylor the axe and sign a big name? Bill Simmons thinks they should. “I don’t know how Zac Taylor survives the season,” Simmons said on his podcast. ”This could be another job that’s open, and I was thinking this is a pretty interesting (Bill) Belichick job. He’s gonna get one of these jobs. It’s a really interesting (Mike) Vrabel job, too.” The common rebuttal to the Bengals signing the big-name coaches is the organization. Big-name coaches require big-time salaries and typically ask for more control than the Bengals have shown they’re willing to give up. Vrabel has shown the ability to win despite a less-than-ideal organizational structure in his time with the Tennesee Titans. Belichick did well in some slim salary cap years with the New England Patriots, although he was essentially the general manager behind some very bad drafts. Taylor was a quarterbacks coach with the Los Angeles Rams before becoming the head man in Cincinnati. If the Bengals do part ways, do they go the same route with an unproven coach from a team that found some success, or would they swing big? That depends on if they swing at all.
Why Richardson must be contained by Lions defense on Sunday
Brad Penner-Imagn Images Up against their most difficult test regarding scrambling quarterbacks, the Lions must contain Anthony Richardson and force him to beat them with his arm over his legs. In the modern NFL, you’re at a disadvantage if your quarterback is a statue. Having someone who can escape pressure and run for yardage or execute designed run plays has increased over the years. While teams can still find success with a pocket passer under center (*cough, the Detroit Lions*) more teams are starting to draft quarterbacks who can give them that extra dimension. The Indianapolis Colts drafted quarterback Anthony Richardson last year, and while he is labeled as a project type of quarterback, his size, speed, and throwing power give him all the tools to be a great starter if he can develop correctly. While his accuracy and risk-taking are current flaws, he has started to improve his ability to run the football. In years past, one of the many problems with the Lions’ defense was facing a quarterback who can scramble. That problem hasn’t been as impactful this season, but Richardson is a different type of quarterback they have yet to see. Let me explain why the Lions must contain Richardson in the pocket to avoid an upset in Indianapolis. Richardson has increased running production In his rookie season, Richardson only played in four games due to injury. In those four games, Richardson had 25 carries for 211 yards, averaging 8.4 yards per carry with four touchdowns. He fumbled the ball three times and turned it over once. In 2024, Richardson missed two games due to an oblique injury and was benched for two games after “needing a breather.” In the seven games he has started, Richardson has seen a slight uptick in his running frequency from 2023. He carries the ball, on average, seven times a game (up from six). His production on a per-carry basis, though, is actually down. He has 51 carries for 274 yards, averaging 5.3 yards per carry with three touchdowns, fumbling the ball eight times, and losing it three times. With Richardson seeing an uptick in his carries from last season, and even as this season has progressed (21 in the first four games, 30 in his previous three), it’s clear that the Colts want to have him run the ball more. Whether that is by design or not, Richardson’s 4.4 speed and 6-foot-4 frame is a weapon the Colts are leaning into now. Lions QB contain has done well Lions fans used to cower in fear when they had to worry about a scrambling quarterback. Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn isn’t a fan of quarterback spies, so it made the defense’s job more challenging to keep the quarterback from escaping and keeping plays alive. This season, though, the Lions have faced multiple scrambling-style quarterbacks and have come away with little damage overall. Baker Mayfield: Five carries for 34 yards and a touchdown Kyler Murray: Five carries for 45 yards Geno Smith: Five carries for 38 yards Dak Prescott: One carry for 1 yard Jordan Love: Three carries for 0 yards C.J. Stroud: One carry for 5 yards Altogether, the Lions have held the scrambling-styled quarterbacks to 20 carries for 123 yards and one touchdown, averaging 6.1 yards per carry, with six forced fumbles. Compared to years past, this is probably the best the team has ever done with it. Two things will make things more difficult this week, though. First, Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone is out with a broken forearm, leaving the team without their fastest linebacker. Analzone is also the most experienced linebacker in the group, so his ability to know what Richardson might do next is gone. The second is that Richardson’s pure size isn’t going to be easy to take down. The Lions have faced similar builds of Richardson in Smith, Love, and Stroud, but Richardson is different. He isn’t as old as Smith, so he will be faster. He isn’t dealing with a groin injury that Love was dealing with, and unlike Stroud, he is used to running the football more with plays designed for it. He will be the first true rushing quarterback the team has seen since Murray back in Week 3, but just bigger, stronger, and tougher to tackle. Richardson has struggled as a passer One reason Richardson might be seeing an increase in his carries is the struggles he has been having as a passer. Out of all 32 starting quarterbacks, he has the lowest completion percentage (48.5%) and has thrown only five touchdowns to his seven interceptions. Richardson has an issue with ball security, which should be music to the Lions defenders’ ears. If the Lions can contain Richardson and force him to throw the football, Richardson could end up gifting them an interception. Richardson is fearless in taking deep shots with his strong arm, but the issue of his accuracy will come into play in the end. What will make his job more difficult is facing the best safety duo in the NFL in Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch. The two have 11 combined picks, with Joseph leading the NFL with seven. The Lions’ defense ranks t-fourth in takeaways, forcing 14 interceptions and five fumble recoveries. With Richardson’s ball security issues, it’s a huge advantage for the Lions. This is why if the Lions can limit Richardson’s legs and force him to throw the ball, they’re likely to pick up their 10th win of the season.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73737841/usa_today_22239872.0.jpg?w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1 "Breaking down Colts’ offensive, defensive schemes")
Breaking down Colts’ offensive, defensive schemes
Jenna Watson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK The Detroit Lions (9-1) will take on the Indianapolis Colts (5-6) in Week 12, as both teams look to continue their winning ways. For the Lions, they’ve won eight in a row and are setting franchise records on a weekly basis, as they march toward the postseason. Meanwhile, the Colts hope they’ve unlocked the next level of Anthony Richardson’s potential, now that he has returned from a “wake-up call” benching. So far, the results look promising, but Detroit’s defense will test them. Let’s take a look at the Colts’ coaching staff and how their offensive and defensive schemes operate. Colts head coach: Shane Steichen Shane Steichen broke into the NFL coaching ranks with the Chargers in 2011, working under head coach Norv Turner. When Turner was let go, Steichen briefly took a position with the Browns for a season (under head coach Rob Chudzinski), but quickly returned to San Diego to re-join the Chargers organization—a move that would have a large impact on his career. Now working under head coach Mike McCoy and then retained by Anthony Lynn, Steichen crossed paths with influential offensive coaches such as Frank Reich and Nick Sirianni. Steichen would eventually work his way up to become Lynn’s offensive coordinator, before taking the same role in Philadelphia under Sirianni in 2021-22, and then landing the Colts head coaching job in 2023. Steichen is best known for his work with Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, and you can see how the coach is using that experience to mold his offense around second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson. Offensive coordinator: Jim Bob Cooter Most Lions fans will be familiar with Jim Bob Cooter, who was Detroit’s quarterback coach in 2014-15 and then offensive coordinator in 2016-18, all under head coach Jim Caldwell. After departing the Lions, Cooter spent time with the Jets as a running backs coach, then was hired by the Eagles as a consultant in 2021, where he met Steichen. When Steichen got the Colts job in 2023, Cooter joined him as his offensive coordinator. Zone Read/PRO/West Coast offensive scheme Steichen calls the offensive plays on game day, something he has done dating back to 2020 with the Eagles. He was widely regarded as a high-level play caller, up until this season. This year’s Colts team has lacked an identity and the offense has struggled because of it. They’re middle of the road in the NFL in the majority of their offensive statistics, and in several cases, below average. In Week 8, things came to a head. In a close game with the Texans, quarterback Anthony Richardson, tired from running on the previous plays, removed himself from the game to take a breather. The removal didn’t directly cost the Colts the game, but when they eventually lost by three points, people were looking for accountability. Questions surrounding Richardson’s maturity and dedication developed and many wondered if he lost the locker room after leaving the game. Steichen opted to bench Richardson and elevate Joe Flacco into a starting role, hoping the young quarterback could learn a lesson from the sidelines. Over the next two games, Flacco would unsurprisingly struggle, as the Colts lost to the Vikings and Bills. With three losses in a row, the Colts now stood at 4-6 on the season, and Steichen once again felt like he needed to make a move and elevated Richardson back into the starting role. Richardson returned with a new perspective and the coaching staff instituted a new approach to offense, and they would go on to beat the Jets 28-27 in New Jersey. Because of this shift in approach to offense, it’s hard to tell how many of the bad habits will carry over for the remainder of the season. But the one thing that is clear is that the offense now has an identity, and that’s where we’ll focus when breaking down their scheme. Colts’ new identity Against the Jets, the Colts rededicated themselves to the running game. While not always successful, they showed they were willing to stick with it and build their game plan off of it as their core. Right from the jump, the Colts deployed a lot more Zone Read and PRO (Power-Run option) elements into their offense. In Zone Read, Richardson receives the snap, puts the ball into the running back’s frame, keys on a specific defender, and then chooses to hand the ball off to the running back or pull the ball back and run it himself, based on the defender’s actions. In PRO, these are designed power runs by the quarterback, where he acts as the running back and the running back acts as an additional blocker. The Colts tried an RPO (a Run-Pass Option is a Zone Read with an option to pass), but Richardson fumbled on the play and they didn’t appear to go back to that play call. The consistent dedication to the run game helped keep the Colts’ offense in a rhythm and made things a bit simpler in the passing game. The Colts put Richardson in situations where he would pass while on the run, which helped reduce pressure inside the pocket. They asked him to play more within himself and tried to eliminate the expectations and pressure he put on himself to succeed. As a result, Richardson was more consistent with his throws, was willing to take shorter passes instead of taking gambles deep, and made smarter decisions with the football. Weaknesses that can be exploited While the Colts were dedicated to the run last week, they did struggle to find success, gaining just 91 yards on 35 attempts. What is concerning is that this was all they could muster against a Jets team that was giving up 130 yards on average per game (22nd in the NFL) and checks in at No. 24 in DVOA run defense. This week, they’ll face a Lions defense that only allows 94.8 rushing yards per game (fifth in the NFL) and checks in
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73737879/2183403491.0.jpg?w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1 "Giants-Buccaneers Week 12: Can the Giants slow down the Buccaneers’ offense?")
Giants-Buccaneers Week 12: Can the Giants slow down the Buccaneers’ offense?
Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images The New York Giants return home after an incredibly consequential loss in Munich, Germany, to host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Both teams are coming off of a much-needed bye week, and hoping to stop their respective slides. The Giants are on a 5-game losing streak and carrying a dismal 2-8 record following their loss to the Carolina Panthers. The Buccaneers, meanwhile, are on a 4-game losing streak and are 4-6 on the season. The matchup between the Giants’ defense and the Buccaneers’ offense is a showdown of strength vs. strength. The Giants’ defense is flawed, but nobody can say that they haven’t outplayed the offense this year. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers have one of the top offenses in the NFL. While the flip side of the coin — the matchup between the Giants’ offense and the Bucs’ defense — is a resistible force against a moveable object, this is the matchup around which the game could pivot. This game will also see the return of Sterling Shepard and Ben Bredeson (as well as Thomas McGaughey) to the Meadowlands. Can the Giants stop it from being a revenge game? Stats that matter Note: With offensive EPA, positive is better. For defensive EPA, negative is better. The rebirth of Baker The Tampa Bay Buccaneers weren’t expecting a long-term answer at the quarterback position when they signed Baker Mayfield to a paltry one-year, $4 million contract in 2023. Mayfield, the first overall pick of the 2018 draft, was widely viewed as a bust after a disappointing end to a rollercoaster career with the Cleveland Browns. The Bucs weren’t in a position to find Mr. Right at the quarterback position in the draft — Tampa was drafting 19th overall in a top-heavy (at best) quarterback class. They were just looking for Mr. Right Now after the retirement of Tom Brady and Baker was simply meant to be a bridge who could get them to a better 2024 quarterback class. Nobody really expected Baker to come in and play to the same level as Brady, but that’s exactly what he did. In doing so, Baker earned a 3-year, $100 million contract this year, and he’s been an excellent return on investment. This year, Baker has elevated his play well above that of 2022 vintage Tom Brady and is now playing like the the quarterback he was when the Browns made him the No. 1 overall pick. The Buccaneers are 4-6 on the season, but their record has little to do with the play of Mayfield. Mayfield is playing the best football of his career and appears to be a mature quarterback who’s in command of the field and the offense. In most circumstances he is playing with urgency without rushing, making solid decisions and navigating the defense well, and putting the ball where it needs to be. Bakers’ crisp play and command of the offense allows the Buccaneers to get creative with their play design, which has been a necessity with the injuries to Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. This was a touchdown pass against the San Francisco 49ers prior to the bye week. The Buccaneers start out in a 3×1 set with tight end Payne Durham (number 87) going in motion. The motion, along with RB Rachaad White running directly toward the sideline at the start of the play simulates a running back screen. Baker quickly orients toward the far sideline, adding credence to the screen look. But, as he has done since college, Baker is simply using his body language to sell a play-fake. He has very quick feet and is able to reorient back toward the endzone, and get an accurate pass off as White turns his swing route into an angle route and the play suddenly morphs into a middle screen. This isn’t a difficult play from a read perspective, but the choreography is very impressive. The play all hinges on the offensive line being disciplined and not getting too far downfield too fast, and the quarterback remaining composed. Baker stays under control throughout the play and manages to fit the ball around a leaping defensive lineman while making it catchable for White who turns upfield for the touchdown. To get a look at Mayfield navigating the defense, we’ll go back to his first pass of the game. The Buccaneers are backed up with a third-and-4 on their own 10-yard line, hardly ideal circumstances for a passing situation. The Buccaneers are in 11-personnel with all three receivers in a bunch to the top of the screen while the tight end (Cade Otten) is on the bottom. This is a 5-man protection, which is gutsy considering how good San Francisco’s defense is and the game situation. Mayfield initially targets former Giant Sterling Shepard (17) in the slot, but quickly sees that CB number 2 has fallen off the outside receiver and Shepard is now bracketed. So Mayfield resets and reorients to his second option, Otten running a deep crossing route. Otten is initially covered, however the flat route from the running back creates traffic and separation from Otten. Thanks to some pre-snap motion and the context clues from the defensive formation, Mayfield is able to determine that the 49ers are running zone coverage on the offensive right, while they’re using man coverage on the offensive left. He knows that he has a man-beater called on that side and simply needs to give it time to work, which he does with a hesitation and some slight pocket movement. Baker delivers a ball that is slightly behind Otten. However, doing so helps prevent the closing defenders from being able to make a play on it, as well as prevent Otten from running into a big hit. All in all, Mayfield is playing excellent football right now. The Giants will have their work cut out for them slowing his process enough the pass rush to get home. And they’ll need their pass rush in this game, as Mayfield will likely
Thursday Night Football: Steelers-Browns betting preview (odds, lines, best bets)
Previewing the betting angles for Week 12’s Thursday Night Football matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns. Thursday Night Football: Steelers-Browns betting preview (odds, lines, best bets) 2YB3PFY Cleveland Browns’ Jerry Jeudy plays during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) By Mason Cameron Posted Nov 21, 2024 5:30 am EST • WR Jerry Jeudy, Cleveland Browns — over 45.5 receiving + rushing yards: In his past three games, the talented receiver has accumulated 1.97 yards per route run and a 71.5 PFF receiving grade, due in part to the willingness of Jameis Winston to target him in small windows. • Unlock your edge with a PFF+ subscription: Get full access to all our in-season fantasy tools, including weekly rankings, WR/CB matchup charts, weekly projections, the Start-Sit Optimizer and more. Sign up now! Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes Pittsburgh Steelers (-4.5) @ Cleveland Browns [Total: 35.5] Game Overview An AFC North divisional throwdown marks the start of Week 12 on Thursday Night, with the 8-2 Steelers heading to Cleveland to take on the 2-8 Browns. After impressive back-to-back wins against top teams from both conferences, the Steelers head into the teeth of their schedule with serious momentum. Pittsburgh is 5-0 against the spread across a five-game win streak, including three outright wins as the underdog. Mike Tomlin’s defense is playing out of its mind, evidenced by impressive outings the past two weeks in which they held two of the NFL’s top offenses — Baltimore and Washington — to just 5.2 yards per play and a 32.0% scoring drive percentage. The Steelers also forced the Ravens into a trio of turnovers last week, including Payton Wilson’s incredible interception, stripping Justice Hill on a would-be 30-yard wheel route that would have set up Lamar Jackson and company in plus territory. While the Browns’ successes this season are few and far between — particularly after dropping last week’s matchup to New Orleans by 21 points, despite being 1-point road favorites — this isn’t too far removed from also taking down the vaunted Ravens, 29-24, in Week 8. Cleveland limited Baltimore to just two of 10 conversions on third down and forced a pair of turnovers of downs. Offensive consistency has been an issue, to varying degrees, for both of these franchises. In the always heavy-hitting AFC North, this game could be closer than expected. Subscribe to PFF+ to unlock the world’s most advanced football database! WR Jerry Jeudy, Cleveland Browns: Over 45.5 receiving + rushing yards (-115) — 1.9% PFF Betting Model Edge Since arriving in Cleveland this offseason, Jeudy has struggled for consistent touches and production amid Cleveland’s offensive shortcomings. However, that has seemingly turned around in recent weeks after Amari Cooper‘s departure and Deshaun Watson‘s injury. Over the first seven games, Jeudy recorded just 0.96 yards per route run on his way to a 62.6 PFF receiving grade. In the three games to follow, the talented receiver accumulated 1.97 yards per route run and a 71.5 PFF receiving grade, due in part to the willingness of Jameis Winston to target his guy in small windows. That resurgence has allowed Jeudy to surpass this yardage line in each of his past three games. The Steelers’ defense is not one to be trifled with but has lost a few receivers in coverage in recent weeks. While they held Baltimore receivers to under this mark last week, they did allow five receivers to surpass it in the three games prior, including a pair of 100-yard games.
Week 12 picks: Raiders-Broncos prediction, Silver and Black Pride’s Pick’em competition
Sean Payton, left, and his Denver Broncos head to Nevada to take on Antonio Pierce and his Las Vegas Raiders in an AFC West matchup. Denver is experiencing success while Las Vegas is floundering. | Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images Las Vegas plays host to Broncos in division matchup; little margin for error pick-wise The Las Vegas Raiders are back home and are gearing for a Week 12 division contest with the incoming Denver Broncos. Can the Silver & Black get hot like the pick’em competitions we’re having? Las Vegas was ice cold coming off a bye week in the 34-19 loss to the Miami Dolphins this past Sunday and this weekend, Antonio Pierce’s squad plays host to Sean Payton’s Denver Broncos in an AFC West tilt inside Allegiant Stadium. As such, let’s take a look at the lines for the Raiders-Broncos matchup, courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook, and make some picks. Raiders vs. Broncos Spread: LV +5.5 O/U: O 40.5/U 42 DEN ML: -235 LV ML: +210 Aspuria’s picks: LV +5.5, U 42, DEN ML Pierce’s Raiders may be at home, but it’s Payton’s Broncos that are coming in hot and trying to keep pace in the AFC playoff race at 6-5 overall. Can the 2-8 Raiders play spoiler? Sure they can. But after the road thumping Las Vegas took against Miami and injuries depleting the roster, it’s difficult to see the Raiders winning this game. Pick’em Competition Moving onto S&BP’s Pick’em competition, below is a look at how our writers have fared through 10 weeks. Ray Aspuria 114-51 (71%) Matt Holder 112-54 (67%) Bill Williamson 111-55 (67%) By going 11-3 in my Week 11 prognostications, I took the lead amongst the group and hold a slight lead over Matt Holder. Bill Williamson is right behind and it goes to show the margin for error in picking games is very slim. The difference between us three was my selection of the Denver Broncos topping the Atlanta Falcons. Both Holder and Williamson went with the Falcons. The other games that saw only one of us pick correctly were the Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles contest where Williamson selected the Eagles while Holder and I went with the Commanders. The other was the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens contest as Holder picked correctly going with the Steelers. Community Standings 1. Running With the Night 118-48 t-2. The Assassin 115-51 t-2. Kid Dynamite 115-51 t-4. Swarm of Jackets24 114-52 t-4. Raider Nation 114-52 t-4. Bodega Bay Raider 114-52 t-7. dafe2cat 113-53 t-7. radrntn 113-53 t-7. Roosky Raiders 113-53 t-7. nevadajohn 113-53 Week 11 Top Pickers Passer Tucks Ball 12-2 Go Raiders 12-2 Mooniac 11-3 Kneecapping Lions 11-3 Its Over 11-3 Vila41 11-3 Showcasing how pick’em is neck-and-neck on multiple fronts, Running With The Night stays atop the community standings with The Assassin leapfrogging Kid Dynamite after Week 11 picks. Swarm of Jackets24 is right behind the top three at 114-52 and there’s a log jam as Raider Nation and Bodega Bay Raider have similar marks. Expect the standings to fluctuate aplenty. Shout out to Passer Tucks Ball, Go Raiders, and Swarm of Jackets24 for each having 12 correct picks this past weekend. Remember to get your picks in this week. Best of luck and may your picks be good.
Bills’ Amari Cooper made comment Buffalo will love post-Chiefs win
Bills’ Amari Cooper made comment Buffalo will love post-Chiefs win Bills’ Amari Cooper made comment Buffalo will love post-Chiefs win Nick Wojton The Buffalo Bills haven’t gotten huge numbers from wide receiver Amari Cooper since he was acquired but he is making big plays. That was evident in the team’s 30-21 win against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 11. Cooper only caught two passes but one was massive. It was a one-handed snag on the sideline which setup an eventual touchdown run from James Cook. His catch caught attention from cameras after the game and the recently-added receiver made a comment about his new hometown that the people of Buffalo will love. After the victory, Cooper commented on how playing for the Bills just feel different… in the most positive of ways. “This is the first time, in a long time, I’ve felt joy from winning,” Cooper said. “Buffalo is a different kind of place.” That’s some passion from the former fourth-overall draft pick of the Oakland Raiders, who has also played for the Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, and not to mention: The University of Alabama in college. After hearing the comment, even head coach Sean McDermott felt a type of uplifted way. “That speaks to our culture and the environment we have here in Buffalo more than anything,” McDermott said via video conference. Cooper is on an expiring contract at the end of the 2024 season after Buffalo landed him from Cleveland at the NFL trade deadline. A contract renewal might be an option after his recent thoughts. Cooper’s full reply can be found in the clip below:
Giants news, 11/20: Players react to DeVito starting, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Eli Manning, more headlines
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images New York Giants news for Thursday Good morning, New York Giants fans! From Big Blue View New York Giants players react to quarterback change How Giants respond to Daniel Jones-Tommy DeVito switch critical for Joe Schoen, Brian Daboll Former NFL executive would ‘put my stamp’ on Giants GM Joe Schoen, coach Brian Daboll New York Giants not expecting Daniel Jones to leave team during the season Kayvon Thibodeaux could play Sunday for New York Giants Eli Manning’s divisive Pro Football Hall of Fame candidacy takes another step forward New York Giants-Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2024, Week 12: Everything you need to know Other Giant observations Tommy DeVito: NY Giants QB out to prove he’s no football gimmick | The Record What DeVito needs to prove more than anything else right now is that he can be more than a football gimmick who makes a few bucks by being famous off the field. And make no mistake: the former Don Bosco star who has emerged as a local legend in the New York and New Jersey area within the past year wants nothing else at this point. The media surrounding QB1 after practice on Wednesday Tommy DeVito is in here somewhere #Giants pic.twitter.com/NbPyE7Kh5P — Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) November 20, 2024 Brian Daboll’s about to get another shot to prove he’s the quarterback guru the Giants need | New York Post There is a line of thinking that goes like this: If Brian Daboll did all that with Tommy DeVito, imagine what he could do with a far more talented quarterback. That was last season. Here we are again. Daboll tried and tried and tried some more, but it just did not work with Daniel Jones. Leonard: Joe Schoen, Brian Daboll will have hard time selling good intentions to Giants | New York Daily News Seven games is a long time for Dexter Lawrence, Bobby Okereke, Darius Slayton, Brian Burns and the Giants’ players to stomach this nonsense, writes Pat Leonard. Ben Johnson, Jesse Minter, Anthony Weaver among 22 young coaches to watch in 2025 NFL hiring cycle | NFL.com Candidates for the coming cycle included Giants DC Shane Bowen and AHC/OC Mike Kafka. It noted for Bowen that while coaching one of the NFL’s youngest defense, he has been one of its most effective in key categories such as sacks per pass attempt and opponent red-zone TD percentage. As for Kafka, strong performance on the interview circuit—interviewing for six jobs over the past two cycles and gotten second interviews for three of them—figures to keep him in the mix Under NFL coaches to watch in future years included Giants OLB coach Charlie Bullen, offensive passing game coordinator/QB coach Shea Tierney and safeties coach Michael Treier. Thibodeaux ready to return Kayvon Thibodeaux was asked how energized he is to return Sunday: “I’m super energized. I hope I can definitely bring a spark to the team.” pic.twitter.com/fYAiBGm5tr — Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) November 20, 2024 32 NFL observations after Week 11: Josh Allen makes his MVP case | PFF Dexter Lawrence is one of two defensive linemen (along with Cameron Heyward) who has graded above 80.0 as a run defender and pass-rusher. How Would Cutting Daniel Jones Now Affect the Rest of New York Giants’ Season? | SI.com There is an argument to be made that cutting Jones now is the way to go because it will give him a chance to spend his time training and doing all he needs to do before pursuing his next opportunity. Cap-wise, Jones is in the final year of his contract, which includes guaranteed money, money that he’ll collect regardless of whether he’s on the roster, meaning that there is no cost saving to be had if he were cut now or by March. 12, 2025, when$12 million of his $30 million 2025 base salary becomes guaranteed. Here’s why Giants won’t send Daniel Jones home for rest of season, despite potential risk | NJ.comThe Giants have no intention of playing quarterback Daniel Jones for the rest of the season. Which makes perfectly reasonable sense. So why not just send him home for the final seven games of this 2-8 season? QB1 for Week 11 QB1 pic.twitter.com/czFjj1mLmL — Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) November 20, 2024 NFL Week 12 latest buzz, predictions, questions, fantasy tips | ESPN.com According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, multiple people with knowledge of the Giants’ situation feel Mara “really does want” to keep Daboll and Schoen for the 2025 season based on the notion that he is tired of “cycling through coaches every two to three years.” Fowler noted that Schoen and Daboll have not yet had the opportunity to identify and install their own quarterback. Although they did make the decision to re-sign Jones. That factor could play a role in Daboll and Schoen getting one more shot from ownership, especially if they pick high in the 2025 NFL draft and have a chance to land one of the top quarterbacks, such as Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders or Miami’s Cam Ward. Would Shedeur Sanders want to play for Giants? ‘It’s up to the staff, up to the coaches’ | NJ.com Sanders’ smile when the Giants were mentioned said plenty (plus he didn’t deny his interest). “I think it’s up to the staff, up to the coaches at that point, I don’t know. No comment — that’s just a safe route for me, just no comment. I can’t even turn water to wine right now. I can’t do anything, so just no comment. But I would never pray on anybody’s downfall. I would never do that. I would never do that. And I would never play on no team’s downfall, players’ downfall, anything because I won’t want anybody to do that to me. So that’s why I just just don’t have a comment.” 2025 NFL Mock Draft: Latest First-Round Predictions Entering Week 12 | The 33rd Team 5. New York Giants, Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama. It’s easier to justify taking Jalen Milroe if the
Report: Ravens Hall of Famer linked to college coaching vacancy
Report: Ravens Hall of Famer linked to college coaching vacancy glenn erby (This post has been updated with new information.) Universities around the country have seen the success of Eddie George at Tennessee State and Deion Sanders at Colorado. They are looking to hop on the trend of hiring head coaches who lack experience at the highest level. Adam Schefter reports that Ravens Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis is a candidate to land the head coaching job at Florida Atlantic University. Florida Atlantic recently fired head football coach Tom Herman. The Owls are in last place in the American Athletic Conference standings. UPDATE: The Palm Beach Post reports that FAU is not planning to interview Lewis, according to a source in the sports department. FAU was 6-16 during Herman’s two seasons and is 0-6 in the AAC this year. It is on a five-game losing streak. Herman took the job as FAU was transitioning from Conference USA to the AAC and after the firing of coach Willie Taggart, who had been there three seasons. Chad Lunsford, the former head coach at Georgia Southern, will be the FAU interim coach. FAU has won three conference championships in school history, including Conference USA in 2017 and 2019 under Lane Kiffin. Since then, FAU has had just one winning season and has endured four consecutive losing seasons. Lewis, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Baltimore Ravens, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018. Despite not having prior college coaching experience, he’s a fantastic leader and could be a great hire for a program looking for headlines and wins.
