Who are your top three? Khalil Shakir names his top-three receivers in the NFL Nick Wojton Khalil Shakir was tasked with answering who he believe are the best wide receivers currently in the NFL. Appearing on the “Centered in Buffalo” podcast with Eric Wood earlier this offseason, Shakir was not allowed to select any of his teammates. That’s how the likes of Keenan Allen, Ja’Marr Chase and CeeDee Lamb came into the fold. How did he rank those three? Shakir’s breakdown can be found in the clip below: Read all the best Bills coverage at the Democrat and Chronicle and Bills Wire.
Khalil Shakir names his top-three receivers in the NFL
Vikings’ NFC North Rival Oppo Research: Chicago Bears
Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images I conclude my series on the Minnesota Vikings division rivals with a closer look at the Chicago Bears. Recap of the Bears’ 2023 Season If running the ball well and stopping the run were what mattered the most in the NFL, the Bears would’ve been a good team last year. They ran it the second-most offensively, with the sixth-best yards per attempt, and allowed the fewest rushing yards and 5th lowest yards per carry defensively. But the NFL is a passing league and the Bears struggled offensively and defensively when the ball was in the air. They were near the bottom of the league in passing yards and passing yards allowed, and in yards per attempt and yards per attempt allowed. The one positive is they led the league in interceptions with 22 on the season. Overall, the Bears ranked 18th in points and 20th in yards offensively, and 20th in points allowed and 12th in yards allowed defensively. They also ranked 31st in the red zone defensively, which explains the differential between points and yards allowed. They also ranked 29th in 3rd down conversions allowed but were 5th in takeaways. In DVOA terms, the Bears finished 22nd in total DVOA at -7.1%. Offensively, they ranked 22nd at -6.5% and 17th defensively at +0.8%. Those stats suggest a slightly below average team overall and that was reflected in their 7-10 season record. In terms of luck factors, the Bears were moderately unlucky, with a -54.6% net win probability added. They also ranked 9th in adjusted games lost due to injury, which is relatively fortunate in that regard, with just 50.5 AGLs last season. As a baseline for the 2024 season, the Bears offensive in 2023 can be thrown out given the changes in personnel and coaching, but defensively 2023 remains a good baseline for the 2024 season. Coaching Changes The Bears moved on from Luke Getsy as offensive coordinator, replacing him with Shane Waldron. He was previously offensive coordinator for the Seahawks for three seasons and before that passing game coordinator for the Rams under Sean McVay. As such, Waldron runs a new-school West Coast offense with plenty of pre-snap motion and some newer concepts. But expect the Bears to be as pass-heavy as they’ve ever been, given the personnel changes since last season. The Bears also changed defensive coordinators, replacing Alan Williams with Eric Washington. He was previously defensive line coach for the Bills for several years and spent many years as the Panthers defensive line coach before being promoted to defensive coordinator for his last two seasons in Carolina. I wouldn’t expect much change defensively for the Bears, however, as head coach Matt Eberflus is the de facto defensive coordinator and will continue to call the defensive plays this season. Player Moves The Bears completely transformed their offense over the off-season, moving on from Justin Fields and selecting Caleb Williams with the first pick in the draft, while also adding Keenan Allen and first-round draft pick Rome Odunze to D.J. Moore to create a formidable passing attack. The Bears also signed running back D’Andre Swift, who’ll be their new lead back. Defensively, the Bears added safety Kevin Byard while extending top cornerback Jaylon Johnson in a big money deal. Injuries The Bears do not have any injured starters at the moment. Schedule The Bears have the easiest schedule in the division this season, drawing the Panthers, Commanders and Patriots based on division rank last season. A week seven bye isn’t too bad either. The toughest part of their schedule begins Week 11, with five division games in six weeks, along with the 49ers, and a three-game road stretch. Their first real test will be the Texans in Week 2. But overall the Bears have an easier schedule than the rest of the NFC North, which should help them. Week 1: Tennessee Titans Week 2: @ Houston Texans (Sunday night) Week 3: @ Indianapolis Colts Week 4: LA Rams Week 5: Carolina Panthers Week 6: Jacksonville Jaguars (London) Week 7: BYE Week 8: @ Washington Commanders Week 9: @ Arizona Cardinals Week 10: New England Patriots Week 11: Green Bay Packers Week 12: Minnesota Vikings Week 13: @ Detroit Lions (Thanksgiving) Week 14: @ San Francisco 49ers Week 15: @ Minnesota Vikings (Monday night) Week 16: Detroit Lions Week 17: Seattle Seahawks (Thursday night) Week 18: @ Green Bay Packers Forecast for 2024 There is a wide range of outcomes this season for the Bears, given both a rookie quarterback with a less-than-ideal offensive line and a defense still missing some pieces. But Caleb Williams’ high-end potential is undeniable and he has as good a wide receiver trio as any quarterback could hope for. Williams is often compared to Patrick Mahomes for his off-script playmaking ability, but I believe Kyler Murray is the more apt comparison. Williams is a big-play hunter with the rare ability to make them happen, but also the fault for making them for the other team too. Williams’ turnovers in college are hardly mentioned, and yet often they accompany quarterbacks into the NFL. He didn’t have as many turnover-worthy plays per game as Sam Darnold (who also played at USC), including both turnover-worthy passes and fumbles, but he was up there. Kyler Murray, who has a similar style of play, also has had a lot of turnovers in Arizona. Williams also took a lot of sacks while at USC. We’ll see if he’s able to overcome those downsides, but there is definitely an explosiveness to his play style that can and probably will lead to a lot of big plays, particularly given three top receivers to throw to. But the other downside offensively for the Bears is their offensive line. Apart from left guard Teven Jenkins, who is good not great, the Bears have average to mediocre starters across their offensive line. Opposing defenses will try to exploit this and pressure the rookie quarterback, rather than play coverage with
Phinsider Question Of The Day: Jacksonville Jaguar You Would Steal For The Miami Dolphins
Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images The long-awaited kickoff of the 2024 regular season for our Miami Dolphins takes place this coming Sunday afternoon from Hard Rock Stadium at 1:00 PM EST against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The team will again look much different from the previous season, and I suspect we are all very anxious to see how this new edition of the Phins roster performs against another NFL team when things matter. Will the Dolphins miss some of the significant losses this offseason, especially on the defensive side of the ball? Will the offensive line look better than we all suspect it will? We will have answers to all of those things and more very soon. With that, this evening’s Phinsider Question Of The Day is: If you could steal any player from the Jacksonville Jaguars roster to place on the Miami Dolphins roster, which player would it be and why? Please give us your answers and thoughts on the question of the day in the comments section below-
Five Things I Think I Think About the 2024 Miami Dolphins
Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports “Can’t wait!” — Bart Scott, philosopher I’ve finally emerged from my self imposed exile in The Red Waste of Essos. I was gone for so long that I missed my offseason article and my recap article of last season’s predictions. Just gonna take a little peek here and…welp, let’s just say they brought down my average as much as math allows. A lot has changed in the meantime, but many of the critical pieces have stayed the same: We have a Reek. We have a Ramsey. We have a Mother of Dragons? Close enough. Here’s what I see for the 2024 Miami Dolphins when I tap into my Greenseer powers. The Dolphins’ defense will improve in at least two major categories Vic Fangio had me excited when he came in as Miami’s defensive coordinator. The results kept me excited. The Fins were ranked 10th in Total Defense in 2023. That’s solid. But, as with all seemingly grouchy guys who’d rather be in Philly and coach with a style that doesn’t appear to mesh well with players, Fangio bounced immediately, leaving the coaching staff with a void to fill. Enter Anthony Weaver, fresh off the staff in Baltimore. Weaver, I dare say, has me more excited than Fangio. While he may not have the historical pedigree, he has a philosophy that, at least on the surface, aligns with Mike McDaniel’s and, therefore, the players’. Miami’s defensive ranks for 2023 were as follows: Total Defense – 10thPassing Yards Allowed – 15thRushing Yards Allowed – 7thScoring Defense – 22ndRed Zone Defense – 28th3rd Down Defense – 20th I see them increasing their ranks in Red Zone defense (hard not to), 3rd down defense, and, in an unrivaled display of confidence (haha; just wait til later) passing yards allowed. They shall rebuff the advancing troops as surely as the great Wall. Or something like that. Miami will make the playoffs for a third time under Mike McDaniel Look, I don’t even think this is that risky of a prediction. And that’s coming from a lifelong Dolphins fan. But the team has made it two seasons in a row and it feels like they’re in a position to make some noise. Why not a bolder, perhaps sillier prediction like “Miami will beat the Bears in the Superb Owl by 49 points and return glory to the Lands of Florida!”? Injuries, mostly. I know by now that it only takes a few unlucky bounces to tumble from the top tier inTua terrible tragedy. Depth is key. Hopefully the Dolphins are as deep as The Narrow Sea. The Fins will repeat as the league’s top offense Now we’re talkin’. Miami went nuts in 2023, offensively. They averaged over 29 points and 400 yards per game. They put up 70 points on the Broncos. They were the most explosive looking team in my memory. Statistics say that won’t sustain. But statistics are just numbers and numbers are boring and lame. I see the Dolphins’ offense going berserk again weekly. Tua and his big ol’ contract will be hucking fat satchels of corn (I think that’s the expression) to Tyreek Hill and his big ol’ contract while Terron Armstead and his big ol’ contract stand in the way of the oncoming pass rush. Feels like for all the big ol’ contracts, the offense has a financial obligation to remain the kings of trial by combat. Tyreek Hill will break 2,000 yards receiving I said what I said. And that’s not even my Big Bold Prediction. Big Bold Prediction: Chop Robinson will have more sacks than Bradley Chubb “Now wait a minute. Is this just some homer Penn State prediction?” — You, famed jerk Yes. However, I think there are two ways this can come to pass: The first would be magnificently disappointing. In this scenario, Bradley Chubb’s injury lasts much further into the season than anticipated, his return is so late and gradual as to be a non-factor, and he ends the year wih 0 sacks while Chop Robinson takes the bulk of the season to get up to NFL speed, struggling mightily along the way, but manages to nab a single half sack, making the final tally Chop – .5, Chubb – 0. That would ruin us all. The second is what I think could be kind of feasible. If the praise Robinson is getting so far is warranted, he could have a rookie season akin to Jaelan Phillips, notching something like 8.5 sacks while Chubb, coming off a major injury, only has a slight downturn from his 2023 production (of 11 sacks) to the tune of 8.0. Chop – 8.5, Chubb 8.0 would be a situation I’d sign up for pretty quickly. If all goes well, Chop and Chubb could be crashing into the backfield causing chaos like the Cleganes. Night gathers and now our watch begins. Do you agree with my prognostications? Do you think the Dolphins are better than I do? What, you think you’re better than me? Storm the Red Keep in the comments below.
Joe Noteboom has opportunity to steal Rams left tackle job from Alaric Jackson
Photo by Mike Lawrence/Getty Images Could Joe Noteboom steal the LT job with Alaric Jackson serving a suspension To say the least, Joe Noteboom hasn’t become the player that some thought when the Los Angeles Rams drafted him on the third round or signed him to a contract after 2021. Seen as the heir apparent to Andrew Whitworth, Noteboom has become an extension of the offensive line as the sixth-man rather than a starter at left tackle. However, through the first two weeks of the season, Noteboom will have an opportunity that he hasn’t gotten since the 2022 season. For the first two weeks Alaric Jackson will be sidelined due to a suspension and in those games it will be Noteboom who subs in at that spot. With that will come the opportunity for Noteboom to potentially take over Jackson’s spot at left tackle. At the end of the day, what Jackson offers at left tackle and what Noteboom offers aren’t that much different. They are both average to below average starters who provide swing depth and the ability to fill in at multiple spots. If Noteboom performs well over the first two weeks, an argument could be made that the Rams would just keep him there. In fact, the Rams might actually prefer it. This season, they are paying Noteboom $11.6M compared to Jackson’s $4.3M. In the case the Noteboom does play well, there would be no reason to make a change, especially when Jackson provides similar depth. The first two weeks of the season allows for Noteboom to build chemistry and cohesion with others along the offensive line. When it comes to successful offensive line play, that chemistry and cohesion is important. If the level between the two players is even somewhat similar, it’s not always worth disrupting that. A similar situation happened last year with Noteboom on the other end of it. In Week 5, Noteboom had to move to left tackle due to Jackson missing the game. Because of that Kevin Dotson took over in his place at right guard. Dotson started the game against the Colts and never looked back. In fact, he became one of the more important pieces along the offensive line. This isn’t to say that Noteboom will take over for Jackson. There’s a reason that the former third-round pick hasn’t been able to take the next step as a proven starter in the NFL. While he’s played well in spots, he’s lacked week-to-week consistency needed over a 17-game season. However, that also doesn’t mean that there isn’t an opportunity here for Noteboom. Over the first two weeks of the season, he will have a chance to show the coaching staff what he can do as the starting left tackle. In the case that he does play well, given that Jackson provides similar swing depth, there wouldn’t necessarily be reason to replace him. Outside of the Colts game last year, Noteboom started Week 17 against the New York Giants. In that game, he allowed zero pressures and had a pass-block grade of 90.6 according to PFF. Again, when it comes to the offensive line, the Rams do value chemistry and cohesiveness. Noteboom hasn’t necessarily lived up to his expectation as the starting left tackle, but he’ll have a chance to prove himself as more than just a sixth-man over the first two weeks of the season. With Jackson missing the first two games combined with Steve Avila moving back to left guard from center, the Rams offensive line certainly isn’t without its drama heading into Week 1. Most of the time, that’s not something you want to see. It’s certainly going to be interesting to see how this group performs in the early stages of the season. One player everybody will be watching is Noteboom and if he plays well, he may just take the starting spot.
Todd Monken hints at Patrick Mekari starting at RT For Ravens in Week 1 vs. Chiefs
Todd Monken hints at Patrick Mekari starting at RT For Ravens in Week 1 vs. Chiefs glenn erby The Ravens have known for about a week who’ll be the starting offensive line for the gigantic Week 1 matchup against the Chiefs, but the names were withheld for competitive reasons. Some of those names are starting to trickle out, and there’s an upset at the right tackle spot. Roger Rosengarten was drafted in the second round, but OC Todd Monken hinted at veteran Patrick Mekari getting the call in a hostile environment. Mekari has logged snaps in five NFL seasons at all five offensive line positions. He’s essentially become a five-tool utility man of immense value, especially on this roster. Mekari made seven starts between the right and left side, filling in for Ronnie Stanley and Morgan Moses, who dealt with knee and shoulder injuries.
Zac Taylor confirms winners of 2 position battles; gives update on Amarius Mims
The expected outcome of both position battles. Now that Week 1 is here, the Cincinnati Bengals have confirmed the winners of two position battles. On Monday, head coach Zac Taylor announced that Trent Brown would be the starting right tackle. Taylor also announced that Dax Hill would be the second starting boundary cornerback. Zac Taylor says Dax Hill will start at CB. That’s in line with how reps have gone for some time. Taylor also says Trent Brown will start at RT. Not saying specifically due to injury, but points out Mims as a rookie not practicing today not ideal with veteran they like in place. — Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) September 2, 2024 It’s no surprise to see Brown win the job after his only competitor — first-round rookie Amarius Mims — has been sidelined for several weeks due to a pectoral injury. Brown was always the favorite for this job once he signed with the Bengals this offseason. However, Mims had a great training camp and preseason, while Brown missed the start of camp due to injury. That made this a competition, but it was effectively over once Mims was hurt and Brown was back at practice. Taylor also gave a brief update on Mims, saying the team would see how the week goes before deciding whether the rookie tackles will suit up against the New England Patriots. For what it’s worth, Mims was in uniform for practice but did not fully participate on Monday. Zac Taylor still staying close to the vest about Ja’Marr Chase. Says anything regarding his status is day-to-day. Also noncommittal about Amarius Mims (strained pec). Said that he would see about getting him through the week. pic.twitter.com/tNX9XAhRoD — Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) September 2, 2024 Amarius Mims was at practice today in uniform. Was last week as well, but just as last week, when we were viewing did not do any significant contact work. Example: When all starters blocked the 5-man sled together, he blocked an assistant holding a big red ball next to them. — Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) September 2, 2024 As for the cornerback battle, this was a much more contested battle after Hill was moved from safety this offseason to compete with DJ Turner. Hill played surprisingly well after struggling mightily at safety last year, so it’s good to see the former first-round pick may have found his natural NFL position.
Vikings/Giants Opening Odds: Minnesota Starts as a Road Favorite
Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images A rare position for the Vikings as of late In their opening game of the 2024 NFL season, the Minnesota Vikings currently find themselves in a position that seems a bit unfamiliar. According to our friends at FanDuel, the Vikings are a road favorite over the New York Giants in their 2024 season opener in early betting, with the purple currently installed as a 1.5-point favorite. The Giants will be kicking off their 100th season of existence on Sunday, and they’ll be doing so by sporting some. . .let’s call them “unique”. . .uniforms to celebrate the occasion. They’ll also be seeing the return of starting quarterback Daniel Jones, who appeared in just six games last season before tearing an ACL and threw just two touchdown passes. It will also be the debut for the Giants’ exciting first-round pick, wide receiver Malik Nabers, who will attempt to make things easier for Jones. The Vikings are going through plenty of changes of their own and are probably happy to get out on the field given all of the things that have happened to the team recently. It’s been a roller coaster of an offseason for the purple with the drafting (and subsequent loss for the season) of young quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the tragic death of rookie Khyree Jackson in an automobile accident, and numerous other on and off-field issues. The Vikings have moved on from Kirk Cousins at quarterback, as they’ll give Sam Darnold what could be his last opportunity to make an impression. You could definitely argue that Darnold has never had this much offensive talent around him as a starting quarterback, and it will be interesting to see whether or not he can take advantage of it. We’ll see if the Vikings can make good on their status as the road favorite in this one. Kickoff is slated for Sunday at noon Central time with coverage being provided by FOX.
Detroit Lions expect fans to push noise record, treat Stafford as enemy again
Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images Detroit Lions players are preparing for fans to push the Ford Field noise record, and that could mean enemy-territory treatment for Matthew Stafford again. The last time the Detroit Lions faced off against the Los Angeles Rams, Ford Field broke some records. Fans, excited for the first home playoff game in 30 years, set the stadium record for noise, reaching an ear-bleeding 133.6 decibels—a mark they would actually break the following week against the Buccaneers in the Divisional Round of the playoffs (134.4). “It was really loud. I don’t even know how to describe it,” linebacker Alex Anzalone said of the Rams game. “There was just like a buzz in the air, and I think that’s how it’s going to be going forward. So I’m really excited about that.” The two teams will face off again this week, just as they did in the Wild Card round eight months ago: Sunday night, Ford Field, Lions fans crazy and amped up as ever. “I’m fully expecting our fans to try and break that sound record again,” left tackle Taylor Decker said. “You know it’s going to be rocking and they’re going to be partying all day. It’s going to be fun. And they deserve to have the fun because they’ve been supporting us, or supporting this team for maybe 30, 40 years.” One of the more interesting questions is the type of reception former Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford will get in his second return to Detroit. Last season, Stafford was met with boos and “Jared Goff” chants the second he stepped on the field—even two hours before the game began. Will that change given this is only a regular season game, not the first playoff game in three decades? Decker admitted he doesn’t know what to expect, but he has an educated guess. “I have no idea what to expect. Knowing our fans, I’m expecting hostile territory for anybody who comes in here,” Decker said. “I know Stafford is going to take that in stride as a competitor. I don’t think that’s going to bother him one bit. But that’s just the nature of the business. They want to cheer for their team and anybody who comes in here is the enemy.” We’ve already gotten a taste of what Lions fans are capable of this year. In the preseason finale—yes, a preseason game—the Lions managed to not only sell out tickets (including standing room only seats), but the noise helped force two false start penalties by the Steelers. .@Lions fans causing false starts in preseason. GRIT. : #PITvsDET on @NFLNetwork : Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/7Y4Qk40g2t — NFL (@NFL) August 24, 2024 “That last preseason home game, definitely cool and kind of got the juices flowing, as far as the excitement and just getting in front of the fans,” Anzalone said. “Playing defense, there’s really nothing better than playing here.” It’s easy for defenders to feed off the energy, but the crowd noise does present a problem specific for Anzalone: attempting to communicate with his teammates pre-snap. It’s essential to get the initial play call in and convey any pre-snap adjustments to his teammates. Still, Anzalone knows the Rams offense is going to be struggling even more. “After the game, I’m going home and don’t really have a voice left for my wife and kid. So yeah, you definitely have to be more vocal, especially calling the plays. Signals become important playing defense,” Anzalone said. “It’s definitely difficult, but it hurts the opposing offense more.”
Lions announce captains for 2024 season, including 1 first-timer
David Rodriguez Munoz / USA TODAY NETWORK The Detroit Lions have named six players as their 2024 team captains, and one of them is a first-timer. The Detroit Lions announced on Monday the six players who will serve as captains for the 2024 season. They are Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Penei Sewell, Aidan Hutchinson, Alex Anzalone, and Jalen Reeves-Maybin. Last year, the Lions’ six captains were Goff, St. Brown, Sewell, Anzalone, Charles Harris and Reeves-Maybin. Goff and Anzalone have now both been team captains for each year under coach Dan Campbell. Sewell and St. Brown—two players who received big contract extensions this offseason— enter their second consecutive season as team captains. Reeves-Maybin is also entering his second straight season as captain, although he served as captain in a previous stint with the Lions. Of course, that leaves us with Hutchinson, the Lions’ first-round pick in 2022. This marks the first time in his Lions career he has been named captain. He was a two-time captain at Michigan, so it’s not all that surprising to see him take over that role again at the NFL level, particularly after leading the Lions in sacks for two consecutive seasons. “Hutch has been unbelievable this offseason, and I think he’s made huge, huge, huge strides from the time I arrived until where we are now,” new defensive line coach Terrell Williams said this summer. “It’s not me, it’s him studying tape. It’s him asking questions. Everybody sees big, tall 97 with long arms and Mr. Michigan, and all this other stuff, but what you don’t see is the time this guy puts in. “And he’s constantly asking questions, studying tape and studying other players, and working on his crazy. He’s an extremely coachable player. I love the guy because of what he’s about. He’s about getting better. He’s not about the glamour and glitz, he’s just a grinder. We need a lot more guys that have that mentality.” O captain, my captain pic.twitter.com/KWlI5Mvs0A — Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 2, 2024
