Matthew Judon: Patriots’ confidence will never waiver
The Patriots’ star free-agent acquisition is feeling phenomenal right now, and with good reason.
The New England Patriots are back, and it’s almost as if they’ve never left.
Six consecutive wins has New England primed for a playoff assault at 8-4, as they currently hold the #2 seed in the AFC. One of the foremost contributors to the Pats’ renaissance is Matthew Judon. The former Baltimore Raven, acquired during New England’s offseason spending spree, has dominated on the edge — adding a fear factor to their pass rush previously unseen.
Judon once again starred, sacking Ryan Tannehill once, in addition to four solo tackles. The two-time Pro Bowler has reason for being supremely assured about his — and the team’s — play. Since their six-game winning streak, no team has a greater points differential in the NFL. That’s just one of the many reasons Judon’s belief is unshakable.
"It is the same confidence,”Judon said postgame, Nov 28. “We didn't change, we won't waver and it is the same confidence we had when we were 2-4. It doesn't matter if it is a tight game or a blowout, our confidence won't change and we won't waver as a team, as a unit and as players. We come in this building to work every day and we are only going to continue to get better."
Despite their injuries, Tennessee’s arrival in New England was seen as a premier AFC matchup, perhaps even a prelude to the AFC Championship Game. Though Judon wasn’t overly in agreement with those sentiments.
"I think someone asked me that a couple weeks ago and the statement or whatever you want to call it, is we have to come out here and win every single game,” he said.
“One week at a time so if we don't give up any points and no yards, that game is a statement and every week we have to strive for a statement win. If you want to call this a statement or if you just want to call it the next game, we just have to take it week by week and go out there. The statement for us is on to the next week."
Despite The Patriot Way being a common focal point among media circles, Judon plays and carries himself with a swagger, something he has not lost since his move from Baltimore.
"I always have fun. I always try to keep it light and cheery but I think that is just who I am,” Judon said. “Right now, I am just producing and my teammates and coaches hype me up. It is easier to be around people like that and it is all love here. As far as the fun that I am having, I couldn't imagine a better year with any better teammates, they are great."
Judon’s teammates may be great off the field and they’ll most definitely taking some beating on it.
Look out, NFL.
Mac Jones watched Jets film within hours of loss to Dolphins
In keeping with The Patriot Way, Jones moved ‘on to Cincinnati’. When quizzed, Jones admitted with a smile that he’d watched Jets film just hours after the Pats’ loss.
New England quarterback Mac Jones thoroughly impressed during his NFL bow despite the Patriots’ 17-16 loss to division rival Miami.
Jones’ laser-focus was on show after giving away a gifted football following his first touchdown pass as a professional. The Alabama product has been euolgised for his mental approach to football, with many already suggesting it fits seamlessly with The Patriot Way.
In keeping with that persona, Jones moved ‘on to Cincinnati’ almost immediately after the loss. Well not quite Cincy, truthfully attention was turned to the New York Jets — New England’s next opponent. When quizzed, Jones admitted with a smile he’d watched Jets film just hours after the Pats’ loss.
“I mean it’s not fun to lose, so just learning from what we could have done better is definitely just the only thing you can do really,” Jones said, via Mark Daniels of The Providence Journal.
“You can sit there and feel bad for yourself for a little bit, because that’s your human [nature], and that’s what you’re supposed to do, or you’re in the wrong profession. But you’ve just got to move on. So the 24-hour rule – just after 24 hours. Some people it’s less, but for me after that, just move on and play the next play, play the next game. You’re only as good as your last game so we lost and that’s what people remember, so we just got to move forward.”
Jones showed composure beyond his years, completing 29/39 passes for 281 yards and a touchdown. If it weren’t for a rare fumble from running back Damien Harris — New England’s second on the day — with 3:31 remaining, Jones could’ve started his career with a win.
“I think we’re moving in the right direction,” Jones said. “Just take it day-by-day and obviously there shouldn’t be any focus on the past. We just got to focus on what we need to get better at.
“That’s kind of for me. Just fundamentally what can I do each day, extra or whatever, just to improve so that when I get to the game we just play fast and we play better than we did last week.”
Jones and the Pats will look to improve upon their first hit-out when they take on division rivals, the New York Jets on Sunday.
Josh McDaniels reveals Patriots current starting QB
Is two better than one? That’s the question being posed around New England and their current quarterback situation.
Is two better than one? That’s the question being posed around New England and their current quarterback situation.
New England has a problem. Or maybe they don’t.
Both Cam Newton and Mac Jones looked like starters against a torrid Philadelphia Eagles defense, filled with backups on Thursday.
Jones completed 13/19 for 146 yards. Despite 0 touchdowns, he lead three scoring drives. Meanwhile his counterpart Newton threw a touchdown, finishing with 8-of-9 passes for 103 yards.
Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels spoke to local reporters on earlier today, asked who the Week 1 starter may be and when the decision would be finalized.
“I know this is going to sound silly, but I haven’t really worried about it,” McDaniels said, via NESN’s Ryan Hannable.
“I think that decision from Bill [Belichick] will be made when the time is right to make it. Cam certainly is the starter now, and he has done a good job. He has gone in there, he played well the other night. He’s practiced well. But, I know those guys are really competing hard and we’re giving them an opportunity to compete and play a lot of football.
“… I am very pleased with the effort that we’re putting in at the quarterback position, the improvements we’re making, and the way that we’re attempting to run the offense. Everything isn’t perfect. We still have a long way to go and things we can work on and improve and make better, but I think the desire to do it, the way we want to do it to the standard that we’re trying to hold them to I think is right where we want it to be.”
Despite Cam being the current starter, McDaniels gave no assurances it would be an irreversible decision.
“Honestly, our focus is on trying to get them to do everything that they are practicing or doing in the games to the best of their ability, and seeing them improve and focusing on the things where maybe this is an area we need to get better at.”
Could a dual QB1 situation come to fruition in Foxboro, though?
“I have not stopped for one second to think about how to utilize multiple people in the same game. I am encouraged by all our quarterbacks in terms of the way they are working, some of the things they have been able to do in our competitive practices, and some of the things they have done in the preseason games. I am encouraged by that,” McDaniels said.
“But, we have a lot of work ahead of us this week, a great opportunity to get better both on our own and against the Giants and then following it up in the game on Sunday night. I am excited to do that and that is where my focus is.”
New England take on their old foe New York at Metlife Stadium. The game kicks off at 6:00 PM EDT.
Bill Belichick reveals the best QB he’s ever faced
The defensive mastermind has seen his fair share of quarterbacks over the years, but he holds one in the highest esteem, above all else. Spoiler: It’s not Tom Brady.
After 46 years in the league and six Super Bowl wins as a head coach, there are none better qualified than Bill Belichick to talk about quarterback play.
The defensive mastermind has seen his fair share of quarterbacks over the years, but he holds one in the highest esteem, above all else. Spoiler: It’s not Tom Brady.
Belichick has never faced Brady, so on a technicality, he’s disqualified from this conversation. Though it would be incredible viewing if he was asked this same question after TB12 and the Bucs visit Foxboro on October 3.
Anyway, back to Belichick. Here he is discussing the greatest signal-caller he’s ever faced and there’s no surprise he hails from football’s finest family. Despite his record against New England, it isn’t Eli, rather his brother and soon-to-be Hall of Famer, Peyton.
“He is definitely the best quarterback I’ve coached against,” Belichick told Ben Volin of The Boston Globe.
“There have been quarterbacks who called their own plays, but it was nowhere near the same as what he did. He basically called every play by adjusting and/or changing the play once he saw what the defense was doing,” he said.
“He (Peyton) excelled at using the cadence and recognizing blitzes, and more than any one single offensive player, he forced us to change and adapt defensive game plans.”
While in a magnanimous mood Belichick praised Manning’s fellow class-men; former NFL coaches and friends Jimmy Johnson and Bill Cowher.
“Jimmy’s command of personnel, coaching, trades, and the draft made him one of the all-time master team builders,” Belichick said.
“He took a team from 1-15 and turned it into a three-time Super Bowl champion. Jimmy’s defenses — his 4-3 split safety scheme — were as good as I have coached against. Jimmy is a great friend who has given me a lot of good advice throughout much of my career.”
Cowher — who won Super Bowl XL with Pittsburgh — was also lavished by Belichick.
”Bill had a tremendous NFL career that encompassed a lot — player, assistant coach, coordinator, and head coach,” Belichick said.
“Schematically his teams were one of the very best over the course of two decades. Our teams had some fiercely competitive battles that made me a better coach. I admire and learned from his complete mastery of coaching essentials — motivation, strategy, fundamentals, and physical play. Bill and I have been close friends for 35 years and I couldn’t be happier for him.”
Zach Wilson: Aaron Rodgers is my guy but Brady is the GOAT
Jets fans will be praying Zach Wilson shares more than a birthday with the GOAT once his NFL career gets underway.
Jets fans will be praying Zach Wilson shares more than a birthday with the GOAT once his NFL career gets underway.
Both Wilson and Brady blow out the candles tomorrow (August 3), turning 22 and 44 respectively. The BYU product admitted it’s a “pretty dang cool” coincidence before going on to reveal his admiration for the seven-time Super Bowl winner.
“I’d say one of the craziest parts is I think I was one in his first year in the NFL,” Wilson told New York media, via Al Iannazzone of Newsday. “It’s crazy to think about it.”
“Brady, in my opinion, is the greatest of all time,” Wilson said. “I don’t think you can argue that. Wherever he’s at, he’s winning.”
Despite rating the frenzied work-ethic and accomplishments of TB12, Wilson has long admired an NFC quarterback, a man who nearly left Titletown this offseason, none other than Aaron Rodgers.
“I’ve always been a Rodgers guy because of the flashiness, but the thing that’s important in the game is winning,” Wilson said.
“This is a team sport, it’s all about winning. It’s not about how cool a throw looks or anything like that. He’s definitely been a favorite to watch growing up. That’s just because of the way he does it, the way he’s found a system, a process that works for him as far as his offseason conditioning.”
The Jets will be hoping Wilson’s study of Rodgers and Brady translates into his game during his rookie year, as he looks to breathe life into a rejuvenated Jets lineup alongside first-time head coach Robert Saleh.
‘They Know Who They Are’ - Tom Brady doubles down on teams who passed on him
You may not like it, but Tom Brady’s still carrying that chip…the dogged, competitively spiteful mentality…
You may not like it, but Tom Brady’s still carrying that chip — no, I don’t mean the Lombardi Trophy, though he is very much in possession of it heading into the NFL season.
Rather, the dogged, competitively spiteful mentality. Make no mistake Brady is the type who would want GMs and owners wincing each time they see him in a Bucs uniform. TB12 hasn’t forgotten who passed on his signature in free agency last year and is hellbent on inflicting further pain upon them.
“They know who they are. They know who they are . . . it’s fine. Everyone has a choice to choose. I think what you realize is, there’s not as many smart people as you think,” Brady said in an interview with Jim Gray on Sirius XM.
“That’s just the reality. I think it’d be a no-brainer if you said, hey, you’ve got a chance to get Wayne Gretzky on your team, or you got a chance to have Michael Jordan on your team . . . Oh, we don’t need him, no thanks. We’re good.”
This comes shortly on the heels of Brady mentioning his reaction to teams passing on him while starring on LeBron James'‘ television show, The Shop.
“I was thinking, you’re going with that motherfucker?” Brady’s quote understandably went viral and despite being pressed, refused to reveal to Gray which team he was specifically referring to.
“There’s private things for me that are going to remain motivational for me,” Brady said.
Lord help them if we ever find out which team Brady was talking about. What is certain however is Brady hasn’t lost an ounce of hunger and that grudge mentality remains.
Bring on week 4 in Foxboro.
NFL announces Preseason TV schedule
An enormous 23 games will be shown on the league’s broadcast channel…this includes to quadruple-headers in Weeks 1 and 2 before two doses of triple-headers in Week 3.
The NFL announced this week there will be a record number of preseason games will be shown on NFL Network.
Let’s hope we’ll see more of this!
Importantly, all preseason games will be shown on NFL GamePass, which is fantastic news for international and American fans alike.
An enormous 23 games will be shown on the league’s broadcast channel will show eight games through Weeks 1-2 before a final seven during the third and final week of preseason.
This includes to quadruple-headers in Weeks 1 and 2 before two doses of triple-headers in Week 3.
The Football Team kick off NFL Network’s coverage on August 12 at New England, where we should get our first official look at Mac Jones in a Patriots uniform.
Trevor Lawrence is likely to hit your screens on August 14 as Urban Meyer and the Jags host AFC rivals, Cleveland.
Media and fans alike will be hoping to get a glimpse of Jordan Love too, which may come as early as Week 2 (August 21) at home to Zac Wilson and Gang Green.
Below is a full list of the games to air on NFL Network across the preseason:
Week 1
Thursday, August 12
7:30 PM ET – Washington Football Team vs. New England Patriots
Friday, August 13
7:00 PM ET – Buffalo Bills vs. Detroit Lions
10:00 PM ET – Dallas Cowboys vs. Arizona Cardinals
Saturday, August 14
1:00 PM ET – Miami Dolphins vs. Chicago Bears
4:00 PM ET – Denver Broncos vs. Minnesota Vikings
7:00 PM ET – Cleveland Browns vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
10:00 PM ET – Los Angeles Chargers vs. Los Angeles Rams
Sunday, August 15
1:00 PM ET – Carolina Panthers vs. Indianapolis Colts
Week 2
Thursday, August 19
7:30 PM ET – New England Patriots vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Friday, August 20
8:00 PM ET – Cincinnati Bengals vs. Washington Football Team
Saturday, August 21
1:00 PM ET – Buffalo Bills vs. Chicago Bears
4:25 PM ET – New York Jets vs. Green Bay Packers
7:30 PM ET – Detroit Lions vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
10:00 PM ET – Las Vegas Raiders vs. Los Angeles Rams
Sunday, August 22
1:00 PM ET – New York Giants vs. Cleveland Browns
7:30 PM ET – San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Week 3
Friday, August 27
8:00 PM ET – Minnesota Vikings vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Saturday, August 28
1:00 PM ET – Green Bay Packers vs. Buffalo Bills
7:00 PM ET – Chicago Bears vs. Tennessee Titans
10:00 PM ET – Los Angeles Chargers vs. Seattle Seahawks
Sunday, August 29
1:00 PM ET – Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Dallas Cowboys
4:00 PM ET – Las Vegas Raiders vs. San Francisco 49ers
6:00 PM ET – New England Patriots vs. New York Giants
For American fans — NFL Network will blackout live games shown concurrently in local markets.
NY Jets sign rookie OL Alijah Vera-Tucker
AVT, as he is affectionately known, was the second-highest rated offensive lineman in the 2021 Draft Class, according to Pro Football Focus.
The New York Jets have announced the signing of rookie offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker.
AVT, as he is affectionately known, was the second-highest rated offensive lineman in the 2021 Draft Class, according to Pro Football Focus. Vera-Tucker allowed only 5 sacks, 8 quarterback hurries and 3 quarterback hits across 975 total snaps at USC.
The former USC standout was the Jets second pick in the draft (no.14 overall) behind quarterback Zac Wilson who, along with second-round receiver Elijah Moore, remains unsigned.
Jets GM Joe Douglas spoke glowingly about their new quarterback-protector, revealing Vera-Tucker was a lot higher on their draft board than where he was selected.
"We felt we had a unique opportunity to get a top-10 player in our minds as our board was stacked,” Douglas said.
"To go up and get a guy like Alijah Vera-Tucker, a player that has started at tackle, has started at guard and has been highly productive at both. That versatility and that production is something we really value."
NFL Training Camps begin this week- When does your team return?
Football season is fast approaching with the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers kicking off their respective training camps on Wednesday.
Football season is fast approaching with the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers kicking off their respective training camps on Wednesday.
All players from the Cowboys and Steelers are scheduled to report, with the teams facing off in the Hall of Fame Game on August 5.
The reigning Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers will host its rookies on Tuesday, with veterans coming through on Saturday.
Below you will find exactly when each team reports for training camp ahead of the NFL preseason which begins on Thursday, August 12.
Reporting dates and locations for NFL training camps this offseason - courtesy of NFL Communications.
Matthew Judon believes Pats will rise again
“With him leading a group of hungry, willing men, it’s nothing but up from last year,”
Patriots newcomer Matthew Judon is excited at what he and his fellow teammates can do in this upcoming season under their GOAT head coach, Bill Belichick.
Judon, who was speaking to Good Morning Football on Monday, revealed the Pats are hungry to get back to their former glories.
The Pats’ no.9 described Coach Belichick as "arguably the best coach to ever coach any sport.
“With him leading a group of hungry, willing men, it’s nothing but up from last year,” he said.
Judon also spoke to the potential quarterback competition brewing in Foxboro between veteran Cam Newton and first-round draft choice, Mac Jones.
“We all know how it goes. If you’re not playing to a certain standard, it’s the next man up. I think he’ll be playing to that standard, but it’s yet to see. We going to see in a couple weeks.”
Judon also provided some insight to how Cam is approaching the newfound pressure ahead of his second season with the Patriots.
“When he comes in the meetings, he’s in the front of the meetings,” Judon said. “He’s attentive. When we get out on the field, he’s the loudest on the field and he’s always having fun with it. So I expect him to go out there, treat it as a business, go out there and make plays, and lead the quarterbacks, lead the team,” he said.
If Judon and the New England defense can hold up their end of the bargain, Belichick and co. are every chance to once again throw down the gauntlet in the AFC East.
NFL announces joint practices - Who your team is playing and why
After practicing against your own same players throughout OTAs and training camp, it is a great opportunity to move through different plays, schemes against foreign opponents.
Not all 32 teams are participating in joint practices though. Only 21 teams are will involve themselves with another organization.
Joint practices aren’t a new phenomenon in the NFL. They essentially act as an opportunity for teams and players to go through scrimmages against different personnel.
After practicing against your own same players throughout OTAs and training camp, it is a great opportunity to move through different plays, schemes against foreign opponents.
Not all 32 teams are participating in joint practices though. Only 21 teams are will involve themselves with another organization.
New Orleans and Jacksonville were set to meet in Louisiana on August 20, but since the release of the schedule both teams have confirmed otherwise.
Teams NOT involved in joint practices this offseason:
Arizona Cardinals
Buffalo Bills
Cincinnati Bengals
Detroit Lions
Houston Texans
Jacksonville Jaguars
Kansas City Chiefs
New Orleans Saints
Pittsburgh Steelers
Seattle Seahawks
Washington Football Team
Some teams will engage in two bouts of joint practices; the Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, Carolina Panthers, Philadelphia Eagles, and both the New York clubs (Jets and Giants).
Arguably, the most famous joint practice moment of recent memory involved then-Houston’s DeAndre Hopkins and Washington’s DeAngelo Hall getting into it. Things got interesting, real quick…
Thankfully for DB’s everywhere their ankles won’t be tested by D-Hop until preseason at the earliest.
Full list of this year’s joint practices:
Courtesy of NFL Communications
Watch: Ted Ginn announces retirement - best plays of his career
Ginn, 36, played for six teams (Miami, San Francisco, Carolina, Arizona, New Orleans and Chicago) across a stellar 14-year career after being drafted 9th overall to Miami in the 2007 NFL draft.
Punters and kickers can sleep a little easier tonight now that specialist sensation Ted Ginn has announced his retirement.
Ginn, 36, played for six teams (Miami, San Francisco, Carolina, Arizona, New Orleans and Chicago) across a stellar 14-year career after being drafted 9th overall to Miami in the 2007 NFL draft.
Ted Ginn stats:
412 catches for 5,742 receiving yards and 33 touchdowns
262 punt returns for 2,624 yards and 4 TDs
307 kickoff returns for 6,899 yards and 3 TDs.
15,749 career all-purpose yards — 4th in the NFL since 2007, behind Adrian Peterson, Frank Gore and Darren Sproles.
Oh, and a special treat for those who remember GInn from his Ohio State days…what a phenom.
Who will play under the franchise tag in 2021?
The NFL list of franchise tagged players is relatively short this season. Only six players will go through the 2021-22 NFL season under the conditions of the tag.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, Giants defensive lineman Leonard Williams and Broncos safety Justin Simmons were all tagged and looked likely to remain that way until they agreed new deals with their respective teams.
Carolina right tackle Taylor Moton was similarly fortunate after agreeing a four-year, $72 million deal with the Panthers just before today’s deadline.
The unlucky six on this season’s franchise tag are:
Chris Godwin (Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR)
Allen Robinson (Chicago Bears WR)
Marcus Maye (New York Jets S)
Marcus Williams (New Orleans Saints S)
Cam Robinson (Jacksonville Jaguars T)
Brandon Scherff (Washington Football Team G)
‘People forget who you are and what you’ve done’ - Cam Newton ready to be great again
New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton isn’t letting the naysayers affect him ahead of his second season in Foxboro.
Bill Belichick turned the heat up on the former MVP by drafting Alabama quarterback Mac Jones with the 15th pick in this year’s draft. Despite all signs pointing to Jones being the future of the franchise, Newton isn’t letting it determine his success this season.
Speaking to ESPN’s Keyshawn, JWill, and Zubin earlier today, Cam revealed how he’s feeling ahead of the Pats’ 2021 campaign.
“I know who I am,” Newton said.
“At times, I do remind myself people forget who you are, and what you’ve done. So now I’m in a position where I need to be my best self. It’s really put-up or shut-up time.”
Belichick and Newton have often spoke of their admiration for one another and New England insiders have said their relationship is solid. However, Cam knows he needs to be much more to remain in the GOAT’s good books.
“[My] time there has been everything I could have asked for,” he said. “I guess it’s now time for me to uphold my end of the bargain, through and through.”
Cam recently published a video on his YouTube channel stating this was the first time he had been fully healthy in over four years.
Newton will be hoping to improve upon the 2,657 passing yards, eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions from last season. If he can — in addition — repeat his 12 rushing TDs, New England should be a threat to all in the AFC.
N’Keal Harry formally requests a trade from New England
Under-fire wide receiver N'Keal Harry has never really fit in New England and now he’s taken matters into his own hands.
Under-fire wide receiver N'Keal Harry has never really fit in New England and now he’s taken matters into his own hands.
Harry desires to seek newer pastures for the 2021 season, the Patriots aren’t displeased with this course of action with rumors circulating the Arizona State product was in danger of being cut.
Jamal Tooson, Harry’s agent, officially handed in a trade request, via Mike Garafolo of NFL Media.
“For the past several months, I have been working in cooperation with the Patriots behind the scenes to put a plan in place to allow N’Keal to thrive in New England,” Tooson said in a statement shared on social media.
“Through two seasons, he has 86 targets, which obviously hasn’t met the expectations the Patriots and N’Keal had when they drafted a dominant downfield threat who was virtually unstoppable at the point of attack in college. Following numerous conversations with the Patriots, I believe it’s time for a fresh start and best for both parties if N’Keal moves on before the start of training camp. That’s why I have informed the Patriots today I am formally requesting a trade on behalf of my client.
“N’Keal understands a key ingredient to production is opportunity. He will continue to work hard to develop and refine his craft after missing a large portion of his rookie year to injury. His draft-day expectations for his NFL career have not changed. We are confident success is just around the corner for him and will aggressively pursue it.”
Bill Belichick has come under fire for the Harry selection — No. 32 overall in 2019 — after leaving the likes of D.K. Metcalf, Deebo Samuel, A.J. Brown and Terry McLaurin on the board.
Harry amassed just four touchdowns alongside 45 receptions and 414 yards across his two seasons in New England.
New England has gone to drastic measures to improve their skill positions this offseason, signing receivers Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne, in addition to tight ends Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith.
It remains to be seen which teams will come calling for Harry. Our guess is it won’t be a high price.
Bears, Dolphins to hold joint practices
Interestingly, the Bears and Dolphins will meet again in the preseason — on August 14 — but once doesn’t seem enough for head coaches Matt Nagy and Brian Flores.
Chicago and Miami will put each other through their paces this offseason with joint practices set be held in Lake Forest, Illinois.
Interestingly, the Bears and Dolphins will meet again in the preseason — on August 14 — but once doesn’t seem enough for head coaches Matt Nagy and Brian Flores.
Chicago will host the Dolphins at their practice facility for a few practices according to The Athletic’s Adam Jahns.
It will be Justin Fields’ first taste of joint practice, after being drafted No. 11 overall by Chicago in the 2021 NFL Draft. It will be a new experience for Dolphins signal-caller Tua Tangavailoa after COVID caused them to be canceled.
Fields and Tangavailoa will be tested but without any physical contact. As for their teammates, well they’re not so lucky. Oh, the luxuries of the quarterback position.
Why Von Miller believes Peyton Manning - and not Tom Brady - is the GOAT
Hold up now, just wait a second.
Before the outcry, we must be fair to Von and point out his thoughts are from late October 2020 -- long before Brady and the Bucs got it together and dominated the Chiefs. Perhaps his opinion has since changed, but judging by his love for Peyton that’s as likely as a flying pig.
What’s perhaps most interesting about Von Miller’s GOAT take is the question was never raised about Manning or Brady was never raised. Von decided to take it upon himself to assert Peyton Manning as the greatest of all time.
Irrespective of who you side with, Von’s love and admiration for Peyton -- both as a player and as a human being -- is palpable.
“He is the real deal and he’s the GOAT,” Miller said of his former Super Bowl winning teammate.
“They have these discussions about Peyton and Tom Brady, and Tom Brady, he’s won a lot of Super Bowl’s and I’m a Tom Brady fan but Peyton Manning, he changed the position of quarterback from an audible position on the line to being a technician, going about his game, knowing the defense and that’s why Peyton Manning is the GOAT in my eyes.”
“Of course we’ve got Tom Brady and I’m a big Tom Brady fan and everything he does man, but I played with Peyton Manning man, and I got to experience what type of guy he was, what type of player he was and what type of leader he was. He’ll always get my vote on being the GOAT, ‘cause he truly was.”
As for what Peyton Manning was truly like, away from the public eye, Von took us into the Broncos locker room, detailing the tendencies and nuances of Denver’s favorite son.
“I’m just taken to the image that I have of Peyton Manning. Him being in the locker room, just being around Peyton Manning, he was just a true leader man, a true leader of men,” he said when asked about Peyton’s most memorable qualities.
“If he did mess up on anything, he went about his business, so professional man and he never made the same mistake twice. He handled adversity off the football field, on the football field, he was the same guy every single day.
“He knew the coaches, he knew the players, he knew the players’ kids, he knew the janitors by first name and had conversations with all these guys. He was a real superhero man, it’s not a facade, it’s not anything fake, it was just him.”
Does Peyton Manning really run around in Von Miller’s backyard?! To find out, along with more of Von Miller’s conversation with Patrick Djordjevic, click here.