Gutsy Rams pull off key Divisional win in Arizona
Los Angeles are right in the NFC West race now.
It was a win the Rams wanted and one which they most certainly needed.
After a trying month — mixed in with a covid crisis — Los Angeles were considerable outsiders heading to the desert. Laying in wait was an Arizona team who had the league’s best record heading into Week 13, now they have slipped to the #3 seed in the NFC after a crushing 27-20 loss.
To their credit, the Rams deserved every bit of their ninth win of the season. Without All-Pro corner Jalen Ramsey and tight end Tyler Higbee among others, L.A. showed character previously unseen.
Despite the initial hype, Sean McVay and co. had been criticised for the addition of star talents Von Miller and Odell Beckham Jr, with both failing to adapt quickly. Admittedly Beckham showed signs of improvement last week and took it up a notch on Monday night, exploding for 77 yards on 6 receptions. The former Giant also scored the opening touchdown of the game, capping it off with a hilarious celebration.
Miller stood out too, constantly pressuring Kyler Murray while stifling the Cardinals’ run game on occasion. The former Bronco may not be posting the statistics he was famed for in Denver but it’s undeniable he is slowing getting in the groove and provides a huge help to his fellow rushers Aaron Donald and Leonard Floyd.
Critically, the Super Bowl 50 MVP made a stop of fourth down with five minutes left in the ball game which gave Los Angeles a chance to ice the game. These are the plays he was brought in to make. Big plays in crucial moments, that’s all the Rams need from Von Miller moving forward.
Rams head coach Sean McVay credited his team’s fortitude amidst the adversity both on and off the field. "This was the sign of a mentally-tough team,” McVay told reporters postgame. “I just can’t say enough about the guys’ ability not to flinch.”
Beckham was equally pleased with the team, but also his own performance. "It just felt like the complete game that I've been talking about," he said. "I told you there was a little more on this game for me, lost to Arizona earlier in the year, didn't sit well with me, so it was a much-needed win tonight."
Week 1 NFC Players of the Week announced
Los Angeles Rams debutant Matthew Stafford claimed offensive honours, Chandler Jones’ dominant performance earned him DPOW while Bradley Pinion’s punting scooped up the special teams gong.
After a wild start to the 2021 NFL season, three players were selected as a class above the rest in the National Football Conference.
Los Angeles Rams debutant Matthew Stafford claimed honours on the offensive side of the ball, Chandler Jones’ dominant performance earned him Defensive Player of the Week while Bradley Pinion’s perfect punting scooped up the special teams gong.
Under the bright lights of Sunday Night Football, Matthew Stafford shone brighter than any of his peers, completing 20 of 26 pass attempts for 321 yards and three touchdowns. Stafford was near-flawless with no interceptions and a passer rating of 156.1 in the Rams’ comprehensive 34-14 drubbing of the Chicago Bears. The former Georgia quarterback is the first bulldog signal-caller to win the award multiple times.
Two-time Arizona All-Pro stood tall above all of his NFL brethren in Week 1, putting in the most prepotent performance across all sixteen games. The 31-year-old linebacker registered an incredible five sacks, six tackles — four of those for loss, and two forced fumbles. In one of the most historic displays in recent memory, Jones became just the third player since 1982 to record at least five sacks in Week 1.
The former Patriot takes his Player of the Week tally to five — four of which are with Arizona, tying Adrian Wilson for the all-time Defensive Player of the Week record for a Cardinal. Jones also joints fellow pass rusher Dwight Freeney (six-time winner) as the only former Syracuse players to earn Defensive Player of the Week five times.
Last but most certainly not least, Tampa Bay punter Bradley Pinion picked up the NFC’s Special Teams Player of the Week after four phenomenal punts.
Pinion was critical to the overall result, pinning the Cowboys inside the 10-yard line on three of four punts. The former Clemson product averaged 49.3 yards per punt and is the second time he was won a Player of the Week award.
Rondale Moore buys No.4 jersey from Cardinals teammate
Second-round choice Rondale Moore has splashed the cash to get something very near and dear to his heart.
Second-round choice Rondale Moore has splashed the cash to get something very near and dear to his heart.
The exciting rookie wore #4 at Purdue and seemingly wanted it all along in Arizona. Though Moore had to settle with selecting No. 85 after being drafted.
Once JoJo Ward was released last Monday, the No. 14 became available. No, Moore didn’t take Ward’s number, however punter Andy Lee — the Cards’ previous #4 — took it upon himself, for an undisclosed fee, to go up 10 jersey places, in turn reuniting Moore with his ceintimental jersey.
Head Coach Kliff Kingsbury didn’t say how much Lee was given but confirmed Moore had to stump up some cash.
"He does not like spending money at all," Kingsbury said. "So it hurt him. But he was very happy to get the number."
Moore has made one other significant splash since joining the Cardinals; buying his mother a house during training camp.
"That's about it," Kingsbury said. "I don't think he's spent another dollar outside of that."
Moore will be the first Cardinals player in history to wear the No. 4 jersey.
His number change ensures Arizona will likely not have a receiver outside of numbers 1-19. Moore is the lowest-numbered wideout, followed by DeAndre Hopkins (10), Christian Kirk (13), Isabella (17), A.J. Green (18) and KeeSean Johnson (19).
Former first-round QB cut from 49ers roster
Former No. 10 overall pick Josh Rosen has been waived by the San Francisco 49ers in what is a new low for the former UCLA product.
Former No. 10 overall pick Josh Rosen has been waived by the San Francisco 49ers in what is a new low for the former UCLA product.
Rosen had high expectations placed upon him when the Arizona Cardinals used their first pick on him in the 2018 NFL Draft.
After going 3-13 during the 2018 season, Arizona decided to change things up at the quarterback position, drafting Kyler Murray, prompting Rosen’s exit from the desert.
Subsequently Rosen was traded to the Miami Dolphins, where he started just three games during his sole season in South Beach, failing to unseat Ryan Fitzpatrick and then Tua Tangavailoa — who the Dolphins drafted fifth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Naturally, he was waived by Miami — three days before Bruce Arians added him to the Buccaneers practice squad. In December of 2019, Rosen was then signed off Tampa Bay’s practice squad by San Francisco after injuries to quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo and Nick Mullens.
Rosen was active for the final two games of last season but never saw the field. It was only February when Rosen signed a one-year deal with the Niners, but as of today he has been waived, with his future in the league now up in the air.
After a 13-start rookie season with 11 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, statistics don’t help Rosen’s cause but one must remember the Cardinals were a shambles during the 24-year-old’s time under centre.
Hopefully Rosen can find another opportunity to progress further in the NFL.
Chandler Jones wants out of Arizona - Here’s why
All-Pro pass rusher Chandler Jones has officially handed in a trade request, it’s been revealed. The addition of fellow quarterback destroyer J.J. Watt hasn’t been enough to convince Jones to stay in the desert.
All-Pro pass rusher Chandler Jones has officially handed in a trade request, it’s been revealed. The addition of fellow quarterback destroyer J.J. Watt hasn’t been enough to convince Jones to stay in the desert.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported today, Jones lodged an official trade demand sometime this offseason. Despite his unhappiness with the situation, the three-time Pro Bowler is expected to report to Arizona’s training camp, which begins — for veterans — on Tuesday.
Jones’ motive for wanting out is said to revolve around his current contract. The former Patriot is believed to be upset with the current terms. Since being traded from Foxboro, Jones has established himself as one one of the league’s most prominent sack masters.
Only Aaron Donald has more quarterback hits and sacks across the past five seasons. Yet Jones’ performance and salary remain worlds apart, hence his frustration with the Cardinals organization.
Currently, his five-year, $82.5 million deal has one more year to run. Jones’ AAV (Average Annual Value) is 14th among edge rushers which would most certainly be the issue of contention.
Edge Rushers with a greater AAV than Chandler Jones:
Joey Bosa
Myles Garrett
Khalil Mack
DeMarcus Lawrence
Leonard Williams
Frank Clark
Fred Warner
Von Miller
Trey Flowers
Cam Jordan
Dee Ford
Arik Armstead
Shaq Barrett
By no means is the Cardinals-Jones situation untenable. It’s obvious Jones wants a new — if not restructured — contract. Whether Arizona decides to appease their best player remains to be seen.
One to watch for sure.
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.
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.
How Larry Fitzgerald & Patrick peterson Bore a leader in Cardinals’ D.J. Humphries
When Cardinals’ tackle D.J. Humpries arrived at practice this offseason and something was different. Not different in a good way either. There was a big hole in Arizona and it wasn’t another canyon.
Two of Arizona’s most loyal servants; Patrick Peterson and Larry Fitzgerald were gone, perhaps never to return. Peterson signed with the Minnesota Vikings during free agency, while Larry Fitz weighs up whether he wants to put his body through another year of pro football.
Something, or someone had to fill the void, so Humphries put his 6’5”, 307lb frame to use.
“I haven’t been to a practice in my NFL career before minicamp where I didn’t see Patrick or Larry,” Humphries said in a recent interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio.
“So that was something for me that kind of took me back a little bit when I went out there, because I’m used to those guys. I always felt like I was practicing to prove something to those guys and make those guys proud of me because those are my OGs, those are guys that have been here since I’ve been here.”
In his seventh season, Humphries knew he needed to give more of himself to push the Cardinals further.
“I had to shift my mindset to be an example instead of trying to impress my OGs in the way that I move and the way that I practice, how I handle myself. It was more so I had to set an example now for the younger cats that’s coming up and watching me. Because when that happened, I didn’t realize how many people were watching me leading up to that, before those guys left. And now that they’re gone, it’s even more magnified.
“So it’s like I have to step into a certain light where I can’t have any downs or slips, I’ve got to do everything right every day, every second. Everything has to be done [right] — every rep’s gotta be game reps because guys are watching and I know that.”
The additions of experienced Pro-Bowlers J.J. Watt and Malcolm Butler will help steady the defense, while the offense can caught on Humphries to help Kyler Murray and company flourish in the desert.