2022 Pro Bowl rosters revealed
There were plenty of surprises as the NFL released the 2022 Pro Bowl rosters.
Earlier today, the NFL announced the AFC and NFC All-Stars for the 2022 Pro Bowl — a moment many players and fans had been awaiting all season long.
Roster selections are determined by the consensus votes of fans, players and coaches. Each group’s vote counts one-third toward determining the 88 selected players.Twenty-six teams had at least one player selected to the 2022 Pro Bowl roster and 23 clubs had multiple players chosen as Pro Bowlers.
The 8-6 Indianapolis Colts led all teams with seven Pro Bowl selections while the AFC West’s Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers each had six players chosen. Five teams – the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers – each have five players at the Pro Bowl.
Tom Brady was selected to his 15th Pro Bowl — the most of any player ever in NFL history — while Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers was selected to his 10th Pro Bowl. Each of the four other quarterbacks selected are drastically younger – the Chargers’ Justin Herbert, Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson, Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes and Arizona’s Kyler Murray – are all under the age of 27.
Thirty-one of the 88 players were selected to the Pro Bowl for the first-time. Four rookies will make their first bow; Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase , Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons, Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts and Chargers tackle Rashawn Slater.
Other first-time Pro Bowlers recognized for their sensational seasons included Dallas’ Trevon Diggs, Baltimore’s Devin Duvernay, Indianapolis’ Jonathan Taylor and Tampa Bay’s Tristan Wirfs.
As for the coaching staffs, they will be filled from the losing teams in the Divisional playoffs with the best regular-season records. Try reading that quickly. Here are the Pro Bowl selections in full:
The 2022 Pro Bowl kicks off at 3:00 PM ET on Sunday, February 6, and will be televised on ESPN and will be simulcast on ABC in the United States. Tickets are available now on ProBowl.com and will allow fans special benefits on gameday including access to the Pro Bowl Red Carpet and other family friendly activities.
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."
Dalvin Cook set to miss two games through injury
The Vikings’ playoff hopes have taken a huge hit after an injury to their franchise star.
Minnesota’s topsy-turvy season continued last Sunday, ending Week 12 below .500 after a crushing 34-26 loss in Santa Clara.
The Vikings didn’t just lose a game, but an incredibly valuable piece in the process. Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook suffered what now has become known to be a dislocated shoulder. Cook was carted off the field at Levi’s Stadium late in the third quarter. A brutal hit from San Francisco’s Kevin Givens caused carnage to both Cook, and Minnesota’s playoff hopes.
In a sign of wonderful sportsmanship, players from both teams took to their knees in prayer and personally consoling the Florida State product. Cook has been in fine form once again this season, rushing for 975 yards and four touchdowns across nine games this season.
On Monday, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer said Cook was “day-to-day,” though if Adam Schefter is to be believed, the situation is far worse. The ESPN insider reported on Nov. 30 that Cook is likely to miss games against the Lions and Steelers but the hope is he returns for Monday Night Football vs. Chicago on Dec. 20.
Zimmer would not comment on whether Cook dislocated his shoulder but firmly denied the 26-year-old had tore his labrum.
Kyle Shanahan explains Trey Lance’s on-field Absence
The third overall pick has seen just five snaps since Week 6.
The 49ers are rolling right now, sitting at 6-5 after an impressive 34-26 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.
Starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has been playing out of his skin of late, averaging an 111.88 passer rating over the previous five weeks.
Early in their campaign, San Francisco utilized Lance in red zone situations, appearing in Weeks 1, 3, 4 and 5, totalling one touchdown and one interception. Though Lance, has only taken five snaps at Jacksonville in Week 11.
Lance suffered a knee injury during his first start in early October and has sparingly seen the field since. Why? Allow Kyle Shanahan to explain.
“It’s more about me, to tell you the truth,” Shanahan said Monday, via Jennifer Lee Chan of NBCSportsBayArea.com. “In terms of calling plays, we get into a rhythm of attacking a defense and what fronts they are playing and what coverages. Every play kind of plays off the next play and you get a feel, our players do and I, of what we are going to.”
Lance’s inclusion makes things unpredictable for the opposing team, but Shanahan admitted it also makes his life more complex, with defenses also unforeseeable.
“What’s been hard on me, that I didn’t realize, is when you do bring in a different quarterback who gets a different set of plays, it’s almost the first play I’ve been seeing of a new defense,” Shanahan told local media. “You see what fronts and coverages they are doing but they are doing it completely to a plan as a threat of the runner at that position.
“I don’t know what to anticipate with it, and then I got to stay in it for a while to get a feel for that. And then you go back and that feels kind of off for the last guy, so it kind of hurts my rhythm a little bit of understanding what a defense is getting. That’s why personally as the year has gone I’ve gotten a little more away from it because I like to get a feel for what the defense is doing.”
In Lance’s absence, the 49ers have thrived — winning four of their last five — including a crucial divisional win over the Rams. With things looking smooth in the Bay, there’s no reason for the third overall pick to see game time in this moment.
Lance’s time will come, but for now Garoppolo is the captain of Shanahan’s ship, of that there is no doubt.
Russell Wilson’s sluggish return dooms Seahawks’ season
The All-Pro QB hasn’t looked like his old self, and now Seattle’s season is done.
Russell Wilson’s return from injury hasn’t panned out like anyone in Seattle had hoped. After a miraculous recovery from a finger injury, Wilson and the Seahawks are 0-3, losing to the Packers, Cardinals and Football Team — essentially ending all playoff hopes.
The Hawks’ most recent 17-15 loss in the Nation’s Capital was a crippling blow, particularly given Russell Wilson’s level of play.
Wilson had several opportunities to capitalize of open receivers but missed his chance too often. Perhaps the Wisconsin product isn’t fully healed from last month’s surgery. Though Seattle head coach Pete Carroll refused to be drawn on excuses after the loss.
“The film doesn’t lie, you know. We’re missing some stuff,” Carroll said postgame. “I don’t know what to make of it. Other than the fact we got to keep battling and keep trying to figure it out. I felt like there’s some guys open tonight with some chances and unfortunately didn’t pick it up.”
The Seahawks’ offense were inefficient all evening, going 4/12 on third down, unable to keep the ball and in turn, pouring pressure on their defense. Crucially, Seattle were destroyed in the time of possession battle, with Washington holding the ball for 41:40 of 60 minutes.
Seattle had just 49 offensive plays last week against Arizona and outdid themselves on Monday Night Football, reaching a new season-low of 45.
Wilson too, has struggled, completing just 56.1% of his passes since his return in Week 10. The Seahawks have scored a total of 28 points over the last three games — an average of just over 9 points per game.
“He needs to make his plays when he gets his chances,” Carroll said. of Wilson “I can’t imagine that he won’t. I can’t imagine that he won’t get it done.”
Russ may well improve on his current showings — it’s almost inevitable. Though it does seem too little, too late with the Hawks sitting two games outside the NFC’s final wildcard spot. Startlingly, the Detroit Lions are the only squad with a worse record than Pete Carroll’s side.
Aaron Rodgers may opt for in-season toe surgery
No.12 has a decision to make on the fractured toe which has caused much conjecture.
Green Bay’s star quarterback Aaron Rodgers was unbothered by a fractured toe during his phenomenal performance against Los Angeles last Sunday. Though, he may still go under the knife, with the injury causing some discomfort.
On Monday, NFL Media reported Rodgers had decided not to undergo surgery “at this time,” meaning the 37-year-old could in fact decide to surgically repair his toe, if current methods fail.
During his regular, weekly segment on the Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers elucidated his thinking on the matter.
“As compared this Monday to last Monday, I definitely felt better — same with this Tuesday to last Tuesday,” Rodgers told McAfee. “So I’ll just keep getting treatment. We’re hoping to avoid surgery, obviously, but the surgery would be such a minor one it wouldn’t be something that I’d have to miss time with. That’s a prerequisite for any surgery that I have at this point — I’m not going to miss any time. So we’ll re-assess early next week and make a decision. But it’s not something where [I’d miss time]. I could have surgery on a Monday or Tuesday and play on Sunday.”
Despite the quick recovery time, Rodgers admitted he would be unable to move the toe. As you can imagine, the decision thereby isn’t so simple.
“It would avoid any further displacement, but it would immobilize the toe,” Rodgers said. “So, we’re hoping that with a couple weeks here, we can get enough healing that maybe we can avoid doing that.
“Now, we’ll re-assess probably later this week and early next week. But the ultimate goal [is] to not have to do surgery. This thing heals up a little bit better and kind of make it through a few more weeks and maybe it doesn’t bother you the last few weeks of the season.”
Green Bay and Rodgers should be well rested after their bye week. With old foes Chicago on the horizon, Packers fans will be incredibly confident of another victory on Sunday Night Football.
Vic Fangio reveals Teddy Bridgewater’s Status For Pittsburgh Clash
The Broncos’ head coach kept things interesting ahead of Sunday.
The Denver Broncos are on the comeback trail, looking to redeem themselves in Pittsburgh after an energy-zapping loss to AFC rivals, the Baltimore Ravens.
Broncos Country are sweating on the health of starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who exited the ballgame at half during the Week 4 loss at home to Lamar Jackson and co. The former Saints signal-caller has since entered the NFL's concussion protocol and remains an even chance to participate in practice later this week.
Teddy Closing in on Return to Practice
Denver head coach Vic Fangio updated local media on his star quarterback's progress, revealing No.5 would not practice Wednesday. Though he was able to move around and complete other means of physical activity.
"He’s getting better," Fangio said during his October 6 press conference. "He was able to lift today with the group and attend meetings.”
Fangio admitted it was "possible" Bridgewater could participate, albeit in a limited capacity, during Thursday's practice. He remained typically tight-lipped otherwise, and it is a possibility that Bridgewater remains on the sidelines.
The 28-year-old quarterback didn't participate in film study or meetings on Monday but in a welcomed sign, was back engaging in those activities with teammates on Wednesday.
There's no doubt Bridgewater is making strides toward a full return yet the Broncos have a contingency plan there in case. His name is Drew Lock.
Lock and Loaded
The one-time starter turned backup quarterback has taken first-team reps in both practices in the lead up to the Week 5 clash at Pittsburgh. Coach Fangio shed some light on why Lock struggled at home to the Ravens, and just how difficult it can be to adjust from sidekick to starter.
“It’s difficult in that he doesn’t get the reps when you’re thrown in there cold, but I still think his below-average play was just a part of our whole offense that day," Fangio said. "We just weren’t very good offensively last Sunday.”
After a week of practice firmly in the driver's seat, Lock and Broncos Country should be confident of a return to his preseason form. Fangio has no doubts it is possible.
“He views himself — and I view him — as a starting quarterback in the NFL," Fangio said. "He doesn’t view himself as a career backup but he’s doing good in his role right now.”
It must have been difficult for Lock to accept and transition from being the face of the franchise, alongside Von Miller, to a backup for the first time in his life. In spite of the setback, Lock has adjusted well according to his coach.
“He’s dealt with it very well," Fangio told reporters. "I don’t say that to mean he’s accepted it and thinks he’s a backup. That’s not it at all. He just has a lot of respect for Teddy — what Teddy has done for him personally and what Teddy has done for the team. He’s all on board.”
Von Miller Explains Why He Can’t Hate Tom Brady
Despite their on-field battles, Miller has deep respect for the man widely considered the greatest of all time.
The Denver Broncos franchise pass rusher Von Miller has seen and done it all. Fresh off his fourth AFC Defensive Player of the Month title, the 32-year-old was in a reflective mood, speaking in-depth about some of the greatest quarterbacks of his time.
With Tom Brady heading back home to Foxboro in a Sunday Night Football game for the ages, Miller revealed to Fox Sports host Colin Cowherd his experiences on and off the gridiron with whom many consider the G.O.A.T.
Miller: Brady Is 'Such a Great Guy'
“He just has just such a handle on what’s going on and what’s about to happen," Miller said on the Colin Cowherd Podcast, September 29. "It’s kind of like he can predict what’s about to happen from the quarterback position, he can kind of predict where wide receivers are going, what coverages is about to happen and once you really learn [about] Tom Brady, he puts so much work in.
"Throughout my career, I’ve been able to play against Tom Brady but I’ve been able to get to know him off the field as well. There’s really no reason to not like Tom Brady other than he wins football games. He does everything right, he’s such a role model, he’s such a great guy."
Miller himself has been a role model for the Broncos ever since his Super Bowl 50 heroics, toppling Cam Newton and the vaunted Carolina offense of 2015. Despite starting his season off in stellar fashion with eight tackles, four sacks and six tackles-for-loss, Miller remains full of praise for his entire team. “This offensive line is the best since I’ve been with the Denver Broncos," Miller told Cowherd.
No. 58 cited the lack of weapons available to current Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater when he was in Carolina as a major factor for his uninspiring record with the Panthers. Now, the former Louisville signal-caller has a loaded arsenal to call upon in the pass and run game, which in Miller's belief, is why the Broncos are where they are after three weeks.
"When you give Teddy a team like [ours], things like this happen, we played three teams that haven’t been winning a lot but I feel like the way we beat them is the way that good teams should play teams like that," Miller told Cowherd.
"We got a real test coming this week, we’ve got a playoff team coming up this week. We’re playing a playoff game in September! That’s been the vibe around here. To get where we’re going we gotta go through the Baltimore Ravens."
Patrick Mahomes & Lamar Jackson Are Incomparable
Another fearsome AFC quarterback Miller knows well is Chiefs signal-caller Patrick Mahomes. Miller noted there was an instant awareness Kansas City's No. 15 was completely different to anything he'd ever seen.
“Patrick Mahomes he was just fearless," Miller said, recounting his memories of then-rookie Mahomes. "He just got it, he was just confident. You face other rookie quarterbacks, they’re struggling with their reads, they’re scrambling out of the pocket, struggling trying to push the ball downfield.
"When I really think about it, young guys with success, Patrick Mahomes there’s not been a young guy that had the type of success like Patrick Mahomes. Right off the bat, nobody’s like Patrick Mahomes. Lamar Jackson right off the bat, he was athletic, he did wonderful things but true quarterback nobody’s done it like Patrick Mahomes right off the bat in my eleven year career.
"Lamar Jackson, he does a lot of things well, he can throw the ball, he can run the ball, he can create separation, he’s a once-in-a-lifetime player just like Patrick Mahomes. But they’re two totally different players, you can’t compare Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson, they’re just two elite players."
Miller and the stout Broncos' defense will face their first elite quarterback when Jackson rolls into Mile High on Sunday. If they are the team Miller and many others believe they are, Denver will come out victorious.
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.
Tom Brady ready for another Super Bowl tilt
Tom Brady is treating campaign No. 22 no differently to the Super Bowl-laden previous. The chip is still there and so too is his passion and drive.
Tom Brady, is treating campaign No. 22 no differently to the Super Bowl-laden previous. The chip is still there and so too is his passion and drive.
“I love playing football,” Brady told Peter King in his latest Football Morning in America column. [Offensive coordinator] Byron Leftwich said something really good the other day: It’s a very simple game that’s so hard to execute. It’s a totally imperfect game that you’re trying to do as perfectly as possible. Every day I come out trying to do it. I’m hoping this is my best year.”
Could it be? Well, Brady’s weaponry and offensive have hardly been better across his two-decade career and let’s not forget, despite a slow start last season was one of his best.
Let’s reflect for a moment. New team, new coaches, new system, new lifestyle, a torn MCL, all amidst a global pandemic.
Brady’s healthier now and certainly feels more at home with the offense if Bucs head coach Bruce Arians is to be believed.
“When he calls a play this year, he knows the picture in his brain. Last year, it was just words,” Arians said.
Brady has two years remaining on his three-year deal with Tampa and assured NFL defenses in the offseason that he’ll see them out. Could he play beyond then, taking him to the ripe old age of 46.
“I’ll know when the time’s right,” Brady told King regarding the inevitability of retirement.
“If I can’t . . . if I’m not a championship-level quarterback, then I’m not gonna play. If I’m a liability to the team, I mean, no way. But if I think I can win a championship, then I’ll play.”
For every year which Brady sticks around, he believes his squad will be a bonafide Super Bowl threat. With Tampa’s roster, it could be years.
When prodded on whether 2021 will be better than any before, Brady illuminated the formulaic approach he is renowned for.
“That’s a prediction and I’m not for that,” Brady said. “I’m into doing the work. Is the process gonna be right? I’m gonna work my ass off to get it right.”
The Bucs are every chance to put themselves in a position to go back-to-back, a feat rarely achieved in the National Football League. I mean, can you even remember the last QB to do it? You might’ve heard of him.
Thomas Patrick Edward Brady.
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).
Matt Nagy names Bears starting QB for Week 1
After an offseason like few before it, Bears fan now know who will line up under centre when they travel west to Los Angeles for the Sunday Night Football opener.
After an offseason like few before it, Bears fan now know who will line up under centre when they travel west to Los Angeles for the Sunday Night Football opener.
The primetime matchup always gains momentum heading into a new season but excitement has reigned in Chicago ever since Roger Goodell read out Justin Field’s name with the 11th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Despite the fan hysteria, Matt Nagy took a more prudent approach when determining QB1 for the regular season, proclaiming Andy Dalton as the Week 1 starter.
As referenced by NFL Network’s Adam Schefter, Fields will start the Bears’ final preseason game at Tennessee this Sunday. Many experts and fans have petitioned for Fields to start but with the ferocious Aaron Donald first, you can understand Nagy’s decision. If the rookie were to be involved in L.A., we may have seen more hits like this…
Dalton, heading into his 11th NFL season, will provide experience, poise and stability at the quarterback position and with a tough early schedule, including the Rams and Browns in two of their opening three games, it’s understand why the Red Rocket was chosen.
Patience is a virtue and it may just be what Fields and the Bears need to succeed together longterm.
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.
Kyle Shanahan reveals when Nick Bosa will be back
Fresh from practice today, Kyle Shanahan updated fans and media alike on the status of one of his most prized assets.
Fresh from practice today, Kyle Shanahan updated fans and media alike on the availability of one of his most prized assets.
Defensive stud Nick Bosa has found himself limited to individual work since training camp began in late July. The 23-year-old has been repetitively given a day off after three practices as part of a regimented rehab schedule to ensure Bosa comes back ready to go. The plan moving forward is to slowly ingratiate him into position drills with his d-line brethren.
Both the Niners and Bosa have hinted at the likelihood of a Week 1 appearance, and Shanahan echoed these sentiments in his press conference earlier today.
"That's what we're hoping for," Shanahan said. "If we stay on track, I think we'll see him next week."
Fellow big man Trent Williams is said to be fine despite leaving practice early with a hip/knee complaint. The move is said to be precautionary more than anything.
"We got him out," Shanahan said. "(He) didn't seem overly concerned but we gotta look at him when we get inside."
Meanwhile, former No. 14 overall draft choice, Javon Kinlaw is still recovering from a weeks-old shoulder injury. The sophomore defensive tackle worked with trainers during practice and is “week-to-week” according to Shanahan.
With NFL rosters needed to be officially cut from 90 to 85 by Tuesday (1PM ET), many are fighting for their pro football lives. Undrafted wideout Austin Watkins Jr. incredibly played through a broken foot in the 49ers preseason opener against the Chiefs.
Resultantly, the Alabama at Birmingham product will now be put on Injured Reserve according to the Niners head coach.
What now for Trey Lance and the 49ERS?
Trey Lance sent social media and the 49ers Faithful into a spin and now the thought on everyone’s minds is ‘When will Lance get more first-team reps?’ As for the answer, we’ll leave it to coach.
Trey Lance sent social media and the 49ers Faithful into a spin with an enticing debut (preseason) performance against Andy Reid’s Kansas City Chiefs in Santa Clara.
Lance gave 49ers their first look since being drafted by Kyle Shanahan with Pick 2 in the 2021 NFL Draft, going 5-for-14, with 128 Passing Yards, 1 TD and a 93.7 QB Rating.
What really sent the NFL world into overdrive though was Lance’s 80-yard touchdown bomb to Trent Sherfield, his first completion of the ballgame.
The thought on everyone’s minds is ‘When will Lance get more first-team reps?’ As for the answer, we’ll leave it to coach.
“I don’t know,” Shanahan told San Francisco reporters . “I haven’t really defined that for myself either. Just when I think it feels right, when he seems ready, when I think the team seems ready.
“I mean, we’ll continue to mix him in there. But I don’t plan on just doing that completely. But Trey, what he showed in that game is, you know, I wish I could have left them there longer. I know he enjoys playing and he’s only been able to play one game in over a year, but I think it was good for him to get out.
“I think he started out good, got a little excited sometimes which he does. And you get a little excited, some of your technique and stuff you lose which will be fun to watch with him. Trey’s a guy who’s tough on himself and loves to correct things and since we’ve had him he’s been very good at correcting mistakes.”
The most glaring error, according to the Niners head coach, occurred when Lance failed to throw the ball away and was resultantly sacked. It was one of four occasions where Lance was sacked by the Chiefs defense.
“I think the worst one was the one down in the red zone,” Shanahan said. “They did an all-out blitz and we were in an empty formation and he’s got to get rid of that to his hot throws. So that was the main one that was on him.
“On the other ones, you can always get rid of it when someone doesn’t hold up in protection too long, but I think it would have been tough to, especially some of the down and distance we were in. But there was one that he definitely needed to get rid of just because of the blitz that they brought.”
Lance has brought an electricity to the Niners, reminiscent of the excitement during their Super Bowl season of 2019. Whether he’s capable of delivering a similar outcome time will tell.
Though I can think of one man who is…
Russell Wilson: Hawks ready to be #1 offense in football
After an offseason where nothing seemed certain — not even the long-term whereabouts of Russell Wilson himself — the Seahawks are gearing up for a phenomenal offense showing this season, if their fearless leader is to be believed.
After an offseason where nothing seemed certain — not even the long-term whereabouts of Russell Wilson himself — the Seahawks are gearing up for a phenomenal offense showing this season, if their fearless leader is to be believed.
“I think we can be the number one offense in football,” Wilson told Seattle reporters over the weekend.
“I don’t see why not. We’re up for it, we’re ready, we were really good last year, had a lot of great things, but we can be even better. We’ve been watching the maturation of DK [Metcalf] and the continual growth of Tyler Lockett who has been one of the best receivers in football for the past several years,” he said.
“Then adding Gerald [Everett], a true playmaker in the sense, and [Will] Dissly is feeling really confident right now. I’m really excited for his season, what he’s got in store. Colby [Parkinson] too as well, he’s had a really great training camp. You guys have seen him all over the field in practice and he’s doing a great job.
“Our running backs, obviously Chris Carson, what he can do. I believe he’s the best in the game, so I think for us we need to find different ways of getting him the football. I think the thing for us is executing all of the details, being aggressive, and that means every opportunity whether it’s the run or pass game. Having that aggressive mentality, every time we touch the ball, we’re scoring. I think that sense, that tempo, and that aggression going after the defense is really key.”
In more exciting news for Seahawks nation, Russ is now likely to have greater control over the offense — more than he ever has before.
“I’ve always been able to change the play for the most part,” he said. “Along my career, [former offensive coordinator Brian Schotenheimer] allowed me to call the plays and stuff like that at the line of scrimmage when we needed to. I think the emphasis of being able to do it all the time, all throughout the game is the key. I think it’s a little bit different in that sense. I have freedom for sure. The fun part is there’s so much we can do and so many reasonings and so many why’s to it. It’s been really exceptional. Really transferring that to making our plays and putting our guys in the best position to be successful.”
Under new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, Wilson hinted there will be more audibles at the line of scrimmage and greater flexibility to use the smarts he’s amassed throughout his wildly successful career.
He added that the new offense puts greater emphasis on changing the play at the line of scrimmage.
“I think what we’re really focused on is my literally being on the line and doing that and calling it when we need to,” Wilson said. “Just playing fast, that’s what we did the whole first drive if you’ve noticed. It was really at the line of scrimmage. I think the second drive too and later on as well. The thing for us is just, for me, to be able to use what I know, my smarts and understand what we’re trying to do and how we’re trying to get to it.
“Also, Shane and I being on the wavelength and being at the line of scrimmage and checking the play if we need to. Sometimes just trust the play and going with it as well. That really puts the defense on their heels.”
Russ cooked early last season before the Hawks ran out of steam late in the season when it mattered most. All involved in the Pacific North West will be hoping Russ and Waldron can keep the foot on the gas in the ultra competitive NFC West.
Seahawks sign former college basketball star
The Seahawks have taken an unorthodox approach in search of a new piece for Russell Wilson under new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron.
The Seahawks have taken an unorthodox approach in search of a new piece for Russell Wilson under new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron.
After trying out two college basketball players this week, Seattle opted to sign Michael Jacobson — a former Nebraska and Iowa State product, who hasn’t played a down of football since high school.
Not that this is imperative for pro football success, though. Antonio Gates, Jimmy Graham and Julias Thomas are just a few who never played collegiate football.
Jacobson played forward during his time on the hardwood and had an offer from Harvard alongside a football scholarship to Iowa State, both of which he turned down before committing to Nebraska. After his sophomore year, Jacobson transferred from the Huskers to the Cyclones, though he never stepped foot on the gridiron.
Since his college career, the 24-year-old has played professional basketball in Ukraine with Kyiv-Basket.
Jacobson stands at 6’7”, 244 pounds, making it easy to see why Seattle was drawn to the athletic big man. For now, the former Iowa State man is on the Hawks’ 90-man roster. Whether he will get close to the final 53-man roster is yet to be seen, however his first chance to show out may come as early as August 14, when Seattle travels down to face the Raiders in Las Vegas.
Rodgers: Packers defense incomparable to its past
Amidst a noisy offseason in Green Bay, one group has been moving in silence. And if their quarterback is to be believed, they could finally get over the hump and back to the promised land.
Amidst a noisy offseason in Green Bay, one group has been moving in silence. And if their quarterback is to be believed, they could finally get over the hump and back to the promised land.
"It's definitely different," Rodgers told local reporters today. "It's not really like any of the other defenses that I've faced over the years in practice."
Joe Barry, Green Bay’s new defensive coordinator, has caused confusion for Rodgers and the offense during practice since taking over from the released Mike Pettine.
Recognizing the coverages of Barry’s new defense has been of Rodgers’ bug bears early on this preseason, with third-year safety Darnell Savage particularly causing confusion.
Savage has halted Rodgers many times throughout practice with his ability to swiftly shift positions and find himself where No. 12 wants to throw the ball. So much so, Rodgers has pulled him aside to pick his brain.
"I saw a flash out of my eye, and I couldn't believe … what the hell was Darnell doing there?" Rodgers said. "You're seeing these guys kind of running all over the place, which is definitely difficult even for an older quarterback like myself."
As for the Packers offense and the reigning MVP, there’s not much that’s going to be different. Why would there be after being the #1 scoring offense in the NFL in 2020?
"There's not a whole lot we wanted to change," Rodgers said when asked about this season’s offense.
"I think we might want to refine some things that we did last year and kick some plays out that really didn't fit what we were doing. Added a few things, some wrinkles. Matt does a great job of communicating those things."
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.
Important dates for the 2021 NFL season
The NFL season begins with the Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers hosting America’s Team; the Dallas Cowboys on September 9. Though there are many defining occasions throughout the league before and after the battle of Brady and Prescott.
The NFL season begins with the Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers hosting America’s Team; the Dallas Cowboys on September 9. Though there are many defining occasions throughout the league before and after the battle of Brady and Prescott.
August
August 5 - Hall of Fame Game (Dallas Cowboys vs Pittsburgh Steelers)
August 12 - Start of Preseason Week 1
August 31 (4pm ET) - Rosters must be reduced to max. of 53 players on the Active/Inactive List.
September
September 5 - Final day of preseason training camp
September 9 - Season opener (Bucs vs Cowboys)
September 12 & 13 - Week 1 of NFL regular season
October
October 10 - NFL London Series, New York Jets vs. Atlanta Falcons @ Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
October 17 -NFL London Series, Miami Dolphins vs. Jacksonville Jaguars @ Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
November
November 2 - Trade period ends for 2021
January
January 8 & 9 - Final week of the regular season (Week 18)
January 15 & 16 - Wild Card Playoff Games
January 22 - NFLPA Collegiate Bowl
January 22 & 23 - Divisional Playoff Games
January 28 - HBCU Combine
January 30 - AFC & NFC Championship Games
February
February 5 - Senior Bowl
February 6 - NFL Pro Bowl
February 13 - Super Bowl LVI
February 19 - HBCU Legacy Bowl
March
March 1-7 - NFL Scouting Combine
March 8- Franchise tag designation deadline
March 16 (4pm ET) - 2022 Free Agency begin
April 28-30 - 2022 NFL Draft