<![CDATA[0xbt: November 2018]]> https://0xbt.net/blog/archive/liny195/1541030400/1543622400 https://0xbt.net/blog/view/42869/the-san-francisco-49ers-do-not-yet-know-who-their-quarterback-will-be-on-thursday Tue, 27 Nov 2018 03:54:46 +0000 https://0xbt.net/blog/view/42869/the-san-francisco-49ers-do-not-yet-know-who-their-quarterback-will-be-on-thursday <![CDATA[The San Francisco 49ers do not yet know who their quarterback will be on Thursday]]>  when they host the Oakland Raiders. Well Cheap Ahkello Witherspoon Jersey , they are not publicly acknowledging who will it be, other than to say it will be a game-time decision with C.J. Beathard.Regardless of who is playing quarterback, one big issue will be the Raiders pass rush — or should I say, lack thereof. The 49ers offensive line has struggled in pass protection, but the Raiders pass rush has been the worst in the NFL. Here are some notable stats regarding the Raiders struggles getting to the quarterback.7 sacks: ranks 32nd56 QB pressures: ranks 32nd20 QB hits: ranks 32nd3.1% adjusted sack rate: ranks 32ndBy comparison, the 49ers rank 26th in adjusted sack rate, and 25th in Pro Football Focus’ pass blocking efficiency stat.Something has to give in this matchup, and it could be a difference-maker for the 49ers. When there has been no pressure this season, Beathard has completed 66.1 percent of his passes, and PFF grades him out at 80.7. When he has been under pressure, he completes 44.4 percent of his passes, grades out at 43.3 on PFF’s grading system, and ranks 33rd in passer rating.Nick Mullens has yet to appear in the regular season, but did get 47 dropbacks during the preseason. He completed 78.6 percent of his passes (22 of 28) when not under pressure, and graded out at 90.1. When pressured, he completed 60 percent of his passes (9 of 15), and graded out at 42.9.If the 49ers are going to handle their business and win this game, it will be critical Beathard or Mullens has time to operate in the pocket. Of course, it will also be incumbent on the quarterback to make quick decisions to keep things moving. The 49ers offensive line has been hit or miss in pass protection, but this game provides the unit an opportunity to head into the second half of the season with at least a modicum of moment. 49ers-Giants final scoreThat was brutal. The 49ers had a 23-20 lead after exchanging field goals with the Giants. Eli Manning then drove the Giants down the field for what would prove to be a game-winning touchdown. It was an odd nine play drive over 1:53, with multiple penalties exchanged. Manning eventually found Sterling Shepard in the front corner of the end zone for the score. The 49ers got down to the Giants 21 with one second left, but Nick Mullens threw it out of the back of end zone on the final play. The 49ers dropped to 2-8 with the loss, and the Giants improved to 2-7.Giants strike back quicklyThe Giants did not waste time getting back into this game. Odell Beckham was the key on this one, catching a 30-yard pass and then scoring on a 20-yard touchdown reception. The 49ers lead 20-17.49ers build on their leadThe 49ers had the ball to open the second half, and they turned it into seven points. Matt Breida was the key on this drive. He picked up a 19 yard reception to get the 49ers into Giants territory. He added 12 rushing yards to get the 49ers down to the Giants 13. Finally, he capped the drive with an 11-yard touchdown reception. The 49ers lead the Giants 20-10.George Kittle, Matt Breida take care of businessThe 49ers have recaptured the lead on a Matt Breida rushing touchdown. The drive was keyed by a pair of big George Kittle catches. He had an 18-yard catch late in the first quarter, and then had a 22-yard catch to start the second quarter. A Giants facemask penalty set up 1st and goal, and Breida scored on a three-yard touchdown run. The 49ers lead 10-7.Giants take the leadNick Mullens made his first big mistake as 49ers quarterback. He was to the right side of the field and looked for a receiver near the sideline on the opposite side of the field. Janoris Jenkins got in for the PBU and the ball popped into the arms of B.J. Goodson. On the 3rd and 8 on the ensuing drive, Eli Manning found Odell Beckham Jr. for a touchdown. The Giants lead 7-3 late in the first quarter.49ers get on the boardThe 49ers got on the board first, taking a 3-0 lead on a Robbie Gould field goal. The Giants went three-and-out to start the game. Nick Mullens and the 49ers moved 19 yards, but eventually the drive died out. Gould converted a 53-yard field goal to give the 49ers the lead.InactivesThe 49ers will have Trent Taylor back one the active roster for Week 10. He is dealing with back issues, but was inactive last week even though he did not appear on the injury report. He will split time in the slot with Richie James. Kendrick Bourne will likely replace Pierre Gar莽on in the starting lineup opposite Marquise Goodwin.49ers inactives: QB Tom Savage, WR Pierre Gar莽on, SS Jaquiski Tartt, LB Reuben Foster, OL Erik Magnuson, DL Jullian Taylor, OL Shon ColemanGiants inactives: QB Kyle Lauletta, DB Tony Lippett, S Kamrin Moore, DT RJ McIntosh http://www.49erscheapshops.com/cheap-authentic-george-kittle-jersey , C Evan Brown, WR Jawill Davis, DT John Jenkins 49ers-Giants previewThe San Francisco 49ers are giving Nick Mullens another shot at this starting quarterback thing and he’ll be going on primetime again for Monday Night Football. That’s about the only interesting story this game has as the 49ers are going up against a Giants team with a single win. When two people in a Week 10 primetime game have three wins between them, then you know it’s not exactly a ratings draw. Regardless, we get to see the 49ers on prime time once more to close out 2018. The Sunday Night game will no doubt get flexed if it hasn’t already. The game will kick off at5:15 PM. The game will air on ESPN and you can also stream it via their Watch ESPN app. Joe Tessitore and Jason Witten will be in the booth whileBooger McFarland blocks fans’ views with that Booger-mobile of his on the sidelines.Lisa Salters will also be reporting. Like last week, the 49ers are going to be looking a lot at what they have for next year. Nick Mullens’ near-record setting debut will be something to watch. The Giants have an awful defense, but they also provide a step up from the pits of despair that the Oakland Raiders offered. The Giants are having their own issues. Despite having a rookie running back that is establishing themselves as one of the league’s best and a wide receiver that’s already done so, their quarterback in Eli Manning is on his last dance. Despite winning two Super Bowls in his career, Manning has begun a severe regression and all his flaws are being exposed. The Giants have (currently) decided to stick with Manning for the game Monday Night, but this could change either before or during the game if Manning’s inept play continues. For Week 10, the Giants have a thin injury report and are looking to not have any players down. All players added to it were full participants for the two final practices. The 49ers meanwhile will be without safety Jaquiski Tartt, wide receiver Pierre Gar莽on, and linebacker Reuben Foster. George Kittle was limited in practice but it looks like he’ll suit up. Nuts and boltsLocation: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara CaliforniaGame time: Monday, November 12th, 5:20 P.M. PTTV channel: ESPN (also on ABC in 49ers broadcast region)Online streaming: Fubo, Watch ESPNLocal Radio: 810-AM, 107.7 (Ted Robinson, Tim Ryan) | Full listingsSports USA national radio: Bob Fitzgerald, Hank BauerSpanish Radio: KTRB 860-AM (Jes煤s Z谩rate, Gabriel Sotelo)Matchup history: 20-20Announcers: Joe Tessitore, Jason Witten, Booger McFarland, Lisa Salters Enemy blog: Big Blue ViewTwitter: @ninersnationFacebook: Go ahead and give us a like!Instagram: @ninersnationsbnRegular season scheduleWeek 1: @ Minnesota Vikings — 24-16 LossWeek 2: vs. Detroit Lions, — 30-27 WinWeek 3: @ Kansas City Chiefs, 10:00 a.m., FOX, Sunday, September 23 — 38-27 LossWeek 4: @ Los Angeles Chargers, 1:25 p.m., CBS, Sunday, September 30 — 29-27 LossWeek 5: vs. Arizona Cardinals, 1:25 p.m., FOX, Sunday, October 7 — 28-18 LossWeek 6: @ Green Bay Packers, 5:15 p.m., ESPN, Monday, October 15 — 33-30 LossWeek 7: vs. Los Angeles Rams, 5:20 p.m. http://www.49erscheapshops.com/cheap-authentic-laken-tomlinson-jersey , NBC, Sunday, October 21 — 39-10 LossWeek 8: @ Arizona Cardinals, 1:25 p.m., FOX, Sunday, October 28 — 18-15 LossWeek 9: vs. Oakland Raiders, 5:20 p.m., NFL Network, Thursday, November 1 — 34-3 WinWeek 10: vs. New York Giants, 5:15 p.m., ESPN, Monday, November 12Week 11: BYEWeek 12: @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 10:00 a.m., FOX, Sunday, November 25Week 13: @ Seattle Seahawks, 5:20 p.m., NBC, Sunday, December 2Week 14: vs. Denver Broncos, 1:05 p.m., CBS, Sunday, December 9Week 15: vs. Seattle Seahawks, 1:05 p.m., FOX, Sunday, December 16Week 16: vs. Chicago Bears, 1:05 p.m., FOX, Sunday, December 23Week 17: @ Los Angeles Rams, 1:25 p.m., FOX, Sunday, December 30]]> liny https://0xbt.net/blog/view/42868/should-the-giants-be-interested-in-george-iloka Tue, 27 Nov 2018 03:40:14 +0000 https://0xbt.net/blog/view/42868/should-the-giants-be-interested-in-george-iloka <![CDATA[Should the Giants be interested in George Iloka?]]> It isn’t often that a player becomes available half-way through the pre-season and it makes ears around the league perk up. That happened today when Ian Rapoport reported that the Cincinnati Bengals made the decision to release veteran safety George Iloka. Iloka is relatively young at 28 years old and possesses rare size for the position at 6 feet Authentic Rhett Ellison Jersey , 4 inches and 225 pounds. He also has experience as both a strong safety and free safety, and has been productive for the Bengals — generally averaging 75 tackles and 7 passes defensed in a 16 game season. The Giants’ secondary is a looming question mark as the the regular season approaches. The bigger questions are at the cornerback position, but adding talent to the secondary as a whole would help the defense. Even at the more-stable safety position, both potential starting free safeties, Curtis Riley and Darian Thompson, have missed time with injury recently.From a schematic point of view Authentic Kerry Wynn Jersey , James Bettcher likes to rotate safeties to disguise coverages and the source of potential pressure. Iloka’s size could also make for creative alignments to help neutralize the passes to tight ends and running backs which have generated most of the offensive production against the Giants’ defense to date.There is also the salary cap question. The Giants don’t have much room with which to work, and while creating space is possible, it could create problems for them down the road. So, with all that in mind, should the Giants be interested in Iloka? A national TV audience will get to witness whether the New York Giants save their season on Thursday night or doom themselves to yet another losing, playoff-less year.The 1-4 Giants face the 2-3 Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday night. With no team in the NFC East having more than two victories at this point in the season the last-place Giants still have an opportunity to be competitive in the division.Linebacker Olivier Vernon will play for the Giants tonight Authentic Alec Ogletree Jersey , making his season debut after suffering a high ankle sprain in the preseason. Tight end Rhett Ellison [foot] will not, meaning the Giants will be without both Ellison and Evan Engram. [Complete inactives]Use this as your first-half open thread. Chris will be along with a thread for the second half, as usual.[E-mail Ed at bigblueview@gmail.com or via the Big Blue View Contact Page | Follow Big Blue View on Twitter | ‘Like’ Big Blue View on Facebook | Follow Big Blue View on Instagram]]]> liny https://0xbt.net/blog/view/42867/the-new-york-giants-are-trying-to-crawl-out-of-a-1-5 Tue, 27 Nov 2018 03:29:04 +0000 https://0xbt.net/blog/view/42867/the-new-york-giants-are-trying-to-crawl-out-of-a-1-5 <![CDATA[The New York Giants are trying to crawl out of a 1-5]]>  hole that has created more questions about the team than it has answered. With that in mind http://www.giantsauthorizedshops.com/authentic-janoris-jenkins-jersey , let’s get to the Big Blue View mailbag for this week.Ed says: No, Teddy Bridgewater isn’t a “must-have” for the 2019 season. And right now I’m not saying Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert is a “must-have” either. The 2018 season is in Week 7. We have no idea what’s going to happen. We don’t know how Kyle Lauletta will perform if he gets an opportunity. Those things matter. That decision can’t be made now.I get the fascination with Bridgewater, especially since Pat Shurmur coached him in Minnesota last season, but Bridgewater suffered a devastating knee injury and hasn’t played a meaningful snap since 2015. No one really has a clue what kind of player he is at this point, or if he can hold up physically.When the offseason rolls around maybe Bridgewater emerges as a good option. Now? Way too early for that.Ed says: The Giants are projected right to have roughly $21 million under the 2019 cap, with only five teams having less. In my view, that number is pretty meaningless.First, we don’t know exactly what the cap will be. Second, we don’t know what moves the Giants will make. The big contracts they have to make decisions on belong to Janoris Jenkins, Olivier Vernon and Damon Harrison. I would expect at least one of those guys to be cut, probably Jenkins. Designating Jackrabbit a post-June 1 cut would save the Giants $11.25 million against the cap and leave them with only $3.5 million in dead money.Gino Phillips asks: Do you think the quick move to IR for Latimer was a statement on Giants’ evaluation of his value or more a chance to look at guys like Davis more? I am not aware of how significant his injury was.Ed says: I think the move of Latimer to IR wasn’t any sort of quick hook for him or condemnation of his ability. He’s a useful player as a wide receiver, special teams gunner and kickoff returner. We don’t know the severity of his hamstring injury, but at 1-5 what’s the point of carrying a guy on the roster for several weeks if he can’t play and the games would be meaningless by the time he got back? This is part of why you get a parade to IR on bad teams. It actually gives the Giants a chance to bring in a player like Corey Coleman for what amounts to a lengthy tryout, or give someone like Jawill Davis or Quadree Henderson, who is on the practice squad, an opportunity.Henry Mildener asks: Can Corey Coleman return kicks?Ed says: Well ... he did that some at Baylor, returning 26 kickoffs and three punts. The last time he did it with any regularity, though, was 2013. He has never been asked to do it in the NFL. So, he has done it — but it’s been a long time. Maybe the Giants take a look at him there, but I really don’t know if that’s the plan and I doubt it’s the primary reason he was signed.Ed says: Honestly, I can’t answer that question. Unlike BBV draft expert Chris Pflum I don’t study college prospects now. I’m immersed in the day-to-day of current season and won’t do that until the season is over. Besides, how do you answer that question when there are 10 games to play and there is no way to know where they will be selecting and who might be on the board? It’s just waaaaay too early.[E-mail Ed at bigblueview@gmail.com or via the Big Blue View Contact Page | Follow Big Blue View on Twitter | ‘Like’ Big Blue View on Facebook | Follow Big Blue View on Instagram]Giants vs. Saints: For Giants’ offense, it all starts with Eli The New York Giants return home on Sunday to host the New Orleans Saints after two weeks in Texas. The Giants looked down and out against division rival Dallas Cowboys, but found some life against the Houston Texans. Back home, the Giants have a chance to get back to .500 against the Saints — a mark many might not have thought possible entering the season.New Orleans has been hemorrhaging yards in the passing game http://www.giantsauthorizedshops.com/authentic-connor-barwin-jersey , and the Giants have the skill position players to take advantage. And they will need to, as the Saints still boast as potent an offense as ever, averaging just under 35 points per game. This game looks to be a shootout, so the Giants will need to win with the ball in their hands. Their offense finally started to get traction against Houston, so can they build on that against New Orleans? Stats at a glance Giants’ offenseRushing yards: 87.7 yards per gamePassing yards: 231.7 yards per gameTotal yards: 319.3 yards per gamePoints: 18.3 points per gameSaints’ defenseRushing yards: 84.3 ypgPassing yards: 336.7 ypgTotal yards: 421.0 ypgPoints: 34.3Chad Wheeler vs. Cameron JordanSecond-year offensive tackle Chad Wheeler had a rough time in his first start of the 2018 season at right tackle. He was routinely beaten by J.J. Watt who notched his first three sacks of the season last week. Wheeler struggled as well against outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus, but he had few answers for Watt’s size, power, and explosiveness. Likewise, he was hampered by technical flaws which limited his ability to deal with inside moves. Unfortunately, Wheeler will face Cam Jordan, who is nearly as big, powerful, and explosive as Watt — and has been consistently getting to quarterbacks this season. The Giants need to hope that Wheeler will be able to make a jump from his first week to his second week as a starter.Game plan The Giants had an excellent game plan against the Houston Texans. Their use of passing concepts to create quick, simple reads for Eli Manning, as well as some wide open passing windows, helping to hide some of the issues on the offensive line. Pat Shurmur and Mike Shula also showed some intriguing play design, such as lining Odell Beckham Jr., Sterling Shepard, and Cody Latimer up on the left side of the offense, while Saquon Barkley lined up as a wide receiver on the right to influence the defense and open up a void in the coverage for Rhett Ellison at tight end. Hopefully this is a harbinger of things to come, because while the Saints have a pair of good young defensive backs in Marshon Latimore and Marcus Williams, they have given up a lot of yards through the air. Despite missing Evan Engram, the Giants’ passing attack can still be potent and threaten the defense anywhere on the field. Since drafting Latimore and Williams, the Saints have adopted much more of an aggressive, man coverage defense. While the Giants’ smaller receivers can be vulnerable to press-man coverage, there are schemes and concepts to defeat those coverages http://www.giantsauthorizedshops.com/authentic-b.j.-goodson-jersey , such as mesh or scissors concepts — which Beckham and Shepard run very well.Ultimately, the Giants’ game plan will need to be one which finds a rhythm and gets Beckham and Barkley going early. Beckham is just 740 yards from ranking second on the Giants’ all-time yards list (behind only Amani Toomer), and Barkley already has three 100-yard performances, in addition to two touchdowns. With those two active and producing, it will open up the defense for the other skill position players.Keep the cape on, EliThe Giants fielded a reworked offensive line featuring Wheeler and veteran John Greco, as well as a much-improved game plan, against the Texans. However, the biggest change from the losses in weeks one and two to the win in week three came from Eli Manning. Manning seems to have found his stride within Pat Shurmur’s offense, completing 25 of 29 passes vs. Houston. But more than the sky-high completion percentage, Manning played with a precision and poise we haven’t seen in years. When throwing on the run, Eli consistently put the ball where only his receivers could get it, often putting them in position to pick up yards after the catch. When he hung in the pocket, Eli showed a disregard for pressure which we haven’t seen from him since the first half of 2012. It wasn’t that the offensive front protected him markedly better than in previous games — in fact, per Next Gen Stats, the Texans rushers’ average pass rush came closer to Manning than those of either the Jaguars’ or Cowboys’. But Manning had the confidence to flow within the pocket and buy an extra second for a receiver to work open or risk taking a big hit to get the pass off.For the first time in his career, Manning is in a truly quarterback-friendly offense with weapons he trusts, and he appears to finally be getting comfortable after barely playing in the pre-season. The result is the quarterback in whom the Giants went all-in on in January, dissecting the defense, finding favorable match-ups, doing what he has to find the time to exploit them, and making accurate throws. If the Giants want to claw their way out of the hole they have dug for themselves, and beat the Saints in the process, they will need Eli to keep his cape on until February. He might not match this performance, but the Giants will need this Eli to stick around.
 
 
]]> liny https://0xbt.net/blog/view/42866/mike-shula-looking-forward-to-giants%E2%80%99-%E2%80%9Cversatile%E2%80%9D-offense-debuting-on-sunday-on-sunday Tue, 27 Nov 2018 03:14:50 +0000 https://0xbt.net/blog/view/42866/mike-shula-looking-forward-to-giants%E2%80%99-%E2%80%9Cversatile%E2%80%9D-offense-debuting-on-sunday-on-sunday <![CDATA[Mike Shula looking forward to Giants’ “versatile” offense debuting on Sunday On Sunday]]> Authentic Saquon Barkley Jersey , the New York Giants open their 2018 regular-season slate at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars. There is much new about this iteration of the Giants, and much of that is on the offensive side of the ball. That includes their offensive coordinator, with Mike Shula taking over for Mike Sullivan in February following the hire of Pat Shurmur as the Giants’ new head coach. Shula spoke with the media on Thursday.On his offensive weaponryThe Giants aren’t lacking for offensive playmakers this year. The healthy return of Odell Beckham, Jr. means that quarterback Eli Manning again has an elite-level target to throw to, while the addition of running back Saquon Barkley in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft should make both the running and passing games better. Add in receivers Sterling Shepard and tight end Evan Engram and the offense presents myriad options to take advantage of opposing defenses.Shula’s goal is “to use the guys the best way we can,” adding that “the number-one thing is to have our guys playing fast, and knowing what to do and doing it fast because we feel like if they do that, it gives us our best chance.” It starts with Manning: “We want to have Eli make good decisions and take what they give you, you hear that all the time, find the one on ones and things like that.” Ultimately, Shula knows that the key to the Giants’ offensive success will hinge on finding the best ways to use their collection of talent. “We want to be versatile with our scheme, whether we’re running it, throwing it, quick game, drop back, play action, misdirection, but also versatile with where the ball’s going based on our personnel,” said Shula. And though Shula cited Beckham as having “really, really good hands and he’s a guy that has made big plays in big situations,” he was also quick to point out that Beckham is “a big piece to our puzzle, he’s not the only piece.”Why Kyle Lauletta got the nod over Davis WebbOne of the more surprising decisions the Giants made as part of the weekend’s roster cuts was the decision to release backup quarterback Davis Webb, whom the team selected in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Now, Manning’s backups will be Alex Tanney and Kyle Lauletta http://www.newyorkgiantsteamonline.com/saquon-barkley-jersey , the latter selected by the Giants in Round 4 of this year’s draft.Shula cited Lauletta’s ability to learn the position quickly as a major factor in his earning of a roster spot. “We think Kyle is a young guy that just has continued to get better with reps. He’s got very good football intelligence, I think he’s got some intangibles that you need at that position,” said Shula. “You can kind of sense that day in and day out, the learning process that [Lauletta’s] going through and how quickly he’s picking things up — not just by what you see on the field, but how he is in the meeting rooms with the other players, always kind of thinking about things other than maybe just the way it’s drawn up.”Giants’ Odell Beckham leads with his words, now needs to do it with his play It would have been easy on Friday afternoon to jump straight into an “Odell Beckham Jr. should just shut up and play better” rant or otherwise rip him for using an ESPN interview to vent his frustrations at his teammates over the New York Giants 1-3 start.I’ll admit. The first thing that came to mind was “here goes Beckham, making it about him again.”This, though, is one of the reasons why, after 11 years here at Big Blue View and 40 years of writing for a living, I try not to do “hot takes.” They can be great reads. They can get reactions, good or bad. They can also be wrong.Was Beckham venting frustration at the team’s 1-3 record and poor offensive start, was he throwing his quarterback and his other teammates under the bus when he questioned their energy and said the Giants”need to play with some heart?” Was he saying “look at me, I’m doing everything and these guys are dragging me down?” Was this Beckham speaking out of turn and causing an unnecessary headache for Pat Shurmur.Or, was Beckham — more mature in his fifth season from everything we have seen to this point and with the richest contract ever given to a wide receiver in his pocket — trying to step up, trying to get his teammates’ attention, trying to hold them accountable?Was this Beckham’s Antrel Rolle moment? You remember back in 2011 when Rolle called out his teammates, in particular defensive captain Justin Tuck, and the Giants went on a Super Bowl run. That’s the view expressed by Art Stapleton of northjersey.com. Was this Beckham, as Pat Traina wrote for Forbes, trying to be a leader?Beckham’s teammates didn’t have a problem with what he said. Shurmur didn’t seem to have a problem with it, basically telling reporters to go find Beckham and clarify what he meant.Having thought about it for a day, I don’t have a problem with it http://www.newyorkgiantsteamonline.com/patrick-omameh-jersey , either.Beckham is the Giants’ heartbeat. He is their energy source. Beckham is for the Giants what Reggie Jackson once called himself for the Yankees, “the straw that stirs the drink.”In retrospect, I think Beckham tried to deliver his message about losing not being acceptable on Thursday during his weekly locker room scrum with the media. During that chat he used the word “energy” 12 times. That barely registered on anyone’s radar. Perhaps, and we don’t know for sure because Beckham wasn’t in the locker room during Friday’s media session to clarify anything, he felt that when he spoke to ESPN’s Josina Anderson that he would have to go a step further to get the impact he was hoping for. Thus, the word “heart.” Or, maybe he didn’t mean to go there at all. Beckham is right that the Giants need to be better on offense. He’s right that they need to challenge defenses down the field more often. He’s right that you need to put in the work all week and not just on Sunday. He’s right that their season isn’t doomed because of their 1-3 start, although the heartbeat — sorry — is faint.Maybe Beckham’s words will spur his teammates. Also, though, Beckham needs to play better. Yes, Eli Manning has missed Beckham on a few throws — throws that he needs to make. The fact that Beckham hasn’t gotten into the end zone and is averaging a career-low 10.7 yards per catch is not, though, all Manning’s fault. Or, the offensive line’s fault. Or, Shurmur’s fault. Beckham has admitted to being hesitant at times to reach for the extra gear that made him special. He said Thursday that “I don’t feel like I can be covered,” but at times he has been covered — even 1-on-1. There are examples of both missed throws and times Beckham isn’t open in the video below.If Beckham is trying to lead, which I think he is, that’s good. He should. As I said, he’s the team’s heartbeat. He is the face of the franchise. The Giants, though, will look like they have a lot more energy and heart when they are playing better. When they stop making mistakes and going backwards more than 17 percent of the time as an offense.They need Beckham doing the things on the field that made him special to make that happen.]]> liny https://0xbt.net/blog/view/42865/coming-off-a-weekend-of-drama-and-story-lines Tue, 27 Nov 2018 03:01:09 +0000 https://0xbt.net/blog/view/42865/coming-off-a-weekend-of-drama-and-story-lines <![CDATA[Coming off a weekend of drama and story lines]]>  Cheap Jameis Winston Jersey , the Buccaneers’ initial injury report is raising some eyebrows - and concerns. Fitzmagic is back in Tampa Bay, but there are some stars that missed practice Wednesday that could be huge blows should they not be able to play in Sunday’s game at Carolina.Leading receiver Mike Evans was held out with a knee injury. Hopefully this is just a day for him to rest and by Sunday he’ll be good to go.Jason Pierre-Paul also missed practice, as has become the norm for him on Wednesdays.Gerald McCoy did return in a limited capacity which is encouraging, while Vita Vea wasn’t listed at all despite getting an MRI Monday for fear of a torn ACL.Ronald Jones will miss some time due to the pulled hamstring, so don’t expect him to suit up this weekend.For the Panthers Ryan Fitzpatrick Jersey , Cam Newton and Greg Olsen were limited but expect both to play while Julius Peppers was held out. Every year it seems as if each NFL season goes by quicker than the last. It’s already Week 8 in the 2018 season. 107 games have been played in the NFL. Thousands up thousands of snaps have been counted, analyzed, scrutinized, and praised. Fortunately, there are thousands left to play. Let’s recap and preview this week’s action:Pretty damn good: The staff went 5-2 in last week’s unanimous picks and are now 16-5 on the season when selecting the same team. Sounds about right: The two teams that were picked to win by a 5-4 margin in Week 7 - the Bucs and Dolphins - went 1-1.Week 8 lone wolves: Dustin Lewis takes the Jets over the Bears whileGil Arcia is running with the New York Giants over Washington.Week 8 unanimous picks: The Chiefs Cheap Carlton Davis Jersey , Steelers, Colts, and Patriots are this week’s unanimous selections. Week 8 toss-ups: The 49ers vs. Cardinals and Ravens at Panthers are the closest-matched games.Week 8 NFL PicksBucs Nation AlexBaileyDavid DustinEvanGilJamesJonKyleBucs Nation AlexBaileyDavid DustinEvanGilJamesJonKyleWho do you think will win this week? Let us know below in the comments!
 
 
]]> liny https://0xbt.net/blog/view/42864/final-grades-eagles-vs-buccaneers-after-a-very-surprising-win-against-the Tue, 27 Nov 2018 02:48:29 +0000 https://0xbt.net/blog/view/42864/final-grades-eagles-vs-buccaneers-after-a-very-surprising-win-against-the <![CDATA[Final Grades: Eagles vs. Buccaneers After a very surprising win against the]]>  Saints White Ryan Fitzpatrick Jersey , the onus was on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to prove that their season-opening victory was no fluke. What better opportunity to prove a point against the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles?The Bucs took full advantage of their opportunity, using big plays and key defensive stops to hold the Eagles at bay and start the season 2-0.Here are this week’s final grades.OffenseYou couldn’t have scripted a better start for Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Buccaneer offense. Fitzpatrick recognized a corner blitz and unloaded a deep pass to DeSean Jackson for a 75-yard touchdown on the first play of the game.But it didn’t take long for the Eagles’ defense to settle in to the game. The next four drives saw the Bucs punt three times and O.J. Howard couldn’t corral a pass from Fitzpatrick that led to an interception. The Bucs managed just 49 yards on 19 plays through four possessions. Three of those ended in a Bryan Anger punt while the other ended in the aforementioned interception. Howard made up for miscue soon after, however, as he rumbled 75 yards down the field for a touchdown to break up a 7-7 tie and give Tampa Bay some major momentum. What made the play even better was Chris Godwin finishing a block all the way downfield to ensure Howard made it into the end zone. Mike Evans and Godwin pitched in with a touchdown each themselves to push the Bucs’ total offensive output to 27 points for the game. They converted both of their redzone drives for touchdowns as well. But there were still a few areas where they struggled.After accumulating an efficient 112 rushing yards against the Saints, the Bucs only gained 43 yards against the Eagles. They also went 8/13 of third down in Week 1 compared to just 4/10 in Week 2. The running game was absolutely miserable, averaging 1.9 yards per carry. The offensive line also gave up two sacks on the day after giving up zero the week before. Evans also had a crucial drop in the first half that could’ve advanced the Bucs into Eagles’ territory and Ryan Jensen had a brain fart after a good run by Peyton Barber that resulted in an unnecessary roughing call that put Tampa Bay in a negative-yardage situation.Despite the miscues, it was a good day for the offense, but there was definitely room for improvement. Final Grade: 3.0 (B)DefenseThere is no doubt that defense had a much better game against the Eagles.Now they weren’t facing Drew Brees, Alvin Kamara, or Michael Thomas - but Nick Foles and co. did put up 41 points against the Patriots in the Super Bowl.They also have arguably the league’s best offensive mind in Doug Pederson. The defense got off to an amazing start. They forced a three-and-out on the Eagles first possession, but it didn’t stop there. The next three drives totaled 35 yards on 14 plays and one turnover. The Eagles had to convert two third downs and one fourth down on the next possession in order to get their first touchdown of the game. The defense held their own and was able to force a missed field goal right before halftime. Philly was faced with another fourth down decision coming out of halftime, but the Bucs were able to stall the drive. Gerald McCoy got his first sack of the season on the next offensive possession for the Eagles, and it looked like the defense was starting to take over.Gerald McCoy was all smiles after the gamePhoto by Michael Reaves/Getty ImagesBut the Eagles scored two touchdowns on the next three drives, going 185 yards on 25 plays and converting two fourth downs. The Bucs deserve major credit on the third touchdown, however, as they stuffed Jay Ajayi three times from inside the eight-yard line before Foles hit Nelson Agholor with a perfect pass on a fade route to the back-right corner of the endzone. If Tampa Bay were playing any other team than the Eagles http://www.authenticstampabaybuccaneers.com/cheap-chandler-catanzaro-jersey , it’s safe to assume the defense would have had a better day due to Philly’s inclinations to go for it on fourth down.Mike Smith’s defense did their job. Considering the fact that Beau Allen and Chris Conte both left with injuries and did not return, the rookies and depth-players that were left to step up did remarkably well in their place.Final Grade: 3.0 (B)Special TeamsBleh.That’s all I have to say. Chandler Catanzaro missed a kick for the second straight week. Whether it be an extra point or a field goal - it doesn’t matter. Every point in the NFL matters and the Bucs are already gun-shy when it comes to kickers.The coverage units were spectacular, but Catanzaro was not. Consecutive misses in as many weeks is not good.Final Grade: 2.0 (C)CoachingThis staff is on fire. All Todd Monken needs to do is find a way to incorporate an effective second half run game, but at the same time, he should continue to call plays according to game flow. That has been his strength so far and it’s a big reason why the Bucs are 2-0.The pass on 3rd-and-3 to Evans to ice the game took BAWLZ. Something tells me that Dirk Koetter would’ve called a run up the gut, forcing the Bucs to give the ball back and rely on their not-so-reliable defense to win the game.Smith on the other hand, had to give many Bucs fans hope. Despite the second half mistakes, the defense looked competent and even dominate at times. As the season progresses, the defense should as well - as long as they’re healthy.Final Grade: 4.0 (A)Overall Grade: 3.0 (B)Just like last week, the Bucs made plenty of plays to win, they just couldn’t ice the game when it mattered most. They must find a way to create a consistent running game and they need to become more consistent on third down. Call me impatient, but I’m ready to declare Catanzaro a mistake. Two missed kicks in as many games is worrisome and Tampa Bay fans don’t need to play this down as a minor issue.But as long as the offense continues to perform at this level, it’ll be hard for anyone to beat the Bucs.It’s on to a gigantic home matchup on Monday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers.Overall Grade For The Season: 3.0 (B) Both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Chicago Bears head into their week four matchup at 2-1. Although both teams have the same record, they have arrived atthis point in almost completely different ways. We will look into some of the stats that make these two teams so different from one another . On the offensive side of the ball, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are currently averaging 473.3 YPG, which is good for first in the NFL. On the other hand http://www.authenticstampabaybuccaneers.com/cheap-donovan-smith-jersey , the Chicago Bears are averaging 293.7 YPG. Almost 200 yards per game separates these two offenses through three games. When you look at that differential, you’d probably assume that the Buccaneers are destroying them in both passing and rushing, but that’s far from the case. Currently, Tampa Bay is averaging 400.7 YPG through the air, which is again good for first in the NFL. The Bears passing game has been underwhelming at best. Mitchell Trubisky is averaging 5.7 yards per throw and the Bears are throwing for an average of 178.0 YPG, which is good for 28th in the league. On to the rushing differential between these two division leaders. The Bears currently sit at 12th in the NFL, with an average of 115.7 YPG. They are also averaging 4.1 YPC, which is good for 13th. On the other hand, Tampa Bay has been nothing short of abysmal in the ground game. The team is currently averaging 72.7 YPG, good for 30th in the NFL. The 3.0 YPC, is good for last. Of course, Tampa hasn’t needed to rely much on the ground game, but you can see why Chicago hasn’t had to throw for over 350 yards a game. They have a solid running game led by Jordan Howard. In terms of points per game, Tampa Bay is 4th in the league with 34.0 PPG, while Chicago ranks 19th with 21.0 PPG. On the defensive side of the ball, Tampa Bay is tied for last in the NFL against the pass. The Buccaneers are allowing an average of 362.6 YPG through the air. The Bears Youth Lavonte David Jersey , have the ninth best pass defense through three weeks, allowing an average of 223.7 YPG. Another big difference in both team’s passing defenses, Chicago has five interceptions on the year, while Tampa Bay only has one. It could be tough for both sides to run the ball in this game. The Buccaneers rank third in the NFL against the run, allowing an average of 70.7 YPG, while the Bears ranks second, allowing only 65.3 YPG. Some miscellaneous stats on the defensive side of the ball, Chicago has 14 sacks, which is good for 1st in the NFL, while Tampa Bay has seven, which is tied for 18th. This is the type of game where both teams strengths on one side of the ball, is the other team’s strength on the other side of the ball. It’s going to be fun seeing both teams try and attack the other. Do the Bears open up the playbook a little more and let Trubisky throw it down field? Will Ronald Jones get a chance to get a few carries with the ground game struggling? Time will tell, but this is going to be a fun one to watch on Sunday.]]> liny https://0xbt.net/blog/view/42863/all-time-series-record-between-bucs-and-eagles Tue, 27 Nov 2018 02:36:23 +0000 https://0xbt.net/blog/view/42863/all-time-series-record-between-bucs-and-eagles <![CDATA[All time series record between Bucs and Eagles]]> The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will play host to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium. The two teams play in different divisions Youth Gerald McCoy Jersey , but do have quite a bit of history against each other. Both teams are coming off of week one wins, and will each try and get to 2-0 on the season.Sunday will be a battle of of journeymen quarterbacks. Ryan Fitzpatrick “FitzMagic” and Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles are set to square off.This is the third season in a row that the Buccaneers will play host to a Super bowl champion from the previous year. The Buccaneers haven’t fared well the last two years, dropping games to the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots. Hopefully this year, Tampa can come out on top. All-time series matchup: Philadelphia leads 10-8.Playoff matchups: Teams are tied at 2-2. Last playoff meeting was in 2002 and the Buccaneers won 27-10.Last meeting: Bucs won 45-17 in Philadelphia. If you remember, this was probably Jameis Winston’s best game as a Buccaneer. The only question about Tom Brady as quarterback in New England is when Father Time finally wins before the five-time Super Bowl champ decides he's done with the NFL.Same for Drew Brees in New Orleans or Philip Rivers with the Chargers.Aaron Rodgers is expected back at his usual level returning from injury for Green Bay, and Deshaun Watson tantalized before his own injury cut short a very promising rookie season. Even though it's been a while since Andrew Luck threw a pass in an NFL game, his resume gives him plenty of cushion as he recovers from shoulder surgery.Not every quarterback has the same grip on a starting job as Brady, Brees or Rodgers, and a poor game or sloppy start can lead to a spot on the bench. Add a promising rookie into the mix, the leash can be even shorter.Here's a look at some quarterbacks who need to play well to remain starters as training camps open around the league:JAMEIS WINSTON, BUCCANEERSYes, Marcus Mariota must prove he can play all 16 games in a season, but the Tennessee Titans already have picked up Mariota's fifth-year option for 2019. Same for Tampa Bay for Jameis Winston, the quarterback taken a spot ahead of Mariota in 2015. Both are due $20.9 million in 2019 at what could be a bargain the way the market is booming for quarterbacks.On the other hand, Winston will miss the first three games this season with the quarterback suspended for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy after a league investigation of an accusation that the 2013 Heisman Trophy winner groped a female Uber driver during a ride in Arizona in March 2016. That's not a great combination when Bucs coach Dirk Koetter's job security already is at risk after a 5-11 record last season. Tampa Bay brought back veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick http://www.authenticstampabaybuccaneers.com/cheap-vernon-hargreaves-iii-jersey , who started three games in Winston's place last season, for an experienced backup.JIMMY GAROPPOLO, 49ERSJimmy G could do no wrong for the 49ers last season, winning five straight games after finally moving into the starting lineup. San Francisco wasted little time signing the young quarterback to a five-year contract worth $137.5 million at an average of $27.5 million per season. The 49ers also re-signed receiver Marquise Goodwin to keep a top target around.As good as Garoppolo looked, there's now plenty of game tape of him running coach Kyle Shanahan's offense. Defensive coordinators, especially those in the NFC West, have had all offseason to figure out how to slow down Garoppolo.TYROD TAYLOR, BROWNSHelping the Bills stop a seemingly endless playoff drought wasn't enough to keep Taylor on the job in Buffalo. The Cleveland Browns traded for Taylor on the eve of free agency, and that's normally a sure sign a team is heavily invested in a player. Then the Browns went quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, selecting Baker Mayfield. Keeping Mayfield on the bench depends mostly on how long Taylor plays well.JOE FLACCO, RAVENSThe 10-year veteran has missed a mere six games since being drafted by Baltimore in 2008, all in 2015, and led the Ravens to a Super Bowl in 2012. But the Ravens last reached the playoffs in 2014, and general manager Ozzie Newsome made sure to give himself options in his final year in charge. Not Robert Griffin III, who last started a game in 2016 with Cleveland.Newsome traded to get the final pick of the first round in April to select Lamar Jackson . Yes White Adam Humphries Jersey , the Ravens insist they want to develop Jackson and be patient. If Flacco struggles, Jackson, who threw 57 touchdown passes over the past two seasons in college at Louisville and won a Heisman Trophy, could start looking really good much sooner.CASE KEENUM, BRONCOSComing off the bench and leading Minnesota to the NFC championship game is one thing. Playing quarterback under the watchful eye of Hall of Famer John Elway in Denver is quite a different challenge. Keenum comes in as the starter after the best season of his career . He'll need to pick up where he left off to stop the Broncos' quarterback carousel , with backup Paxton Lynch, the 26th pick overall in 2016, sitting on the bench and, thus far, showing little when he has played.PATRICK MAHOMES IIWith Alex Smith traded to Washington , all the pressure now is on Mahomes in Kansas City after he was the target of all those longing looks to the bench by fans during his rookie season. He looked good winning his first NFL start in last year's regular-season finale . That won't help with expectations remaining high for the Chiefs, who won the AFC West before blowing a wild-card game to the Titans at Arrowhead Stadium in the playoffs.
 
 
]]> liny https://0xbt.net/blog/view/42862/daily-dawg-chow-browns-news-9318-cleveland-browns%E2%80%9Chue-jackson-considering-another Tue, 27 Nov 2018 02:23:48 +0000 https://0xbt.net/blog/view/42862/daily-dawg-chow-browns-news-9318-cleveland-browns%E2%80%9Chue-jackson-considering-another <![CDATA[Daily Dawg Chow: Browns news (9/3/18) Cleveland Browns:“Hue Jackson considering another]]> shake-up to left side of offensive line” (C-T) - “The Steelers are coming! The Steelers are coming! And Browns coach Hue Jackson might not be done tinkering with the starting offensive line.”“Browns release DL Nassib White Darren Fells Jersey , Meder; claim 5 players off waivers” (AP) - “Carl Nassib has been offering financial advice to his teammates. On Sunday, he got caught in the Browns’ numbers crunch.”“Bills releasing former Browns WR Corey Coleman” (NFL.com) - “The Buffalo Bills are releasing the former first-round pick, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported, per a source informed of the decision.”“Which Sashi Brown players were ‘real’ enough for the 2018 Cleveland Browns?” (cleveland.com) - “John Dorsey explained during an interview on WKNR 850 how Hue Jackson had been fighting a losing battle.”NFL:“What We Learned on a Newsier-Than-Usual NFL Roster Cut-Down Day” (MMQB) - “The A.J. McCarron trade is more proof that Bills GM Brandon Beane and coach Sean McDermott think there’s something to work with in sophomore QB Nathan Peterman.”“Doug Pederson testy, reveals Carson Wentz not cleared for contact” (ESPN) - “Pederson shut down most questions about his quarterback situation Sunday, agitated by reports on the subject http://www.authenticsclevelandbrowns.com/cheap-trevon-coley-jersey , but did reveal that Carson Wentz has not yet been cleared for contact...”“Robert Griffin III wins Ravens’ backup job, Lamar Jackson will be team’s third QB” (CBS) - “The Baltimore Ravens have settled their depth chart, and they’re keeping three quarterbacks on the roster this year.”“Jon Gruden’s Raiders are the oldest NFL roster in years” (PFT) - “Jon Gruden is bringing the Over The Hill Gang back together. Gruden has assembled the oldest 53-man roster in the NFL in years.”Browns' Week 1 depth chart shows where the 53-man roster stands The Cleveland Browns released their first depth chart of the regular season on Tuesday, leading up to their Week 1 match-up against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team refers to it as an "unofficial" depth chart, so nothing should be taken as being locked in. Head coach Hue Jackson will speak with the media during the week to perhaps clarify a few things. Here are the things of note from the depth chart:The left side of the offensive line remains the same, with Joel Bitonio at left tackle and Austin Corbett at left guard. Hopefully Youth Denzel Ward Jersey , Jackson keeps it that way during the week.Antonio Callaway is listed ahead of Josh Gordon, as promised. But in terms of gameday reps, I could see all three of the team’s top receivers sharing relatively equal reps. They are the biggest weapons, so they’ll be out there.Rather than having a fullback spot, the team has a second tight end spot for the blockers — Darren Fells and Orson Charles.On defense, Briean Boddy-Calhoun is listed at free safety (backup) instead of cornerback. Two players are “injured” right now — James Burgess and E.J. Gaines. Burgess will still be where he is listed http://www.authenticsclevelandbrowns.com/cheap-joe-schobert-jersey , but Gaines would likely pass Rice up.I’m still not convinced that Jabrill Peppers will be the kick and punt returner...we shall see.&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;!--.excel1 {padding-top:1px;padding-right:1px;padding-left:1px;color:black;font-size:11.0pt;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;text-decoration:none;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;text-align:general;vertical-align:bottom;border:none;white-space:nowrap;}.excel3 {padding-top:1px;padding-right:1px;padding-left:1px;color:white;font-size:9.0pt;font-weight:700;font-style:normal;text-decoration:none;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;border:none;white-space:nowrap;border-top:.5pt solid windowtext;border-right:none;border-bottom:.5pt solid windowtext;border-left:.5pt solid windowtext;background:#371B03;}.excel6 {padding-top:1px;padding-right:1px;padding-left:1px;color:white;font-size:9.0pt;font-weight:700;font-style:normal;text-decoration:none;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;border:.5pt solid windowtext;white-space:nowrap;background:#E26B0A;}.excel7 {padding-top:1px;padding-right:1px;padding-left:1px;color:white;font-size:9.0pt;font-weight:700;font-style:normal;text-decoration:none;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;border:.5pt solid windowtext;white-space:nowrap;background:#371B03;}.excel8 {padding-top:1px;padding-right:1px;padding-left:1px;color:black;font-size:9.0pt;font-weight:700;font-style:normal;text-decoration:none;font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;text-align:general;vertical-align:middle;border:.5pt solid windowtext;white-space:nowrap;background:#FDE9D9;}.excel9 {padding-top:1px;padding-right:1px;padding-left:1px;color:black;font-size:9.0pt;font-weight:700;font-style:normal;text-decoration:none;font-family:Calibri Youth Baker Mayfield Jersey , sans-serif;text-align:general;vertical-align:middle;border:.5pt solid windowtext;white-space:nowrap;background:#FCD5B4;}--&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;]]> liny https://0xbt.net/blog/view/42860/carl-nassib-has-some-explaining-to-do-over-hard-knocks Tue, 27 Nov 2018 02:06:30 +0000 https://0xbt.net/blog/view/42860/carl-nassib-has-some-explaining-to-do-over-hard-knocks <![CDATA[Carl Nassib has some explaining to do over Hard Knocks]]>  There were plenty of fun storylines surrounding the Cleveland Browns that came out of the first episode of Hard Knocks Youth Larry Ogunjobi Jersey , the HBO series that provides an inside, albeit edited, look at the team during training camp.One standout performance that everyone was talking about the next morning came from second-year defensive end Carl Nassib, who shared some financial advice on the power of compound interest to his fellow linemen: While everyone had a good laugh about it Youth Chris Hubbard Jersey , even if there are still some lingering questions about the financial merit of Nassib’s advice, one person in particular did not appreciate Nassib’s language - his grandmother.It’s a good reminder that the cameras are always on when it comes to Hard Knocks and you never know who will be watching. The Browns will be back at practice today from 3 p.m. to 5:55 p.m., and the next episode of Hard Knocks will air Tuesday at 10 p.m.Daily Dawg Chow: Browns news (7/30/18) Cleveland Browns:“Bitonio willing, not eager to move to left tackle” (AP) - “The retirement of Joe Thomas left a gaping hole at left tackle for the Cleveland Browns. Left guard Joel Bitonio is willing Womens Kevin Zeitler Jersey , but not necessarily eager to succeed his close friend at the position.”“JC Tretter bulks up in order to hold his own inside AFC North” (C-T) - “He had been one of the limited number of NFL offensive linemen under the threshold and determined an extra 10 pounds would help him against the nose tackles in the AFC North.”“Hue Jackson says Baker Mayfield is exceeding expectations in camp” (Plain Dealer) - “Mayfield has yet to throw a pick in camp, has developed amazing chemistry with Rashard Higgins and is starting to look comfortable under center.”“Haslams remain unwavering their commitment to Hue Jackson” (92.3) - “Jimmy and Dee Haslam remain steadfast in their commitment to Jackson and to giving him an opportunity to turn their floundering franchise around despite winning 1 game in 2 years.”NFL:“Conflicting information about new helmet rule irks Eagles players” (ESPN) - “A presentation this week by NFL referees to the Philadelphia Eagles on the new helmet rule caused frustration among the players...”“Andrew Luck ‘responding well’ in return to practice” (PFT) - “Luck took some time on Sunday to reflect on his first practices of training camp before getting ready for the team’s first padded practice of the summer.”“Cardinals counting on a healthy Bradford, never a sure thing” (AP) - “If he stays healthy. Those words have shadowed Sam Bradford through most of his injury-plagued eight seasons in the NFL.”“Sam Darnold deal holdup hinges on forfeiture language” (NFL.com) - “Silver reported Sunday that the contract holdup between Gang Green and Darnold’s camp isn’t based around ‘offsets or money payouts,’ per sources close to the negotiation.”]]> liny https://0xbt.net/blog/view/42859/cleveland-browns-training-camp-2018-lb Tue, 27 Nov 2018 01:40:06 +0000 https://0xbt.net/blog/view/42859/cleveland-browns-training-camp-2018-lb <![CDATA[Cleveland Browns Training Camp 2018: LB]]>  Preview White Damarious Randall Jersey , Part 1 It’s time to look at the linebackers on the Cleveland Browns’ roster as we preview the team leading up to training camp. We start with the top four players at the position in Part 1, made more complex by the addition of Mychal Kendricks.Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports1. Jamie Collins - Starting Strongside LinebackerHeight: 6-3 | Weight: 250 lbs | Age: 28Experience: 6 years | College: Southern MississippiHow has Jamie Collins’ time with the Browns been thus far? When he joined the team in 2016, he looked like a guy who had a positive trickle down effect on the rest of the team before looking a bit disinterested later in the year. He signed a lucrative contract extension last offseason for 4 years, $50 million. After starting the first two games of the year, he suffered a concussion at the end of Week 2’s game against the Ravens.Returning from missing three games, Collins then played through Week 10, when he suffered a season-ending MCL injury. He finished the year with 31 tackles, 1 sack and 1 interception. It is truly polarizing to judge Collins. He needs to be significantly better in coverage, stop missing tackles, and has to get to the quarterback more. He actually had a terrible grade by PFF of 35.9 in 2017, one of the worst in football. James Burgess performed better than him as his replacement, in my opinion. But I still believe Collins is a very high-caliber linebacker, so I’m not throwing in the towel on him.Final Roster Odds: 100%Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports2. Christian Kirksey - Starting Weakside LinebackerHeight: 6-2 | Weight: 235 lbs | Age: 25Experience: 5 years | College: IowaChristian Kirksey remained an iron man for the Browns last year, playing every single snap. Despite moving from inside linebacker to outside linebacker http://www.authenticsclevelandbrowns.com/cheap-briean-boddy-calhoun-jersey , he finished with nearly identical stats in 2017 than he did in 2016: 138 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Kirksey also received a contract extension last offseason -- 4 years, $38 million, which will keep him with the club through 2021.Kirksey is one of the players trying to get behind a turnaround season for Cleveland, and last month, he boldly proclaimed that the Browns will make the playoffs this year.Many will think that is absurd to say after 1-15 and 0-16, but a lot of things have come together in year three of the rebuild for this team. Kirksey has always been just an above average player in my mind, and after the team added Mychal Kendricks, linebackers coach Blake Williams indicated that he would first see reps at weakside linebacker. Could that cut into Kirksey’s playing time in 2018?Final Roster Odds: 100%Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports3. Joe Schobert - Starting Middle LinebackerHeight: 6-1 | Weight: 245 lbs | Age: 24Experience: 3 years | College: WisconsinThe emergence of Joe Schobert in 2017 was one of the highlights of the Browns’ 2017 season. He didn’t even appear to be in much consideration for a starting role in training camp until veteran Tank Carder suffered a torn ACL. Even then, the assumption was that Schobert may play 30% of the snaps each week, with the middle linebacker position not being an everydown player in Gregg Williams’ defense.Instead, Schobert played every single snap of the season en route to a league-leading 144 tackles. He was also the only player to represent the Browns in the Pro Bowl (and funny enough, picked up on Joe Thomas’ streak of the team having a Wisconsin player represented) and a lot of his tackles led to stops against the run:After the addition of Mychal Kendricks, many assumed that Schobert could be replaced in the starting lineup. At just 24 years old, though http://www.authenticsclevelandbrowns.com/cheap-derrick-kindred-jersey , the coaching staff says they were very impressed with his intelligence and ability to diagnose opposing offenses last year. Even if he wasn’t making the tackle, they believe his calls at the line helped the defensive line make plays. What the coaching staff wants to see from him this year is to start making more game-changing plays. I agree with the sentiment that Schobert didn’t come off as some elite player last year, but you can’t deny the stunning progress from year one to year two, so I believe he has more than earned the right to start again in 2018.Final Roster Odds: 100%Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports4. Mychal Kendricks - Fourth LinebackerHeight: 6-0 | Weight: 240 lbs | Age: 27Experience: 7 years | College: CaliforniaThe Browns won the mini-offseason sweepstakes to lure Mychal Kendricks to their team in early June, as he agreed to a 1-year deal worth $3 million. Kendricks, a 2nd round pick in 2012 by the Eagles, had spent his entire career with Philadelphia before being released this offseason. Kendricks had been a starter for 6 seasons; last year for the Super Bowl Champions, he made 13 starts with 77 tackles, 2 sacks, and 6 passes defended.Although the Browns had three starting linebackers already, Cleveland was in need of a fourth reliable player. According to Pro Football Focus, Kendricks “had the top pass rush productivity rating last year (20.4) among 4-3 OLBs, and the 9th best overall grade among all LBs (86.0).” He was also one of the better inside linebackers against the run last season.I’ve always kind of hated the fact that teams feel some of their linebackers have to play every snap, no matter what. We saw how well the Browns’ deep defensive line rotation was last year and the positive results that came from that. Kendricks will reportedly begin training camp as the weakside linebacker Youth Emmanuel Ogbah Jersey , but he can be used inside as well and should see the field more than half of the snaps each week.Final Roster Odds: 99% Cleveland Browns:“Browns picking up wins, building belief in turnaround season” (AP) - “The bandwagon is growing in Cleveland, where the NFL’s worst team a year ago has suddenly become fashionable — and just maybe a playoff contender.”“How the Browns could be 5-0” (ESPN) - “The Cleveland Browns could be 5-0. No deep breath is required when making that statement, no qualifier needed. The Browns literally had real chances to win every game they’ve played.”“As players talk playoffs and Snoop Dogg drops by, coach Hue Jackson cautions about people wanting to jump on Browns bandwagon” (C-T) - “The Browns are no longer a laughingstock. Or a punch line. Or a guaranteed win for the opponent.”“Browns add CB Jeremiah McKinnon to practice squad” (247Sports) - “The move was essentially made to bolster the special teams unit, which has been abysmal for the Browns this season.”“2018 NFL rookie rankings through Week 5” (PFF) - “Mayfield has been outstanding since taking over as the Browns starting quarterback, posting overall game grades north of 80.0 in each of the three games he’s played.”NFL:“Injuries: Evan Engram (knee) ruled out vs. Eagles” (NFL.com) - “With their season potentially on the line at this point, the 1-4 Giants will be without one of their exciting young playmakers.”“Mike Tomlin fined $25,000 for criticizing NFL officials” (USA TODAY) - “Mike Tomlin fired off on NFL officials this week – and now the NFL has fired back. The Pittsburgh Steelers coach has been fined $25,000 for criticizing officials...”“NFL is monitoring the lawsuits against Antonio Brown” (PFT) - “Brown is facing multiple lawsuits, including troubling allegations that he threw furniture and other items from a 14th-floor balcony earlier this year in Florida.”“Joe Flacco’s wife is giving him flak for his unenthusiastic approach to playing receiver” (CBS) - “With Lamar Jackson in the fold, Joe Flacco has replaced Jay Cutler as the least enthusiastic quarterback at wide receiver.”]]> liny