NFL - NEWS & NOTES

Sounds like a heat in the moment type of thing you just lost to your div. rival and probably some dumb ass sports writer asking questions, most likely you got bump into these are big guys and where are the assault charges Zebley said he got a concussion from being shoved down maybe he did only he knows

 

From a civil standpoint, Adams committed the greatest error. He admitted being wrong. In the end, he will get out the checkbook and it will all go away.

 

PFT had an article that said this;

When Raiders receiver Davante Adams was caught on camera showing an ESPN employee to the ground after a Monday night loss to the Chiefs last October, it wasn’t immediately clear whether he’d be suspended under the normal procedures for in-game misconduct or whether the league would defer to the Personal Conduct Policy.

It soon became clear that the league would be treating the incident not as something that happened during a game, but as something that falls under the rules regarding off-field misconduct.

Now that the criminal case against Adams has been closed, the league quite possibly will take up the question of whether Adams should be punished.

Whether there’s a consequence shouldn’t be a question. The issue is whether Adams’s behavior justifies a suspension. And it could move fairly quickly, with Adams summoned for a meeting with the league followed by the activation of the formal hearing process, followed by an appeal.

The pending civil lawsuit likely won’t deter the league from proceeding. There’s no mystery in this one. It happened on camera. Everyone saw it.

Presumably, the NFL made a tentative decision months ago regarding the proper punishment, delaying it until the criminal case ended. Now that the assault charge has been dismissed, the league can activate its in-house justice system.

 

2023 NFL season: The four offenses and four defenses that will make the biggest jump this fall

Every January, the NFL playoffs are dotted with teams that have made a significant improvement on one side of the ball. Whether it's an offensive revolution sparked by the emergence of a dynamic quarterback or a defensive flourish fueled by the formation of a ferocious front, postseason tournament bids often spawn from one rising unit inducing the transition from pretender to contender.

As a scout with the Carolina Panthers in the 2000s, I watched a perennial underdog suddenly make a Super Bowl run behind a substantially improved defense. Driven by a mix of blue-chippers and no-names playing outstanding football from Week 1 on, Carolina's D battered and bruised opponents with an ultra-physical approach. The core of that group was a nasty front seven featuring Julius Peppers, Kris Jenkins, Mike Rucker, Dan Morgan and Mike Minter (in a box-safety role).

Despite utilizing a simplistic scheme that did not attempt to trick or deceive opponents, the 2003 Panthers' defense overwhelmed opponents with its mastery of the fundamentals on the way to securing a berth in Super Bowl XXXVIII. Although John Fox's squad did not claim the Lombardi Trophy -- barely losing to Tom Brady's Patriots -- I walked away from that season impressed with how the coach transformed an overlooked defense into a vital piece of Carolina's surprising run to Super Bowl Sunday.

So, which units are poised to break through in the 2023 NFL campaign? Here are four offenses and four defenses that should make a significant jump this fall.

OFFENSES

BEARS

Justin Fields flashed electric ability last year, but after the Bears spent this offseason upgrading the offense, the 24-year-old needs to emerge as a true franchise quarterback in Year 3.

Chicago gave Fields a serious vote of confidence by trading away the No. 1 overall pick in April's draft -- and in doing so, the Bears also gave their young field general a true No. 1 receiver (D.J. Moore). That's not the only notable veteran addition, either, as GM Ryan Poles also boosted the offensive line (OG Nate Davis), tight end position (Robert Tonyan) and backfield (D'Onta Foreman) in free agency. In the draft, the Bears grabbed a premier people mover in Round 1 (OT Darnell Wright) and then added a couple more enticing playmakers in Round 4 (RB Roschon Johnson and WR Tyler Scott).


All of that gives Fields a far deeper and more imposing supporting cast than he enjoyed last season. Consequently, I expect the former No. 11 overall pick to take a big step in his development as a dual-threat playmaker. The Bears' offense has enough weaponry to produce fireworks against defenses ill-equipped to defend a balanced attack with explosive potential.

BRONCOS

Sean Payton's arrival should stabilize an offense that was a staggering disappointment under his predecessor, one-and-done head coach Nathaniel Hackett. Payton has directed some of the league's top offenses over the past two decades, utilizing a variety of concepts and personnel groupings to create mismatches all over the field. As a masterful play designer with ample experience coaxing the most out of an aging quarterback, Payton can alleviate Russell Wilson's issues through clever scheming and superb game management. Moreover, the veteran play-caller will maximize a supporting cast with promising potential, thus eliminating the need for the 34-year-old quarterback to play like a one-man show.

As the Broncos embrace a more balanced approach with the ground attack featured prominently in the game plan, the Super Bowl-winning head coach's immediate imprint on the unit could help Denver re-emerge as a playoff contender this season.

JETS

The Aaron Rodgers Experience may or may not result in a Super Bowl appearance, but you can be sure of one thing: The presence of the four-time MVP will accelerate the development of New York's young core while adding structure and organization to an offense that was in flux a season ago.

As a meticulous competitor with a distinguished résumé, Rodgers will set a championship standard for the unit and teach Jets players -- and coaches -- how to perform at that level. With Rodgers demanding more attention to detail, New York's offensive output will improve, as Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, Alijah Vera-Tucker and Laken Tomlinson team up with the quarterback's guys (Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb and Billy Turner) to create a much-improved unit that could spark a run at the division crown -- and more.

If new offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett can handle game-management duties without a hitch, the Jets' offense should flourish with a gold jacket player at the helm.

STEELERS

As Kenny Pickett settles into his role as a QB1 following a solid if unspectacular rookie campaign, Pittsburgh's offense should take a significant leap forward. Flanked by a well-rounded skill-position group that includes Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Allen Robinson, Pat Freiermuth and Najee Harris, Pickett should play with more confidence and command in Year 2. Consequently, the Steelers have the potential to attack with an aerial circus that creates and exploits mismatches.

Also, the team's continued upgrading of the offensive line (SEE: free-agent guard Isaac Seumalo and first-round tackle Broderick Jones) -- as well as the third-round selection of mammoth tight end Darnell Washington -- will enable offensive coordinator Matt Canada to lean on a punishing rushing attack that overpowers opponents.

Considering the quarterback's expected improvement and the upgraded personnel around him, the Steelers are poised to make a surge in production that should enable them to compete for a playoff spot once again in 2023.

DEFENSES

LIONS

The Lions finished last season with top-five rankings in total offense and scoring, so everyone expects Ben Johnson's attack to produce again in 2023. But when you pore over the offseason additions on the other side of the ball, you see why Detroit has emerged as a dark-horse contender in the NFC.

With DEs Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston, DT Alim McNeill and S Kerby Joseph, the Lions already had a promising core of young talent. But I love what Brad Holmes added this offseason, particularly in the back end. With C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Cameron Sutton, Emmanuel Moseley and second-round pick Brian Branch shoring up the secondary, Detroit can eliminate the big plays and force opponents to deal with a front line that features speed, strength and power. And while some folks questioned Holmes for using the No. 18 overall pick on an off-ball linebacker, Jack Campbell should provide immediate returns in Year 1.

As Aaron Glenn's unit builds upon the confidence established in the second half of last season, the Lions’ defense could spark a run that results in Detroit's first division title since 1993.

DOLPHINS

The arrival of Vic Fangio as the team’s new defensive architect should clean up some of the issues that plagued this unit in the past. The grizzled defensive mastermind has a knack for crafting rock-solid game plans that force opponents to play left-handed in critical moments. Fangio’s simplicity and attention to detail will eliminate some of the mental miscues that held Miami's D back last season.

In addition, the chemistry and connection between the defensive leader and a bevy of blue-chip players (SEE: Bradley Chubb, Christian Wilkins, Jaelen Phillips, Xavien Howard, Jevon Holland and Jalen Ramsey) should result in more consistent production from a unit that is as talented as any defense in the league.

VIKINGS

Although it takes exceptional talent to flourish in the NFL, the presence of a high-end coach can help a group exceed expectations. First-year Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores will produce better results than predecessor Ed Donatell, thanks not only to his attention to fundamentals and detail but his creative Xs and Os, as well. The former Dolphins head coach showed an ability to confound opponents with a bluff-and-blitz Cover 0 scheme in Miami, and I expect him to utilize some of those same tactics to help the Vikings diffuse the high-powered offenses around the league. Coach Flo will transform a group lacking in star power into a disruptive force that creates chaos with blitzes and simulated pressures.

As Flores works his magic, the brilliant defensive strategist could quickly re-emerge as a head-coaching candidate, having directed an impressive turnaround in short order.

SEAHAWKS

Pete Carroll finally has the pieces in place to recreate the dynamic defense that fueled the Seahawks’ dominance in the mid-2010s. The Super Bowl XLVIII-winning coach has invested big bucks and draft capital to upgrade a unit that needed a little more pizzazz to play at an elite level.

The return of Bobby Wagner brings leadership and swagger. The additions of Dre’Mont Jones, Jarran Reed (another Seattle reunion) and Julian Love add more savvy and experience to the group. Rookies Devon Witherspoon and Derick Hall should step in as key contributors from Day 1.

The Seahawks’ mix of new and old gives Carroll an opportunity to reclaim his crown as one of the top team builders in the game.

NFL.com/Bucky Brooks

 

More legal talk blah blah he was caught on camera not a good thing why are camera men and women on the field anyway

 

Because it's their job.

 

Tyreek Hill is going to get it next. The NFL really doesnt have a choice. The police say there is video evidence of his situation also.

 

I know it's there job but i can't help but wonder what's next

 

Jaguars’ coaches expect more from Travis Etienne this season



As a first-round draft pick in 2021, Jaguars running back Travis Etienne suffered a foot injury in the preseason and didn’t play at all in the regular season. In 2022, Etienne ran for 1,125 yards. And in 2023, the Jaguars think Etienne is ready to do even more.

Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said Etienne has learned a lot this offseason about the Jaguars’ offense and a running back’s role in it.

“We’ve seen it this offseason; he’s progressed nicely there,” Pederson told Jaguars.com. “Once we get the pads on and we start in our run periods, we’ll see how he’ll see the hole better. It just goes back to last year being kind of a rookie season for him. It’s like in the pass game: There’s a lot to learn, a lot to know and understand and, he’s really picked it up well. I’m excited for him for this year and what he can do, and even more to build off last year.”

Jaguars running backs coach Bernie Parmalee was asked if there are more big plays in store for Etienne this year.

“There’s a lot more – a lot more,” Parmalee said. “We talked about it every day. He knows it, too. It’s one thing when you talk about it as a coach and the player doesn’t realize it. But when the player realizes what you’re talking about is true and he’s going to do everything he has to do to make sure he gets better, it’s going to bode well.”

Last year Etienne started the season behind James Robinson on the depth chart, but this year there’s no doubt that he’s the Jaguars’ No. 1 running back. And his coaches believe he’s in store for a big year.

PFT

 

DeAndre Hopkins update;

According to Diana Russini of ESPN, he has narrowed his choices down to the Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots. However, she did caution this isn’t something that will get done instantly as the former All-Pro wide receiver is going to take his time.

“Hopkins is going over some of the offers from both of those teams, the Titans and the Patriots. He’s mulling over and trying to come out with a decision with what he wants to do, and I was told to be very patient here. This isn’t something that is going to go down in the next 24-48 hours.”

 

Free-agent TE Marcedes Lewis waiting for call from team to play 18th NFL season: 'I just want to compete'

Few players can claim to have spent more time in the NFL than Marcedes Lewis, who tied the record for most seasons by a tight end with his 17th year in 2022. But Lewis is not ready to hang up the cleats just yet, and said this week that he's just waiting for the opportunity to present itself for him to join a team for an 18th year.

"I get the business side of it," Lewis said, via The Associated Press. "My agent is in talks with a handful of teams, but it's just small talk. I guess teams are trying to figure out their rosters and what they need.

"But if you just look at my film from the last three years, there's no decline in what I'm able to do. I'm the best blocking tight end out there."

Lewis started his career in 2006 with the Jaguars as a first-round pick out of UCLA, and in his dozen years with the team he racked up 4,502 yards and a Pro Bowl nod in 2010, when he matched the then-franchise record for TDs in a season (10).

Though his time in Jacksonville came to an end in 2017, he quickly found a home in Green Bay, where he was used primarily as a blocking tight end as opposed to pass catcher, and started every game the last two years.

In sum, the 39-year-old Lewis has 5,084 career receiving yards and 39 touchdowns in 17 seasons, averaging 11.8 yards per catch over almost two decades of NFL play. And despite his age, he believes he still has the skills to be a dependable contributor for the right team. He's consistently healthy, missing only one game to injury in the last six years, and in his opinion his abilities have remained at a high level.

"For older players, there's two things where they could potentially not get picked up," Lewis said. "One is that their play is declining for their role. The second thing is they're asking for too much money. I'm neither of those. I just want to compete."

The main hurdle Lewis will have to overcome in finding his next destination is the current lack of teams in need of adding a tight end to their roster. 15 tight ends were selected in this year's draft, including nine within the first three rounds. But there are advantages to having a veteran around to help mentor incoming players, a fact that Lewis thinks could work to his advantage.

With the dearth of options available at the moment, it's possible Lewis will have to wait until training camp or even later to get a call, as teams start to finalize rosters and injuries crop up. But even as he anxiously awaits a call for a record-breaking 2023 season, he's reminded of the privilege it's been to play as long as he has and the work he's put in to reach this point.

"When I was playing Pop Warner at 7 or 8 years old, the only thing I could think about was just trying to be the best in my hood," he said. "I did that, learned how to compete in high school and did really well in college -- getting inducted into the UCLA Hall of Fame last year was big for me -- but now to be potentially going into my 18th year, it means a lot.

"It just shows that hard work does pay off. I'm excited for it. I'm antsy. I want to hurry up and figure out where I'm going to be. But it's definitely an honor to still be able to do it."

NFL.com
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I hope he gets a gig somewhere. I like these players that can stay healthy and have long careers. In todays NFL, that is a rare thing.

 

Terry McLaurin says Eric Bieniemy has brought intensity to Washington’s practices



New Commanders assistant head coach and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has made his presence felt on the practice field in Washington.

Commanders players say Bieniemy has been demanding on the practice field and doesn’t take kindly to mental mistakes — and most players seem to like Bieniemy demanding the best of them.

“He’s going to bring the intensity,” Washington receiver Terry McLaurin said, via ESPN. “We know what is expected of us every time we’re on the field.”

Bieniemy won two Super Bowl rings as offensive coordinator of the Chiefs, and he’s trying to bring the same standards to the Commanders.

“He’s just trying to push you,” Washington right guard Sam Cosmi said. “He’s been part of Super Bowl teams and you don’t get that way without working your butt off and keeping people accountable.”

Bieniemy said he isn’t going to tolerate any wasted time on the practice field.

“The thing I always stress is that I want us to have a sense of urgency and sense of purpose,” Bieniemy said. “Getting out of the huddle is probably the most important thing because you’re setting a tone to the defense. I’m always critical of that. Then I want us to execute our jobs with greater attention to detail.”

When Washington coach Ron Rivera hired Bieniemy and gave him the assistant head coach title, he said Bieniemy would have plenty of authority over how the Commanders do things. He’s already making that presence felt.

PFT
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I like this... good for Eric and good for the Commanders. Its a very intense game and should be dealt with this type of intensity by the HC's, DC's and OC's. There is a fine line tho that should be met or a coach can lose his players. I remember recently reading about Vince Lombardi... the guy sounded like he was a complete A-Hole which worked for the most part, but turned a lot off. I read personal accounts of him from reading comments from Bud Grant on Lombardi and his strained relationship with Vince, that his approach was very dogmatic and strict. Kinda why I like Dan Campbell in Detroit... he's tough and demanding, but has a solid relationship with the players.

 

As good Stefon Diggs is and he's really.good the Buffalo Bills need a TOUGH running game IMO

 

James Cook (Dalvin's brother) is going to get the work load from what ive read. Diggs thinks he's 'all-that', but he might learn differently.

 

I would use Hines if I was Buffalo.

 

Im sure they will test things and go with the hot hand.

 

I always liked the way he ran for Indi but he always had a stud in front of him. I don’t believe Cooks is good enough to keep him on the bench.

 

I also think so James Cook is an ok rb to me he doesn't seem like a dynamic runner like Dalvin Cook

 

Tickets for Dolphins-Chiefs game in Frankfurt, Germany, sell out in 15 minutes

Tickets for the November 5 Dolphins-Chiefs game in Frankfurt went on sale today at noon in Germany. By 12:15, the tickets were sold out.

Fans on social media expressed frustration with the process for getting tickets, with some reporting that when they logged into Ticketmaster, they received a message showing that more than 1 million people were ahead of them in the queue.

Ticketmaster’s official resale will begin on July 12, and you can bet the tickets will be extraordinarily expensive. Just as they were for last year’s Seahawks-Buccaneers game, which was played in a packed stadium full of enthusiastic German fans.

The NFL’s success with the German fan base has led to some talk that the league might have an even brighter future in Germany than in England, where it has been playing regular season games since 2007. But that success means you’re not getting into the stadium without paying an arm and a leg.

NBC

 

Wow that's REAL fast!