NFL - NEWS & NOTES

With Bosa averaging $34M/yr guaranteed, where does Justin Jefferson rank now on the offensive side? Kwesi's job just got tougher.

 

Packers receivers Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs miss practice with hamstring injuries

The Packers’ top two receivers both missed practice today with hamstring injuries.

Both Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs were out of practice, four days before the Packers open the regular season against the Bears. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said it’s too early to say what their status for Sunday will be.

“Like we always say, we’ll give them the whole week and we’ll see where they’re at,” LaFleur said. “We’ll give them up until game time and see where they’re at.”

Missing either Watson or Doubs would provide a major challenge to new quarterback Jordan Love, and missing both of them would be a huge blow. The other four wide receivers on the Packers’ 53-player roster have a grand total of five career catches.

Another wide receiver, Tondayvion Wicks, also has a hamstring injury, although he was able to practice on a limited basis. Joining Watson and Doubs in not practicing today was tackle David Bakhtiari, who was given a veteran day off to rest his bad knee. Packers linebacker Rashan Gary was limited in practice with a knee injury, and safety Anthony Johnson Jr. also has a knee injury but was able to practice in full.

PFT

 

Is Bosa now the highest paid non QB?

 

If you have a QB contract you can’t do these ones that are higher so you wind up trading players you want to keep. Now the standard contracts for starting QBs will bottom out at 50 million.

 

I know on the radio earlier they said he is the highest paid defensive player ever.. not sure about non-QB offensive players… there has to be a running back making that kinda money, right?

 

These were the highest paid non-quarterbacks on the offensive side of the ball i found just now...

Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders (5 years, $140M)
Years: 2022-26 AAV: $28,000,000 Signing Age: 29


Trent Williams, San Francisco 49ers (6 years, $138,060M)
Years: 2021-26 AAV: $23,010,000 Signing Age: 32

 

He’s getting 34 million so it’s the highest non QB

 

I forgot Tyreek Hill, he got paid bigtime also. $30M AAV

4 years $120M

 

I knew I shoulda played football. I have no talent, cant run, cant catch, cant block or tackle, but hell, Ida been a perfect fit for the Packers!!!

 

Wonder what Chris Jones must be thinking now?

 

cha ching

 

Sean McVay hints at potential nerve issue for Cooper Kupp

Rams receiver Cooper Kupp has a hamstring problem. On Wednesday. coach Sean McVay suggested the root cause could be a nerve issue.

“I would just say this, it’s trying to just figure out what’s going on with him,” McVay said when asked about the reason for Kupp’s recent visit to a specialist in Minnesota. “Again, I’m kind of speaking out of turn. I just know that we’re trying to open up every avenue in regards to figuring out what’s going on, why is he feeling some of the sensations and things like that in his hamstring. Is it soft tissue? Is there something nerve-wise? And I would be speaking out of turn.

“I think we’re really trying to be able to figure that out. He felt like he gained a lot of information, was able to do a couple day’s worth of treatment that was beneficial, but it wasn’t anything that’s like, OK, he’s going to be back right now. And we had a feeling that there could be a couple weeks that we need to just be able to take it a day at a time and then hopefully we’ll start to see some positive results as it relates to how he’s feeling, what that means for his rehab program and as far as like a timetable, it could be anywhere between if we decide to put him on IR or it could be a couple weeks. But as soon as I have that information, I’ll let you guys know. And I know he wants to be out there badly, and we want him to be out there but we don’t want to rush it either.”

It sounds fairly significant, based on McVay’s comments. Especially in light of McVay’s reputation for downplaying injuries.

If, as it relates to what he said on Wednesday, McVay is downplaying the situation with Kupp, the truth potentially could be worse than anyone realizes.

PFT, Mike Florio

 

2023 NFL Kickoff Game: Four things to watch for in Lions-Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs have dominated the NFL spotlight the past five years, winning two Super Bowls and making the conference title game or better every season. They also enter the season attempting to win their eighth straight AFC West title.

The last time the Detroit Lions had a period of that caliber dominance? The late 1950s. They last won their division in 1993, then known as the NFC Central.

So why are the Lions being featured in such a marquee slot against the defending Super Bowl champs on Thursday night? Because ever since the league announced this season’s schedule, it’s been clear that the NFL is betting that the Lions’ hot streak down the stretch in 2022 portends good things for the long-woebegone franchise.

It’s a big bet. Andy Reid and the Chiefs are 40-9 at Arrowhead Stadium with Patrick Mahomes. And though the Chiefs could be without two of their biggest stars in the opener, it’s arguable this is the Lions’ highest-profile game since their last postseason contest: a wild-card loss to the Seahawks in Jan. 2017.

How will Dan Campbell’s team handle the spotlight? Can the Lions' rebuilt defense slow down Mahomes and Co.? Or will the Chiefs do to the Lions what they did to the Texans in the 2020 kickoff game, scoring 31 straight points en route to a laugher?


Here are four things to watch for when the Lions visit the Chiefs on Thursday night:

1. Travis Kelce’s status is very much up in the air. Midway through Tuesday’s Chiefs practice, the Chiefs’ All-Pro tight end suffered a bone bruise in his knee, an injury that officially leaves him questionable for Thursday's game. The Chiefs simply are not used to playing without him. Kelce has not missed a game due to injury since his rookie season in 2013. He’s sat out a handful of games since then, typically for late-season rest. Kelce missed the Chiefs’ Week 16 game in 2021 due to COVID-19 protocols, and all Mahomes did was divvy up his 30 passes among 10 different receivers in a 36-10 blowout of the Steelers, with Byron Pringle, Derrick Gore and Mecole Hardman leading the way. This is what makes Kansas City so tough to defend. Kadarius Toney is good to go after dealing with a preseason knee injury. The Chiefs also have ample other weapons to make up for Kelce’s potential loss; it could be a breakout game for second-year receiver Skyy Moore, and Kelce’s backup, Noah Gray, is a better receiver than many might realize. But no Kelce also makes Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn's job easier and allows him more coverage flexibility.
2. The Lions’ defense must show it’s vastly better. Although Detroit improved defensively during its 8-2 finish to end last season, that unit finished last year ranked in the bottom five of several major categories. The offseason brought additions to all three levels of the defense and especially to a secondary that was picked on repeatedly. The pass rush will be important, especially in this game with Mahomes working behind two new offensive tackles (Donovan Smith and Jawaan Taylor), but the secondary is guaranteed to be tested -- with or without Kelce on the field. The Lions will be without cornerback Emmanuel Moseley, who has been slow to return from offseason knee surgery. Jerry Jacobs, who has started 17 games the past two seasons, likely would take his place. But he’d be one of the few returnees in a group that also now includes Cam Sutton, C.J. Gardner-Johnson and rookie Brian Branch, who seems to have already earned a role on defense. They’d better buckle up going up against the wizard on Thursday.
3. Chris Jones’ holdout has him on track to miss kickoff. Unlike the Kelce injury, Jones’ absence has been on the Chiefs’ mind for some time now. Jones held out of training camp and the preseason amid contract demands, and it’s not clear when Jones will return. There’s just no getting around it: The Chiefs are a different defense without him. According to Next Gen Stats, Kansas City ranks 13th in pressure rate and third in sack rate with Jones on the field. Without him, they’re 30th and 31st, respectively, in those categories. Nothing against Jones’ potential replacements inside (Derrick Nnadi, Tershawn Wharton, Neil Farrell and rookie Keondre Coburn) but none of them command attention nor disrupt opponents anywhere close to the way Jones does. The Lions feature a good offensive line, turning in the third-best sack percentage allowed last year (3.9%), and a fully healthy Frank Ragnow at center this season could make this group better. Can the Chiefs rush the passer without Jones? That’s a stiff test, although George Karlaftis, Charles Omenihu, Mike Danna and rookie Felix Anudike-Uzomah are all high-energy rushers.
4. Can Gibbs, LaPorta make an instant impact? The Lions were an explosive offense a season ago, ranking in the top 10 in most major categories and topping 40 points three times -- the same number of times the Chiefs did that. But it was clear Detroit wanted to develop and add as many complementary weapons as possible this offseason alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown, who was its one true difference maker after T.J. Hockenson was traded midseason last year. The Lions landed running back Jahmyr Gibbs and tight end Sam LaPorta in Rounds 1 and 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft, respectively, adding two highly athletic and surprisingly tough pass-catching options. With wideout Jameson Williams suspended for the first six games of the season due to violating the league's gambling policy, it’s possible they’ll be fast-tracked into considerable early roles. Gibbs will be used alongside David Montgomery as a runner (and maybe as a returner, too), but the question is how quickly he and LaPorta can make impacts as receivers? And how much Jared Goff will trust them? Combined, they had only one preseason catch. Have the cagey Lions been holding back Gibbs’ and LaPorta’s receiving skills? Kansas City’s defense was middling covering tight ends a year ago, and backs such as Austin Ekeler have done damage against them in the past. Keep an eye on the Lions’ rookie pair in this one.

NFL.com

 

Tom Pelissero of NFL Media reports that the Chiefs will get a better idea about which way that question will be answered on Thursday morning. The team is set to put Kelce through a workout to test his knee and determine if he’ll be able to play in the opener or if it’s more prudent to wait for the future.

NBC

 

2023 NFL season, Week 1: What We Learned from Lions knocking off Chiefs in Kickoff Game

1. Early fake punt sets the tone for the Lions. You just knew the Lions were prepared to throw the kitchen sink at the defending champs, and it didn’t take long for that. Faking a punt inside your own 20-yard line in the first quarter? No team even tried that in the entire 2022 NFL season, according to NFL Research. Head coach Dan Campbell wasn’t scared to pull the trigger from his own 17, though, and his boldness was rewarded. The Lions strung together an eight-minute, 14-play, 91-yard drive to take a 7-0 lead and stun Arrowhead Stadium into early silence. The Lions now have an identity: They are unafraid to take an early risk, and part of that faith might be rooted in an improved Lions defense. Going for it late on fourth down was an obvious call, even if it didn’t work. And once again, Campbell’s defense had his back, stopping Patrick Mahomes late. This Detroit team can now carry itself with a chip on its shoulder following its biggest victory in recent memory -- and it’s only Week 1. This team suddenly is must-see TV until further notice.
2. Kadarius Toney, Skyy Moore fall flat with Travis Kelce out. The Chiefs knew they’d be shorthanded without Travis Kelce (knee), and early on their approach was clear: This would be a committee affair. Patrick Mahomes’ first seven passes went to seven different receivers, but the hope was that eventually Kadarius Toney or Skyy Moore could help offset the void with some big plays. Instead, each had nights to forget. Moore had zero catches on three targets, including a few balls that went off his hands in the final minutes, Toney had one catch for 1 yard on five targets, looking progressively more spooked with each mistake he made. First was a very catchable drop that led to a game-changing Brian Branch pick-six (and not turning around to tackle him). Then came a third-down drop and a loss on a run play. And finally, a drop with just over two minutes to go -- even if the throw wasn’t perfect. Had Toney caught it, he had daylight. Instead, the Chiefs turned it over and never got the ball back. That’s not the way either receiver wanted to start this season.
3. The Chiefs’ defense makes a statement without Chris Jones. Yes, the Chiefs’ defense suffered through two tough, long drives -- one early, one late -- that hurt their chances of winning. But all things considered, the way this group played without All-Pro defensive lineman Chris Jones, who is holding out in hope of a new contract, was pretty admirable. George Karlaftis, Michael Danna and Felix Anudike-Uzomah supplied some pressure up front, and the front seven did a good job closing down run lanes until late, when some defenders appeared gassed. The same was true with the coverage on the back end, as Trent McDuffie had a big night, before Jared Goff connected on a few big passes late. With the Chiefs losing, perhaps Jones has a better argument that he needs to be paid now. But the defenders who were out there held this Lions offense in check for most of the night and were responsible for only allowing 14 points.
4. Lions rookies looked pro-ready right away. If you’re general manager Brad Holmes, you have to be pretty pleased with the draft class the team put together this year. Some criticized the team’s approach by taking Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell, two lower-priority-position players, in Round 1, but both played prominent roles in the Lions’ 21-20 victory -- as did second-rounders Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch. Branch made the big play of the game with his 50-yard INT TD, but savvy Lions fans have known all about him since the preseason. And Branch’s INT probably never happens if Campbell doesn't make a heck of a pass deflection two plays earlier, stopping a would-be first down. LaPorta had five catches and threw a key block on David Montgomery’s game-winning TD run in the fourth quarter. And Gibbs had a few flashes early, with a 17-yard run and a 10-yard catch and run, and his 18-yard run late in the fourth quarter, breaking two Chiefs tackles, was a killer. Four picks, four instant contributors. Now that’s draft impact.
5. Aidan Hutchinson dominated, young Lions defense showed toughness. The Lions spent all offseason looking for ways to improve their defense. The early results are highly encouraging. Even with a few hiccups along the way, which is to be expected against a Mahomes-led team, the Lions’ defense matched the Chiefs’ defense with effort, intensity and execution -- with Aidan Hutchinson leading the way. Hutchinson battled to the hilt with Chiefs right tackle Jawaan Taylor, who was lining up in his stance about as deep as you’re allowed to in this league. He also gave the business to right guard Trey Smith on a few pass plays when Hutchinson kicked inside, blowing past him multiple times with speed and power. He was a thorn in Mahomes’ side all night long. Even with a few coverage mishaps, the Lions still tipped five Mahomes passes and forced 18 incompletions. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn turned in a masterful evening, forgoing his high-pressure style for a zone-heavy scheme on this night. And outside of the Chiefs’ brief flurry before the half in a 92-yard drive, the Lions did a tremendous job. That’s what makes this team dangerous now.

Next Gen stat of the game: The Lions’ Brian Branch reached a top speed of 20.74 mph on his game-tying 50-yard interception return in the third quarter. Only three NFL defenders reached faster speeds on defensive scoring plays in all of the 2022 season.

NFL Research: Patrick Mahomes’ interception was his first ever in a Week 1 game.

NFL.com

 

Im eating Crow (I do that a lot).

No way did i ever think the Lions had a chance, even without Kelce, I couldnt have been more wrong (obviously). Good job by the Lions... Dan Campbell had them ready, well tuned and fired up. Lions trenches were sharp on both sides of the ball, Chiefs made terrible mistakes at the WR position, but I gotta tip my cap to the way the Lions came out, very well executed plays. Two very talented football teams on display last night.

 

The Chiefs need to cut Toney. He had a whole season of drops in one game.

 

Packers WR Christian Watson out, WR Romeo Doubs questionable for season opener against Bears

The Jordan Love era will begin with big questions at wide receiver as the Green Bay Packers travel to Chicago to face the Bears.

Receiver Christian Watson was ruled out of Sunday's game, and fellow second-year wideout Romeo Doubs is questionable. Both players are dealing with hamstring injuries.

Watson sat out the entire week of practice due to the injury, while Doubs got in limited work after missing Wednesday's session.

Watson got off to a wobbly start to his rookie campaign but got hot down the stretch, generating 31 catches for 523 yards and seven touchdowns in the final eight games of the 2022 season. The young speedster hoped to build on the late-season production and provide Love a big-play threat. Alas, those hopes will be on hold for at least another week.

Likewise, Doubs had an up-and-down first season, finishing with 42 catches for 425 yards and three TDs in 13 games, most of his production coming early in the year. Indications out of Packers camp this summer were Doubs showed a good rapport with Love.

The hope is Doubs will be healthy enough to play Sunday. Otherwise, an already young pass-catching corps will be even more green. Second-round rookie Jayden Reed shined in the preseason and should see a host of targets. Behind him is fifth-round rookie Dontayvion Wicks, undrafted rookie Malik Heath and second-year player Samori Toure, who had five catches for 82 yards and a TD last season.

With questions at receiver, rookie tight ends Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft could see their workloads increase alongside veteran Josiah Deguara.

NFL.com