NFL - NEWS & NOTES

I love Dan Cambell, period... he's smart, ballzy and the stinkin Lions did well in drafting Gibbs and Sewel, Hutchinson, etc, etc. The Coaching staff must be given credit on defense as well as offense, they are killing it at the moment. Good team with an attitude and the talent to be better and better.

Goff is playing out of this world too and thats huge. He kinda picked off where he started down the stretch last season.

If they stay healthy (as all teams) they will probably/most likely win the North. I dont see GB as contenders at the moment, just pretenders.

Gotta feel good for the Detroit faithful as they have been waiting for a long time... now they really have something to believe in.

Sometimes you think a team is just lucky... but to go on the road in KC and GB early in the season and fly home with the 'W' is fucking impressive.

 

NFL gives Keith Smith biggest fine of the season, $87,418 for hit that wasn’t flagged

There continues to be a disconnect between the NFL’s disciplinary process and NFL officiating.

Falcons fullback Keith Smith has been fined $87,418, the biggest fine the NFL has given any player this season, for what the lords of discipline termed unnecessary roughness.

But Smith was not penalized on the play. It was the first play of the Falcons’ game against the Lions and went unremarked-upon at the time.

Several of the biggest fines that have been given to players this season have been handed down for offenses that the officials didn’t see as penalties. The league would inspire a lot more confidence if the officials and the disciplinary process were on the same page.

PFT
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I agree with this. The officials are probably missing a lot more than we think, some of the misses have detrimental effects on the games out-come also. Full timers, classes and on field interjectory from a video booth would probably help. Im not a huge basher of officials, per say, they are humans being human, but it sure could be a lot better with todays technologies.

 

Barkley downgraded to doubtful... Fantasy peeps pay attention Sunday.

 

The Raiders and defensive end Chandler Jones are going their separate ways.

The Raiders will release the veteran pass rusher, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com.

Jones has not played for the Raiders this season. He has complained about the team and persons associated with it on social media, he has made some strong and serious allegations, and most recently he was arrested for violating a protective order.

The team had previously placed him on the non-football illness list.

Because the trade deadline has not passed, Jones will become a free agent immediately. Based on recent developments, however, it’s hard to imagine another teams rushing to sign him.

Jones was in the second year of a three-year, $51 million contract.

PFT

 

I would say it's BS and that he didn't touch the guy, but that's simply because the PFT article listed the wrong play. It wasn't the first play from scrimmage (Smith literally didn't touch anyone on that play - he went in motion and sat in the right side B-gap to pick up a blitz that never came).

It was actually on the opening kickoff. In making a block, he launched himself into a defender's body, leading with his head. From the video, it's hard to tell if there was any direct helmet-to-helmet contact at the end of it. If there was, it wasn't much.

The block by Smith was certainly dangerous, even more to himself than to the opponent. If he had hit the defender directly in the head or neck area, it could have been really bad. No doubt that a fine is justified.

The amount is an eyebrow-raiser. It's 2/3 of his salary for the week.

 

Bears wide receiver Chase Claypool said this week that he does not feel the team has put him in position to be his best and they will reportedly pass on putting him in any position for Sunday’s game against the Broncos.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Claypool will be inactive for the matchup of 0-3 teams. Equanimeous St. Brown is expected to be active for the first time this season.

 

Report: Colts plan to open Jonathan Taylor’s practice window this week

Running back Jonathan Taylor is eligible to start the process of returning from the physically unable to perform list this week and it looks like the team plans to move in that direction.

NFL Media reports that the Colts will open Taylor’s practice window this Wednesday. Once they do, Taylor will be able to practice with the team for three weeks before he must be activated or shut down for the season. He can be activated at any point in that window.

Taylor went on the list because of his ankle and he has posted workout videos showing him working out without issue recently.

Taylor asked for a trade after failing to get a new contract from the Colts this offseason and the Packers and Dolphins reportedly had interest, but neither team is believed to be pursuing a deal any longer and the Colts have reportedly not had any recent talks with any teams.

Getting Taylor on the field could change that ahead of the October 31 trade deadline and the news about this week’s plans makes that return a possibility.

 

Falcons-Jaguars Preview

Maybe the Jacksonville Jaguars can jump-start their lackluster offense overseas.

After scoring nine and 17 points in consecutive home losses to Kansas City and Houston, respectively, the Jaguars headed across the pond for back-to-back games in London.

Jacksonville (1-2) will play a “home game” against Atlanta (2-1) at Wembley Stadium on Sunday and then move across town and play as the visitor against Buffalo at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Falcons-Jaguars matchup is the first of five international NFL games in 2023 and the first of three in London.

Given how poorly the Jags performed at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville the last two weeks, they’re eager to get away and possibly find better results roughly 4,300 miles (6,900 kilometers) from home.

“It’s a chance for us to reset a little bit and regroup to try to get back on track,” Jaguars coach Doug Pederson said. “We’re doing everything together as one of those bonding types of experiences as a football team and as coaches.”

Jacksonville’s offense definitely needs help connecting. The unit has been mostly a mess since the Jaguars rallied to beat Indianapolis in their opener.

The Jaguars allowed four sacks against the Chiefs, fumbled three times and finished 4 of 14 on third and fourth downs. They were equally sloppy against the winless Texans, with Calvin Ridley dropping two touchdown passes, Trevor Lawrence throwing an interception and Jamal Agnew fumbling.

“There’s no sense of panic,” Lawrence said. “I wouldn’t say guys aren’t concerned because that’s not the right word. But we care a lot about what we do so there is some concern when you don’t play well and you put a lot of work in.”

The Falcons should be concerned after last week’s road trip. They managed 183 yards, including 44 rushing, and second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder was sacked seven times in a 20-6 loss to Detroit.

“It’s your job and intent to score every time you get it,” Atlanta coach Arthur Smith said. “So if something’s not working, you have to continue to look for solutions and things you can do better.”

LONDON CALLING

The Jaguars have played a home game in London every year since 2013 (except during the pandemic-affected 2020 season). They are 4-5 overseas, with eight of those coming at Wembley.

But this will be the first time an NFL team plays consecutive games overseas and should provide data for the potential for it to happen more often as the league continues to expand its international footprint.

Jacksonville is in the middle of a three-year contract to play annually at Wembley. The deal gives the small-market franchise exclusivity at one of London’s most historic sporting venues.

Jacksonville has full control of the home game - it's in charge of ticketing, merchandise sales and game-day management - and it yields increased revenue. The Jaguars credit more than 11% of their local revenue to playing abroad.

PATTERSON RETURNS?

Falcons running back/receiver/kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson, who scored nine touchdowns last season, is close to making his season debut. It could come in London.

Patterson would provide depth behind young running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. The Falcons now call Patterson’s position “joker” for his wild-card potential as an offensive threat.

CAMPBELL’S CHANCE

Falcons veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell, a six-time Pro Bowler and the 2019 Walter Payton Man of the Year, is still looking for his first win against a former team.

Campbell is 0-1 against Arizona, where he spent the first nine years (2008-16) of his NFL career. He’s also 0-1 against Jacksonville, where he spent the next three seasons (2017-19). He played the last three seasons for Baltimore before signing with Atlanta.

The Cardinals beat Campbell and the Jaguars 27-24 in 2017. The Jaguars beat Campbell and the Ravens 28-27 last year.

MAKING THE TRIP

The Jaguars received special permission to bring suspended left tackle Cam Robinson to London with the team. Robinson was suspended for the first four games of the season for violating NFL policy on performance-enhancing drugs. Robinson took a banned substance while rehabbing from a knee injury.

He is scheduled to be activated next week, but with the Jaguars in London this week, he was allowed to travel while still suspended. He has not practiced with the team since the preseason ended.

AP NFL

 

In my fantasy world, if I start CP, he will sit on the bench. If I bench CP, he will score 4 TD's like Al Bundy and run for 200 yards.

 

Deebo Samuel is expected to play Sunday

49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel did not practice at all this week, but it doesn’t look like that will keep him from playing against the Cardinals.

According to multiple reports, Samuel will be active for Sunday’s game at Levi’s Stadium. Samuel had been listed as questionable because of rib and knee injuries.

The 49ers will also be getting Brandon Aiyuk back in the receiving corps. Aiyuk did not play in Week Three because of a shoulder injury, but he had no injury designation on the final injury report of the week.

Jauan Jennings is expected to miss the game with a shin injury. The 49ers elevated Willie Snead from the practice squad to fill out the receiver group.

PFT

 

• Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marquise Brown, who is listed as questionable with a thumb injury, is expected to play against the 49ers, Rapoport reported, per sources.
• Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders, who is listed as questionable with a groin injury, is expected to play versus the Vikings, Rapoport reported, per sources.
• Dallas Cowboys center Tyler Biadasz (hamstring) and guard Zack Martin (ankle) are expected to play against the Patriots, Rapoport reported, per a source.
• Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell is expected to start against the Chargers with Jimmy Garoppolo out due to a concussion. The assumption is that veteran backup Brian Hoyer would start. Instead, it's the rookie, Rapoport reported, per sources.
• New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (right shoulder) will start against the Buccaneers, Rapoport reported, per a source.

 

SO FAR...

 

Lost by 24 to the Texans.

Tomlin is trash.

 

Lost by 35 to the Cowboys. Belichick is trash.

Then again Tomlin picked Pickett. Maybe he is trash.

 

Maybe. The Cowboys will be in the playoffs and I don't think the Texans will.

 

The 4 O'Clockers...

 

Myles Garrett day-to-day with foot injury

Browns star defensive end Myles Garrett had on a walking boot during his postgame press conference for a foot injury, but it sounds like he’ll be OK to play in Cleveland’s next game.

The team’s bye comes at a good time, as the Browns will be off in Week 5. Via multiple reporters, head coach Kevin Stefanski said on Monday that Garrett is considered day-to-day but the team feels good about his availability for Week 6.

Garrett also told reporters, “I’ll be ready,” when speaking after Sunday’s loss.

Through four games, Garrett has 5.5 sacks, five tackles for loss, 13 QB hits, and a forced fumble in 2023.

Additionally, Stefanski told reporters that center Ethan Pocic is day-to-day with chest and knee injuries. While Pocic likely wouldn’t be available for this week, he has a chance for the Week 6 matchup against San Francisco.

PFT

 

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor will return to practice on Wednesday, head coach Shane Steichen told reporters on Monday.

Taylor opened the season on the physically unable to perform list due to a surgically repaired ankle.

The move was expected, as NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported on Sunday that Taylor's ankle is fully healed.

Steichen said Taylor is "excited to be back" and didn't rule out the star running back from playing in Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans.

"I think it's really more the football shape," Steichen said. "Obviously, there's a difference from running sprints and going through that deal. But to put on the pads and go play with his teammates, put a helmet back on and go do all those things again, again, we'll have those conversations myself and him and see where he's at at the end of the week to make that decision."

Getting Taylor back at practice is Step 1 after a drama-filled offseason that included a trade request from the running back. Rapoport and Pelissero reported on Sunday that there have been no recent trade talks between the Colts and other teams.

Taylor is due roughly $4.3 million in the final year of his rookie contract, but at this stage, the focus is getting the 2021 NFL rushing champ back on the field.

In the thick of the AFC South race, where all four clubs are 2-2, the Colts could use the boost Taylor can provide when healthy. Zack Moss has carried the load out of Indy's backfield since missing Week 1 due to injury. In Sunday's overtime loss to the Rams, Moss carried 18 times for 70 yards (3.9 average).

With rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson shining early in the season, getting Taylor back, despite the surrounding drama, will be a boost to the young signal-caller.

NFL.com

 

Seahawks-Giants Preview

• AP
• Sep 30, 2023

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) The New York Giants are searching for answers and they face the task of playing Seattle on a day of the week the Seahawks own and in a stadium where they have never lost.

The puzzling Giants (1-2), who were overmatched by both Dallas and San Francisco, will host the Seahawks (2-1) on Monday night. The Seahawks won 27-13 last year when the teams played at Seattle.

Having the game at the Meadowlands is not going to make things any easier for the Giants.

The Seahawks are 5-0 at MetLife Stadium, including the only Super Bowl title in franchise history. Three of the five wins have come against the Giants. And they are 28-12 all-time on Monday night, a .700 win percentage that is the best of any team.

This also can be viewed as a must-win for New York, with games at Miami and Buffalo to follow.

“I mean it’s definitely still early, this is not a must game I would say,” Giants defensive lineman Leonard Williams said. “It’s not something that’s going to keep us out or keep us in the playoffs at the end of the year, but at the same time we try to look at the season like quarterly."

Being 1-3 would not be ideal.

The Seahawks have won two in a row, and Seattle coach Pete Carroll said his team is getting healthier.

“This is a classic opportunity for us to go against a team that’s got to have a win. We’ve got to have one too,” he said.

BARKLEY OR NOT

Giants star running back Saquon Barkley sprained his right ankle in a win at Arizona on Sept. 17 and had to sit out the following Thursday night at San Francisco.

Barkley will have had 11 days since suffering the high ankle sprain, and it's uncertain whether he will play. He practiced on limited basis all week and has been listed as doubtful to play. The last time he had a high ankle sprain was in 2019 and he missed three games.

Matt Breida replaced Barkley against the 49ers, who limited the Giants to 29 yards rushing. Breida led the team with four carries for 17 yards and a touchdown. The Seahawks have the league's second-worst pass defense, so New York may just throw more.

ADAMS' RETURN

After missing more than a year, Jamal Adams is expected to make his 2023 debut for Seattle. Appropriately enough, it’s coming at MetLife, where he played three seasons for the Jets before being traded to Seattle.

Adams suffered a torn quadriceps tendon in the 2022 season opener and his recovery has taken longer than expected.

It's uncertain how Adams will be used. He might play a traditional safety spot or Seattle could use him as a hybrid linebacker who plays in the box at times.

STOP THE RUN

The Giants had one of the worst defenses in the league against the run last season, and nothing seemingly has improved despite signing inside linebacker Bobby Okereke and defensive linemen A'Shawn Robinson and Rakeem Nunez-Roches.

New York is ranked 29th against the rush, giving up an average of 138 yards. San Francisco gained 141 its 30-12 victory, which featured bad tackling by Wink Martindale's unit.

“We put an emphasis on it today at practice,” Okereke said Thursday. “I had a coach always tell me that tackling is all about technique and desire. We all have a great desire to tackle, now it’s just cleaning up the technique and we’ll get it right.”

Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet combined for 143 rushing yards for Seattle last week.

LOOKING AHEAD

Seattle has had a unique scouting opportunity for each of its past three opponents. All three played a prime-time game on either Thursday or Monday the week prior to playing the Seahawks, allowing Seattle’s coaches and players a little additional look at their next opponent.

Detroit played the first game of the season at Kansas City before playing Seattle in Week 2. Carolina had a Monday night game six days before playing at Seattle in Week 3. And last Thursday night, the Giants played at San Francisco.

“I like it, it’s a good opportunity, you just get the feel of the teams, they’re talking about the players and styles and the background, and the camps,” Carroll said. “You just get a lot of the additional information.”

O-LINE AGAIN

The Giants will have a fourth different offensive line. They had hoped to get left tackle Andrew Thomas (hamstring) back this week but he was ruled out Saturday. Josh Ezeudu will start again for him. Ben Bredeson (concussion) returns at left guard with rookie John Michael Schmitz at center, Marcus McKethan at right guard and Evan Neal at right tackle. Schmitz and Neal are the only two to start all three games.