NFL News, Rumors and Musings

[Don Wassall]

Always liked Conte. He wasn’t a great safety but he was good (better than hundreds of black safeties gifted starting positions due to skin color during the course of his career) - just caught a ton of grief from DWFs like all white players playing racially inappropriate positions.

Yeah, I was scanning an article earlier today that mentioned the nationally televised play where Vance McDonald reamed Conte, which McDonald has done to a number of d-backs due to his size and power, but wasn't even interested in reading it, same old same old. Chris never received a fair shot from the media and fans his entire career. Any White safety who isn't an instant All Pro is permanently despised by the DWFs, and even the great Eric Weddle took lots of flak before finally being respected.

 

[Freethinker]

Some good news for Redskins 5th round draft pick Cole Holcomb. Starter Reuben Foster just went down for the season with an injury. The depth behind him is a few no names so look for Cole to get some really good reps this year if he can prove himself in camp and preseason.

The Redskins defense would be one to follow if Holcomb and safety Troy Apke join stalwarts like Ryan Kerrigan and Matt Ioannidis as starters.

 

[Extra Point]

Some good news. Chad Kelly got a contract from Colts. Let's hope he stops acting like some dumb wigger & beats out Briskett as he is much closer to Andrew Luck in playing style in the offense.

I looked at some of his play before his draft year. I thought he was a first or second round talent. I remember Mike Mayock making a similar comment about him.

Kelly's issues have been injuries and off the field problems. Let's hope he can overcome these because he's a talented player.

The Colts made a smart move by signing Kelly.

 

[Booth]

Kelly is facing possible suspension from the NFL for the fight he was involved in while with Denver. He was cut the next day and was never punish by the NFL. Now that he has been signed they want to investigate the incident.

 

[Extra Point]

Incidents which led to Kelly being released by the Broncos.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000977922/article

 

[Extra Point]

Chris Conte was not the terrible player the DWFs believed him to be. PFF usually graded him as an average starting safety, which isn't bad.

Thanks to the DWFs and their anti-white racism he got a bum rap wherever he played, like many other white players.

 

[Shadowlight]

Some good news for Redskins 5th round draft pick Cole Holcomb. Starter Reuben Foster just went down for the season with an injury. The depth behind him is a few no names so look for Cole to get some really good reps this year if he can prove himself in camp and preseason.

The Redskins defense would be one to follow if Holcomb and safety Troy Apke join stalwarts like Ryan Kerrigan and Matt Ioannidis as starters.

I don't foresee all of the above falling into place and throw in WR Trey Quinn making a mark too but if it were to go down like that then the Redskins would suddenly become my favorite team.

 

[Leonardfan]

Kelly is facing possible suspension from the NFL for the fight he was involved in while with Denver. He was cut the next day and was never punish by the NFL. Now that he has been signed they want to investigate the incident.

Kelly is a bonehead. Was a big fan of his at ole miss and thought he had 1st round talent. His wiggerish antics have not helped him one bit though. I do find it interesting that the nfl is going after him now but we have heard nothing about Tyreek Hill. I do wonder why Manziel has not been signed - I think he has finally grown up and seems to want to take football seriously.

 

[PHillisFan]

Raiders have released Landry Jones. Raiders down to Derek Carr, Nathan Peterman and Mike Glennon. I think that is how the depth chart will end up. I don’t think Carr will regress and Peterman has shown flashes despite his turnovers. Landry probably ends up back with Steelers.

 

[PHillisFan]

Kelly is a bonehead. Was a big fan of his at ole miss and thought he had 1st round talent. His wiggerish antics have not helped him one bit though. I do find it interesting that the nfl is going after him now but we have heard nothing about Tyreek Hill. I do wonder why Manziel has not been signed - I think he has finally grown up and seems to want to take football seriously.

It may take JM a season with XFL before he gets any bites from NFL.

 

[Don Wassall]

I expect athletic freak Mike Gesicki to take a big step forward this season. Tight ends rarely do well as rookies, and Gesicki was underutilized last year, and used too much as a blocker rather than as the receiving tight end he is.

Miami Dolphins' Mike Gesicki could be special under O’Shea

by Brian Miller

The Miami Dolphins have not had a tight end focused offense in decades despite their attempts to get one. That could change with the new coaching staff.

Today Josh Rosen hit Mike Gesicki for a deep touchdown in 11 on 11 drills. It is OTA’s and there are no pads and no contact but for the Miami Dolphins, it is a positive sign nonetheless.

For years the Dolphins have tried in vain to get a tight end that could actually open up a defense. They tried Charles Clay in a dual TE/HB role and it didn’t work as well as they had hoped. They signed Anthony Fasano not once but twice and while he was a very good blocker, he was a little better than average in the passing game. Why? Because the Dolphins offensive coaches didn’t know how to use the position.

For Gesicki who had an unexpected poor season in 2018, some of that blame rests on Gase. Gase was unable to get any of his TE’s involved in the offense just like his predecessors. Now, the responsibility falls on the coaching of O’Shea.

O’Shea has the knowledge to make Gesicki into a star and if Gesicki can’t improve in year two then we should question his ability at this level. The fact that Gesicki is getting involved in the offense even in OTA’s is a good sign. Last year we were reading how Gase was keeping the 2nd round pick on the line to work on his blocking.

How this all works out in 2019 and beyond is unknown but hopefully, O’Shea has an answer for the Dolphins.

https://phinphanatic.com/2019/05/22/finding-franchise-quarterback-key-miami-dolphins-sustainability/

 

[Shadowlight]

Seemed to me the so called genius Gase put a ball and chain around Gesicki last season. The most athletic TE in the NFL and they couldn't figure out a way to get him involved?

Hell it doesn't take a genius. Just get out of his way and let him do his thing. Gesicki's second season will be of great interest here at CF. At Penn State he ran like a deer and leaped small buildings. Gets to Miami and they push the mute button.

Hopefully the change in coaches unleashes this TE terror. Look for both Rosen and Gesicki to redeem themselves this season.

 

[TomIron361]

Seemed to me the so called genius Gase put a ball and chain around Gesicki last season. The most athletic TE in the NFL and they couldn't figure out a way to get him involved?

Hell it doesn't take a genius. Just get out of his way and let him do his thing. Gesicki's second season will be of great interest here at CF. At Penn State he ran like a deer and leaped small buildings. Gets to Miami and they push the mute button.

Hopefully the change in coaches unleashes this TE terror. Look for both Rosen and Gesicki to redeem themselves this season.

Well, I don't know about Gase yet. I'm sort of a Jet fan, so I'll see what's up with him. But who I do know about is coach Bowells - a certified moron.

 

[Don Wassall]

Oakland Raiders: Hunter Renfrow could shine as a rookie

by Dan Schmelzer

Oakland Raiders rookie wide receiver Hunter Renfrow is set up for immediate NFL success.

The Oakland Raiders had an interesting showing in the 2019 NFL Draft. Many considered their selection of Clelin Ferrell with the fourth overall pick to be a reach, but he undoubtedly fits their defense well and has a safe floor at the next level. They rounded out the first round by adding running back Joshua Jacobs and safety Johnathan Abram to the mix.

Simply put, the Raiders did a nice job of adding impact players early in the draft, but do not discount their haul in the later rounds. Their fourth-round trio of Maxx Crosby, Isaiah Johnson and Foster Moreau is impressive, and seventh-round edge rusher Quinton Bell is an athletic freak with a ton of natural upside. However, we are going to focus on fifth-round receiver Hunter Renfrow.

Renfrow enters the NFL after a very successful college career at Clemson. He started at Clemson as a walk-on but ended up being a four-year contributor for the team. Renfrow finished his career with 186 receptions for 2,133 yards and 15 touchdowns.

He leaves Clemson holding the record for most consecutive games with a reception (43) and ranks fifth in school history in total receptions (186). Renfrow played in a ridiculous seven career College Football Playoff games and leaves school holding CFP records in receptions (37) and touchdowns (4).

Simply put, Renfrow was a true rags to riches story in college and leaves Clemson as one of the best offensive players in school history. He came through in the clutch many times and enters the NFL with an impressive overall resume.

Despite his collegiate success, Renfrow slipped to the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. The Oakland Raiders obviously saw value in Renfrow, but he is not exactly built like a prototypical NFL receiver.

At 5-foot-10, 184 pounds, Renfrow’s size leaves plenty to be desired. His long speed and overall athleticism are also lacking. However, Renfrow posted strong quickness scoresand that translates on tape.

He is an elite route runner who changes speeds well and runs extremely crisps routes on a consistent basis. His sharp cuts leave defenders in the dust with regularity and he simply has a knack for finding space.

Whether he is against zone or man coverage, Renfrow can use his impressive combination of on-field instincts, sharp route running and short area quickness to create space. He also displays consistent and reliable hands. He is never going to be any sort of threat as an outside receiver, but Renfrow has some serious upside as a slot receiver at the next level.

With no other obvious slot only wide receiver on the roster, expect Renfrow to get playing time early and often with the Oakland Raiders. Renfrow is a ready-made NFL slot receiver and should have plenty of opportunities to make his mark in three wide receiver sets with the Raiders. Antonio Brown and Tyrell Williams on the outside with Renfrow creating space out of the slot could quickly become a dangerous trio.

Jon Gruden is a great offensive coach who knows how to get the most out of his players. He is smart enough to put Renfrow in a consistent position to succeed by simply asking him to do what he does best, make plays in the short passing game out of the slot.

Renfrow is a bit of a one-trick pony, but he is damn good at that one trick. If the Raiders just let him do his thing out of the slot, this is going to be a successful pairing from the beginning.

https://nflmocks.com/2019/05/23/oakland-raiders-hunter-renfrow-shine/

 

[white lightning]

Let's just hope he treats Hunter Renfrow better than he did our other guys! I think he will as they drafted him in the middle rounds and the kid can flat out play. He will be one of the few
things worth watching on that team that just seems to lose year after year. Not crazy about where Renfrow ended up but I still will be rooting for him!

 

[Bucky]

I'll be cheering loudly and proudly for "The Bama Killer" Hunter Renfrow!

 

[Extra Point]

Two players to follow on the Raiders are WR Hunter Renfrow and Edge Maxx Crosby. Both have what it takes to make it in the league.

Renfrow could be a starter in the slot. Crosby, because of his athleticism, could be a star!

 

[Bucky]

Pat's signed Gunner Olszewski as a WR. Guess his 13 career ints as a CB in college weren't enough for him to break into the league as a White DB.. Anyways he's a long shot but should be able to contribute in the return game, possible Practice Squad candidate.

 

[Don Wassall]

This reminds me a lot of Jake Kumerow last year, but Jordan has more NFL experience, though at age 27 his pro career has been one long racial apprenticeship combined with some injuries. He's been getting some first team reps with Stefon Diggs not participating, which indicates he's at least in the battle to be the Vikings' third receiver this season, something I was hoping they'd draft David Sills to be.

Kirk Cousins already impressed with new Vikings receiver Jordan Taylor

He hasn’t been with the organization long, but the talented wide receiver is already making a good impression on his new Minnesota Vikings teammates.

Who ends up being the No. 3 wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings in 2019 is something that still has to be sorted out this year. There are a number of players who will be competing for the role, including a few new additions to the roster.

One of these new additions is former Denver Broncos receiver Jordan Taylor. Signed as a free agent during the offseason, Taylor is already showing the Vikings that he will be gunning for that third receiver spot on their 2019 roster.

After Minnesota’s OTA practice on Wednesday, quarterback Kirk Cousins was asked about the 27-year-old pass catcher and he had nothing but good things to say.

“I really like him. He’s a diamond in the rough. He’s got some stuff to him. Not only does he have some juice, but he’s been on the details.

He gets to the right spot and catches the football when it’s a tough catch. I love playing with people who are on their details and he is that way.”

That’s some pretty high praise for a guy like Taylor who has barely been with the Vikings for a month. If he can stay healthy next season, he could potentially emerge as a surprise weapon for Minnesota’s offense.

Big emphasis on staying healthy though. Taylor hasn’t appeared in a regular season game in the NFL since 2017 after undergoing surgery on both of his hips in January of 2018.

However, he hasn’t had any health issues yet during his short time with the Vikings and it’s resulting in him getting more opportunities. With fellow receiver Stefon Diggs not on the field for the team’s first two OTA practices this week, Taylor has reportedly been getting snaps with Minnesota’s first-team offense.

To end up as the Vikings’ No. 3 receiver in 2019, he will have to fend off competition from a number of other guys including Brandon Zylstra, Chad Beebe, and Laquon Treadwell. So far though, it seems like Taylor at least has the early edge over everyone else.

https://thevikingage.com/2019/05/23/position-minnesota-vikings-question/

 

[white lightning]

As of right now the Vikings have 4 white wide recievers. Fantastic. They really are becoming the new Patriots. We need more teams to root for. Thanks for posting the article Don.

 

[Shadowlight]

This reminds me a lot of Jake Kumerow last year, but Jordan has more NFL experience, though at age 27 his pro career has been one long racial apprenticeship combined with some injuries. He's been getting some first team reps with Stefon Diggs not participating, which indicates he's at least in the battle to be the Vikings' third receiver this season, something I was hoping they'd draft David Sills to be.

Kirk Cousins already impressed with new Vikings receiver Jordan Taylor

He hasn’t been with the organization long, but the talented wide receiver is already making a good impression on his new Minnesota Vikings teammates.

Who ends up being the No. 3 wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings in 2019 is something that still has to be sorted out this year. There are a number of players who will be competing for the role, including a few new additions to the roster.

One of these new additions is former Denver Broncos receiver Jordan Taylor. Signed as a free agent during the offseason, Taylor is already showing the Vikings that he will be gunning for that third receiver spot on their 2019 roster.

After Minnesota’s OTA practice on Wednesday, quarterback Kirk Cousins was asked about the 27-year-old pass catcher and he had nothing but good things to say.

“I really like him. He’s a diamond in the rough. He’s got some stuff to him. Not only does he have some juice, but he’s been on the details.

He gets to the right spot and catches the football when it’s a tough catch. I love playing with people who are on their details and he is that way.”

That’s some pretty high praise for a guy like Taylor who has barely been with the Vikings for a month. If he can stay healthy next season, he could potentially emerge as a surprise weapon for Minnesota’s offense.

Big emphasis on staying healthy though. Taylor hasn’t appeared in a regular season game in the NFL since 2017 after undergoing surgery on both of his hips in January of 2018.

However, he hasn’t had any health issues yet during his short time with the Vikings and it’s resulting in him getting more opportunities. With fellow receiver Stefon Diggs not on the field for the team’s first two OTA practices this week, Taylor has reportedly been getting snaps with Minnesota’s first-team offense.

To end up as the Vikings’ No. 3 receiver in 2019, he will have to fend off competition from a number of other guys including Brandon Zylstra, Chad Beebe, and Laquon Treadwell. So far though, it seems like Taylor at least has the early edge over everyone else.

https://thevikingage.com/2019/05/23/position-minnesota-vikings-question/

Good to hear encouraging news even if it is too early to count the eggs in the basket.

It seems to me this past draft has something in common with the 2016 draft. At the time I and others here insisted both Jordan Taylor and Alex Erickson should have been drafted. I went on about that for quite a while.

Taylor has shown flashes but his career has obviously been interrupted. Erickson of course has been a mainstay on special teams as a return man but has had trouble breaking into the line up. But both are in the NFL while many of the black WRs that were drafted are nowhere to be seen.

Same scenario this go around. It is absurd to think Davis Sills got passed over in the draft. And Cody Thompson should have also been drafted. At the very least I hope both Sills and Thompson end up playing on NFL rosters just like Erickson and Taylor. When you consider all the mediocre black WRs that have been drafted the past several years it is still astonishing to think that the talented white WRs above have to grovel to make a roster. All of them are worthy NFL type WRs. It would be hard to argue against that.

Here is hoping all four flourish in the NFL.

 

[CrazyFinn]

These comments by Kirk Cousins complementing a white WR reminds me of the great Carson Palmer, who was also full of praise of white players and did everything in his power to put them in a positive light and help them possibly secure a roster spot.

While the GM and coaches ultimately make the final call on who makes the team, the most important player on the team (QB) expressing his opinions certainly can’t hurt, especially if it’s a player on offense like WR to whom he’ll be throwing the ball.

Carson Palmer set the standard in this regard.

 

[Don Wassall]

Ron Rivera is pretty much another Marvin Lewis, a coach that escapes criticism even though his teams consistently underachieve, or just plain lack consistency. Lewis coached for 15 seasons in Cincy before finally being replaced; Rivera will be starting his ninth season as the Panthers head coach.

Excerpt from a rare article criticizing Rivera:

Rivera has been an enigma since being named head coach of the Panthers back in 2011. He has won two Coach of the Year awards, but has never had back-to-back winning seasons. He has made the playoffs four times, and the Super Bowl once, but has yet to help the team claim their first Super Bowl win. Viewed as a “players’ coach,” he does not act like one, as he consistently throws his players under the bus, absolving himself of any guilt. With 2019 being a make-or-break season for this franchise, the same is true of Rivera. Should the Panthers miss the playoffs once again, Rivera may have to find a new job.

Consistently Inconsistent
The Panthers have been the model of inconsistency since Rivera became the head coach in 2011. As aforementioned, they have never posted back-to-back winning seasons. Rivera has led the team to the following records during his tenure as the head coach: 6-10, 7-9, 12-4, 7-8-1, 15-1, 6-10, 11-5, 7-9. A total record of 71-56-1, Rivera has had generational talent on each of his teams. Newton, Luke Kuechly, Steve Smith, and Julius Peppers are among said talent, but the team was never able to get over the hump.

A team can have all the talent in the world, but without the proper coaching, talent does not equal wins. Carolina is a prime example of this. The coaching is to blame for Carolina’s inconsistency, and Rivera is at the forefront of this.

Failure to Adjust
In-game adjustments separate the good coaches from the great ones. Take New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick for example. Belichick has always been a great coach due in part to the fact he is never afraid to deviate from a game plan. From game to game, year to year, the Patriots are always trying different things, thanks to Belichick. This is something Rivera sorely lacks.

Time after time, Rivera and his game plans are exposed, but he refuses to change things up. His need to stick to the script is what causes the team to falter. 2018 is the best example of this. During a seven-game losing streak, Rivera was out-coached and out-schemed in each game. Failure to make any adjustments in between quarters led to the team going stale on the field. Despite the losses piling up, Rivera felt the need to stay the course. Instead of doing what a better coach would do, and attempt to change things up, Rivera stuck to his guns, and it cost the team.

https://lastwordonprofootball.com/2019/05/24/ron-rivera-panthers-biggest-question/

 

[Sean89]

These comments by Kirk Cousins complementing a white WR reminds me of the great Carson Palmer, who was also full of praise of white players and did everything in his power to put them in a positive light and help them possibly secure a roster spot.

While the GM and coaches ultimately make the final call on who makes the team, the most important player on the team (QB) expressing his opinions certainly can’t hurt, especially if it’s a player on offense like WR to whom he’ll be throwing the ball.

Carson Palmer set the standard in this regard.

Really annoyed me that Jeff Janis was never given a chance with Green Bay. Bailed out Rodgers in a big game, then all we hear next offseason is how Rodgers had no trust with Janis.

I remember watching Janis run a go route (wasn't thrown the ball) and his speed/size in compariosn to the CB was scary. I said to myself "this guy will be big" Sadly, wasn't to be. I was relatively new to american sports then, and, didn't realise how things worked.

 

[Leonardfan]

Ron Rivera is pretty much another Marvin Lewis, a coach that escapes criticism even though his teams consistently underachieve, or just plain lack consistency. Lewis coached for 15 seasons in Cincy before finally being replaced; Rivera will be starting his ninth season as the Panthers head coach.

Excerpt from a rare article criticizing Rivera:

Rivera has been an enigma since being named head coach of the Panthers back in 2011. He has won two Coach of the Year awards, but has never had back-to-back winning seasons. He has made the playoffs four times, and the Super Bowl once, but has yet to help the team claim their first Super Bowl win. Viewed as a “players’ coach,” he does not act like one, as he consistently throws his players under the bus, absolving himself of any guilt. With 2019 being a make-or-break season for this franchise, the same is true of Rivera. Should the Panthers miss the playoffs once again, Rivera may have to find a new job.

Consistently Inconsistent
The Panthers have been the model of inconsistency since Rivera became the head coach in 2011. As aforementioned, they have never posted back-to-back winning seasons. Rivera has led the team to the following records during his tenure as the head coach: 6-10, 7-9, 12-4, 7-8-1, 15-1, 6-10, 11-5, 7-9. A total record of 71-56-1, Rivera has had generational talent on each of his teams. Newton, Luke Kuechly, Steve Smith, and Julius Peppers are among said talent, but the team was never able to get over the hump.

A team can have all the talent in the world, but without the proper coaching, talent does not equal wins. Carolina is a prime example of this. The coaching is to blame for Carolina’s inconsistency, and Rivera is at the forefront of this.

Failure to Adjust
In-game adjustments separate the good coaches from the great ones. Take New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick for example. Belichick has always been a great coach due in part to the fact he is never afraid to deviate from a game plan. From game to game, year to year, the Patriots are always trying different things, thanks to Belichick. This is something Rivera sorely lacks.

Time after time, Rivera and his game plans are exposed, but he refuses to change things up. His need to stick to the script is what causes the team to falter. 2018 is the best example of this. During a seven-game losing streak, Rivera was out-coached and out-schemed in each game. Failure to make any adjustments in between quarters led to the team going stale on the field. Despite the losses piling up, Rivera felt the need to stay the course. Instead of doing what a better coach would do, and attempt to change things up, Rivera stuck to his guns, and it cost the team.

https://lastwordonprofootball.com/2019/05/24/ron-rivera-panthers-biggest-question/

I wouldn't call Scam a generational talent and think he is just as responsible for the inconsistent records every year. However the rest of the article is pretty much spot on. Rivera really does escape criticism for being an average coach.