NFL News, Rumors and Musings

[white lightning]

I hope the Panthers stay true to what they are saying. Using McCaffrey as a decoy last season was so dumb. It wore him out yet other guys got the glory of scoring the td when he did all of the hard work to get them down to the goal line. I also feel Carolina sabotaged his chance at getting 1000 yards at both rushing & receiving each. If they used him like normal he should have eclipsed the mark. This year it should happen barring a serious injury. Only 3 other nfl running backs have ever achieved this feat.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27296089/panthers-want-use-mccaffrey-decoy

 

[Don Wassall]

I get it, WL, thank you so much for all you do here.

Big Ben is so under-rated it's ridiculous. I don't say this because I'm from Pittsburgh, Ben is just a tremendous all-time great quarterback. He's taken so much criticism from mindless DWFs over the years here until recently, it's sad but an essential element of their group-think. Big Ben is a clearly better QB than Terry Bradshaw, who was mostly the lucky recipient of having all-time greats surrounding him on offense and defense. Anyway, enough of my rambling, I'm happy enough to see the organization taking "baby steps" in a more common sense direction.

 

[Johnny Tightlips]

I have to applaud the Pittsburgh Steelers. They are finally moving in a new direction. This is very exciting. Maybe Big Ben can finally get that final super bowl ring he deserves so much!

This seems to be a trend across the league! Correct me if Im wrong, but as of now, it appears every team got a little whiter (or at least retained their current level) with the exception of the ravens, and maybe the bears

 

[white lightning]

This seems to be a trend across the league! Correct me if Im wrong, but as of now, it appears every team got a little whiter (or at least retained their current level) with the exception of the ravens, and maybe the bears

I would have to agree off the top of my head. We need to do a percentage when the final roster lineups are projected. It's too early with the whole preseason to go and many of our guys will be cut! I for
one though believe that you have to believe before you acheive. Let's think positive thoughts brother.

 

[Booth]

Hey if this the wrong thread for this I apologize. I just want to congratulate Johnny Robinson for making in the football hall of fame. I remember him and Billy Cannon playing at LSU. Also, like to mention the passing of Nick Buoniconti. The defensive captain of the 1972 Dolphins that won the Super Bowl.

 

[Don Wassall]

It's way too early to draw much from this but it's still amusing as I've had the feeling ever since Harry was drafted that he's going to be a bust. I'm gonna be disappointed if Braxton Berrios doesn't make the team and Edelman is the only overachiever among the Patriots receivers this season.

BTW, Chad Beebe is being viewed, for now at least, as the Vikings' third receiver. Then again, Jordan Taylor was supposed to be the front-runner several weeks ago. What happened there? At least it's a couple of White receivers battling it out as of now.

NFL Network's Michael Giardi reports Patriots first-round WR N'Keal Harry has been outplayed by UDFA Jakobi Meyers through the early days of camp.
Per Giardi, Meyers has "consistently made plays in competitive situations." There have been reports of Harry dropping passes and running with the second-team offense. Harry still has plenty of time to get into a groove, but this is a reminder that nothing can be taken for granted with Patriots rookies, regardless of draft position.

 

[Don Wassall]

All the news about Renfro remains positive:

The Athletic's Vic Tafur reports fifth-rounder Hunter Renfrow has "dusted" Ryan Grant in the slot receiver battle in training camp.
This was the expectation all along. Renfrow has big fans in coach Jon Gruden and OC Greg Olson.

 

[Don Wassall]

More Maxx Crosby news. You have to take anything Jon Gruden says with many many grains of salt but I do think Crosby and Hunter Renfro have a decent chance to make an impact as rookies. Gruden and Mayock have cleaned house, something long overdue for the Raiders, and there's no reason not to let their draft picks play unless they go along with the racial apprenticeship nonsense:

Jon Gruden says Raiders DE Maxx Crosby 'might lead the league in effort'

by Marcus Mosher

By all accounts, No. 4 pick Clelin Ferrell has been as good as advertised during training camp for the Raiders. He was instantly inserted into the starting lineup and has consistently brought pressure from the edge. However, he’s not the only rookie defensive end making noise in Napa.

Fourth-round pick Maxx Crosby is already catching the eye of his head coach. At his Tuesday press conference, Jon Gruden talked about Crosby and his relentless motor:


Michael Gehlken

✔@GehlkenNFL
https://twitter.com/GehlkenNFL/status/1156326364561068032
Jon Gruden on rookie DE Maxx Crosby: “His pursuit to the football has been incredible. He’s got a ways to go yet as a pass rusher, developing an inventory of moves and recognizing plays and situations. ...He might lead the league in effort, and that’s a hell of a compliment.”
https://twitter.com/GehlkenNFL/status/1156326364561068032
On top of always playing at maximum effort, Crosby is incredibly athletic. He tested in the 88th percentile for all edge rushers entering the NFL, according to 3sigmaathlete.com. At 6-foot-5, 266 pounds, Crosby ran a 4.66 40-yard dash and posted an incredible 6.89 3-cone time at the NFL combine.

As Gruden mentioned, he still needs to improve as a pass-rusher, specifically with his technique. But the tools and motor are there for him to become a star in the NFL. Look for Crosby to find his way into the rotation in 2019 and possibly fight for a starting job.

https://raiderswire.usatoday.com/20...-maxx-crosby-might-lead-the-league-in-effort/

 

[Shadowlight]

I think the player Maxx Crosby most resembles is Patrick Kerney. Kerney played for the Falcons from 1999-2006 and during that time reached double digit sacks three times. He was a teammate of LB Keith Brooking to form one of the great athletic white front seven duos I can recall.

Kerney also played lacrosse for two seasons at Virginia and like Crosby was considered too light in the frame to succeed at the highest levels of football. Kerney put that to that to rest when he led the NFC in sacks in 2007 with 14.5 sacks.

Kerney was a coltish and explosive athlete at 6'6" and 270 pounds. Crosby has similar athletic traits at 6'5" and 255 Lbs. I suspect Crosby will put on another seven to ten pounds going forward.

Kerney didn't make a mark until his third season. I think it also might take Maxx a little time to reach his potential as well but he has all the markings of an exciting speed rusher that will create sheer havoc in the backfield for years to come.

 

[white lightning]

I'm still disgusted at the situation with Ryan Nall. The kid could be a pro bowler but he is in Chicago and they don't want him there. They have 3 or 4 running backs ahead of him. He is never gonna get a chance there. Get out of Chicago Ryan Nall. If you want to continue following your dream, it's not with the Bears.

 

[Don Wassall]

Rex Burkhead has been limited of late with some kind of unspecified injury. If he can't stay healthy he could end up getting cut but at this point I still don't expect that to happen. The state of the Patriots' running backs is always in flux.

Andy Isabella has been missing practice with a knee issue that's being called minor. Hopefully that's all it is. As seemingly always happens, all of a sudden a fellow rookie receiver, Keesean Johnson, who was drafted by Arizona in the sixth round, is getting lots of hype and praise and is currently third on the training camp depth chart behind Larry Fitzgerald and second year player Christian Kirk and ahead of Isabella.

The 49ers cut WR Max McCaffrey. He's been jerked around in classic Caste System style and obviously isn't going to get an opportunity to play. This is sad to read: "After going undrafted out of Duke in 2016, McCaffrey has bounced around the league. First with the Oakland Raiders, then the Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints, Jacksonville Jaguars, Packers again, and now the 49ers, he’s seen many of the sites NFL cities have to offer."

 

[Don Wassall]

Andrew Luck still isn't practicing since coming down with some kind of left calf injury back in April. That's a long time to be sidelined with a calf problem and has to be a bit concerning at this point.

 

[white lightning]

Rex Burkhead has been limited of late with some kind of unspecified injury. If he can't stay healthy he could end up getting cut but at this point I still don't expect that to happen. The state of the Patriots' running backs is always in flux.

Andy Isabella has been missing practice with a knee issue that's being called minor. Hopefully that's all it is. As seemingly always happens, all of a sudden a fellow rookie receiver, Keesean Johnson, who was drafted by Arizona in the sixth round, is getting lots of hype and praise and is currently third on the training camp depth chart behind Larry Fitzgerald and second year player Christian Kirk and ahead of Isabella.

The 49ers cut WR Max McCaffrey. He's been jerked around in classic Caste System style and obviously isn't going to get an opportunity to play. This is sad to read: "After going undrafted out of Duke in 2016, McCaffrey has bounced around the league. First with the Oakland Raiders, then the Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints, Jacksonville Jaguars, Packers again, and now the 49ers, he’s seen many of the sites NFL cities have to offer."

Max never got a fair look anywhere is my honest opinion. Just like Chad Hansen. Even with Ryan Nall we all know these kids have the talent but they need to get more sun.

As for Andy Isabella. In the first week of Cardinals Camp they kept showing a few hilights of Isabella getting crushed by a teammate. It reminded me of Toby Gerhart even though
they are different positions. Again there is so much jealousy around the league when any whitey has star potential. Many of the players and even teammates take cheap shots. There
is no coubt in my mine. Our guys need to always be aware and don't be afraid to slide more like their guys do. It's called common sense and saving your body for the long haul

 

[Leonardfan]

Andrew Luck still isn't practicing since coming down with some kind of left calf injury back in April. That's a long time to be sidelined with a calf problem and has to be a bit concerning at this point.

Hopefully they are just being cautious. Luck has been the best QB in the NFL when he is healthy.

 

[white is right]

Don Banks died suddenly in his sleep today while attending the hall of fame ceremony.

https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/08/04/don-banks-nfl-writer-dies-sports-illustratedHe like many veteran print writers was pink slipped in the internet era. Back in the day he and Dr. Z were 2 writers that were cornerstones of SI's coverage of the NFL.

 

[white is right]

Call this the Grim Reapers' daily double but Cliff Branch died today too. The only reason I mentioned this is that his name has been discussed as a possible seniors candidate for the one time 20 man induction ceremony. 10 seniors candidates will enter the hall and this will probably end the backlog of obvious candidates, Branch while deserving, IMO isn't at the top of the list of overlooked candidates, it will be interesting to see who makes ithttps://www.si.com/nfl/2019/08/03/cliff-branch-death-raiders-wide-receiver to Canton in February.

 

[Leonardfan]

Don Banks died suddenly in his sleep today, while attending the hall of fame ceremony.

https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/08/04/don-banks-nfl-writer-dies-sports-illustratedHe like many veteran print writers was pink slipped in the internet era. Back in the day he and Dr. Z were 2 writers that were cornerstones of SI's coverage of the NFL.

I liked Don Banks - back when I started really following football I remember reading his Snap Judgments column. Preferred him over the pretentious, self-important Peter King.

 

[Don Wassall]

Laugh of the day:

A source with knowledge of the situation tells NBC's Chris Simms that Antonio Brown is dealing with frostbitten feet after "entering a cryotherapy machine without the proper footwear."
Well that's a new one. Brown had previously been described as dealing with "blisters." Speaking Tuesday, coach Jon Gruden would only say the team was "gathering information." It's a ridiculous injury but hardly a laughing matter. Brown's status for the remainder of camp should be considered up in the air.

 

[northwinds]

Good luck getting RunCMC in Fantasy Football. He’s moved up to #2 on ESPN’s player rankings with Ezekiel Elliot looking to be a holdout.......

 

[Red Raider]

The Raiders have Hunter Renfrow listed as the starting slot receiver in their first depth chart. He realistically could have a better season as a rookie than any season he had in college! I’m excited to follow this mans career!

For now Maxx Crosby is listed #3 behind Josh Mauro and another player. TE Foster Moreau could also be a starter as a rookie.

Also something that caught my eye was Trent Irwin #2 on the Dolphins initial depth chart, ahead of former 1000 yard receiver Allen Hurns. They also had Patrick Laird ahead of 7th round rookie Myles Gaskin.

 

[Johnny Tightlips]

The Raiders have Hunter Renfrow listed as the starting slot receiver in their first depth chart. He realistically could have a better season as a rookie than any season he had in college! I’m excited to follow this mans career!

For now Maxx Crosby is listed #3 behind Josh Mauro and another player. TE Foster Moreau could also be a starter as a rookie.

Also something that caught my eye was Trent Irwin #2 on the Dolphins initial depth chart, ahead of former 1000 yard receiver Allen Hurns. They also had Patrick Laird ahead of 7th round rookie Myles Gaskin.

Im not suprised at all by that last tidbit, Trent Irwin could be one of the more interesting receivers to watch out for in the preseason! I watched him a lot at Stanford, he was like one of five really good Wr/TE options so his numbers arent of the chart, but he was the best athlete out of all of them no doubt.

 

[Don Wassall]

A couple tidbits about Bears players we're interested in. Of course it's pure coincidence that both Gentry and Nall excel in training camp but have yet to get a shot at regular season playing time:

Allen Robinson was followed by Anthony Miller, Javon Wims, Marvin Hall, Jordan Williams-Lambert, and Emanuel Hall. Taylor Gabriel was followed by Cordarrelle Patterson, Riley Ridley, Tanner Gentry, Taquan Mizzell Sr., Thomas Ives and Joe Walker. Of import here is Tanner Gentry edging out Mizzell Sr., who played a fair amount of snaps last year. Gentry has excelled in Bourbonnais before, however, and his preseason brilliance hasn’t previously translated into playing time, but if he continues to edge out Mizzell Sr., we just might see a little more of Tanner Gentry in the future.

Also not surprising is the order of the current Bears running backs. Tarik Cohen is RB 1, with Mike Davis and David Montgomery rounding out the top three. Perennial Bourbonnais all-star Ryan Nall was placed just ahead of recent draft pick Kerrith White Jr., so it seems that the real battle here is whether Nall beats White Jr. out for the fourth spot. Nall has shown flashes in previous preseasons, but he was also moved to the Bears’ practice squad before, so each preseason game will likely be crucial here.

https://heavy.com/sports/2019/08/chicago-bears-latest-depth-chart/

 

[Don Wassall]

Andy Isabella returned to practice today, so his knee issue was very minor.

 

[Johnny Tightlips]

A couple tidbits about Bears players we're interested in. Of course it's pure coincidence that both Gentry and Nall excel in training camp but have yet to get a shot at regular season playing time:

Allen Robinson was followed by Anthony Miller, Javon Wims, Marvin Hall, Jordan Williams-Lambert, and Emanuel Hall. Taylor Gabriel was followed by Cordarrelle Patterson, Riley Ridley, Tanner Gentry, Taquan Mizzell Sr., Thomas Ives and Joe Walker. Of import here is Tanner Gentry edging out Mizzell Sr., who played a fair amount of snaps last year. Gentry has excelled in Bourbonnais before, however, and his preseason brilliance hasn’t previously translated into playing time, but if he continues to edge out Mizzell Sr., we just might see a little more of Tanner Gentry in the future.

Also not surprising is the order of the current Bears running backs. Tarik Cohen is RB 1, with Mike Davis and David Montgomery rounding out the top three. Perennial Bourbonnais all-star Ryan Nall was placed just ahead of recent draft pick Kerrith White Jr., so it seems that the real battle here is whether Nall beats White Jr. out for the fourth spot. Nall has shown flashes in previous preseasons, but he was also moved to the Bears’ practice squad before, so each preseason game will likely be crucial here.

https://heavy.com/sports/2019/08/chicago-bears-latest-depth-chart/

Im not getting my hopes up, the fact that they still trot Tanner Gentry out there like they have any interest really gets under my skin....the bears staff knows he isnt going to make the team,stop wasting his time and let him go elsewhere

 

[Shadowlight]

The Raiders have Hunter Renfrow listed as the starting slot receiver in their first depth chart. He realistically could have a better season as a rookie than any season he had in college! I’m excited to follow this mans career!

For now Maxx Crosby is listed #3 behind Josh Mauro and another player. TE Foster Moreau could also be a starter as a rookie.

Also something that caught my eye was Trent Irwin #2 on the Dolphins initial depth chart, ahead of former 1000 yard receiver Allen Hurns. They also had Patrick Laird ahead of 7th round rookie Myles Gaskin.

Still early of course but might as well hang on to some potential good news while the getting is good. Ha.

WR Irwin missed all the draft workouts due to an injury but most here felt he had pro potential. And RB Laird as well of course. Laird offers various skills and is top notch in the character department. Hoping for the best for both of these deserving athletes.

WR Renfrow starting would be a big plus. As I had mentioned before it might take Crosby some time ( Patrick Kerney didn't explode until his third season), but it is just a matter of time. Once he gets into the full swing he should be an exciting speed edge player. TE Moreau is a fantastic athlete.

Note Arizona will be on the NFL network late Thursday night so maybe a peak at WR Isabella. And Friday night Tampa Bay and maybe a glimpse of WR Miller. Two speed demons that I will be rooting for like crazy.