NFL News, Rumors and Musings

[Don Wassall]

The New Orleans QB battle will be among the most interesting to watch unfold in training camp and into the regular season. As always, the hive mind assumes Jameis Winston will win it and many already regard him as the starter, but Taysom Hill is who Sean Payton turned to last year when Drew Brees was hurt, and now Hill is working out solely as a quarterback rather than a Swiss army knife, which I take as a good sign:

"Hill said Tuesday that he is strictly training as a quarterback this offseason, Mike Triplett of ESPN.com reports. Analysis: Prior to logging snaps at six offensive positions in 2020, per Pro Football Focus, Hill said he spent previous offseasons by preparing to play in a variety of roles on offense and special teams. With Drew Brees now retired, there's an open window for Hill to secure the starting quarterback gig in New Orleans and, for seemingly the first time in his professional career, it appears he is exclusively being coached to play that one position. While the 30-year-old will face competition from fellow incumbent backup QB Jameis Winston this offseason, it was Hill who the Saints chose as the starter when Brees was injured for four games last season. Accordingly, the job may be Hill's to lose, especially after coach Sean Payton previously expressed doubt in March that New Orleans will add another signal-caller to the mix."

 

[Don Wassall]

Drew Lock is another White QB being written off by the corporate media, despite Courtland Sutton missing last season with a blown out knee and 2020 first round pick Jerry Jeudy -- another of those "NFL ready" players who was anything but -- having a quite pedestrian rookie season. And past that the WR depth chart is barren beyond Tim Patrick. But of course it's all on Lock:

Speaking Thursday, Broncos GM George Paton revealed he had spoken with Dolphins GM Chris Grier on Wednesday. We will try not to overstate this — it isn't exactly uncommon for GMs to be speaking this time of year — but Paton's admission comes amidst reports the Dolphins would like to trade back down from No. 6, while it would make sense for the quarterback-needy Broncos to move up from No. 9. Paton and Grier also worked together for six years in Miami, so they have a longtime relationship. This is one trade with a real chance of happening between now and next Thursday's first round.

 

[Leonardfan]

Drew Lock is another White QB being written off by the corporate media, despite Courtland Sutton missing last season with a blown out knee and 2020 first round pick Jerry Jeudy -- another of those "NFL ready" players who was anything but -- having a quite pedestrian rookie season. And past that the WR depth chart is barren beyond Tim Patrick. But of course it's all on Lock:

Speaking Thursday, Broncos GM George Paton revealed he had spoken with Dolphins GM Chris Grier on Wednesday. We will try not to overstate this — it isn't exactly uncommon for GMs to be speaking this time of year — but Paton's admission comes amidst reports the Dolphins would like to trade back down from No. 6, while it would make sense for the quarterback-needy Broncos to move up from No. 9. Paton and Grier also worked together for six years in Miami, so they have a longtime relationship. This is one trade with a real chance of happening between now and next Thursday's first round.

lets not forget Lock was supposed to sit in 2019 and had no OTAs for the 2020 season. I do think Lock has to improve his accuracy but the Broncos coaching staff has done him no favors in terms of offensive scheme. Lock’s pure arm strength is some of the best I have seen and certainly better than any QB in the draft.

Of course every fan base is clamoring for their black qb savior to run a simplified offense these days.

 

[Don Wassall]

And now for today's borscht belt comedy -- Andy Isabella is "more lost than ever" and the answer is for Grandpa Larry Fitzgerald, he of the 6.10 40 speed, to run more deep routes. Poor Andy, he just can't figure out how to run NFL routes. You can't make this idiocy up:

Although the Arizona Cardinals need an answer. We’re down to single-digit days before the draft and he needs to let Steve Keim and the fanbase know what he’s doing. I won’t have a problem with whatever his choice is- even if that does mean heading to another team whose closer to a Lombardi than the only team he’s played for in the NFL.

It comes as no surprise that there are a handful of wide receivers in this draft that are touted as game-changers. Perhaps one of them does fall to 16 and is drafted- what will happen if that rookie never sees playing time being buried on the depth chart? Sure he’ll learn from the players, but Kyler Murray just has never thrown to Larry Fitzgerald. With only 1200 yards and 5 touchdowns over the last two years, it’s sad to see and even think about this.

Of course, DeAndre Hopkins coming in for 2020 will do that, and Hopkins’ work is appreciated. Although I wonder what would’ve happened had Fitzgerald been given some deep routes instead of Andy Isabella looking more lost than ever. I’d like to think that A.J. Green, who credited Fitzgerald with so much praise and life lessons would be a reason for him to return among all of the moves Keim made.

https://raisingzona.com/2021/03/26/arizona-fans-can-turn-watt-new-t-shirt/

 

[Leonardfan]

And now for today's borscht belt comedy -- Andy Isabella is "more lost than ever" and the answer is for Grandpa Larry Fitzgerald, he of the 6.10 40 speed, to run more deep routes. Poor Andy, he just can't figure out how to run NFL routes. You can't make this idiocy up:

Although the Arizona Cardinals need an answer. We’re down to single-digit days before the draft and he needs to let Steve Keim and the fanbase know what he’s doing. I won’t have a problem with whatever his choice is- even if that does mean heading to another team whose closer to a Lombardi than the only team he’s played for in the NFL.

It comes as no surprise that there are a handful of wide receivers in this draft that are touted as game-changers. Perhaps one of them does fall to 16 and is drafted- what will happen if that rookie never sees playing time being buried on the depth chart? Sure he’ll learn from the players, but Kyler Murray just has never thrown to Larry Fitzgerald. With only 1200 yards and 5 touchdowns over the last two years, it’s sad to see and even think about this.

Of course, DeAndre Hopkins coming in for 2020 will do that, and Hopkins’ work is appreciated. Although I wonder what would’ve happened had Fitzgerald been given some deep routes instead of Andy Isabella looking more lost than ever. I’d like to think that A.J. Green, who credited Fitzgerald with so much praise and life lessons would be a reason for him to return among all of the moves Keim made.

https://raisingzona.com/2021/03/26/arizona-fans-can-turn-watt-new-t-shirt/

one of the most persistent draft rumors is that the Cardinals are looking to draft WRs. I didn’t like seeing them draft Isabella 2 years ago and now it sounds like he is going to be pushed off the team completely to no fault of his own.

Meanwhile Giants GM Dave Gettleman seems down right giddy about first round bust John Ross and his deep speed while not even mentioning the failure Ross has been in the NFL.

 

[Leonardfan]

https://nfltraderumors.co/nfltr-review-are-pocket-passers-going-extinct/

I have frequented this site for the past 2 years. This is probably the worst editorial/opinion piece they have done. It’s incredibly lazy - pretty much all of their assumptions on dual threat are based on race and pushing the agenda with digs at Mac Jones and QBs from the bygone era of the Nfl.

From what I can gather none of the analysis took into consideration the number of passes thrown from the pocket when compared to taking off and running with the ball. The author also makes arguments that the 2011/2012 “dual threat” qbs changed the landscape when the league pretty much corrected everything in 2013. The author also fails to mention that Newton peaked in 2015 and has been on a steep decline, the gremlin’s “dual threat” capability killed his career due to injury, Kapernick’s downfall was the league figuring out the offensive scheme. Looking beyond that Mariota fizzled out of the league.

The dual threat/scrambler category is also lazily done. Mahomes, Wilson and Prescott are not dual threat. The author also fails to mention Prescott’s injury was due to the fact he took of an ran with the ball. Trubisky could of been a true dual threat if he was not hamstrung by racial stereotypes and an inept headcoach.

This all leads to my final point - the one no one ever mentions which is that non-white qbs are becoming more prevalent as the game gets easier, rules are slanted to favor offenses, the lack of needing to learn an nfl offense due to the dearth of defensive talent/inability to play physical defense. I know I’ve stated the same theory several times but it bears repeating especially leading up to the draft with the media and dwfs ire squarely set on Mac Jones.

 

[Red Raider]

https://nfltraderumors.co/nfltr-review-are-pocket-passers-going-extinct/

I have frequented this site for the past 2 years. This is probably the worst editorial/opinion piece they have done. It’s incredibly lazy - pretty much all of their assumptions on dual threat are based on race and pushing the agenda with digs at Mac Jones and QBs from the bygone era of the Nfl.

From what I can gather none of the analysis took into consideration the number of passes thrown from the pocket when compared to taking off and running with the ball. The author also makes arguments that the 2011/2012 “dual threat” qbs changed the landscape when the league pretty much corrected everything in 2013. The author also fails to mention that Newton peaked in 2015 and has been on a steep decline, the gremlin’s “dual threat” capability killed his career due to injury, Kapernick’s downfall was the league figuring out the offensive scheme. Looking beyond that Mariota fizzled out of the league.

The dual threat/scrambler category is also lazily done. Mahomes, Wilson and Prescott are not dual threat. The author also fails to mention Prescott’s injury was due to the fact he took of an ran with the ball. Trubisky could of been a true dual threat if he was not hamstrung by racial stereotypes and an inept headcoach.

This all leads to my final point - the one no one ever mentions which is that non-white qbs are becoming more prevalent as the game gets easier, rules are slanted to favor offenses, the lack of needing to learn an nfl offense due to the dearth of defensive talent/inability to play physical defense. I know I’ve stated the same theory several times but it bears repeating especially leading up to the draft with the media and dwfs ire squarely set on Mac Jones.

The sad part is that even with the small draft class our guys are still getting shoved to the side. This is going to be a BRUTAL draft most likely especially in the mid-rounds. Here’s my short list of players who I will be very disappointed if they aren’t drafted. These are the probably the guys who I’ll be watching the closest out of the entire draft class.
WR Blake Proehl
WR Dax Milne
RB Jake Funk
WR Bailey Gaither
S Brady Breeze

 

[Leonardfan]

The sad part is that even with the small draft class our guys are still getting shoved to the side. This is going to be a BRUTAL draft most likely especially in the mid-rounds. Here’s my short list of players who I will be very disappointed if they aren’t drafted. These are the probably the guys who I’ll be watching the closest out of the entire draft class.
WR Blake Proehl
WR Dax Milne
RB Jake Funk
WR Bailey Gaither
S Brady Breeze

With less prospects to sift through our guys might get a little more exposure. Also, the draft weenies all parrot each other with little deviation. I’m certainly not disagreeing with you but do think the odds are a little better this time around.

 

[Bucky]

Perhaps a glimmer of hope with less prospects in the mix. I still have the feeling our prospects will largely be ignored..Much like they were when building teams for the Alternative NFL Leagues that quickly sizzled out. That being said, it will likely be around the magical 20% mark, would be nice to go over that for once!

 

[Leonardfan]

Perhaps a glimmer of hope with less prospects in the mix. I still have the feeling our prospects will largely be ignored..Much like they were when building teams for the Alternative NFL Leagues that quickly sizzled out. That being said, it will likely be around the magical 20% mark, would be nice to go over that for once!

Good call on the alternative leagues. The AAF and XFL surely did do a bang up job of scrounging up all the black mediocrity possible to put on their rosters. They are both defunct now too! Live by the caste system die by it too.

 

[Don Wassall]

Larry Fitzgerald has been a great receiver and has always been old school, no gyrations or pointing at himself after good plays, but this Weenieworld description is pathetic. Effective?? His stats from last season are laughable, not even 8 yards a catch and just a single touchdown. Time to retire and maybe just maybe the Cardinals will give Andy Isabella a much bigger role this season, though the odds are greatly against it given Kucksbury's tendencies so far.

Larry Fitzgerald has talked with Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury, but "nothing has changed" on whether he plans to retire.
A free agent for the first time in his career, 37-year-old Fitzgerald has yet to decide if he'll continue playing. The Cardinals look to have moved on, signing A.J. Green to a one-year, $8 million contract this offseason. Arizona also has Christian Kirk and Andy Isabella as returning options in the slot. Fitzgerald remained effective in a scaled back role last year, posting a 54/409/1 line on 72 targets. There's been rumors Fitzgerald could reunite with ex-Cardinals coach Bruce Arians in Tampa.

 

[Extra Point]

I can't see Tampa Bay signing Fitzgerald. They're well stocked with receivers.

 

[Leonardfan]

https://nfltraderumors.co/cowboys-lb-sean-lee-is-retiring/

Cowboy great Sean Lee is retiring. Injuries plagued him the last few years of his career but in his prime he was one of the best LBs in the game. I believe Sean Lee was also the last white LB drafted out of PSU who at one time seemed to churn out white LBs at a decent rate - Poz and Dan Connor were the two who preceded him into the NFL. Poz was another top 5 LB during his time in the league while Dan Connor disappointed after being dominant in college. While I am thinking of Big Ten teams - Ohio State also had a solid core of white LBs back in the mid 2000s - Hawk, Carpenter and Anthony Schlegel and since that time OSU has really darkened up but still seem a little bit more fair to white defenders then James Franklin's PSU program.

 

[Leonardfan]

https://nfltraderumors.co/texans-planned-to-trade-deshaun-watson-this-week-before-legal-issues/

Watson is the embodiment of everything that is wrong with black athletes. I really do hope that his current legal issues end up impacting his career long term. I can only laugh at the Texans for investing so much many into this guy only to have him whine, complain, try to force a trade (which it looks like they were going to allow) prior to the sexual harassment/solicitation allegations.

 

[Rocky B]

I’ve had limited desire to read articles on Watson and why he’s in trouble.
Sounds like he was frequenting a jack shack and was trying to get away with a little more than just a rub and tug..

 

[Leonardfan]

I’ve had limited desire to read articles on Watson and why he’s in trouble.
Sounds like he was frequenting a jack shack and was trying to get away with a little more than just a rub and tug..

I have not gotten into many of the details either. From what I have read he would seek out masseuses on social media directly, setup appointments and at some point during the massage try to convert a massage into a happy ending. So his actions range from harassment, indecent exposure to solicitation. Have to wonder how the #metoo crowd and the jock sniffers/blackpower sports media types are going to have this one out.

 

[Extra Point]

https://nfltraderumors.co/texans-planned-to-trade-deshaun-watson-this-week-before-legal-issues/

Watson is the embodiment of everything that is wrong with black athletes. I really do hope that his current legal issues end up impacting his career long term. I can only laugh at the Texans for investing so much many into this guy only to have him whine, complain, try to force a trade (which it looks like they were going to allow) prior to the sexual harassment/solicitation allegations.

I don't know if Watson is guilty of all the accusations against but given the behavior of black athletes it wouldn't surprise me.

Watson is a black supremacist and an anti-white racist. He lied and claimed that the Bears never talked to him before the draft when they did.

Watson is a scumbag. I hope he goes down.

 

[Phall]

The Watson charges are sordid and uncomfortable to discuss. They also inflect on a couple of key dynamics that no sane contemporary public figure wants to dig in on: black male - white female relations, and female sexual agency.

From what I've gathered, Watson became a fan of a specific encounter style. He would travel on the road as a professional star athlete and solicit female masseuses for private in-house sessions (he would host them in his domain). The inferred dynamic is that they are mostly white women, although none are public as of now.

The encounters involve Watson pushing for sex or oral sex from the (many) females. Some of the women, although I haven't counted how many, simply turned him away on the spot and barged out. Not sure that ol' Judge Samson Phall would award those women any money past their stated hourly rate, to be honest. All these girls were sober, too.

Some of the girls, ahem, women, were apparently susceptible to the offer beyond their posted rates. At least a couple said they had oral sex forced on them. The most graphic account was incomplete, as the woman said she blacked out and sh*t herself. For that, she received an apology text from Deshaun. This one seems the most damnable, but it still only came out in the civil suit rather than any contemporary criminal complaint.

I hate that it's allowed to happen. We went pretty far as a society to get young Deshaun into that fetish. Ben Roethlisberger got a six game suspension for much less.

 

[Leonardfan]

Called this one:

Broncos acquired QB Teddy Bridgewater from the Panthers in exchange for a 2021 sixth-round pick.
The Broncos have been reported to be in the mix for a QB via the draft since the start of the offseason. Drew Lock has failed to do much in his 18 games as a starter, averaging just 6.6 yards per attempt and leading the league in interceptions last year. It's hard to see Bridgewater as the long-term answer though. After playing admirably as Drew Brees backup in 2019, the Saints ultimately let him walk in free agency. Then the Panthers saw a year of him as a starter and chose to replace him with Sam Darnold. Neither move is a resounding endorsement of his potential. Bridgewater will have a great cast of weapons to work with in Denver but he played alongside a talented receiving unit in Carolina last year and did little with the opportunity. He threw 15 touchdowns to 11 interceptions and won just four games across 15 starts. As part of the trade, Carolina agreed to take on $7 million of Bridgewater's $10 million in guarantees for 2021. Bridgewater's contract was also restructured to make him a free agent at the end of 2021. That makes the deal low-risk for the Broncos but it remains minimal in upside. Adam Schefter added that this move doesn't take Denver out of the QB conversation with the No. 9 pick in the draft. Acquiring two quarterbacks in as many days would be surprising but the lack of investment in Bridgewater leaves a first-round passer on the table for the Broncos.

 

[Extra Point]

In his 6 year NFL career Bridgewater has never had more than 15 TD passes.

 

[Bucky]

In his 6 year NFL career Bridgewater has never had more than 15 TD passes.

Lol ridiculous he's still making 10mil a year.

 

[Leonardfan]

Lol ridiculous he's still making 10mil a year.

The fascination around Bridgewater is astounding really. I cannot think of any logical reason as to why DWFs/forum football experts/analysts think he is anything more than a mediocre quarterback. He's a skinny, noodle armed QB. I do certainly hope that his performance in Carolina finally took the blinders off some of the aforementioned types who have held him to such reverence even though he has achieved nothing.

 

[Don Wassall]

In his 6 year NFL career Bridgewater has never had more than 15 TD passes.

That's Byron Leftwich-esque. That statue and former 7th overall pick also never threw more than 15 TD passes in a season.

 

[Leonardfan]

That's Byron Leftwich-esque. That statue and former 7th overall pick also never threw more than 15 TD passes in a season.

Too be fair the bulk of Leftwich's playing time came before the NFL started manipulating the rules and making the game more passer friendly. Bridgewater is a lesser talent then Leftwich yet he sticks around while Leftwich lost his starting job after 3 seasons to Garrard and became a career backup.

 

[HaywoodZarathustra]

Bridgewater is better than the stupendous Akili Smith.