“Ultimate Competitor”
Patrick Mahomes is a future Hall of Famer, but what makes him elite, separates him from this generation’s top QBs?
I asked a handful of executives and rival players. Maxx Crosby had two simple words … |
@FanBuzz
#Chiefs
#NFL
Asking around on Sam Darnold, and the sense I get from scouts, coaches, and executives is that the perception of him among fans and some in media is significantly higher than of those inside the league.
“He stinks, bro” says one offensive coach.
#Jets
#NFL
Terry Bradshaw on FOX, asked for reasons
#Giants
should be optimistic:
“I can’t. There are none. It’s a bad, bad, bad job. It’s a bad coaching job by Joe Judge and a bad GM job by Dave Gettleman.”
Sounds about right.
#NFL
Alshon Jeffery threw down the gauntlet to a Sunday Night Football camera: "S---, aint nobody F---ing with us. We're the best. We know we're the best." While wearing a Brian Dawkins t-shirt after the game.
#Eagles
The
#Bills
are legit. Josh Allen is a legitimate franchise QB, Devin Singletary is a rising RB, John Brown is an electrifying talent at WR and that defense is monstrous. Gonna be fun watching them challenge and ultimately surpass NE in coming years.
It’s trivial, given that Damar Hamlin is seemingly fighting for his life, but
@notthefakeSVP
,
@Realrclark25
and Lisa Salters were just absolutely tremendous over the past 30 minutes. A masterclass in journalism in one of the most emotionally difficult circumstances imaginable.
Massive fight here at
#Giants
camp. Corey Clement busted a big run, Logan Ryan leveled Evan Engram late. Somehow Daniel Jones ended up on the bottom of the pile.
Joe Judge lines whole team up on the goal line, and now the entire team running 100-yard gassers.
Lots of chatter inside the league among
#NFL
executives that Sean Payton stepped away from the
#Saints
with more than one eye on the
#Cowboys
. And the interest is mutual, per sources.
The biggest winners today, didn't even play today. The
#Bengals
look like they righted the ship on Thursday night, before all three other teams in the AFC North lost today, and Cincinnati now faces the eighth-easiest remaining schedule in the
#NFL
.
Burrow's Bengals are back.
If I'm the
#Browns
, here's my offseason plan:
- Throw $34 million at Kirk Cousins
- Trade for/or sign Jarvis Landry
- Draft Saquon Barkley No. 1 overall
- Draft Minkah Fitzpatrick No. 4 overall
They're immediately an 8-8/9-7 team this season with a bright future.
Andy Reid added defensive backs coach to John Harbaugh’s special teams responsibilities, because he knew it would help him land a HC job. He allowed Doug Pederson and Matt Nagy to call plays in second half of games. Doing same for Eric Bieniemy. This is why Reid’s tree succeeds.
Brian Daboll says he’s asked Daniel Jones to point out the plays and concepts he’s liked during his first three years with the
#Giants
, and even at Duke, and that’s what Daboll will build the scheme around.
#NFL
The
#Giants
have been trying to build an offensive line since at least 2016. Maybe longer.
Andrew Thomas is an All-Pro, but New York’s given up 6.0 sacks, 9 QB hits, and Saquon Barkley is averaging 3.0 yards per carry. This is an organizational failure stretching nearly a decade
#Jets
CB Bryce Hall is going to be available at the
#NFL
trade deadline, per sources.
Hall, 24, has seen his snaps cut dramatically after NY added DJ Reed and Sauce Gardner, but is one year removed from finishing 2nd in forced incompletions, and is best fit for man-schemes.
Whatever the
#Eagles
decide to do with Jalen Hurts, there might not be a better positioned team in the
#NFL
for long-term success than the
#Eagles
right now. Three first-round picks, over $15 million in cap space, some flexibility to create more ... And they're in the mix this yr
Undrafted rookie CB Grant Haley has emerged as one of the
#Giants
premier defenders since inheriting the nickel job four weeks ago.
He’s their highest graded defensive player to date. Here’s a breakdown of the
#NYG
defense, according to
@PFF
:
From winning his HS the first state title in 3 decades, a twist of fate leading him to his mother’s alma-mater, to going undrafted and eventually starting for
#Giants
, Grant Haley’s football journey has been surreal. It might just save his mom’s life:
It's amazing to me that four years after Dave Gettleman vowed to make fixing the offensive line his top priority, his successor is going to need to replace *FOUR* offensive linemen.
Just stunning incompetence in team building.
#Giants
#NFL
I’m told per multiple league sources there is “zero” truth to the
#Jets
offering any sort of package that included No. 10, No. 35, Elijah Moore, etc. to the
#49ers
for Deebo Samuel.
#NFL
#PennState
has EIGHT players chosen in the
#NFLDraft
this weekend, including first-rounder Jahan Dotson. It’s the most for the program since 1996.
It’s becoming clear, if you want to go to the
#NFL
, you should want to play for James Franklin.
Annnnnnd it’s official: My Mom doesn’t need chemo.
Really and truly appreciate anyone who prayed or sent good vibes, and or reached out over the past few weeks. She starts radiation soon, but her whole medical team is optimistic.
This was the most impressive throw Daniel Jones made last year. If this was the only
#Giants
play from last year that you saw, you’d know why they took three offensive linemen, starting with Andrew Thomas at No. 4.
One of the most incredible moments I’ve experienced as a sports fan. Ears ringing, I’ve never seen a team forced to take a timeout before the FIRST snap of the game.
#WeAre
#107kstrong
Underrated moment from last years college football season: Beaver Stadium going so wild during Mo Bamba that Michigan had to burn a timeout before the first snap
#Cowboys
tight end Jake Ferguson was a standout at rookie minicamp this weekend. Those around the team believe he “has the chance to be special.”
The
@BadgerFootball
standout turned heads with his physicality, and “really solid body control in the passing game.”
#NFL
.
FYI -
@verizonfios
’ Basic Local cable package does NOT include
@FoxNews
& they allow you to add your five most watched (handpicked) channels, any additional sports and premium channels on top.
So, good for
@Verizon
offering an option not to pay White Nationalist Tucker Carlson!
Who will be the first cable company to say it has had enough with Tucker Carlson’s white supremacy?
Which one will at least give their customers the option of not paying for it with their basic package?
They can be assured they will be absolutely showered with new customers.
Two weeks ago, my Dad was essentially paralyzed on his left side after a stroke. Tonight, he *walked* out of
@LVHN
Hospital
The powers of prayer, modern medicine & the human brain are wondrous things. Just wanted to say a heartfelt thanks for all of your prayers and support💪🏼 🙏🏼
I’m not usually one to ask, but my father — the strongest, most generous man I know — could really use your prayers, if you’re the prayerful type. And any good vibes you can spare. Thank you ... 🙏🏼
From what I have been told speaking with sources, if
#Giants
come knocking, Matt Rhule would “jump at the opportunity.” He has long craved an
#NFL
job and his strong northeast roots in NY and State College, Pa could make this an ideal landing spot. Having a QB in place helps, too
What are the
#Chiefs
getting in George Karlaftis?
Had an NFC Personnel executive tell me “He reminds me of J.J. Watt, when Watt was coming out. An explosive and versatile playmaker who has a high motor and can line up at 3,5, or 7. Very strong kid”
#NFL
#NFLDraft
I’m told, per source, that Kenny Golladay’s free agent visit with the
#Giants
will be in person, with medical testing happening prior to the two sided actually meeting.
#NFL
I thought this insight from former
#Bills
LB Lorenzo Alexander on Sean McDermott in this morning’s
@FanSided
column was a fantastic and fascinating glimpse into the culture McDermott has built in Buffalo. And what makes him a special coach
#NFL
#BillsMafia
There’s a ton of optimism around
#Bills
DL Boogie Basham this spring. Basham balled out in the postseason, producing six tackles and a sack, and should see an expanded role this season after getting his weight under control and training all offseason in Buffalo.
#BillsMafia
#NFL
The
#Giants
won two games outside a historically pathetic division this year, had only one win against a team with an above .500 record, and finished 6-10 with the 31st ranked offense in the
#NFL
’s highest-scoring season ever. Preaching patience for a 15-33 GM is kind of rich.
I’m not usually one to ask, but my father — the strongest, most generous man I know — could really use your prayers, if you’re the prayerful type. And any good vibes you can spare. Thank you ... 🙏🏼
Some chatter on
#Vikings
RB Alexander Mattison, I'm told per league sources, while Minnesota isn't actively shopping him, the team is certainly listening to offers.
#NFL
Just spoke to my Dad, and happy to share that after suffering a stroke Sunday & losing movement in his left side, he can curl his arm more than an inch! Huge milestone. Doctors fully expect a complete recovery.
He made me promise to thank everyone for prayers. We all do. 🙏🏼
I’m not usually one to ask, but my father — the strongest, most generous man I know — could really use your prayers, if you’re the prayerful type. And any good vibes you can spare. Thank you ... 🙏🏼
Executives inside the
#NFL
seem high on the
#Giants
’ hiring Joe Schoen.
Many impressed by his versatile background in college AND pro scouting, diligent, steady.
Seems like New York got a good one.
Here are the three highest-graded offensive tackles by
@PFF
across the
#NFL
in Week 1:
1)
#Texans
Laremy Tunsil 82.4
2)
#Vikings
Brian O'Neil 80.6
3)
#Giants
Andrew Thomas 79.9
This is frankly inexcusable. The pass is practically in Cincinnati. You simply cannot throw a pass interference flag here. Especially with the game on the line. The
#NFL
has an officiating problem on its hands.
I just re-watched every pass from Daniel Jones' first drive. The Tate completion over the middle & touchdown to Fowler were the type of throws top quarterbacks in their prime rarely make. Jones might force
#Giants
to make an uncomfortable quarterback decision if he keeps this up.
This feels like a career-ending performance for Toney. At least as a viable starting receiver. This drop is hideous. Compounded by the drop on the pick-six. Just … Yikes.
#Chiefs
WR Byron Pringle is heading to free agency, after catching a career-high 42 passes for 568 yards and five touchdowns,
Expect a strong market for the 28-year old ascending receiver.
#NFL
Someone simply couldn’t wait to join the world. She came 4 weeks early, but Sophia Marie Lombardo is a fully healthy 6 Pounds, 2 Ounces. Mom was an absolute rock star. Everyone is perfectly healthy, and happy. Dad’s overjoyed.
If Dave Gettleman once again spins a tale that the
#Giants
couldn’t afford to tag Landon Collins, remember,
#NYG
is paying Eli Manning $23 million as one last thank you for a Super Bowl he won them 8 years ago.
My column on that absurdity:
The
#Giants
just wrapped up the first 11-on-11 red zone drill. Here’s how it went:
Eli Manning: 0-for-3 with an INT
Daniel Jones: 2-3 with a TD to Cody Latimer.
I’ll say this, for as bullish as I am on Justin Fields, Trey Lance and
#49ers
are in just an incredible position … Top-five defensive talent, young speedsters at WR, an offensive mastermind in Kyle Shanahan … If Lance’s ceiling is as high as it appears, SF has a real SB window.
If I were ranking the wide receivers from this
#NFLDraft
based solely on situation and chance at immediate success, it probably looks something like:
1) Skyy Moore,
#Chiefs
2) Jahan Dotson,
#Commanders
3) Garrett Wilson,
#Jets
4) Drake London,
#Falcons
5) Treylon Burks,
#Titans
The
#Eagles
as things stand are projected to be $74 million OVER the cap with an aging roster and uncertainty at QB. Keeping Howie Roseman over Doug Pederson is ... interesting.
Grant Haley says that he and Saquon Barkley were the first players in the building today for rookie minicamp. Just them and the coaches. They got here and ate breakfast together at 6:30am.
#Giants
#PennState
Brian Flores won 19 games the past two seasons. Is a brilliant defensive mind. And the
#Texans
are turning to … Lovie Smith? On Feb. 6/7?
Why even fire David Culley, if this is where your process left you?
As others have suggested,
#Falcons
’ interest in Lamar Jackson is very real
“The
#Ravens
’ Lamar Jackson deal talks with Atlanta progressed tremendously in Indy,” I’m told
More, plus scout’s take on how Jackson would elevate ATL’s offense |
@HeavyOnSports
The buzz about Travon Walker going No. 1 to the
#Jaguars
is very real. Have heard from a GM and a couple of scouts who love his athleticism and think he's who Jacksonville is zeroing in on.
#NFL
I’m told the
#Giants
are showing significant interest in the linebacker market, as free agency nears. New York is expected to have approximately $42 million in cap space |
@HeavyOnSports
This right here underscores the utter selfishness of anti-vaxxers. No thought for the immunocompromised or children. Good for Ron Rivera speaking up and speaking out. Hopefully his team gets the message.
#NFL
Ron Rivera opens up more about his cancer battle last year and the lack of vaccines for his players now: "I'm truly frustrated, I'm beyond frustrated. I'm immune deficient, and with this new variant, who knows."
Dan Quinn and Mike McCarthy both being at
#PennState
’s pro day makes me think the
#Cowboys
are eyeing planting Brandon Smith alongside Micah Parsons or Jaquan Brisker in the secondary.
Smith, a former 5-star recruit, finished 2021 with 81 tackles, two sacks, and is very athletic
Saquon Barkley: “Daniel Jones had himself a day yesterday in practice ... Everyone thinks he’s a terrible pick, but wait until he wins two Super Bowls and see what they’re saying then.”
#Giants
The
#Giants
are going to wind up being in the mix for Caleb Williams or Drake Maye. That's the silver lining if you're a New York fan. But, this roster is a mess. They just aren't competitive ...
From everything I have heard, Brian Daboll has significant interest in reuniting with Tua Tagovailoa, who he coached at Alabama and advocated for Nick Saban to play over Jalen Hurts.
#Dolphins
#Bills
#Giants
Though no decision has been made on Dolphins coaching search, Brian Daboll has some solid support inside the building, per source briefed on the situation.
Asked around a little bit more on James Bradberry, from a current
#NFL
coach:
“I don’t think he could have landed in a better fit, schematically speaking, and think he’s going to have a really strong season there.”
#Eagles
#Giants
#Giants
coach Joe Judge is in attendance at
#PennState
's Pro Day ... Could be eyeing Micah Parsons, Jayson Oweh, or Pat Freiermuth, three players that would fill key needs.
Joe Judge says
#Giants
have thought about taking Daniel Jones’ red jersey off, to “pop his pads a little bit” before the season opener, but aren’t going to “throw him into a ‘royal rumble’ or anything like that. Will be smart about getting him some hits, in absence of preseason.