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KimJongBaze
Topic author - Posts: 1329
- Joined: 27 Nov 2018, 18:31
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With Brady, the Bucs Go All In
As if getting Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski weren't enough, Bruce Arians continues to load his team with talent, indicating that Tampa Bay isn't waiting any longer to be a Super Bowl contender.
The Buccaneers went as far as finalizing an intradivisional trade with the New Orleans Saints, of all teams, to acquire Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and solidify the back end of their secondary. While young, the secondary boasts tons of potential with Sean Murphy-Bunting, Carlton Davis III, Jemel Dean, Jordan Whitehead, and Mike Edwards, to name a few players.
Whatever the case is, it likely won't slow down Brady and the offense as he begins his quest for ring number seven.
In exchange for Gardner-Johnson (who returns to the state of Florida where he played his college football), the Saints received several draft picks - a 2022 4th and 6th rounder - as well as linebacker Kendell Beckwith. The Saints now have 4 inside linebackers after the additions of Beckwith and Alec Ogletree, who signed with the team last week.
Tampa Bay also dealt tight end Cameron Brate to the Cincinnati Bengals, which adds another weapon for Joe Burrow. Between him and O.J. Howard, Brate was figured to be the odd man out in the Bucs' rotation after Gronkowski landed in Tampa. The Bucs received some draft capital as a result, bringing in a 2021 4th round and 7th round pick as well as a 2022 7th rounder.
Last week, the Buccaneers went out and signed wide receiver Josh Gordon, who immediately slots in as the team's 3rd receiver behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
Whether the Buccaneers are done re-tooling is yet to be determined, as there's still half of the preseason left to go.
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Other News: Malcolm Butler traded to Arizona
Butler is on the move, trading in his Tennessee blue for the Arizona red after the Titans sent him to the Cardinals along with a 2021 6th round pick and 2022 2nd round pick for linebacker Haason Reddick. Butler played just 9 games in 2019, recording 32 tackles and 2 interceptions. He joins a cornerback group that includes Patrick Peterson, Robert Alford, and Byron Murphy Jr. Reddick has struggled to find his footing at the NFL level, finishing with 79 tackles but only one sack last season. He and Vic Beasley Jr., another former first round pick, are likely to compete for a starting role at outside linebacker.
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Captain Canada
- Posts: 2204
- Joined: 01 Dec 2018, 00:15
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Evans, Godwin, and Gordon 
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KimJongBaze
Topic author - Posts: 1329
- Joined: 27 Nov 2018, 18:31
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ain't fair they just added another weapon.
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KimJongBaze
Topic author - Posts: 1329
- Joined: 27 Nov 2018, 18:31
Bolt Up
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MIN | 0 | 3 | 7 | 7 || 17
LAC | 3 | 0 | 14 | 10 || 27
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Second Unit Ignites Chargers to Win
Things went as expected between the starters for the Los Angeles Chargers and Minnesota Vikings, with neither side budging on the defensive side. However, things quickly changed in the second half once the backups stepped in. A 24-point outburst in over the final two quarters propelled the Chargers to a 27-17 win over the Vikings.
In their dress rehearsal game, Chargers players on the bubble for a roster spot and a starting spot had the opportunity to make their cases. Some players answered the challenge, and some took a step back. Head coach Anthony Lynn had a lot of praise for his second unit, one in which he says will play an important role as the season moves forward.
"You know, when our starters get a little banged up it's good to know that the man behind them is more than capable of filling that hole. We've had some problems with injuries for a while now. Hopefully that changes this year but you never know. But these guys here on the second team, some of them are good enough to be starters on different teams."
Stock Up
1. Justin Herbert took advantage of an injured Tyrod Taylor and got to play nearly 3 quarters, completed 17 of 27 passes for 199 yards and a touchdown. The rookie isn't making Lynn's decision on a starting quarterback any easier. Herbert looked decisive with his reads and was fairly accurate with his throws. He also recorded a 2-yard rushing touchdown.
2. Offensive tackle Sam Tevi seems in line to be the Chargers' starting left tackle barring any move the team makes. The 3rd year player has yet to allow a sack in the preseason and looked impressive going up against the Vikings' defensive line. He's been competing with Trey Pipkins III for the starting role.
3. Isaac Rochell has been taking extra snaps with the first team with Melvin Ingram III out for the rest of the preseason, and he did more than impress today. The lineman recorded 4 tackles and a sack.
Stock Down
1. Veteran offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga was beaten off the line of scrimmage by Danielle Hunter countless times, which was surprising given that Bulaga should be familiar with Hunter's skill after spending his career with the Green Bay Packers before signing with Los Angeles. He surrendered 3 sacks. Bulaga in general has struggled the entire preseason, giving up a team-worst 9 sacks through 3 games.
2. Uchenna Nwosu. The linebacker was non-existent against Minnesota and didn't record a single tackle despite playing in the first two quarters. There's been talks of Nwosu making the transition to defensive end, which bodes well for his pass-rushing ability. He would, however, take the back seat to Joey Bosa. In the few games where Nwosu played end when Bosa was injured in 2018, he responded with a 86.7 PFF rating. Currently, Nwosu, Denzel Perryman, Drue Tranquill, and rookie Kenneth Murray are competing for playing time at linebacker.
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KimJongBaze
Topic author - Posts: 1329
- Joined: 27 Nov 2018, 18:31
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Breaking: Kyler Murray to miss 2020 season
Quarterback Kyler Murray was set to follow up his impressive rookie campaign with an even better season after the addition of De'Andre Hopkins. Unfortunately for him and the Cardinals, that will have to wait another year.
The first overall pick in the 2019 draft has been ruled out for the season after being diagnosed with a torn achilles following Arizona's preseason game against the Green Bay Packers. He has been placed on injured reserve. They also lost rookie running back Eno Benjamin, who's out for at least the next month.
The Cardinals were entering 2020 with high hopes after acquiring Hopkins from the Houston Texans, making a splash for defensive players during free agency, and drafting Isaiah Simmons. Murray started all 16 games for Arizona last season, throwing for 3722 yards and 20 touchdowns, which was good enough to earn him AP Rookie of the Year honors. He was set to improve upon that mark this year following another offseason mastering Kliff Kingsbury's offensive scheme.
Arizona has signed Blake Bortles in response to the injury. He and Brett Hundley are the team's quarterbacks who are currently active. Bortles spent last season as a backup to Jared Goff for the Los Angeles Rams.
The call for a reduction in preseason games continues to be amplified and only strengthened by injuries to key players such as Murray. Other notable players who will miss extended playing time due to preseason injuries include:
- 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (1+ month)
- Packers linebacker Rashan Gary (season)
- Ravens halfback Mark Ingram II (1+ month)
- Ravens tight end Nick Boyle (1+ month)
- Ravens wide receiver Marquise Brown (1 month)
- Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith (1.5+ months)
- Steelers tight end Eric Ebron (2 months)
Teams are preparing for the final game of the preseason, where it's expected that most starters will not play.
