Blistering In From Sea.

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Soapy
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Blistering In From Sea.

Post by Soapy » 22 Oct 2023, 08:22

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Pete Carroll announces retirement following playoff loss to San Francisco 49ers
At the peak of the rivalry during the early 2010s, the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks had plenty of noteworthy battles, peaking with the famed Richard Sherman interview after the Seahawks win over the 49ers in the playoffs.

Last Saturday's playoff game was anything but a nail biter as the 49ers ran away with a 49-21 win over their divisional rival to hand Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll a loss in what would turn out to be his final game. The longtime coach announced on Monday that he'll be retiring, ending a potential Hall of Fame career as both head coach of the USC Trojans earlier in his career and with the Seahawks for over a decade.

Carroll made it to two Super Bowls with the Seahawks, winning one with Russell Wilson, Marshawn Lynch and the Legion of Boom and came within inches of winning another the very next year.
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NFL Divisional Round Results
Baltimore Ravens 17 - 28 Cincinnati Bengals
---Image QB Lamar Jackson: 140 passing yards, TD, INT, 45 rushing yards
---Image HB J.K. Dobbins: 73 rushing yards, TD
---Image QB Joe Burrow: 276 passing yards, 2 TD
---Image WR Ja'marr Chase: 9 receptions, 87 yards, TD


Seattle Seahawks 21 - 49 San Francisco 49ers
---Image QB Geno Smith: 277 passing yards, TD
---Image HB Kenneth Walker: 79 rushing yards, 2 TD
---Image WR D.K. Metcalf: 7 receptions, 117 yards
---Image QB Brock Purdy: 282 passing yards, 3 TD
---Image HB Christian McCaffrey: 224 rushing yards, 3 TD
---Image WR Brandon Aiyuk: 6 receptions, 135 yards, TD


Buffalo Bills 24 - 30 Kansas City Chiefs
---Image QB Josh Allen: 253 passing yards, 2 TD, INT
---Image WR Jarvis Landry: 4 receptions, 39 yards, 2 TD
---Image LB Matt Milano: 10 tackles, 0.5 sack, INT
---Image QB Patrick Mahomes: 390 yards, 4 TD, INT
---Image WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling: 9 receptions, 126 yards, 2 TD
---Image LB Willie Gay: 10 tackles, tackle for loss, 2 sacks


Atlanta Falcons 34 - 16 Detroit Lions
---Image QB Desmond Ridder: 213 passing yards, 4 TD, sacked 3 times
---Image HB Bijan Robinson: 106 rushing yards
---Image WR Mack Hollins: 6 receptions, 71 yards, 2 TD
---Image DE Grady Jarrett: 4 tackles, 1.5 sacks
---Image QB Jared Goff: 190 passing yards, TD, INT, sacked 4 times
---Image HB Jahmyr Gibbs: 43 rushing yards, TD
---Image WR Kalif Raymond: 5 receptions, 56 yards, TD
---Image DE Aidan Hutchinson: 4 tackles, tackle for loss, sack

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NFL Conference Championship Schedule
Kansas City Chiefs (16-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (15-3)
Atlanta Falcons (12-7) at San Francisco 49ers (17-1)
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Players of the Week
Image HB Christian McCaffrey: 224 rushing yards, 3 TD
Image S Talanoa Hufanga: 9 tackles, forced fumble, fumble recovery
Image QB Patrick Mahomes: 32 of 48, 390 yards, 4 touchdowns
Image LB Matt Milano: 11 tackles, interception
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Notable Playoff Injuries
Image G Andrew Norwell: Season (knee)
Image T La'el Collins: Season (knee)
Image DE Myles Murphy: Out (shoulder)
Image HB Isiah Pacheco: Out (hip)
Image G Matt Hennessy: Season (knee)
Image HB Cordarrelle Patterson: Out (abdomen)
Image HB Tyler Allgeier: Season (shoulder)
Image DE Clelin Ferrell: Out (hip)

Topic author
Soapy
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Joined: 27 Nov 2018, 18:42

Blistering In From Sea.

Post by Soapy » 22 Oct 2023, 08:48

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2023 Las Vegas Raiders Pro Bowlers
WR Davante Adams
LB Divine Deablo
K Daniel Carlson
P A.J. Cole III

2023 Las Vegas Raiders Stats
Passing
QB Jimmy Garoppolo: 340 of 569, 4231 yards, 25 TD, 11 INT, 89.4 passer rating, sacked 21 times
QB Aidan O'Connell: 56 of 99, 614 yards, 3 TD, 85.1 passer rating, sacked once

Rushing
HB Josh Jacobs: 326 carries, 1574 yards, 4 TD
HB Zamir White: 98 carries, 408 yards, 5 TD
HB Ameer Abdullah: 45 carries, 219 yards, 2 TD
HB Brandon Bolden: 19 carries, 97 yards, TD, fumble
QB Jimmy Garoppolo: 11 carries, 12 yards, fumble

Receiving
WR Davante Adams: 90 receptions, 1399 yards, 12 TD
TE Michael Mayer: 57 receptions, 611 yards, 5 TD
WR Tre Tucker: 53 receptions, 964 yards, 5 TD
WR Jakobi Meyers: 52 receptions, 568 yards, 2 TD
HB Josh Jacobs: 22 receptions, 128 yards
WR Bo Melton: 19 receptions, 206 yards, 2 TD
TE Brevin Jordan: 17 receptions, 231 yards, TD
HB Ameer Abdullah: 17 receptions, 181 yards
WR Phillip Dorsett II: 13 receptions, 85 yards
TE Austin Hooper: 8 receptions, 65 yards

Blocking
LT Kolton Miller: 4 sacks allowed, 82.0 PFF grade
LG Dylan Parham: 1 sack allowed, 59.2 PFF grade
C Andre James: 1 sack allowed, 61.7 PFF grade
RG Greg van Rotten: 1 sack allowed, 61.9 PFF grade
RT Jermaine Eluemunor: 3 sacks allowed, 58.1 PFF grade
RT Justin Herron: 2 sacks allowed, 70.7 PFF grade

Defense
LB Divine Deablo: 170 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 3 PBU, FF, FR, 73.0 PFF grade
LB Robert Spillane: 164 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, sack, PBU, 77.5 PFF grade
S Marcus Epps: 133 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 4 PBU, 73.9 PFF grade
S Tre'von Moerhig: 120 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, INT, 4 PBU, 74.0 PFF grade
CB Nate Hobbs: 119 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, sack, INT, 3 PBU, 80.2 PFF grade
CB Marcus Peters: 99 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, sack, 4 PBU, 72.4 PFF grade
CB Jakorian Bennett: 86 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, sack, PBU, 72.3 PFF grade
LB Landon Collins: 78 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 2 INT, 9 PBU (15 games with Falcons)
EDGE Maxx Crosby: 43 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, PBU, 2 FF, 79.3 PFF grade
EDGE Tyree Wilson: 41 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, PBU, 67.9 PFF grade
CB David Long Jr: 38 tackles, INT, 2 PBU, 79.2 PFF grade
IDL Bilal Nichols: 28 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 64.7 PFF grade
IDL Jerry Tillery: 26 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 2 PBU, 2 FF, FR, TD, 75.1 PFF grade
EDGE Malcolm Koonce: 22 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 62.9 PFF grade
LB Amari Burney: 21 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, sack, 2 PBU, 81.3 PFF grade
IDL Byron Young: 15 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 70.6 PFF grade
EDGE Janarius Robinson: 12 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, sack, 62.8 PFF grade
EDGE David Anenih: 11 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, sack, 77.4 PFF grade
NT Nesta Jade Silvera: 9 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 0.5 sack, 69.9 PFF grade
NT John Jenkins: 8 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, sack, 61.2 PFF grade

Special Teams
K Daniel Carlson: 41 of 43 FG, 36/36 XP, 60 FG Lng
P A.J. Cole III: 79 punts, 42.7 Net Avg, 26 downed inside the 20, 11 touchbacks
HB Ameer Abdullah: 41 kick returns, 889 yards, 25 punt returns, 213 yards
WR Tre Tucker: 24 kick returns, 624 yards, touchdown, 12 punt returns, 104 yards
S Roderic Teamer Jr: 12 tackles, tackle for loss
CB Amik Robertson: 12 tackles, tackle for loss, 0.5 sack
CB David Long Jr: 1 blocked kick
EDGE Tyree Wilson: 1 blocked kick

Topic author
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Posts: 12674
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Blistering In From Sea.

Post by Soapy » 22 Oct 2023, 09:22

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Chicago Bears hire Dallas Cowboys OC Brian Schottenheimer to be next head coach
The Chicago Bears have hired Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to be the franchise's next head coach, replacing the fired Matt Eberflus.

The son of the late Marty Schottenheimer, who had been the head coach of the Cleveland Browns, Washington Redskins, San Diego Chargers, and Kansas City Chiefs, Schottenheimer led the Cowboys offense to a top five finish this season following a promotion from coaching analyst in 2022.

Prior to his two-year stint with the Cowboys, Schottenheimer had served as offensive coordinator with the New York Jets, St. Louis Rams, Georgia Bulldogs, Seattle Seahawks and was a passing game coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021 under Urban Meyer.

He'll be tasked with continuing the development of Justin Fields who saw a bump in his passing numbers this season, averaging 170.8 yards per game but could use some continued improvement as the Bears will need to decide on his fifth-year option this offseason.
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NFL Conference Championship Results
Kansas City Chiefs 28 - 27 Cincinnati Bengals
---Image QB Patrick Mahomes: 289 yards, 3 TD, INT
---Image TE Travis Kelce: 9 receptions, 80 yards, TD
---Image QB Joe Burrow: 286 passing yards, 3 TD, sacked once
---Image HB Joe Mixon: 84 rushing yards
---Image WR Ja'marr Chase: 9 receptions, 129 yards, TD


Atlanta Falcons 7 - 28 San Francisco 49ers
---Image QB Desmond Ridder: 209 passing yards, 3 INT, sacked 4 times
---Image OLB Lorenzo Carter: 8 tackles, 3 tackles for loss
---Image QB Brock Purdy: 219 passing yards, TD, INT
---Image HB Christian McCaffrey: 133 rushing yards, TD
---Image CB Charvarius Ward: 4 tackles, 2 INT

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Super Bowl LVIII
Kansas City Chiefs (17-3) vs. San Francisco 49ers (18-1)
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Players of the Week
Image HB Christian McCaffrey: 133 rushing yards, TD
Image CB Charvarius Ward: 4 tackles, 2 interceptions
Image QB Joe Burrow: 24 of 34, 286 yards, 3 TD
Image CB Chidobe Awuzie: 9 tackles, interception
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NFL Awards
Most Valuable Player: Image QB Joe Burrow: 4,731 passing yards, 48 TD, 8 INT, 72% cmp, 122.5 passer rating
Offensive Player of the Year: Image QB Lamar Jackson: 3,431 passing yards, 38 TD, 2 INT, 76% cmp, 134.2 passer rating, 776 rushing yards, 5.0 ypc, 6 TD
Defensive Player of the Year: Image DE Aaron Donald: 81 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 25 sacks, 2 PBU
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Image HB Bijan Robinson: 1,344 rushing yards, 4.3 ypc, 10 TD, fumble
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Image DB Jartavius Martin: 84 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 3 INT, 6 PBU
Coach of the Year: Image HC Kyle Shanahan: 16-1 record, NFC West Champion

Topic author
Soapy
Posts: 12674
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Blistering In From Sea.

Post by Soapy » 22 Oct 2023, 12:18

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Raiders owner Mark Davis met with GM Dave Ziegler, HC Josh McDaniels to discuss displeasure with Chiefs, 49ers success
Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis reportedly met with both general manager Dave Ziegler, head coach Josh McDaniels and other members of the front office to share his 'displeasure' with having to host the San Francisco 49ers -- who Davis has tried to model the franchise after -- and the Kansas City Chiefs -- a division rival -- for Super Bowl LVIII which will be hosted in Las Vegas.

The story was first reported by NFL Network's Ian Rappaport who added context that Ziegler and McDaniels had already won their exit interviews two weeks prior and that it wasn't a scheduled meeting but rather an impromptu one on Monday morning following the Chiefs and 49ers victories on Conference Championship weekend.

Under Davis, who took over for his father in 2011 following his death, the Raiders have made the playoffs just twice, both times losing in the wild card round to Houston in 2016 and Cincinnati in 2021, who would go on to make the Super Bowl that year.

The Raiders won ten games this past season in McDaniels second season after going 6-11 last year, regressing from a ten-win playoff team. However, the team once again failed to make the playoffs.

In Davis' tenure as owner, no coach has missed the playoffs more than twice and not gotten fired with Dennis Allen being fired in 2014 after an 0-4 start to the season (went 4-12 in back to back seasons) and Jack Del Rio was fired after going 6-10 just one year removed from a 12-4 season. The Raiders were 7-9 in Del Rio's first season.

Topic author
Soapy
Posts: 12674
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Blistering In From Sea.

Post by Soapy » 22 Oct 2023, 12:51

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Don't call it a run; Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs firmly establish themselves as a dynasty
In just his seventh NFL season and sixth as a full time starter, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has won his third Super Bowl, beating the San Francisco 49ers 35-16 to hand them just their second loss of the season and their second Super Bowl loss to Mahomes.

In a game that wasn't particularly competitive, Mahomes threw for 269 yards and three touchdowns while completing 73 percent of his passes and rushing for a touchdown. Isiah Pacheco led the way on the ground, rushing for 114 yards against a San Francisco defense that had been salty all season.

For Brock Purdy, the Tom Brady parallels were not to continue as he struggled mightily against the Chiefs defense, throwing an interception and was sacked twice, averaging just 6.2 yards per attempt and completing just 53 percent of his passes. He completed a touchdown pass to Deebo Samuel but it came in garbage time in fourth quarter when the game was already out of hand.
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Notable NFL Retirements
Image QB Aaron Rodgers
Image DE Von Miller
Image T Trent Williams
Image C Jason Kelce
Image DT Ndamukong Suh
Image DE Brandon Graham
Image WR Julio Jones
Image S Harrison Smith
Image CB Patrick Peterson
Image DE Cameron Heyward
Image QB Joe Flacco
Image CB Malcolm Butler
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NFL Coaching Moves
Seattle Seahawks hire head coach Steve Spagnuolo (Chiefs DC)
San Francisco 49ers hire offensive coordinator Sean Payton (Broncos HC)
San Francisco 49ers hire defensive coordinator Glenn Ross
Cincinnati Bengals hire offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy (Commanders OC)
Kansas City Chiefs hire defensive coordinator Larry Drake
Dallas Cowboys hire offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik (Texans OC)
Los Angeles Chargers hire offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur (Packers HC)
New York Jets hire defensive coordinator Alan Williams (Bears DC - resigned)
Chicago Bears hire defensive coordinator Vance Joseph (Broncos DC)
Chicago Bears hire offensive coordinator Drew Petzing (Cardinals OC)
Philadelphia Eagles hire defensive coordinator Nick Rallis (Cardinals DC)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers hire offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter (Colts OC)
Minnesota Vikings hire offensive coordinator Matt Ebeflus (Bears HC)
Green Bay Packers hire head coach Brian Callahan (Bengals OC)
Green Bay Packers hire defensive coordinator Gus Bradley (Colts DC)
Green Bay Packers hire offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi (Broncos OC)
Denver Broncos hire head coach Steve Wilks (49ers DC)
Denver Broncos hire offensive coordinator Adam Stenvich (Packers OC)
Denver Broncos hire defensive coordinator Sean Desai (Eagles DC)
Indianapolis Colts hire defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich (Jets DC)
Indianapolis Colts hire offensive coordinator Wes Phillips (Vikings OC)
Arizona Cardinals hire defensive coordinator Joe Barry (Packers DC)
Arizona Cardinals hire offensive coordinator Luke Getsy (Bears OC)
Houston Texans hire defensive coordinator Jack del Rio (Commanders DC)
Houston Texans hire offensive coordinator Dave Canales (Buccaneers OC)
Washington Commanders hire head coach Klint Kubiak (49ers OC)
Washington Commanders hire offensive coordinator Kellen Moore (Chargers OC)
Washington Commanders hire defensive coordinator Matt Burke (Texans DC)

Topic author
Soapy
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Blistering In From Sea.

Post by Soapy » 22 Oct 2023, 13:14

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Pre-Free Agency Las Vegas Raiders Top 100 Mock Draft: Raiders get a quarterback in Michigan's J.J. McCarthy
With Caleb Williams likely off the board with the first pick, the Las Vegas Raiders get lucky with the next three picks going to teams that already have franchise quarterbacks in Indianapolis and back-to-back Arizona picks (via Houston) to slide Drake Maye into the fifth pick, going to Denver.

With the run on quarterbacks starting later than expected, the Raiders have the chance to get their quarterback of the future without needing to move up

Projected Draft Picks
‣ Round 1, Pick 18
Image QB J.J. McCarthy | 6'3", 202lbs | 10th ranked QB

If the industry generated mocks stand, the Raiders will have their pick of quarterbacks with the likes of Bo Nix, Quinn Ewers, Devin Leary, Jordan Travis and others available but the one that fits the Raiders offense the most might be McCarthy.

McCarthy's arm talent — including the ability to keep velocity at any angle — is the chief reason why many view McCarthy as a potential first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft class. He drives the ball into tight spaces as well as anyone in the country and shows no fear doing it. McCarthy would also a running element in McDaniels' offense which we haven't seen outside of that one Cam Newton season in New England where Newton was clearly past his prime.

McCarthy's weaknesses are mostly correctable, especially with a quarterback whisperer like McDaniels that can clean up the lack of poise, the predetermination of throws and improving his field vision. The feedback on McCarthy is quite polarizing as some view him as a top ten talent while others think he's more of a day two pick.

‣ Round 2, Pick 44 (via PHI)
Image OT Cooper Beebe | 6'4", 335lbs | 4th ranked OT

Some think he's more of a guard than an offensive tackle but which position he plays at the next level, he'll be a tremendous addition for the Raiders as they need help both at offensive tackle and at guard.

Beebe utilizes his strength and power to physically overwhelm defenders in both the run game and in pass protection. His lack of elite lateral movement as well as foot speed might limit him to being a right tackle -- at best -- in the NFL but he should be able to make an impact right away in the running game and can be a potential all-pro at either guard spots.

‣ Round 2, Pick 50
Image CB Nate Wiggins | 6'2", 185lbs | 7th ranked CB

We'll see what happens with Marcus Peters in free agency but even if the Raiders bring the veteran back, they need to address the position with a true top corner and Wiggins has the ability to be just that.

A long and instinctive corner, Wiggins has the height, wingspan, and traits to be a disruptive starting perimeter Cover-3 cornerback. While he lacks the long speed and fluidity to be a press-man corner, his football IQ and competitiveness makes up for it as well as his ability to be patient in the contact window and having really good eye discipline and footwork.

‣ Round 3, Pick 82
Image HB Trey Benson | 6'1", 221lbs | 6th ranked RB

Even with Tom Brady under center, running the football has always been an important part of McDaniels offense and with the likely departure of Josh Jacobs, the Raiders will need to replace that lead back production, preferably at a controlled cost so enter another starter on a rookie deal.

The Oregon transfer has been uber productive at Florida State, flashing uncanny foot quickness and stride freedom for someone his size who could weigh in at the NFL Combine over the 230 pound threshold.

Benson has great explosiveness when trolling up and has a finisher's mentality, dragging defenders with his leg churn and devastating stiff arm. Benson doesn't add much to the passing game but based off the offense last season, they didn't ask much of the running backs so that shouldn't be too much of a hiccup for Benson when it comes to being a fit in the Raiders offense.


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Soapy
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Blistering In From Sea.

Post by Soapy » 22 Oct 2023, 16:56

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Raiders place franchise tag on star running back Josh Jacobs for second straight season
The Las Vegas Raiders have franchise tagged running back Josh Jacobs, setting his 2024 cap hit at $14 million.

The team tagged Jacobs last season before agreeing to a one-year extension with the 2022 NFL rushing leader which left the door open for the Raiders to tag him once again this offseason which they did. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Raiders and Jacobs' camp haven't been in contact since August and a long term deal hasn't been offered to Jacobs.

The Los Angeles Chargers were able to work out a three year, $25.6 million extension with star running back Austin Ekeler and Tony Pollard agreed to an extension with the Cowboys, setting the table for Jacobs to be the top free agent at the position had the Raiders not tagged him.

It remains to be seen what the Raiders long term plans are for Jacobs and if the star running back will sign his tender or wait until August -- similar to last year -- to rework a deal or seek a trade elsewhere.

The New England Patriots placed their franchise tag on edge rusher Josh Uche at $22.5 million while the New York Jets picked up Adrian Amos' franchise tag for $13.9 million.

Notable NFL Transactions
Buffalo Bills picked up DE Greg Rousseau's fifth-year option
Buffalo Bills re-sign WR Gabe Davis (3yr/$36.7m)
Buffalo Bills re-sign S Micah Hyde (1yr/$10.2m)
Denver Broncos picked up CB Patrick Surtain's fifth-year option
Tampa Bay Buccaneers resign LB Lavonte Davis (1yr/$12m)
Los Angeles Chargers re-sign HB Austin Ekeler (3yr/$25.6m)
Los Angeles Chargers re-sign LB Kenneth Murray (3yr/$12.3m)
Los Angeles Chargers re-sign TE Gerald Everett (4yr/$44m)
Dallas Cowboys re-sign HB Tony Pollard (3yr/$27.2m)
Dallas Cowboys re-sign CB Stephon Gilmore (1yr/$12.5m)
Miami Dolphins picked up OLB Jaelan Phillip's fifth-year option
Jacksonville Jaguars picked up QB Trevor Lawrence's fifth-year option
Detroit Lions picked up RT Penei Sewell's fifth-year option
Cincinnati Bengals picked up WR Ja'marr Chase's fifth-year option

Topic author
Soapy
Posts: 12674
Joined: 27 Nov 2018, 18:42

Blistering In From Sea.

Post by Soapy » 22 Oct 2023, 17:19

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Notes from the NFL Scouting Combine as Raiders prepare for draft
With four picks in the top 100, Las Vegas is well equipped to reload in the upcoming NFL draft and after this past week's NFL Scouting Combine, Raiders fans have plenty of reasons to be excited.

The star of the show was Marvin Harrison Jr. who ran a blazing 4.29 forty at six-foot-four and 205 pounds. The Ohio State receiver will likely (definitely) be off the board when the Raiders pick but it would be a crime to not mention his performance in both the physical tests as well as the skills focused portion of the combine where Harrison wowed scouts with his fluidity and natural feel for the position.

Here are a few thoughts as we wrap up the 2024 NFL Combine:

Shedeur Sanders displays some impressive physical traits
Sanders showed plenty of poise, anticipation and big time playmaking ability while at Colorado this past season but many wondered how Sanders would physically compare to the rest of the quarterbacks in his class in shorts and t-shirt.

Sanders ran a better than expected forty at 4.61 and seemed to have trim up some of the baby fat on his body. While he doesn't have 'traditional' NFL size at six-foot-two and 215 pounds, neither does Caleb Williams and outside of Drake Maye (6-foot-4, 229 pounds), he didn't look out of place with any of the other top quarterbacks such as Washington's Michael Penix Jr. or Oregon's Bo Nix.

We know Williams and Maye will be the first two off the board but Sanders made a compelling argument to be that third guy and could find himself a landing spot with the Raiders if they get aggressive and move up.

Plenty of offensive tackle talent could be available in the second round
Entering the combine, Penn State's Olu Fashanu stood above the rest as the top tackle in the draft and he still is, followed by Notre Dame's Joe Alt. After that, it depends on which garden variety you prefer between powerful bodies like Kingsley Suamataia, Cooper Beebe or impressive athletes such as Graham Barton, Jack Nelson and even Zion Nelson, whose a bit of a wild card after not playing football last season with an injury.

With so many first round tackles to choose from, some are bound to slip into the second round where the Raiders have two early picks that they could package to move up or stay put and try to grab one of them that slips through.

Could Will Shipley be the RB of the future?
The Raiders franchise tagged Josh Jacobs, a clear sign that he is not in their long-term plans and therefore leading the running back position wide open for a potential replacement in the draft.

Enter Clemson's Will Shipley who ran the fastest time among running backs (4.40) in the forty, had an impressive 3-cone time at 6.86 seconds and was a key part of Clemson's passing offense.

With Shipley checking off all of those boxes, he could be in contention for the Raiders with one of their second round picks or potentially in the third, if they want to risk it.
Last edited by Soapy on 22 Oct 2023, 17:29, edited 1 time in total.

Topic author
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Blistering In From Sea.

Post by Soapy » 22 Oct 2023, 17:25

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Ravens continue to go all in, trade for Raiders running back Josh Jacobs
The Baltimore Ravens have traded the 28th and 92nd overall pick in this year's draft along with a third round pick in next year's draft in exchange for Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs. The Raiders also acquired offensive tackle Patrick Mekari and running back Justice Hill in order to match salary but both are expected to be waived, clearing up nearly $7 million in cap space as they head into free agency.

The trade was made hours after Jacobs signed his franchise tag on Wednesday with the expectation that the Raiders would work with the former rushing champion to find him a new home. Chicago and Miami were also reportedly interested in Jacobs but the Ravens adding an additional third round pick sealed the deal according to NFL Network's Ian Rappaport.

Baltimore finished sixth in rushing offense last season, three places behind the Raiders who were led by Jacobs and his 1,574 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Jacobs joins a rushing offense that include former MVP Lamar Jackson and 1,000-yard rusher J.K. Dobbins who has two years left on his rookie deal.

The Ravens are expected to work on a long term deal with Jacobs at some point this season.

Topic author
Soapy
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Blistering In From Sea.

Post by Soapy » 22 Oct 2023, 17:56

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Kirk Cousins headlines rather pedestrian free agency class
After six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, the NFC North franchise seems to have pushed away from the Kirk Cousins table, saying 'no, thanks' and allowing the veteran quarterback to test free agency.

Cousins is far and away the best available quarterback on the market, even at 36, followed by Baker Mayfield and Jameis Winston as the only 'starter level' players on the market. Another name to watch is Jimmy Garoppolo who is set to make $28.5 million this season but none of it guaranteed, allowing the Raiders to cut him at any time at no cost.

It's not a great crop at other positions either with Devin Singletary and Damien Harris leading the way at running back and Mike Gesicki at tight end.

There are few veterans available that can provide a lot to a team in receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams along with offensive tackle Tyron Smith and linebacker Bobby Wagner.
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Notable NFL Free Agents
Quarterbacks
---Kirk Cousins (36 yo)
---Baker Mayfield (29 yo)

Running Backs
---Devin Singletary (26 yo)
---Damien Harris (27 yo)
---A.J. Dillon (26 yo)
---Rashad Penny (28 yo)
---Clyde Edwards-Helaire (25 yo)

Wide Receivers
---Keenan Allen (32 yo)
---Mike Williams (29 yo)
---Marquise Brown (27 yo)
---Calvin Ridley (29 yo)
---Sterling Shepard (31 yo)
---Donovan Peoples-Jones (25 yo)

Tight Ends
---Mike Gesicki (28 yo)
---Irv Smith Jr. (26 yo)
---Zach ERtz (33 yo)

Offensive Tackle
---Tyron Smith (33 yo)
---Taylor Lewan (33 yo)
---Jonah Williams (26 yo)
---Jermaine Eluemunor (29 yo)

Offensive Guard
---Damien Lewis (27 yo)
---Kevin Zeitler (34 yo)
---Jon Runyan (27 yo)
---Cesar Ruiz (25 yo)
---Jonah Jackson (27 yo)
---Dalton Risner (29 yo)
---Andrew Norwell (32 yo)

Center
---Connor McGovern (31 yo)
---Lloyd Cushenberry (26 yo)
---Andre James (27 yo)

Interior Defensive Linemen
---Michael Pierce (31 yo)
---D.J. Jones (29 yo)
---Sebastian Joseph-Day (29 yo)
---Christian Wilkins (28 yo)
---Calais Campbell (38 yo)

EDGE
---Khalil Mack (33 yo)
---Jadeveon Clowney (31 yo)
---Shaquil Barrett (31 yo)
---Leonard Floyd (31 yo)
---Chandler Jones (34 yo)

Inside Linebacker
---Bobby Wagner (34 yo)
---Jordyn Brooks (26 yo)
---Josey Jewell (29 yo)
---Denzel Perryman (31 yo)

Cornerback
---Chidobe Awuzie (29 yo)
---Michael Davis (29 yo)
---Jeremy Chinn (26 yo)
---Desmond King II (29 yo)
---Byron Jones (31 yo)
---Marcus Peters (31 yo)

Safety
---Jordan Whitehead (27 yo)
---Darnell Savage (27 yo)
---Jayron Kearse (30 yo)
---Deshon Elliott (27 yo)
---Terrell Edmunds (27 yo)
---Grant Delpit (25 yo)
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