Month: July 2020

Leonard Fournette listed among players under most pressure in 2020

While fans are well aware of the pressure the Jacksonville Jaguars’ coaching staff and front office is under, there are also some players who will enter the season under pressure, too. As is always the case, certain players will be on a contract …

While fans are well aware of the pressure the Jacksonville Jaguars’ coaching staff and front office is under, there are also some players who will enter the season under pressure, too. As is always the case, certain players will be on a contract year, and if they have a solid season, it could turn into a big payday next spring.

Ruining back Leonard Fournette is one player who is on that boat, and as a result, he made NFL.com’s list of top players who are under the most pressure in the league. Coming in at the No. 9 spot, analyst Adam Schein believes Fournette not only needs to produce, but also prove he’s maturing as an all-around professional.

Time and patience are running out when it comes to the fourth overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft. And remember: The Jaguars drafted the running back over Christian McCaffrey — as well as Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson. Whoops.

I still think Fournette is talented, having shown enticing flashes over his first three NFL seasons. He did just finish seventh in the league in rushing, after all, with 1,152 yards. But does he really get it? Is he ready to lock in as a mature professional? Can he help the Jaguars win in 2020? What’s the future hold after this season?

Jacksonville declined his fifth-year option. The Jaguars have been dangling him on the trade block this offseason, but no one’s biting. It’s high time for Fournette to change the narrative.

While Fournette has produced a pair of seasons where he rushed for over 1,000 yards, his career has come with its share of incidents here and there — albeit some were minor. Just to name a few, there was his physical altercation with Shaq Lawson in 2018, and according to sources of NFL insider Mike Garafolo, punctuality and Fournette’s actions in team meetings have been issues to come up, too.

When considering this, it’s possible the Jags could be already viewing 2020 as Fournette’s last year in the back of their minds, as a change of scenery might be what the young running back needs. Additionally, when weighing the rocky path they’ve gone down with him, they may feel his production isn’t worth the other issues that have come with him, especially if he’s not significantly impacting the win column.

Another thing to consider is something we’ve pointed out earlier this week in our post highlighting the Jags’ most important 2020 free agents. A majority of the league’s 1000-yard rushers from 2019 (six out of nine) were drafted outside of the first-round. In other words, the Jags could save themselves a lot of money by turning to the draft if the running backs class is favorable.

Ultimately, time will tell where Fournette’s future will be, but in all likelihood, he’ll suit up for the Jags in 2020. Maybe a phenomenal season could entice the Jags to keep Fournette afterward, but again, a change of scenery feels like the better option.

Jack Hermansson wants to make fans ‘crave’ for title fight by finishing Kelvin Gastelum

Jack Hermansson believes a “spectacular” win over Kelvin Gastelum would lead to momentum for a UFC middleweight title shot.

[autotag]Jack Hermansson[/autotag] believes a “spectacular” win over Kelvin Gastelum will change the perception of where he fits in the UFC middleweight title picture.

Hermansson (20-5 MMA, 7-3 UFC) is closing in on one of the biggest fights of his career when he takes on perennial contender Gastelum (15-5 MMA, 10-5 UFC) in the co-main event of the UFC’s July 18 card on “Fight Island,” which is also know as Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

It’s a key fight for the division, and Hermansson knows winning in a flashy manner would do him wonders.

“I would really love a spectacular win because my goal is the title,” Hermansson told MMA Junkie. “That’s what I want. That’s what I work for every day, so a spectacular win would open people’s eyes. I want people to crave me. I want the fans to scream (that) they want to see me fight. I hope I can make this happen. I’m going to create a situation where I can find a finish. Kelvin is hard to get out there, but that would be impressive if I could get him out of there.”

The UFC middleweight division is currently on pause as it waits for a title fight between champion Israel Adesanya and unbeaten contender Paulo Costa to play out. It’s rumored the pair could first coach the revamped version of “The Ultimate Fighter” reality series before sharing the octagon, then there’s another important 185-pound bout between ex-champ Robert Whittaker and Darren Till set to play out on July 25.

Before the coronavirus pandemic hit and forced the UFC to alter it’s schedule, Hermansson was supposed to fight Chris Weidman in a main event bout on May 2. He saw some value in that matchup, but ultimately thinks the situation played out to his advantage because Gastelum’s stock is currently higher.

“The fight was never going to happen anyway because of travel issues and visas and stuff,” Hermansson said. “I don’t think Chris was ready to fight on this card. Gastelum wanted to fight me, I wanted to fight him. We asked the UFC if we could make it happen, we could so I think the outcome was even better than I thought so I’m super happy with this fight. I’m looking forward to it.

“Gastelum is a little bit more up-to-date. Weidman has a big name, but it’s a little bit about the rankings as well. I want to move forward and I feel like Gastelum is the right fight to do that.”

[vertical-gallery id=403592]

Report: Cam Newton’s deal not related to Jarrett Stidham’s performance

Jarrett Stidham’s performance isn’t the reason for New England signing Cam Newton.

Cam Newton quickly changed the trajectory for the New England Patriots in 2020. If healthy, he is the best available option to take Tom Brady’s place and keep the dynasty going.

Before the news broke on Sunday, the Patriots appeared to have all intentions to start second-year quarterback Jarrett Stidham. Stidham, a fourth-round pick out of Auburn, was preparing to replace the greatest quarterback of all time. The pressure for that scenario is tremendous and New England expects nothing less than greatness.

Leaving the question — was Stidham’s ability on the field ready for the challenge he was up against? The Athletic’s Jeff Howe reported that his performance had nothing to do with the signing of Newton.

A source also implied the signing of Newton has nothing to do with Stidham’s performance. Considering the Patriots just conducted a virtual offseason workout program without any official on-field work, that rationale checks out.

Newton’s experience and confidence on the field has everything to do with getting signed. He’s a former NFL MVP who led his team to a Super Bowl and his energy is infectious enough to replicate what Brady brought to the huddle.

Regardless of who wins the quarterback battle this offseason — Newton getting signed is beneficial for all parties. He either beats out Stidham and runs the team, or Stidham wins and proves he’s ready for the job.

[vertical-gallery id=90105]

 

 

Mitchell Trubisky among recent first-round picks on hot seat in 2020

In a list of recent 1st-round draft picks that are on the hot seat heading into 2020, naturally, there’s no list without Mitchell Trubisky.

Mitchell Trubisky faces an uphill battle in securing a future in Chicago after 2020. Not only does Trubisky lack confidence from the organization after they declined his fifth-year option, but he’ll have to battle veteran Nick Foles for the starting job.

USA Today’s Nate Davis compiled a list of recent first-round draft picks that are on the hot seat heading into 2020. And, naturally, there’s no list without Trubisky.

So after he regressed in 2019, Chicago declined his fifth-year option and brought in veteran Nick Foles to compete for the starting job … though team brass continues to indicate Trubisky will take the initial first-team snaps once training camp begins. Still, the writing’s on the wall in pencil for the No. 2 pick in 2017, one who likely needs to reclaim his 2018 Pro Bowl form at minimum – and with limited weapons at his disposal – in order to remain in the Windy City in 2021 and beyond.

Trubisky is coming off his worst season as a pro in 2019, where he completed 326 of 516 passes for 3,138 yards (63.2%) with 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions and a 83.0 passer rating.

While Trubisky struggled, he wasn’t the only part of the offense that was ineffective. Lack of a run game, a porous offensive line, an absence of tight ends and poor play calling also contributed to the offense’s struggles.

But with as much as general manager Ryan Pace has invested in Trubisky, he’s failed to live up to his No. 2 overall billing. Right now, it doesn’t look good for Trubisky’s future in Chicago, especially now that he’ll have to win the starting job over Foles.

In bringing Foles in, the Bears are giving Trubisky one last chance to prove he’s the guy in Chicago. Perhaps the competition will do exactly what they intended — push Trubisky to become a consistent signal-caller for this team. Or, maybe, Trubisky will be another name on a long list of failed quarterbacks in Chicago.

[vertical-gallery id=449460]

[lawrence-related id=449580,449533,449512,449525,449333]

Van Jefferson hoped the Jets would draft him, and so did his dad

Van Jefferson was hoping he’d land with the Jets, where his dad is the wide receivers coach.

Van Jefferson was elated to get a call from the Rams during the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He was thrilled to be selected 57th overall out of Florida, but he probably wouldn’t have minded if he went two picks later, either.

Jefferson was hoping the Jets would draft him, not because he preferred Sam Darnold to Jared Goff or Adam Gase to Sean McVay. He wanted to land with the Jets because he loves their wide receivers coach.

Shawn Jefferson, Van’s dad, is a former NFL wide receiver and the current receivers coach for the Jets. So it’s understandable that Van would want to be selected by the team his dad coaches for – especially when he plays the position that his dad works with.

“My son was like, ‘Hey, dad, I hope I can become a Jet. I would love to play for you,'” Jefferson said, via Rich Cimini of ESPN. “He was excited. He really wanted to come and play for the Jets. As it started ticking down … we got a phone call and I was like, ‘Oh, man!’ At the same time, I was just sad. But at one point, I was elated and happy for him because he put in all the hard work. His childhood dream came to fruition.”

It’s certainly possible the Jets were eyeing Jefferson in the second round, too. They were sitting at No. 59 overall when the Rams took Jefferson two picks earlier. The Jets wound up selecting Baylor wide receiver Denzel Mims at that spot, a player the Rams were also said to be interested in.

Jefferson may not have his dad coaching him in L.A., but he still landed in a good situation with the Rams. He’ll have a chance to compete with Josh Reynolds for the WR3 spot as a rookie, and in 2021, both Reynolds and Cooper Kupp will be free agents.

The Jets are much thinner at wideout than the Rams are, but Jefferson could conceivably become a No. 2 receiver by Year 2.

[vertical-gallery id=635475]

Rookie linemen Mekhi Becton, Cameron Clark growing close as season nears

Mekhi Becton and Cameron Clark have grown close with each other throughout the offseason.

Two of the Jets’ 2020 draft picks are getting along quite well.

Mekhi Becton, drafted 11th overall, and Cameron Clark, picked 129th overall, have formed a tight friendship as the two prepare to start their NFL careers in New York together. From hanging out to talking football, it sounds like chemistry won’t be an issue between the two rookie linemen.

“We’ve been really close,” Clark told the Jets’ website. “There were like four or five of us that were really close when we were training and me and Mekhi were two of those guys. We were always joking and playing around together. We worked hard. We knew when to work and we knew when to play, but we always got our work in. Both of us worked extremely hard and both of us care about football a lot. So that was one thing that we just hit it off, off the bat.”

The two offensive linemen got to know each other before the 2020 NFL Draft. They trained together in Texas during the offseason with their offensive line coach, Duane Manyweather. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, Becton is now home in Dallas training. Clark is in Charlotte.

Becton and Clark could be fixtures on the Jets’ offensive line for years to come. Becton is in line to nab the left tackle spot this season, while Clark is more of a project with a ton of potential.

They will be able to reunite at the end of July when training camp officially opens.

Patriots’ Cam Newton, Mohamed Sanu already working out together

Cam Newton got to work immediately.

Just a days after being signed, New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton caught up with Mohamed Sanu to put in some work at UCLA.

Sanu is coming off a disappointing start with the Patriots after sustaining an ankle injury in 2019. He successfully underwent surgery this offseason and his trainer said he’s been “faster, quicker, leaner and in better shape.”

Newton sat patiently on the free agent list for months and put in work the entire offseason. He missed 16 games in the last two regular seasons with the Carolina Panthers because of a shoulder and ankle injury. He appears to be healthy and ready to go for the 2020 season.

Now it’s time to  build chemistry with his new teammates.

[vertical-gallery id=90105]

The 5 game you have to watch in the NBA’s restart schedule

SportsPulse: The NBA will conduct 88 games in 15 days in its Disney bubble. Mackenzie Salmon tells you the 5 games you can’t miss over that stretch.

SportsPulse: The NBA will conduct 88 games in 15 days in its Disney bubble. Mackenzie Salmon tells you the 5 games you can’t miss over that stretch.

T.J. Edwards set to have an increased role with the Philadelphia Eagles?

T.J. Edwards set to have an increased role with the Philadelphia Eagles?

The biggest criticism of the Eagles front office stems from Howie Roseman not making the linebacker position a yearly priority for the roster.

When you have Roseman’s ability to land undrafted free agent talent on the cheap, big free agent signings or high profile draft picks sometimes aren’t that necessary. Roseman landed former Wisconsin star T.J. Edwards as an undrafted free agent last spring and it paid big dividends on special teams and late in the season.

Now according to Tim McManus of ESPN.com, Edwards could be preparing to take the next step as a player, thus forcing himself into Jim Schwartz’s starting lineup.

A 2019 undrafted free agent out of Wisconsin, Edwards fought his way onto the team and ended up starting four games his rookie season, finishing with 30 tackles.

The Eagles came away impressed with his instincts, his thump and his awareness in coverage. They believe he’s ready for an increased role and think he can be an impact player for them. They better be right. Philadelphia let Nigel Bradham and Kamu Grugier-Hill walk in free agency, and while they signed Jatavis Brown and spent a third-round draft pick on Davion Taylor, the amount of proven talent in this group is scarce. The opportunity is there for Edwards to grab.

Nate Gerry has been a consistent player for the Birds and should definitely find significant reps on the outside, but Edwards has the prowess and work ethic to definitely separate himself at middle linebacker.

Edwards will face competition from Jataivs Brown and Davion Taylor inside.

[vertical-gallery id=636768]

[lawrence-related id=637440,637430,637423,637418,637408]