Category: 2024 NFL season

ESPN’s Mina Kimes: Commanders’ Dan Quinn on the hot seat

This is just silly.

Thursday once again reminded us that those who cover the NFL nationally might see the Commanders much differently than those residing in the DMV.

“The Mina Kimes Show,” featuring Larry (ESPN product) with guest Kevin Clark, found Kimes and Clark discussing whom they felt were the top ten current NFL coaches.

After each produced their top ten and the reasons why, the two transitioned to discussing which five NFL head coaches are “on the hot seat.” These five coaches could very well lose their jobs if they don’t have a successful 2024 season.

Both Kimes and Clark agreed that the top two NFL coaches on the hot seat are Robert Saleh (Jets) and Mike McCarthy (Cowboys). Clark felt Nick Sirianni (Eagles) is his third on the hot seat, declaring the Eagles is a really good job, and therefore, there will be candidates interested, and the ownership will also be interested in those candidates.

Kimes then declared that all four NFC East coaches could be on the hot seat. Interestingly, Clark had already said “three;” however, when Kimes stressed all four, Clark backed down, saying, “I completely agree.”

Well, you didn’t completely agree a minute ago, and she has not even defended her claim, and you now already “completely” agree? It was strange.

“Dan Quinn did not make my top five (list), but he could,” said Kimes. “If there is one coaching hire who might be one and done, it would be him. I cannot believe he was their first choice.”

Clark quickly responded, “What gave that away?”

“I am very nervous about the situation Jayden Daniels is walking into behind that offensive line,” continued Kimes. And if it looks bad, to me, new ownership, I could see him (Quinn) getting the axe.”

Clark added, “The thing about Dan Quinn, he is going to be a victim of his own success, if Jayden Daniels looks good. People are going to want that job in a way they didn’t want it three months ago.”

“There will be people calling Adam Peters, ‘Just saying, I might be available this year,'” added Clark.

Remarkably, Kimes pointed to new ownership (Josh Harris Group) and then explicitly declared she could see the new ownership firing Quinn.

Wait, why?

What about Josh Harris has pointed to him being impatient? What about Josh Harris has she observed that could result in Harris wanting to rid himself of Quinn after only one season?

Remember, Harris is the guy hiring and permitting Adam Peters to hire a new front office.

Consequently, why would you begin to agree with Kimes here? All the evidence points to Harris permitting Peters to execute a long-term plan. Remember several of the free agent signings were only one-year deals?

Both Kimes and Clark are incorrect in their assessment of the Commanders’ direction. Josh Harris is not quick to pull the trigger. Harris has not shown himself to be near-sighted or quick-tempered.

Dan Quinn is not on the hot seat.

Jets NFL Draft grades: Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky 65th overall

The New York Jets NFL Draft grade for selecting Western Kentucky WR Malachi Corley in the second round

The New York Jets continue their crusade to bolster a Super Bowl ready roster around their rapidly aging quarterback in Aaron Rodgers. At the top of the third round New York leaped up in a trade with Carolina and secured yet another weapon for this receiving core in Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley.

Corley projects as an immediate impact player with Garrett Wilson coming off an ACL tear and lacking much depth outside of him and free agent signee Mike Williams. Corley could find himself as an early favorite in a Jets’ offense that needs all the explosion it can get.

A twitchy and explosive run after catch machine, Corley is going to be a threat every time he touches the football for Gang Green. At times looking like a running back with the ball in his hands, Corley is every bit a playmaker that the Jets could have gotten in the third round of a draft. Great value for a sure fire producer at this spot.

Grade: B+

Marcus Mariota discusses what attracted him to the Commanders

Marcus Mariota discussed Kingsbury’s offense and why he came to Washington.

Marcus Mariota is now training for his fifth NFL team.

Mariota, the second overall selection of the 2015 NFL draft, spoke with the media, Wednesday after the Commanders OTA workout.

Immediately, he was asked not about himself but Jayden Daniels, the second overall selection of the 2024 NFL Draft. “He looks good,” began Mariota. “I think he really moves well and throws the ball well. For a young guy that comes in, he seems to really like to command the offense, and I think that is really important.”

I think it is important to stand in front of these guys, especially older players, nail it, and say, “I got this, I got it figured out,” added Mariota.

He transitioned to saying that it is important for each quarterback to be competitive, which will strengthen the quarterback room as a unit.

Mariota worked under Brian Johnson in 2023, then on the Eagles staff. “Oh, he is awesome,” said the former Oregon Duck quarterback. He had spoken of checking his ego at the door years ago.

When asked about it in a follow-up, Mariota replied, “I think this game humbles you. I was humbled very early on in my career in Tennessee (Titans).

“I love ball; I love being around it. So, regardless of what my situation entails, I put a smile on my face, and I just love coming to work.”

Commanders’ offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury is known for running the “Air Raid” offense in the past. However, Mariota, when asked about the offense, quickly denied the label. “I don’t think you can put labels on it. I think that is a beautiful thing. I wouldn’t want to limit what it looks like.”

Many have voiced things are upbeat in Ashburn this offseason. “There’s a lot of factors that led to me coming here,” explained Mariota. “To be part of a new regime, a new owner, a new staff, new players. It’s a great opportunity to set the trajectory for a franchise. That opportunity itself was something I was excited to be a part of.”

Whether it be the Titans, Raiders, Falcons, Eagles, or now Commanders. Mariota seems to understand you only get so many opportunities in the NFL, and he really seems to want to enjoy this one, and make the most of it.

 

Are the Commanders stuck at offensive tackle?

Are the Commanders stuck with the current group at offensive tackle?

Some of us are checking the NFL transactions daily to see if another offensive tackle becomes available.

Washington general manager Adam Peters has made some moves at offensive tackle. Starter Charles Leno was released early this 2024 offseason. He then re-signed swing tackle Cornelius Lucas to a one-year deal to remain with the Commanders.

During the NFL draft, Peters selected TCU tackle Brandon Coleman with the 67th selection. In addition, the other starting tackle is Andrew Wylie, who is on the right side.

Today, a good friend told me, “I think the Commanders are stuck at tackle.”

There have been some available tackles out there for a while, but most have signed contracts now. In April, some later signings took place: the Dolphins re-signed Kendall Lamm for one year at $2.6M, Former Cowboy La’el Collins was signed by the Bills for one year ($1.8M), Andre Dillard signed with the Packers ($1.1M), the Eagles signed Mekhi Becton to a one-year deal, and A.J. Jackson re-signed with the Rams for one year at $4.9M.

In May, Andrus Peat signed a one-year deal with the Raiders, and Chris Hubbard signed a one-year deal with the 49ers.

So, who are the offensive tackles out there who remain unsigned?

The Chiefs haven’t exactly rushed to re-sign Donovan Smith, so perhaps his penalties might be a good reason for this.

David Bakhtiari has spent 11 seasons with the Packers but will be 33 in September.

D.J. Humphries has been with the Cardinals all his career (2016-2023).

Charles Leno has yet to be signed by anyone, and Geron Christian is also unsigned.

Ok, yes, I threw the last one in there to keep your attention.

Perhaps Peters honestly feels that unless another tackle is released in one of those post-June releases or there is a training camp release that interests him, he is going to stick with the current tackles on this Commanders roster.

In fairness, Peters can’t make all the deals he desires. Remember, he did attempt to trade back into the first round for a tackle and could not agree on compensation with another team.

Predict Texans’ win-loss record for 2024 NFL season

The Texans could be a breakout contender or head back to the cellar, but what do you think will happen in 2024?

The Houston Texans have revealed their 2024 NFL schedule, which features some intriguing matchups in a favorable slate. The Texans’ over/under total has been set at 10.5, according to DraftKings.

In addition to facing their AFC South foes twice, the Texans will play the NFC North and AFC East en route to a hopeful division title. This includes home games against the Miami Dolphins and Chicago, along with road games against the Green Bay Packers and New York Giants.

With a first-place finish, Houston also faces the same-place finishers in the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs. Both matchups will take place as standalone outings and back-to-back, including a showdown with the Ravens at home on Christmas Day. 

The Texans will also face off against Dallas in Arlington for the title of top team in Texas. Not only will potential Offensive Player of the Year C.J. Stroud face off against Defensive Player of the Year candidate Micah Parsons, but the Diggs brothers —Stefon and Trevon — will match up in coverage for bragging rights at the next family outing. 

Houston opens and closes the season with in-division matchups. Both Indianapolis and Tennessee drastically improved after mixed results in 2023 and look to be back in contention after promising drafts last month. 

The Texans have four prime-time games: Week 2 against Chicago, Week 9 against the Jets, Week 10 against Detriot and Week 11 against Dallas on Monday Night Football. They’ll also face the Chiefs on a Saturday following the end of the college football season as part of a two-game headline for NBC. 

While it’s certainly too early to predict where the Texans will finish in 2024, that’s exactly why this schedule release exists. Now that you’ve had time to digest Houston’s 2024 slate, what do you think the reigning division champs will finish come January 2025? 

The good and bad of the Commanders’ 2024 Schedule

What is the good and bad from the Commanders’ 2024 schedule?

My father taught me when I was a kid that there are two sides to every coin.

You don’t know how many times I have remembered that, and it helped me consider both sides of the coin regarding various issues.

Well, how about the Commanders’ 2024 schedule?

Sure enough, John Breech of CBSsports.com wrote a story this week about how “there is one good thing and one bad thing each team will face this season.” Here is the entire story for each of the 32 NFL teams.

What did Breech feel were the good and the bad aspects of the Commanders’ 2024 schedule?

Washington Commanders

One good thing for the Commanders:

The Commanders have a friendly December schedule. Not only did they land a Week 14 bye, but they’ll also get to play three teams that missed the playoffs last season (Titans, Saints, Falcons). “

One bad thing for the Commanders:

The AFC North was the toughest division in the NFL last year and the Commanders will have to face three of those teams in a four-week span. The gauntlet starts in Week 3 with the Bengals before a game in Week 5 vs. the Browns, which will be followed by a Week 6 game against the Ravens.”

Indeed, the Commanders’ December schedule does not look that tough (at least for now). Yet, not having your bye until Week 14 should not be considered a good thing.

The NFL annually continues to reveal little concern for schedule integrity when it schedules a bye week for a team as early as Week 5, with the last bye week coming for some teams in Week 14.

The NFL continues to reveal that fairness of schedule is not a major concern of its own. No, what it is concerned with is spreading out the byes as far as it can, playing as many games as possible each of those Sundays.

As for the AFC North? Yes, the Commanders will likely be the underdog in each of those four matchups. Having to play three in four weeks will not be any easier.

Commanders need Brandon Coleman to develop at offensive tackle

Watch highlights of new Commanders OT Brandon Coleman

The Commanders entered April’s 2024 NFL draft fully aware they needed to obtain an offensive tackle.

In fairness to Commanders general manager Adam Peters, the Commanders were reported to have attempted to trade back up into the latter first round to select an offensive tackle. However, no trade compensation could be agreed upon, and thus, a deal was never finalized.

Peters, in the draft, took quarterback Jayden Daniels (2 overall), defensive tackle Johnny Newton (36), defensive back Mike Sainristil (50), and tight end Ben Sinnott (53), and when it was their turn at 67, Peters selected TCU guard / tackle Brandon Coleman.

Interestingly, at the Senior Bowl, Coleman was asked if there was a position he would prefer for the NFL. He replied that he would be willing to do whatever his new NFL team wanted to do. Yet, he did point out that he had a lot of experience at left tackle.

Right tackle Andrew Wiley returns and left tackle Charles Leno was released. Thus, left tackle would seem to be a place the Commanders might be hoping Coleman can develop enough in the offseason to be prepared to play often this season.

Of course, Jayden Daniels needs to be a hit. But for 2024, the second choice that might be most important to play well might just be Coleman at tackle. Just as true, Coleman’s level of play will also affect Daniels’ performance as well. Think how much better it will be for Daniels if Coleman can improve the running game and keep Daniels’ blind side clear for him.

Thus far in early offseason Commanders’ workouts, Coleman has been working some at left tackle and also some at right tackle.

Pro Football Focus posted these stats on Coleman’s time at TCU.

 

Jayden Daniels and the Commanders will face Kirk Cousins in 2024

Washington’s new QB will face the franchise’s old QB in 2024.

What do you think of Jayden Daniels and Kirk Cousins squaring off this season?

They are set to do battle in Week 17, on Dec. 29, in what will be a home game for the Commanders against the Falcons.

Cousins was the lone starter for the 2015-17 seasons for the then-Washington Redskins. There are fans out there that to do this day, possess a disdain for Cousins. They seem to never be able to accept the fact that he did have some success in Washington.

He is often blamed for the 2016 season finale loss to the NY Giants. It is true the Redskins could have qualified for the playoffs with a win that day; however, they fell 19-10 to the Giants.

It is also true that Cousins did throw two interceptions that day.

Of course, as long as we are interested in truth, it is also just as true that Washington, after ten games, was 6-3-1, and then Trent Williams was suspended four games by the NFL for his continued use of marijuana, having already failed drug tests that season. As long as we are talking “truth.”

Cousins did not deliver a playoff win for the Redskins. It is also true that though some vocal fans want to continue to bash Cousins, the Washington offense has not been the same since he last played in Washington.

Another glaring fact is Washington has not even finished with a single winning season record since 2015 and 2016 when Cousins was under center.

Some are quick to say, “Well, 9-7 and 8-7-1 are barely winning seasons.” Of course, that is obvious. It is also just as obvious that Washington has struggled so much at quarterback since his departure, with all their quarterbacks being much less effective than Cousins was in Washington.

Which leads us to Jayden Daniels. Please, please, let’s not weigh him down with outrageous expectations just yet. Yes, he was the second player drafted. However, it will still be his first season in the NFL, and he will not have played against the level of defenders he will see this his rookie year.

He will be learning, and the pace of the game will sometimes be much faster than he has seen. So, let’s keep things in perspective this season and remember Daniels is not the Messiah.

But wouldn’t it be great if he could lead Washington to their best season since Cousins?

Steven Sims, Tim Settle Jr. to compete in professional cornhole tournament

Tim Settle and Steven Sims are dropping bags this weekend in Las Vegas on the cornhole square.

The Houston Texans will hit the holes and gaps come Monday at the start of organized team practice activity (OTAs), but two players are hitting a hole this weekend. 

One that provides points and breaks the hearts of opponents during cookouts and family reunions in the summer. 

Wide receiver Steven Sims and defensive lineman Tim Settle Jr. will participate as two of eight NFL players in the American Cornhole League celebrity tournament on Saturday in Las Vegas. 

Settle, who joined the Texans earlier this offseason, won the tournament last season when he participated as a member of the Buffalo Bills. 

“It’s typically a game we play in the locker room after practice or in between meetings,” Sims told Texans Wire. “Typically, I used to play a lot in Pittsburgh with [punter] Pressley Harvin III  and [long snapper] Christian Kuntz. We played almost every day.” 

Settle might have won the event last season, but Sims believes he’s the top cornhole player in the locker room, if not the NFL. 

As for his new teammate, who reunites with Sims after a brief stay in Washington, he might be taking home the silver medal. 

“Sometimes I catch a rhythm and guys will be in trouble,” Sims said. 

That rhythm could help Sims win $100,000 for the charity of his choice. Each NFL player will partner up with a professional and advance per round. Two players will advance past the qualifier to the eventual championship. 

Settle will join forces with ACL pro-Alex Rawls while Sims with partner up with Gavin Cano. While Settle’s charity was not announced, Sims will be playing for the National Brest Cancer Foundation. 

“I’ve always been a hard supporter of breast cancer awareness,” said Sims. 

The ACL began playing Superhole qualifying tournaments in 2019, when New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones and took on then-New York Jets signal-caller Sam Darnold faced off. The league officially launched in 2016.

Sims said he’s hoping to get a few more practices in before the event since workouts have been his focus, but he also hasn’t been shy of taking a few points from Settle. 

“He was telling me with cornhole, it’s more so a rhythm thing,” Sims said. “You got to find that rhythm. He says he’s got his rhythm down pat. I just got to find my rhythm and get my swing down pat.” 

Coverage of Saturday’s qualifier begins at 10 p.m. PT on ESPN 2. Other players, including Alexander Mattison, L’Jarius Sneed, and Arden Key will also be participating.

Texans open as slight favorite over Indianapolis Colts in Week 1

Entering Lucas Oil Stadium, the Houston Texans are a favorite to win against the Indianapolis Colts…again.

C.J. Stroud is looking to build off his Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign and the Houston Texans are trying to show the league last season wasn’t a fluke. 

Does Las Vegas believe Houston can repeat as AFC South champions? Maybe it’s too early, but at least the Texans enter the season as favorites on the road where they clinched the division title in 2023. 

Houston enters Week 1 as a 1.5-point favorite over the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium, according to BetMGM. One could even consider it a coin-flip game if both teams enter the new season at full strength. 

The Texans won over fans across the league behind Stroud’s heroics and a revamped persona headlined by head coach DeMeco Ryans’ play-calling,  but they weren’t the only team that turned the corner in the AFC. The Colts dealt with persistent injuries throughout the season, thus hurting their chances to close out games. 

After losing rookie sensation Anthony Richardson to a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 1, Indianapolis turned to veteran Gardner Minshew for stability. The game’s most “interesting” quarterback kept things afloat, but he was far from the same level as Richardson, who scored two rushing touchdowns in Week 2’s win over Houston at NRG Stadium, 

Week 1 could be a tone-setter for both teams. The Texans, who finished 11-8 with a playoff win over Cleveland, went aggressive in free agency and on the trade market this offseason to build around Stroud’s team-friendly contract. General manager Nick Caserio traded for Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon and All-Pro receiver Stefon Diggs. 

He also inked long-term deals with Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and cornerback Jeff Okudah. 

Indianapolis chose to attack its needs during the draft after extending its top names internally. In Round 1, the Colts landed perhaps the best pass-rusher in the class with Laiatu Latu out of UCLA. In Round 2, they landed Texas receiver Adonai Mitchell to create a trifecta of pass-catchers alongside Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs. 

Houston and Indy open as the favorites to win the division. Time will tell if they not only live up to the hype, but live up to the betting lines in 2024. 

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