Category: Features

Causes for concern as the Bills face the 49ers in Week 13

Causes for concern as the Bills face the 49ers in Week 13

The Buffalo Bills will host the San Francisco 49ers at Highmark Stadium on “Sunday Night Football” in Week 13.

The Bills (9-2) and 49ers (5-6) clash while trending in different directions as of late. The Bills are riding a six-game win streak while the Niners have lost their last two.

Even though Buffalo is favored to win the game, there are always a few things that make winning difficult each week. The Bills will need to be wary of them.

Here are three causes for concern for the Bills in Week 13:

Bills’ weapons are still banged up

Imagn Images

Despite having a bye week to rest in Week 12, the Bills still have a couple of question marks regarding their pass catchers. Rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman was limited in Wednesday’s practice with his wrist injury and tight end Dalton Kincaid didn’t practice due to his knee injury.

Kincaid missed the last outing while Coleman has missed the last two.

The Bills did OK in last week’s win over the Chiefs without them, but it will make things more difficult going forward if they can’t go. Guys like receiver Curtis Samuel and tight end Dawson Knox stepped up last week, but those two haven’t been weapons that the team has been able to rely on much this year.

Niners’ playmakers on offense

Getty Images

Despite being below .500, the Niners’ offense still has a handful of guys that can break off explosive plays at any time. Whether quarterback Brock Purdy is healthy enough to play on Sunday or not, the team will have plenty of options for whoever is at QB.

Running back Christian McCaffrey and receiver Deebo Samuel are guys that can hurt you in a plethora of ways. Tight end George Kittle is perhaps the best overall tight end in the NFL. And, WR Jawuan Jennings has come along in the absence of Brandon Aiyuk. He has four games this year with over 85 receiving yards.

The Niners produce the fourth-most points per game in the NFL. The Bills’ defense will have their hands full at every level.

Niners need a win in the worst way

USA TODAY Sports

Sitting at 5-6 and coming off of two straight losses, the Niners are creeping into desperation mode as we enter Week 13. They currently stand in last place in the NFC West and they have made things difficult for themselves in terms of tiebreakers because they are 1-3 in divisional games.

The Bills usually face the best version of their opponents because they have been one of the league’s better teams for a handful of years now, but they should expect the very best version of a team that went to the Super Bowl last year. The Bills are undefeated coming out of a bye under head coach Sean McDermott (7-0), but this will be a big test against a team that needs a win in the worst way.

[lawrence-related id=143420,143464,143430]

Panthers’ long-term investments in their offensive line are already paying off

Panthers GM Dan Morgan is getting his return on investment along the offensive line.

Even at 3-8 here in Week 13, the Carolina Panthers have come to experience more ups than downs this season.

Quarterback Bryce Young has bounced back into the starting lineup and is playing the best ball of his pro career, a few rookie pass catchers are carving out exciting roles and the defense—at least in the last three games—has stepped up to make key stops in giving the team a chance to win.

But the highest high note from the 2024 campaign has been their rebuilt offensive line.

One year ago, the Panthers had arguably the worst front five in the NFL. And the most glaring weaknesses on the group came on the inside, where there was a literal changing of the guards seemingly every week.

President of football operations and general manager Dan Morgan made a promise in the offseason to rebuild the middle of the unit, and ended up spending a lot of money in doing so. In free agency, Carolina signed former Miami Dolphins right guard Robert Hunt to a five-year, $100 million deal then former Seattle Seahawks left guard Damien Lewis to a four-year, $53 million contract.

The Panthers also added Yosh Nijman as a quality spot starter behind tackles Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton, and moved former right guard Austin Corbett to the starting center position.

And now, with the team having an entire offensive line it can be proud of, Morgan’s return on investment may already be one of the best this franchise has ever gotten.

One of the many beneficiaries of the reconstruction has been the left tackle in Ekwonu, who has been solid in his third NFL campaign. Having a stout left guard in Lewis has helped with communication and handling different types of pressures that have come their way.

Ekwonu’s current Pro Football Focus grades are all at career-highs—as he boasts an overall mark of 72.7 along with a 70.2 in pass blocking and an 82.3 in run blocking.

It’s plays like the one below that have the Panthers front office and fans smiling ear to ear.

There is pre-snap and post-snap communication, linemen are hitting their landmarks in pass-blocking sets, displaying active and competitive hands, getting grips on opposing defensive linemen and setting a firm anchor.

One of the most impressive performances from this group was against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12.

The Chiefs have an aggressive defensive front that can get after the quarterback at a blistering clip. Top defensive tackle Chris Jones had his way a couple of times throughout the game against this bunch—but he was largely quiet, and it almost helped the Panthers upset the defending Super Bowl champions.

Coaching has played a significant role in Carolina’s improved offensive line play as well. Run game coordinator Harold Goodwin, offensive line coach Joe Gilbert and assistant offensive line coach Keli’i Kekuewa have been behind the unit’s growth and development.

For example—Corbett, who was playing high-level football at the center position, tore his triceps in Week 5. He’d be replaced by Brady Christensen, who filled in seamlessly for three starts.

Then Christensen, who had to fill in for an injured Ekwonu on the blindside, would be replaced at center by Cade Mays. And Mays, highlighted by his 85.5 pass-blocking grade against Kansas City, has also proven to be a reliable presence in the middle over his three starts.

The successful plug-and-play approach is a sign that this staff is adamant about putting their players in the best position to win. Combine that with a general manager willing to spend a lot of money to improve a specific unit, and there is something to really look forward to and anticipate in the future.

Morgan still has plenty to prove as a general manager, but his 2024 offseason could be a baseline for what he needs to do to give fans some more excitement in the coming seasons.

[lawrence-related id=707603,707587,707510]

WATCH: Kyle Hamilton talks Salute to Service, Eagles vs. Ravens, commitment to military families

All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton talks Salute to Service, Eagles vs. Ravens, Notre Dame vs. USC and his commitment to military families

Week 13 is here, which means the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats initiative will be in full force, and Kyle Hamilton is taking the lead.

The My Cause My Cleats campaign will raise awareness of hundreds of teams that players around the league chose to help through customized cleats worn on game day.

Over the next two weeks, players will be permitted to wear footwear in colors other than their traditional team colors on game day, and Hamilton unveiled his cleats ahead of Sunday’s matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Hamilton, in partnership with USAA, the official Salute to Service partner of the NFL, chose to help Our Military Kids, a nonprofit organization for kids with parents in the military, either deployed or recovering from combat injuries.

Hamilton spoke to The Ravens Wire about why this was the right cause for his platform while discussing his time with several of those children in the program that he surprised a few weeks ago at the Ravens’ Under Armour Performance Center.

“We had them to the facility a few weeks ago, and about six or seven of them, ranging from ages 7 to about 13, had a great time. I got to talk with them and play some football and basketball. We were playing for probably an hour. It was awesome.”

In the video below, Hamilton talks about his Salute to Service, gives an injury update, and provides some insight into his evolving role as a leader for the Ravens.

Hamilton discussed Baltimore’s matchup with Philadelphia and Notre Dame’s battle with the USC Trojans.

Chapters
00:00
Salute to Service: Supporting Military Families
02:41
Injury Management and Upcoming Challenges
05:42
Leadership and Evolution in the NFL
08:15
Reflections on Notre Dame and the College Football Playoff

DeVonta Smith injury update: Latest news on Eagles WR

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith returned to practice in a limited capacity on Thursday ahead of Sunday’s game vs. the Ravens

The Eagles released their Thursday, Thanksgiving Day injury report, and star wide receiver DeVonta Smith returned to the field in a limited capacity, along with cornerback Kelee Ringo Jeff McLane.

Cornerback Darius Slay did not practice while in concussion protocol while running back Saquon Barkley (rest), right guard Mekhi Becton (rest), left guard Landon Dickerson (rest), right tackle Lane Johnson (rest), Center Cam Jurgens (rest), left tackle Jordan Mailata (rest). Star pass rusher Josh Sweat (rest) all were full participants.

Smith did not practice Wednesday after missing Sunday’s win over the Rams with his injury. He has 41 receptions for 516 yards and four touchdowns in nine games this season.

For Baltimore, defensive tackle Travis Jones, tight end Charlie Kolar, cornerback Arthur Maulet, linebacker Kyle Van Noy, and defensive end Broderick Washington were all non-participants.

3 keys to a Bills victory vs. the 49ers in Week 13

3 keys to a Bills victory vs. the 49ers in Week 13

The Buffalo Bills will play the San Francisco 49ers at home at Highmark Stadium on “Sunday Night Football” in Week 13.

The Bills (9-2) are looking to build on a six-game win streak, while the 49ers (5-6) have lost their last two.

Buffalo is favored to win by seven points on Sunday night. The two teams haven’t met since 2020, when the Bills won on the road, 34-24.

Even though the Bills are favored and the Niners have struggled lately, they were still the NFC champions last year for a reason and they are a well-rounded team even though the wins haven’t shown up consistently.

The Bills will need to execute their game plan to pick up their tenth win of the year.

With that, here are three keys to a Bills win in Week 13:

Run the rock

Imagn Images

The 49ers have very few holes on their team, but if there is one area they need to improve upon it is their run defense. They rank 21st in the NFL in defense rushing DVOA.

The Bills are at their best when they have a balanced attack on offense, and I’d expect James Cook and company to get plenty of work. Last week, the Bills dominated the Chiefs in time of possession with quick passes and third-down conversions. This week, they should aim to do the same, but with more of a “pound the rock” approach.

Limit explosive runs

USA TODAY Sports

While San Francisco ranks just 13th in the league in points per game (23.6), they rank an impressive fourth in the league in yards per game (384.5). A big reason why they rack up so many offensive yards is their ability to perform explosive plays in the run game.

The Niners’ offense ranks third in the NFL in 10+ yard runs, while the Bills’ defense allows the second-most 10+ yard runs. This will be a test for the Bills. If they can have sound tackling and limit big running lanes, it will help their chances immensely on Sunday night.

Move the chains on third down

USA Today Sports

Last week, the Bills were 9-of-15 (60%) on third downs in the win over Kansas City. Their ability to extend drives is what led them to a win. On paper, they’ll have an opportunity to do the same this week.

Although the Niners rank in the top ten in both rushing and passing defense, they have been leaky on third downs. Their 43.7% third-down rate ranks 26th in the NFL. Josh Allen and the Bills offense, albeit with some injuries to pass catchers, should be able to move the sticks when necessary.

[lawrence-related id=143377,143391,143383]

Commanders’ Dan Quinn says what he’s thankful for

Dan Quinn expresses what he’s thankful for.

He had his opportunity to be an NFL head coach, and feared he may never get the opportunity again.

Dan Quinn worked for so long, for so many seasons, in so many locations. He coached college football at William & Mary, VMI, Hofstra, and Florida. His NFL stops were the 49ers, Dolphins, Jets, and Seahawks, and finally, he was the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.

In only his second season, the Falcons won the NFC championship and led the Patriots 28-3 before losing in overtime 34-28. Four seasons later, he was fired from the Falcons at 0-5.

Quinn was then the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator for three seasons. Adam Peters and Josh Harris hired him as the Commanders’ head coach.

Wednesday with the media, Quinn was asked what he is thankful for this year.

“A lot, honestly,” replied Quinn. “And being here with this group at this time in my life is, I have a lot of gratitude for because those moments that you get to share in a locker room, a meeting room on the field, already in a short time, we’ve built a really strong bond.”

Hearing various players this season refer to their “brotherhood,” Quinn certainly has them playing for one another. Even more, racing off to a 7-2 start certainly didn’t hurt team bonding either.

Coming to a new city, a new team, a new franchise, for one more opportunity to be an NFL head coach was huge for Quinn.

“And so, for me to have all these new relationships from February to now has been really cool and I love seeing those grow and get even stronger as we’re hitting it. So, having this chance to be here in this city with this team, A number one.”

We all have things for which we can be thankful this Thanksgiving. Here’s hoping the Commanders’ players, coaches, and staff will take time to reflect on their many blessings.

May they find joy in counting their blessings from God and living to be a blessing to others.

Thanksgiving Day, 50 years ago: A bad day for Washington

This was not a Happy Thanksgiving memory for Washington fans.

It was Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, 1974, Washington at Dallas.

The NFL had 26 teams in those days, and get this: only the top four in each conference qualified for the playoffs. Washington was coached by George Allen (Bruce’s father), and he led the Redskins to a winning record in all seven of his seasons (1971-77) in Washington.

The Redskins under Allen to this point had been 9-4-1 (1971), 11-3 (1972), 10-4 (1973), and were now 8-3 in this 1974 season. Dallas won the NFC in 1970 and 1971, losing the Super Bowl and then winning. Washington had won the NFC in 1972, losing to the Miami Dolphins 14-7 in Super Bowl VII.

Just two weeks earlier, Washington had raced out to a 28-0 first-half lead, but it had to hold on to defeat Dallas 28-21 at RFK Stadium. Now, on this Thanksgiving Day, 1974, the two teams would meet at Texas Stadium in Irving.

Redskins DT Diron Talbert, in those days, liked to talk trash, attempting to distract Cowboys QB Roger Staubach. He spoke of how the Redskins were going to knock Staubach out of the game. From the start, the Redskins defense harassed, chased, and hit Staubach.

Washington led 16-3 in the third quarter when Staubach was hit hard again, this time knocked out of the game. Enter Cowboys’ rookie QB Clint Longley. Longley would only last to play in three NFL seasons (1974-76). However, on this day, he didn’t know the pressure and expectations that would follow. He simply threw the ball carefree and made Cowboys history.

Longley quickly hit Billy Joe Dupree on a 35-yard touchdown down the middle of the field, narrowing the Redskins’ lead to 16-10. When RB Walt Garrison scored from one yard, Dallas led 17-16.

The Redskins woke up to reality, and Duane Thomas ran to his left for a 19-yard touchdown, regaining the lead at 23-17.

Dallas had one last chance. With 28 seconds remaining, Longley dropped back and heaved the ball downfield, where Drew Pearson caught the game-winning 50-yard touchdown for the 24-23 Cowboys win.

Washington defensive back Ken Stone seemed absolutely lost on the play. He was picking up Pearson in coverage, but he wasn’t. Then, he saw Pearson run by him, and it was too late. Stone’s amazingly inept play made a hero out of Longley.

Redskins fans old enough to remember ( I was age 11) will never forget. They can never forget such a poor defensive performance in the second half against an NFL rookie who appeared in only nine games, starting only two.

Longley proved not to be a very good NFL quarterback, but on this one day, his special day, he brought the Redskins one of their worst, unexpected, inexcusable losses in franchise history.

It was not a Happy Thanksgiving for Redskins fans 50 years ago today.

Saquon Barkley hype reaches new levels ahead of Eagles-Ravens matchup

You know a NFL player is really very special when they’re talking about him on both Wall Street and in Hollywood

Adrian Peterson was the last running back to win the NFL MVP award back in 2012. Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles is considered to be one of the three front-runners for the Most Valuable Player award, alongside Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Sunday brings an absolutely massive game, as Barkley and the league’s number one rushing offense visit Baltimore, who boast the NFL’s number two rushing attack. It’s also a matchup between the league’s top two individual rushers Barkley, and the Ravens’ Derrick Henry.

The stats do not lie—Barkley and the Eagles have been doing things at the running back position and in the running game since the 1940s. What makes these feats all the more impressive is that back then, most teams didn’t pass a whole lot, and most offensive production for every team came on the ground.

The Ravens, who could be without one of their top defensive players, Roquan Smith, on Sunday, will have to do their best to limit Barkley’s production.

Coming off a 255-yard rushing performance on Sunday Night Football, Barkley isn’t a player you can genuinely shut down or effectively contain. You have to try to limit the damage he can do.

The Eagles running back is having such an excellent season that he’s become a pop culture sensation. It’s not just NFL journalists or sports media personalities talking about Barkley.

Actor and Philadelphia native Michael Blackson, known for Next Friday and Meet the Blacks, is a huge Eagles fan. Blackson pointed out how Barkley has extra motivation this season, as he wants to prove the New York Giants wrong in not offering him the new contract he sought.

“Of course, I mean, they (Giants) didn’t give him the money that he wanted. So he will want to prove it and show them why they are going to miss him for the rest of the season,” Blackson said in an exclusive with RG. “That’s what you do against your old team. You go all out for your new team and show them why they should have kept him.”

Signing with a division rival and then lighting them up is the best way to prove your point to them. In addition to entertainment news, Barkley is now getting featured in finance news!

Jim Cramer, host of CNBC’s “Mad Money” and the world’s foremost finance bro, raves about Barkley regularly during appearances on the network’s stock market-related programming.

On Monday, Cramer claimed that Barkley could bench press 650 pounds.

Cramer has also been extolling Barkley’s virtues on social media all season long, and he declared the running back to be in the G.O.A.T. conversation on X/Twitter after Sunday night’s performance.

You know a NFL player is really very special when they’re talking about him on both Wall Street and in Hollywood. However, Zach Orr and the Ravens defense just need to do what they do, stick to the game plan, and not get awed by the hype surrounding the stellar Eagles running back.

How the Bills can clinch the AFC East title in Week 13

Heading into Week 13 of the 2024 NFL season, here is how the Buffalo Bills can clinch the AFC East division this weekend.

The Buffalo Bills (9-2) are riding high these days as they head into Week 13 of the NFL season coming off a bye while also being able to wrap up their division early.

Buffalo is definitely focused on its upcoming matchup against the San Francisco 49ers (5-6), but they could have clinching the AFC East in the back of their mind as well.

The NFL announced there are three different teams that could clinch a playoff spot this coming weekend in the league’s slate of games. One of those teams is the Bills (9-2), assuming that they beat the 49ers on Sunday and the Miami Dolphins (5-6) lose in their Thanksgiving matchup at the Green Bay Packers.

It should be noted that the only way that Buffalo can clinch the AFC East this weekend is if they beat the 49ers and if the Dolphins lose to the Packers on Thursday. If anything other than that happens, they will have to wait another week to clinch their playoff spot that they have played so well for this season.

Assuming that Buffalo does clinch the AFC East at some point this campaign, it would mark a franchise record five-straight seasons as division champs.

The Bills enter Week 13 with the second-best record in the entire AFC, just behind a Kansas City Chiefs team that was handed their first loss of the season by Buffalo.

[lawrence-related id=143360,143355,143352]

Giving thanks for the Detroit Lions on this Thanksgiving

Giving thanks for all the Detroit Lions have done and how well they’re doing on this Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is always a special holiday for Detroit Lions fans. Our team perenially playing the early afternoon game slot is a wonderful tradition, even if the on-field product hasn’t always been appetizing.

Thankfully, this year is different. The Lions are 10-1, the best record they’ve had entering the annual Thanksgiving game since my late grandfather was playing high school football. He was born during World War I.

The holiday makes me recall family gatherings of the past and people like my grandfather, who passed away 27 years ago. He wasn’t much of a sports fan, but he always indulged my passion for football. We had Thanksgiving at their farmhouse every year, with my cousins and often some distant relatives I barely knew. I was always allowed to sneak away from the main group and watch the Lions on a small black-and-white TV in the kitchen under the guise of helping with the dishes. He’d often sneak in and sit with me, two pieces of my grandma’s exceptional apple pie in hand. I thank him for that in my prayers.

I’m thankful for how the Lions and Thanksgiving helped me integrate with my in-laws. My first time meeting most everyone on my (now) wife’s side of the family was a trip to her grandmother’s house in Eastpointe, then still East Detroit for a few more months.

I still remember the game and the outcome. Lions 16, Bears 6. Jim Harbaugh threw four interceptions for the Bears, which helped me get to know my brother-in-law, a Bears fan and Michigan stan, in a light I’d not seen before. My future family embraced that I knew and loved the Lions even though I was from Ohio. My wife’s grandmother and I got close quickly, thanks to her being a Detroit sports fanatic and a savvy euchre player. She always made sure Thanksgiving dinner was ready to roll as soon as the Lions game ended. I don’t know how she did it, but I’m still grateful for how she did it. She lived to be almost 100 and kept her mind sharp on her Lions, Tigers and (especially) Red Wings up to the very end. Thanks Grandma G!

Since moving to Michigan over 20 years ago, I’ve gotten to know and become friends with so many Lions fans. There’s an inexplicable instant bond from sharing the collective disappointment of being Lions fans of a certain age. Now, that resigned acceptance of inevitable frustration with our team is replaced by the excitement of our beloved Lions being a legitimate Super Bowl contender. We’re all very thankful for that.

So on this Thanksgiving, I’m grateful to Sheila Hamp for her vision and patience as the Detroit Lions owner. I’m grateful to Chris Spielman not only for being my football hero, but for his wisdom and guidance in helping Hamp carry out a plan. I’m thankful that Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell realized quickly they’re cut from the same cloth and can identify others forged by the same seamstress. I’m also exuberantly thankful that their plan is working better than any Lions team has in decades.

I am thankful for some of those truly awful Lions teams, believe it or not. I’m a staunch advocate that to truly enjoy the thrill of victory, you must first know the agony of defeat. My Lions cognizance goes back to the Silver Rush era and Billy Sims, and I feel that agony. Others have dwelled in it far longer, and I’m so thankful that in 2024, it’s finally our time to show our pride in our Lions. It’s been a long time coming, and the best is yet to come. I’m thankful that I actually believe that line, too.

Enjoy Thanksgiving wherever you are and whomever you’re with, and go Lions!