Tag: 2024 nfl season

NFL announces release date for regular-season schedule

The regular season schedule will be released on May 15.

On Tuesday, the NFL released a memo to all 32 NFL teams announcing the 2024 regular-season schedule will be released on May 15. Most believed the schedule release would be this week but there’s been no word on why the league is putting it out a week later than normal.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Commanders are among the NFL’s worst in team merchandise sales

The Commanders are among the NFL’s worst in team merchandise sales.

When you rebrand, it’s supposed to give you momentum. That means selling more t-shirts, hats, and jerseys with the new name and logo. That hasn’t been the case for the Washington Commanders.

The Commanders changed their name from the generic moniker “Football Team” in Feb. 2022. Fans have been slow to embrace the new name, with many focused on other positives, such as Dan Snyder no longer owning the team. However, for a large portion of Washington’s fan base, the name debate is not going away.

When Josh Harris and his partners bought the team last July, none denied another potential rebranding, but pointing out that it wasn’t an immediate focus.

Now, there are some numbers to support fans who still haven’t come around to the name. According to Josh Koebert of Finance Buzz, only three NFL fanbases spend less on merchandise than the Commanders.

The NFL league-wide average per team is $144.45 — Washington fans spend an average of $80.87 annually on team merchandise.

There are multiple reasons for these numbers. First, whether some want to admit it or not, it is the name change. Secondly, some hate the jerseys. A portion of the fan base could get used to the name if the team had kept the previous jerseys. Finally, there’s also the lack of a superstar player. Of course, the Commanders could have that now with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.

The team has yet to announce Daniels’ official number, but when it does, jersey sales will likely increase.

Harris and his partners have done everything to improve the team. Now, the team needs to win on the field and Daniels is a big part of the future. If the Commanders win, will the merchandise sales rise? That’s something to watch throughout the season.

When Robert Griffin III had his amazing rookie season in 2012, his jerseys were flying off the shelves. The same could happen with Daniels, but Griffin still played for the Redskins, which will matter to some fans.

Here’s a complete look at the spending from Finance Buzz.

 

 

Former NFL quarterback: McCarthy is going to ‘have his hands full’ with Sam Darnold

Nothing makes the world turn properly like former NFL quarterbacks analyzing new quarterbacks coming into a league that has chewed them up.

Nothing makes the world turn properly like former NFL quarterbacks analyzing new quarterbacks coming into a league that has chewed them up. One former quarterback has faith in the Vikings’ new quarterback, Sam Darnold, to cause problems for their top draft pick.

The quarterback providing this analysis is none other than Johnny Manziel.

Yes, I delayed disclosing who provided the analysis, but we shouldn’t ignore it. Speaking on his podcast hosted on The Action Network, the former Heisman Trophy winner gave a valid reason for his belief in Darnold.

“I know that may raise a little bit of red flags and raise a couple heads up off the table, but Sam Darnold can play football. That guy can sling the rock, he was drafted where he was for a reason, and he’s been waiting for a situation like this.”

He would go on to ask the question that many people have not discussed which is “Is (McCarthy) an upgrade over what they have currently in the (quarterback) room?”

Training camp will be interesting for the first few days, at least when everyone reacts to one throw here or there. Things will settle once the season gets rolling, and J.J. McCarthy will have his chance at earning and keeping thrown.

Which NFL player is Commanders QB Jayden Daniels most excited to play against?

Which NFL player is Jayden Daniels most excited to play against?

Throughout the months leading up to the 2024 NFL draft, there was one comparison often made for new Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels: Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.

NFL comparisons are often unfair and tricky. Why did some compare Daniels to Jackson? It is likely due to each’s ability as a dynamic runner. However, there are quite a few differences between the two quarterbacks. For one, Daniels is a far more advanced passer coming out of college than Jackson was in 2018. That’s not a knock on Jackson, but a fact.

Where Daniels is now compared to where Jackson was in 2018 is irrelevant. It doesn’t mean Daniels will become the star Jackson is now.

But while the comparisons aren’t quite 100% accurate, that doesn’t mean Daniels doesn’t admire Jackson.

Recently, Daniels was asked which NFL player he looked forward to competing against, and he said Jackson.

In some good news for Daniels — and NFL fans — the Commanders travel to Baltimore in 2024.

Who should be the Commanders’ Week 1 opponent?

Who do you want to see the Commanders open the season with in 2024?

The 2024 NFL draft is over. The next big date on the NFL calendar is the schedule release. The NFL could reveal any time over the next two weeks. Last week’s schedule was released on May 11, but some bigger games were revealed before the official date.

The Washington Commanders will be a more attractive option for prime-time watching in 2024. There is a lot of excitement around general manager Adam Peters and coach Dan Quinn, but that is more on a local level from the team’s fans.

Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels makes the Commanders more appealing on a national level in 2024, which likely means more prime-time games. Last year, Washington began the Josh Harris era at home against the Arizona Cardinals.

Could the NFL open the 2024 season with the Commanders at home again — against a more appealing opponent?

What if the NFL schedule pitted Daniels — the No. 2 overall pick — against the Chicago Bears and No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams? A home date against the Bears is on the 2024 slate.

That would be a fun way to begin the season with two dynamic young players who will likely always be compared to one another.

Here’s a look at all of Washington’s 2024 opponents:

HOME

  • Dallas Cowboys
  • Philadelphia Eagles
  • New York Giants
  • Chicago Bears
  • Atlanta Falcons
  • Carolina Panthers
  • Cleveland Browns
  • Pittsburgh Steelers
  • Tennessee Titans

AWAY

  • Dallas Cowboys
  • Philadelphia Eagles
  • New York Giants
  • Baltimore Ravens
  • Cincinnati Bengals
  • Arizona Cardinals
  • New Orleans Saints
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Which opponent do you want to see Washington play in Week 1?

The last three times the Bears and Commanders have played, the game was in prime time for no good reason. Two years ago, it was an ugly Thursday night affair that ended with a 12-7 Washington win. Last year, on Thursday night, the Bears jumped on the Commanders early and won by 20.

Finally, there is actual intrigue in this series. Should it be a Week 1 opener or get the prime-time spotlight?

The Athletic predicts a Vikings quarterback to be cut

The addition of J.J. McCarthy puts the Vikings in a position they may not want to be in but can’t avoid, they can’t keep four quarterbacks.

The addition of J.J. McCarthy puts the Vikings in a position they may not want to be in but can’t avoid. They can’t keep four quarterbacks. At the very least, they can’t keep four on the active roster.

Because of that, Alec Lewis of The Athletic predicts the team will release one of them.

Obviously, it will not be J.J. McCarthy or Sam Darnold, as they have just been drafted and signed, respectively. That leaves the game of Survivor to be played between Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall.

Hall was drafted out of BYU in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. As a rookie, Hall started two times for the Vikings and was less than impressive in those spots. He turned the ball over three times and threw no touchdowns in those starts. The second start came in week 17 against the Packers, where he was benched at halftime and saw no action in week 18 to end the year.

Because of those less than ideal numbers, Hall is who Lewis predicts the Vikings will let go of.

The Vikings staff wants to be patient with J.J. McCarthy’s development, so having two veterans in place seems to be their ideal situation. Lewis writes, “. .. the team’s willingness to turn to Mullens if Darnold struggles or suffers an injury. Team leaders hope neither happens, but they have to plan for the worst-case scenario.”

Hall could easily be placed on the practice squad, allowing him to develop more under Kevin O’Connell and his staff ideally. The active roster just may not be the place for him at this moment with the current state of the Vikings roster.

PFF ranks best rookie of the year candidates

The future is always brightest and for those who were apart of the 2024 NFL Draft class, the journey for rookie of the year starts now.

The future is always brightest, and for those who were a part of the 2024 NFL Draft class, the journey for rookie of the year starts now.

Pro Football Focus has started looking ahead to jow the season may play out for those in this rookie class. They already have early projections, even before rookie minicamps, and the leaders are interesting.

Regarding Offensive Rookie of the Year, PFF has four players listed as favorites. Sadly, none of them are J.J. McCarthy of the Vikings.

PFF has gone with the leader, division rival Caleb Williams, who was drafted first overall by the Chicago Bears. Others listed include Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, and Jayden Daniels. The absence of J.J. McCarthy could be attributed to the fact that he may not even start the year for the Vikings. If he does, though, look for McCarthy to start producing strong numbers with the weapons around him.

On the defensive side of the ball, there is some Viking representation. PFF has Dallas Turner listed as the fourth-best player to win the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. They have listed Laiatu Latu, Jared Verse, and Quinyon Mitchell ahead of him.

Commanders announce dates for 2024 rookie minicamp

The NFL announced dates for all 32 rookie minicamps.

You don’t have to wait long to see Jayden Daniels in a Washington Commanders’ uniform.

The NFL announced rookie minicamp dates for all 32 teams on Wednesday, and Washington’s camp will run from May 10-12.

Of course, it is only a rookie minicamp, so fans won’t see Daniels in pads, but we may get a clue about which jersey number Daniels will wear. Daniels has always worn No. 5, which is currently worn by Washington’s most tenured player, punter Tress Way.

Daniels will likely end up in the No. 5 jersey as the new face of the franchise.

In addition to Daniels, the Commanders’ other eight draft picks will also don the burgundy and gold for the first time. Additionally, Washington signed 11 undrafted free agents who’ll also be on the field for the Commanders for the first time.

Broncos unveil new uniforms in ‘Mile High Collection’ hype video

The Denver Broncos unveiled their new uniforms with a two-minute hype video. We’re excited!

The Denver Broncos became the latest team to release their new uniform set for the 2024 NFL season and beyond on Monday.

The team used a two-minute hype video to show off the new threads. The video highlighted Colorado’s Rocky Mountain region, the blue-collar work ethic of the people of the state and the wild, raw power of the Bronco.

The video culminates with several players modeling the three new jersey patterns: the orange home jersey, the white away jersey and the navy blue alternate jersey. The video cuts off with a pair of cleats and throwback socks walking onto the stage. The team also put out a second video to commemorate the 1977-themed throwback uniform.

That throwback uniform is simply beautiful.

If these hype videos don’t get Broncos Country excited about the new uniforms, nothing will. Bring on the new-look Broncos!

Follow the Broncos Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Every move the Ravens have made so far this offseason

With the 2024 NFL Draft fast approaching, we’re looking at every move the Baltimore Ravens have made this off-season

The Ravens will look drastically different on both sides of the football field after undergoing massive changes in player personnel and the coaching staff.

Baltimore signed Justin Madubuike, one of the league’s best defensive linemen, to an extension. After inking Madubuike to a deal, Baltimore landed Derrick Henry for two years and $16 million.

However, the Ravens suffered significant free-agent losses. 

Patrick Queen (Steelers), Geno Stone (Bengals), and Gus Edwards (Chargers) were among eight free agents to sign elsewhere. Baltimore also traded Morgan Moses to the Jets and released Tyus Bowser in a cost-cutting move.

With the NFL draft fast approaching, we’re reviewing every move Baltimore made this off-season.