Tag: defensive tackle

Steelers’ DT responds to trade rumors

It is safe to say that Steelers’ All-Pro DT Cameron Heyward isn’t a fan of the recent speculation and trade rumors surrounding Pittsburgh.

While fans around the NFL enjoy the rumors and speculation surrounding the approaching trade deadline, it’s safe to say one Steelers player isn’t a fan. Pittsburgh’s three-time First Team All-Pro DT, Cam Heyward, wants fans to focus on the players in the Steelers’ locker room rather than waste energy predicting who will go where. 

In last week’s episode of his podcast, Not Just Football with Cam Heyward, the defensive tackle shared his frustration with the ongoing trade speculations: “Every week, it’s ‘Who are we getting this week? Who are we getting this week?’” He added that the team “can’t keep worrying about shoulda, woulda, coulda.” Heyward’s powerful statements reflects his confidence in his teammates and what this roster is capable of achieving. 

He does make a valid point, as three major trade rumors involving the Steelers have come and gone without any new receivers to show for it. Should fans place more trust in the current Pittsburgh receiver room moving forward, instead of holding onto hope for another playmaker to be added by the trade deadline?

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Sooners defensive tackle among PFF’s best true freshmen from week 8

After his strong performance against South Carolina, Jayden Jackson earned the best interior defensive lineman grades from Pro Football Focus.

The Oklahoma Sooners spent the first couple of years on the recruiting trail working tirelessly to fortify their defensive line. It all culminated in a strong [autotag]2024 recruiting class[/autotag] upfront.

One of the key figures in that recruiting class was defensive tackle [autotag]Jayden Jackson[/autotag]. Seven games into his Sooners career, he’s already meeting expectations. The four-star prospect out of IMG Academy was a week one starter for Oklahoma, becoming the first true freshman to start at defensive tackle since Tommie Harris.

And he keeps getting better each week. Against South Carolina, he had arguably his best game of the season, posting his highest defensive grade from Pro Football Focus. He had four total tackles, including a sack, two total pressures, and three stops, which PFF defines as a play that constitutes a loss for the defense.

He was the highest-graded true freshman defensive tackle from Week 8 and was among the 10 highest-graded true freshmen from the week.

Through seven games, Jackson ranks among PFF’s 10 highest-graded Sooners, coming in at No. 9.

On the season, Jackson is tied for 10th on the Sooners with 16 total tackles. He’s recorded one tackle for loss and one sack in 2024. And he’s just scratching the surface.

So much of what Jackson’s been able to do for the Sooners doesn’t show up on the stat sheets. He’s been difficult to move off the ball and his quickness has been a challenge for opposing offensive linemen.

Even with Damonic Williams, Da’Jon Terry, and Gracen Halton all playing well, it’s hard to keep Jackson off the field. With that four-man rotation in the middle, the Sooners have become one of the best run defenses in the nation, surrendering just 2.9 yards per carry in 2024, which ranks ninth.

Just seven games into his Sooners career, Jayden Jackson has been everything Oklahoma could have hoped for. And the scary thing is he will only continue to get better.

Former Chiefs defensive lineman reveals creative nickname for Travis Kelce

Former Kansas City #Chiefs defensive lineman Khalen Saunders reveals creative nickname for Travis Kelce | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ recent victory over the New Orleans Saints kept their record undefeated in the young season. During the game, they faced off against several former Chiefs, who had Super Bowl rings and memories from the journey.

Former Chiefs defensive lineman Khalen Saunders made headlines for his interception return during the game, but he also recently revealed a unique nickname for Travis Kelce.

“We used to call him, when I was on the Chiefs, ‘The Drunken Master,’ because he kind of just runs his routes looking like he’s tipsy a little bit. “said Saunders in a video list from G.O.A.T. Farm Media. “Then he’ll just sit down in the middle of a zone and catch it and then turn up the field and make something happen.”

Kelce’s unparalleled ability to find holes in defenses and get open for Patrick Mahomes earned him the nickname. Saunders played for the Chiefs from 2019 to 2022, winning two Super Bowls with the star tight end. The bond remains strong between former Kansas City players and the current group.

Chiefs All-Pro defensive lineman comments on three-peat talks: ‘It’s just so far-fetched’

Kansas City #Chiefs DT Chris Jones comments on three-peat talks: ‘It’s just so far-fetched’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones appeared as a guest on The Rich Eisen Show on Wednesday to reveal whether or not the team thinks about their chances at a three-peat.

“Not at all. It’s just so far-fetched. And you got to get through the division, not only the AFC West, you got to get through the AFC so much adversity can come about.” said Jones. “So I think more so for us; it’s about the smaller goals of winning the AFC West, which is the first thing we can do. We win the AFC West, we can put ourselves in a position to be in the playoffs. “

Jones was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his fantastic performance against the Los Angeles Chargers last Sunday. His third-career Player of the Week Award, surpassing Neil Smith and Art Still for the most-ever by a Chiefs defensive lineman.

“We can think about the AFC, where we are in the AFC, and then we can think about winning an AFC Championship,” said Jones. “They win that. Then you can think about the three-peat, but it’s so far-fetched, so far away, man. So you gotta, I think you can focus on the smaller goals. If you’re able to hit those, you’ll be where you want to be.”

The three-time Super Bowl champion has always kept the right mindset and understands the importance of building the team throughout the season.

Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo describes Chris Jones’ influence on games

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo describes Chris Jones’ influence on games | @EdEastonJr

The impact of star players doesn’t always show on the stat sheet. The Kansas City Chiefs have several players who fit that role and continue to change games.

Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo spoke with the media on Thursday, discussing Chris Jones’ influence on games.

“He’s (Chris Jones) attracting a lot of double teams right now. You guys (the media) have probably done your film study, so you can see that, right? Yeah, he does.” said Spagnuolo. “I mean, we try as much as we can to get him on one person, but that’s hard to do. People tend not to let that happen. One of the things we probably need to do a better job of is get into some longer third downs.”

Jones recently had half a sack taken away from his assistance in taking down Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. He has worked well with double teams, allowing teammates like George Karlaftis to take advantage of matchups.

“I was sharing with the(defensive) unit this morning that, if I did my math right, I think we’ve only had 19 third-and-two plus (situations). That’s really not enough in the game,” said Spagnuolo. “That’s only nine and a half a game, but that means you have to play better on first and second down. That’s where this team (Atlanta Falcons) is going to become really challenging because we know they run the ball really well.”

The Chiefs will rely on Jones’ dominance while on the road against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night.

Chiefs DT Chris Jones on excitement level for his ninth season: ‘Still get butterflies’

Kansas City #Chiefs DT Chris Jones on excitement level for his ninth season: ‘Still get butterflies’ | @EdEastonJr

The battle to sustain success is a significant part of the Kansas City Chiefs’ mindset as a team and individually, with veteran players continuing to strive for greatness.

Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones addressed his thoughts with reporters on Monday about entering another season and expectations for the defense this season.

“Absolutely. I think it’s always a butterfly feeling when you(are) getting closer to the game and actually the first play of the game, (I) still get butterflies,” said Jones. “I think when that feeling goes away then – my time here is coming up, but as long as I’m getting that feeling, I’m still here. I’m still excited to play, I’m still excited to see the potential of this team (that) we have and finally be able to hit somebody else other than my teammates.”

Jones secured ten sacks last season and a well-documented contract incentive on the way to another All-Pro year in 2023. The defense played at an elite level, but Jones believes they can take things further in 2024.

“The potential we have. We have a lot of potential in the room. It’s all about coming together, building chemistry throughout the year, and building off of adversity. Adversity builds character.” said Jones. “If we’re able to continue to face adversity and build off of that, I think this team can be really special.”

Jones is a leader on the team who still aspires to become defensive player of the year, adding to his long list of career accomplishments.

John Ridgeway expected to be traded from Commanders

New Saints DT John Ridgeway knew he’d be traded from the Commanders but wasn’t sure where or when.

The New Orleans Saints traded for defensive tackle John Ridgeway on Wednesday afternoon. It was a move that fans didn’t expect, but Ridgeway himself did. He wasn’t sure when or where he’d be traded. One thing he did know was he wouldn’t be suiting up for the Washington Commanders this upcoming season.

Saints media asked Ridgeway if he was surprised by the trade. He had been in Washington for two years. Ridgeway responded, “I was kind of just waiting on it to happen honestly.”

He looked at how the Commanders roster was falling during preseason and kept in contact with his agent. Ridgeway didn’t want his agent to tell him any teams that were interested, so the defensive tackle had no idea the Saints were interested.

He’s new to the Saints but there are a couple of familiar faces. Khaleke Hudson and Chase Young were both teammates with Ridgeway last year in Washington.

Ridgeway enjoys seeing familiar faces and suggests those guys could help get him acclimated to the city and facilities if necessary.

Dennis Allen on the decision to move Cameron Jordan inside

Cameron Jordan will play on the inside more this season. Dennis Allen says “It takes a special person to be able to handle that”

Cameron Jordan will play on the interior more than he ever has in a New Orleans Saints uniform. Jordan already shared that he is up for the challenge though he wouldn’t have chosen this route. Telling your future Hall of Fame defensive end you need him to alter his role can’t be an easy conversation or decision to make.

Dennis Allen explained the decision to Kay Adams. The Saints picked up Chase Young in free agency, and Carl Granderson is firmly stepping into the role as the Saints’ top pass rusher. You see more players fighting for reps at defensive end than in recent years. Allen sees that as a catalyst for the change.

“At the end of the day, there’s only so many snaps on defense,” Allen said. “There’s only so many spots he can play. How do we get the best 11 guys on the field?”

Jordan will still play on the edge, but Granderson and Young will likely be your two edge players on obvious passing situations and two-minute drills. In these situations, along with other plays throughout the game, you’ll see Jordan on the inside.

Allen credits Jordan for his response to the challenge. Jordan has played one position pretty much his entire career. He’s rushed off the defense’s left side, so leaving that for something different can be an odd. Allen commended him, saying, “It takes a special person to be able to handle that.”

If all goes as planned this could extend his career by keeping Jordan in the lineup as an effective defender. But Allen and the Saints are grateful for what he’s given them already through more than a decade: “Cam’s been one of the most unselfish players in our league for a long, long time.”

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Saints seeing growth from Bryan Bresee to become a three-down player

Dennis Allen spoke about Bryan Bresee’s improved run defense and conditioning, laying out what the Saints are looking for from Bresee in Year 2:

This was a cool development — Bryan Bresee started the New Orleans Saints preseason game with the San Francisco 49ers at defensive tackle over Khaulen Saunders, and Dennis Allen was asked about the decision after the game.

Allen’s response signified growth within Bresee. It sounds like he is inching closer to being a three-down player.

“He’s been a little bit more improved as a run player,” Allen told reporters. That’s what is needed for Bresee. He entered the league as a good pass rusher. His spin move was the talk of last year’s preseason.

Even in Sunday’s game his pass rush capabilities were shown as the second year defensive tackle harassed Brock Purdy to affect the throw. The better Bresee can play the run the easier it is to keep him on the field at all times.

Playing every down is about more than ability, though. Bresee has to be able to remain on the field with proper injury. Allen alluded to this by saying, “He’s a player we have to work to get him into the best football shape he can be in because when he’s rested and feeling good he’s a pretty good player.”

Allen wants Bresee to stay on the field for three to seven plays while maintaining a consistent level of performance. That relates back to conditioning.

That’s part of the reason Bresee remained in the game during the San Francisco two minute drive at the end of the first quarter. If he can continue to improve on his run defense and stay in great shape, Bresee has the potential to be a force in the defensive interior.

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Cameron Jordan welcoming the challenge of playing on the inside

Cameron Jordan will play more on the interior in 2024. The change comes with a shift in technique and workload, but he’s welcoming the challenge:

More than ever, you’ll see Cameron Jordan lining up at defensive tackle for the New Orleans Saints in 2024. He’ll remain a part of the edge defender rotation, but he’ll now also take snaps on the interior.

Jordan admits the move requires humility. The idea of taking on three players on any given play doesn’t bring him excitement, but it’s what the team needs from him. Jordan swallowed his pride and welcomed the challenge.

Jordan lost weight over the offseason, dipping under 270 pounds for the first time since high school. He’s put some weight back on this summer but is still lighter than usual. He joked after a recent training practice that it ended up being the “Wrong time to slim down.”

He does clarify that defensive linemen can be “small, light, and strong.” The qualities aren’t mutually exclusive. To help with the transition, Jordan is looking at guys like Aaron Donald and other lighter players for the position. Jordan also highlighted Calais Campbell as a player who evolved from an edge rusher to an interior defender.

There’s a major shift when sliding inside from a technique and preparation standpoint. Jordan says everything happens quicker on the interior: “Off the edge you get three, four steps. You move on the interior and everything gets faster.” There’s just less time for you to set up offensive linemen for moves.

Jordan added that his minimal experience at the position has lessened the learning curve and he’s getting more comfortable.

Playing inside snaps changes weekly preparation. It’s an elevated workload having to prepare for playing edge and defensive tackle. 14 years into the season and Jordan has even more on his plate.

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