Tag: leader

Notre Dame Football History: The All-Time 25 Leading Passers

Notre Dame’s Top 25 All-Time Passing Leaders. Who was the actual best quarterback?

You can’t tell the history of football as a whole without bringing up the University of Notre Dame and the impact the school had on the college game.  Whether they’re fans or not, no college football program is as known nationally as that of the Fighting Irish.

That specific Notre Dame football history can’t be spoken without discussing the names of some of the best to ever drop back to pass in blue and gold.

Joe Montana, Brady Quinn, Rick Mirer.

Jarious Jackson, Joe Theismann, Tony Rice.

And the list goes on and on.

We break down the top 20 passers in Notre Dame football history. A group that includes a Heisman Trophy winner and plenty of eventual NFL draft picks.

Steve Spagnuolo challenging Bryan Cook to become a leader on Chiefs defense

#Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is challenging safety Bryan Cook to become a leader on Kansas City’s defense this season. | from: @EdEastonJr

The front office of the Kansas City Chiefs, led by general manager Brett Veach, has constantly been forward-thinking about adding younger talent to the team’s roster. Kansas City hasn’t dwelled much on retaining established veterans and tends to build their squad through the draft, choosing to develop players in-house instead of turning to free agency to fill crucial roles.

A solid example of this formula was the selection of Cincinnati safety Bryan Cook in 2022. He initially played in a reserve role behind Juan Thornhill. Now, after Thornhill’s departure in the offseason, Cook will get his chance to take over a starting spot this season. Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo met with the media after Tuesday’s practice and praised Cook’s work ethic and development in training camp.

“Bryan [Cook] is really going to become the quarterback of the defense,” Spagnuolo explained. “Him and Nick [Bolton], and [he is] especially the quarterback on the back end. One other thing about Bryan [Cook] is he’s always looking for feedback.

“He came the other day and he wanted to do some more drills. That’s one thing he’s got, we saw that when we were looking at him out of [The University of] Cincinnati, his work, he loves football, passionate about football and we’re banking on him in that regard.”

Spagnulolo had utilized Cook in many big spots, including in Super Bowl LVII. He has shown his confidence in the young safety, and fans will have to stay tuned to see how Spagnuolo will plan to maximize Cook’s talent in 2023.

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Andy Reid on Travis Kelce’s practice scrum: ‘He’s still got some juice in him’

#Chiefs head coach Andy Reid wasn’t too concerned about Travis Kelce’s mixup with linebacker Jack Cochrane on Saturday.

Andy Reid didn’t seem too concerned with the Kansas City Chiefs’ recent spate of fights at training camp practice during his comments after Sunday’s workouts.

When the veteran head coach was asked by a reporter about Travis Kelce’s mix-up with linebacker Jack Cochrane on Saturday, Reid shrugged the question off, reaffirming that the decorated tight end is still in his good graces.

“He’s one of the team leaders,” Reid said of Kelce. “He felt it, and so… that’s alright. I’m just glad that at that old he’s still got some juice in him.”

Fights are part of the growth process during the dog days of summer at training camp, and as the heat rises, so do the tempers of the players who are giving their best out on the practice field.

Kelce’s weekend incident will be behind him by the time Kansas City’s regular season kicks off in September and, with some perspective, the All-Pro pass catcher is sure to grow from Saturday’s unfortunate scrum.

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WATCH: Nick Saban discusses Jordan Battle’s growth and leadership

Nick Saban raves about Jordan Battle ahead of 2022 season.

Will Anderson Jr. is the name that comes to mind when you think of the Alabama Crimson Tide defense, and rightfully so. However, [autotag]Jordan Battle[/autotag] is the glue that really brings the entire secondary and defense together.

Battle decided to not enter the 2022 NFL draft and returned to Nick Saban in pursuit of another national title, which was maybe the biggest win of the offseason for the Crimson Tide.

Through three seasons in Tuscaloosa, Battle has been extremely productive posting 181 tackles, five interceptions and deflected eight passes. This will be Battle’s third year as a starter and he will assume much more of a leadership position.

Speaking with the media this week, Coach Saban shared some of his thoughts on Battle and just how far he has come during his time at Alabama.

Saban has always been very keen on Battle and he didn’t hold back saying, “Jordan is a very bright guy, he’s got a really good work ethic, he loves the game, he loves to play, he loves to practice, he sets a good example, he’s a good leader, he’s got a really, really good understanding of everything we’re doing in the secondary.”

With Anderson and Battle guiding this ‘Bama defense, we have nothing to fear.

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Legendary Texas cornerback Rod Babers weighs in on quarterback decision

Rod Babers believes Quinn Ewers won the battle by winning over his teammates.

Rod Babers was not surprised by Steve Sarkisian’s quarterback decision. Continue reading “Legendary Texas cornerback Rod Babers weighs in on quarterback decision”

Will Anderson Jr.: ‘ I haven’t reached my full potential yet’

Will Anderson Jr. discusses his leadership and mentality regarding the upcoming 2022 season

Will Anderson Jr., burst onto the scene as a true freshman for the Crimson Tide in 2020 when he accumulated 52 total tackles seven sacks and forced one fumble. While Tide fans were prepared for the emergence of “The Terminator,” he caught a lot of people by surprise when he became the best defensive player in college football in 2021 posting 31 tackles for loss and 17.5 sacks.

Aside from being totally and utterly dominant on the field, one of the most remarkable things about Anderson though is the head he has on his shoulders. He is a leader by example, he loves to be coached, he believes in Coach Saban’s process, and he continues to strive for improvement every day on and off the field.

When Anderson was asked if he had reached his full potential yet he said, “I still haven’t reached my full potential yet. Last year was a great year, but I feel like there is always room for improvement.”

Anderson has the relentless pursuit of greatness in him and as a result, he’s never been one to shy away from his weaknesses as a player. Anderson shared with the crew, “The first thing I did when I walked into Saban’s office was say I know the good, just tell me what I need to work on, how to be a better player than I was last year.”

Coach Saban has always been very vocal and emphatic in his appreciation of Anderson. Anderson said for him personally a big moment was when Saban held him and Bryce Young after the national title press conference to praise their work ethic and the pillars they are in their community.

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Chris Jones finding balance in leadership role within Chiefs’ defense

#Chiefs DT Chris Jones is out to ensure that the defense is getting 1% better each and every day at training camp. | from @TheJohnDillon

One of the most productive players on the Kansas City Chiefs defense, Chris Jones, has a huge opportunity to make his presence felt in 2022.

The new-look squad has seen an infusion of young talent at every phase, but especially on the defensive side of the ball. With some time to form a cohesive unit, this defense could become a menace against opposing offenses. Jones spoke to reporters on Monday about his evolving role as a leader with so many fresh faces in the mix defensively.

“I have a mission here,” Jones explained. “Especially when stepping on this practice field, our mission is to get better, one percent better every day. It’s a balance. You can come out here and have fun but make sure that you’re doing it to your highest capability on this field. Making sure you’re leading guys as an example. I take that personal, especially when I’m stepping on the field.”

He went on to tell the media about the change in identity that the defense is undertaking, speaking to a “grit” that he hopes will make a difference for Kansas City this season.

“[We’re] Just being gritty man, being gritty,” he said. “I think we left a lot of opportunities last year, our last game of the season, on the field. We were able to make a few changes in the defensive line room, bring my brother (Frank Clark) back and a lot of familiar faces back. I think this year, it’s about being gritty. Stopping the run, stopping the pass and doing whatever we can to help this defense out.”

After years of defensive mediocrity, the Chiefs are set to take the field in 2022 with a motivated bunch of underdogs opposite Patrick Mahomes and the offense. If their efforts in camp pay off, the one-two punch the team brings to the table could be enough to deliver them another Lombardi Trophy in February.

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NFL analysts: ‘Mac Jones emerging as New England Patriots leader’

Mac Jones is becoming the leader of the Patriots organization and people are taking notice!

In his lone season as a starter for the Alabama Crimson Tide, [autotag]Mac Jones[/autotag] was named a team captain and led the program to a national championship win. So, it should come as no surprise to the New England Patriots that they have something special in Jones.

After a rookie campaign that landed Jones a Pro Bowl appearance, he is looking to enter his second season and take his game to the next level. Jones has been recognized for spending his entire offseason committed to the strength and conditioning program, as well as following the Patriots’ nutritional plan.

NFL Network analyst, Mike Giardi, discussed Jones and what improvements he expects from him in year two. Giardi offered high praise, saying, “He has taken ownership of not only the offense but really of the team. As someone in the organization told me, he’s really got a maturity beyond his years.”

Jones still has plenty of room for growth, but the Patriots seem to love the path he’s on. Check out the full conversation below.

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Broncos GM George Paton wants leadership, and Brian Flores has it

“We want leadership,” Broncos GM George Paton said. “That’s our No. 1 priority.” Brian Flores, anyone?

After firing coach Vic Fangio on Sunday, Denver Broncos general manager George Paton is now in charge of the team’s search for a replacement.

During his end-of-season press conference on Sunday, Paton was asked what qualities he’s looking for in the team’s next coach.

“The No. 1 quality is leadership,” Paton said. “We’re looking for someone to lead this entire organization, to lead this community, and to lead our players. That’s the No. 1 trait we’re looking for. Obviously, we want the best football coach. I’m not worried about what side of the ball, and I’m not worried about a play caller. We want leadership. That’s our No. 1 priority.”

Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross had a similar sentiment in 2019 when they hired Brian Flores.

“What we were looking for is a leader,” Ross said three years ago, via Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post. “To me, you start an organization by finding a great leader and I’m really thrilled to say that I believe we have found that leader.”

Despite going 10-6 last year and 9-8 this season, Miami surprisingly fired Flores on Monday. He should now be considered a top candidate for the Broncos’ opening.

More from Schad’s piece in 2020:

Miami’s rookie quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, says Flores is passionate and disciplined, but perhaps more revealing than any other conclusion — consistent.

“We never change anything,” Tagovailoa said of Flores’ approach.

That mentality would be useful in Denver if Von Miller’s recent remarks are to be believed. This is how the outside linebacker described the differences between losing with the Broncos and Los Angeles Rams:

“We have been so even-keeled and so consistent with things that we do, how we prepare,” Miller said last week, via Cameron DaSilva of Rams Wire. “When I was with the Denver Broncos, when we lose, it’s time to double down on something. It’s time to go harder, it’s time to do something differently, it’s time to watch more film, practice a little bit harder, lift a little bit harder. And these guys, they just got a formula. We come in, we do our stuff, we go home. And we trust our guys. We trust the stars on the team.

“We trust the foundational players. We trust the coaches. And honestly, we just come in and we do the exact same thing. When we we’re losing, we were doing the exact same thing. And when we’re winning, we have the same exact mindset that we’ve had these eight weeks that I’ve been here. So it’s been very consistent whether we win or lose.”

That formula has worked for the Rams — they went 12-5 this season and L.A. reached the Super Bowl under Sean McVay in 2018 — and the formula likely would have worked for the Dolphins if they had more patience with Flores.

Miami made a mistake, firing a bright young leader with a winning approach. The Broncos can benefit from that mistake by bringing Flores in to replace Fangio.

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Texas still in the lead for five-star RB Rueben Owens following decommitment

Shortly after Owens’ decommitment, his father caught up with 247Sports. He said UT was still leading, but wants to go through the process.

News of Rueben Owens’ decommitment came with a bit of shock on Thursday morning. The five-star running back was just in Austin, being the main recruiter for some of the top 2023 prospects in the country.

Nonetheless, expecting a sophomore in high school, who just began taking on-campus visits, to remain committed is unrealistic.

The recruiting process is brand new for both the 2022 and 2023 cycle, thanks to the COVID-19 dead period. June 1 was the first time they could travel and take any kind of visits — interacting with coaches, other recruits, and getting a feel for campuses.

Owens announced his decision on Twitter, thanking the coaching staff, fanbase, and even the media. He cited an early decision as part of the reason for the decommitment and “there is a lot to carefully evaluate.”

Shortly after, Owens’ father caught up with Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports. He confirmed Texas was still the leader, but wants to go through the process the correct way.

“We’re just going to open it up and make sure we’re making the right choice for him and making sure he’s making the right choice,” the elder Owens said.

Before the original commitment in February, Oklahoma was thought to be the major player for Owens. Seeing a Texas commitment came as a bit of a shock at the time.

Before making it to Austin, recent trips to Alabama and LSU saw the five-star checking out the elite SEC schools. Being the No. 2 running back in the 2023 class, there should be plenty of other big-name programs coming after the Black Unicorn.