Tag: LSU in NFL

Former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow outstanding in Cincinnati loss

Former LSU signal-caller Joe Burrow impressed once again this week’s Bengals loss.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow had another outstanding performance in a heartbreaking 37-34 loss to the Cleveland Browns.

The former LSU star completed 35 of 47 passes for 408 yards with three touchdowns. Burrow also rushed for 34 yards and another score.

With the Bengals trailing 31-27 late in the fourth quarter, Burrow led the Bengals on an impressive drive inside Cleveland’s five-yard line. Facing fourth down, Burrow finds running back Giovani Bernard for a short touchdown to give the Bengals a 34-31 lead with 1:06 remaining in the game.

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Unfortunately for Burrow, Cincinnati’s defense couldn’t stop Baker Mayfield, who answered Burrow with an impressive drive of his own to give the Browns a last-second win.

While it was a crushing defeat for Burrow and his Bengals, he again proved he will be one of the NFL’s elite passers.

In the loss, Burrow set new career-highs in completions, passing yards and touchdowns. Burrow’s 112.5 quarterback rating was also a personal best.

Cincinnati falls to 1-5-1 on the season and hosts the Tennessee Titans in Week 8.

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Former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow gets first NFL victory

Former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow won his first career NFL game on Sunday.

Former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow won his first career NFL game on Sunday when his Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 33-25.

It was quite the day for the reigning Heisman Trophy winner who completed 25 of 36 passes for 300 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Burrow had a QB rating of 92.3

It was the third straight game Burrow passed for 300 yards or more, setting a record among rookie quarterbacks.

The Jaguars led 13-10 at halftime before Burrow led a big rally in the third quarter that saw the Bengals outscore Jacksonville 17-0 to take a commanding 27-13 lead they would never relinquish.

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Burrow has now completed 116-of -77 pass attempts on the season at a clip of 65.5 percent. He has 1,121 passing yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions to go with a rushing touchdown that he scored in his debut.

Burrow praised head coach Zac Taylor after the win.

“I think Zac has done a great job of asking what I’m comfortable with and calling those plays,” Burrow told reporters after the game. “And he understands what I like in certain situations.”

The now 1-2-1 Bengals face the 3-1 Baltimore Ravens in an AFC North clash in Week 5.

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LSU in the NFL: Recapping Week 1

Week one of the 2020 NFL season saw many former LSU players take the field for their respective teams.

The LSU football program has sent a host of talent on to the NFL.

Coming up later this week, we’ll get to watch Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals travel to Cleveland to take on Odell Beckham Jr., Jacob Phillips, and the Cleveland Browns on Thursday night.

But with Week 1 now in the books, let’s take a team-by-team look at how some of these former Tigers players fared in the first game of the 2020 season.

Cincinnati Bengals

Mandatory Credit: Sam Greene/Cincinnati Enquirer-USA TODAY NETWORK

Bengals rookie quarterback Joe Burrow completed 23-of-36 passes for 193 yards with an interception. He also ran for a touchdown on a 23 yard run. The Bengals did lose 16-13 to the Los Angeles Chargers, but Burrow played well in his first NFL start.

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Looking into Leonard Fournette being released by the Jacksonville Jaguars

Former LSU star tailback Leonard Fournette has been released after three seasons. He could be claimed off waivers before the season begins.

Former LSU star running back Leonard Fournette was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday after spending three seasons with the team.

Fournette, who was selected at No. 4 overall in the 2017 NFL draft, had instances with the team which resulted in a suspension and being benched during a game.

He also dealt with a few injuries over his tenure in Jacksonville.

Fournette rushed for a career total of 3,830 yards with 40 total touchdowns on 616 carries at LSU from 2014-2016.

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The former Tigers great tailback became just the second Jaguars rookie to rush for over 1,000 yards in 2017, and rushed for a total of 2,631 yards and 17 touchdowns during his time with the organization.

The move comes as a surprise, but with good reason. The Jaguars have a new offensive coordinator in Jay Gruden, who runs a West Coast style offense. Fournette is more of a power back, and the scheme would not have fit his running style well.

During the offseason, Jacksonville declined Fournette’s fifth-year option for 2021, ultimately making him a free agent after the 2020 season. He was placed on waivers on Monday and will earn a $4.17 million salary if another NFL team picks him up.

Before the 2020 NFL draft, the Jaguars tried to trade Fournette, but had no takers.

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In 2018, he was suspended for fighting, and was also suspended during his rookie season in 2017 for leaving early during a bye week and missing the team picture.

He was also fined a few times for being late or not being a participant during meetings.

All of the off-the-field issues that Fournette had added up the frustration from the front office and coaching staff, ultimately setting up his release. The move was likely to come at some point before the end of this season, but no one expected it to happen in the middle of camp.

So, what happens next with Fournette ?

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Any of the other 31 teams in the NFL could immediately sign him off waivers. A few teams of interest could be the Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, Buffalo Bills and the New York Jets.

Leave no doubt, Fournette still has the capability of being a true all-purpose running back for any team. He just needs to be placed into the right offensive scheme.

Entering his fourth year in the league, the former LSU standout is searching for a new home. But, he may not have to wait long to sign a deal with a new team.

It seems as if he has put his off-the-field troubles behind him, and if any one team notices that, he could have a new landing spot sooner than later.

It will be interesting to see where Fournette ends up signing, albeit if he signs at all before the season begins.

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LSU in the NFL: Projecting Patrick Peterson’s 2020 stats with the Arizona Cardinals

Entering his 10th NFL season, Tigers fans can expect big things from former LSU star Patrick Peterson.

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Former LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson has been a dominant defensive force for the Arizona Cardinals since he entered the league nine seasons ago.

The fifth overall pick of the 2011 NFL draft, Peterson continues to build a stellar career in the desert.

At LSU, he was a dominant defensive back who could lock down any opposing receiver. He transitioned that ability to the pro level, and has been named an All-Pro selection eight times, from 2011-2018.

While he only appeared in 10 games last season, Peterson still managed to record 46 solo tackles with one forced fumble, two interceptions and seven passes defensed.

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Heading into his 10th year in the NFL, the veteran will need to remain healthy to put up better numbers in 2020.

The Cardinals have been a rebuilding team ever since they drafted Kyler Murray at quarterback a few years ago. Though he remains their top defensive player, Peterson can’t do it all on his own.

The years of Peterson and former LSU star Tyrann Mathieu have been over for a few seasons now. Despite that, he still manages to be one of the best at the position in the game, even through his injuries.

Going into the season, Peterson should be expected to have upward of 50-60 tackles, and an interception total of between four and seven, which would put him at a career total of 29-32 picks.

Though the Cardinals may not be a playoff-worthy team in 2020, expect Peterson to come back stronger than ever and surprise his doubters going into what could be the wildest season in NFL history.

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LSU in the NFL: Projecting K’Lavon Chaisson’s 2020 stats with the Jacksonville Jaguars

K’Lavon Chaisson was the 20th overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft, and could record a solid rookie season with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Former LSU star K’Lavon Chaisson quickly became a household name during his time in Baton Rouge.

His stellar career with the Tigers landed him as the 20th overall pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2020 NFL draft.

The decision for the Jaguars to draft Chaisson was an easy one. The team needed defensive help, and he can play both linebacker and on the edge of the defensive line.

Jacksonville lost a couple of their defensive players from last season and are looking to the former Tigers defensive star to fill the void.

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In 2019, during LSU’s national championship run, Chaisson recorded 60 tackles, 6.5 sacks which led the team, 13.5 tackles for loss, six quarterback hurries and two pass breakups. He also had a forced fumble while being named a First Team All-SEC selection.

In the College Football Playoff, he was named Peach Bowl MVP after recording six tackles and two sacks against Oklahoma. In the championship against Clemson, he totaled two tackles.

Looking ahead to his rookie season, Chaisson is a do-it-all player for the Jaguars defense. His ability to line up at multiple spots on the field make him an immediate threat to opposing offenses.

His first season in the NFL could be a good one from a production standpoint. Expect him to have 40-55 tackles on the season with anywhere from 5-10 sacks and at least one interception.

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He will start immediately, but the main question is at which position. It is likely that the Jaguars put him at linebacker and use him on the edge in certain schemes, just like he was utilized at LSU.

It will be interesting to see how well Chaisson performs for a Jacksonville defense that lost key players from last season.

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LSU in the NFL: Projecting Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s 2020 stats with the Kansas City Chiefs

The Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs may have made the most surprise pick of the 2020 NFL Draft by selecting the rusher in the first round.

The Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs may have made the most surprise pick of the 2020 NFL Draft by selecting former LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire with the 32nd overall pick.

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes had a say in who the team should pick at No. 32, and he vouched for the selection to be Edwards-Helaire.

The Chiefs rookie tailback would have been a backup this season, until starting running back Darrel Williams opted out of the season. That opened the door for Edwards-Helaire to be the No. 1 tailback in camp and most likely take the first reps during Week 1 on September 10.

Edwards-Helaire signed a rookie deal worth $10.8 million over four years. On the plus side, he will get an early chance to prove to the coaching staff why he is worth that deal.

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Being a starting running back in the NFL as a rookie is obviously no easy task, but he possesses great skills and attributes that will allow him to be a viable asset to a pass-heavy Chiefs offense.

The Chiefs will utilize Edwards-Helaire often in the running game, but more likely in a pass protection scheme. At LSU, he was excellent in blocking for quarterback Joe Burrow during passing situations.

In his first year, Edwards-Helaire could rush for 700-900 yards. He likely won’t hit the 1,000-yard mark due to the fact that the Kansas City offense could be pass-heavy again. He should be expected to have anywhere from 5-10 rushing touchdowns in 2020.

The team signed Mahomes to a 10-year extension, and they aren’t going to run the ball 95% of the time with one of the top signal-callers in the league.

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Edwards-Helaire will share the load with former LSU running back Spencer Ware, who has been with the team for a few seasons now.

It will be interesting to see how many yards and touchdowns Edwards-Helaire runs for as the season progresses.

The Chiefs open their season against the Houston Texans on September 10.

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LSU in the NFL: Projecting Justin Jefferson’s 2020 stats with the Minnesota Vikings

Jefferson comes off a strong 2019 season, playing at the highest level of college football.

Former LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson found his NFL landing spot when the Minnesota Vikings selected him with the 22nd overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft.

Jefferson comes off a strong 2019 season in which he recorded 111 catches for 1,540 yards for 13 touchdowns, while averaging 13.9 yards per reception.

His counterpart, Ja’Marr Chase, was the 2019 Bilentikoff Award winner, but Jefferson was a viable asset in the Tigers’ revamped passing game en route to a national championship victory.

The addition of Jefferson gives the Vikings an extra weapon for quarterback Kirk Cousins to throw to on the outside. Along with receiver Adam Thielen, Jefferson should play a big role in the team’s passing game in 2020.

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When Minnesota traded veteran receiver Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills, receiver became a must-get in the draft. Jefferson will help to fill the void of Diggs, as the Vikings pass the ball well over 50% of the time they are on offense.

Putting Jefferson in a starting role during his rookie season would give the fans a reason to be excited about a potential future great. He is excellent in creating space off the line of scrimmage, and can shift away from defenders mid-route to make the outside catch.

Heading into his rookie season, Jefferson could record over 1,000 receiving yards. Cousins will target him a lot this year, and Jefferson has the reliability to make the catch anywhere on the field.

In terms of touchdown numbers, the former Tigers standout receiver could have anywhere between 5-15 touchdown receptions in 2020.

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His quick speed and versatility will help separate him from opposing defenders. Plus, in a one-on-one situation, Jefferson is likely to come away with the catch a good portion of the time that a 50/50 deep ball is thrown his way.

Tigers fans should be excited to see Jefferson put in the production and have solid numbers this season.

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LSU in the NFL: Projecting Leonard Fournette’s 2020 stats with the Jacksonville Jaguars

While his rushing yards to touchdown ratio wasn’t great, Fournette continues to be the team’s leading rusher.

Ever since former LSU running back Leonard Fournette arrived to the NFL in 2017, he’s been a workhorse for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

If it weren’t for the tremendous amount of success of Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry, Fournette could make the claim as the best tailback in the AFC South.

Last season, Fournette rushed for 1,152 yards on 265 carries in 15 games while averaging 4.3 yards per carry and three touchdowns on the season.

While his rushing yards to touchdown ratio wasn’t great, Fournette continues to be the team’s leading rusher.

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His best season overall came during his rookie year in 2017.

He rushed for 1,040 yards on 265 carries in 13 games with nine touchdowns and a 3.9 yards per carry average. His dynamic running out of the backfield helped lead the Jaguars to the AFC Championship that season.

Entering what could likely be his final season with the Jaguars, Fournette has to prove to the coaching staff that he is worthy of being a part of the organization beyond the 2020 season.

The Jaguars declined to pick up Fournett’s fifth-year option over the offseason, and there is a potential for him to be a free agent after the upcoming NFL season.

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Headed into 2020, the Jaguars have Fournette as the starter, with veteran Chris Thompson as the most likely second-string tailback.

While the starting role is locked up, Fournette needs to rush for at least 1,000 yards for the second straight season to have a chance at a return to the team in 2021.

Given the lack of depth behind him at the position, the former LSU Tiger could go from 1,000-1,500 yards in 2020. Looking at a potential total for touchdowns, Fournette could run for 5-10 — perhaps even more depending upon how often offensive coordinator Jay Gruden utilizes Fournette as a running back this year.

After dealing with his share of injury issues in the past, Fournette needs to remain healthy for the majority of the season to achieve these numbers and prove his worth.

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LSU in the NFL: Projecting Joe Burrow’s 2020 stats with the Cincinnati Bengals

One of Burrow’s most solid targets will be Georgia Bulldog, A.J. Green, who has put forth an impressive professional career thus far.

Just a few months ago, former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow was selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2020 NFL draft.

Burrow led the Tigers to a national championship victory on an undefeated season, passing for more than 5,000 yards to go with a Heisman Trophy and numerous other awards.

Now that training camp has opened, Burrow has the chance to show his talents can translate to a new offense, while getting to know what his corps of receivers is like.

One of Burrow’s most solid targets will be Georgia Bulldog, A.J. Green, who has put forth an impressive professional career thus far.

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Watching Burrow pass to Green down the sideline for a long touchdown on Sunday afternoons next month will be interesting for Tigers fans.

But, can he succeed with a team that finished 2-14 in 2019? That answer will be found out soon enough as the NFL season begins for the Bengals on Sept. 13 against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Burrow may take a few games to get adjusted to feeling pressure from the bigger players in the league, compared to what he faced in college.

The NFL defenses are no joke, and Burrow will find out quickly just how fast the pocket can collapse on him while facing older, more experienced players.

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Statistically, Burrow could be expected to pass for over 3,000 yards this season with around 25-30 touchdowns. Those would be pretty solid numbers for any rookie, and seem reachable for one that is coming off a record-setting season in college.

Hardly anyone expects the former Tigers star signal-caller to take the league by storm this season and lead the Bengals to the Super Bowl, and rightfully so, given how many issues the team still has to fix across the board.

But Burrow could have what it takes for the team to make a major jump, given the type of life he helped inject into a once-underwhelming LSU offense.

One thing to keep an eye on will be coolness in the pocket — especially since he was so known for his composure in Baton Rouge.

With him being a rookie, Burrow will get rattled by opposing defenses a lot this year. But, make no mistake, he is as prepared or more prepared for this than any other rookie in the league.

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