Tag: NFL Films

HBO Hard Knocks is the last thing Ravens HC John Harbaugh needs

Baltimore Ravens HC John Harbaugh might not benefit from having NFL Films HBO Hardknocks in close proximity.

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh is leading an AFC North team that is playing far below its potential in 2024. With NFL Films in close proximity to record the team for HBO Hardknocks, Harbaugh’s documented shortcomings might make for an interesting spectacle. 



In week 13, the Ravens were defeated 24-19 by the Philadelphia Eagles, and the loss came in cinematic fashion. Quarterback Lamar Jackson missed a few open pass targets, and kicker Justin Tucker missed two crucial field goals.

However, Philadelphia Eagles nickel-back Cooper DeJean did not miss when he blasted running back Derrick Henry in the fourth quarter.

Harbaugh is still always unbothered, comes up short, and gives fans the most empty rebuttals and explanations. NFL Films may have positioned themselves to make a masterpiece of the Ravens’ season, especially with the teams’ pending rematches with the Cleveland Browns on Jan. 5 and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 21. 

The Ravens have lost to both the Browns and Steelers this season, but an opportunity to play them at home down the stretch might give them some momentum and favor.

Harbaugh needs to be the hero in 2024. The Steelers are pulling away with the division, and fans have rekindled angst from Harbaugh’s shortcomings in the most recent AFC Championship.

NFL Films review/previews the 2024 Commanders

NFL Films didn’t have a lot of good to say about 2023, but thinks the Commanders will be better in 2024.

NFL Films released their preview of the 2024 Commanders on Monday; they didn’t have much good to say about the 2023 Commanders.

Here are some excerpts:

“They were an unwatchful offensive product…25th in points per game, 24th in yards per game, 29th in turnovers, 28th in the red zone, it was bad.”

“They threw more than any team; they ran less than any team.”

“The O-Line 65 sacks taken, tied for 30th; their tackles were rough as Charles Leno and Andrew Wylie gave up ten sacks each.”

“Terry McLaurin is a star waiting for a quarterback.”

“Washington’s offense may not have sparkled; Washington’s defense was worse.”

“The offense will have seven new faces starting for it this season. with just as many changes for the defense.”

“Washington’s pass defense was probably the easiest to pass on.”

“Checking the last box on the defense, Washington didn’t defend the run well, either.”

“(Clelin) Ferrell’s track record makes it hard to assume anything with him.”

“Their secondary probably carries the biggest question mark outside of the quarterback spot.”

“A 6.5 over/under (wins total) does indicate improvement. They only play one team that has a lower over/under (Carolina Panthers 5.5). The Giants are their equal, so give them a home win there. They get the Tennessee Titans at home, and their preseason expectations are similar.”

“Their schedule, plus a rookie quarterback, is why their floor is a 3-14.”

“But if you look at their year from the glass-half-full perspective, all the changes make this an 8-win type team maybe.”

Here’s the full preview:

 

Is Ravens all-pro Kyle Hamilton the best safety in the NFL?

Could Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton possibly be the best safety in the entire NFL?

Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton began turning heads last season, and his acclaim is well deserved. Could Hamilton possibly be the best safety in the entire NFL?

The Ravens tallied an NFL record 60 sacks last season, with Hamilton contributing three to that total. It’s relatively easy to pass-defend when the opposing quarterback can’t even get a pass attempt off.

Nevertheless, Hamilton still recorded four interceptions and 13 pass deflections, alongside 63 solo tackles, in 15 games played.

The NFL’s best tight ends at the strong safety position often challenge Hamilton. This scenario was when he matched up with Kansas City tight end Travis Kelce in the AFC Championship.  Though Kelce got the better of Hamilton in the game, things may be different in the future.

At just 23, Hamilton has yet to reach his pinnacle, and with consecutive seasons of NFL-level strength and conditioning, he is likely to bulk up.

With enough speed to keep up with anyone and sure tackling ability, Hamilton is undoubtedly among the best safeties in the NFL.

Greg Cosell is impressed with Commanders QB Jayden Daniels

Some excellent insight here as Cosell goes in-depth on Daniels.

No one watches more NFL tape than Greg Cosell. The longtime NFL Films producer created the “NFL Matchup” show over 30 years ago, which has remained football’s premier Xs & Os show. The only complaint is it’s not long enough.

Cosell is a popular guest on the podcast and radio circuit and co-hosts a podcast with Touchdown Wire’s Doug Farrar.

Cosell recently joined the “John Keim Report” podcast, where he talked exclusively about the Washington Commanders. He also extensively covered rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.

What does Cosell think of Daniels? First of all, he really likes him.

“He’s not just a runner; obviously, he’s incredibly dynamic, but I think as he’s played more, he’s a pocket quarterback,” Cosell said. “He leaves the pocket when, for the most part, it’s a last resort.”

The NFL has changed over the years with quarterback style, but being able to throw consistently from the pocket remains one of the most important traits for any successful NFL passer.

Remember, one criticism of Daniels ahead of the 2024 NFL draft was that he didn’t throw to the middle of the field enough. Analysts praised his deep ball but believed others, like Drake Maye, did a better job throwing between the numbers.

Cosell sees no issues here.

“For the most part, he lets the system work,” Cosell continued. “I thought one of the things that really stood out this year from his LSU tape was his willingness to work through the progressions and make progression-read throws. And particularly make throws in the middle of the field between the numbers. Which for a lot of quarterbacks coming from college to the NFL, John, and you know this, is an issue because the hash marks are closer. And sometimes it seems to young quarterbacks like there are 15 defenders on the field when they have to make throws in the middle of the field because it’s tighter. In college, you don’t necessarily have that issue because the hash marks are wider, and the defense has to stretch horizontally to deal with that, and therefore the middle is often wide open.”

What about his arm strength?

“He doesn’t have a power arm, but he can certainly make all the throws,” he said. “I just thought there was a calmness and a poise, composure to his game. He played effectively and efficiently from the pocket. And he made the kinds of throws you see in NFL games. He wasn’t one of those guys that built up his numbers throwing tunnel screens.”

Cosell doesn’t buy that Daniels became a top prospect because of his 2023 season. He started looking at him as a potentially elite prospect last summer based on his 2022 tape. Cosell also noted how good Daniels was as a true freshman at Arizona State, and he has continued to improve.

Another criticism of Daniels was that he threw to elite receivers at LSU. As we’ve stated before with Joe Burrow, that was a foolish criticism. Cosell used the same comparison.

There was a lot more in this conversation that we’d encourage you to check out, with more on Daniels and some good stuff on offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.

You can watch the entire segment below.

Cosell’s opinion carries a lot of weight. He’s seen it all over the years and he studies every player — every throw. He views Daniels as a complete quarterback who can run.

 

Malik Nabers announced as part of NFL Films 2024 ‘Hey Rookie’ series

Malik Nabers will be a part of NFL Films “Hey Rookie” series

Former LSU wide receiver [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag] will be getting some extra attention as he prepares for the NFL draft.

Nabers was announced as a member of NFL Films’ 2024 “Hey Rookie” class.

According to the NFL, “Hey Rookie” is an “annual series following several top college players as they prepare for their NFL future. An intense real-life mystery, culminating in a sensational reveal: backstage at the draft as each player learns his fate.”

Nabers will be joined by Penn State’s Chop Robinson, Alabama’s Terrion Arnold, and UCLA’s Laiatu Latu. All four are projected to be first-round picks later this month, but Nabers is considered the group’s top prospect.

According to NFL Mock Draft Database, Nabers ranks fifth on the consensus big board. Nabers’ recent mock draft destinations include the Chargers, Patriots and Giants.

Nabers finished his LSU career as the Tigers’ all-time leading receiver in catches and yards. He led college football with 34 receptions for 20+ yards in 2023.

His stock continues to rise, with some suggesting he could be the best receiver in the draft. That says a lot given he’s sharing the class with Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr.

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

Chiefs assistant coach Porter Ellett featured by NFL Films

#Chiefs assistant coach Porter Ellett was featured in a clip from NFL Films for his role in Kansas City’s Super Bowl LVIII victory.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ spectacular 2023 season ended with a Super Bowl LVIII victory against the San Francisco 49ers, due in no small part to the exceptional efforts of the team’s coaching staff.

One recognizable figure on Kansas City’s sideline last season was assistant running back coach Porter Ellett, who is affectionately known as Andy Reid’s left-hand man.

Ellett has been with the Chiefs since 2017 and was featured by NFL Films for his role in Kansas City’s latest Super Bowl run.

While assistant coaches rarely steal the spotlight, Ellett’s steady presence with the Chiefs made for an intriguing story and warranted a closer look.

It takes a concerted effort by every part of a team’s organization to achieve the success that Kansas City has found in recent seasons, and insights like the ones NFL Films gave fans with this video serve to illustrate the group effort that lifted the Chiefs to their latest championship.

Broncos among 3 teams who could be forced into Hard Knocks in 2024

The Broncos, Bears and Saints can’t say no if the NFL asks them to be featured on ‘Hard Knocks’ this summer.

Each summer, NFL Films cameras follow a team through training camp and preseason for Hard Knocks, HBO’s behind-the-scenes look at an NFL team.

Any team can volunteer for the show, but they rarely do, so the NFL has a mandate that teams that meet certain requirements can be forced into the show.

If a team (1) does not have a new head coach, (2) has not made the playoffs within the last three years and (3) has not been featured on Hard Knocks within the last 10 years, they can’t say no if asked to be featured on the show.

The Denver Broncos are one of three teams that match all of those criteria, joining the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints. If they stick with Derek Carr, the Saints seem to be the least intriguing option. The Bears might be the top choice if they use the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL draft on a quarterback. The Broncos might have a new rookie QB this summer as well.

The NFL announced the 2023 Hard Knocks team (the New York Jets) last July. Two years ago, the 2022 team (the Detroit Lions) was announced in March. It’s unclear when the 2024 team will be announced.

Follow the Broncos Wire Podcast:
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NFL Films catches Josh Allen on the sideline after rush TD vs. Chiefs

Allen with a good reaction to scoring:

There was no way Josh Allen was going to be denied on this touchdown against the Chiefs in Week 14.

The Bills took a 14-0 lead on the Chiefs when quarterback Josh Allen carried the ball in. It was a much different looking rushing score from the QB than we’re accustom to seeing.

Allen needed help. He bull rushed the defensive front of the Chiefs. When he needed help, his offensive line pushed him from behind into the end zone.

As it turns out, NFL Films was on the Bills sideline after Allen broke the goal line. When heading back to his teammates, Allen had a pretty good line he was yelling out.

“I’m too big!” the QB yelled.

The Bills went on to win the contest over the Chiefs, 20-17.

Check out the NFL Films clip below:

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DK Metcalf was mic’d up by NFL Films for game against Commanders

Watch and listen to No. 14 put in a physical, seven-catch, 98-yard game against Washington.

The Seahawks escaped with a win at the last second over the Commanders on Sunday, courtesy of Jason Myers’ fifth field goal of the day. However, Myers wouldn’t have been in position for the kick if not for a clutch catch and run by wide receiver DK Metcalf.

As it happens, Metcalf was mic’d up for NFL Films during last week’s game. Watch and listen to No. 14 put in a physical, seven-catch, 98-yard game against Washington.

More Seahawks Wire stories

Bobby Wagner leads team in snap counts going into Week 11

Ranking the Seahawks’ last eight games from easiest to hardest

Josh Dobbs’ touchdown run left Kevin O’Connell speechless

Josh Dobbs’ electrifying touchdown run left a lot of people speechless, including head coach Kevin O’Connell.

NFL Films’ Inside the NFL features some of the best stories in the NFL from each week of action. For week 10, one of the features focuses on the Minnesota Vikings and the rise of newfound starting quarterback Josh Dobbs.

They showcased this by giving a quick look into Dobbs’ sensational seven-yard run against the New Orleans Saints.

This Vikings team continues to be the best story in the NFL with how they have navigated the adversity that has befallen them this season.

At 1-4, they lost Justin Jefferson for at least four weeks to a hamstring injury. That didn’t stop them from beating the Super Bowl favorite at the time, the San Francisco 49ers two weeks later.

Okay, but what if Kirk Cousins, the heartbeat, the leader, the catalyst of this potent offense is no longer playing with a season-ending Achilles injury?

Minnesota just brought in Dobbs two hours before the trade deadline, and he plays the best football in his career, leading the Vikings to back-to-back wins while dominating defenses.

There are no words.

The 2023 season was on its deathbed a few weeks ago for Minnesota. Now, they currently hold the third wild-card spot and have a 1.5-game lead on the next team.

We get it, O’Connell. We’re speechless too.

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