Tag: NFL Network

NFL could shorten upcoming preseason

According to NFL Network, the league could shorten the upcoming 2020 preseason schedule.

The NFL is still of the belief that the 2020 regular season will go on as expected, and already planned for, in September. But it appears the preseason may not.

Teams across the league have released schedules for their preseason exhibition games, but those reportedly might not go on as expected. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the NFL and players union are talking about potentially trimming the preseason slate due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic:

The NFL has already had numerous changes to their current offseason due to the pandemic, but in all likelihood, many players may not mind having less exhibition games to account for. That’ll help avoid injury.

However, players might see the least amount of actual football in league history this offseason prior to games counting in the regular season. The league recently sent a memo to teams in regard to getting players back in the building for workouts. In that, it was stressed the teams should conduct social distancing and virtual meetings and practices, when possible. The NFL and NFLPA have yet to agree on a time frame for players to return to facilities, but that slate of rules isn’t exactly anything that reminds one of a physical sport.

In addition, the league and players could use this opportunity to take a look into the future as well. The latest CBA agreement calls for an addition of a 17th regular season game starting next year, along with a shortening of the preseason. Teams could be getting a head start on prepping for an offseason with a shorter preseason in the coming weeks.

 

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NFL updates plan for players returning to facilities

NFL updates players returning to in-house facility workouts on Monday.

The NFL announced last week that coaching staffs are allowed to return to facilities within certain guidelines as early as this past Friday. However, players were not included in that plan.

But the league has now announced some guidelines for players returning.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the NFL sent out a memo to teams on Monday in regard to the subject. Some of the rules included are daily activities most in the country are already being told to follow. Among them are social distancing of six-feet away when possible, covering faces when possible and disinfecting. Interestingly, locker room might get face lifts, too:

In addition, the report notes that there is no hard date set for players returning just yet. That could take place at some point in July. But there could be some players that are allowed to work at facilities sooner, such as new players on teams, both rookies and veterans included. That reportedly could take place on June 26 says Pelissero, but that’s not agreed upon yet between the league and players union.

 

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Texans QB Deshaun Watson loves ‘Big Mac Smash’ in the red zone

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson told NFL Network’s “Film Session” his favorite red zone play: “Big Mac Smash.”

“Big Mac Smash” — sounds more like a fast food menu item than it does Deshaun Watson’s favorite red zone play in the Houston Texans offense.

The two-time Pro Bowl quarterback joined Kurt Warner and Brian Baldinger on the season premier of NFL Network’s “Film Session” to talk about the 2019 season through tape breakdowns. Watson took to the dry erase board and drew up “Big Mac Smash” when asked to draw up his favorite play.

“I did a red zone play because I feel like, especially with young quarterbacks, that’s one area where it speeds up,” Watson said. “There’s so much you can do to try to influence the defense to get the ball in the end zone.”

According to Watson, the Texans ran the play during the AFC divisional playoff at the Kansas City Chiefs. Facing a second-and-goal from the 4-yard line, the Texans ran “Big Mac Smash” and scored a touchdown that put Houston ahead 21-0 late in the first quarter.

According to Watson, his read progression after the snap is tight end, which was Darren Fells, the receiver, DeAndre Hopkins, and then the running back flaring toward the flat.

When Watson saw the Chiefs’ inside linebackers split and Fells post up at the goal line, he knew it was the correct throw to make.

However, the play offers more options for Watson other than to find his 6-7, 270-pound tight end.

“There’s so much on the field,” Watson said. “Once you get in that red zone, it’s like it’s a chess match.”

The philosophy of the post-Hopkins Texans offense will be for Watson to make the right reads, not just overwhelm defenders with his uncanny athleticism.

The entire episode with Watson is debuted on NFL Game Pass on June 2, and is still part of the service’s complementary offer. NFL Network will air the episode on June 6.

Josh Norman’s passionate message on inequality: Ask ‘What can I do?’

Buffalo Bills cornerback Josh Norman appeared in NFL Network to discuss ongoing social unrest and inequality in United States,

While cornerback Josh Norman has yet to play for the Buffalo Bills, he’s often suited up during his NFL career as an advocate for social issues.

Currently in the United States, municipalities have seen growing unrest as protests have sprung up all over, from Washington D.C. to New York City to Los Angeles to Buffalo following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. At times, things have turned violent.

As a player known for speaking out and working with communities he’s played in, Norman joined NFL Network on Tuesday, along with quarterback Josh McCown, to discuss the ongoing social situation in the U.S.

Norman’s message was a powerful one.

“For me, personally, it’s a time that we should all be praying. I think this is a time we need to take out and reflect,” Norman said. “It’s definitely one of those times where racism has been at its highest point… since Jim Crow.

“You go all the way back from that time, I mean, there’s been plenty of cases where we’ve been band-aiding what’s going on.”

Norman went on to explain that he’s hoping the country can take the current situation serious and finally acknowledge and put an end to racism and violence, particularly toward African American citizens. The NFL vet explained in the past that issues haven’t fully been put to rest.

“When you look at it, decade after decade after decade, these racist events have occurred, there’s been band-aids that have been pulled over…That band-aid has been pulled off and you see what it really is,” Norman said.  “We need to find a way where we come together and sew that band-aid up. No longer let it be a band-aid, no longer let it be a wound.”

In regard to how Norman would hope a solution to problems could come about, he said the answer is almost a pretty simple one.

“Put yourself in their shoes,” Norman said. “People need ask themselves, ‘What can I do, to help out my African American brothers? What can I do, as a white person, as a Native American, and Hispanic? Everybody. We all in this together, what can I do to help out the next race? Because if don’t, if we don’t? Things like this are going to continue.”

 

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Texans QB Deshaun Watson to join NFL Network’s ‘Film Session’ June 6

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson will join NFL Network’s “Film Session” on June 6 to take a look at game tape from the 2019 season.

Deshaun Watson earned a little notoriety for his ability to breakdown defenses in postgame press conferences, and now he will have a better setting to display his knowledge.

According to a press release from NFL Media, Watson will join hosts Brian Baldinger and Kurt Warner on “Film Session” on NFL Network June 6 to take a look at game tape from the 2019 season.

Texans fans with access to NFL Game Pass can watch the episode early on June 2. NFL Media announced they are extending their complimentary access through July 31.

Houston fans can get a taste of how opponents see the game. 13 of the 19 players who will be featured on the show will play against the Texans in 2020, including Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill and Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey.

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Is Bruce Allen the sole culprit for Redskins turmoil over past decade?

The Redskins descent to the pits of the NFL walked hand-in-hand with Bruce Allen’s tenure but is he the only one to blame?

It’s no secret that the Washington Redskins organization has been an absolutely disgruntled mess over the past decade or so, and it’s caused the on-field product to live in the doldrums of the NFL.

There are many things that you could blame for this, be it unadvised contracts that were handed out, a litany of injuries that took place over the years, or a coach who was allowed to stay a bit past his welcome. At the center of it all, though, stands one man. You know who I’m talking about.

“It happened because there was a massive power struggle with Bruce Allen,” NFL Network’s Dan Hellie said, via NBC Sports Washington.

While a team often operates somewhat separately from the front office, there is a lot of causation and correlation between the two. If the GM and coaches don’t see eye to eye, chances are that you’ll be able to notice it at some point based on the on-field product. For the Redskins, this became extremely apparent after a couple of years went by. Hellie helps explain why:

Allen’s inability to allow others to receive credit and have success was a massive problem for the Burgundy and Gold during his tenure, according to Hellie.

“The infighting crushed that organization and I’m not just talking about the on the field product,” he said.

Hellie cited the December 2018 firing of the well-regarded Brian Lafemina, who was brought on to lead the team’s marketing and improve its relationship with fans, as a prime example of Allen’s major flaw.

Lafemina was given just eight months on the job before he was forced out, and that decision summed up just how dysfunctional the Redskins could be with Allen leading the way.

While it may be interesting to look back on the past and work to figure out where things went wrong, I don’t blame you for being a bit peeved on the topic choice. With Ron Rivera now at the helm, side-by-side with Kyle Smith, the future looks bright in Washington for the first time in years. The seeds of change may not germinate in 2020, or 2021 for that matter, but it’s hard not to feel confident that something is being built inside of the Redskins organization that could allow them to realize some of the glory days they once knew in the distant past.

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Joe Thomas checks off another box in his post-NFL life

After his playing days ended a few years ago former Badger Joe Thomas made a fast transition to post-NFL life, as he joined NFL Network…

After his playing days ended a few years ago former Badger Joe Thomas made a fast transition to post-NFL life, as he joined NFL Network in their Thursday Night Football coverage and started a podcast with his former teammate with the Browns Andrew Hawkins.

This week Thomas took his retirement life to another level, and checked off a box not many expected.

That being his participation in NBC’s The Titan Games, a show hosted by Dwayne Johnson where participants go through a series of physically-demanding tasks as they try to reach the top of their “Mount Olympus.”

The footage speaks for itself. Thomas went from a playing weight of around 310 pounds to where he is now about 50 pounds lighter, and finishing an obstacle course many of us could not dream of completing.

Thomas even compared the three-minute course to walking off the field at the end of a long September game in Florida.

The Twitter conversation was buzzing after the episode aired and Thomas’ podcast co-host joined the conversation and sent his congratulations to the former Badger.

I don’t think the argument can ever be heard again that offensive linemen aren’t athletes too.

Texans can open up team facilities as soon as May 19

The Houston Texans can open up their team facilities as soon as May 19.

The Houston Texans can open up their team facilities at NRG Stadium as soon as May 19.

According to an email from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell via the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, all 32 NFL teams are permitted to reopen their facilities as soon as May 19 if they meet certain criteria.

The Texans and the other 31 teams have to be in compliance with local and state regulations on public health. They also have to implement protocols developed by NFL chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills.

The reopening of team facilities has limitations.

Coaching staffs are not allowed to return to the facilities as part of a competitive advantage; not all 32 facilities will be able to open on May 19. However, the strength and conditioning staffs can work in the facility if they are helping out with player rehab, and only players rehabbing are allowed in team facilities.

The staffing at team facilities is capped at 50% of the staff, and the staff number can’t go beyond 75 people.

If an incidence of COVID-19 occurs in the facility, teams have to report it immediately. The same goes if there is any change in government regulations.

The road back to normal following the COVID-19 pandemic is long, but at least the NFL is about to enter its first phase of reopening.

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Chiefs finalize 2020 preseason schedule

The preseason schedule is finalized with exact dates and times for the Chiefs, but so far no games have been picked up to be nationally televised.

The Kansas City Chiefs have finalized their 2020 preseason schedule. We knew which teams the Chiefs were playing and had a range of dates regarding when those games might take place. But now dates and times have been negotiated by the individual teams.

Here is a look at the finalized preseason schedule for Kansas City:

Week Opponent Date/Time Channel 
1 vs. Cincinnati Bengals Saturday, Aug. 15 – 7:00 p.m. CT KSHB-TV
2 at Arizona Cardinals Saturday, Aug. 22 – 8:00 p.m. CT KSHB-TV
3 at Dallas Cowboys Saturday, Aug. 29 – 7:00 p.m. CT KSHB-TV
4 vs. Green Bay Packers Thursday, Sept. 3 – 7:00 p.m. CT KSHB-TV

Note that every game except the final week will take place on a Saturday. None of the Chiefs’ games were selected to be televised nationally on CBS, FOX, NBC or ESPN. It’s possible that NFL Network could still pick up a game to be nationally televised. Last season they carried 13 preseason games including the Week 2 game between the Chiefs and Steelers.

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Bills RB Zack Moss unveals ‘Moss mode’

Buffalo Bills RB Zack Moss discusses ‘Moss mode.’

Buffalo Bills running back Zack Moss often said in the pre-draft process he compares himself to former Bills running back Marshawn Lynch. The two play a similar, hard-nosed game.

Lynch dubbed his running style as “beast mode” during his later career with the Seahawks. Moss is following suit a bit. His own personal website even has it draped across the top of it. The Utah product is calling his style “Moss mode.”

It’s a perfect comparison to give one some insight into how Moss runs. Tough and powerful. But while on NFL Network on Friday, Moss put a clear definition behind it for opposing defenses to know.

“To just not be tackled. To make sure I’m not being tackled by one guy. If you want to tackle me, it’s going to have to be a business decision,” Moss told Good Morning Football. “It’s all night, it’s all game, it’s four quarters long of just punishment. Just trying to be the most dominant player on the field every time I have the ball in my hands.”

According to Buffalo general manger Brandon Beane following the 2020 NFL Draft, Moss is going to have a chance to show exactly those talents with the Bills. While the Bills do have Devin Singletary already in their backfield, Buffalo is going to give Moss some Frank Gore looks.

“I think more of the goal line and things like that as we did with Frank last year, you’ll see Zack do. I think Devin will do a similar role that he had,” Beane said following the draft.

Some are pegging Moss as a bit more than that even. Some post-draft analysis, such as Pro Football Focus, has Moss as a guy who could see more touches than Singletary eventually. But even if the Bills settle for the one-two punch with the two of them, and it’s successful? Buffalo could have one dynamic duo for years to come in their backfield.

 

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