Tag: NFL Network

Seahawks Super Bowl XLVIII win will air Thursday night on NFL Network

The 12th Man can now relive Seattle’s triumphant victory as the Seahawks Super Bowl XLVIII win will air Thursday night on NFL Network.

It has been a long couple of weeks. As millions of Americans are stuck at home in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus, lack of entertainment is certainly a major factor in a world without sports. While the 2020 NFL Draft is still slated to occur as originally scheduled, it is still essentially a month away.

However, Seahawks fans will be getting a bit of a pick-me-up to help stave off some of the boredom. Tonight at 6:00 pm PT, the NFL Network will be re-airing the Seahawks’ triumphant Super Bowl XLVIII victory over the Broncos.

Seattle’s first Super Bowl title is undoubtedly the greatest achievement in franchise history, as the 12th Man’s decades-long dream was finally realized. Now fans have an opportunity to relive some of the glory.

The 2013 Seahawks were one of the most dominant teams in recent memory. Defined by perhaps the best defense in league history, the Legion of Boom routinely suffocated opponents while an offense led by Marshawn Lynch and Russell Wilson made the Seahawks hard to defeat.

Seattle matched its franchise’s highest win total by finishing 13-3 and securing the NFC’s No. 1 seed for the second time ever and defeated both Drew Brees’ Saints and Jim Harbaugh’s 49ers in the playoffs en route to its second Super Bowl appearance.

There, the Seahawks would face Peyton Manning’s Broncos, who fielded the most dynamic offense the NFL had ever seen. Super Bowl XLVIII was billed as a true clash of the titans. The unstoppable force versus the immovable object.

Unfortunately for Denver, the unstoppable force proved to be hardly formidable and was quickly extinguished. Right from the get-go, the Seahawks clearly outmatched Denver with their physicality, dominating the entire game.

A Broncos offense that had scored more points than any other team in league history was held to only eight in the Super Bowl and was shutout for three full quarters.

As fans re-watch Seattle’s dominance, it will undoubtedly fuel hope the 2020 Seahawks can end this coming season with a similar result.

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Bills take Alshon Jeffery in 2012 NFL Draft redo

In a 2012 NFL Draft redo, the Bills use that knowledge to change their pick. Although, their hand was forced a bit. 

With April, otherwise known as NFL Draft month, quickly approaching, the Bills and league will turn their attention from free agency to the upcoming rookie selection extravaganza.

But NFL.com dipped back into a past draft to discuss what could have been teams… had they known how things would play out. In a 2012 NFL Draft redo, the Bills use that knowledge to change their pick. Although, their hand was forced a bit.

Originally at the No. 10 overall pick that year, the Bills select cornerback Stephon Gilmore. The new pick is Eagles receiver Alshon Jeffery instead. But there’s a twist. Would the Bills have re-selected Gilmore? Who knows, because in this redo, he actually is the sixth-overall pick, going to the Cowboys.

Back to Jeffery, here’s how former front office executive turned NFL Media analyst Gil Brandt breaks down the changed pick:

Original pick: Stephon Gilmore, CB.
Jeffery was actually drafted: by the Bears in Round 2 (No. 45).

With Gilmore off the board, the Bills grab Jeffery. Pairing Jeffery with wideout Stevie Johnson would have gone a long way toward providing the kind of offensive firepower that might have kept both coach Chan Gailey and quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick from losing their jobs in Buffalo after the 2012 season.

Also worth mentioning might be that the Bills were eventually unable to keep Gilmore after his rookie contract expired and he’s since been on the Patriots. Further comparisons to consider would be that heading into this offseason, the Bills added Stefon Diggs. That’s because they needed a top-playmaking receiver. While Diggs is a higher-caliber playmaker than Jeffery, Buffalo would not have been in such a dire situation to acquire Diggs, had they had a big-bodied playmaker like Jeffery.

However, if we’re making knocks against Gilmore in a sense, it’s only far to do so with Jeffery. In recent seasons he’s had a tough time staying on the field and it appears they’d have their effects on him even when he does get out there. Still, interesting to consider adding Jeffery into that 2012 Bills offense.

In terms of the current-day Bills, let’s look back to Carolina, too. With the No. 9 overall pick in this redo, right before Buffalo’s selection, the Panthers… who had Buffalo’s Brandon Beane and Sean McDermott in-house at the time, still select linebacker Luke Kuechly. A bit of a notion that those two were apart of an important and smart selection.

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The 2020 NFL Draft may set ratings records

ABC, ESPN, NFL Network, and the NFL are set to own the sports world in late April with the NFL Draft

No one can go outside. There are no sports events on television and there is nothing on the horizon. The country is essentially staying at home and there are only so many things to watch on Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, or the streaming app of your choice. There is one respite, one light at the end of the tunnel, one major sporting event that gets great ratings and will absolutely dominate the sports landscape for the next month: the 2020 NFL Draft.

The NFL Draft in 2019 set viewership ratings. It moved to ABC so it got the broadcast bump. It was also available across digital partners such as ESPN+. It was televised on ESPN and NFL Network for folks who wanted to watch on cable. The final numbers were great for the league. Over 47.5 million viewers watched over three days. The draft averaged 6.1 million people watching during the entire span of the draft and garnered a 3.9 household rating. Remember, this is to watch names get called and players walk across a stage. It also has fewer people watching as the draft moves along its seven-round journey.

This year, the NFL Draft is going to do even better. It’s an unfortunate situation, but the current social distancing recommendations, stay at home orders and advisory, and shutdown of bars, restaurants, and other activities mean people will be stuck at home. The draft just so happens to be scheduled at the end of April. Everything will still be locked down at that point.

That’s why it’s smart for the NFL to keep the draft scheduled for when it is scheduled. It will be the only event on television. It doesn’t require large amounts of people to be in the same place. The draft can be held via phone and digital connections. It’s an easy win for Roger Goodell and the NFL and it also provides sports fans with some type of outlet that’s not old games. Think about it. Fox just aired the Patriots-Falcons Super Bowl. Television partners are desperate for real content.

The winners here will be ABC, ESPN, and the NFL Network. They get the one event everyone will tune into. Advertising partners should be chomping at the bit to try and pay extra for more exposure. It would be the best use of their advertising budgets that are surely shrinking right now due to the financial situation most companies are going through.

So expect huge numbers. Teams may be put at a disadvantage not being able to meet with players or get in-depth physicals, but the league as a whole will benefit. The 2020 NFL Draft is the only event on the horizon and the NFL will own the sports world more than it usually does come the end of April.

NFL Network suspends live TV programming due to coronavirus pandemic

The NF Network has temporarily suspending live programming as a result of the global coronavirus pandemic.

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, the National Football League opted to go forward with the start of the new league year and free agency last week as scheduled.

Although many deals were announced, many more are yet to be finalized as physicals and visits have been on hold due to travel constraints in the name of safety.

The NFL Network had been continuing to broadcast throughout the week, however, as a result of California’s order to shut down all non-essential businesses to prevent the spread of COVID-19, live shows have ground down to a halt.

“It is certainly a unique time at NFL Media, as it is for the rest of the industry and the world. At the forefront of every decision is our commitment to the health and safety of our employees and communities,” an NFL Network spokesperson told USA TODAY Sports in an email.

“In light of the latest updates and the directive from the Governor of California, we have now shifted our coverage to a digital first approach which we can do remotely. We will continue to take advantage of our experts and insiders in the field who are staying on top of all the news and can file video reports using home cameras.”

The NFL Network is continuing to air classic games for fans to enjoy and is offering free access to NFL Game Pass.

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Julian Edelman to Tampa Bay would make sense

With Tom Brady now officially a Buccaneers, should Tampa Bay try and make a move for Pats WR Julian Edelman?

In the latest round of what-if scenarios, New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman’s name has come up, and it’s not completely out-of-the-blue. For the last six seasons, Edelman has been Tom Brady’s favorite target, with 530 catches, 5,793 yards and 32 TDs during that span.

Tuesday, Deion Sanders tweeted asking for the Patriots to trade Edelman to the Buccaneers, comparing the duo to peanut butter and jelly. To add fuel to the fire, Edelman liked the tweet, which has since been removed. Naturally, a screenshot was taken before Edelman removed his stamp of approval, because that’s how the internet works these days.

Reports surfaced that Brady wants to play with Antonio Brown, and while that may be true, it seems unlikely that comes to fruition, as reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. With so many names tied to the Buccaneers as of late, why not add Edelman to the mix?

Yes, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have superstar wide receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans already on the roster, and don’t have a need to bring in Edelman. However, if you’ve followed Brady at all during his career, he likes familiarity with his targets, and his go-to receiver had 100 receptions last season.

If general manager Jason Licht wants to keep his new quarterback happy, he might want to — at the very least — see if the Patriots are open to a trade and what it would take.

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NFL offers fans free access to NFL Game Pass

The NFL is offering fans access to NFL Game Pass, which gives fans access to regular season games since 2009, as well as postseason games.

The NFL is now offering fans complimentary access to NFL Game Pass, which will provide fans the opportunity to watch the extensive library of football programming available.

This will include access to full replays of regular season games from 2009-2019 and postseason games, which will be commercial free. It also includes condensed 45-minute game replays as well, and All-22 access footage for those who want to watch from a coach or scout’s perspective.

Previous seasons of Hard Knocks and A Football Life, as well as exclusive NFL Game Pass Film Sessions, will be available as well.

Additionally, NFL digital platforms will offer fans full game encores on NFL.com, the NFL app and the NFL’s official YouTube channel. These will feature signature wins from all 32 teams.

This offer will be free of charge until May 31 to fans in the United States. To sign up for their complimentary access to NFL Game Pass, fans just need to create an account on the web at NFL.com/GamePass, or via the NFL app across mobile and connected TV devices.

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Julian Edelman’s documentary shines light on road back after injury, relationship with his father, How to Watch

You don’t have to be a Patriots fan to know what a workhorse Julian Edelman is whether it be training or on the field, stream this now.

With most of America working from home due to what we’re going through as a country right now, we want to provide you with options to stay up to date with sports content that we believe is worth watching.

You don’t have to be a Patriots fan to know what a workhorse Julian Edelman is whether it be training or on the field, Edelman is always going at 100 percent with his craft.

100% Julian Edelman

Date Available: Now

Sports Movies Available: NHL, NFL, MLB, NBA, PGA

Streaming Sports Content: fuboTV (watch for free)

Narrated by some of the best including Tom Brady, Snoop Dogg, and Michael Rapaport they look back on a young Julian Edelman through his childhood and his sometimes tumultuous relationship with his Dad.  Being a 5’10 receiver was always tough and needed hard work if he was going to make it to the NFL. This is more about hard work, determination, and never giving up than it is about Julian Edelman.

This documentary follows Jules as he goes through injury and his four-game suspension in 2018, it shows you the work that he puts in every day to get back to his old self while going through these trials and tribulations of injury and suspension.

We recommend interesting sports viewing and streaming opportunities. If you sign up for a service by clicking one of the links, we may earn a referral fee.

Shaq Lawson leaving Bills for Dolphins

According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the Bills will lose Lawson to their AFC rival, the Miami Dolphins.

The Buffalo Bills appear to be losing one of their top-defensive free agents, but they’re still going to be hearing from him.

According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the Bills will lose Lawson to their AFC rival, the Miami Dolphins.

 

Lawson’s deal is reportedly worth $10 million per season, a three-year, $30 million contract. The Bills previously declined his fifth-year option on his rookie contract last offseason, which made Lawson a free agent. Had Buffalo done so, they would have locked him up for one more year on a deal that would’ve been worth near $10 million.

Just hours prior to Lawson’s reported deal, an earlier report had suggested the Dolphins were interested in Lawson’s services. At the Bills’ locker cleanout day following their playoff loss to the Texans, the pass rusher said he’d be open to returning to the team. More recently he suggested wants more playing time or “opportunities” in the future.

The pass rusher had a career-high 6.5 sacks last season, a number which led his positional group. But Lawson only played in 47 percent of the team’s defensive snaps despite playing in 15 games. He also made no starts with the Bills. The Dolphins are likely going to play Lawson more than that, and hope that he’s going to produce more.

Lawson was also the final draft pick from the Bills’ previous front office, one led by general manager Doug Whaley, remaining on the team’s roster.

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NFL teams expect David Onyemata to earn double-digit free agent contract

New Orleans Saints defensive tackle David Onyemata could earn $10 million or more per year in free agency, per an NFL Network report.

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New Orleans Saints defensive tackle David Onyemata figures to draw plenty of interest next week as an unrestricted free agent, but a recent report from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero suggests he could be in for an unprecedented payday. While teams Pelissero has spoken with expect all-star interior linemen such as Chris Jones and Arik Armstead to be taken off the market with the franchise tag, a second tier of starting-quality linemen is beginning to emerge that could reset the standards in free agency.

Onyemata being included in that group is no surprise. He’s just as productive as other starters around the league, and is likely seen as an ascendant talent after quickly picking up the game in college (at Manitoba, in Canada) before receiving high-level coaching from Saints assistant Ryan Nielsen in the NFL. Here’s a quick note from Pelissero on which players Onyemata is being compared to by interested teams:

Teams wouldn’t be surprised if Javon Hargrave (Steelers) commands close to $14 million a year — huge money for a nose tackle. Jarran Reed (Seahawks), D.J. Reader (Texans), David Onyemata (Saints) and A’Shawn Robinson (Lions) could all land north of $10 million, too.

Now, just because there’s a report that Onyemata might command $10 million or more a week before free agency doesn’t mean he’ll actually reach those heights. But it’s definitely worth considering that possibility. The Saints may not have the budget to fit Onyemata under the salary cap on such a salary, which would increase the likelihood that rookie standout Shy Tuttle earns more action in his second year.

But what’s the logic from a team paying out that kind of cash for someone who created just three sacks last year? Onyemata just turned 27 back in November, and he’s gotten better every year he’s been in the NFL. Some team desperate to strengthen the middle of their defense could certainly bet that Onyemata can rack up seven or eight sacks a year in a more prominent role, based on his career trajectory. But is that an argument the Saints would make to themselves? We’ll find out soon enough.

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Nate Burleson says the Lions should ‘draft the best player available’ at pick No. 3

Recently on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football, former Detroit Lions wide receiver Nate Burleson weighed in on the Lions options in the 2020 NFL Draft. Burleson’s answer was simple and straightforward: ”Draft the best player available, don’t overthink it”.

Thursday morning on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football, former Detroit Lions wide receiver Nate Burleson weighed in on the Lions’ options at the top of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Burleson’s co-host, Kyle Brandt, posed him the question, assuming that both Joe Burrow (LSU) and Chase Young (Ohio State) are the first two players selected, “If you were the Lions, would you rather draft the best player available or trade down”?

Burleson’s answer was simple and straightforward: ”Draft the best player available, don’t overthink it”.

“If you try to trade down, then you have to negotiate to get exactly what you want,” Burelson continued. “There are some absolute dogs in this draft. Derrick Brown will still be there, so you can grab him (there). Isaiah Simmons, I feel is a guy who is going to make an immediate impact.

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“If you want to get after the quarterbacks in the NFC North, you can’t be 29th in sacks and still try to make some waves within that division. So to me, go ahead and get the best player available.”

When draft day comes, the Lions could follow Burelson’s advice, play it safe and draft the best player, or they could trade down, in an effort to solve multiple problems.