Tag: nfl news

ESPN’s FPI gives Chargers 1.1% chance of winning Super Bowl

The model isn’t too high on the Chargers.

So you’re saying there’s a chance?

ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) gave the Chargers a 1.1% chance of winning the Super Bowl next year and an 18.9% chance of winning the division over the Chiefs, Raiders, and Broncos.

However, there is hope of making the playoffs, as the model gives Los Angeles a 45% chance to play beyond the regular season.

Overall, the Bolts are 18th overall, which is ahead of the Bears and one below the Steelers.

The model isn’t particularly high on the Chargers due to losing Keenan Allen and Mike Williams and their defense, which ranked 29th in EPA last season. Even with the pairing of Jim Harbaugh and Justin Herbert, it’s still below average.

I do feel like it will be a tall task to make it to the Super Bowl, let alone dethrone Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid of the AFC West title. But making the playoffs is a strong possibility, given Harbaugh taking over, the top-end talent and a relatively easy schedule.

Jaguars UDFA WR reports torn ACL

Jaguars UDFA WR David White Jr. reports torn ACL

Jaguars rookie wide receiver David White Jr., an undrafted free agent signee by the club in May, shared via social media Sunday that he recently suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in an undisclosed setting.

“Torn ACL unfortunate reality. Headspace is great and I’m very positive and strong on my outlook on the future. No need to sympathize just had to give an update,” White wrote via Instagram.

“There will [be] highs there will be lows surely — At times you can do all you can and give it your all each day and take care of yourself and things can still take place. Nature of the game, taking it a day at a time people, Dream on.”

White, a Jacksonville native and class of 2018 graduate of Westside High School, split his five-year college career between Western Carolina for two seasons and Valdosta State for three. He compiled 94 receptions for 1,442 yards and 19 touchdowns over 46 college appearances.

He was one of five rookie wide receivers Jacksonville signed after the 2024 NFL draft, alongside Joshua Cephus, Wayne Ruby Jr., Brevin Easton and Joseph Scates. The Jaguars also picked wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. in the draft’s first round.

Ruby was waived/injured by the Jaguars after suffering an undisclosed injury during rookie minicamp in May. He reverted to Jacksonville’s injured reserve after going unclaimed on waivers.

Jaguars ‘eager’ about RB Tank Bigsby entering second season

Jaguars ‘eager’ about RB Tank Bigsby entering second season

Hopes are high in Jacksonville for running back Tank Bigsby as he enters his second season with the Jaguars, despite his bumpy, 50-carry debut campaign.

Jacksonville’s third-round NFL draft selection in 2023, Bigsby was acquired to provide the Jaguars’ running back room insurance and a rotational contributor behind starter, Travis Etienne Jr.

But aside from scoring two touchdowns in as many games to begin his NFL career, Bigsby fumbled twice and struggled with rushing efficiency over the 13 games he logged a carry.

He finished the year averaging 2.64 yards per attempt, surpassing four yards per carry in only one game in which he rushed at least three times, the season finale against Tennessee.

Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson and offensive coordinator Press Taylor are optimistic that Bigsby is in for improved production in 2024. He’ll receive more opportunities as the team attempts to reduce Etienne’s workload and keep him fresh, as Etienne averaged over 19 touches per game in 2023.

“Tank has done a great job going into year two. He’s a smart player … he’s a hard worker. [He] practices extremely fast, which I love,” Pederson described Bigsby. “Eager to get the pads on and see what he can do.”

As he aims to boost his efficiency, Bigsby’s offseason focus has been his ball-carrying vision within the Jaguars’ offensive scheme, per Pederson. According to Pro Football Focus, Bigsby averaged three-tenths of a yard before a defender made contact with him in 2023.

“For him now, it’s just understanding what he is seeing particularly in the run game, anticipating where the hole is going to be,” Pederson explained. “It’s like a movie screen and that screen is constantly moving and changing. For him, it’s being able to see that and react.”

Taylor expressed some regret for Bigsby’s relative lack of involvement in the offense, admitting there were instances he kept Etienne on the field when Bigsby likely could have accomplished a particular concept Taylor called.

Bigsby averaged just five offensive snaps per game over his 16 backfield appearances last year. His 80 offensive snaps on the season ranked No. 10 among the 15 running backs drafted in 2023 who received at least one handoff.

“I mean, we would’ve liked to say we would get more usage, opportunity for Tank as the season went. Looking back, there is a lot of things that we probably could have done better,” Taylor said. “You try to be as critical of everything that you can be, and — how do we utilize every single player available to us on game day?

“I think there are things Tank could have provided that we maybe didn’t give him opportunities to or maybe we’re quick to give Travis another rep on something that Tank could have done well for us. You live, learn, grow from it and adapt moving forward.”

Addressing Bigsby and second-round tight end Brenton Strange’s scarce contributions compared to 17-game starter, first-round offensive tackle Anton Harrison, Taylor mentioned the shallows of the learning curve both players experienced as rookies and how they’ve entered their second offseason prepared for their responsibilities.

Now, he said, Bigsby and Strange are better equipped for the speed of the NFL game, the pace of practice, their roles in the Jaguars’ offense and requirements within the scheme. Their growth has translated to the practice field, and Taylor is hopeful the trend will continue into the season.

Appearing to be on the right track, Taylor believes Bigsby is ready for an uptick in usage, and the Jaguars plan to accommodate it.

“Tank is in a great headspace in terms of where he goes in year two,” Taylor stated. “We are looking to get the most out of him as well.”

Jaguars’ Travis Etienne reacts to CFB 25: ‘Sad I missed the NCAA era’

Jaguars’ Travis Etienne reacts to CFB 25: ‘Sad I missed the NCAA era’

What could have been.

Jaguars running back and former three-time All-American Clemson star Travis Etienne Jr. appeared to feel that way when Electronic Arts released gameplay footage of the upcoming “EA Sports College Football 25” video game this week.

“Pre-ordering it today. Sad I missed the NCAA era,” Etienne wrote via X.

EA is scheduled to release “College Football 25” on July 16, revamping its “NCAA College Football” video game series that was discontinued in 2013 amid licensing and legal disputes between the NCAA, college athletes and the production company.

Notably, Etienne’s younger brother, Georgia running back Trevor Etienne, will appear in the game.

The older Etienne, one of Jacksonville’s two first-round picks in 2021, averaged an incredible 7.2 yards per carry over 686 college career rushing attempts between 2017-20, posting 4,952 yards and 70 touchdowns on the ground. He also caught 102 passes for 1,155 yards and eight touchdowns.

He shined with the Tigers alongside Jaguars quarterback and fellow 2021 first-round selection, Trevor Lawrence.

Etienne has rushed 487 times for 2,133 yards and 16 touchdowns and hauled in 93 receptions for 792 yards and one touchdown over 34 games with the Jaguars.

If EA Sports College Football or the former NCAA video games while Etienne and Lawrence were still with Clemson, what overall player grades do you believe they would have received?

Let us know your thoughts via social media at JaguarsWire on Facebook and @TheJaguarsWire on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Report: Jaguars hire former assistant coach under Urban Meyer as scout

Report: Jaguars hire former assistant coach under Urban Meyer as scout

The Jaguars have added Chris Ash, the team’s safeties coach under former head coach Urban Meyer in 2021, to their scouting department, according to John Shipley of Jaguar Report.

Ash spent one season with Jacksonville during his previous stint with the team. He was hired by Meyer in Feb. 2021, marking his first coaching role in the NFL, and not retained the following offseason, after Meyer was fired 13 games into his inaugural campaign as the Jaguars’ head coach.

The Jaguars drafted current starting safety Andre Cisco that year, making Ash his first NFL positional coach. Ash also coached current Jacksonville safeties, Andrew Wingard and Daniel Thomas, at that time.

Ash spent the past two seasons as defensive backs coach for Las Vegas. He was not retained this offseason, following the Raiders’ firing of former head coach Josh McDaniels and hiring of Antonio Pierce to succeed McDaniels.

Before his jump to the pros, Ash served as a defensive analyst for Texas in 2019 before his promotion to defensive coordinator and safeties coach for the 2020 campaign. It followed his three-plus-season tenure as Rutgers’ head coach, where he compiled an 8-32 record between 2016-19.

Ash previously occupied the title of defensive coordinator for Ohio State (under Meyer), Arkansas, Wisconsin and Drake.

QB Mac Jones ‘competing,’ having fun with Jaguars

QB Mac Jones ‘competing,’ having fun with Jaguars

Home is where the heart is.

Although it might not have happened in the fashion he preferred, Mac Jones has enjoyed a homecoming this offseason, fitting in well with the Jaguars following his March trade from the Patriots.

Jacksonville offered Jones, a first-round selection by New England in 2021 who was effectively replaced by No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye this offseason, a fresh start to his NFL career, in his hometown.

Into the third phase of the offseason workout program, Jones has left a strong impression on those around him, including Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson.

“He’s the ultimate pro. He’s done a great job since he’s been here, spending time studying the offense, getting caught up in the offense,” Pederson said Tuesday. “You can see why I liked him coming out of college, when [I was] looking at quarterbacks back then … [he] throws a really good ball.”

From the same draft class as Trevor Lawrence, the Jaguars’ current starting quarterback and No. 1 pick that year, Jones had ascended to first-round status after starring at Bolles High School in Jacksonville and with Alabama in college.

He won a state championship with the former in 2016 and a national championship with the latter in 2021, starting at quarterback for both schools.

But sailing was not as smooth in New England, where Jones operated as the first heir to Patriots’ six-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback Tom Brady.

After a promising, Pro Bowl-alternate rookie campaign including an AFC Wild Card appearance, Jones went 8-17 as a starter between 2022-23, tossing for 5,117 yards, 24 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in that stretch. He was benched four separate times during the 2023 season.

Jacksonville sent New England a sixth-round pick in the 2024 draft to give Jones a clean slate in his NFL career, lifting the expectations that followed his first-round selection and allowing him to function as a backup quarterback in a new system.

He’s adapted well and is enjoying the process, Pederson said, describing Jones as smart, eccentric and “a little quirky at times.”

“That’s the joy and the fun I think that he wanted to get back to a little bit, and he’s done a great job for us,” Pederson said.

“Change of scenery sometimes is good for players and coaches. For him to get back here around family, friends, has been good for him. I think he’s embraced it since he’s been here.”

Jones will battle three-year Jaguar and six-year pro, C.J. Beathard, for the second-team quarterback gig behind Lawrence this offseason. Beathard has appeared in 15 games in the role, completing 74.2% of his passes for 417 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

“We’re excited to have him,” Pederson said of Jones. “Gives us a great room with he and C.J. kind of competing in that role, and he’s done a nice job.”

PFF names deep passing game as Jaguars’ biggest strength

PFF names deep passing game as Jaguars’ biggest strength

While Calvin Ridley’s free-agent signing with the Titans left the Jaguars without their leading receiver from 2023 moving forward, their passing attack remains a focal point entering its 2024 campaign, arguably the team’s biggest strength.

Pro Football Focus made that argument in an analysis of every NFL team’s strengths, weaknesses and approach to retooling their rosters this year, praising the Jaguars’ deep passing offense as it appears on paper at this point in this offseason.

Despite Ridley’s exit, PFF commended Jacksonville for its selection of Brian Thomas Jr. in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft and the signing of Gabe Davis in free agency to recuperate.

Biggest strength in 2023: Deep Passing Game

Despite losing Calvin Ridley to the division-rival Titans, the Jaguars still have a plethora of receivers who can make big plays downfield. First-round rookie Brian Thomas Jr. was among the best deep receivers in college football last season, ranking in the top 10 in this year’s draft class in receptions, yards and receiving grade on balls thrown at least 20 yards downfield. The team also signed free agent Gabe Davis, whose 93.5 receiving grade on deep balls tied Tank Dell for 12th best in the NFL. Getting the ball to those deep threats will be Trevor Lawrence, whose 96.6 deep passing grade in 2023 ranked fifth among quarterbacks with at least 10 such attempts.

Jaguars offensive coordinator Press Taylor mentioned Tuesday that the explosive passing game has been emphasized throughout the offseason as the coaching staff has assessed and adjusted its playbook and personnel.

Thomas and Davis’ additions to a receiving corps that already includes productive slot Christian Kirk and Pro Bowl tight end Evan Engram were critical aspects of the team’s approach.

“We feel like we have people that we’re able to push the ball down the field,” Taylor said. “Just got to get the opportunity and call those types of plays throughout the course of games.”

PFF called Jacksonville’s pass rush its biggest weakness entering the 2024 season, naming edge rusher and former No. 1 overall pick Travon Walker as the team’s “X-factor” player as a result.

Report: NFL exec projects extension for Jaguars’ Trevor Lawrence

Report: NFL exec projects extension for Jaguars’ Trevor Lawrence

With a contract extension between quarterback Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars seemingly impending, projections and opinions — some supportive of such a move, others not so much — have flown around Jacksonville and NFL circles in droves.

It is widely believed Lawrence, the Jaguars’ No. 1 overall selection in the 2021 NFL draft, will demand a deal similar in value to those that have shaped the league’s quarterback market as of late.

Detroit’s Jared Goff offers a prime example: He inked an extension including a $53 million average annual salary and a $78 million signing bonus on May 16. For reference, Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow takes home the highest average annual salary among quarterbacks and all positions, $55 million.

Accordingly, analysts have projected Lawrence will receive a contract with an average annual salary of at least $50 million.

An anonymous NFL front office executive echoed that sentiment in a Friday story about Lawrence’s looming payday with ESPN’s Michael DiRocco, predicting, based on current quarterback contract rankings, Lawrence would assume the No. 2 ranking in average annual salary upon signing.

“One NFL front office executive not affiliated with the Jaguars told ESPN they expect Lawrence’s extension to have an average annual salary just ahead of Goff’s $53 million, but not ahead of Burrow’s $55 million. As for the structure of the deal, it should be similar to the deal Goff received, the executive said. Goff’s contract is a four-year extension that kicks in after the 2024 season and includes a $78 million signing bonus. The Lions will spread that number over five seasons at $14.6 million per season.”

The Jaguars picked up Lawrence’s fifth-year option in April, guaranteeing him a $25,664,000 salary in 2025 while extending the team’s negotiating window as the two sides work toward a long-term deal.

The Jaguars would benefit from extending Lawrence sooner rather than later, however, ideally avoiding market inflation created by another deal. Miami’s Tua Tagovailoa and Green Bay’s Jordan Love are eligible for extensions for the first time; Dallas’ Dak Prescott is entering the final year of an extension he signed in 2021.

“It’s just going to get more expensive,” the executive told DiRocco. “The price is only going to go up.”

Over three seasons and 50 starts with the Jaguars, Lawrence has completed 63.8% of 1,750 passes for 11,770 yards with 58 touchdowns and 39 interceptions, adding 964 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground.

Highlighted by the club’s run to the AFC Divisional Round of the playoffs two seasons ago, Jacksonville amassed consecutive winning campaigns with Lawrence and head coach Doug Pederson between 2022-23, an achievement the club had not reached since 2004-05.

In that stretch, Lawrence completed 65.9% of his passes for 8,129 yards with 46 touchdowns and 22 interceptions, adding nine scores rushing.

Joe Alt receiving first-team reps at right tackle, Trey Pipkins at right guard at Chargers OTAs

Jim Harbaugh said that they’re going to start their best five offensive linemen.

This early in the process is when different looks and lineups are incorporated to see how players mesh with one another.

But a notable development came during Chargers OTAs. According to the team’s official reporter, Eric Smith, Joe Alt received starting reps at right tackle while Trey Pipkins slid inside to right guard.

Smith mentioned that when the Chargers went to 11-on-11 drills, Brenden Jaimes came in for Zion Johnson. Alt replaced Pipkins, who slid inside to right guard.

Jim Harbaugh emphasized that they’re going to start the best five linemen when the season comes around.

At the moment, left tackle Rashawn Slater, center Bradley Bozeman and Alt are likely the only ones with starting spots locked up. Meanwhile, there will likely be a competition for the guard spots, with Johnson, Salyer, Pipkins and Jaimes in contention for them.

How the offensive line shakes up will be one of the biggest storylines when training camp begins in July.

Ladd McConkey stat predictions: What kind of season will rookie wideout have?

Bleacher Report’s Maurice Moton predicted the stats of all the top rookie wide receivers.

There are a few Chargers rookies who will contribute in their first seasons, and one of them is second-round pick wide receiver Ladd McConkey.

McConkey is a high-quality wideout with great speed, route-running skills and solid hands. That profile should allow him to produce in Year 1, but what will that production look like?

Bleacher Report’s Maurice Moton predicted the stats of all the top rookie wide receivers, and he sees McConkey finishing with 42 receptions, 537 yards and two touchdowns.

Even with a wide-open receiver group, McConkey isn’t likely to take over a game as a dominant pass-catcher. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman usually operates a run-heavy offense. All 10 of his offensive units have ranked ninth or higher in rushing attempts.

McConkey will be a reliable receiver in key moments, though his final 2024 season numbers won’t wow anyone.

The Chargers have a decent number of bodies in the position room, but I like McConkey to quickly work his way to becoming Justin Herbert’s top target. McConkey is arguably the best separator among the group, and like Keenan Allen, he got the ball a lot because of his ability to consistently make himself open.

Of course, Los Angeles will run the football a lot under offensive coordinator Greg Roman. But they will not sway away from letting Herbert do his thing by distributing the wealth. He will get his fair share of passing attempts per game, and I believe a good amount of them will go to McConkey.

I am predicting McConkey to finish with 61 catches on 95 targets for 767 yards and five scores this season.