Tag: Nickelback

Chiefs CB Trent McDuffie looks to L’Jarius Sneed for guidance

#Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie is leaning on veteran L’Jarius Sneed for guidance as he learns a new role in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense. | from: @WesleyRoesch

Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie got a late start to his rookie season in 2022 after being injured in the first game of the team’s Super Bowl LVII campaign.

McDuffie missed Weeks 2-7 due to a hamstring injury, so his season truly began in Week 9 after the Chiefs’ bye week. McDuffie ended up playing 14 total games including the postseason and performed well, mainly playing on the boundary as a cornerback.

Entering his sophomore season, McDuffie is ready to take on a larger role in defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s squad, including shifting inside to play some nickel corner. That role is typically reserved for fourth-year pro L’Jarius Sneed, but coach Spags loves to move his players around when the matchup calls for it.

To prepare for a potentially increased role in nickel formations, McDuffie has looked to Sneed for guidance on how to succeed at the specialized position.

“He’s someone I can truly look up to and ask all the questions,” McDuffie said during Monday’s press conference. “He’s been here three years, he’s done it inside, outside. Just picking his brain and what he sees, how he does it, certain things, why he lines up that way, has been, for me, a teacher-to-student type of thing.”

In 2022, McDuffie didn’t play much nickel until Week 16. Then, suddenly, his time at slot corner ramped up: 229 of his 416 snaps from Week 16 to the Super Bowl were in the slot — that’s 55 percent.

It’s clear the Chiefs want to move McDuffie around more. After all, McDuffie could end up being the team’s best all-around defensive back by the end of 2023. It’ll be intriguing to see how much work McDuffie gets at slot, and more importantly, how much work he gets against his opponents’ top wide receivers.

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Jimmy Butler playing Nickelback in the Heat locker room after a loss shouldn’t be so funny, but it is

Jimmy Butler is so perfect in every way

Jimmy Butler sets the tone for the Miami Heat in so many different ways. Apparently, that includes the post-game playlist.

We know Butler is a huge country music fan, so immediately you get where he’s coming from. His taste is a bit eclectic, and that’s not a bad thing. So you already know the vibes when going into the Miami Heat locker room.

That’s why the lede from this latest profile on Butler is so perfect. Butler was apparently blasting Nickelback from the team locker room after a disappointing loss to the Orlando Magic, according to ESPN’s Nick Fridell.

The best part? Jimmy sang every word.

“The sounds of Nickelback coming from the portable speaker inside the Miami Heat locker room were unmistakable. As the rest of his teammates and Heat staffers quietly showered, got dressed and picked over a postgame pizza spread following a 126-114 overtime loss to the Orlando Magic on Saturday, Jimmy Butler decided it was the the right time to pump up the volume on his stereo and blast the familiar sounds of Chad Kroeger’s voice. 

And Butler, who had just poured in a game-high 38 points in 39 minutes sang every word to each song.”

The visual of this alone is absolutely hilarious. Jimmy Butler singing from the bottom of his heart after a disappointing loss while everyone else is trying to pack up is just so…Jimmy Butler.

What makes this even better, though, is this — Nickelback is so polarizing. You either love them or you hate them. And their music can get kind of sad.

So, honestly, I’m just imagining Jimmy Butler singing “How You Remind Me” from his soul while, like, Caleb Martin is trying to pack up and leave.

That’s just perfect. And, again, it’s so Jimmy Butler.

Apparently, though, whatever Butler did after the Magic loss has worked. The Heat have won two in a row since then.

Maybe keep the tunes going, Jimmy. Something is clicking.

Angels players use Nickelback for walk up songs in an effort to break their losing streak and MLB fans had jokes

The Angels are turning to an unusual source to break their losing streak.

The Los Angeles Angels are in a bad way right now.

Headed into Wednesday, the Angels have plummeted down the standings, losing 13 straight and firing manager Joe Maddon in the process. The Philadelphia Phillies, especially, had quite the turn around against the Angels in the last week, smashing dinger after dinger after firing their own manager, Joe Girardi.

So yeah, things aren’t going well for the Angels right now. It’s so bad, in fact, that the Angels are turning towards a surprising source of hope… Nickelback. Yes, that Nickelback.

Instead of the Angels usual walk up songs, the team unanimously used Nickelback before their at bats during Wednesday’s game against the Boston Red Sox in an effort to break their losing streak.

How did this come about, you ask? Likely because the Angels quality assurance coach Tim Buss likes Nickelback and plays their songs on the staff busses!

Listen, you gotta do what you gotta do in order to break a slump. And boy are the Angels down bad something fierce right now.

MLB fans, as expected, fired off jokes at the Angels expense for resorting to such a hokey tactic to get their mojo back.

Sooners’ Cornerback Justin Harrington to enter transfer portal

Oklahoma Sooners cornerback Justin Harrington enters the transfer portal.

As they get ready to take on Big 12 foe Kansas Ste, the Oklahoma Sooners will be down one less defensive back as cornerback Justin Harrington has decided to enter the transfer portal, according to 247Sports.

Harrington committed to the Sooners in 2020. He was a four-star recruit and was considered by some the number one JUCO safety available at the time per 247. He was recruited as a safety out of junior college but has since bounced around to nickel back, and from there, made the switch full time to cornerback.

Harrington brought elite size to the Sooners secondary, standing at 6-foot-3 but failed to play in any game in 2020 and has failed to see the field this year as well. The Sooners’ depth is being challenged at the moment as Woodi Washington and Jeremiah Criddell are dealing with injuries. That may raise some eyebrows as the Sooners look to navigate the injury situation at the position.

According to OU Daily, true freshman Jordan Mukes was moved to cornerback on Thursday in this week’s updated depth chart. That move now makes a lot more sense, considering the confirmation that Harrington has since entered the transfer portal.

DJ Graham and Jaden Davis will likely continue to hold down the starting spots, with Latrell McCutchin and Joshua Eaton backing them up as the Sooners suit up tomorrow vs. Kansas State.

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Billy Bowman impressing Alex Grinch with eye-popping offseason

Alex Grinch discusses Billy Bowman’s instant impact in OU’s secondary.

Throughout the offseason program in Norman, freshman Billy Bowman has continued to turn heads. At Denton Ryan High School in Texas, Bowman was a jack of all trades. He lined up as a slot receiver, nickel corner and return specialist. Bowman is a playmaker in whatever role he takes on.

Alex Grinch won the in-house “recruiting battle” for Bowman and he will play the nickel position in OU’s secondary. He is as good as it gets in terms of attacking the football, a competitiveness Grinch covets.

In his introductory press conference, when asked which player has the capability to make an instant contribution, Grinch emphatically settled on Bowman’s name.

I think of Billy Bowman in particular and I think of Billy as much as anything. He came in physically ready in a lot of ways. He possesses tremendous athleticism and to see a young guy in the program immediately take to the weight program … to see a guy that you already feel is kind of ahead in terms of what a freshman walking through the door typically is and to see what he has done, is exciting. It is still a guy with 15 practices under his belt and those things so he has to get better at everything but just really highlight him as much as anything as a pat on the back. He’s done a tremendous job. – Grinch

In the spring game, Bowman made his presence known.

Bowman reeled off a 45-yard kickoff return and later broke up a pass at the goal line to prevent a touchdown.

On the kickoff return, made one fluid cut and raced to the sideline at midfield before he encountered an opponent.

On defense, he blanketed Marvin Mims with tight coverage and perfectly tracked the ball to break up Spencer Rattler’s goal-line throw.

The 5-foot-10, 182-pound athletic freak has continued to showcase his explosiveness when given opportunities.

With the departure of Tre Brown and Tre Norwood to the NFL draft and Brendan Radley-Hiles via the transfer portal, there is an opportunity for Bowman to earn playing time early in his career.

So far, he has taken full advantage of every rep. His ball skills and route fluidity from playing wide receiver, have translated to success as a defensive back. Bowman has the physicality to disrupt the line of scrimmage and the all-encompassing nickel role will fit his skills. He is primed for a breakout 2021 campaign.

Top 100 national recruit Billy Bowman poised for stellar freshman campaign

A spring look at Billy Bowman.

Four star recruit Billy Bowman did it all at Denton Ryan High School. He lined up as a slot receiver, nickel cornerback, and made an impact on special teams as a return specialist. Considering his dynamic skillset, there were question marks when he arrived in Norman surrounding what his position would be. Alex Grinch won the “recruiting battle” and Bowman will play in a “nickel safety role” for Oklahoma.

With the departure of Tre Brown and Tre Norwood to the NFL draft and Brendan Radley-Hiles via the transfer portal, there is a greater opportunity in the secondary for Bowman to shine. In OU’s spring exhibition game, the freshman showcased sticky coverage and outstanding speed. He broke up a pass from Spencer Rattler intended for Marvin Mims at the goal line to prevent a touchdown. He stayed with Mims stride-for-stride and did not allow an inch of separation. On special teams, he popped off a 45-yard kickoff return. Both, earned praise from Grinch.

“Put him in a nickel role, he’s really taken off. He has speed, he has quickness, he has ball skills. He’s a good football player. And from a mental aptitude standpoint, he’s done a tremendous job. And maybe one of those guys, midway through spring, really made a commitment to technique.”

Bowman will provide rotational depth in Grinch’s secondary and his experience on the offensive side of the ball has transferred over. His ball skills, route fluidity, and instincts have shown up as a defensive back. Bowman has the ability to disrupt the line of scrimmage and the nickel role fits his craft. What the 5’10 Sooner lacks in size he makes up for in physicality and explosiveness.

He is poised for a stellar freshman campaign and is an additional weapon in Grinch’s arsenal.

Tom Herman Announces Position Changes for the 2020 Season

Tom Herman announced position changes for the 2020 season. Significant on both offense and defense, they will impact UT big time next year.

In his first time talking to the media since wrapping up the 2020 recruiting class and completing his coaching staff, Tom Herman spoke about both sides of the ball. When asked about players moving positions, Herman named seven different players that will be in new spots next season.

On the defensive side of the ball, there are a few changes starting with Anthony Cook. The junior will be the nickel corner, coming in to give the defense five defensive backs. In 18 career games for the Longhorns, he has made five starts, with his best moment coming in this year’s Red River Shootout, causing a fumble from Jalen Hurts.

The biggest jump will be former defensive back DeMarvion Overshown moving to the linebacker position. Listed at 6 feet 4 inches and 210 pounds, Overshown has the size to play the position. Herman said he is “excited” about the switch.

Alamo Bowl MVP Joseph Ossai will be moving to the jack position with Byron Vaughns, primarily rushing the passer. That was a huge problem for Texas last season, being in the bottom half of the Big 12 in sacks. Ossai proved against Utah how disruptive in the backfield he can be, totaling three sacks and six tackles for loss. Vaughns, who will be a redshirt sophomore, only played in six games last season, securing 12 tackles.

Flipping over to offense, there are some significant changes that have the chance to make the Longhorn offense even better than it was last season. Beginning with former five-star prospect Jordan Whittington, he will be playing slot receiver, a move that has been anticipated. His athletic ability gives him the option to play anywhere on the field, but a loaded running back room makes it too difficult to get him touches.

Part of the reason the backfield will be so crowded next season will be because former third-string quarterback Roschon Johnson will be sticking to running back going forward. Making the move last season after the position was thin, he played at a high level. Rushing for 649 yards and seven touchdowns, Johnson will now be competing with junior Keaontay Ingram and true freshman Bijan Robinson for snaps.

Another significant move for the offense is Malcolm Epps moving to tight end. It was a position that produced nearly nothing last season, with Cade Brewer having 11 catches for 159 yards. While Brewer will be returning in 2020, he will now have another body competing for his spot. Epps is a huge 6 feet 5 inches that has the chance to be a big target for Ehlinger next season.

Each change will bring a dynamic change to both sides of the ball for Texas next season. With new offensive coordinator Mike Yurich and new defensive coordinator Chris Ash, it will be their responsibility to make sure the players produce. If they can, the Longhorns will be one of the best teams in the Big 12 next season.

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Seattle Seahawks 2020 free agent profile: Defensive back Akeem King

Will the Seattle Seahawks attempt to bring back special teams contributor Akeem King, or will added depth in the secondary push him out?

*The Seattle Seahawks are heading into the 2020 offseason with 19 players set to become unrestricted free agents, which should make for another busy spring and summer for Pete Carroll and John Schneider as they look to shore up the roster and contend for the number one seed in the NFC again next year.*

Our Seahawks Wire series on Seattle’s free agents continues with defensive back Akeem King.

For the second straight year, the Seahawks used defensive back Akeem King as a core special teams contributor. However, thanks to injuries King was pushed into a bigger role, starting at nickelback and on the outside at various points last season.

All told, the 27-year-old racked up 17 combined tackles and two passes defended in 13 games last year, earning a 61.9 grade from Pro Football Focus.

King has not proven himself as a defensive player, and while the Seahawks could look to bring him back as a special teams contributor, it seems almost certain they’ll look to revamp their depth at cornerback – which could spell the end of the San Jose State product’s tenure in the Emerald City.

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Cyrus Jones will be DB first, returner second for Broncos

The Broncos plan to take a look at cornerback/returner Cyrus Jones primarily as a defensive back.

The Denver Broncos picked up cornerback/returner Cyrus Jones off waivers last week, adding more depth on defense and on special teams.

Jones (5-10, 200 pounds) entered the league as a second-round pick out of Alabama with the Patriots in 2016. He failed to live up to his draft status as a cornerback and has bounced back and forth between New England’s roster and the Ravens’ roster over the last four years.

Jones has been used primarily as a returner in the NFL and he’s been plagued by fumbles, fumbling once on a kickoff and six times on punt returns. Denver may use him in nickel situations.

“He’s obviously a DB who has played some nickel in his past,” Broncos coach Vic Fangio said on Nov. 14. “He’s primarily been a punt returner where he’s gotten most of his time. We’ll see.”

Diontae Spencer has been Denver’s returner this year and it sounds like his job in safe. Jones will likely serve as a rotational defensive back and as a backup returner.

“We liked him to some degree,” Fangio said of Jones. “We want to see what he is as a DB first and foremost and then that he can return punts is a bonus.”

Jones, 25, has recorded 31 tackles in his career and has totaled 655 return yards (on kickoffs and punts) and has scored one touchdown.

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