Tag: players

Former Chiefs players make XFL debut this weekend

The XFL has a bunch of players with ties to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Several players who have spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs are among those set to participate in the XFL’s relaunch this weekend. Most of these players were selected in the XFL’s inaugural draft. Former Chiefs WR Rashard Davis was selected No. 1 overall before rejoining the NFL and leaving the XFL. Other players have been picked up throughout the process as free agents, such as former Kansas City sixth-round draft pick Kahlil McKenzie.

Below you can find the full list of former Chiefs players set to debut in the XFL. Many names will look familiar as they spent time on the 90-man roster or practice squad. Only three players from this group spent time on the 53-man roster.

  • Dallas Renegades WR Josh Crockett
  • Dallas Renegades LB Raymond Davison
  • Dallas Renegades OT Pace Murphy
  • DC Defenders WR Rashad Ross
  • DC Defenders LB Jonathan Massaquoi
  • Houston Roughnecks WR Sammie Coates
  • Houston Roughnecks CB Deji Olatoye
  • Houston Roughnecks OC Tejan Koroma
  • Los Angeles Wildcats WR Nelson Spruce
  • Los Angeles Wildcats CB Arrion Springs
  • Los Angeles Wildcats OG Kahlil McKenzie
  • Los Angeles Wildcats DT Montori Hughes
  • New York Guardians QB Matt McGloin
  • New York Guardians DB Andrew Soroh
  • New York Guardians OG Damien Mama
  • New York Guardians DT TJ Barnes
  • St. Louis BattleHawks CB D’Montre Wade
  • Seattle Dragons WR Alonzo Moore
  • Seattle Dragons OT Isaiah Battle
  • Tampa Bay Vipers QB Chase Litton
  • Tampa Bay Vipers QB Aaron Murray
  • Tampa Bay Vipers WR Seantavius Jones

You can find all the important details on how to watch these players and their teams compete here.

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4 Saints breakout candidates for the 2020 season

The New Orleans Saints are banking on breakout years from several second-year players such as Deonte Harris, Jared Cook, and Shy Tuttle.

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It almost feels like an understatement to say the New Orleans Saints will field a different team in 2020 than the one they finished last season with. They have seven or eight different starting jobs up for grabs with two dozen free agents headed for the market. There’s going to be change all across the roster, but some of those changes will manifest in players breaking out and raising expectations for themselves after a year in the Saints’ system. Here are four breakout candidates to watch as the offseason unfolds.

Shy Tuttle

Tuttle is the projected starter at defensive tackle next to standout nose tackle Malcom Brown; incumbent co-starters David Onyemata (pending free agent) and Sheldon Rankins (rehabbing another lower-leg injury) are unlikely to both return in 2020. While Tuttle’s biggest moment was his stiff-arm of Matt Ryan on Thanksgiving, he was a legitimate player throughout the year who deserves more snaps. It’ll be fascinating to see what he does with more than 23 snaps per game.

Jared Cook

It’s awkward to call a veteran pass-catcher like Cook a breakout candidate, but his 2019 debut wasn’t that impressive until late down the stretch. It took time for him to get on the same page as Drew Brees, but there were few better players in the second half of the season. Cook averaged 69 receiving yards per game in his final seven games (including the playoffs), catching 25 of his 31 targets (80.6%). With that experience and the benefit of a full offseason behind him, Cook has to be seen as a premier receiving threat in 2020.

Deonte Harris

Harris made a tremendous impact on special teams, regularly threatening teams on both punt and kick returns. He ironed out the early-season rookie mistakes (some muffed punts, a few other poor field position decisions) to become the best player on the field in the playoffs. He wasn’t a first-team All-Pro returner and Pro Bowler for nothing. Hopefully the Saints can continue to find ways for Harris to contribute on offense as a real receiver; that position group needs all the help it can get, and Harris has serious potential.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson

Gardner-Johnson was difficult to take off the field in 2019, but there’s no question about how involved he’ll be in 2020. He’s a dynamic presence in the secondary who tackles like a linebacker and covers like a cornerback. He’s a perfect fit to take over for Vonn Bell at strong safety or replace P.J. Williams in the slot (or if the Saints are feeling really ambitious, both). Expect Gardner-Johnson to start right away on defense next season.

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Which past Senior Bowl participants have been picked by the Saints?

The New Orleans Saints have drafted Senior Bowl players like Erik McCoy, Marcus Davenport, and Sheldon Rankins after meeting them in Mobile.

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There are few offseason events bigger than the Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala.; it’s the first time coaches, scouts, and front office executives from around the NFL gather and socialize after the regular season has wrapped up. For many teams, the New Orleans Saints included, it’s a hiring opportunity to fill holes on the coaching staff. But the central mission is to get a real first impression with top draft prospects in the year’s most prominent collegiate all-star game.

That’s been a priority for the Saints, who have frequently gone on to add players who participated in the game and the three days of practices that precede it. Since Jeff Ireland joined (and quickly took over) the scouting department, they’ve used this opportunity to interview many draft prospects. In fact, the Saints have drafted at least one player from the Senior Bowl each year that Ireland has been with the team, and often double-dipped. Here’s the full list (draft picks in italics):

  • 2015: LB Stephone Anthony
  • 2015: LB Hau’oli Kikaha
  • 2015: QB Garrett Grayson
  • 2015: DT Kaleb Eulls
  • 2016: DT Sheldon Rankins
  • 2016: OL Jack Allen
  • 2017: LB Alex Anzalone
  • 2017: WR Travin Dural
  • 2018: DE Marcus Davenport
  • 2018: WR Tre’Quan Smith
  • 2018: TE Deon Yelder
  • 2019: OL Erik McCoy
  • 2019: DE Carl Granderson

So while it isn’t a guarantee that the Saints will pick anyone who plays in the Senior Bowl, it’s a good bet that some players will leave a lasting impression on Ireland and his scouts, as well as Sean Payton and his coaches. They’ll meet again at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis late in February, and possibly again at various pro day workouts or official facilities visits in New Orleans during the months leading up to April’s draft.

This is just one data point in eventual decisions that will bring new additions to the Saints, but it’s one worth watching. Ready or not, the offseason is here. You can find a complete guide to this year’s Senior Bowl over at Draft Wire through this link, as well as a top-50 ranking of the best prospects in this year’s game here.

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Seahawks will face many decisions in free agency this offseason

The Seattle Seahawks will face many decisions in free agency in the 2020 offseason following their playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers.

The Seattle Seahawks have many decisions to make regarding their impending free agents following their season-ending, divisional-round loss to the Green Bay Packers. There are quite a few dominoes waiting to fall in March.

Jadeveon Clowney may be the most notable unrestricted free agent, but Jarran Reed, Mychal Kendricks, Al Woods, Quinton Jefferson, and many others also have expiring deals. There are also restricted free agents such as Jacob Hollister and David Moore for Seattle to take into account and possibly offer tenders to.

The Seahawks also have key players like Chris Carson and Shaquill Griffin entering contract years, potentially putting them in line for contract extensions if Seattle wishes to keep them for the long-term future. And of course, they will have to cope with the losses of certain free agents, as no team can keep everyone and players may seek out bigger paydays from different teams.

And then there is the matter of who the Seahawks decide to bring in. The team should possess around $40 million in cap space for next season, and they could use that to re-sign some key free agents or sign notable players from other teams.

The Seahawks will have their work cut out for them this offseason if they wish to remain competitive next season.

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Packers seek 700 snow shovelers ahead of Seahawks game Sunday

The Seattle Seahawks’ postseason matchup with the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Sunday could feature up to 10 inches of snow.

The Green Bay Packers are already looking for a little help this weekend ahead of their divisional-round matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.

Recent weather forecasts are now predicting a storm that could result in up to 10 inches of snow on Saturday night and the team is soliciting fans to help shovel at Lambeau Field.

According to Green Bay’s website, up to 700 shovelers are needed to help on Sunday morning. Shovelers must be at least 18 years old to participate and will be paid $12 per hour for their efforts. Free, temporary parking will be available and the Packers will provide all the necessary shovels.

 

Wintery conditions could present a significant advantage for the Packers, who are used to playing in heavy snow and cold temperatures.

Seattle coach Pete Carroll recently said the Seahawks have been preparing for the frigid weather before departing for Green Bay. For example, the Seahawks have opened the doors of their training facility to allow the chilly air to fill the building and give the players a good sense of what they can expect this weekend. Seattle also practiced outside on Thursday.

If the Seahawks emerge victorious, they will advance to the NFC Championship Game for the first time since the 2014-2015 postseason, but it will be no easy task. After all, Seattle has not won in Lambeau Field since 1999. The game will start at 3:40 p.m. PT on Sunday.

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Five players that need to step up in 2020

If these players can take a step up, Texas is going to be sitting well next season. Here are five players that need to step up in 2020.

The win over Utah in the Alamo Bowl was a great way to end a rather lackluster 2019 season. The minute that game was over, the focus was onto the 2020 season. Much like this time last year, there is a lot of hype and speculation as to what type of team will show out for the Longhorns next season.

While it will more than likely be better than the 7-5 season from this year, there is a lot of room for improvement to take that next step up. New offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich and new defensive coordinator Chris Ash should be able to bring that improvement, but when it comes down to it, the players must execute.

In a season that Texas will return a lot of talent, some of the same players that were critical in the 2019 season will need to continue to do what they are doing. Especially on the defensive side of the ball, where Texas struggled for most of the season. If these players can take a step up in 2020, the Longhorns are going to be sitting well next season.

Here are five players that need to step up in 2020:

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Seahawks and Eagles have gone through similar seasons in 2019

The Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles have gone through terribly trying seasons in 2019 featuring many injuries and lucky breaks.

The Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles square off on Sunday, Jan. 5 at Lincoln Financial Field for their matchup in the wild-card round of the 2019-2020 NFL playoffs. The two teams are quite similar in many aspects and they have both found themselves in the postseason under compelling circumstances this year.

Both teams have dealt with their fair share of hardships, namely in the form of injuries to key players. Philadelphia has lost several wide receivers to various injuries along with Malik Jackson and Brandon Brooks, among others. In addition, offensive tackle Lane Johnson and tight end Zach Ertz are both questionable for Sunday. Seattle has lost tight end Will Dissly, running backs Chris Carson, Rashaad Penny, and CJ Prosise, and linebacker Mychal Kendricks to season-ending injuries. Offensive tackle Duane Brown and wide receiver Malik Turner have also been ruled out for Sunday’s game, and guard Mike Iupati and wide receiver Jaron Brown are questionable.

Both teams have also been the beneficiary of certain factors that have added to their win totals. The Seahawks have won many close games this year with 10 of their 11 victories being by eight points, with some coming against vastly inferior competition. The Eagles emerged from the worst division in football in the NFC East and had a particularly easy schedule to close the season. The Seahawks and Eagles have both fought hard to get to the playoffs, but they have caught quite a few breaks along the way. However, they have continuously found ways to win games when they need to, regardless of circumstance.

The Seahawks and Eagles have gone through the season with determination and many losses with mostly positive results, but there can only be one victor on Sunday.

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Texas sends two players home before Alamo Bowl

Texas has sent home two players ahead of tomorrow’s Alamo Bowl. LBs David Gbenda and Byron Vaughns violated team rules and will not play.

Texas has sent home two players ahead of tomorrow’s Alamo Bowl against Utah. Linebackers David Gbenda and Byron Vaughns violated team rules and will not be playing in tomorrow’s game.

Both freshman, Vaughns has played in seven games this season. Recording 14 tackles in those games, he was a key contributor to the win against Kansas earlier this year. Of his eight total tackles that day, six of them were solo. Vaughns also forced a fumble in the loss to TCU.

Gbenda has played in four games, but only recorded a tackle against Kansas.

For a Texas defense that has struggled this season, losing depth at the linebacker position will not help. They will face off against Utah tomorrow night at 6:30 p.m. CST on ESPN.

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Al Woods’ suspension leaves Seahawks defense increasingly depleted

Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Al Woods’ four-game suspension due to PED violations has major ramifications for the team going forward.

The Seahawks have dealt with numerous absences of key players this season due to injuries and suspensions. They just received another in the form of Al Woods’ four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs. He will not play in the final two games in the regular season and two postseason games if Seattle makes it past the wild card round.

This comes four days after wide receiver Josh Gordon’s indefinite suspension, marking two suspensions to impact players in less than a week.

This is obviously a big blow to Seattle’s ambitions to claim the No. 1 seed in the NFC, as the Seahawks need all the defensive help they can get without losing more players on that side of the ball. Jadeveon Clowney and Quandre Diggs may be out for Week 16 against the Cardinals with their respective core and ankle injuries, and Shaquill Griffin and Mychal Kendricks are questionable as well, so losing Woods only exacerbates the Seahawks’ defensive issues.

Woods has been a solid player for Seattle this year, particularly in run defense. He recorded 32 tackles, two forced fumbles and a sack in the 2019 season. The defensive line has been one of the weakest position groups for the Seahawks this season, but Woods’ absence leaves them even more depleted. With injuries and suspensions mounting up, the Seahawks should feel even more urgency to win out over the remaining two games of the year.

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