Tag: Pro Football Talk

Tyreek Hill says Jaylen Waddle is an All-Pro who hasn’t gotten the recognition yet

Dolphins Tyreek Hill believes that fellow WR Jaylen Waddle is an All-Pro level player

Miami Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill is widely regarded as one of the NFL’s best receivers of all time at only age 29. Hill’s resume is remarkable with a Super Bowl Championship, seven Pro Bowl appearances, and four First-Team All-Pros, including last season. Hill, alongside former Alabama stand-out [autotag]Jaylen Waddle[/autotag], makes up what is arguably the best-receiving core in the NFL, but what is not arguable is that they are the fastest.

While speaking with Click2Houston.com this week Pro Football Talk reports that Hill expressed frustration that Waddle wasn’t getting the attention he deserves as an All-Pro caliber player and went on to say, “Man to me, Jaylen is an All-Pro, Pro Bowler, but I feel he doesn’t get the validation that he needs. Obviously, because you can’t have two fast guys on a team doing the same thing. Jaylen is a dope player. He’s an even doper person. The way I connect with Jaylen is off the field. I look at him like a younger brother ‚a guy who obviously wants to compete every day. He reminds me of myself. He’s very competitive. He’s very feisty. He doesn’t back down from no challenges.”

Despite all of the attention Hill gets for being a big-time playmaker, it was actually Jaylen Waddle who led the Dolphins with eight receiving touchdowns and an average of 18.1 yards per catch last season. Having two guys like Hill and Waddle at your disposal just makes playing the quarterback position so much more fun and then when you add in the ingenuity of Mike McDaniel’s play designs, Tua Tagovailoa has to be really excited about this upcoming season.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to monitor Jaylen Waddle’s ascension into becoming an All-Pro player.

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Pro Football Talk: ‘Commanders is the right move for Bieniemy’

PFT explains why the Commanders were the right move for Bieniemy.

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“He’s very hard on us and he sets a high standard as you guys can probably tell,” said new Commanders quarterback Sam Howell about his new offensive coordinator, Eric Bieniemy.

“That’s what we want, we want to be coached hard and we want to play for someone who has a high standard. It’s been really good. Obviously, its a really good system and I think it will be a good way for us to use the weapons that we have. I am excited,” said Howell.

Thursday, Pro Football Talk hosts Mike Florio and Chris Simms both expressed their belief in the hire of Bieniemy for the Commanders and as a future head coach in the NFL.

Florio said for Bieniemy it was a case of, “My ship is never going to come in, in Kansas City. It’s just not going to happen. I’ve got to go somewhere else where people will at least perceive I have more responsibility in the offense. He’s changing the construct enough to maybe get people to notice ‘I could be a pretty good coach.’ So maybe it will happen for him after a year or two in Washington.”

Simms affirmed Florio’s view, “You heard what Howell said; it’s cut-throat; the guy is in your face. He handled some personalities in Kansas City and did a great job. ”

“I am kind of excited about what the Commanders can be on offense. I am excited to see what Sam Howell can be. He’s got a natural feel for the game. He’s a good down-the-field thrower, Mike. That is definitely one of the positives about him coming out of North Carolina.”

“This might save some jobs (Ron Rivera and his staff). Maybe get Eric Bieniemy a new job, right?”

NFL Analyst ranked Commanders safety best in 2023 class

More praise for Jartavius Martin.

Prior to the 2023 NFL draft, Pro Football Talk’s Chris Simms was breaking down the rookie class’s top safeties.

Commanders fans will be glad to know that days prior to the Commanders making their selections, Simms ranked Jartavius “Quan” Martin as his top safety in this year’s rookie class.

Here are some of the comments provided by Simms from his video breakdown of Martin last season playing for Illinois.

“He has very good coverage skills, I mean amazing coverage skills. The only thing he is missing to be in the top of my corner conversation is top-end speed.”

“He doesn’t have that sixth gear that fast corners do. But he is super short-area fast and explosive. His 10 yards is 1.47, so that tells you how he can come out of a break.”

“So, for a safety, he has elite cover skills. Also, I’m not sure he’s not an awesome, awesome nickel slot.”

“Chauncey Gardner-Johnson is who I kind of compared him to. Yes, he can as a safety get down here and cover slot receivers and d _ _ _ if they run a toss sweep or edge run, he will go in and throw his body around like psycho, and that is what he does. So that is where I loved him.”

The Commanders chose Martin in the second round with the 47th overall selection. One only defensive back who could play safety in the NFL was taken ahead of Martin. The Lions chose nickel back/safety Brian Branch out of Alabama two selections ahead of Martin when Detroit was picking at 45th overall.

What are the Commanders biggest needs entering the 2023 NFL draft?

There’s no doubt, offensive line still tops the list.

Pro Football Talk Tuesday had a segment asking, “What are the biggest needs for the Washington Commanders entering the 2023 NFL Draft?

Chris Simms: “O-Line is pretty glaring. It’s not the worst, but it certainly needs some help. There’s nobody on their O-Line you can look at and go, ‘Oh yeah, that’s a pretty big-time marquee offensive lineman.’ ”

Simms continued, “I gotta think that has got to be in the running at what, their 16th pick, right?  Corner, you look at that position, and you know, you want more on their roster and tight end.”

“That would be the three that really jump out to me more than any, right? And that’s the decision that could be interesting for them, Mike when I just throw it out there or think about the draft. I’m starting to have to think about my mock draft and all that.”

“Washington could be that team where pick 16. Do they take one of the good tackles on the board? Or does that tight end from Utah, Dalton Kincaid, who I think is very special, if he is there on the board, what would they do?”

“Could be interesting, but I think O-Line for sure has to be addressed somewhere in that top half of the draft.”

Mike Florio, who usually leads the conversation, sat silently for the most part, permitting Simms to almost entirely handle the Commanders’ question of their biggest need in the draft.

When speaking very briefly at the end of the segment, Florio offered, “Absolutely, O-Line. If they are all-in with the Sam Howell experiment, get the most out of the young quarterback and put other help around him.”

“Make the offensive line better any way you can, so Howell can reach his ceiling, whatever it may be.”

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How much pressure is Commanders coach Ron Rivera under in 2023?

Ron Rivera understands he needs to win in 2023.

Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio and Chris Simms discussed Monday which NFL coach is under the most pressure in the NFL for the 2023 season?

Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera was suggested to be one of the top choices to be on the hot seat this upcoming season.

Chris Simms took Brandon Staley of the Chargers as his top choice, citing the Chargers have gone 9-8 and 10-7, which included blowing a 24-point lead to the Jaguars in the playoff loss.

Florio responded by choosing Dallas head coach Mike McCarthy. “Be careful what you wish for. He has consolidated power. He’s in charge of all of the offense. If it doesn’t work, it’s all on you,” expressed Florio.

Simms then took Commanders head coach Ron Rivera as his second choice for the coach under the most pressure in 2023.

“I do think it’s gotta be a big year…He’s got to make a good first impression on ownership here,” began Simms. They are a team that has some talent. Certainly, the quarterback position has been a problem.”

“They look like they could go the Lamar Jackson route. Instead, they are going with Sam Howell. So that all goes back to him (Rivera).”

Florio was more adamant concerning Rivera’s plight.

“To me, it’s almost a foregone conclusion that he’s out, and he’s got nothing to lose at this point. There’s no pressure, like let me go see what I can do, and maybe I can convince the new owner to keep me. Because the new owner is going to want his own coach.”

“I just assume they are going to clean house in Washington once new ownership is in place. I think he (Rivera) gets this year. If he does enough, perhaps another year. But I think changes are going to be coming to Washington once you have new ownership.”

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Report: Delay in Marcus Davenport contract caused by shoulder injury

The details surrounding the holdup with Marcus Davenport signing his contract have been revealed.

The Minnesota Vikings agreed to terms with former New Orleans Saints edge rusher Marcus Davenport on March 13th, the first day of the legal tampering period. The Vikings finally got a signed contract one week later and there were questions as to why.

According to a report from Pro Football Talk, the hangup was a pre-existing shoulder injury. Mike Florio spoke to a source with knowledge of the situation and got the details on how the injury impacts the contract.

As it relates to his $2 million in per-game roster bonuses, he’ll get the payments if he ends up on injured reserve — unless the injury arises from “a deterioration, aggravation or re-injury to Player’s following Pre-Existing Conditions: right shoulder and related structures, and all associated pathologies resulting from degenerative changes, labral repair, previous infection, etc.”

We knew that there were injuries that have clouded Davenport’s career, but his shoulder wasn’t expected to cause issues. They got the deal done and he was officially introduced at a virtual press conference on Thursday afternoon.

Florio: Commanders make the most sense for Lamar Jackson

Florio continues to link the Commanders, mainly because of owner Dan Snyder, to Lamar Jackson.

One NFL football commentator believes the Commanders make the most sense for quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio tweeted the following Thursday:

Notice that, according to Florio, the Commanders would not simply be a good place for Jackson. He also didn’t say the Commanders would be one of the better locations for Jackson. No, Florio went as far as saying the Commanders are clearly the one place, making the most sense for Jackson.

Oh, and not for a stated reason, not for one overwhelming reason, but for various reasons (plural) and on multiple levels.

Florio’s apparent major reason in his article would make the most sense was not Ron Rivera as head coach. Nor was it Eric Bieniemy as the new offensive coordinator. Brian Robinson, Jr, Antonio Gibson, Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel and Jahan Dotson were not listed as reasons either.

No, the major reason for Jackson to become a Commander, according to Florio, is outgoing owner Daniel Snyder himself. Even more, the reason is not that Snyder likes to spend money acquiring NFL players (which he does).

For Florio, the overwhelming reason to make Lamar Jackson a Washington Commander is that Florio believes Daniel Snyder to be a big enough jerk to stick it to the team on his way out, putting them in deep cap trouble.

Florio even suggests Mr. Snyder would be ornery enough to actually guarantee the entire deal, knowing he would not be the one picking up the bill. Such a move would erect a new bar surpassing that of the ridiculous Cleveland deal for Deshaun Watson.

It’s understanding that Florio has often spoken in opposition to the antics and behavior of Daniel Snyder. Frankly, who hasn’t had sufficient cause?

Florio can be often entertaining, but here, it might be Florio’s ever-present dislike for Snyder appearing to be driving that train.

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Ravens TE Mark Andrews says he’s willing to give QB Lamar Jackson his paycheck

Ravens tight end Mark Andrews said he’s willing to give his paycheck to quarterback Lamar Jackson

The Baltimore Ravens are currently in the midst of arguably their most important offseason in franchise history.  First, they are looking to hiring a new offensive coordinator to help propel a lackluster passing game. The other priority is to work out a long-term deal with quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Ravens tight end Mark Andrews was on Pro Football Talk Live at Super Bowl LVII and was asked when he goes to sleep at night if he has not a single doubt enter in his brain that Lamar will not be a Raven next year.  Andrews said “No, I think Lamar is a Raven for life”, while also mentioning that he’d give Jackson his paycheck if he has to in order to have him back in Baltimore long term.

The comment made by Andrews shows how badly he wants Jackson back in Baltimore, as his 2018 draft mate has proven to be the lifeblood of the organization.

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REPORT: Alabama’s Bill O’Brien has become the primary target for Patriots OC job

What are your thoughts on this, Tide fans?

To the joy of most Alabama football fans, it is being reported by Pro Football Talk that Crimson Tide offensive coordinator [autotag]Bill O’Brien[/autotag] has emerged as the leading candidate to land the play-calling duties for Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots.

O’Brien just wrapped up his second season as Alabama’s offensive coordinator but does have previous experience in New England.

O’Brien worked for coach Belichick and the Patriots from 2007-11 including being the offensive coordinator during the 2011 season.

To say that O’Brien’s tenure in Tuscaloosa has been turbulent would be an understatement. Despite helping guide [autotag]Bryce Young[/autotag] to become the program’s first quarterback to win a Heisman Trophy, fans have not been happy with the lack of creativity and situational play calling.

It now appears that O’Brien’s tenure in Tuscaloosa could be coming to and end.

Roll Tide Wire will continue the coaching carousel as it involves the Alabama staff.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Stacey Blackwood on Twitter @Blackwood89.

Let us know your thoughts, and comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.

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Chris Simms: ‘Wentz can do some dumb crap… but could be dangerous’

Simms understands why Rivera made the move to Wentz.

What were others Wednesday, like Pro Football Talk, saying regarding Ron Rivera making a change at quarterback from Taylor Heinicke to Carson Wentz?

Chris Simms admitted he was surprised that Rivera had brought Carson Wentz up again as part of the quarterback picture and that he (Simms) didn’t know if Rivera would go ahead and pull the trigger.

He also alluded to how watching film of Heinicke each week he was seeing plays that Heinicke missed and really should have connected on. “So he leaves plays and points on the field.”

Simms continued, “Rivera looks at Wentz and says there is great potential with Carson. I got the team in the spot right now where Carson Wentz will be able to take advantage, make more explosive plays and make them a more dangerous offense and make you defend more of the field because of his big arm. So there is greater potential there.”

“But as we know, Mike (Florio), with Wentz, he can do some dumb crap too. So it will be about him finding that line and finding that sweet spot that works for him.”

Mike Florio reminded viewers Rivera, and Martin Mayhew should be thankful they didn’t land Russell Wilson because they would have given up a lot more than they did for Wentz and gotten even less in return.

Florio offered, “I feel like Taylor Heinicke’s ceiling is lower than Carson Wentz’s ceiling. There are too many moments with Heinicke when he plays that you just get lucky…It seems like there is one of those every game.”

“The moment the backup (Heinicke) cools off, that’s when you go back to the starter. We’ve seen that time and again. So, with the season on the line, they are putting their best foot forward. Even though both have flaws, I feel like Wentz has the higher ceiling. So, I understand it.”

Simms closed by saying because the Commanders can run the ball, if they protect Wentz with the weapons of McLaurin, Samuel and Dotson, Wentz is better than Heinicke at getting the ball down the field, so they could become dangerous on offense.

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