Tag: Reactions

Commanders vs. Bengals: Week 3 staff picks and predictions

Can the Commanders shock the Bengals?

Can the Washington Commanders (1-1) pull off the upset against the Cincinnati Bengals (0-2) on Monday Night Football?

The Bengals opened as 7.5-point favorites last week and will get a big part of their offense back on Monday when star wide receiver Tee Higgins returns. Higgins missed the first two games with a hamstring injury, and now quarterback Joe Burrow will have his full complement of weapons for the first time this season.

Will Washington win its second game in a row?

It’s prediction time.

Bryan Manning

The Bengals will jump on the Commanders early, but Washington battles back. Cincinnati will lead throughout the game, but Jayden Daniels will make plays with his arm and legs to keep things interesting. Running back Brian Robinson Jr. will have another big game for the Commanders. However, the defense can’t slow down Burrow, Higgins, and Ja’Marr Chase, and Cincinnati will pull away for an 11-point victory.

Bengals 31, Commanders 20

Ivan Lambert

Washington is a 7.5-point underdog Monday night in Cincinnati against Joe Burrow and the Bengals. In fact, the Commanders were already a 7.5-point underdog even before the announcement that Bengals’ receiver Tee Higgins would be returning from a hamstring injury, in time to face the Commanders.

The Commanders secondary has struggled in pass coverage against the Buccaneers and the Giants. It only stands to reason to those predicting the game that they will struggle against the Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase and company. In fact, according to NFL Pickwatch, 97% of the expert picks believe Cincinnati will defeat Washington.

So, what can the Commanders do Monday against the Bengals? The best answer to slow down the Bengals offense may actually be the Commanders offense. The Bengals are surrendering 4.5 yards a rushing attempt. Consequently, the Commanders should attempt to run the ball as often as possible. In addition, it would not hurt to attempt to run as many zone-read options as well, provided Jayden Daniels slides and gets down. However, using him with the zone-read options could also open up runs inside for Brian Robinson and Austin Ekeler. Finally, using play action out of those successful zone-read runs could open up passing lanes not previously utilized in the first two weeks.

But in the end, until the Commanders can get a pass rush on Joe Burrow, they simply have not provided any evidence that they can defend well in the secondary in the first two weeks.

Bengals 31, Commanders 24

What is the Commanders’ biggest roster need ahead of Week 3?

What have we learned is the Commanders’ biggest roster need through two games?

Entering the NFL offseason, you could argue that no NFL team — outside of the Carolina Panthers — had more roster holes than the Washington Commanders.

General manager Adam Peters had his hands full this offseason, added over 20 free agents and drafted nine players in the 2024 NFL draft. While Peters couldn’t address every Washington need, he did address the most important one: Quarterback.

Jayden Daniels has played well through two weeks, often putting the team on his back. However, other positions remain a problem for Washington.

What are the Commanders’ most significant needs? Some would say cornerback, edge rusher, offensive tackle, or wide receiver.

Josh Edwards of CBS Sports recently analyzed all 32 NFL rosters after two weeks, including naming each team’s biggest roster need. For Washington, Edwards said it was offensive tackle.

After taking LSU’s Jayden Daniels as the quarterback of the future, the Commanders also need a left tackle of the future after releasing Charles Leno. Cornelius Lucas and Andrew Wylie saw most of the action as the starting offensive tackles. Each player ranks among the 30 highest beaten rates, according to TruMedia, which essentially illustrates how often the opposition wins the rep.

Edge rusher would be the other area at which they should throw future assets after sacrificing Chase Young and Montez Sweat in the rebuild.

Offensive tackle remains a major need. Even if rookie Brandon Coleman proves to be a future starter, the Commanders will need another starting offensive tackle next offseason. Wylie and Lucas are free agents after the season.

While CBS said offensive tackle, we believe it’s either edge rusher or cornerback. Have you seen Washington’s defense through two weeks? The Commanders may need two starting outside cornerbacks next offseason and certainly need a game-wrecker on the edge.

It’s early, and sometimes, your need list looks much different in January than in September. Over the next few months, it will be interesting to follow the development of some of Washington’s young players at these key positions.

Fans react to LSU’s season-opening loss to USC

LSU’s run of painful season-opening losses was extended on Sunday night.

LSU couldn’t pass its first test in the 2024 season, losing to USC on Sunday night in Las Vegas 27-20 after the Trojans successfully capped off a game-winning drive with a 13-yard touchdown from Woody Marks.

Despite the offense accounting for over 400 yards in an efficient regular season starting debut for quarterback [autotag]Garrett Nussmeier[/autotag] and the defense showing signs of improvement, especially up front, USC still outgained LSU with nearly 450 yards of offense.

It was a disappointing loss, especially in a game the Tigers were driving with a chance to win in the final minutes. With LSU losing its fifth-straight season opener, here’s how fans, media, former players and others reacted.

Internet Reactions

https://twitter.com/BunkiePerkins/status/1830444036324290892

https://twitter.com/PeterBurnsESPN/status/1830439363076935731

https://twitter.com/alex_kirshner/status/1830404748484513910

https://twitter.com/CFBRep/status/1830444250774831313

https://twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP/status/1830444682016415947

https://twitter.com/BruceFeldmanCFB/status/1830442698849071123

https://twitter.com/BengalYouTube/status/1830409448709374239

https://twitter.com/maxtoscano1/status/1830426925052924181

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Tyler to continue the conversation on Twitter: @TylerNettuno

Chiefs LB reacts to surprising results in ‘NFL 100’ top 5

#Chiefs LB Drue Tranquill wasn’t pleased that Patrick Mahomes fell to the No. 4 spot on the ‘NFL 100’ list ahead of the 2024 season.

The Kansas City Chiefs landed three players in the top ten of the ‘NFL 100’ list ahead of the 2024 season, but many fans who watched the show’s finale questioned if the league’s players made the right decision for the No. 1 spot.

Veteran linebacker Drue Tranquill was particularly bothered when he found out that Patrick Mahomes didn’t top the list, and made his voice heard when the results were released on Friday evening.

Tranquill, who joined the Chiefs as a free agent in 2023, has cemented himself as a key contributor in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense, and didn’t mince words when letting his fans know exactly what he thought about this year’s ‘NFL 100’ list:

Though a higher ranking on the ‘NFL 100′ list wouldn’t help Mahomes and Tranquill bring a third-consecutive championship to Kansas City this season, the perceived disrespect for the reigning Super Bowl MVP may be what the Chiefs’ players need to motivate them through the rest of training camp.

Former Eagles pass rusher Trent Cole hosts football camp at Rowan University

Former Philadelphia Eagles player, Trent Cole hosted his high school offensive and defensive linemen camp at Rowan University Monday evening, from 5 to 9 p.m.

Former Philadelphia Eagles player Trent Cole hosted his high school offensive and defensive linemen camp at Rowan University on Monday evening from 5 to 9 p.m.

The camp included drills, a chance to work with Cole and other skilled guys from the NFL, a free t-shirt, and giveaways. Super Bowl Champion and former Rowan Offensive Line Coach Gino Gradkowski was also in attendance to facilitate the camp.

“This camp is geared towards the BIG GUYS on both sides of the ball. This camp will support local South Jersey football programs,” Cole’s website read.

The camp kicked off around 5:30 p.m. The offensive and defensive linemen split into two groups for about three hours to go through different drills and skills to improve the athletes’ game.

Cole played in the NFL for 12 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. Before getting into the league, Cole played college football for the Cincinnati Bearcats.

He was selected by the Eagles in the fifth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played for the team from 2005 until 2014 and was a two-time Pro Bowler. He retired in 2017 after two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts.

This camp provided high school football players in our area with the opportunity to work with Cole and trainers to level up their game while having fun doing so. Towards the end of camp, all 50 attendees received a signed autographed photo of Cole and a photo with him. Six lucky high schoolers also walked away with a signed football or hat.

The camp, a blend of rigorous training and real-world wisdom, is set to continue as an annual event, promising to cultivate talent and sportsmanship in South Jersey’s football community for years to come.

Reactions as LSU fires defensive coordinator Matt House

To say LSU fans were relieved with the change would be an understatement.

Though it took longer than some expected, LSU coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] opted to make sweeping changes on the defensive side of the ball after that unit massively underachieved in 2023.

Defensive coordinator [autotag]Matt House[/autotag] is out, as is almost the entire defensive staff. The Tigers parted ways with safeties coach [autotag]Kerry Cooks[/autotag], cornerbacks coach [autotag]Robert Steeples[/autotag] and defensive line coach [autotag]Jimmy Lindsey[/autotag], as well.

It was a move that didn’t come as a major surprise after that unit held the team back despite possessing one of the most prolific offenses in program history led by a Heisman Trophy winner.

To say LSU fans were relieved with the change would be an understatement. Here’s how the fanbase reacted.

Reactions as Garrett Nussmeier leads LSU past Wisconsin in ReliaQuest Bowl

The Tigers trailed 14-0 early, but they ultimately survived a wild one against the Badgers.

[autotag]Garrett Nussmeier[/autotag] made the first start of his LSU career on Monday in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Wisconsin, and while it took the offense a bit to get going, Nussmeier ultimately lived up to expectations.

He threw for nearly 400 yards and three touchdowns, leading what ultimately proved to be a 98-yard game-winning scoring drive as LSU survived a shootout to win 35-31.

[autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag] broke the all-time school receiving yards record, and we got a sneak peek at what the offense could look like in 2024 as interim offensive coordinators [autotag]Joe Sloan[/autotag] and [autotag]Cortez Hankton[/autotag] called a good game.

Here’s how the internet reacted as the Tigers ended the season on a high note.

Recruiting Rankings: LSU has a top 10 2024 signing class per On3

The Tigers sneak into the top 10 with their 28-man class, per On3.

After a stress-free early signing day, LSU’s 2024 class is more or less locked up.

All 27 players who entered the period committed signed, and the Tigers even added a 28th commit on Friday in interior offensive lineman [autotag]Coen Echols[/autotag], who also signed.

Coach Brian Kelly may not be completely done yet as the team still looks to sway five-star Texas A&M commit [autotag]Dominick McKinley[/autotag], but for now, we have a good idea of where this class stands.

While the 247Sports Composite Rankings have LSU’s signing class outside the top 10, there’s a discrepancy with the On3 industry rankings, in which the Tigers do sneak into the top 10.

Here’s how the full top 25 looks following the early signing period.

Cry Eagles, Cry: Best pics from Cowboys’ Week 14 clipping of Philly’s wings

A look at the best photo captures from Dallas’ 15th consecutive win at AT&T Stadium as the final stretch of the season commences. | From @KDDrummondNFL

The Dallas Cowboys secured their fifth straight victory on Sunday night, taking down the Philadelphia Eagles by the final score of 33-13. It was a hard-fought and well-deserved win that moved the teams into a tie atop the division with 10-3 records for each with four games remaining.

The Cowboys controlled the game from the start, evening the season series between the two on the backs of Dak Prescott, Brandon Aubrey and an impressive defensive effort that kept the Eagles offense out of the end zone. Here are all of the fantastic captures from the action as the Cowboys celebrate their 15th consecutive win at AT&T Stadium.

Reactions as Jayden Daniels becomes LSU’s third Heisman Trophy winner

Jayden Daniels etched his name into the college football history books Saturday night.

[autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag] etched his name into the history books on Saturday night, becoming the third LSU player to win the Heisman Trophy. He joins [autotag]Joe Burrow[/autotag], who won it in 2019, and [autotag]Billy Cannon[/autotag], the school’s first recipient back in 1959.

Daniels had a special 2023 season, leading the nation in most statistical categories for quarterbacks, including total yards per game and total touchdowns. He beat out other finalists Michael Penix Jr., Bo Nix and Marvin Harrison Jr.

With Daniels cementing his legacy as one of the greatest college football players of all time, here’s how LSU fans, media and former players reacted to his Heisman win.