Tag: Ross Tucker

NFL analyst Ross Tucker says the Jets, Haason Reddick impasse ‘makes absolutely no sense’

Ross Tucker doesn’t understand the whole situation with the Jets and Haason Reddick.

CBS Sports analyst and former NFL offensive lineman Ross Tucker sees miscommunication at the center of the holdout of New York Jets defensive lineman Haason Reddick.

Reddick, who spent the last two years with the Philadelphia Eagles (of his seven-season NFL career), had made it clear this offseason that he wanted a new contract. This was why the Eagles were willing to trade Reddick, twice a Pro Bowl selection, for a third round pick.

Tucker sees red flags on both sides of this conversation. The Jets obviously would like to keep Reddick’s salary cap hit down, but it was clear when they traded for him this offseason that he would need a new contract in order to play.

Reddick, in turn, is an elite edge rusher. At 29-years old, this is a big potential contract for him.

“This is a mess, obviously,” Tucker said on a video posted to social media.

“And at this point, it’s pretty clear there was a miscommunication, right? You know, when you hear from people that clearly are getting the information from Reddick’s camp, they say that the Jets promised they would give him a new deal. When you hear from people that are clearly getting the information from the Jets camp, they say they were told he’d be willing to play this year out on his original contract.

“So somebody’s lying, or there was some type of miscommunication

“The only thing I would say about that is it makes absolutely no sense that he would play out the final year of his deal for the Jets – if he wasn’t willing to do that in Philadelphia, where he’s from, where they have a really good team – why would he be willing to do that with the Jets? So I’m not – I don’t know about the miscommunication. I don’t know who’s lying or not, or maybe it’s just, you know, like I said they’re not on the same page. page. But logically. It makes absolutely no sense for him to be wanting to play for the Jets, on the same contract.”

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“It’s pretty clear there was a miscommunication…it makes absolutely no sense that he would be willing to play out the final year of his contract for the Jets.”@RossTuckerNFL chimes in on the latest Haason Reddick news: pic.twitter.com/DClzOSKgG7

In each of his last four seasons, Reddick has double-digit sacks. Last year for the Eagles, he had 11 sacks and 38 total tackles in 17 games.

Ross Tucker – Haason Reddick will get paid, won’t miss any games for the Jets

Ross Tucker believes that Haason Reddick will get a contract in training camp.

Former NFL player Ross Tucker, now an analyst for CBS Sports, believes that Haason Reddick will get paid this year. And not only that, he believes that the New York Jets defensive end will not miss any games this upcoming season.

On Tuesday morning, multiple outlets reported that Reddick will hold out from Jets training camp in search of a new contract. The Jets acquired Reddick in a trade this offseason.

Reddick is coming off four straight seasons of double-digit sacks. His current contract calls for a base salary of $14.25 million this season.

This is the final year of his contract, which he signed while as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles.

“He’s holding out now listen, any Jets fans watching this, he’s going to play in every game, OK? So just relax about that part of it,” Tucker said on social media on Tuesday morning.

“He’s just going to get more money to do so. He was not going to play this year for $14 million. He was never going to play this year for $14 million. He shouldn’t play this year $14 million – that’s like 50 percent of what he’s worth.

“The Jets head coach, GM – they know they’re on the hot seat. They’ll pay him more. The Eagles thought, ‘You know what? I don’t know if that’s the best thing for us. You know, Hassan wants a lot more money, maybe we’re better off getting a young guy like Bryce Huff’ – who they believe is an ascending player. Only time will tell in that regard. But all that we know now is what’s happening is exactly what we thought would happen.”

 

Last season for the Eagles, Reddick had 38 tackles and 11 sacks.

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Tucker’s prediction is welcome news for the Jets, indicating that a new contract for Reddick would come during training camp or preseason. That would certainly be a best case scenario for the Jets.

Commanders finally get rid of long-dormant artificial turf practice field

Josh Harris does something else Dan Snyder would’ve never done.

If you’ve attended a Washington Commanders training camp practice over the years, you’d quickly notice one of the practice fields closest to the team’s facilities: It was artificial turf and rarely used.

That is no more. As reporters descended on Ashburn on Wednesday, all noticed that crews were removing the turf. As JP Finlay of 106.7 The Fan and NBC Sports Washington noted, it was long overdue.

In recent years, others in the organization wanted the turf field removed, but former owner Daniel Snyder reportedly thought it cost too much.

New owner Josh Harris said in an interview earlier this year that he isn’t an “F-minus guy.” Harris was referring to the NFLPA grades handed out regarding the team’s poor facilities. Harris has committed millions to improving Commanders Field (formerly FedEx Field) and the team’s Ashburn headquarters.

Head coach Dan Quinn praised Harris.

“The good news, the turf field had been here a long time; we didn’t utilize [it],” Quinn said. “Let’s give some props to Josh and to his team for recognizing when things have to change for the betterment of these players and that he’s going to find a way to do that. And that’s his pact to the guys that knowing if there’s a way to dig in to let them know that he’s going to turn over every rock, so to speak, to make this experience as strong as it could be. Man, we are appreciative of that. So, it’ll be another grass field that we’ll have here and hopefully, it’ll be by the end of training camp. That’s the timeline for that going forward.”

Harris continues to stand by his promises to make things better for the players and coaches.

Not only will the Commanders have multiple grass fields, but they also have the indoor practice bubble that was built at the urging of former coach Mike Shanahan. Before Shanahan convinced Snyder to build the bubble, Washington had no way of practicing inside.

Times have certainly changed.

Former Washington player and current analyst Ross Tucker wanted a piece of the field for old times’ sake.

 

 

Ross Tucker believes Ben Johnson would be a ‘slam-dunk hire’ for the Commanders

Ross Tucker raves about Ben Johnson, can’t believe Mike Vrabel, Bill Belichick didn’t land more interviews.

Ross Tucker is everywhere. The former NFL offensive lineman has a popular network of football podcasts and is an analyst for both NFL and college games. He works for numerous media outlets and is a frequent guest on some of Washington’s most popular radio shows.

On Thursday, Tucker was on “The Chris Russell Show” on Team 980 in Washington to preview this weekend’s AFC and NFC Championship games.

Tucker also discussed the wild coaching carousel. He cannot believe several teams have already hired their coaches without waiting to speak to Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald next week. Tucker calls Johnson and Macdonald his top two candidates.

Tucker was also perplexed that the Titans hired Brian Callahan and the Panthers hired Dave Canales without even interviewing the legendary Bill Belichick.

Furthermore, Tucker also couldn’t believe Mike Vrabel is still available, calling the former Titans coach “elite” and “excellent.”

The Washington Commanders need a head coach and are one of two teams — along with the Seahawks — with an opening.

NFL insiders have long believed Johnson is Washington’s top target. Tucker thinks that would be a phenomenal hire.

“Really, really like him,” Tucker said of Johnson. “In fact, everything he does screams Niners’ system or (Kyle) Shanahan system, except he’s never been it. But that’s what it looks like when you watch it. Very, very, very impressive.”

Commanders analyst Logan Paulsen noted something similar about Johnson. His offense is similar to Shanahan’s, and you’d think he’d coached under him at some point.

I think he’d be a slam-dunk hire. People wanted him last year, and he decided to stay. What I like about him is he’s kind of done it two years now, right? He wasn’t like a one-year assistant coach wonder like some of these other guys can be.” 

The longer this process plays out, it looks more and more like Johnson will be Washington’s head coach whenever Detroit’s season ends.

Ross Tucker predicts Chiefs will win against Eagles in Week 11

Ross Tucker predicted that the #Chiefs will win against the #Eagles on Monday Night Football in Week 11.

Former offensive lineman Ross Tucker has become one of the most beloved members of the NFL media and offered fans his prediction for the Kansas City Chiefs’ Week 11 tilt against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football.

Though Tucker qualified his prediction by saying that the Eagles have an opportunity to upset Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium, he chose the Chiefs to win with a final score of 23-20.

Though Andy Reid’s brilliance off the bye week will work in Kansas City’s favor, the Chiefs won’t be able to let their foot off the gas if they intend to win their Super Bowl LVII rematch against Philadelphia.

Tucker’s prediction seems logical, given all of the variables at play, though in the modern NFL, anything can happen.

With mere hours until Kansas City takes the field, fans will have to wait to see if Tucker is proven to be correct in his assertion that the Chiefs have the upper hand heading into this highly anticipated matchup.

Greg Cosell ‘excited’ about Commanders QB Sam Howell after watching preseason film

Some fantastic analysis on Howell’s preseason tape.

The reviews for Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell continue to pour in. Last week, Greg Cosell of NFL Films, one of the most respected analysts in the NFL, recently weighed in on Howell’s preseason tape and came away impressed.

He looked very comfortable with what he was seeing, he was quick to eliminate and isolate within the structure of the play design,” Cosell said in an appearance on the “Ross Tucker Football Podcast.”

“I loved his technique. You know, there are a couple of plays where his read was to the left, and then he came back to the right and threw the ball. And I loved the way he got his body turned, and he stepped to the throw. And, you know, to me, that stuff’s really, really important. I thought there was a rhythm to his drop, his set and delivery. It all looked fluid and comfortable.”

Cosell wasn’t done praising Howell’s film.

“He showed some subtle pocket movement traits to find a more quiet space to deliver the football. He made late in the down pocket throws. I think in the NFL, to me, that is absolutely critical because what I mean by late in the down, Ross, is, you know, you get to three seconds, let’s say, in the pocket, and that’s a lot of time in the pocket as you well know. Because, you know, three-step is 1.5, ball should be out. Five step is 2.1; three step is 2.6. That’s when the ball should be out.”

This was high-level analysis from Cosell, known as one of the best at analyzing the tape, particularly on quarterbacks.

One of the throws Cosell was referring to was the tight-window throw to Cole Turner on third-and-long vs. Baltimore. There was also this completion on fourth-and-3 against Cleveland in the preseason opener.

The Commanders open the 2023 NFL season in less than two weeks when the Arizona Cardinals come to town. It will be Howell’s second career start.

The 33rd Team ranked Bucs WR Mike Evans as one of the NFL’s ’10 Most Underrated Players’ in 2023

The 33rd Team writer Ross Tucker has placed Tampa Bay and former TAMU WR Mike Evans as an underrated prospect entering the 2023 NFL season

The legend of former Texas A&M wide receiver Mike Evans will live on through both the college football and NFL realm for years to come, leaving a lasting impression on every Aggie fan who witnessed Heisman-winning quarterback Johnny Manziel lob 17 touchdowns his way for 2,499 yards in two record-setting seasons in College Station, leading to his current Hall of Fame NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Heading into his tenth season with Tampa Bay, Evans has already amassed 683 receptions, 10,425 receiving yards, and 81, yes, 81 touchdowns, which are good for 13 Buccaneers records, and is just two 1,000-plus yard seasons away from breaking the great NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rices’ record 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, already passing Hall of Fame WR Randy Moss, who finished with six.

Finishing the 2022 campaign with 1,124 yards and six touchdowns, a (hilariously) down year for the veteran, Evans’ seems to have plenty left in the tank at 30 years old. Despite his elite status in the league, The 33rd Team writer and former NFL offensive lineman Ross Tucker has placed Evans as one of the ten most underrated players entering the 2023 season, which will be his first campaign since Tom Brady’s retirement this offseason.

“Everybody knows Mike Evans and acknowledges he is a good player. Still, you never hear his name mentioned as being one of the league’s best wide receivers — despite the fact Evans has had more than 1,000 receiving yards every year for all nine seasons of his career. No other player has done that for more than six years to start his career.

That kind of consistency is incredibly impressive, but it will be tested this season behind a suspect offensive line and with Baker Mayfield at quarterback.”

Tucker’s take is built in harsh truths based on the growing pains Head Coach Todd Bowles’ squad may face with journeyman quarterback Baker Mayfield at the helm. Still, like the former Jameis Winston regime, Mike Evans’s huge catch radius and downfield speed are the best security blanket a veteran signal-caller like Mayfield can ask for.

With a Super Bowl ring and four Pro Bowl berths under his belt, Evan’s new challenge will require his vital veteran leadership, which will be depended on more than ever this season, and we’re all here to watch him deliver week to week.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

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Ross Tucker sees big things for Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr. in 2023

Is Robinson Washington’s breakout candidate for 2023?

Ross Tucker knows a thing or two about the NFL. As a former undrafted offensive lineman from Princeton, Tucker spent seven seasons in the NFL, including two stints in Washington.

Since his retirement in 2007, Tucker has become one of the more prominent media members on the radio, TV and with his podcasts, including the “Ross Tucker Football Podcast.”

Tucker also works for The 33rd Team and recently named five second-year players who could break out in 2023.

Quarterback Sam Howell and wide receiver Jahan Dotson are popular picks for the Washington Commanders. However, Tucker went in a different direction: Running back Brian Robinson Jr.

Brian Robinson Jr. is probably the most obvious candidate on this list because of the unique circumstances surrounding his rookie campaign. He missed the first four games last season while recovering from gunshot wounds after an attempted carjacking last August.

Still, he found a way to play in 12 games as a rookie, rushing for almost 800 yards at 3.89 yards per carry. It would be a surprise if he doesn’t improve, possibly significantly, on those numbers.

“From the time I stepped back on the field, I was dealing with all kinds of things going on in my body…,” Robinson said when discussing last season, “…there wasn’t one time I felt like Brian Robinson.”

Talk is cheap, but given Robinson’s comments regarding how he feels compared to last year and combining that with being the lead back in new offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy’s offense, you have a perfect candidate for a second-year leap.

What Robinson did as a rookie was impressive, considering what he went through. There were times as a rookie when he was downright dominant, but former offensive coordinator Scott Turner would go away from him.

Under Bieniemy, Robinson is Washington’s No. 1 back, although Antonio Gibson will see plenty of time, particularly as the third-down back. The Commanders will run the ball with Bienemy calling plays. And with an improved passing game, that should create more openings for Robinson and the run game.

So while everyone else is picking other positions as breakout players for Washington, don’t forget about Robinson.

Saints offensive line ranked league-average, but their Week 1 opponent is NFL’s worst

The 33rd Team’s Ross Tucker ranked the Saints offensive line league-average, but says their Week 1 opponent is the NFL’s worst:

A lot of attention is rightfully focused on the New Orleans Saints offensive line after they didn’t meet expectations a year ago, but how do they stack up among their peers? The Saints have invested a lot in their blockers up front through draft picks and hefty contracts, but has their fall-off really been as drastic as fans think? What do outsiders see when checking in on New Orleans?

NFL analyst Ross Tucker shared his ranking of the league’s 32 offensive lines for the 33rd Team, but his takes aren’t worth noting just because of his credentials — he’ll also be offering his insight on the CBS Sports broadcast when the Saints host the Tennessee Titans in Week 1.

For New Orleans, Tucker puts the Saints offensive line at No. 14 in a tier termed league-average:

The New Orleans Saints’ offensive line is all about last year’s first-round pick, Trevor Penning. If he becomes the Kyle Turley enforcer New Orleans was looking for, the Saints’ line could be close to an elite group, but that’s a big question.

That’s a fair assessment. If Penning can meet his potential and just stay healthy long enough to develop his skills, this group immediately looks more formidable. But what about their Week 1 opponents?

Tucker was less-positive when speaking of the Titans, ranking Tennessee’s offensive line dead-last at No. 32:

Man, the NFL comes at you fast. Just a year or two ago, the Tennessee Titans had a top-five line in football. They had players such as Taylor Lewan, Rodger Saffold, Ben Jones, Davis and Jack Conklin. Now, they are gone — all of them. Andre Dillard playing well at left tackle would help the rest of the group have a chance to be competent.

So how could this factor into the game? If the Saints don’t win the line of scrimmage defensively, it should be seen as a massive disappointment. They’ve made moves to rebuild their defensive line through free agency and the 2023 draft, and it’s a matchup they should win.

Sacking Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill is obviously a concern, but they need to keep Derrick Henry and Tyjae Spears from building momentum, too. It’s going to be a homecoming game for Spears as a local favorite. For Henry, this is the first game he’ll have ever played against the Saints in his pro career. Stopping them and forcing Tannehill into poor decisions has to be a priority. Hopefully Tucker’s evaluation hit the mark.

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CBS Sports announces Week 1 broadcasting team for Saints vs. Titans

CBS Sports has already announced its Week 1 broadcasting team for the New Orleans Saints’ home opener with the Tennessee Titans, including a former Titans player:

Week 1 of the NFL regular season is only a month away, and CBS Sports is pulling out all the stops to get fans excited for the New Orleans Saints’ home opener with the Tennessee Titans. One team has Derrick Henry, DeAndre Hopkins, Tyjae Spears, and standout defenders like Jeffery Simmons and Kevin Byard. The other side boasts Chris Olave, Jamaal Williams, Michael Thomas, and Pro Bowl-quality defenders Cameron Jordan, Demario Davis, and Marshon Lattimore. Not to mention a new starting quarterback in Derek Carr.

But we aren’t here to talk about them. CBS Sports is shining a light on their own team: the broadcasters who will be commentating on the game and reporting from the field. The network announced that Chris Lewis, Jason McCourty, Ross Tucker, and Amanda Guerra will work the Saints-Titans kickoff game on Sept. 10.

Lewis will call the matchup from the broadcast booth with McCourty sharing color commentary, while Tucker offers his own input as a game analyst. Guerra will be reporting from the sidelines. McCourty and Tucker are new additions — McCourty retired from the NFL after a 173-game career predominately spent with the Titans, though he won a Super Bowl ring with the New England Patriots in 2018. Tucker is a former player too, and he’s spent most of two decades developing his media career as an analyst. They’re both likely to have some valuable input.

Still, do we really need this information more than a month out from kickoff? We’ll circle back in previewing Week 1’s games once, you know, we reach Week 1.

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