Tag: Ross Tucker

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.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=5]

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.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

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.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

69 days till Patriots season opener: Every player to wear No. 69 for New England

Here’s a list of every Patriots player to wear the No. 69 jersey number.

With another week in the books, the New England Patriots are 69 days away from their regular season opener against the defending NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles on September 10.

We’re counting down the days until kickoff by listing every Patriots player that has ever worn the No. 69 jersey number.

There have only been eight for New England with second-year offensive guard Cole Strange donning the number currently. The 2022 NFL first-round draft pick is expected to help fortify an offensive line group that imploded last season, along with the rest of the Patriots’ offense.

Two-time Super Bowl champion Shaq Mason is another former Patriot that wore No. 69 and made a major impact for the team. With those two players in mind, let’s take a look at every player that has ever worn No. 69 throughout New England’s franchise history.

Former player ranks Ron Rivera in the middle of the pack of NFL head coaches

Where would you rank Rivera among the rest of the NFL’s head coaches?

[connatix div_id=”3f8b015acdd24c648befc5d5dac47469″ player_id=”afe1e038-d3c2-49c0-922d-6511a229f69c” cid=”7cbcea0d-4ce2-4c75-9a8d-fbe02a192c24″]

When you hear the name Ross Tucker these days, the first thing that comes to your mind is the “Ross Tucker Football Podcast.” Tucker actually has several podcasts and has hosted shows on SiriusXM NFL Radio, the “Dan Patrick Show,” while also calling NFL and college games. Tucker has done much more; that’s just a brief snapshot of his media work.

Tucker played in the NFL, too. The seven-year veteran began his career with the then-Washington Redskins in 2001. Tucker spent two stints in Washington, and his career ended in 2007.

Tucker has also written for multiple sites, including The 33rd Team. The former NFL offensive lineman recently ranked all 32 head coaches and listed Andy Reid and Bill Belichick as No. 1 and No. 2.

No controversy there, right?

Where was Ron Rivera of the Washington Commanders? Tucker has Rivera ranked No. 19, offering the following analysis of the Washington head coach.

Analysis: Rivera is a good football coach and a better man, but the Washington Commanders‘ seeming commitment to mediocrity isn’t helping his cause for lists like this.

Ranking Rivera No. 19 seems about right. In three seasons with Washington, Rivera has a 22-27-1 record. In Tucker’s comment that the Commanders were committed to mediocrity, well, it should be pointed out that Rivera has had complete control of the football operation since before the 2020 season.

That’s not a knock on Rivera. As Bill Parcells once said, “You are what your record says you are.” And Rivera has acted as coach and general manager during his time in Ashburn.

Now, Rivera enters a critical fourth season in charge of the Commanders, and he’ll have a new owner. It’s not an unusual situation for Rivera, who was head coach of the Panthers during an ownership change.

LOOK. Even in defeat, Ohio State gets to watch Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh get trolled

A former NFL player used Ohio State basketball’s shocking loss to Oral Roberts to dunk hard on Jim Harbaugh’s record vs. the Buckeyes.

Ohio State is out of the NCAA Tournament in shocking fashion, becoming just the ninth No. 2 seed to be ousted in the first round by a No. 15 seed in the history of all the madness. And while credit must be given to Oral Roberts for making just enough plays to win Friday night, there’s no doubt there are some extremely disappointed Buckeye players, staff, coaches — and yes — fans.

But, if you want to feel just a wee bit better about things, why not revel in some deflective trolling of the arch-rival to boost your spirits? And the funny thing is that it didn’t even come from a Buckeye personality or player. In fact, it wasn’t tied to Ohio State at all.

Just after the Buckeyes fell to the Golden Eagles, former NFL player and media personality Ross Tucker dunked all over Michigan football and head coach Jim Harbaugh.

“Oral Roberts has more wins over Ohio State than Jim Harbaugh,” tweeted Tucker.

Mr. Khakis and hat-with-a-suit-wearing is still looking for his first win over Ohio State, thus far going 0-5 against a Buckeye program that seems to have his number in every way possible.

Good on you Tucker.

As for Ohio State fans, does this make you feel any better?