Tag: sirius xm

Alex Smith digs deep in interview with Chiefs TE Travis Kelce

See what Travis Kelce had to say about his relationship with Patrick Mahomes during an interview conducted by former #Chiefs QB Alex Smith.

The Kansas City Chiefs have relied on the connection between Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes to help lift their offense to new heights in recent seasons after the departure of dynamo wide receiver Tyreek Hill in 2022.

Though the duo’s accomplishments are many, Kelce’s star was born before Mahomes took over as the Chiefs’ starting quarterback, during Alex Smith’s tenure as Kansas City’s signal-caller between 2013 and 2017.

Kelce caught up with Smith during a recent interview on Sirius XM and spoke about his relationship with Mahomes ahead of the Chiefs’ championship defense campaign.

Check out what Kelce had to say in this video, which was posted by SiriusXM NFL Radio on Twitter:

Kelce’s relationship with Mahomes is one-of-a-kind and has been a key part of the pair’s success over the years.

Keep your eyes on the All-Pro tight end-quarterback combo when the Chiefs face the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL’s regular season kickoff on September 5.

 

Jersey pride: Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano praises student section and home crowds once again

Greg Schiano sees the Rutgers football student section as doing a great job to start the season.

It appears that the student section for Rutgers football has made quite the impression on head coach Greg Schiano. Once again this week, Schiano has praised the students for turning out in force.

In a late Wednesday afternoon appearance on SiriusXM, Schiano talked about several topics as a preview for Saturday’s game against Virginia Tech (3:30 PM ET, Big Ten Network). Rutgers is 2-0 after solid wins over Northwestern and Temple.

As part of an answer to a question, Schiano spoke to the impact of the students.

This was the third time since the conclusion of Saturday night’s game that Schiano has specifically praised the student section. All three times, Schiano’s remarks about the students were unsolicited.

“We’ve been able to do that at home the first two weeks, now it’s all about Virginia Tech right now. We want to be 1-0  at the end of the Virginia Tech season. That’s what we’re aiming for,” Schiano said on Sirius XM’s the Big Ten Network on Wednesday evening.

“Our student section is phenomenal. We got great fans but our student section – we have 11,000 students packed in there before the kickoff. To me, that’s special when those kids are all there.

“They’re loud, they cause teams to not be able to hear their own cadence. Those are things that make a home-field advantage.”

As for Virginia Tech, Schiano noted that the rebuilding job undertaken by head coach Brent Pry is showing some real growth. Virginia Tech hit the transfer portal hard this year and looks improved from their 3-8 record a season ago.

[lawrence-related id=30097,30087]

They beat Old Dominion in their season opener and narrowly lost to a solid Purdue team in Week 2.

“Brent Pry has done a great job with getting that thing rebuilt the way he wants it. Defensively you can see his fingerprints all over it. They’re aggressive,” Schiano said.

“They got a really good front seven, a really good secondary so they have a defense that will really get after the quarterback. We have to protect well, we have to be able to run the ball, play action well. The secondary doesn’t give you much.”

Schiano said that the Virginia Tech offense is “a bit of a mystery” given their injuries at wide receiver and quarterback.

 

Saints GM Mickey Loomis is prioritizing an extension with Cameron Jordan

Mickey Loomis is prioritizing an extension with Cameron Jordan: ‘When he talks about retirement, I think he’s thinking it’s years down the road, and so am I’

[anyclip pubname=”2103″ widgetname=”0016M00002U0B1kQAF_M8036″]

Mickey Loomis doesn’t often put his cards on the table, but he’s doing just that in talking about Cameron Jordan’s future with the team. The New Orleans Saints general manager raved about his team’s Pro Bowl defensive end during an appearance on Sirius XM NFL Radio this week with hosts Solomon Wilcots and Bill Polian.

“He’s going to be able to play for us as long as he wants to and as long as he can,” Loomis said bluntly. “Then when the time comes, his name will be up in that Ring of Honor and the Hall of Fame and all those other accolades that come with a player of his stature.”

Jordan is on track to be a free agent for the first time in his career next offseason, and he’s currently carrying the highest salary cap hit on the team with a $15.1 million charge for the 2023 season. That can’t really be restructured or spread out again, with the Saints having done so repeatedly in recent years, so it makes sense for both sides to reach a compromise on another extension.

He’s also one of the most decorated players in team history. Jordan has bagged seven or more sacks in 11 consecutive seasons from 2012 to 2022, the longest streak in the NFL, which helped him surpass Hall of Fame linebacker Rickey Jackson for the franchise sacks record last year. He’s exactly the kind of player the Saints should build their team around, even in the last leg of his career. But Loomis isn’t so sure Jordan is ready to move on from football just yet.

“We keep counting on Cam Jordan. Everybody says, ‘Well, maybe this is it,’ but he just keeps going,” Loomis continued. “He’s the (Energizer) Bunny, right? Doesn’t miss time, just keeps playing, keeps being productive, one of the better ends in our league. And so we’re excited to have him back again.”

Will an extension materialize? Both sides are probably motivated to get it done. Beyond Loomis’ own words, reports have already flown around signaling the Saints’ intent to get a deal done before training camp. Jordan would like the long-term stability for himself and his family, who he just took on a monthlong road trip through Spain in search of somewhere warm after last year’s freezing game in Cleveland. Even if he isn’t as impactful a pass rusher as he once was, Jordan is still a consistent defender and a cornerstone of the Saints defense, and Loomis wants it known how highly they value him.

“When he talks about retirement,” Loomis finished, considering his words carefully, “I think he’s thinking it’s years down the road, and so am I.”

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

ESPN radio host says LSU has real chance to compete for a national title in 2023

LSU’s returning talent gives it a real chance to go all the way, says Dusty Dvoracek.

Dusty Dvoracek has high expectations for LSU in 2023.

“I think they got a real chance to play for a national championship,” the ESPN host said on SiriusXM radio Tuesday.

Dvoracek is impressed with what LSU’s bringing back, citing the returns of [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag] and [autotag]Harold Perkins[/autotag]. He alluded to other coaches that found success in year two like Bob Stoops and Jim Tressel.

Dvoracek isn’t the only one who thinks LSU has a chance to compete for a title. The Tigers should begin the year in the top 10 and are near the top in national title odds. Anytime there’s an experienced coach with a returning QB surrounded by talent, it’s going to draw attention.

LSU’s got a tough opener against FSU, who could begin the year ranked even higher. All eyes will be on Orlando to start the year with that game occupying the stand-alone Sunday night game with the added drama of a rematch between two teams with national title aspirations.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1389]

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

[mm-video type=video id=01gtfyh7f1pxs7jy8kjr playlist_id=01eqbz5s7cf4w69e0n player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gtfyh7f1pxs7jy8kjr/01gtfyh7f1pxs7jy8kjr-5c8c11972b76d3cc0072e68192d752ad.jpg]

Saints GM Mickey Loomis anxious about upcoming roster cuts

New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis is worried some good players might get away in NFL roster cuts without preseason game tape.

[jwplayer YelruEBS-ThvAeFxT]

So far, the 2020 NFL season has not looked like any that came before it. And that will continue to be the case underneath the COVID-19 pandemic. For New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis, the next challenge is clear: evaluating his roster without preseason games.

While final say on personnel decisions comes down to Saints coach Sean Payton, Loomis and his front office staff do an important job in assembling the roster for Payton and his coaches to parse through. The more information gathered, the better; so it’s going to be difficult to do that without preseason game tape to study.

Because the NFL canceled its 2020 preseason series due to the pandemic, decision-makers around the league are sweating tough calls on who to keep and who to release after training camp.

Loomis appeared on Sirius XM NFL Radio on Thursday to take stock of the situation. When asked whether he’s feeling concerned about thinning the roster, he replied with the affirmative.

“My biggest fear,” Loomis said, via Luke Johnson of the Times-Picayune | New Orelans Advocate, “is you let a good player get out of the building, and that guy ends up getting on with someone else, and performing.”

Half the players the Saints released at the start of training camp — when new NFL rules mandated that depth charts be trimmed from 90 players to just 80 — already signed with new teams, and others that started games in New Orleans in previous years are competing on other rosters around the NFL. Loomis and the Saints are well aware that they’ve built a strong team; the question is how to keep the right pieces together.

Fortunately, he knows that other general managers and coaches are second-guessing themselves just like he might be. The lack of preseason game tape means everyone is working with a limited reference pool. Loomis continued, “It’s the same thing (for rival teams). Those teams that let a good player get out of the building, we don’t have as much information about that (decision).”

We’ll see if it ends up mattering. Teams must cut their rosters down to just 53 players by 3 p.m. CT on Sept. 5, giving them a crucial final week of training camp practices to evaluate. After released players test waivers, they will be eligible to re-sign with the practice squad. So don’t be shocked if some last-minute trades get worked out as teams seek to get the jump on their rivals.

[vertical-gallery id=37025]

Listen: Falcons GM discusses expectations for RB Todd Gurley

With running back Todd Gurley’s deal officially done earlier this week, Dimitroff joined SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio to discuss what he thinks the former Georgia start can bring to the Falcons next season.

Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff wasn’t willing to stand pat this offseason, despite the team’s limited cap space. The Falcons said goodbye to five of last season’s starters, while signing two of the biggest names on the free-agent market.

With running back Todd Gurley’s deal becoming official earlier this week, Dimitroff joined SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio to discuss what he thinks the former Georgia star can bring to the Falcons next season.

Listen below, as shared by Mad Dog Sports Radio’s Twitter account:

[lawrence-related id=49255]

[vertical-gallery id=49329]

Cameron Jordan reacts to Tom Brady signing with the Buccaneers

New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan welcomed Tom Brady to the Buccaneers and the NFC South, a division title he plans to defend.

[jwplayer YvOCIJt5-ThvAeFxT]

There might not be many NFL players more eager to fulfill an interview request than New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan. Jordan made an appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio to discuss the latest news in his orbit, including recognition on the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s NFL All-Decade Team. But he also focused on current events — like the arrival of longtime New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in the NFC South, having signed a free agent contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (who debuted new uniforms on Tuesday).

“I mean, this is going to be super, super weird,” Jordan said, “and the fact that he will be in my division, gives me more chances to hit him, hopefully.”

So, Jordan is definitely taking this development in stride. Jordan has played against Brady just twice to date, recording one sack, two hits, and seven combined tackles (four solo). The Saints lost both contests, with the 2013 matchup coming down to a last-second touchdown pass from Brady with pressure in his face, while the 2017 tilt was, well, less memorable.

While he took time to recognize the supporting cast Brady will work with — wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, in an offense designed by the pass-happy Bruce Arians — Jordan saved his greatest appreciation for what Brady adds to the always-competitive division. Most importantly, he wants to let Brady know that the Saints intend to defend their title, and that the Buccaneers should expect to play for second-place.

Jordan said, “You’re talking about somebody who’s been known as one the greatest of all time, with six Super Bowls, and he’s a winner. And for him to be in my conference, I’m not excited about it, but at the same time, I sort of am. I would love to welcome him to the NFC South, which we’ve won for the last three years.”

 

[lawrence-related id=31370]

Buccaneers could be a legitimate Tom Brady sweepstakes winner

See why the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could easily emerge as a potential suitor for free agent QB Tom Brady.

When it comes to free agent quarterback Tom Brady, if it’s not the New England Patriots tied to him, the next team names in line are interchangeable between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Los Angeles Chargers. A few reports swirled up rumors that linked Brady with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

During yesterday’s press conference, general manager Jason Licht planted all the seeds to blossom these rumors, without even naming Brady. “We’re not saying we don’t want Jameis,” Licht said. “We’re just saying we want to check what’s behind door number 2, 3, 4.” Of course the Buccaneers have plenty of other things to focus on outside of the quarterback position. Both Licht and coach Bruce Arians haven’t given much, if any detail on where the team is headed in terms of quarterback. “I know what I am doing at the quarterback position. Jameis Winston doesn’t know, but the team does.”

This could all be an effort to drive the price of Winston down so the team can allocate more money into keeping their defense together. After all, Winston, although technically not yet a free agent, hasn’t really been linked to any other teams in the free agency.

The Buccaneers offensive weapons are exactly what Brady and the Patriots have been missing. Wide receivers Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and soon-to-be free agent Breshad Perriman, as well as tight end O.J. Howard – we all know how much Brady likes throwing to tight ends.

“I had Andrew Luck as a rookie, I had Carson Palmer later in his career. I just like winners,” Arians said at Tuesday’s press conference. There isn’t any quarterback in the history of the NFL that would fit the winner category anymore than Brady. Licht was also a scout on the Patriots in 2000 when the team drafted him in the sixth round.

Also, during the radio row trip on Sirius XM’s NFL Radio, Arians spoke more about Winston’s 2019 season performance. “There’s a lot to love, just the mistakes sometimes you scratch your head. I think there were about 10 [interceptions] that weren’t his fault, but I would’ve liked to see a better December.”

Brady will officially become a free agent on March 17th at 4:00 p.m. EST.

[lawrence-related id=28540,28541,28575,28553]

Andre Robers takes more shots at Jets

After not being offered a contract following a career season, ex-Jet Andre Roberts pulls no punches when comparing the Bills and Jets.

Former Jets wide receiver and kick returner Andre Roberts still has some hard feelings toward the organization.

Roberts is still upset that the Jets did not attempt to re-sign him following one of the best seasons of his career. He hopped on the 17 Weeks Podcast with fellow Bills WR Cole Beasley’s and didn’t pull any punches about Gang Green.

“It’s so much better than being in NJ,” he said of playing for Buffalo. “The organization is better from top to bottom,” he said.

With Roberts returning kicks, the Bills lead the league in kick return average. Roberts is third in the NFL in that category. Buffalo is averaging 8.5 yards more per kick return than the Jets.

It’s not just returning kicks either, as Roberts is the ninth highest-graded punt returner in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus.

In his first and only season with the Jets, Roberts led the NFL in kick return yards and was a first-team All-Pro selection for the first time in his career. He was selected to his first Pro Bowl and was named to the AP All-Pro first team.

Roberts racked up 324 punt return yards and 1,174 kick return yards — both career bests. In Week 16 against the Green Bay Packers, Roberts returned a kick 99 yards for a touchdown and posted a career-high 215 total return yards in his best showing of the season.

It’s no mistake to say the Jets miss Roberts returning kicks. Letting him go was one of the more head-scratching decisions that Mike Maccagnan made this past offseason when the Jets former general manager was still in charge.

New York has not seen enough production from Trenton Cannon, Vyncint Smith or Ty Montgomery to make an impact in the return game this year.

Roberts also shined the light on the culture and power structure between the Jets and Bills. He pointed out that Bills head coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane actually speak to one another, where it was apparent that Maccagnan and Todd Bowles rarely did. Instead, they both directly reported to CEO Christopher Johnson.

The disparity in the two teams can be seen in their records this year. The Bills are 7-3, while the Jets are 3-7. Roberts is correct and instead of merely labeling him as bitter, the entire Jets organization might want to look in the mirror before they allow another Roberts to slip through the cracks.