Tag: Sports Illustrated

2023 Power Rankings Roundup, Week 16: Where Chargers stand after loss to Raiders

Here is what the national media thinks of the Chargers after their loss to the Raiders.

The Chargers are coming off a loss to the Raiders.

Here is what the national media thinks of the Bolts ahead of Week 16:

USA Today: 31 (Previous: 29)

“And Brandon Staley wondered why he kept getting asked if he would relinquish defensive play-calling duties. At least he managed to surrender a team-record 63 points on his way out the door.”

Touchdown Wire: 25 (Previous: 21)

“Watching the Chargers without Justin Hebert is cruel and unusual punishment. At least we’ll see him with a new, hopefully competent, head coach the next time we see him take the field.”

NFL: 27 (Previous: 26)

“It doesn’t feel like the Chargers wanted to make an in-season firing, but last week’s thrashing by the Raiders necessitated a move on head coach Brandon Staley and GM Tom Telesco. It just wasn’t working, pretty much from the playoff meltdown last January on, but there were signs before that, too. The entire season is a loss now, with several key players now facing offseason rehab, including QB Justin Herbert. Having Herbert in tow for the prime years of his career will add to the appeal of the job, and the roster isn’t in awful shape, even with some major contract decisions looming. The Bolts are also cruising toward a top-10 pick in April, and if this season has shown us anything, it’s that Patrick Mahomes might not be immortal. Even still, those are wound-licking consolations right now that the Chargers hope might, mercifully, pay off one day.”

CBS Sports: 29 (Previous: 29)

“They had no choice but to fire head coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco. It’s hard to believe this was a playoff team last year.”

ESPN: 28 (Previous: 25)

We’re No. 1 … in attempts on third-and-short.

“The Chargers are tied for the league’s best in attempts on third-and-short (63), which is defined as third-down plays with less than or equal to 3 yards to the first-down marker or end zone. But the Chargers are also 29th in third-and-short conversion percentage (49.2%). This stat is likely reflective of the Chargers’ ineffective run game, which they have tried to spark all season but still ranks 27th in rushing yards per game (95.7). The Chargers’ ineffective rushing attack makes them somewhat one-dimensional in these scenarios, relying on short passes that the defense can predict. Against the Broncos, for example the Chargers were 0-for-12 on third down. This stat, like many for the Chargers this season, is reflective of missed opportunities.”

Yahoo Sports: 28 (Previous: 27)

“Everyone knew by halftime last Thursday that Brandon Staley was getting fired. That no-show by the Chargers was an embarrassment to the entire franchise. What’s next? You’d probably prefer an experienced coach who can win right away with a talented roster. And yes, Bill Belichick’s name is probably going to come up with this opening a few times.”

The Athletic: 28 (Previous: 27)

Surprise: That it took this long

The Chargers finally fired Brandon Staley, who fell to 24-24 in three seasons with Thursday night’s embarrassing loss. It was the fifth loss in the last six games for Los Angeles, which entered the season with playoff hopes and now is the second-worst team in the AFC, ahead of only the Patriots. Staley was hired because he was supposed to be an up-and-coming defensive guru, but the Chargers are 27th in points (24.6) and yards per play (5.6) allowed.

Minnesota bolsters defense in three-round mock draft

Minnesota forgoes the quarterback for a pair of defensive lineman in the latest three-round mock draft.

Sports Illustrated’s Luke Easterling put out the first of many three-round mock drafts with the end of the NFL regular season inching closer.

With the 22nd pick in this hypothetical, the Minnesota Vikings take defensive lineman Leonard Taylor, III from Miami.

This entire defensive front needs reinforcements, so this pick is about finding the best value, either along the interior or on the edge. In this scenario, it’s the former for Minnesota, as they land an explosive and disruptive presence at the point of attack in Taylor. His attacking style of play would be put to good use by defensive coordinator Brian Flores.

Easterling continued adding to the defense. With the next pick at number 53, the Vikings took Jack Sawyer, a fleet-footed, explosive edge rusher out of Ohio State.

Minnesota’s third-round pick was a part of the deal for tight end T.J. Hockenson.

Immediately, questions will arise over the quarterback position. That’s fair. With this hypothetical, it’s safe to assume that Kirk Cousins has a chance to finish what he started in the beginning phases of this season. Another assumption is that Flores does not take a head coaching position and stays to help continue to build Minnesota’s defense.

This scenario is not a far-fetched reality. The defense has been playing at a stellar pace thus far. With how Kirk played before he was injured, it does make one wonder how much this team could have accomplished with him at the helm. Next year would be a chance to find out. It would be a chance to make that deep playoff run that has alluded Vikings fans since 2017.

There’s also the dark side of these decisions. What if this is just a fantasy that the front office is chasing? What if Cousins never looks the same again after a ruptured Achilles at the age of 35?

These are all questions that Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and the Vikings front office must mull over before the 2024 NFL draft in April.

[lawrence-related id=70031,87824,87771,87831,87833,87825,87806,87805]

2023 Power Rankings Roundup, Week 15: Where Chargers stand after loss to Broncos

Here is what the national media thinks of the Chargers after their loss to the Broncos.

The Chargers are coming off a loss to the Broncos.

Here is what the national media thinks of the Bolts ahead of Week 15:

USA Today: 29 (Previous: 23)

“Did you see JK Scott’s 83-yard punt Sunday, tied for the longest league-wide in the past decade? Yeah, it was the only good thing to happen to the Bolts on a day when QB Justin Herbert wrecked his passing hand.”

Touchdown Wire: 21 (Previous: 20)

“What exactly does Brandon Staley have to do to get fired? Sincerely. This team is a mess in every facet, and now we’re being treated to Easton Stick vs. Aidan O’Connell this week.”

NFL: 26 (Previous: 21)

“Everything went wrong Sunday — and yes, I’ve written that before in this space, but this time I really mean it. The offensive line was worked over (six sacks allowed), Justin Herbert was taken out with a finger injury and the feisty fans busted out multiple “Fire Staley” chants during the 24-7 loss to Denver, a game the Chargers never really threatened to win. It appears another season bearing so much hope is going to topple under its own weight. We know personnel changes are coming, with Austin Ekeler again hitting free agency and decisions to be made on some very pricey veterans. It’s clear we’re heading toward an offseason where everyone not named Herbert has to feel at least a little bit uneasy about their role. They can’t keep running things back with their talent.”

CBS Sports: 29 (Previous: 22)

“It’s over. Justin Herbert broke a finger, their playoff hopes are done, and change is likely coming at the head-coaching spot.”

ESPN: 25 (Previous: 22)

Biggest improvement: OLB Khalil Mack

“Mack had little impact generating sacks or pressures through the first three weeks of this season. He had a pass rush win rate at edge of 6.9% in that span, which ranked 53rd in the NFL. Then, in Week 4, Mack exploded for a career-high six sacks against the Raiders. He is now the NFL’s sack leader with 15 on the season, which ties his career high. In a season where the Chargers have fielded one of the league’s worst defenses, Mack has been a bright spot, playing like one of the league’s best outside linebackers since Week 4.”

Yahoo Sports: 27 (Previous: 22)

“Justin Herbert has a fractured finger and there’s no reason to bring him back this season. The only reason for him to play again would be Brandon Staley trying to save his job, but it’s possible that decision has been made already. This is a lost year for the Chargers and they need to start thinking about next season.”

The Athletic: 27 (Previous: 22)

Fantasy spotlight: Keenan Allen

“Along with Mike Evans in Tampa Bay, Allen is leading the way for the old-guy receivers this season. In his 11th year, Allen is third at his position in fantasy points (170.86). His 95.6 yards per game are the highest of his career, and he’s third in the league in target percentage, getting 32 percent of the Chargers’ throws. His only problem is quarterback Justin Herbert might be done for the season with a finger injury suffered Sunday.”

Social media reaction to Deion Sanders being named Sports Illustrated ‘Sports Person of the Year’

This actually brings back a Notre Dame memory of sorts…

It doesn’t seem like that long ago that Tyrone Willingham was the talk of college football.  In 2002 he helped jumpstart Notre Dame an 8-0 start and No. 4 ranking before being upset by Boston College at home.

Notre Dame would get crushed at USC at the end of November to finish the regular season 9-2.  Despite the tough November, The Sporting News named Willingham their Sportsman of the Year for 2002.

Memories of that immediately came to mind to me Thursday morning when Sports Illustrated announced Colorado head football coach Deion Sanders as their 2023 ‘Sports Person of the Year’.

Sanders was certainly the story of college football for the first half of September as the Buffaloes were 3-0, but they’d finish the year with just a 4-8 mark and were blown out far more often than they were competitive.

Regardless, Sports Illustrated still named him and as you can probably guess, social media had a field day reacting.

Sports Illustrated expects staff changes for Florida football program

Don’t be surprised if the sideline crew gets a major shakeup this offseason.

Florida football is on the verge of logging its third-straight losing season after facing one of the toughest schedules in the nation this fall. Much of the blame falls on the coaching staff as the team has made numerous errors along the way that had a significant outcome in at least two of the losses.

As such, the Gator Nation has once again grown impatient with second-year head coach Billy Napier, who took over a deeply flawed program that was run into the ground by his predecessor. However, for the time being, his job appears to be relatively safe — but the same cannot be said for his coaching staff.

Sports Illustrated’s Richard Johnson recently took a look at the situation in his college football coaching carousel article, in which he listed the Orange and Blue as a place where staff changes are expected.

“While head coach Billy Napier is too expensive to move so early in his tenure to the tune of $31 million, an assistant shuffle may be in the cards here, especially due to lackluster special teams play without an on-field special teams coach and procedural penalties that plague the Gators every week.”

Next up for Florida is the final game of the regular season against the Florida State Seminoles inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 25, with the kickoff slated for 7 p.m. ET and the game broadcasted on ESPN.

Follow us @GatorsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.

Sports Illustrated’s prediction for Florida-Florida State game

Pat Forde took a look at the rivalry matchups lined up this Saturday with the UF-FSU game headlining the cohort. 

The final game of the college football regular-season schedule is this weekend and the annual rivalry game between the Florida Gators and Florida State Seminoles in the Swamp looks to be a good one.

Before the Week 13 action, Sports Illustrated’s Pat Forde took a look at the rivalry matchups lined up this Saturday with the UF-FSU game headlining the cohort.

“The Seminoles (11–0), thrust into unexpected adversity with the season-ending injury to star quarterback Jordan Travis, are suddenly the most vulnerable of the five undefeated College Football Playoff contenders,” Forde began.

“The Gators (5–6) are trying to stop the bleeding after four straight losses, earn a bowl bid and ruin a rival’s season. In terms of building some goodwill with the fans, second-year coach Billy Napier could sure use this one.”

He then continued, “Is backup FSU QB Tate Rodemaker good enough to exploit a Florida defense that has collapsed over the last month? Rodemaker led Florida State to a win at Louisville last year coming off the bench, so there is reason to think he can do it.”

Forde ultimately chose the ‘Noles to prevail on the road, 28-21.

The Florida-Florida State game will take place inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 25, with the kickoff slated for 7 p.m. ET and the game broadcasted on ESPN.

Follow us @GatorsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.

Sports Illustrated expects ‘sneaky good’ game between Gators-Seminoles

There is little doubt that the UF-FSU game this Saturday will be one of the more exciting affairs.

This weekend’s matchup between Florida and Florida State on the collegiate gridiron has quite a bit at stake for both programs.

For the Gators, Billy Napier and Co. are looking to avoid its third-straight losing season while also earning the elusive sixth win they need to play in a bowl game. The Seminoles, on the other hand, need a resounding victory to earn a spot among the final four teams that will comprise the College Football Playoff.

Those points, along with the fact that this is a historic rivalry game that always has something special in store, make the UF-FSU matchup one of the more intriguing ones in Week 13. Intriguing enough to be considered a “sneaky good” game according to Sports Illustrated’s Richard Johnson, who published his watchability index ahead of Saturday’s action.

“No Jordan Travis for Florida State is the gut punch of all gut punches for a Seminoles team that has national title aspirations,” Johnson notes. “They head to Gainesville to play a Gators team that has its own issues at quarterback to sort out. It could be a low-scoring game in the Swamp.”

The Florida-Florida State game will take place inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 25, with the kickoff slated for 7 p.m. ET and the game broadcasted on ESPN.

Follow us @GatorsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.

2023 Power Rankings Roundup, Week 11: Where Chargers stand after loss to Lions

Here is what the national media thinks of the Chargers after their loss to the Lions.

The Chargers are coming off a shootout loss to the Lions.

Here is what the national media thinks of the Bolts ahead of Week 11:

USA Today: 15 (Previous: 14)

“In QB Justin Herbert’s three-plus seasons, the Bolts have lost 13 games by three or fewer points – the most in the NFL since 2020. Sorry, but not blaming him for this.”

Touchdown Wire: 15 (Previous: 14)

“That was a pretty typical Chargers’ loss. Justin Herbert and Keenan Allen play like Batman and Robin, but what good is it when The Joker is your head coach and defensive play-caller?”

NFL: 18 (Previous: 16)

“Not sure if the lose-two, win-two pace will keep up all season, but the Chargers followed their most recent pair of victories with a defensive nightmare that landed them back in the loss column, so some things are repeating. Even a brilliant Justin Herbert performance wasn’t enough against the Lions. The defensive showing was even worse than what the Bolts displayed during the pounding Miami laid on them in Week 1 at home. Speaking of, the Chargers are suddenly 2-3 in Inglewood, with the two victories coming against the Bears and Raiders. The four remaining road games are winnable. The four home games all could be tough ones, including a prime-time matchup against the Ravens and the regular-season finale against the Chiefs. The 4-5 Chargers have five teams to pass in the playoff standings, and they’re only 2-3 so far vs. AFC foes. They’re not dead yet, but they’ve got to get going very soon.”

CBS Sports: 19 (Previous: 15)

“The defense is bad right now, which shouldn’t be the case with the supposed stars on that side of the ball and a defensive-minded head coach. They are in a hole now in the playoff chase.”

ESPN: 16 (Previous: 14)

Biggest remaining game: Week 11 at Green Bay

“The Chargers dropped to 4-5 after Sunday’s loss to the Lions, moving them to third place in the AFC West and the 12th seed in the conference. A loss to the struggling Packers in Week 11 would be a significant hit to the Chargers’ playoff chances, especially with a game against the Ravens, the AFC’s No. 2 seed, in Week 12.”

Yahoo Sports: 16 (Previous: 13)

“The Chargers have given up the second-most yards in the NFL, the most passing yards and the third-most net yards per pass attempt, via Pro Football Reference. This is not the defense the Chargers signed up for when they hired Brandon Staley, who was previously the Rams’ defensive coordinator. If the defense doesn’t turn around, that’s what will cost Staley his head coaching job.”

The Athletic: 17 (Previous: 16)

Coach status: Shaky

“Brandon Staley went from being the defensive coordinator at John Carroll University, a 3,600-student private college in Ohio to an NFL head coach in five years, and it’s possible that the ascent was too fast. Staley’s background is on defense, but the Chargers are 24th in points allowed (23.9 ppg) after Sunday, which dropped Staley to 23-20 as a head coach. Justin Herbert had a 114.9 passer rating and the Chargers scored touchdowns on their final five possessions against Detroit, and they still lost.”

Sports Illustrated’s Richard Johnson: Notre Dame ‘not an independent’

Keep telling yourself that, Richard.

With college football almost here, old issues are starting to be debated again. Notre Dame’s independence is about as old a debate topic as it gets, but with major conference realignment coming in 2024, it feels like a hotter issue than ever. Richard Johnson of Sports Illustrated disputed the very idea of the Irish being independent on his podcast. Specifically, he cited the university being a partial ACC member:

There shouldn’t be any middle ground discussed here. Either you’re in with a conference all the way, or you’re not. Notre Dame is not a full-fledged ACC member, so it’s no use debating this particular point. Until an ACC logo permanently is painted onto the Notre Dame Stadium surface, we can’t call the football program part of it.

Notre Dame’s other athletic programs are in conferences out of necessity more than anything else. They can’t sustain themselves the way the football program can. And until the college football powers-that-be decide that independence is bad for the game, the Irish are staying independent.

[lawrence-related id=74924,74868,29105]

Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Geoffrey on Twitter: @gfclark89

2023 Power Rankings Roundup, Week 10: Where Chargers stand after win over Jets

Here is what the national media thinks of the Chargers after their win over the Jets.

The Chargers are coming off a primetime win over the Jets.

Here is what the national media thinks of the Bolts ahead of Week 10:

USA Today: 14 (Previous: 14)

“We give Brandon Staley a lot of flak for his underwhelming defense. Well, Monday night it posted eight sacks, three takeaways and didn’t allow a touchdown … though, does the performance really count when it comes against the Jets?”

Touchdown Wire: 14 (Previous: 14)

“They sacked Zach Wilson what felt like every other play. Now at .500, can they continue winning and climb into a wildcard spot?”

NFL: 16 (Previous: 18)

“Forget for a moment that the Chargers roundly struggled to move the ball against a good Jets defense, having even more trouble than they experienced against the Cowboys. But when the special teams can deliver a punt-return TD and two field goals, and the defense can keep the opponent out of the end zone all game, well, all is forgiven for now. The Bolts at least were opportunistic offensively, turning three turnovers into 10 points and taking advantage of some short fields. But other than that, this puppy was all on a defense that has taken its share of beatings this season. This time, the unit delivered the punishment across the board. Even on a night when Justin Herbert couldn’t get much going, Los Angeles controlled the game from start to finish.”

CBS Sports: 15 (Previous: 14)

“That might not have been a season-saving victory over the Jets, but they had to have it. The offense still isn’t close to being good right now.”

ESPN: 14 (Previous: 15)

Non-QB MVP: WR Keenan Allen

“Nearly every player on the Chargers has fluctuated from bad to good this year, but Allen, in his 11th season, has been one of the team’s most consistent players. He is on pace for 1,530 yards this season, which would be the most in his career. He currently has 62 receptions, 720 yards and 4 touchdowns. In a win over the Vikings, Allen threw a 49-yard touchdown pass and caught 18 passes for 215 yards. Coach Brandon Staley said Allen plays the position “as an art form.” “He has some stuff that’s intangible,” Staley said, “that’s hard to find.”

Yahoo Sports: 13 (Previous: 14)

“The Chargers didn’t play well on offense against a tough Jets defense, and while Los Angeles’ defense plays well it has to be graded on a curve because it was against a horrendous offense. But it was still a win, the Chargers are back to .500 and maybe they can get on a run. They look better now that they’re healthier.”

The Athletic: 16 (Previous: 15)

“The Chargers hired Brandon Staley because he was a defensive innovator, but in his third year, Los Angeles is 27th in the league in defensive EPA per snap (minus-2). And that’s even after playing the Jets on Monday night. A better defense to go along with quarterback Justin Herbert might have given the Chargers something this year. Instead, they’re in the middle of the pack. On a positive note, defensive end Joey Bosa seems to be rounding into form. He had 2 1/2 sacks Monday night. On the offensive side, Keenan Allen crossed 10,000 receiving yards for his career.”