Tag: Touchdown Wire

Falcons are No. 5 in Touchdown Wire’s future QB rankings

The quarterback position in the NFL is viewed differently than just about any other. While most franchises are hyper-focused on player age or the amount of money they’re paid, quarterbacks get to live by a whole different set of rules.

The quarterback position in the NFL is viewed differently than just about any other. While most franchises are hyper-focused on player age or the amount of money they’re paid, quarterbacks get to live by a whole different set of rules.

They have a bigger impact on the game than most, they don’t take the physical beating of other positions, and their skills diminish at a much slower rate than everyone else’s.

All of this influences the way teams view stability at the quarterback spot. In a recent feature by Touchdown Wire’s Pat Yasinskas, each of the 32 teams were ranked in terms of how well they are set up at the QB position for the future.

The Falcons have 34-year-old Matt Ryan under contract for four more seasons in a time when quarterbacks routinely play into their late thirties. This led to Atlanta being ranked as the No. 5 team in TD Wire’s future QB rankings:

At 34, Matt Ryan is still going strong. Ryan never has suffered a major injury and has kept himself in good shape. With quarterbacks such as Tom Brady and Drew Brees playing into their 40s, Ryan, who is under contract through 2023, still should be good for at least another four years, although the Falcons might want to find a long-term successor toward the end of that timetable. Current backup Matt Schaub is 38, has limited mobility and not a lot of arm strength. The Falcons should upgrade at backup in the offseason.

Ryan has aged like a fine wine thus far, so it’s not unreasonable to think he could play at a similar level for the next four or five seasons. 24-year-old Kurt Benkert has shown some promise, while veteran Matt Schaub has gotten the job done as the Falcons’ primary backup this season.

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Seahawks stand at No. 6 in Touchdown Wire’s Week 12 power rankings

Despite having a bye week, the Seattle Seahawks remain at No. 6 in Touchdown Wire’s Week 12 NFL power rankings.

Coming off their bye, the Seattle Seahawks remain in the top 10 of Touchdown Wire’s NFL power rankings. For the second week in a row, Seattle lands at No. 6 heading into Week 12.

Here’s what Doug Farrar wrote:

We’re going to give opposing defenses a little tip here: DO NOT apply man coverage when you’re playing the Seahawks. Just don’t do it. Through the first 10 weeks of the season, per Sports Info Solutions, Russell Wilson completed 79 of 136 passes for 1,022 yards, 14 touchdowns and one interception against any iteration of man coverage. No other quarterback had more than nine touchdowns against man. Rookie receiver DK Metcalf is one of four receivers (Amari Cooper, Mike Evans and Marvin Jones are the others) with five touchdown receptions against man coverage, and Tyler Lockett has four more.

Schematically, this is where we hope for a re-run of Super Bowl XLIX, because the Patriots are by far the NFL’s best man-coverage team, with 10 interceptions and just one touchdown allowed in Cover-0, Cover-1 or 2-Man. Anyone else needs to zone up, because Wilson, one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks in a crowded MVP race, will demolish you if you decide to track his receivers too closely.

But before the Seahawks can eye the Super Bowl or even the playoffs, they must get past the Eagles in Philadelphia this Sunday. Don’t forget, the game has been flexed out of prime time, with kickoff now set for 10 a.m. PT.

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NFL Power Rankings Week 12: Lions hold steady in the early twenties

The Week 12 national NFL Power Rankings have been released and the Detroit Lions are holding steady in the early twenties in most rankings.

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The Week 12 national NFL Power Rankings have been released and the Detroit Lions (3-6-1) are holding steady in the early twenties in most rankings.

Let’s take a look at where the Lions stand in the national eye.

USA Today: 28 (Previous: 27)

“Did they find gem in former Alabama RB Bo Scarbrough, who ran for 55 yards in debut? No other Detroit back averages 55 rush yards per game in 2019.” — Nate Davis

Touchdown Wire: 22 (Previous: 23)

“The Lions faced an interesting question in Sunday’s game against the Cowboys. Would they stick with their primary man coverages against a Dallas passing offense that has been highly effective against that kind of tight coverage this season? Only Seattle’s Russell Wilson has a higher passer rating this season against man coverage than Dak Prescott’s 110.5. So in the end, it was fairly predictable that a defense that wants to play man coverage most of the time and isn’t very good at it — Detroit has allowed seven touchdown passes to just one interception in man coverage this season — would find itself at Prescott’s mercy. Dallas’ quarterback completed 29 of 46 passes for 444 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions in a 35-27 win. Detroit’s offense couldn’t quite keep up, though backup Jeff Driskel played decently in place of Matthew Stafford, who could miss several weeks with a back injury. What becomes apparent is that Detroit’s desire to align itself with a specific defensive philosophy, and the abilities of their players to execute that philosophy, are at a distinct impasse.” — Doug Farrar

NFL: 25 (Previous: 24)

“Same old story for the Lions, who can score points (with or without Matthew Stafford) but have a defense that’s a total liability. The unit was unable to get any pressure on Dak Prescott, who roasted the Lions for 444 yards and three touchdowns in Dallas’ 35-27 win over Detroit. The Lions’ issues are manifold: They can’t rush the quarterback, they can’t cover in the secondary and they don’t force turnovers. They’re on pace for their worst defensive season, from a total yardage allowed standpoint, worse even than the winless 2008 team. It’s a shame, too, because Jeff Driskel showed us once again that he has some ability. The backup quarterback — starting in place of the injured Stafford for the second straight week — made plays with his arm and legs, and he even had Detroit on Dallas’ side of the field in the final minutes with a chance to tie. The kid gives them a shot … the defense doesn’t.” — Dan Hanzus

ESPN: 21 (Previous: 21)

“Most underrated player: Marvin Jones Jr. wide receiver. It might sound weird that a known quantity would be underrated, but Jones has been a consistently strong presence since signing with Detroit in 2016. He is tied for the NFL lead in touchdowns with eight and has had four or more catches in eight games this season. He has been playing under a reasonable contract and people know who he is, but his overall value to the Lions often goes unnoticed because of the presence of Kenny Golladay and the team’s collective struggles.” — Michael Rothstein

CBS Sports: 23 (Previous 23)

“Why would Matt Stafford play again this season? Shut him down. This season is over.” — Pete Prisco

Sports Illustrated: 24 (Previous: 24)

“A full week of prep helped Jeff Driskel (15-of-26, 209 yards, 2 TDs, 109.3 rating), but Detroit couldn’t stay in it late without their trusty starter, especially since Driskel almost lead the way on the ground with eight rushes for 51 yards and a touchdown.” — MMQB staff

Sporting News: 23 (Previous: 22)

“The Lions are showing plenty of offensive fight with Jeff Driskel filling in for Matthew Stafford, but their defense takes turns being destroyed by the run and the pass, much to the chagrin of Matt Patricia after the team’s big offseason investments.” — Vinnie Iyer

Falcons rise up to No. 24 in TD Wire’s Week 12 Power Rankings

The Falcons are one of the most frustrating 3-7 teams in NFL history. After a 1-7 start in which Atlanta was barely competitive, suddenly things are clicking on all cylinders. 

The Falcons are one of the most frustrating 3-7 teams in NFL history. After a 1-7 start in which Atlanta was barely competitive, suddenly things are clicking on all cylinders.

It’s probably too late to make a playoff push, but the Falcons are playing outstanding football over the past two weeks. They held the Saints to nine points, then the Panthers to just three, while recording 11 sacks and four interceptions.

The team’s two-game winning streak bumped them up from No. 28 to No. 24 in Touchdown Wire’s Week 12 Power Rankings. Doug Farrar writes the following about Atlanta’s sudden awakening:

In an unusual twist, Quinn assigned linebackers coach Jeff Ulbrich to call first- and second-down defense, and assistant head coach/defensive backs coach Raheem Morris to call third-down defense. It’s worked like a charm. Over their past two games, the Falcons haven’t allowed a touchdown, they’ve picked off four passes, added 11 sacks to their team total, and they’re 2-0 with road wins against the Saints and Panthers. Atlanta’s 29-3 win over Carolina on Sunday won’t likely be enough to get Quinn’s team to the postseason, but it may save his job — and if this sticks, rightfully so. Panthers quarterback Kyle Allen was an easier out for this defense than Drew Brees was the previous week, but this defense looked dominant against both quarterbacks. Jameis Winston, who just threw four picks and took two sacks in a loss to New Orleans, had better watch out next Sunday.

Apparently, some NFC South competition is all the Falcons needed to get back on track.

This Sunday, they play the third of five straight division games when they take on the struggling 3-7 Buccaneers from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

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Falcons make TD Wire’s top 5 offensive lines of Week 10

It wasn’t what anybody expected, however, the Falcons’ offensive line outplayed the Saints’ defensive front on Sunday. From Rookie Kaleb McGary to veteran Jake Matthews, Atlanta was dominant up front.

It wasn’t what anybody expected, however, the Falcons’ offensive line outplayed the Saints’ defensive front on Sunday. From Rookie Kaleb McGary to veteran Jake Matthews, Atlanta was dominant up front.

The team won the time of possession battle over New Orleans thanks to a combination of offensive execution and creative play-calling. In Touchdown Wire’s Top 5 offensive lines of Week 10, the Falcons’ line was ranked fourth.

Here’s some of what Rick Suter had to say about the team’s surprise performance:

Although there were some issues with hands to the face penalties, the Falcons’ O-line was a big part of the success. Facing a defense ranked ninth overall, and in the top half of the league in QB hits, they did an excellent job protecting Ryan, allowing one sack and five hits. On the ground attack, they provided a decent lane-opening at the front and a substantial push to the second level—which helped the Falcons look like a playoff contender and not the meager one-win team that the Saints were matching up against.

Atlanta will look to keep the momentum going when it plays another divisional road game against the 5-4 Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

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NFL Power Rankings Week 11: Lions drop to bottom third of the NFL

The Lions (3-5-1) continue to fall in NFL Power Rankings, the loss of quarterback Matthew Stafford surely impacted their status in Week 11.

The Lions (3-5-1) continue to fall in NFL Power Rankings and the loss of quarterback Matthew Stafford surely impacted their status in Week 11 more than the loss to the Bears did.

Let’s take a look at where the Lions stand in the national eye.

USA Today: 27 (Previous: 18)

“Is Kenny Golladay most dangerous deep threat we don’t discuss? Back to those Next Gen Stats, no player averages more targeted air yards than his 16.5.” — Nate Davis

Touchdown Wire: 23 (Previous: 20)

“It’s going to be easy to blame Matthew Stafford’s back injury for Detroit’s 20-13 loss to the Bears, as Stafford had to sit while backup Jeff Driskel took the field. But Driskel wasn’t horrible; he completed 27 passes in 46 attempts for 269 yards, with one touchdown and one interception against one of the NFL’s most formidable defenses. When assigning blame for this loss, and for the collapse that has seen the Lions lose five of their past six games, one must look squarely at a defense that allowed four touchdowns to Oakland rookies in Week 9 and followed that up by making things all too easy for Mitchell Trubisky on his three touchdown passes. This looked like one of the NFL’s better pass defenses at times early in the season, but that narrative has completely fallen apart. Per Pro Football Focus, Detroit’s secondary has allowed 15 touchdowns to just three interceptions this season. No team is going to win that way consistently, no matter who their quarterback is.” — Doug Farrar

NFL: 24 (Previous: 19)

“Here’s a hot take: The Lions really need Matthew Stafford. The quarterback, whose iron-man starting streak ended on Sunday due to a back injury, was sorely missed in a loss to the Bears that put Detroit’s playoff hopes on life support. Jeff Driskel stepped in for Stafford and had a few moments — his best being a pretty, 47-yard touchdown pass to Kenny Golladay that gave the Lions a spark in the fourth quarter — but this simply isn’t a balanced enough team to survive the absence of its best player. The typically overmatched Lions defense started off well, holding the Bears to just 20 yards on four fruitless drives to start the game. But Mitch Trubisky threw touchdown passes in the next three Bears possessions, putting Detroit in a 20-6 hole that was simply too deep with Stafford on the sideline. Now we wait to see how long the quarterback has to stay there.” — Dan Hanzus

ESPN: 21 (Previous: 18)

“Most important game left: Sunday vs. Cowboys. It’s cliché to say the next game is the most important because it’s the next one, but based on what’s happening with the Lions, it really is. Detroit has lost five of six games. Its defense doesn’t appear to be improving, and its offense might or might not have Matthew Stafford. The Lions get the Cowboys at home, and if they can’t beat Dallas, their season will be all but over considering the state of the NFC and that of the NFC North.” — Michael Rothstein

CBS Sports: 23 (Previous 20)

“If Matt Stafford is out for a while they are done. They are probably done anyway.” — Pete Prisco

Sports Illustrated: 24 (Previous: 16)

“Matthew Stafford has been this team’s most important player since Megatron pulled the plug, and predictably the Lions couldn’t squeeze enough out of Jeff Driskel to take advantage of two late fourth quarter drives. Detroit has underdelivered on the early season promise they flashed in those tight losses to the Chiefs and Packers.” — MMQB staff

Sporting News: 22 (Previous: 18)

“The Lions did their best to hang with the Bears, with Jeff Driskel doing his best Matthew Stafford impression at times. But the injury-related uncertainty of their usually durable leader during his best NFL season has to be a big emotional blow.” — Vinnie Iyer

Seahawks don’t budge in Touchdown Wire’s Week 11 power rankings

Despite an overtime victory Monday night against the 49ers, the Seattle Seahawks stand pat at No. 6 in the Week 11 NFL power rankings.

The Seattle Seahawks emerged victorious over the San Francisco 49ers Monday night to advance to 8-2 on the season and close the gap on control of the NFC West.

Despite their efforts and overtime win Week 10, the Seahawks stand pat at No. 6 in Touchdown Wire’s latest NFL power rankings.

“Through most of the 2019 season, Seattle’s defense has been an absolute liability, while Russell Wilson has had to take every game into his command,” writes Doug Farrar. “Against the 49ers in a brutally-fought game, that defense finally stepped up, led by edge-rusher Jadeveon Clowney, who finally put together the game he’s been waiting for since the Seahawks traded for him on Sept. 1. The Seahawks had 15 sacks and 29 QB hits coming into this game, and they turned it all around with five sacks and 10 quarterback hits in a 27-24 battle that went to the end of overtime.”

“Clowney ruled the day with five tackles, a strip-sack, five quarterback hits, and a fumble return for a touchdown,” Farrar continued. “So, on a night when Wilson threw his second interception of the season to keep the 49ers alive, it was atypically that Seattle defense that ended up slamming the door.”

Regardless of the slopiness of the play and the mistakes on both sides of the ball, Seattle did what it needed to do against a previously-unbeaten 49ers squad. Beating the unbeaten should account for a boost in the power rankings at least, but the Seahawks remain stuck at No. 6 for now.

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