Tag: transition

DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah talks learning Chiefs defense, transition to NFL from college

Chiefs defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah spoke about learning Steve Spagnuolo’s playbook and transitioning to the NFL from college. | from: @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs made Felix Anudike-Uzomah one of their first-round selections in the 2023 NFL draft in front of his hometown crowd. Despite being an overwhelmingly popular pick, his draft slot came with high expectations that are different than most of his teammates in training camp.

Anudike-Uzomah updated reporters on his progression in defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s system on Monday after the Chiefs’ rain-shortened practice session, emphasizing that he is still on the upswing in terms of his uptake.

“At the end of the day, I’m still learning,” said Anudike-Uzomah, “For me, I’m still not there yet. And I’ve got some learning to do.”

Anudike-Uzomah is already holding himself accountable for his work at training camp as he continues to find his way through the trials and tribulations of his first season in the NFL. The former Kansas State star detailed some of the differences between life in Manhattan and the professional ranks.

“Coming from college, you’re not met with the same competition as people in [the] NFL,” Anudike-Uzomah explained. “Other people [here] are the best of the best and… there [are] a lot more things to learn from jumping from Kansas State to here, like technique-wise and plays. Plus, I was in a 3-4, and now we’re in a four-down defense. So there’s a lot more stuff, and I’m dropping back. So it’s a lot of stuff that I gotta learn. So, yeah.”

The Chiefs have Anudike-Uzomah working in most second and third-team groups during practices as he continues to find his groove in St. Joseph.

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Peyton Manning helping Russell Wilson with his ‘transition’ to Broncos

Former Denver quarterback Peyton Manning is helping ex-Seahawks QB Russell Wilson with his “transition” to the Broncos.

The Denver Broncos have a new veteran quarterback at the helm this year after acquiring Russell Wilson from the Seahawks in a blockbuster trade this spring.

After 10 seasons in Seattle, Wilson will have to adjust to a new team for the first time in his professional career. It’s no surprise he has turned to someone who has been through a very, very similar experience.

Former Broncos quarterback, Peyton Manning, has been assisting Wilson to acclimate to his new NFL home.

“I’ve talked to Russell a number of times and we’ve had conversations about some of the things that helped me in my transition to a different team that I think can apply to anybody making the jump, especially after being in a place for a long time,” Manning told Denver Post post reporter Ryan O’Halloran last week.

Manning finished his career in Denver after the Colts released him following 14 years of service.

“Look, it’s all about having continuity and consistency,” Manning continued. “The fact that Russell is the starting quarterback today – we know that. There is no quarterback competition. Every receiver knows they need to get their timing with him down to a perfect science.

“That’s the world I always lived in and always believed in and that’s just going to pay great dividends for the team.”

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Lions make it official, Jamal Agnew and Jason Cabinda make switch to offense

The Detroit Lions have made it official and switched RB/WR Jamal Agnew and FB/LB Jason Cabinda to offense.

Per their team website, the Detroit Lions have officially transitioned both Jamal Agnew and Jason Cabinda to the offensive side of the ball.

Agnew, who began practicing with the wide receivers at the end of last season, will be making the switch from cornerback to running back/wide receiver — indicating he may be used in a gadget role.

The 2017 fifth-round pick already has been used sparingly on offense, with four rushing yards and 16 receiving over three seasons. The All-Pro punt returner proved throughout camp that his skills warranted a switch from the cornerback position, where the Lions have plenty of depth already going into the 2020 season.

Cabinda, who will be moving from the linebacker position, was thrown into the fullback role after injury struck Nick Bawden during training camp. With Bawden on injured reserve and tight end/H-back Isaac Nauta on the practice squad, Cabinda was able to make the 53-man roster as the starting fullback.

The former linebacker took one snap at fullback in 2019 and made the most of it, clearing a path for a Kerryon Johnson goal-line touchdown in Week 17.

With the official changes in position, Cabinda will have to get a new jersey number, as No. 53 is not an eligible number for offensive skill positions, while Agnew will get to keep No. 39 as it is an acceptable number for running backs.

Both young players will look to make some contributions on offense in 2020, with the added benefit of providing extra depth on defense in a pinch.

[Editor’s note: Keep an eye out for number changes for rookies Jeff Okudah and D’Andre Swift as well]

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WATCH: How the Celtics defensive game plan has shut down the Raptors

Watch this excellent video breakdown on how the Boston Celtics have taken away the Toronto Raptors’ transition game.

How have the Boston Celtics managed to go up two games to none in their second-round series against the NBA’s defending champions, the Toronto Raptors?

In a word, defense.

Specifically, transition defense — the Celtics have found a way to stymie the way the Raptors’ top-five defense generates the majority of their offense in transition, as their active hands and overhelping tends to create a host of fast-break scoring opportunities.

Through gaming the scheme by which Toronto has managed to earn a top seed in the NBA’s Eastern Conference in a season many analysts assumed a retooling or even rebuild was in the cards after Kawhi Leonard’s exit, Boston has put themselves in pole position to advance past their Atlantic Division rivals.

There’s still two wins required on the Celtics end to do so, but if the Raptors don’t find a way to adapt in a hurry, we may just see ‘The North’ packing up and departing that direction once again.

Watch the video embedded above to see an excellent video breakdown by the folks at the Coach Daniel YouTube channel of what it is the Celtics are doing to take away Toronto’s transition game.