Tag: Tryann Mathieu

Dennis Allen on playing a practice squad safety over second-year draft pick

When Will Harris suffered an injury, it was Johnathan Abram who took the majority of the snaps next to Tyrann Mathieu, not Jordan Howden:

Johnathan Abram has spent the entirety of the season so far on the New Orleans Saints practice squad. He was a game-day elevation for the first time against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Due to a Will Harris injury, Abram ended up seeing the field for 56 snaps next to Tyrann Mathieu. These are snaps that would have went to Jordan Howden in any other game, but Abram ended with 46 more snaps than Howden Monday night.

Dennis Allen explained the decision on Tuesday, saying, “In that environment, in that situation, I thought he was the right person to put in the game.”

Harris’ injury upped the snap count, but there was an inclination Abram would see the field. Mathieu and Harris are your lead safeties, but Abram seemed prime to usurp Howden for the third safety role.

Howden hasn’t performed great during his time in the game and his snap count fluctuated from game to game. Abram was a player the Saints liked last year, and Allen referenced that Tuesday. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Abram be elevated to the main roster permanently soon.

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Projecting the Saints’ starting lineup on defense in 2023

Projecting the New Orleans Saints’ starting lineup on defense in 2023: Alontae Taylor vs. Paulson Adebo is the main event to watch

There’s a surprising amount of upheaval in store for the New Orleans Saints defense in 2023, having moved on from a number of established starters as well as several high-profile assistant coaches. What’s the end product going to look like? Can Dennis Allen keep his defense in shape with so many changes swirling around them?

Odds are, yes, he’ll continue to field an elite group. Even if the starting lineup looks different from what fans have grown used to. We’ve written up the entire 90-man roster by jersey number here, and shared our way-too-early predictions for the 53-man depth chart and practice squad in Week 1 as well. Now let’s take it a step further and project the starters on defense:

Where does Jamal Adams rank among safeties in Madden 21?

Jamal Adams received a 92 rating in Madden 21, which was good for third amongst NFL safeties.

Jamal Adams’ Madden 21 rating has been revealed, and it’s not the best one among safeties.

Rather, Adams’ 92 rating makes him the third-best safety in this year’s version of the popular video game. Only Tyrann Mathieu (93) and Harrison Smith (95 ) are rated higher than Adams.

Devin McCourty (92), Kevin Byard (91), Justin Simmons (90), Derwin James Jr. (89), Eddie Jackson (89), Micah Hyde (88) and Earl Thomas III (88 rating) rounded out the top 10.

Adams certainly deserved to be one of the highest-rated players at his position given his production last season. He registered 74 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, seven pass defenses, one interception, two forced fumbles and two total touchdowns in 14 games. That was good enough for Adams to make his second consecutive Pro Bowl and earn a First-Team All-Pro selection.

However, at least one of his peers believes Madden doesn’t think highly enough of Adams. Mathieu said Adams deserved a few more points.

The 24-year-old Adams has yet to say anything about his mark, but he always had a chip on his shoulder when it comes to being the best safety in the league. Adams’ playstyle is unique for a strong safety. In addition to excelling in coverage, Adams loves to be in the box to either stop the run or get after the quarterback.

Clearly, Adams is not far off from reaching his goal of being the best at his position in terms of Madden ratings. He’s only three points behind Smith, which is awfully impressive for a player entering his fourth year in the league. Smith is entering his ninth season in the NFL.

If Adams wants to be the No. 1 rated safety in Madden 22, he’ll just have to keep getting better. Based on his first three years in the league, that won’t be an issue.

Kyle Van Noy opens up about free agency, wants to be a ‘priority for a team’

“I kind of view myself in the Tyrann Mathieu mold.”

Kyle Van Noy sits on a list as one of the New England Patriots’ most important free agents.

His impact since joining the team in 2016 has been remarkable, setting him up for a top-tier contract. Van Noy joins Tom Brady, Devin McCourty, Jamie Collins, Matthew Slater and Joe Thuney as high priority guys for New England to retain. Given the Patriots’ history, they won’t dish out money to probably half of this list.

Leaving the 28-year-old linebacker with some uncertainty over the next week. Van Noy caught up with NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo this week and discussed his pending free agency.

“It is interesting, but I’m going to be honest, I want to be a priority for a team and I feel I have to go where someone is going to make me a priority,” Van Noy said. “I’m sure New England knows that. If that opportunity comes, it comes.

“I’ll be frank, I don’t see myself waiting around. I’m pretty sure those guys aren’t going to wait around either. They’re really good at their craft. They’re at the top of the league at their position so it’ll be interesting.”

If the Patriots haven’t worked on a contract with Van Noy by now, it’s likely they’re willing to let him go. So, what will the market be like for a player like Van Noy? He doesn’t fit the typical mold of a linebacker, due to his uncanny ability to rush the passer and play multiple roles.

He made a very distinct comparison of how to categorize him on the field.

“That’s been the main topic for me: What’s your position?” Van Noy said. “But like I tell everybody, how good of a football player do you want? Someone who can do it all? I don’t want a position.

“I kind of view myself in the Tyrann Mathieu mold. Obviously, we play different positions but he’s a football player. I view myself the same way. I can play on the ball, off the ball, I can drop into coverage, I can rush the passer, I can do every single thing you want.”

Van Noy finished last season career-highs in forced fumbles (3), tackles for loss (7), quarterback hits (15) and sacks (6.5). He’s going to field a competitive market, likely somewhere between $7 million $9 million per year.

The Patriots traded a second-round pick for Van Noy, helping him blossom into a two-time Super Bowl champion. Regardless of his team in 2020, he’ll remain a valuable asset on and off the field.

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