Tag: Tyler Higbee

Tyler Higbee: Rams have ‘chip on their shoulder’ after tumultuous 2022 season

Following a tumultuous 2022 season, Tyler Higbee believes the Rams are extra motivated entering the 2023 season.

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

It was a forgettable season for the Los Angeles Rams in 2022, finishing with a 5-12 record just one year after hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. With the Rams looking to put last season in the rearview mirror, Tyler Higbee believes the Rams have extra motivation entering the 2023 season.

“I think everybody in this organization, you know, feels a little bit of a chip on their shoulder the way last season went. We have had so much success around here in the last handful of years and it’s not like it was last year I should say,” Higbee said. “But again, like I said, every year is a new year so you try to bring that mindset, and not necessarily washing it, you remember what happened, learn from those things that did happen, and then just trying to make it a new year and it’s completely separate from last year.”

Injuries and other issues that arose led to the Rams posting a dismal 5-12 record in 2022, giving them the most losses by a team coming off a Super Bowl victory. Some things were out of the team’s control a season ago, while other shortcomings were due to a bevy of other factors.

Under Sean McVay, the Rams have shown that they are a resilient group, regardless of who takes the field. And while there are a ton of new faces, Higbee and the Rams are going to use last season’s woes to help motivate the current group in hopes it leads to more fruitful results in 2023.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

5 potential cap casualties that should interest the Lions this offseason

Here are a few players who figure to be cap casualties that the Lions will want to look at signing this offseason.

We’re getting to the point in the offseason where teams start cutting players they no longer want to pay at their existing salary levels. The Raiders kicked off this movement in a big way by releasing longtime starting QB Derek Carr after being unable to trade him.

Carr won’t interest the Lions, not with Jared Goff entrenched as the starter. But there are some other likely salary cap casualties around the NFL who should definitely interest Detroit GM Brad Holmes and the team. Players who are cut provide the extra benefit of not counting against the compensatory draft pick formula for the following year.

Here are a few players who figure to be cap casualties that the Lions will want to look at signing this offseason.

Rob Gronkowski feels Rams should give Tyler Higbee more opportunities

Rob Gronkowski says Tyler Higbee could be more consistent, but he’d also like to see the Rams involve him more

Tyler Higbee started the 2022 season relatively well, catching 33 passes for 290 yards in the first five games. But in his final 12 games, he caught just 39 passes for 330 yards – though he did score three times in the final four weeks.

It was an odd year for Higbee, but not because of a lack of involvement. He led the team with 108 targets, a new career-high for the tight end. It was more about his inconsistency, getting targeted 14 times one game and only once in another game.

Rob Gronkowski knows a bit about playing tight end and while he feels the Rams could give Higbee more opportunities, he also wants to see him play more consistently.

“He can definitely move. He can zig-and-zag. He can get open. I would say with him, though, it’s just a little bit more consistency,” Gronkowski told Heavy.com. “There’s some games where he has breakout games and then there’s some games where you don’t really hear about him and he’s not making that many plays. I’m not sure if it’s the offensive system that he’s in and not really getting that many opportunities but when you see a guy like him making those plays that he can make, I feel like you should give him more opportunities.”

While Higbee did have more catches this season (72) than he’s had in any other year, he averaged just 8.6 yards per catch – the lowest of his career since his rookie year in 2016 when he was targeted just 29 times.

He caught just four passes that went for at least 20 yards and 51 of his 72 receptions were for fewer than 10 yards. It doesn’t help that the Rams started four different quarterbacks this season and had the most injury-riddled offensive line in football, but Higbee didn’t do much with his chances.

Now 30 years old and entering the final year of his contract, Higbee may not be with the Rams much longer.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqby8n025panb709 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

4 potential cap casualties for Rams in 2023

With the Rams searching for ways to create cap space in 2023, these 4 players could be released

The Los Angeles Rams will begin looking ahead to the 2023 season following a forgettable 2022 campaign that saw them finish with a 5-12 record. The bulk of the offseason is only a couple of months away and the Rams will need to clear up some cap space ahead of free agency and the draft.

There is a multitude of ways teams can free up cap space in the NFL and the Rams will likely look to restructure a few contracts this offseason to do that. Meanwhile, there is also the possibility of Los Angeles parting ways with a couple of players that are under contract.

With the Rams needing to get creative to shed some salary this offseason, here are four potential cap casualties for the team in 2023.

Fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em: Week 18

Check out these starts and sits for fantasy football in Week 18.

Though most fantasy football championships have already been concluded, there’s a faction of leagues holding the crucial, final matchup in Week 18.

Though that’s not recommended considering the implications of fantasy studs sitting out the final week of the regular season, we’re still here to help with those lineup decisions.

You also can check out our start and sit bench list for Week 17:

Key things to know about Chargers’ Week 17 opponent: Rams

Here are some key things to know about the Los Angeles Chargers’ opponent ahead of the Week 17 matchup.

After clinching a spot in the playoffs, the Chargers will now play for postseason seeding. This weekend, they take on the Rams, marking the first time the two teams play each other in a regular season game at SoFi Stadium.

To get you prepped for the Week 17 bout, here are some key things to know about Los Angeles’ opponent ahead of the matchup.

Missing key players

The Rams’ defense has heavily relied on star defensive tackle Aaron Donald. But the team has been without him over the past month, as he has dealt with a high ankle sprain. Donald, who made his ninth Pro Bowl, has amassed 49 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, five sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in 11 games. On the other side of the ball, wide receiver Cooper Kupp will also be out. The reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year has been sidelined for multiple games after ankle surgery. Kupp has 75 catches for 812 yards and six touchdowns. WR Allen Robinson is also on injured reserve after season-ending foot surgery.

The man under center

Since being signed after previously playing with the Panthers to start the season, quarterback Baker Mayfield has shown he fits the scheme with his flashes in his three performances. Mayfield led a 98-yard game-winning drive in his Rams debut against the Raiders. This past Sunday, he completed 24 of his 28 passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns in a 51-14 rout of the Broncos.

Cam Akers has found his footing

There had been a point in the season where running back Cam Aker’s name had been swirling surrounding trade rumors. However, nothing came out of it, and upon returning to the starting lineup, Akers has played admirably well. Akers has run 64 times for 285 yards and six touchdowns over the last four games, including a 118-yard and three-touchdown performance against Denver.

Hasn’t been at his best

Jalen Ramsey has been touted as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL for many years. But this has been a bit of a down year for Ramsey. Ramsey has allowed a completion percentage of 64.1%, 13.0 yards per reception, and a passer rating of 109.3.

Other notes

  • The Rams’ offensive line has allowed the second-most sacks (34).
  • The Rams rank 24th in offensive DVOA, 22nd in passing defense DVOA, and 24th in rush offense DVOA.
  • The Rams rank 16th in defensive DVOA, 20th in passing defense DVOA, and 7th in rush defense DVOA.
  • After Kupp, tight end Tyler Higbee is the Rams’ leading receiver, with 65 receptions for 576 yards and three touchdowns.

Rams injury report: Aaron Donald, Ty Nsekhe DNP on Wednesday

Aaron Donald and Ty Nsekhe didn’t practice during the Rams’ walk thru on Wednesday.

The Los Angeles Rams released their first injury report of the week ahead of Sunday’s matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers and there are a couple of notable names that didn’t practice. While the Rams held a walk thru on Wednesday, Aaron Donald and Ty Nsekhe weren’t present for practice.

Donald continues to miss practice due to a high-ankle sprain as Sean McVay has shared the Rams don’t expect him to play again this season. Nsekhe missed Wednesday’s practice due to an illness, so it’s worth monitoring his status as he’s started in six straight games at left tackle for the Rams.

Besides Donald and Nsekhe, Brian Allen, Tyler Higbee, Ben Skowronek, and John Wolford were unable to practice. Higbee seems like he has the best shot to play on Sunday with the Rams giving him a rest day on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the Chargers didn’t practice on Wednesday, but Austin Ekeler was limited in their estimation and Derwin James was a DNP. Sebastian Joseph-Day practiced in full ahead of his first game against his former team.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqby8n025panb709 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

Tunnel Vision

Tunnel Vision – a look back at Sunday for fantasy free agents, injuries and notable performances.

SUNDAY SALUTES
Quarterbacks Pass-Rush TD
 Dak Prescott 347-41 3
Gardner Minshew 355-5 3
Jared Goff 355-15 3
 Joe Burrow 375-5 3
 Josh Allen 172-41 3
Running Backs Rush
Receive		 TD
Saquon Barkley 14-84
8-49		 1
D’Onta Foreman 21-165 1
Derrick Henry 23-126
2-0		 1
Devin Singletary 12-106
2-19		 1
Alvin Kamara  20-76
2-34		 1
Wide Receivers Yards TD
CeeDee Lamb 10-120 2
DeVonta Smith 8-113 2
Justin Jefferson 12-133 1
Tee Higgins 8-128 1
Jaylen Waddle 5-143 1
Tight Ends Yards TD
T.J. Hockenson 13-109 2
George Kittle 6-120 2
Tyler Higbee
Shane Zlystra 5-26 1
Evan Engram 7-113 0
Placekickers XP FG
Brett Maher 4 4
Mason Crosby 2 4
Eddy Pineiro 4 3
Robbie Gould 4 3
Riley Patterson 1 4
Defense Sack – TO TD
Packers 2-4 0
Rams 6-3 1
Patriots 2-3 1
Eagles 6-1 1
Steelers 3-3 0

Bumps, Bruises and Bowouts

QB Taylor Heinicke (WAS) – Benched
RB Travis Homer (SEA) – Ankle
RB Jordan Mason (SF) – Hamstring
WR Christian Watson (GB) – Hip
TE Hunter Henry (NE) – Knee
TE Greg Dulcich (DEN) – Hamstring

Chasing Ambulances

This week was extraordinarily light for injuries. Yes, many players may have disappeared right when you needed them and ended up with a choke job.

But injuries were not your problem this week and that makes losing a playoff game hurt just a bit more.

WR Christian Watson (GB) – The Packers’ top rookie receiver was held out of the second half with a hip injury. He said himself that he’ll be “all right,” so the injury may not play into this week when they face the visiting Vikings.

TE Greg Dulcich (DEN) – He caught his second touchdown of the season and then was ruled out with a hamstring injury during the fourth quarter in the loss to the Rams. There was no prognosis after the game and he will be examined on Monday to determine the severity and see if he can participate in the loss game in Kansas City.

Free Agents, Flops and Other Notables

QB   Gardner Minshew (PHI) The Eagles may have lost to the Cowboys, but don’t blame Minshew in his first start this season. He passed for 355 yards and two touchdowns, plus ran in a third score. Granted, Minshew threw two interceptions and fumbled twice and lost one. But his first start was on the road against the Cowboys and he produced two 100-yard receivers.

The Eagles suddenly are weighing Jalen Hurts playing to get that one more win that ensures the No. 1 seed,  but will they need to when the 6-9 Saints show up next week?

QB Brock Purdy (SF) – The rookie is hardly irrelevant after winning all three starts and setting a franchise record by throwing for two touchdowns in back-to-back games to the tight end George Kittle. He’s logged three straight 100+ point QB ratings to start his career. He’s a game manager so far, and that’s all the 49ers needed him to be. He threw for 234 yards and two scores against the Commanders.

QB Baker Mayfield (LAR) – He’s 2-1 as the Rams starter while taking over a rudderless ship that had almost no crew from when the season started.  Mayfield had his best effort yet with 230 yards and two scores in the win over the Broncos. His final two games are on the road where he’s yet to win, but at least he’s getting positive game film out there to help next year when he signs on with yet another team and new set of coaches.

TE Evan Engram (JAC) – A number of Jaguars have helped their fantasy stock for next year, but perhaps none has rekindled his career like Engram who only signed a one-year contract with the Jaguars. Engram scored four times this year and his 113-yard, seven-catch performance at the Jets was his second 100-yard game in the last three weeks.

QB Zach Wilson (NYJ) – The former first-round pick struggled this year but he threw for only 77 yards in Week 11 at the Patriots and was benched for Mike White. Wilson was called back while White nursed broken ribs. The once-impressive Jets lost their last four games and at 7-8 are in real jeopardy of missing the playoffs. Wilson did it again in Week 16 when he only completed 9-of-18 for 92 yards in the loss against the visiting Jaguars. He missed passes so badly that it’s fair to question if Wilson has the ability to play in the NFL.  HC Robert Saleh wouldn’t talk about Wilson afterward, but he has to figure out what his Plan C is.

QB Desmond Ridder (ATL) – His first start was when he only passed for 97 yards at the Saints, but Ridder showed better talent on Saturday when he threw for 218 yards at the Ravens. He hasn’t shown much as a runner yet, but he has a home game against the Steelers this week and then the final week at the Bengals.

WR DJ Chark (DET) – He only caught one pass for 18 yards in Week 15 to remind you why he was thrown onto the waiver wire back in Week 4 when he went onto injured reserve. But Chark logged 90+ yards in three of the last four games, including a season-best four catches for 108 yards at the Panthers on Saturday.

WR Velus Jones (CHI) – It is minor, but the 3.07 pick this year who ran a 4.31 40-time at the Combine finally had more than one short catch. He’s been active for the last seven games and scored on his first NFL catch, but then hasn’t been any better than one short catch in any game. Against the Bills this week, he caught the typical eight-yard pass but also turned in a 44-yard catch at the end of the third quarter. He’s blazingly fast and has been the kick returner this year. But 2023 should see him do more – if Justin Fields can improve as a passer.

QB Deshaun Watson (CLE) – The Browns’ new quarterback only threw for 135 yards and no score, with one interception in the loss to the Saints.  Over his four starts, he’s only thrown for two touchdowns against three interceptions and ran around 20 yards per game with one score ran in just last Saturday. It’s all part of shaking off the rust from nearly two years, but he hasn’t looked as Jacoby Brissett, so the hope is this is just the necessary work to get back in shape. But he’s brought the fantasy fortunes of the receivers down. Donovan Peoples-Jones only caught one pass for two yards in the loss this week.

TE T.J. Hockenson (MIN) – The Vikings midseason acquisition has been a valuable cog in the machine but no difference-maker. That changed in Week 16 against the Giants when he led the team with 13 catches for 109 yards and two touchdowns in the three-point win. Justin Jefferson (12-133, TD) still excelled but the other wideouts combined for only four catches and 23 yards. Hockenson should see better days in the playoffs when top secondaries do a better job against the starting wideouts.

QB Malik Willis (TEN) – The Titans choose the ex-Liberty quarterback with their 3.22 pick this year but three starts have failed to offer anything promising about the future. He took his third start of the year in Week 16 and only completed 14-of-23 for 99 yards and two interceptions. And that was better than his first two starts. The Titans just lost to the visiting Texans, 19-14, which alone indicates the alarm.

QB Kenny Pickett (PIT) – The rookie only passed for 244 yards and one score but he led the Steelers on a two-minute drive at the end of the game to throw a 14-yard touchdown to George Pickett with only 50 seconds left. The Steelers held on to win the game and Pickett has his first game-winning drive under his belt.

NFL Tight ends – In Week 14, tight ends accounted for only  six touchdowns and two went to Evan Engram. The previous week only saw four scores by the position. But Week 15 suddenly contained 17 touchdowns for tight ends and three turned in double scores. There were 14 in Week 16, excluding what may happen in tonight’s Monday night game against the Chargers and Colts.

There were four tight ends with multiple scores – George Kittle (6-120, 2 TD), T.J. Hockenson (13-109, 2 TD), Tyler Higbee (9-94, 2 TD), and Shane Zylstra (5-26, 3 TD). There were only three wideouts with double scores and that included Trenton Irwin (3-45, 2 TD) of the Bengals. Typically, tight ends score the most in the first month or so of the season, and then settled down. Week 16 was an aberration that helped fantasy leaguers in their playoffs – if they made it that far.

Huddle player of the week

Cam Akers  –  The Rams historically mediocre running back turned up his production for the last month with three scores and a couple of 60-yard performances. On Sunday against the Broncos, Akers ravaged their defense. He picked up chunks of yardage and ended with a career-best  23 carries for 118 yards and three touchdowns, plus two catches for 29 yards. Cam Akers was the highest-scoring fantasy play of Week 16 for quite the  Christmas present for those fantasy owners that were playing in their league playoffs.

Salute!

Drama 101 – Somebody has to laugh, somebody has to cry

Comedy Yards TDs Tragedy Yards TDs
QB Gardner Minshew 360 3 QB Deshaun Watson 154 1
RB D’onta Foreman 165 1 RB R. Stevenson 33 0
RB James Cook 108 1 RB Jamaal Williams 14 0
WR Kendrick Bourne 129 1 WR Christian Kirk 26 0
WR Isaiah Hodgins 89 1 WR Davante Adams 15 0
WR Trenton Irwin 45 2 WR Stefon Diggs 26 0
TE Shane Zylstra 26 3 TE Mark Andrews 45 0
PK Brett Maher 4  XP   4 FG PK Nick Folk   zippo
Huddle Fantasy Points = 163 Huddle Fantasy Points = 25

Now get back to work…

Watch: Tyler Higbee sets Rams record for TDs by a tight end

Tyler Higbee became the Rams’ all-time leader in touchdowns by a tight end with the 19th score of his career

Tyler Higbee went 13 straight games without a touchdown this season, tied for the longest streak of any player in the NFL with at least 50 receptions. However, he’s now scored touchdowns in two straight games and has set the franchise record for the most career touchdowns by a tight end.

He now has 19 career scores, passing Damone Johnson’s 18 touchdowns for the most by a tight end. It came in the first quarter of Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos, putting the Rams up 10-0 early on.

The touchdown was set up by Cobie Durant’s leaping interception against Russell Wilson, giving the Rams excellent field position.

Acrobatic pick by Cobie Durant sets up Rams touchdown

The Rams capitalized on a Russell Wilson interception for a TD

Russell Wilson continues to make bad decisions.

The Denver Broncos’ quarterback tried to find a receiver Sunday at SoFi Stadium and the ball wound up being intercepted by the Rams’ Cobie Durant,

Spectacularly.

The interception set up a TD pass from Baker Mayfield to Tyler Higbee that had the Rams up 10-0 after the PAT.