Vikings Move Up for J.J. McCarthy

The Minnesota Vikings have the draft capital and need to find their quarterback of the future. In comes J.J. McCarthy who has shot up draft boards this offseason. Whether you think McCarthy is worthy of a top 5 pick doesn’t matter at this point. Its become clear that many NFL execs are enamored with his ability to run a pro-style offense. Head coach Kevin O’Connell knows how to run an offense and if he likes McCarthy the Vikings will go all in.

Minnesota also brought in Sam Darnold this offseason but I see him more as a backup who can mentor the young QB. The Vikings have weapons and a strong o-line that can protect McCarthy.

Michael Penix Jr. to the Seahawks

Another quarterback to keep an eye on in this year’s draft is Michael Penix Jr. Penix is starting to climb up draft boards with some having him as 5th quarterback taken. The Seahawks seem like a perfect destination for the former Washington QB.

Penix can learn behind Geno Smith and compete with Sam Howell who Seattle traded for this offseason. Although he is not known as a runner Penix is sneaky athletic and can escape pressure if needed.

The post 2024 NFL Mock Draft V3 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

There will be plenty of rumors and trade discussions between now and the draft as this is the best quarterback class we have seen in a while. It’s also important to note that this version didn’t include any trades but that should change in later versions as we get closer to April. Check out some key highlights from our mock draft below.

Jayden Daniels Goes to Washington

At this point, it seems like a lock that the Chicago Bears take Caleb Williams #1 overall. As reported over the past few weeks it would take an historic haul for the Bears to trade that pick. Despite the connections between Kliff Kingsbury and Williams, I don’t see the Commanders giving up that much to get him. Instead they go grab Daniels who fits Kingsbury’s system well and has a ton of potential.

Cardinals Get Their WR1

The Arizona Cardinals are in need of a stud at the wide receiver position to pair with Kyler Murray. In this mock, they get that stud by drafting former Buckeye Marvin Harrison Jr. with the 4th pick. Harrison is an elite receiver that many consider the best prospect in the entire draft. I love the fit here for Harrison as he will immediately become the focal point of the Cardinals offense.

Seahawks Find Their Future Quarterback

As of now, Geno Smith is the quarterback for Seattle but that may change in the coming months. The Seahawks have a new regime and in this mock, they select their quarterback of the future. I have Seattle taking Bo Nix but I could also see them grabbing J.J. McCarthy if he is available. McCarthy and new coach Mike Macdonald have Michigan ties but for now, I have Denver grabbing McCarthy a couple of spots earlier.

The post 2024 NFL Mock Draft V1 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

This coaching cycle was filled with big-time names and the candidate pool was large. There were some surprises along the way (see Ben Johnson) and some interesting hires. With that said, let’s break down each new coaching hire and offer grades for them.

Raheem Morris – Atlanta Falcons

It’s a full-circle moment for former Falcons interim head coach Raheem Morris. Morris spent 5 years in Atlanta and filled in as head coach when Dan Quinn was fired in 2020. He spent the last three years in Los Angeles as the defensive coordinator for the Rams. Morris was part of the Rams Super Bowl winning season in 2022.

No matter where he has been one thing is certain, the players love Morris. Over the years he has had several endorsements from players including this year when cornerback Jalen Ramsey praised the hire. The offensive staff will be key for Morris in Atlanta and the Falcons recently hired Zac Robinson to fill that role. Robinson worked with Morris in LA and was the quarterbacks coach/passing game coordinator.

For Morris to have success in Atlanta it will come down to the quarterback position. The Falcons will likely look at the draft to address this but it appears Desmond Ridder‘s time in Atlanta is over. This is a solid hire for the Falcons as Morris is already familiar with the organization and we already know he will get the best out of his players.

Grade: B

Dave Canales – Carolina Panthers

One of the first coaches to be hired this offseason was former Buccaneers OC Dave Canales. Although raw, Canales was excellent in his role coordinating the Bucs offense. He also helped resurrect the career of quarterback Baker Mayfield. Mayfield is now likely to sign with the Tampa Bay long term thanks in large part to Canales.

In Carolina, Canales will look to do the same for former #1 pick Bryce Young. Young had a disappointing rookie season but due to the coaching turnover and turmoil, it’s tough to judge his on-field performances. Next year will be different for Young. Canales will work with his strengths and get the most out of his talent. If Young fails again then it won’t be on coaching more so his limitations.

For me, this is an underrated hire for the Panthers. They didn’t go after the big name but instead found the next great offensive mind. The only part I didn’t like about this hire was the 6-year contract. It’s likely that Panthers owner David Tepper needed to add the extra year to seal the deal.

Grade: B+

Antonio Pierce – Las Vegas Raiders

When Antonio Pierce took over for the fired Josh McDaniels he wasn’t given much of a chance to keep the job long-term. As the season went on though it became clear Pierce was an excellent leader and he led the Raiders to a 5-4 record down the stretch. That was good enough for 2nd in the AFC West and once the season ended it was up to ownership to make the move.

Like Raheem Morris, Pierce received several ringing endorsements for current Raiders players. None bigger than Maxx Crosby who essentially stated he would want to be traded if the Raiders didn’t bring on Pierce long term. Las Vegas ownership heard the chatter loud and clear and decided to bring on Pierce full-time.

This is another solid hire and I give credit to the Raiders leadership for listening to their players. Pierce is a natural leader and will get the most from his players. There are also indications that Las Vegas will bring in Kliff Kingsbury as their OC which is a smart move.

Grade: B+

Jim Harbaugh – Los Angeles Chargers

Perhaps the biggest name on the market this offseason was former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh. Harbaugh had just won the National Championship and there were many indications that this was the year he would jump back to the NFL.

No matter where he’s been, Harbaugh has proven to be a winner. From Stanford to San Francisco and eventually at Michigan, Harbaugh has been successful at each stop. The former Chargers quarterback will now get a chance to coach one of the best young quarterbacks in the league Justin Herbert. Herbert still has untapped potential and Harbaugh will teach him how to be a winner.

To me, this is the best hire of this coaching cycle. Harbaugh and the Chargers are the perfect match and I expect them to compete for Super Bowls. The only downside is how long he will last in LA. Harbaugh has a tendency to not stick around long at any of his stops. If the Chargers can get a Super Bowl out of him it won’t matter in the end.

Grade: A

Jerod Mayo – New England Patriots

After it became clear Bill Belichick would not be back in New England owner Robert Kraft had a choice to make. He could either go out and find a fresh face in the coaching pool or stick with the Belichick tree and hire within. Kraft ultimately decided to hire within and promote Jerod Mayo to head coach.

Mayo spent the last 5 seasons in New England as the inside linebackers coach. Like Antonio Pierce, Mayo was praised by former Patriots players including Tom Brady who called him an excellent leader. At just 37, Mayo is still young and if he works out the Patriots will be set long term.

What’s interesting about the New England situation is that Mike Vrabel wasn’t considered. Vrabel seemed like the perfect successor to Belichick. For whatever reason the Patriots decided not to pursue him and it may come back to bite them. By all accounts, Mayo seems like a solid hire but I fear the Patriots will once again be looking for a new coach in just a of couple years.

Grade: C

Mike Macdonald – Seattle Seahawks

One of the hottest names of this coaching cycle was Ravens DC Mike Macdonald. He did wonders for Baltimore’s defense and shut down some of the most dynamic offenses in the NFL this year. Before his stop in Baltimore, Macdonald spent 1 year as defensive coordinator at Michigan.

Although only 36, Macdonald has also been praised for his leadership qualities. He will have big shoes to fill in Seattle taking over for Pete Carroll. The Seahawks have a bunch of young talented players on defense and solid pieces in place on offense. The question for Macdonald will be if he decides to keep Geno Smith.

In all, I am a fan of this hire for the Seahawks. Seattle targeted him early on and eventually got their man.

Grade: B+

Brian Callahan – Tennessee Titans

In Tennessee, it’s the end of the Vrabel era. This was perhaps the most surprising of the offseason firings. Although they had a down year the Titans were respectable with Vrabel at the helm. Former Bengals OC Brian Callahan will step in his place.

Callahan has been with Cincinnati since 2019 and helped to tutor quarterback Joe Burrow. He is somewhat of a quarterback whisperer as he was able to do wonders for Jake Browning who filled in for the injured Burrow this season. If the Titans decide to stick with Will Levis I expect to see a big improvement in his game.

I am somewhat neutral on this hire. It’s not flashy by any means but Callahan will come in and elevate the Titans offense. The big question is if he is a good leader as he will be replacing Vrabel who is known for his leadership.

Grade: B-

Dan Quinn – Washington Commanders

For Washington Commanders fans this offseason got off to a perfect start. The new ownership group led by Josh Harris was now fully in control and they took no time hiring new GM Adam Peters. Peters knows how to build NFL teams as he helped build the 49ers into a championship contender.

Many expected the next move for Peters and the Commanders was to hire Ben Johnson as their head coach. As we all know that didn’t happen as Johnson decided to stay in Detroit. We don’t really know what happened behind the scenes and perhaps Johnson was never their preferred choice but in the end, Washington decided to hire former Cowboys DC Dan Quinn.

Now Quinn was not the most popular candidate on the market but it’s hard to ignore what he has done for the Cowboys defense. Quinn completely turned around that side of the ball and will need to do the same for the Commanders. Like the other defensive coaches that were hired, Quinn will need to pick the right staff to run his offense. So the next few hires will be key.

By all accounts, Quinn seems like a great leader of men and should help change the culture in Washington. I am just not sure about the fit. I would’ve liked to see the Commanders go after a young offensive mind. Washington is going through a full rebuild and I think they should’ve gone outside of the box on this hire.

Grade: C+

The post Grading the NFL Coaching Hires of 2024 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

Quarterbacks

Start ‘Em

Derek Carr (vs. Chi) – The Saints offense exploded for 38 points last week and it came at a perfect time. Carr and the New Orleans offense were heavily scrutinized the week before and Carr was visibly frustrated. It was nice to see him back bounce under increased pressure and next up they get the lowly Bears at home. Expect Carr and the Saints offense to continue to roll as the Bears are giving up an average of 19.6 fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks.

Sit ‘Em

Geno Smith (@ Bal) – Geno Smith hasn’t quite been the same player as he was last year. So far that hasn’t hurt the Seahawks as they are 5-2 and lead the NFC West. If he keeps playing like this though it could hurt their chances down the stretch. Up next they have to travel cross-country to Baltimore where the Ravens have been tough at home. Smith will have difficulties moving the ball against this Ravens defense and it’s best to sit him this week.

Running Backs

Start ‘Em

Joe Mixon (vs. Buf) – Mixon has been somewhat disappointing this season but did show signs of breaking out last week. He finished with his best performance of the year against the 49ers and racked up 87 rushing yards and 1 touchdown. Up next the Bengals will face the Bills at home and I like Mixon to continue to improve. The Bills can at times be vulnerable against the run and I expect this to be a high-scoring contest.

Sit ‘Em

Rhamondre Stevenson (vs. Wsh) – Stevenson has really been a dud the season and that will continue on Sunday vs. the Commanders. At this point in the season, it’s hard to justify starting Stevenson who has yet to break 60 yards rushing in a game. The Commanders defense is vulnerable against the pass but they have held their own against running backs.

Wide Receivers

Start ‘Em

Michael Pittman Jr. (@ Car) – Look for Pittman to have another big game on Sunday vs. the Panthers. Pittman is starting to come into his own and has had great chemistry with quarterback Gardner Minshew. He’s had 32 targets in his last three games including 2 touchdowns during that span. Up next is the Panthers defense who have struggled against the deep ball.

Sit ‘Em

DeVonta Smith (vs. Dal) – Smith has had his moments but hasn’t been consistent enough this season. He has had some puzzling drops this year and at times disappears from the game plan for the Eagles. Up next Philadelphia will face the Dallas defense that has locked down the receiver position despite key injuries. I’m not giving up on Smith yet but sitting him for this game.

Tight Ends

Start ‘Em

Taysom Hill (vs. Chi) – Hill has been one of the surprises over the last two weeks including finishing as TE1 last week. Hill has been used heavily in the run game for the Saints but also has 14 targets in his last 3 games. Expect Hill to continue to get utilized for New Orleans who will look to attack the weak Bears defense.

Sit ‘Em

Dalton Schultz (vs. TB) – Before last week’s dud, Shultz had three consecutive weeks with receiving touchdowns for the Texans. I still like Schultz long term but not this week. He will face a Buccaneers defense that is allowing just 5.9 fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Sit Schultz this week but keep him on your roster.

Start of the Week

Gardner Minshew (@ Car) – Minshew is our start of the week as he has a favorable matchup on Sunday. Minshew and the Colts offense have put up 38+ points the last two weeks and I see them putting up big numbers vs. Carolina. Minshew is averaging 19.2 fantasy points per game in his 4 starts and I see him getting 20+ again this week. Really the only thing holding him back is the turnovers (5 int’s the last 3 games). If he can eliminate the mistakes Minshew will be a plus starter the rest of the way.

The post 2023-24 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Week 9 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

NFL Week 2 Game Recap: Seattle Seahawks 37, Detroit Lions 31

The Seattle Seahawks won 37-31 in walk-off fashion on the road in Detroit as Geno Smith found Tyler Lockett, who reached out for the pylon. Smith led Seattle to a turnover-free victory, going 32-for-41 with 328 yards and two touchdowns. Both passing touchdowns were to Lockett, who racked up eight catches for 59 yards. Seattle also found success on the ground, rushing for 82 yards and two touchdowns.

Seahawks receiver D.K. Metcalf left the game in the first quarter with a rib injury, and headed to to the locker room. He returned shortly after, finishing the game with six receptions for 75 yards, as Geno Smith spread the targets around all game. Turnovers proved to be the downfall for Detroit. The Lions fumbled the ball away twice in a row, one to end the first half and another to begin the second half. Jared Goff then threw a pick-six to Seattle cornerback Tre Brown, who ran it back 40 yards to the house. Late in the fourth quarter, Goff led the Lions down the field for a game-tying field goal, forcing overtime with a score of 31-31. However it was not enough for the Lions, who fall to 1-1 after the loss. Meanwhile, Seattle also moves to 1-1 with the victory.

NFL Week 2 Game Recap: Buffalo Bills 38, Las Vegas Raiders 10

Josh Allen led the Buffalo Bills to a stress-free victory at home, going 31-for-37 with 274 yards and three touchdowns. Both the Bills and the Las Vegas Raiders move to 1-1 on the season.

The ball seemed to be in the hands of the Bills all game, as the Buffalo defense forced three turnovers. Linebackers Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard both intercepted Jimmy Garoppolo, and Taylor Rapp recovered a Zamir White fumble. Josh Allen spread the touches throughout the offense, finding Gabe Davis, Khalil Shakir, and Dawson Knox for touchdowns. The run game was unstoppable for the Bills, led by James Cook who ran for 123 yards, as Damien Harris and Latavius Murray ran in a touchdown each. Allen had no turnovers and looked comfortable in a bounce-back victory.

NFL Week 2 Game Recap: Baltimore Ravens 27, Cincinnati Bengals 24

Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens went on the road to Cincinnati and avoided a Bengals second half comeback, winning the game 27-24. The Ravens move to 2-0 on the year, as the Bengals fall to 0-2.

Jackson completed 24 passes on 33 attempts for 237 yards and two touchdowns. He added 54 yards on the ground, as the Ravens ran for 178 yards as a team, including a Gus Edwards touchdown. Safety Geno Stone intercepted Joe Burrow to begin the second half, and the Ravens turned it into a touchdown on the next drive.

Burrow and the Bengals made a late push in the second half, with a final drive consisting of 16 plays for 80 yards and a touchdown, making the score 27-24. The Cincinnati offense struggled, rushing for just 66 total yards as Burrow went 27-for-41 with 222 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

NFL Week 2 Game Recap: Kansas City Chiefs 17, Jacksonville Jaguars 9

In a low scoring affair, the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars by a score of 17-9. Both teams move to 1-1 on the season.

The first five possessions resulted in punts, before Jacksonville finally took a 3-0 lead on a field goal. The Chiefs fumbled the ball away on the following possession, before Patrick Mahomes was picked off by Jaguars safety Andre Cisco. Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars offense struggled to move the ball all day, as the third year quarterback went 22-for-41 for 216 yards and no touchdowns. The ground game was no better, producing just 74 yards as the Jaguars failed to find the endzone. Kicker Brandon McManus was the lone scorer for Jacksonville, going 3-for-3. Mahomes finished the game 29-for-41 with 305 yards and two touchdowns, finding Travis Kelce on one of them.

NFL Week 2 Game Recap: Tennessee Titans 27, Los Angeles Chargers 24

The Tennessee Titans beat the Los Angeles Chargers 27-24 in an overtime thriller, as Nick Folk kicked the game-winning 41 yard field goal. The Titans move to 1-1 on the season, as the Chargers fall to 0-2.

Los Angeles got out to an early 11-0 lead after a Keenan Allen touchdown and a converted two-point conversion. Ryan Tannehill came back with a 70-yard pass to Treylon Burks, as Derrick Henry finished the drive with a touchdown, making the score 11-7. Both teams went back and forth all game, with impressive outings from both quarterbacks. Justin Herbert found Keenan Allen and Mike Williams consistently, with both receivers finishing the game with 8 receptions and a combined 194 yards. Allen brought in two touchdown passes, as the Chargers marched down the field for a field goal to send the game to overtime with a score of 24-24. The Chargers won the coin toss and got the ball first in overtime, but went three and out and punted the ball back to the Titans offense. Tannehill led them down the field for an 8 play, 37 yard drive to give Nick Folk a 41 yard field goal for the win, which he put down the middle.

NFL Week 2 Game Recap: Atlanta Falcons 25, Green Bay Packers 24

The Atlanta Falcons squeaked by the Green Bay Packers by a score of 25-24, including an electric fourth quarter comeback by the Falcons. Green Bay falls to 1-1 on the season as Atlanta goes to 2-0.

The Packers got out to a 24-12 lead in the third quarter after Jordan Love found Jayden Reed in the endzone for his second touchdown of the game. Desmond Ridder and the Falcons ground-and-pound offense put together an eight play, 75 yard drive for a touchdown of their own, as Ridder ran it in himself to make the score 24-19. The Falcons defense forced a punt and drove down the field for a field goal, cutting the deficit to 24-22. After forcing yet another punt, Atlanta went 12 plays for 66 yards, setting up a 25 yard field goal for Younghoe Koo. The made field goal put the Falcons ahead 25-24, ultimately winning them the game. Jordan Love finished the game 14-for-25 with 151 yards and three touchdowns, but it wasn’t enough to hold off the Falcons.

NFL Week 2 Game Recap: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27, Chicago Bears 17

Baker Mayfield shined, leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a 27-17 victory over the Chicago Bears. The Buccaneers move to 2-0 on the season, as the Bears fall to 0-2.

Although the Bears scored on their first possession, it was all Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers for the rest of the afternoon. Mayfield found Mike Evans wide open on a deep pass that Evans took 70 yards downfield, inside the 10 yard line. The big play setup for a Rachaad White touchdown run, giving the Buccaneers a 10-7 lead. Mayfield connected with Evans again in the third quarter for a 32 yard touchdown, making the score 20-10.

The Buccaneers defense gave Justin Fields fits all game, sacking him six times. In the fourth quarter, Fields connected with Chase Claypool for a 20 yard touchdown, making the score 20-17. The bears got the ball back after forcing a punt, beginning the drive on their own seven yard line. After a couple penalties, Justin Fields dropped back and had his pass tipped and intercepted by Shaquil Barrett, who brought it just a few steps into the endzone, giving the Buccaneers a convincing 27-17 victory at home.

NFL Week 2 Game Recap: Indianapolis Colts 31, Houston Texans 20

The Indianapolis Colts stole a game on the road in a divisional matchup as they beat the Houston Texans 31-20. The Colts move to 1-1 on the season as the Texans fall to 0-2.

Anthony Richardson ran it in for a touchdown on the Colts’ first two drives of the game, making it 14-0. On the second touchdown, he took a shot causing his head to bounce off the turf, forcing the fourth overall draft pick to be evaluated for a concussion. The rookie quarterback was ruled out for the rest of the game, leaving the Colts with backup quarterback Gardner Minshew. Minshew took over and went 19-of-23 for 171 yards and a touchdown, maintaining the lead. The new acquisition at running back Zack Moss contributed 18 carries for 88 yards and a touchdown, as the Texans couldn’t stop the Indianapolis offense.

Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud had an impressive outing in the loss, going 30-for-47 with 384 yards and two touchdowns. Stroud connected with Nico Collins and fellow rookie Tank Dell seven times each, for a combined 218 yards. Each of the receivers brought in a touchdown, as the Colts bounced back from their week one home loss.

NFL Week 2 Recap: New York Giants 31, Arizona Cardinals 28

The New York Giants rallied for a 21 point comeback on the road against the Arizona Cardinals, the third comeback that size in Giants history. With a 20-0 lead at halftime, and a 28-7 lead in the third quarter, Arizona allowed 24 unanswered points to fall to 0-2 on the season. Meanwhile, the Giants move to 1-1 on the season following the rollercoaster of a week two game.

The Giants went scoreless for the first six quarters of the season, the first time since 1934. Cardinals quarterback Joshua Dobbs showed his athleticism all first half, using his legs to gain yards along with scrambling out of the pocket to make throws on the run. On Arizona’s third possession, Dobbs dropped back to pass and found an opening up the middle, taking it 23 yards for a touchdown, trucking a giants defender just before falling into the endzone. The play gave Arizona an early 14-0 lead, which would quickly grow before the half ended. 

Daniel Jones and the Giants offense came storming back in the third quarter, with help from Saquon Barkley, who scored both a receiving and rushing touchdown before leaving the field with an ankle injury towards the end of the game. The injury took away from the stunning comeback, as the Giants await the information on his ankle.

NFL Week 2 Game Recap: San Francisco 49ers 30, Los Angeles Rams 23

The San Francisco 49ers went on the road to SoFi Stadium, pulling away with a 30-23 win over the Los Angeles Rams. San Francisco elevates to 2-0 on the season as Los Angeles falls to 1-1 following the divisional matchup.

Two interceptions thrown by Matt Stafford proved to be the difference Sunday afternoon. With just under five minutes remaining in the game and the Rams trailing 27-20, Stafford looked across the middle for Van Jefferson but was picked off by Deommodore Lenoir.

Christian McCaffrey was in mid-season form, rushing for 116 yards on 20 carries to go with a touchdown. Brock Purdy missed some throws on big plays throughout the game, but was sufficient, going 17-for-25 for 206 yards, along with a rushing touchdown of his own. All three of the 49ers touchdowns came on the ground and the Rams defense had no answer. 

With Cooper Kupp sidelined, Puka Nacua was the focus once again for the Rams offense. He racked up 15 receptions for 147 yards, making him the first player in NFL history to record at least 10 receptions and 100 receiving yards in his first two games of his career. Meanwhile running back Kyren Williams got 20 total touches with both a receiving and rushing touchdown, proving why he should replace Cam Akers in the backfield.

NFL Week 2 Recap: Washington Commanders 35, Denver Broncos 33

The Washington Commanders completed the thriller comeback on the Denver Broncos, holding off a late game hail mary to win by a score of 35-33. Denver completed a hail mary as time expired, but couldn’t convert the two point conversion to force overtime. The Commanders move to 2-0 on the season as the Broncos fall to 0-2.

The Broncos jumped out to a 21-3 lead early into the first half, including a Marvin Mims Jr. one-play, 60 yard touchdown pass from Russel Wilson. The Commanders cut the lead to 21-14 before halftime, and continued into the second half as the defense immediately forced a punt. The offense took over and scored a touchdown on its first drive as Sam Howell found Terry McLaurin in the middle of the endzone for a 30 yard touchdown, tying the game 21-21.

Denver eventually got the ball back with a chance to tie the game. After moving the ball to midfield, Russel Wilson and company had one last chance to force overtime. The deep hail mary pass was tipped around before being brought in by Brandon Johnson for his second touchdown of the game, making the score 35-33. The two point conversion, a pass intended for Courtland Sutton was incomplete as the Broncos looked for a pass-interference call but didn’t get it.

Sam Howell finished the game with an impressive 27 completions on 39 attempts for 299 yards and two touchdown passes. Running back Brian Robinson Jr. also ran in for a pair of touchdowns himself.

NFL Week 2 Game Recap: Dallas Cowboys 30, New York Jets 10

The Dallas Cowboys beat the New York Jets handedly by a score of 30-10 as the Cowboys defense dominated for the second week in a row. Dallas moves to 2-0 on the season as the Jets fall to 1-1.

Micah Parsons and the Cowboys defense looked unstoppable in week two, intercepting Jets quarterback Zach Wilson three times. Parsons recorded two sacks and four hits on Wilson, as Jayron Kearse, Malik Hooker, and Trevon Diggs each intercepted a pass.

Ceedee Lamb showed he didn’t need the help of Brandin Cooks, who missed the game due to a sprained knee. Lamb recorded 11 catches for 143 yards, with big plays setting up for multiple scores for Dallas. Kicker Brandon Aubrey went five-for-five on field goals, as Dak Prescott found tight ends Jake Ferguson and Luke Schoonmaker for a touchdown each. 

The lone touchdown for the Jets came from star receiver Garret Wilson, who caught a pass across the middle and took it 68 yards to the house, marking his longest touchdown of his career thus far. Other than that, there wasn’t much going for Zach Wilson and the Jets offense, who recorded 215 total yards. Parsons along with the rest of the ruthless Dallas front four pressured Wilson all game, showing why they are one of the best defenses in the NFL.

NFL Week 2 Game Recap: Miami Dolphins 24, New England Patriots 17

The Miami Dolphins held off a late comeback by the New England Patriots, winning the game 24-17 as a lateral to Cole Strange came up short on fourth down. 

Tua Tagovailoa took what the defense gave him for most of the night, finding Jaylen Waddle five times for 86 yards. The Dolphins had plenty of success on the ground as well, as Raheem Mostert took 18 carries for 121 yards and two touchdowns.

Rookie Cornerback Christian Gonzalez kept Tyreek Hill in check for the most part, holding the star receiver to four receptions for 56 yards and a touchdown, with the touchdown coming on a play where Gonzalez was not covering Hill.

Mac Jones finished the game 31-for-42 with 231 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The interception came at the end of the third quarter after the Patriots drove down the field into the redzone. Xavien Howard picked off the pass intended for DeVante Parker on the sideline at the Miami three yard line, putting an end to New Englands’ drive and keeping the score at 17-3.

The Patriots cut the lead down in the fourth quarter following a Mac Jones scramble for 18 yards, the longest run of the night for New England. Jones found Hunter Henry on the run for a six yard touchdown pass, making the score 17-10.

On the next Miami possession, Tagovailoa threw it deep down the left side of the field to Tyreek Hill as the pass was intercepted by Christian Gonzalez. The rookie first round pick made a leaping catch over Hill, giving the Patriots the ball back.

The Dolphins forced a three and out, getting the ball back on the New England 43 yard line. On the first play of the drive, Raheem Mostert took a handoff up the middle 43 yards untouched to the endzone, extending the lead to 24-10.

Mac Jones led the Patriots to a 9 play 75 yard drive ending with a Rhamondre Stevenson touchdown run to cut the lead down to 24-17.

The Dolphins took the ball and drove it into Patriots territory, before the snap was fumbled on third and one. Tua recovered the fumble, but the mistake forced Miami to kick a 55 yard field goal. With concern for Brenden Schooler, who blocked the previous field goal, Jason Sanders missed the field goal, giving the Patriots an opportunity to tie or win the game.

After finding Kendrick Bourne for a pair of completions, Mac Jones was sacked by Bradley Chubb for a loss of 8 yards. New England was faced with a fourth and four, where Mac Jones completed a pass to Mike Gesicki short of the first down line. Gesicki threw a lateral to offensive lineman Cole Strange, who was stopped short of the marker, ending the comeback for the Patriots.

The win brings the Dolphins to 2-0 on the season, as the Patriots fall to 0-2.

The post NFL Game Recaps Week 2 (2023) appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

Kansas City Chiefs (-3.5) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (1 PM EST on CBS)

The best game of the NFL week 2 schedule is when the Chiefs go on the road to take on the Jaguars. It was a disappointing opening game for Kansas City as they struggled against the Detroit Lions at home.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes put up rather pedestrian numbers in week 1 but he was without Travis Kelce. Kelce and stud defensive tackle Chris Jones are set to return for the Chiefs in this one. Jones will be needed to help stop the rushing attack of Jacksonville led by Travis Etienne Jr. and rookie Tank Bigsby. Etienne and Bigsby each found the end zone in week 1 against the Colts.

On the outside, Calvin Ridley made a splash in his debut for the Jaguars. Ridley did not look rusty after his 1 year suspension as he hauled in 8 receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown. Ridley will be a challenge for the Chiefs secondary all game long.

Baltimore Ravens (+3) @ Cincinnati Bengals (1 PM EST on CBS)

Cincinnati would very much like to burn the tape of their week 1 performance against the rival Browns. Joe Burrow and the Bengals offense could never find a rhythm as he was held to under 100 yards passing. It was the first time in his career that Burrow was held under the 100-yard passing mark. Burrow will look to get back on track versus the rival Ravens at home.

Meanwhile, the Ravens are coming off a dominating performance against the Houston Texans. Baltimore may have found its next star in rookie Zay Flowers. Flowers looked electric in his debut as he had 87 yards from scrimmage in week 1 including 9 receptions. Lamar Jackson and the Ravens will be without J.K. Dobbins who is now out for the season. Expect another classic AFC North battle in this one.

Seattle Seahawks (+4.5) @ Detroit Lions (1 PM EST on FOX)

Jared Goff and the Lions looked like an NFC contender in their week 1 win at Kansas City. Their defense which struggled all last season looked completely different in the opener. If they can get this type of performance consistently from their defense the Lions will be a threat come playoff time.

Seattle on the other hand looked lackluster as they were beat at home in week 1 by the Rams. Geno Smith who was the Comeback Player of the Year in 2022 struggled with a Rams defense that lacks playmakers. It was troubling to see for a Seahawks team that was set to take the next step this year. Look for this one to be another high-scoring affair. The Seahawks won 48-45 when the two teams met last season.

San Francisco 49ers (-7.5) @ Los Angeles Rams (4:05 PM EST on FOX)

Before the season started this looked to be an easy win for the 49ers. Now they may have more of a battle on their hands when they visit LA. This game will be a classic example of whether week 1 was a fluke or not. If the Rams keep it close many will start to give them respect. The problem is they will be dealing with the elite 49ers defense who will put pressure on Matthew Stafford all day long.

Rams rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua was the story of week 1 as he seemingly came out of nowhere. The Rams will need a repeat performance from Nacua who hauled in 10 receptions for 119 yards in his debut.

Washington Commanders (+3.5) @ Denver Broncos (4:25 PM EST on CBS)

Washington is looking to start 2-0 when they travel to the Mile High City on Sunday afternoon. The Commanders looked a bit shaky in their week 1 win against the Cardinals. Washington’s defense was dominant but the offense struggled at times. Quarterback Sam Howell had two costly turnovers but showed poised in leading Washington to a come-from-behind victory. Howell will need to be mistake-free on the road in Denver for Washington to have a chance.

The Broncos will be getting one of their best weapons back in Jerry Jeudy on Sunday. This is exactly what Russell Wilson and this offense needed as they look to bounce back from their week 1 loss. Wilson did have 2 touchdowns in the opener but the offense lacked explosiveness. They will need big plays to be able to beat the stingy Washington defense.

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Quarterbacks

Start ‘Em

Geno Smith (@Det) – Don’t give up on Geno Smith just yet. Smith and the entire Seattle Seahawks offense had a forgettable game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. Smith threw for only 112 yards on the day and 1 touchdown. I don’t expect similar numbers when Seattle visits the Lions in week 2. In 2022, Smith torched the Lions for 320 yards and 2 touchdowns when the Seahawks won in a 48-45 shootout. Expect him to bounce back this week.

Sit ‘Em

Jimmy Garoppolo (@Buf) – Garoppolo is in for a tough afternoon when the Las Vegas Raiders visit the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Buffalo will be looking to put its miserable loss against the Jets behind them and will take out their frustrations on the Raiders. Garoppolo was efficient in the week 1 win against the Broncos but did have 1 interception and 1 fumble. I see him throwing a pair of picks against Buffalo’s defense in week 2.

Running Backs

Start ‘Em

Jahmyr Gibbs (vs. Sea) – Gibbs averaged 6.7 yards per touch in his debut against the Kansas City Chiefs. It was a small sample size as he only had 9 touches in the game but he looked explosive. Expect the Lions to ramp up his usage this week and Gibbs will get his first NFL touchdown against Seattle.

Sit ‘Em

Alexander Mattison (@Phi) – Mattison underwhelmed against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. He averaged just 3.1 yards per touch and if it wasn’t for a late receiving touchdown he would’ve been in the Dud category. Mattison will once again find yards hard to come by when the Vikings visit the Eagles. The Eagles have some concerns in their secondary but the front 7 is as good as it gets.

Wide Receivers

Start ‘Em

George Pickens (vs. Cle) – Pickens was quiet in week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers. He did have 7 targets on the day but was only able to turn that into 36 receptions yards. The Steelers will be without Diontae Johnson for several weeks which means it’s Pickens time to step up. I like the Steelers offense to bounce back this week and Pickens to find the end zone.

Sit ‘Em

Drake London (vs. GB) – London was one of the Duds of week 1 as he was completely shut out on Sunday. He only had 1 target which is concerning for the 2nd year pro expected to take the next step in his trajectory. He now faces a talented Packers secondary and will likely be shadowed by Jaire Alexander all game.

Tight Ends

Start ‘Em

Dallas Goedert (vs. Min) – Goedert was also shut out on Sunday versus a stingy Patriots defense. Don’t panic with Goedert yet as he is still the #1 tight end on the dynamic Eagles offense. I expect Philadelphia to intentionally get Goedert more involved on Thursday night. The last time he faced the Vikings, Goedert had 82 receiving yards on 5 receptions.

Sit ‘Em

Dalton Schultz (vs. Ind) – Schultz was another tight end who disappointed in week 1. The Texans brought in Schultz to be their TE1 but he didn’t look the part on Sunday. He had just 4 receiving yards on 4 targets and wasn’t much of a factor in Houston’s offense. I am sitting Schultz until I see better production.

Start of the Week

Zay Flowers (@ Cin) – Flowers was somebody I was high on all offseason and is my pick for Offensive Rookie of the Year. He did not disappoint in his debut as he hauled in 9 receptions for 78 yards. More importantly, he had 10 targets and also received 2 carries in the backfield. Don’t worry about OBJ taking targets away from Flowers as he looks to be the WR1 for the Ravens going forward.

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The Good

The Seahawks already have a formidable wide receiving corps headlined by D.K. Metcalf. They were only missing one piece and that was a slot receiver. Seattle addressed that need in the 2023 NFL Draft by selecting Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Smith-Njigba is the next great Buckeye receiver and should fit right in on Seattle’s offense. He has exceptional hands and consistently makes tough contested catches. Smith-Njigba’s final season with the Buckeyes was injury plagued and he will have to show that he can stay healthy at this level.

The Bad

Like many other teams we have profiled, the Seattle Seahawks biggest weakness is on the offensive line. Seattle will need its young tackles to show great improvement in order to be successful. Mainly LT Charles Cross struggled down the stretch last year and the hope is he can better handle a long NFL season in year two. Evan Brown will take over the center position after spending last season with the Detroit Lions. The hope is Brown can be the anchor on this young o-line.

The Prediction

I see Seattle as a team that can make a run this year. It should be a head-to-head battle between them and the San Francisco 49ers with the 49ers pulling away late in the season. Keep an eye on rookie Zach Charbonnet as he could eventually take over as the starting running back.

2023 Record: (10-7 2nd in the Division)

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Arizona Cardinals: TE Zach Ertz [ADP: 154.6]

When healthy, Zach Ertz was one of the best TEs in football last season. He was consistently getting double-digit FPs from his looks from Kyler Murray. From Week 11 onwards, he was out for the season due to injury. Now, Arizona will not have Kyler as he tore his ACL so Colt McCoy will take the helm. Without Hopkins, there will be more opportunities for the other receivers. If Ertz can bounce back, he can have a sneaky good year for whoever picks him.

Los Angeles Rams: RB Cam Akers [ADP: 85.8]

The Los Angeles Rams had a disastrous season with multiple injuries and inconsistency hurting the team. With the team in a half-rebuild, one of the people who can lead the team is Cam Akers. He will lead the team in the backfield and end the year strong. He ran for over 100 yards in his last three games and he hopes to build on it the next season. Look for Akers to have a strong year.

San Francisco 49ers: WR Brandon Aiyuk [ADP: 89.9]

Brandon Aiyuk is often forgotten when talking about San Francisco’s offense. He led the team in catches and receiving yards. With the 49ers having a strong offense every year, Aiyuk at this ADP is a steal. He has improved his numbers every year and reached over 1000 receiving yards in 2022. The only uncertainty is the 49ers QB as we still don’t know who will be the man in charge.

Seattle Seahawks: QB Geno Smith [ADP: 52.8]

Geno Smith had a bounce-back season for the ages as he led the Seahawks above all expectations. He threw for 4282 yards and 30 TDs as he brought the team to the playoffs. The Seahawks QB ended the year fifth among all QBs and 13th overall in fantasy football. Now, his ADP is 52.8 or a fourth-round pick. With another year in Seattle and the team drafting Jaxson Smith-Njigba, he looks prime for another great year.

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Arizona Cardinals: How Will They Perform With All The Chaos?

It was a messy season for the Arizona Cardinals, and they are glad it ended. It was leaked that Kyler Murray‘s extension had a “homework clause”. A $230M extension for your star player to watch film definitely made it to all shows and podcasts. Firing HC Kliff Kingsbury after another disappointing end of the season was a move that was expected. The worst thing that happened was Kyler Murray tearing his ACL. Sportsbooks have them winning about four and a half games and a shot at the top pick in the next draft. Having the top overall pick in the next draft could make it very noisy for Kyler’s future. Add in the DeAndre Hopkins rumors and nothing feels right in this organization. A rebuild could come sooner rather than later.

Los Angeles Rams: Is This The Final Season Of Multiple Key Players?

There was a Superbowl hangover for the Rams after they sacrificed their future for a Superbowl ring. There were key injuries to multiple players such as Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp. The offense looked non-existent if you weren’t Kupp as well. They looked slower and older and it felt that a blowup was impending, especially with the lack of assets they had. This offseason showed us this as they waived multiple key players such as Leonard Floyd, Bobby Wagner, and Jalen Ramsay through trade. For a couple of offseasons, Aaron Donald has contemplated retirement. Currently, this team looks very different from the past few seasons. Notable holdovers to mention are Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, and Aaron Donald. It may also sadly be their last year in LA as the Rams might trade them for future assets and begin anew.

San Francisco 49ers: Who Will Be The Starting Quarterback?

Brock Purdy, Trey Lance, and Sam Darnold all hold the key to the future of the 49ers. One of them will be the starting QB and it will affect how the team goes. Purdy had a successful surgery to fix his elbow after injuring it against the Eagles. He was the starter to end last season and he looked perfect for the role. Trey Lance was the Week 1 starter last season but he had a season-ending ankle injury in Week 2. His performance was Incomplete because it was just his first few starts. Sam Darnold has been a disappointment as a former top 3 pick. He has the most experience but I don’t think he’s starting QB material anymore. The 49ers have a difficult choice with everything they have. The right move can put them among the favorites to win the Superbowl. The wrong move will waste another season for this talented team.

Seattle Seahawks: How Far Can Geno Smith Lead This Team?

The Seahawks were the surprise of the season when Geno Smith led the team to the playoffs after many projected them to be the worst team in the division. It wasn’t just Geno that made all the difference. The Seahawks had a draft where multiple rookies played like veterans. Kenneth Walker, Coby Bryant, and Tariq Woolen led the way for the rookies and they all played a major part in Seattle’s rise. Now, they retooled and have a chance to win the division. Signing Devin Bush and Bobby Wagner improved the defense while drafting Jaxson Smith-Njigba gives them an elite WR trio. If Geno can even play better than last year, Seattle is a team to watch out for in the NFC.

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