NFL News

[jaadam4]

Call it what you’d like but I think this was some bs of a block during a preC game. I hope Hutch is sitting this weekend.

[Forsh]

That would've been a bs block during the Super Bowl

[TheLondonLion]

Nothing unusual about it other than the way Thibodeaux played it. Happens on most outside zone run plays.

[Cody_Russell]

Glad to see Thibs is ok. MCL sprain and out 3-4 weeks. That’s probably best case scenario based on how it initially looked.

[Futureshock]

Well, you have to protect yourself. A hard lesson to earn.

But yeah, that was a little dirty. Guys that aren't good blockers will do low like that. T Moss is mostly a catching TE that is challenged in run blocking. But, you could end a guys career like that too. He better not try that with the wrong guy.

[jaadam4]

I thought it was terrible. He was in good position to body him up instead of a shitty speed bump special. That’s a shit way to start what could be a special players career

[Futureshock]

I thought it was terrible. He was in good position to body him up instead of a shitty speed bump special. That’s a shit way to start what could be a special players career

Then he doubled down by holding his leg and rolling a bit

[Futureshock]

But why would they want to leak this while they still have him? This could only serve to deflate his trade value.

Some people are just hard wired that way. They hate rejection in any form. Even if it is counter productive to themselves.

[Futureshock]

Amazon, DirectTV reach deal to show Thursday Night Football in bars, restaurants

Posted by Josh Alper on August 23, 2022, 8:00 AM EDT

Getty Images

Thursday Night Football‘s move to Amazon for the 2022 season represents a major move into streaming for the NFL and it represented a problem for many bars and restaurants who are used to showing the games via more traditional means.

That led to talks between Amazon and DirectTV about an agreement that would allow DirectTV, which has more than 300,000 commercial clients, to distribute games to outlets. Word early this month was that they were close to an agreement and Tuesday brings word that they have reached one.

John Ourand of Sports Business Journal reports the deal will be in place for this Thursday’s preseason game between the 49ers and Texans.

“We are one-stop shopping for sports looking to get into commercial establishments given our distribution, and Amazon recognized that,” DirecTV Chief Content Officer Rob Thun said. “It frees Amazon up to focus on production and delivering it to their Prime customers. We can deliver Thursday Night Football to our commercial customers. It’s a good fit.”

With the rights to Sunday Ticket heading to a streamer for the 2023 season, DirectTV will likely be looking to make a deal with the winning bidder in order to continue delivering the product to their commercial clients.

[Futureshock]

Baker Mayfield: Facing Browns will mean something, but I’m focused on improving

Posted by Josh Alper on August 22, 2022, 6:53 PM EDT

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Signs have pointed to Baker Mayfield starting at quarterback for the Panthers since he arrived with the team in a trade with the Browns and that meant there was a strong possibility that he’d be facing his former team in his first game with the new one.

Barring injury, that prospect went from possibility to inevitability on Monday because the Panthers named Mayfield the winner of his quarterback competition with Sam Darnold. After Mayfield complimented Darnold’s professionalism and called him a “great guy” at a press conference, attention shifted to his opportunity to play against the team that drafted him first overall in 2018.

Mayfield didn’t deny that playing the Browns means more than playing any other team, but said that his focus is on continuing to master the Panthers offense ahead of September 11.

“Obviously, there’s a lot of attachment there,” Mayfield said. “Like I told you guys at Wofford. I’m not gonna sit here and be a robot and say that it doesn’t mean anything. It will. But right now all that matters is me continuing to improve until this regular season starts.”

Mayfield would likely be a little extra amped up for his first chance to make a strong impression as a Panther against any opponent. The fact that it’s coming against a Browns team missing the quarterback they chose over Mayfield will only make it easier for him to find the right level of motivation.

[Futureshock]

I'd feel more comfortable with him as our #4 rb then Jefferson, Jackson or Iggie-we-bickie... But no big deal I guess


Raiders plan to release Kenyan Drake

Posted by Myles Simmons on August 22, 2022, 4:28 PM EDT

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If a team out there has any interest in trading for running back Kenyan Drake, now is the time to pick up the phone.

According to multiple reports, the Raiders intend to release Drake.

That wording is key because the transaction doesn’t have to go through until Tuesday. So if the Raiders find a trade partner before 4 p.m. ET, then that team won’t have to contend with others for Drake’s services on the open market.

Drake suffered a broken ankle last December but has been an active participant during Las Vegas’ training camp. He’s taken carries in each of the Raiders’ three preseason games so far, totaling 30 yards on 12 attempts. He’s also caught five passes for 27 yards.

The Raiders gave Drake a two-year deal worth up to $14.5 million with $11 million guaranteed in the 2021 offseason. As noted by Mike Garafolo of NFL Media, Drake received $5.5 million in the spring and is owed $2.5 million more guaranteed in the coming season.

But with Drake getting that contract from Las Vegas’ previous regime led by head coach Jon Gruden and G.M. Mike Mayock, the new brass decided it was time to move on.

Drake finished with 545 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns last season. In 2020 with Arizona, he had 955 yards rushing and 10 rushing touchdowns.

[Futureshock]

Uh oh


Tony Buzbee to represent victim of alleged assault involving Alvin Kamara

Posted by Mike Florio on August 22, 2022, 4:21 PM EDT

Getty Images

Saints running back Alvin Kamara is bracing for an eventual six-game suspension and, more immediately, a lawsuit. The lawsuit officially is on the way.

Tony Buzbee, who represented 23 women who settled with Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson and who continues to represent the one woman who yet to resolve her case, has announced that he’ll be representing the man who was allegedly beaten by Kamara and others on Pro Bowl weekend in Las Vegas.

“Darnell Greene, the victim viciously assaulted while attempting to enter an elevator at The Cromwell Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas in February 2022, by New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara, Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Chris Lammons, and others, has retained attorney Tony Buzbee and The Buzbee Law Firm, of Houston, Texas, to assist in the investigation and to pursue legal claims,” Buzbee’s firm said in a statement.

“Currently, the authorities in Las Vegas are considering charges against Kamara and the others who took part in the brutal beating. The Buzbee Law Firm is actively collecting information regarding the assault, and has asked that all witnesses who have information to come forward. It has been reported that the assault was caught on security camera.”

Kamara already faces felony battery charges.

“The attack on Mr. Greene was unprovoked and extremely violent,” Buzbee said. “We call on the appropriate authorities to exact swift punishment against all parties involved in the attack. We also encourage the NFL to take immediate action. As appropriate, we will make Mr. Greene available to the authorities and the NFL, to the extent they wish to speak with him.”

Buzbee’s firm said a lawsuit is being prepared. Greene allegedly suffered spina injuries and a “severe traumatic brain injury.” He is, per the release, “still recuperating and is undergoing active medical treatment in Houston, Texas.”

The NFL told PFT last week that it continues to monitor the situation, but that there is no change in Kamara’s status.

[Futureshock]

Call it what you’d like but I think this was some bs of a block during a preC game. I hope Hutch is sitting this weekend.

Brian Daboll on Thaddeus Moss’ low block: It’s a tough block, but that’s the rules

Posted by Charean Williams on August 22, 2022, 4:17 PM EDT

USA TODAY Sports

Thaddeus Moss‘ cut block that injured No. 5 overall pick Kayvon Thibodeaux has sparked debate. Was it “dirty?” Even former NFL players can’t seem to agree, arguing about the block on social media.

The one certainty is: It was a legal block by the Bengals tight end. He was not flagged. He will not be fined.

The NFL’s rulebook prohibits blocks below the waist with a few exceptions, including, “by players of either team during a scrimmage down prior to a change of possession unless the contact occurs in the tight end box.” The tight end box is defined as the area 2 yards outside of the normal tackle position and extends 5 yards on either side of the line of scrimmage.

Giants coach Brian Daboll acknowledged Thibodeaux’s block was within the rules and something his team also does.

“We’ll that’s the rules,” Daboll said after Sunday’s game. “If they allow it. . . . We do it as well with tight ends and full backs going back to the line of scrimmage. So, (you’ve) got to do a good job of playing it. It’s a tough block. But whatever the rules are, those are the rules.”

It looked worse than it turned out as Thibodeaux sprained his MCL and has a chance to return in time for the season opener.

Thibodeaux did not appear to see the block quickly enough or react to it with his hands, leaving him in an awkward position. He took the hit in his lower legs.

Daboll was asked about the block again Monday.

“Yeah those are tough blocks, the blocks that are coming from across the line of scrimmage within the tackle box,” Daboll said. You’ve got to see it, and then you’ve got to do a great job of trying to play it with your hands. It’s unfortunate that KT went down, but that’s part of the game.”

[chemiclord]

Those sort of blocks really just need to go entirely. If you're not strong enough to square up with a guy on a block, then you need to get off the field or the coach that's putting you in a position to be trucked should be fired for his idiocy.

[jaadam4]

Uh oh


Tony Buzbee to represent victim of alleged assault involving Alvin Kamara

Posted by Mike Florio on August 22, 2022, 4:21 PM EDT

Getty Images

Saints running back Alvin Kamara is bracing for an eventual six-game suspension and, more immediately, a lawsuit. The lawsuit officially is on the way.

Tony Buzbee, who represented 23 women who settled with Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson and who continues to represent the one woman who yet to resolve her case, has announced that he’ll be representing the man who was allegedly beaten by Kamara and others on Pro Bowl weekend in Las Vegas.

“Darnell Greene, the victim viciously assaulted while attempting to enter an elevator at The Cromwell Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas in February 2022, by New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara, Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Chris Lammons, and others, has retained attorney Tony Buzbee and The Buzbee Law Firm, of Houston, Texas, to assist in the investigation and to pursue legal claims,” Buzbee’s firm said in a statement.

“Currently, the authorities in Las Vegas are considering charges against Kamara and the others who took part in the brutal beating. The Buzbee Law Firm is actively collecting information regarding the assault, and has asked that all witnesses who have information to come forward. It has been reported that the assault was caught on security camera.”

Kamara already faces felony battery charges.

“The attack on Mr. Greene was unprovoked and extremely violent,” Buzbee said. “We call on the appropriate authorities to exact swift punishment against all parties involved in the attack. We also encourage the NFL to take immediate action. As appropriate, we will make Mr. Greene available to the authorities and the NFL, to the extent they wish to speak with him.”

Buzbee’s firm said a lawsuit is being prepared. Greene allegedly suffered spina injuries and a “severe traumatic brain injury.” He is, per the release, “still recuperating and is undergoing active medical treatment in Houston, Texas.”

The NFL told PFT last week that it continues to monitor the situation, but that there is no change in Kamara’s status.

holy shit that’s pretty hectic