NFL News

[froot loops]

He has been there for 15 years, they need to shorten their time horizon. The problem with their long term view is you only get so many no doubt Hall of Fame quarterbacks.

[Futureshock]

We could have use him.

Jaguars believe the trade for Calvin Ridley will make receiver room “stronger”

Posted by Charean Williams on November 2, 2022, 10:47 PM EDT

Getty Images

The Jaguars can talk about being focused on this season all they want, but at 2-6, the rest of this season is about the future. That’s why the Jaguars took a flier on Calvin Ridley.

Jacksonville acquired Ridley for two conditional draft selections. It was a no-risk, high-reward deal for a player suspended through at least this season for betting on games during the 2021 season.

“We feel like we’re getting a really good football player and adding to an already good room,” Jaguars coach Doug Pederson said Wednesday, via John Oehser of the team website. “He adds to the guys we have. We just made that room stronger. We’re excited to have the player when we do get him and [excited to] welcome him in here when we do get him.”

In his last full season of 2020, Ridley caught 90 passes for 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns.

“You’re always trying to better the football team,” General Manager Trent Baalke said. “We felt this was an opportunity to do it and the timing was right. It doesn’t take anything away from this season or what we’re trying to accomplish this year. Our focus is right here, right now.

“We did our due diligence. We’re confident in the work we did. We feel very good about the decision to trade for Calvin.”

[Futureshock]

He has been there for 15 years, they need to shorten their time horizon. The problem with their long term view is you only get so many no doubt Hall of Fame quarterbacks.

Skewed because they had 2 back to back. A lot of those guys can't remember the Majik man.

[chemiclord]

The Packers are run pretty much exactly how a lot of "The QB is the only guy that matters" advocates want the Lions to be run. They (and the Packers front office it appears) seem to neglect to notice that the Packers have stumbled literally every year they didn't have a loaded team to help Rodgers win games against other playoff-caliber teams. They are so fixated on looking 5 years ahead that they never focus on the window open right in front of them.

[Futureshock]

Nothing like facing that CDD huh Tua?

Tua Tagovailoa proves that he hasn’t ignored the noise

Posted by Mike Florio on November 2, 2022, 10:16 PM EDT

Getty Images

Pro athletes love to claim that they ignore the noise. And yet, somehow, they remain keenly aware of it.

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has claimed in the past that he doesn’t listen to the opinions of outsiders. The simple truth is that he does.

Tua proved it on Wednesday, when he was asked by reporters where he has grown the most, and where he’d like to grow in the second half of the season.

“Well, I think I’ve grown a lot with the deep balls, huh? Don’t we think?” Tua said. “That was probably a subtle jab, but it was a jab.So I would say the deep ball, and then I can continue to get better on the deep ball.”

He definitely can. On multiple occasions, Tua has underthrown the deep ball to receiver Tyreek Hill, whose presence has made the deep ball a much more viable component of Tua’s repertoire.

Tua has played incredibly well, there’s no denying that. The Dolphins still have plenty of work to do, however, to get to where they want to be.

“I think throughout OTAs and throughout training camp, we could see the potential that we had as a team offensively and defensively, and we’re not afraid to talk about Super Bowls here” Tua said. “We’re not afraid to talk about going to a playoff game, having an opportunity to go to one and then hopefully winning one.”

While it may be hard to win the division, the Dolphins remain squarely in the mix for a playoff berth. And they have an offense that is good enough to beat anyone.

[Futureshock]

Report: U.S. Attorney in Virginia has opened criminal investigation of Commanders

Posted by Mike Florio on November 2, 2022, 8:47 PM EDT

Getty Images

As a buyout possible looms for Commanders owner Daniel Snyder, a perp walk remains theoretically possible.

Don Van Natta Jr. of ESPN.com reports that the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia has launched a criminal investigation regarding allegations that the team engaged in financial improprieties. The probe centers on several issues, and it was sparked by the letter sent in April by the House Oversight Committee to the Federal Trade Commission regarding allegedly deceptive business practices.

“It is not surprising that ESPN is publishing more falsehoods based solely on anonymous sources — given today’s announcement,” Commanders outside counsel John Brownlee said in a statement issued to ESPN. “We are confident that, after these agencies have had a chance to review the documents and complete their work, they will come to the same conclusion as the team’s internal review — that these allegations are simply untrue.”

In an interview last Thursday with #PFTPM, Brownlee didn’t rule out potential litigation against ESPN regarding the contents of a lengthy report from 20 days ago suggesting, among other things, that Snyder has gathered “dirt” on other owners and Commissioner Roger Goodell as a shield against being forced to sell the team.

The Oversight Committee accused the Commanders of withholding ticket revenue from the NFL’s visiting-team pool, and of failing to refund security deposits made by season-ticket holders.

Currently, the Commanders and Snyder are being investigated by the league, the Oversight Committee, multiple state attorneys general, and now the federal prosecutor in Eastern Virginia. It’s unclear whether there’s fire at the bottom of the smoke, but there’s plenty of smoke.

[Futureshock]

He made punting look cool

Hall of Fame punter Ray Guy dies at 72

Posted by Michael David Smith on November 3, 2022, 11:44 AM EDT
Getty Images

Ray Guy, the only pure punter in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, has died at the age of 72.

The Raiders selected Guy out of Southern Miss in the first round of the 1973 NFL draft, making him the first punter ever drafted in the first round. Guy would go on to spend 14 seasons with the Raiders, and be chosen first-team All-Pro six times.

Guy’s punting was at times so good that it drove opposing coaches crazy: In 1977, Houston Oilers coach Bum Phillips suspected Guy of filling footballs with helium to improve his hang time, and so he and Oilers punt returner Billy “White Shoes” Johnson agreed that after a punt return, Johnson would hold onto the football and give it to the Oilers’ equipment manager, who brought it to Rice University to have it analyzed. The subsequent testing cleared Guy of wrongdoing.

Guy was selected to seven Pro Bowls, and during the 1976 game, held at the Superdome in New Orleans, he made one of his most memorable plays: A punt that went so high it hit a video screen 90 feet above the field.

Hall of Fame coach John Madden, who was the Raiders’ head coach when they drafted Guy and for Guy’s first six seasons, said of Guy, “He was one of our most valuable players in all those years with the Raiders.”

Guy is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame, he was chosen to the NFL’s 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, his number was retired by Southern Miss, and the award that goes to the best punter in college football is called the Ray Guy Award.

[Mainevent]

We could have use him.

Jaguars believe the trade for Calvin Ridley will make receiver room “stronger”

Posted by Charean Williams on November 2, 2022, 10:47 PM EDT

Getty Images

The Jaguars can talk about being focused on this season all they want, but at 2-6, the rest of this season is about the future. That’s why the Jaguars took a flier on Calvin Ridley.

Jacksonville acquired Ridley for two conditional draft selections. It was a no-risk, high-reward deal for a player suspended through at least this season for betting on games during the 2021 season.

“We feel like we’re getting a really good football player and adding to an already good room,” Jaguars coach Doug Pederson said Wednesday, via John Oehser of the team website. “He adds to the guys we have. We just made that room stronger. We’re excited to have the player when we do get him and [excited to] welcome him in here when we do get him.”

In his last full season of 2020, Ridley caught 90 passes for 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns.

“You’re always trying to better the football team,” General Manager Trent Baalke said. “We felt this was an opportunity to do it and the timing was right. It doesn’t take anything away from this season or what we’re trying to accomplish this year. Our focus is right here, right now.

“We did our due diligence. We’re confident in the work we did. We feel very good about the decision to trade for Calvin.”

Definitely a bit of a gamble. Really betting on Ridley.

[Futureshock]

Definitely a bit of a gamble. Really betting on Ridley.

I didn't know this was going on...


CALVIN RIDLEYWR, ATLANTA FALCONS
ESPN reports a prosecutor has brought charges against an Atlanta-area "violent street gang" that has targeted Calvin Ridley's home.


Ridley is reportedly among a group of pro athletes and Atlanta-area entertainers whose homes have been the target of the gang. Pop star Mariah Carey, Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan, and Marlo Hampton of "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" all had their homes broken into, the indictment says. Among the crimes detailed in the indictment: Carjacking, kidnapping, armed robbery, shootings, and home invasions. Ridley, 27, is serving an indefinite suspension from the NFL for gambling on NFL games last year.

SOURCE: ESPN.com

But he got caught gambling. Of which a vast number of players play Fantasy Football and there's not much discernable difference there. I don't see a lot of gamble aside from his age. As it is, he would have been a better get then Chark.

Pun aside

[Futureshock]

Report: Pressure from other owners forced Daniel Snyder’s hand

Posted by Mike Florio on November 3, 2022, 10:52 PM EDT

Getty Images

Plenty of theories have emerged in the aftermath of Wednesday’s stunning announcement by the Commanders that ownership is looking for a buyer. A new report ties the decision to one very simple dynamic.

Dan Snyder’s peers are telling him it’s time to go, and he’s apparently listening.

According to Ben Fischer of Sports Business Journal, multiple owners “have confronted” Snyder privately in recent weeks regarding the question of whether he should cash out and move on. Even more, per the report, have told Commissioner Roger Goodell “that something must give.”

Wednesday’s news came from the “growing consensus” that it’s time.

It’s surprising that Snyder is willing to listen. He had seemed to be determined to refuse to sell, and to embrace the reality that a protracted legal fight would be required to get him to go away. Obviously, something has registered for him in recent days.

There has been speculation that Snyder has a broader strategy in mind, that perhaps he put the team on the market to reduce the pressure that has continuously been mounting for months. The flaw in this thinking is that Wednesday’s move prompted widespread jubilation from Commanders fans regarding the possibility that the franchise will be saved by the prospect of new management.

At this point, it will be incredibly difficult for Snyder to retreat to an all-caps-never refusal to sell. While nothing stops him from changing his mind, it would spark an even stronger outcry from those who have had a chance to envision a not-too-distant future that entails someone/anyone other than Snyder in control of what once was, and what should be, one of the NFL’s flagship franchises.

And so it appears that Snyder’s original investment of $750 million in 1999 will result in $5 billion or more, allowing him to fade into oblivion and enjoy the remainder of his days without being the target of so much animosity, derision, and flat-out hatred.

Thus, while it won’t be over until the paperwork has been signed and the money has been wired, it seems to be moving in that direction. Which is absolutely the right outcome — for everyone except those owners who enjoyed competing for championships without the Commanders ever being a factor.

[jaadam4]

The Packers and Rodgers are like a bitter married couple that can't divorce, so it is all passive aggressive nonsense from both sides. The Packers are blowing it. You notice the Chiefs keeps on supplying Mahomes with weapons.

That’s about right. They don’t have to trade for anyone but I can’t understand the reasoning as to why they never spend 1st round picks for WR help.

I’ve been laughing at them for years on this. Having a balanced team is great but you have one of the best QBs to play the game. Get him weaponz

[Futureshock]

That’s about right. They don’t have to trade for anyone but I can’t understand the reasoning as to why they never spend 1st round picks for WR help.

I’ve been laughing at them for years on this. Having a balanced team is great but you have one of the best QBs to play the game. Get him weaponz

But honestly, Christian Watson was seen as a first round talent last year and they managed to get him in the second.

Rodgers wants known FA type guys. THAT are on page with him.

But, the real issue is a big part of Rodgers' success is playing in the same system all these years. Even amongst different coaches or OCs, they have the same plays with new wrinkles sprinkled in. When they had the WRs that were there for years they had the timing down and when to expect the ball based on the coverage. NOW, that advantage is gone and his most tenured receiver is the Lizard. They have WRs. They just aren't on page with Rodgers.

[edindetroit]

Report: Pressure from other owners forced Daniel Snyder’s hand

Posted by Mike Florio on November 3, 2022, 10:52 PM EDT

Getty Images

Plenty of theories have emerged in the aftermath of Wednesday’s stunning announcement by the Commanders that ownership is looking for a buyer. A new report ties the decision to one very simple dynamic.

Dan Snyder’s peers are telling him it’s time to go, and he’s apparently listening.

According to Ben Fischer of Sports Business Journal, multiple owners “have confronted” Snyder privately in recent weeks regarding the question of whether he should cash out and move on. Even more, per the report, have told Commissioner Roger Goodell “that something must give.”

Wednesday’s news came from the “growing consensus” that it’s time.

It’s surprising that Snyder is willing to listen. He had seemed to be determined to refuse to sell, and to embrace the reality that a protracted legal fight would be required to get him to go away. Obviously, something has registered for him in recent days.

There has been speculation that Snyder has a broader strategy in mind, that perhaps he put the team on the market to reduce the pressure that has continuously been mounting for months. The flaw in this thinking is that Wednesday’s move prompted widespread jubilation from Commanders fans regarding the possibility that the franchise will be saved by the prospect of new management.

At this point, it will be incredibly difficult for Snyder to retreat to an all-caps-never refusal to sell. While nothing stops him from changing his mind, it would spark an even stronger outcry from those who have had a chance to envision a not-too-distant future that entails someone/anyone other than Snyder in control of what once was, and what should be, one of the NFL’s flagship franchises.

And so it appears that Snyder’s original investment of $750 million in 1999 will result in $5 billion or more, allowing him to fade into oblivion and enjoy the remainder of his days without being the target of so much animosity, derision, and flat-out hatred.

Thus, while it won’t be over until the paperwork has been signed and the money has been wired, it seems to be moving in that direction. Which is absolutely the right outcome — for everyone except those owners who enjoyed competing for championships without the Commanders ever being a factor.

Ford family next please.

[chemiclord]

Perhaps sadly, the Ford family has successfully detached themselves from Henry Ford's legacy and Nazi sympathies, otherwise that might have been an avenue to push.

[JGSpartan]

As far as Ridley is concerned I think the league wanted to make an example put of him to get ahead of gambling before it became an ethical problem of players/coaches altering outcomes. Which obviously would be a problem. I personally don't see an issue with betting on your team to win though since that's the goal of the game anyway.