Jeremy Fowler
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Jeremy Fowler
senior NFL nationwide reporter
Jeremy Fowler is a senior nationwide NFL author for ESPN, masking your entire league together with breaking information. Jeremy additionally contributes to SportsCenter each as a studio analyst and a sideline reporter masking for NFL video games. He’s an Orlando, Florida native who joined ESPN in 2014 after masking school soccer for CBSSports.com.
Dan Graziano
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Dan Graziano
senior NFL nationwide reporter
Dan Graziano is a senior NFL nationwide reporter for ESPN, masking your entire league and breaking information. Dan additionally contributes to Get Up, NFL Reside, SportsCenter, ESPN Radio, Sunday NFL Countdown and Fantasy Soccer Now. He’s a New Jersey native who joined ESPN in 2011, and he’s additionally the writer of two revealed novels.
Nov 19, 2025, 06:15 AM ET
This week, they bought the most recent intel on whether or not we must always count on quarterbacks Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels to get again on the sector and assist their groups down the stretch. Burrow has been out since Week 2 due to a toe damage, and Daniels went down due to a left elbow damage in Week 9. Plus, Jeremy and Dan checked in on the Vikings’ quarterback state of affairs, the place J.J. McCarthy has struggled by his first 5 begins. Is Minnesota apprehensive about his progress?
Moreover, we’ve the most recent on the pinnacle teaching carousel. The Titans and Giants already made adjustments, however who else is on the recent seat with seven weeks left within the season? And who’re the most well liked names to observe as potential candidates for interviews? It’s all right here, as our nationwide reporters reply massive questions and empty their notebooks heading into Week 12.
Bounce to:Will Burrow, Daniels return?Is Minnesota involved about McCarthy?Which coaches are on the recent seat?Who’re the highest teaching candidates?Extra notes on Week 12
What are you listening to on potential returns for Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels this season?
Graziano: The Bengals plan to provide Burrow extra work in follow this week than he bought final week. He has stated he’s focusing on the Thanksgiving Day sport towards the Ravens, which is in fact subsequent Thursday. Plenty of the reply right here will rely on how his toe responds to the work he’s getting in follow. However from what I’ve been advised, up to now, so good. If he doesn’t make it again for Thanksgiving, the Bengals would nonetheless have a few extra days after that left on his 21-day follow window to activate him for the Week 14 sport in Buffalo.
Fowler: What seems clear is that Burrow needs to play soccer, workforce report be damned. Whether or not he truly performs stays to be seen — the workforce could have one thing to say about that — however he’s of that mindset proper now. The AFC North has left the door barely open for the 3-7 Bengals if they’ll by some means improve their protection to satisfactory. Stranger issues have occurred than Cincinnati making a run, particularly because it has the offense to drag it off.
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Graziano: I count on him to play as quickly as he’s cleared. The Bengals are going to remorse blowing these fourth-quarter leads towards the Jets and Bears in Weeks 8 and 9, respectively, as a result of they might be 5-5 and one sport out of first place of their division. I nonetheless count on them to get him again on the sector, as a result of this teaching workers would possibly must win some video games to really feel absolutely comfy about conserving jobs. And this workforce anticipated big issues out of this season. I don’t count on the Bengals to white-flag it till the maths says they’re completed.
Fowler: Burrow produces at an elite stage when wholesome however has additionally missed vital parts of three totally different seasons since 2020. So returning to play — even when the playoffs are out of attain — might assist construct confidence and momentum for each the participant and workforce. Perhaps the Bengals choose to avoid wasting him for 2026, however I might see him enjoying this season. With Cincinnati in peril of a 3rd consecutive season with no playoff berth, coach Zac Taylor would welcome Burrow’s return. In any case, the Bengals’ group might be taking a tough have a look at the operation within the offseason as a hopeful season turns bitter. With proprietor Mike Brown turning 90 in August, count on government vp Katie Blackburn to play a pivotal function within the route of the franchise.
Graziano: As for Daniels, the Commanders have a bye this week and can look at all the things. They’ve misplaced six video games in a row to drop to 3-8 in what seemed like a promising season, and there was exterior debate about whether or not it is smart to deliver again Daniels in any respect this season. From what I’ve been advised, the plan in Washington continues to be that Daniels will return to the beginning lineup as soon as medical doctors clear him from his elbow damage.
Fowler: Washington’s state of affairs with Daniels is extra sophisticated from my view. Sources have maintained that whereas Daniels might return as rapidly as three weeks from the incidence of the damage (so, Week 13 vs. Denver), the workforce has loosely braced for an absence of 5 to 6 weeks simply in case. That tells me that shutting him down stays a risk, primarily based on his sturdiness this season (three separate accidents) and the workforce’s present standing. Large-picture talks about how one can proceed will play out over the approaching days and supply readability come what may.
Graziano: I’m fairly certain the way in which this season has unfolded has thrown the Commanders for a loop. They didn’t see a 3-8 report coming. So this bye week provides an opportunity to reset and make some longer-lens selections with out having to arrange for a sport. Daniels will foyer to get again on the sector as quickly as he can, and the truth that the damage he’s coping with proper now isn’t to his legs or his throwing arm definitely provides grounds for encouragement.
What’s the excitement on J.J. McCarthy by 5 begins? Are the Vikings involved?
Fowler: The accuracy is a priority. There’s no hiding from that. Balls are crusing, and that impacts your entire offense. McCarthy must hit the layups. The Vikings can be working to assist him discover extra consistency as a thrower. From a developmental standpoint, the workforce nonetheless believes in his work ethic and ability set — he’s “made of the right stuff,” as coach Kevin O’Connell stated Monday. Minnesota actually has no alternative however to work by this and assist McCarthy handle the rising pains. Carson Wentz underwent season-ending shoulder surgical procedure, and Max Brosmer has potential however is an undrafted free agent. Maybe Brosmer would get a shot if McCarthy had been a middle-round decide, however I simply don’t see that taking place within the brief time period.
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ESPN’s Kevin Seifert put it greatest Monday: The Vikings’ two objectives — competing for championships and growing a younger quarterback — are cannibalizing one another.
Graziano: They certain are, as Kevin lays out properly, and you may see a few of the frustration from the opposite gamers on the offense. Justin Jefferson slamming his helmet on the sideline isn’t one thing you see fairly often. I feel that’s an enormous a part of the priority the Vikings have — conserving all the things collectively round McCarthy as he endures the rising pains. I don’t imagine they’ve critically thought of going to Brosmer, who as you talked about in all probability wants much more seasoning than McCarthy. The Wentz damage has actually disadvantaged them of any severe various even when they needed to take a seat McCarthy to let him catch his breath.
And I agree that Minnesota nonetheless does imagine in him, and it factors to his fourth-quarter efforts within the video games towards the Bears as proof that he has the proper of stuff in him. However he’s clearly lacking too many throws and by approach an excessive amount of. A scout with one other workforce advised me this week that McCarthy’s throwing at just one velocity — all fastballs — and attributed that to making an attempt to be the hero in a state of affairs the place he is aware of his workforce is relying on him to assist it win. The final sense I get from contained in the Vikings’ constructing and out is that he simply wants time and reps. The issue is, as Kevin writes, the plan was to compete this 12 months whereas McCarthy ramped up, and his sluggish growth is conserving them from doing so.
Fowler: Most NFL storylines pale compared to the Vikings’ current quarterback journey. They may have had a variation of Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones and Aaron Rodgers quarterbacking the workforce. These passers are a mixed 21-9 on the season. The Vikings’ considering — which is usually right when a rookie quarterback is on the books — is to load up the roster with assist on each side of the ball, hoping to contend for a Tremendous Bowl with the starter on a rookie-scale deal. In consequence, the Vikings lead the league with a $344.9 million payroll. However all of that is contingent on the younger quarterback displaying progress. Proper now, Minnesota has the subsequent seven video games to money in on that funding — or probably pivot to a brand new plan.
Graziano: That’s my query, trying forward. The schedule eases out a bit and McCarthy ought to have an opportunity to indicate enchancment over the ultimate seven weeks of the season (and past, in the event that they rebound and make the playoffs). But when he doesn’t, what do they do within the offseason? Usher in a veteran mentor? Usher in a veteran for competitors, the way in which the Colts did with Jones for a struggling Anthony Richardson Sr. this previous offseason? Look to draft a possible substitute?
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Wealthy Eisen: J.J. McCarthy seemed terrible at occasions vs. Bears
Wealthy Eisen evaluates the professionals and cons of J.J. McCarthy’s efficiency in a loss to the Bears
The Vikings’ quarterback plan subsequent spring will inform us all the things we have to find out about the place they are surely with McCarthy, who, once more, nonetheless has greater than one-third of a season to indicate the workforce that it was proper to place its religion in him.
Which coach has the most well liked seat in the intervening time?
Graziano: The standard disclaimer applies right here. Plenty of the “hot seat” hypothesis this time of 12 months is from different folks across the league monitoring these conditions, and ultimately, not many individuals know what the workforce house owners will resolve to do. That stated, the workforce proprietor in Atlanta was anticipating the Falcons to be aggressive this season, and they don’t seem to be, so that you do surprise about the potential for a change there despite the fact that Raheem Morris is a private favourite of Arthur Clean and in solely his second season because the Falcons’ head coach.
Folks I discuss to are also watching the state of affairs in Cincinnati with Taylor, and probably Cleveland with Kevin Stefanski (who I feel could be a candidate elsewhere if the Browns had been to resolve to let him go). The simple reply a number of weeks in the past would have been Mike McDaniel, however he survived the firing of GM Chris Grier, and the Dolphins are enjoying onerous for him. Do you get the sense McDaniel can nonetheless salvage his job?
Fowler: I do. I wouldn’t name it seemingly, however in my thoughts, there’s a believable state of affairs the place he sticks in Miami. The workforce is coming off back-to-back wins and the vibe appears to be good. The Dolphins are responding to McDaniel greater than they’re tuning him out, which gamers will do when the message grows stale. And as one NFL government put it in a dialog lately: When you’re searching for an offense-minded candidate, McDaniel continues to be higher than most from this cycle’s pool, which is taken into account weaker. So, whereas cleansing home feels solely potential, McDaniel is not less than making issues fascinating.
Graziano: Another level on McDaniel. He did one thing like this final season, when the workforce began 2-6 after which gained six of its subsequent eight to claw again onto the perimeters of the playoff race. He would possibly nonetheless find yourself gone, however he has made the case that he can maintain onto the locker room even when issues are going badly, and that claims one thing about him that possession will certainly think about when making its determination.
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Fowler: Arizona’s Jonathan Gannon can be on the radar of individuals within the league who observe such issues, although opinions are break up on whether or not Cardinals proprietor Michael Bidwill will take motion. The Cardinals are clearly the odd workforce out in a loaded NFC West. Bidwill can’t be thrilled with that actuality. However the notion of paying Gannon and Kyler Murray massive cash to go away (Murray has almost $40 million in 2026 ensures on the books) can’t be attractive, both. Gannon is 15-29 in the course of 12 months 3, however he additionally hasn’t been capable of hand-pick a younger quarterback to groom.
Graziano: Agreed, however the sense I get on that one is that Cardinals possession appears more likely to keep on with Gannon and GM Monti Ossenfort and allow them to decide that QB. (They inherited Murray.) The way in which Jacoby Brissett is performing in Drew Petzing’s offense provides the workforce motive to imagine the construction is comparatively sound and that extra dependable QB play might unlock some issues. After all, in addition to Brissett is enjoying, the Cardinals have nonetheless misplaced seven of their previous eight video games, and generally the report will get unhealthy sufficient that the workforce feels it has to make a change.
What do you concentrate on a few first-year head coaches who’re struggling? I don’t assume the Jets will dump Aaron Glenn after one 12 months, irrespective of how rocky issues get. However Pete Carroll solely bought a three-year contract in Las Vegas. You assume there’s any probability of a one-and-done with any of the hires from this previous offseason?
Fowler: Agreed on Glenn. Carroll is a reputation to observe as a result of the Raiders are clearly in rebuilding mode from a roster/expertise standpoint. At 74, he’s in it to win now and to show that he’s able to turning round a corporation. These plans aren’t meshing. I don’t essentially see him strolling away, although he’s clearly not getting what he signed up for in January. So, a query of whether or not the Raiders ought to reset and proceed the rebuild with one other coach is value asking. Not less than the Raiders have pillars similar to Brock Bowers, Maxx Crosby and Ashton Jeanty for a hopeful turnaround in 2026.
Both approach, one thing has to alter with the offense and playcaller Chip Kelly, whose identify might floor for faculty jobs once more. The Thirtieth-ranked offense is a tricky watch, particularly when it entails the act of handing off the ball.
Who’s the most well liked identify on the pinnacle teaching market proper now?
Fowler: This cycle feels totally different than the previous one, which featured two clear-cut standouts in Ben Johnson and Mike Vrabel. These two rapidly rotated Chicago and New England, respectively. This cycle is way extra extensive open.
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The group of “formers” — coordinators with head teaching expertise — can be an element. Vance Joseph’s protection in Denver would possibly break the NFL report for sacks in a single season, and he has ties to Miami and Cincinnati if these jobs come open. From the defensive facet, San Francisco’s Robert Saleh and Minnesota’s Brian Flores had been heavy on final offseason’s circuit, and Inexperienced Bay’s Jeff Hafley — a Boston School head coach for 4 seasons — has impressed in two seasons with the Packers. On offense, Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy (has connections in Tennessee), former Cowboys/Packers coach Mike McCarthy, Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury (much less momentum than final time round however groups are nonetheless intrigued) and Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith might get seems.
Graziano: I feel the offensive coordinator names to observe are Joe Brady (Payments), Smith, Nagy and possibly Kingsbury, although Washington’s season has gone off the rails and that would dampen curiosity from groups in him. In any other case, the OC pool has sort of thinned out in recent times, as so a lot of them have gotten head coach jobs and been fired inside two or three years. I’m curious to see how Mike Kafka does the remainder of the way in which with the Giants. He has been a finalist in Arizona and Seattle in recent times, and I feel he’ll get a reliable look from the Giants.
However there aren’t a ton of locations proper now the place a playcalling offensive coordinator — who isn’t additionally the pinnacle coach — is having the sort of success that lands interviews. Might groups begin trying past the coordinator positions to place coaches with potential, similar to Josh McCown in Minnesota? He has been on head coach interviews up to now and is properly regarded. J.J. McCarthy turning it round in these remaining weeks of the season would assist McCown’s case.
Fowler: Sure, this looks as if the perfect 12 months to discover younger change-of-pace choices past the stylish coordinator names. McCown is an efficient one. And Broncos quarterbacks coach Davis Webb, Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, Panthers offensive coordinator Brad Idzik and Rams passing sport coordinator Nate Scheelhaase come to thoughts in that mildew.
The thinned-out offensive pool helps Kafka, who ought to have alternatives leaguewide and will push for the Giants job full time with a robust end. Seattle’s Klint Kubiak has made an impression with the Seahawks assault, as have Indianapolis’ Jim Bob Cooter and Tampa Bay’s Josh Grizzard. Baltimore’s Todd Monken has interviewed for a number of jobs in recent times.
To me, although, Dan, the rising defensive pool is de facto intriguing. I count on Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter to be on groups’ radar, in addition to Rams’ DC Chris Shula. A reputation to file away: Seattle’s Aden Durde, a British minority candidate. I additionally wouldn’t be shocked to see Indy’s Lou Anarumo interview in New York, which confirmed curiosity in him in 2022.
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0:57
Rex Ryan praises Broncos’ protection in win vs. Chiefs
Rex Ryan joins “Get Up” and evaluates the Broncos’ protection after their win over the Chiefs.
Graziano: It’d be nice to see Anarumo get one other take care of he bought shut in Arizona three years in the past after which issues fell aside for him in Cincinnati final season. He has bounced again properly in Indianapolis, to nobody’s shock. I do hear rather a lot about Minter as a possible candidate in a few locations. However to deliver this again to the place you began it, I used to be in Denver final week and bought an up-close have a look at that Vance Joseph protection. I proceed to assume he would possibly simply find yourself being the man on the high of a bunch of those lists.
What else are you listening to this week?
Graziano’s notes:
• The Steelers don’t know but whether or not Aaron Rodgers will be capable of go well with up and play for them Sunday in Chicago with that fracture in his left wrist. As coach Mike Tomlin stated Tuesday, the plan is to determine whether or not they can brace and/or pad Rodgers’ non-throwing hand to some extent the place he can take the snap from middle, hand off together with his left hand, defend himself when he falls, and many others. This would possibly go proper up till Friday or Saturday with Rodgers pushing to play and the workforce having to resolve if it’s higher off with a probably compromised Rodgers or a totally wholesome Mason Rudolph.
The Steelers know Rudolph can do what they want him to do, in order that they’ll use the early a part of this follow week to get him — and to some extent, rookie Will Howard — able to go in case Rodgers can’t play. They do assume there’s a superb probability beginning working again Jaylen Warren, who left Sunday’s sport with an ankle damage, can be OK to play in Chicago, although the teaching workers has been extraordinarily pleased with Kenneth Gainwell. I count on that Gainwell will retain a big function within the sport plan both approach.
• The Jets’ motive for transferring from Justin Fields to Tyrod Taylor has rather a lot to do with their want to guage the younger non-quarterbacks on their roster, particularly tight finish Mason Taylor and lately acquired extensive receivers John Metchie III and Adonai Mitchell. They haven’t been capable of develop any sort of actual passing sport round Fields, whose working skill wasn’t conserving them aggressive in video games. They know Tyrod Taylor brings elevated turnover danger as a result of he’ll take probabilities Fields gained’t, however they want to determine what they’ve in the remainder of their receiving corps earlier than making an offseason plan. And so they felt they weren’t going to have the ability to do this with Fields always checking it down and/or holding the ball too lengthy.
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The transfer isn’t anticipated to be short-term. Except Taylor will get injured (which he has some historical past of doing), I don’t get the sense the Jets will return to Fields this season. And there will definitely be a brand new quarterback in New York subsequent 12 months, whether or not it’s through the draft or a veteran exterior answer similar to Kyler Murray. The Jets owe Fields $10 million in assured wage subsequent 12 months and can take a $22 million dead-money cap hit for 2026 once they inevitably launch him within the offseason. Add that to the $35 million dead-money hit they have already got on their 2026 cap for Rodgers, and that’ll make $57 million in 2026 cap costs for quarterbacks not on the roster. Not splendid.
• I used to be in Denver on Sunday for the Chiefs-Broncos sport, and I can let you know nobody on that Broncos’ sideline was prepared to exhale or loosen up till they noticed that Wil Lutz game-winning kick undergo the uprights on the finish. The Chiefs nonetheless retain that aura of a workforce to whom you don’t need to supply any sort of opening. That stated, the Broncos seemed like the higher workforce all day and have motive to imagine they would be the workforce to finish Kansas Metropolis’s streak of 9 straight AFC West titles. Enjoying with out Defensive Participant of the 12 months Pat Surtain II (pectoral) and main tackler Alex Singleton (surgical procedure for testicular most cancers), the Broncos nonetheless performed smothering protection towards Patrick Mahomes & Co. — and so they might get these guys again after their Week 12 bye.
“We’re just really deep at every position group,” defensive lineman Zach Allen, who has six of the Broncos’ staggering 49 sacks this season, stated. “We just have a lot of confidence in whoever we put out there.” Defensive coordinator and former Broncos head coach Vance Joseph is rolling, and the fellows who’ve performed in his system for 3 years now are executing it at a excessive stage. Allen known as Joseph, “the ultimate professional. Probably the most consistent person in football.”
Denver was 1-6 in one-score video games final season, and Allen advised me the teaching workers made {that a} key level all offseason. The workers advised the workforce {that a} deal with particulars and situational soccer would flip that round. This season, they’re 7-2 in one-score video games and at the moment the 1-seed within the projected AFC playoff area.
• As for the Chiefs … they went into Denver feeling fairly good about issues, particularly on offense, and their teaching workers was shocked by the variety of penalties they dedicated that did them in, particularly within the crimson zone. Earlier than the sport, I used to be speaking to a few of their offensive coaches, and so they advised me issues felt rather a lot higher on offense this 12 months than they’ve in recent times. They’ve been defending Mahomes higher and really feel like they’ve 5 extensive receivers in Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Hollywood Brown, Tyquan Thornton and JuJu Smith-Schuster they’ll rely on at any time of the sport.
Perhaps it’ll look higher towards a much less elite protection than the one they noticed in Denver, and it definitely would look higher if they may cease with the penalties. However Mahomes was uncharacteristically lacking some downfield throws early within the sport and threw a foul interception on the finish, and the Chiefs haven’t been capable of generate a lot of something within the run sport. The return of Isiah Pacheco (both this week or subsequent) might assist, however this workforce is constructed round its passing sport and might’t afford to have Mahomes lacking throws in massive spots.
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1:01
Kimberley Martin: Each sport is a must-win now for the Chiefs
Kimberley Martin and Peter Schrager clarify why the Chiefs should win towards Colts and from right here on out to remain within the AFC playoff race.
On protection, the Chiefs aren’t getting what they’re used to from Chris Jones however assume he could be helped rather a lot if edge rushers like George Karlaftis and Charles Omenihu had been delivering extra persistently. They’re excessive on rookie edge rusher Ashton Gillotte and will look to seek out methods to contain him extra within the coming weeks. Kansas Metropolis got here out of its Week 10 bye believing it wanted to win not less than two of its subsequent three video games towards Denver, Indianapolis and Dallas, and it misplaced the primary one. Now, with the Colts on Sunday and the Cowboys subsequent Thursday, the Chiefs must win two video games in a five-day stretch to be able to get to 7-5 and hold themselves afloat within the playoff race.
Fowler’s notes:
• The sense out of Cleveland is that quarterback Dillon Gabriel faces an uphill battle to move by concussion protocol in time to follow and play, which units the stage for Shedeur Sanders to make his first NFL begin Sunday in Las Vegas. Coach Kevin Stefanski might identify Sanders the starter early within the week or put together him as such. This may take all the guesswork out; Sanders would have a full follow workload to arrange to play. General, the Browns have been happy with Sanders’ work ethic and dynamic as a teammate, however the studying curve to the NFL sport has been steep. The Browns have equated it to studying a brand new language. Two-plus months into the season, Sanders not wants a translator but additionally isn’t fully fluent. (Replace: Sanders was named the starter for Week 12.)
The Browns imagine that Sanders isn’t turnover-prone regardless of issues with that final Sunday towards the Ravens. The larger concern is his tendency to take sacks. If he can curb that concern, the Browns assume he has the arm expertise to make performs. They are going to attempt to scheme up some throws and performs to guard him in that space. As for Gabriel, I’d be shocked if he doesn’t resume beginning duties upon his return. Maybe Sanders can change that Sunday together with his efficiency, although.
• The Chiefs are down however — within the eyes of many across the league — hardly out. Kansas Metropolis doesn’t resemble the dominant workforce that ran by the AFC for a half-decade, however personnel evaluators see a probably harmful playoff workforce on tape. “I would say they are missing that dynamic rushing component and the left guard spot is a little iffy, but otherwise they can make noise,” an AFC government stated. “They can’t run the ball consistently, and that puts too much on Mahomes right now.”
The lack of Pacheco (knee) has value Kansas Metropolis some juice out of the backfield. My sense is he’s hoping to be again Week 13 vs. Dallas, with an out of doors probability to play this Sunday vs. Indianapolis. Enjoying Thursday provides him 10 days relaxation on the again finish, versus making an attempt to play by a Sunday-to-Thursday swing. Anyway, getting him again will assist the general offensive assault. The Chiefs badly want an out of doors boundary receiver, which they gained’t discover this 12 months. However the receiver room is well-stocked and wholesome. The offensive line is greater than succesful. And the protection continues to be very sturdy, although not thought of as dominant.
“I don’t see the same unit as past years — Chris Jones can turn it on on third downs but isn’t quite what he once was, they probably don’t have enough pass rush, but overall very good and very well-coached,” an NFL coordinator stated. “And Mahomes still has that fear factor. He’s still the best at winning differently each week. I still fear that player more than most.”
• The MVP chants for Drake Maye in Gillette Stadium final Thursday night time had been thick. Patriots teammates will not be shocked within the slightest to see Maye’s early-career success. As security Jaylinn Hawkins put it, there’s hardly ever a day after follow when he doesn’t see Maye getting in additional work with not less than a number of of his receivers on timing routes and deep balls. “He is who he is — he’s not going to switch up,” Hawkins stated. “He’s the last guy out there, throwing extra routes with receivers. Having fun, playing ball, playing free. He’s not too high, not too low, always even keel.”
Maye trails solely Dak Prescott in QBR (73.2), and his skill to layer the soccer towards any protection was spectacular towards the Jets. One fascinating theme from New England is what the workforce does with its backfield coming off TreVeyon Henderson‘s three-game star turn, including three touchdowns against New York. I’m advised Rhamondre Stevenson is focusing on a return from a toe damage this week, and Maye referred to Henderson-Stevenson as a “one-two punch” for the stretch run. However Henderson’s utilization was approach down at 6.8 speeding makes an attempt per sport with Stevenson within the lineup, in comparison with almost 16 makes an attempt with out him. Henderson’s expertise is plain at this level, so his utilization shouldn’t return to these low numbers. Nevertheless it’s additionally an extended season, so count on the Patriots to discover a candy spot to make the most of each within the circulate of the sport.
• With a number of accidents on protection, the Payments will need to management the tempo of the sport with their offense Thursday night time vs. Houston. The battle to observe is towards the Texans’ vaunted move rush with Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, who’ve mixed for 17 sacks and each rank within the high 25 in move rush win fee. How will Buffalo deal with these two? Hunter was blunt in my pregame dialog with him about potential chip blocks. “If they try to chip us, I eat chips for breakfast,” Hunter stated. “And if they chip me, that leaves Will open and it’s a choose-your-poison situation.”
With Buffalo’s pass-catching arsenal in flux — Keon Coleman benched final week, Dalton Kincaid lacking final week with a hamstring damage and Khalil Shakir battling by accidents — don’t be shocked if the Payments proceed to make the most of the working backs catching out of the backfield. James Cook dinner III and Ty Johnson mixed for 5 catches for 127 yards and two touchdowns final week towards Tampa Bay. And the Payments’ offense can all the time press the No. 17 button for fast yardage. Quarterback Josh Allen has tied Cam Newton for probably the most speeding touchdowns from a quarterback in NFL historical past (75). In a prime-time sport, Allen’s flare for the dramatic might discover him ultimately zone for a 76th time.
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1:36
Stephen A.: The Payments aren’t the most effective workforce within the AFC
Stephen A. Smith says he isn’t taking an excessive amount of from the Payments’ win over the Chiefs within the common season.
• My sense early within the week is that Panthers quarterback Bryce Younger‘s ankle damage isn’t thought of extreme. He has been transferring across the facility OK. His follow workload will seemingly decide his availability for Monday towards the 49ers. Younger harm his ankle earlier within the season and proved a fast healer, lacking one sport.
