AROUND THE NFL
Daily Briefing
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NFC EAST
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DALLAS
A Texas judge is willing to hear the plea from T La’EL COLLINS that the NFL lied before an arbiter to draw a harsher suspension. Among other strategies, the NFL is trying to get the case sent to Federal court. Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com notes that this judge has already shown a willingness to vacate the actions of NFL Justice:
The Cowboys could have tackle La’el Collins back on the team for Sunday’s game against the Giants.
As noted by Daniel Wallach on Twitter (and as confirmed by PFT), Judge Amos L. Mazzant will hold a hearing on Friday in connection with Collins’s motion for a temporary restraining order blocking his ongoing suspension. The hearing will commence at 2:00 p.m. ET.
If Collins wins, the NFL will have little choice but to reinstate him for the Week Five game against the Giants. The avenues for securing a successful appeal before kickoff will be limited, if/when Judge Mazzant issues a TRO at or near the end of business hours on a Friday.
The league suspended Collins for five games under the substance-abuse policy. He has missed three games.
He argues that the substance-abuse policy, as revised in 2020, does not permit a suspension for missed tests. He also claims that the NFL misrepresented to the arbitrator that Collins previously served a four-game suspension, a fact the arbitrator expressly cited in upholding the suspension.
In 2017, Judge Mazzant overturned the six-game suspension imposed against Ezekiel Elliott under the personal conduct policy. An appeals court scrapped the decision, because Elliott filed his lawsuit before the NFL’s internal procedures were finalized.
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NFC SOUTH
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ATLANTA
WR CALVIN RIDLEY is not going to London. The reasons are mysterious. Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com:
Atlanta Falcons receiver Calvin Ridley will not travel to London for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets because of an undisclosed personal matter, the team announced Thursday afternoon in a statement.
“We are in support of Calvin during this time and will respect his privacy on the matter,” coach Arthur Smith said.
Ridley is one of three Falcons not traveling to England along with receiver Russell Gage (ankle) and defensive lineman Marlon Davidson (ankle).
Ridley, 26, has 27 catches for 255 yards and a touchdown this season and is coming off a seven-catch, 80-yard game against Washington on Sunday. Despite the season-high in yards, Ridley had two drops Sunday in the 34-30 loss to Washington, only the second time in his career he’s dropped two passes in a game.
“Up and down. We expect more and Calvin knows that,” Smith said Monday of Ridley’s performance against Washington. “I’m not telling anything that I don’t tell the players. He’s one of our top guys. He’s one of our captains. Nobody’s got higher expectations than he does for himself than we do so that’s why I call his number. I believe in Calvin but like all of us, we can all play better.”
With Ridley out of the lineup and Gage still working his way back from an ankle injury suffered in Week 2 against Tampa Bay, Atlanta’s top receivers against the Jets on Sunday would be Olamide Zaccheaus and Tajae Sharpe.
Could this be what is up? We saw this on travel to the U.K.:
Unvaccinated visitors have to take a pre-departure test, quarantine for 10 days upon arrival, and test on days two and eight of quarantine.
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CAROLINA
The Panthers list RB CHRISTIAN McCAFFREY as doubtful for Sunday.
Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey told reporters he was feeling good and “definitely” had a chance to play against the Eagles on Sunday.
He technically still has a chance, though it now doesn’t seem likely.
The Panthers have listed McCaffrey (hamstring) as doubtful for Week Five. McCaffrey was limited in all three practices this week.
“Nothing much more to add,” head coach Matt Rhule said, via David Newton of ESPN. “He’s been going. It’s doubtful he’ll play on Sunday. That could change. I’m not going to play any games [with the injury status].”
McCaffrey missed last week’s loss to the Cowboys after injuring his hamstring during Carolina’s Week Three Thursday win over Houston.
The Panthers also officially ruled out linebacker Shaq Thompson (foot) and offensive tackle Cameron Erving (neck). Neither player practiced this week.
Defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos (ankle) is listed as questionable.
Guard John Miller (shoulder), edge rusher Haason Reddick (neck), and center Matt Paradis (illness) are all expected to play.
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NFC WEST
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SAN FRANCISCO
QB TREY LANCE seems to be heading closer to his first NFL start. Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area:
Quarterback Trey Lance appears to be heading for his first NFL start.S
Jimmy Garoppolo, who sat out the second half of the 49ers’ Week 4 game against the Seattle Seahawks, did not practice Wednesday. And when the 49ers were on the field to start their on-field workout Thursday, Garoppolo was nowhere to be seen.
Garoppolo sustained an injury to his right calf consisting of a contusion and muscle strain. He said on Wednesday if he were cleared to play, he would not be 100 percent. He would have to battle through the pain and discomfort.
Therefore, it appears Lance will start Sunday against the unbeaten Arizona Cardinals, as the 49ers look to snap a two-game losing streak and remain in the thick of the NFC West division race.
Lance and Nate Sudfeld of the practice squad were the only 49ers quarterbacks on the field. Sudfeld could be elevated to be available for Sunday’s game if Garoppolo is not cleared for action.
Tight end George Kittle (calf) also did not practice Thursday. He was listed as questionable last week but started and played most of the game against the Seahawks.
Defensive linemen Arik Armstead (adductor), Javon Kinlaw (knee) and Samson Ebukam (hamstring) were working with the team’s strength and conditioning staff as their teammates went through pre-practice stretching.
RELATED: 49ers overreactions: Does Jimmy G over Lance make sense?
Left tackle Trent Williams was in uniform after missing practice Wednesday due to a shoulder injury.
Cornerback Josh Norman, who was in a blue no-contact jersey Wednesday, appeared to be cleared for full practice. Norman missed last week’s game after sustaining a bruised lung in the 49ers’ Week 3 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
But, but – this later on Thursday:
Jimmy Garoppolo has not practiced all week for the 49ers after hurting his calf during the loss to the Seattle Seahawks last Sunday, meaning Trey Lance likely will make his first NFL start against the Arizona Cardinals. However, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said Thursday that Garoppolo will give practicing a shot on Friday, and hopes to be able to play Sunday at State Farm Stadium.J
“Jimmy told me he wants to give it a go tomorrow, so we’ll see him out on the practice field tomorrow,” Shanahan said on KNBR. “If he looks good then he’ll have a shot, if he can’t then we’ll shut him down.”
Garoppolo says he pulled the calf in the first half of the 49ers’ Week 4 loss, and was replaced by Trey Lance at halftime. Garoppolo said although his status for Sunday is up in the air, he is not adjusting his schedule of preparation for the undefeated Cardinals.
“It doesn’t really change anything,” Garoppolo said Wednesday. “Mentally, I feel pretty good, just with the game plan and the install we just put in. Physically, hopefully, get out there tomorrow. It’s not terrible right no
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LOS ANGELES RAMS
Coach Sean McVay told the world he would do anything in his considerable powers to get WR ROBERT WOODS open. And yet, still, the Seahawks were powerless to stop it. Kevin Patra of NFL.com:
Sean McVay said earlier in the week he wanted to get receiver Robert Woods more opportunities after the veteran receiver was largely ignored through the first four weeks.
Mission accomplished.
Woods saw the lion’s share of the targets in Thursday night’s 26-17 victory over the Seattle Seahawks, catching 12 of 14 targets for 150 yards. It was his highest output since Week 13, 2019, at Arizona (172 receiving yards).
Woods spoke with McVay this week about getting more involved in the game plan after the first four games saw him catch a total of 15 passes for 172 yards and two TDs.
“Being a competitor, I’m trying to do everything to be a part and help this team win,” Woods said. “I was trying to be a playmaker and be involved in every aspect. The first couple of weeks, I was involved in the run game and tried to get involved in the pass game, but this week I was more involved, had the opportunity to get my number called, have some plays and capitalize on those opportunities.”
Perhaps the Rams wouldn’t characterize Woods as the squeaky wheel in his desire to be targeted more, but he certainly got the grease Thursday night.
McVay set up Woods to be the recipient of several clear-outs by Cooper Kupp that picked up chunk gains over the middle against a Seahawks secondary that seemed flabbergasted. The amount of wide-open catches Woods had underscores the plan to feed him the ball schematically. The rest the wideout did himself.
According to Next Gen Stats, Woods had 10 “open targets” — defined as 3-plus yards of separation. He caught nine of the 10 targets for 122 yards. It was the most open targets by any receiver in a game this season.
“We were definitely trying to get him involved tonight,” McVay said, stating the obvious. “He delivered in a big way, and they’re a reason why he has a C on his chest. He’s made the most of his opportunities that he’s had the first four weeks. Tonight was an opportunity where he got 14 targets. He delivered on 12 of them. He’s a stud, and just love the way he was instrumental in the win tonight.”
Woods and Kupp (7 catches on 10 targets for 92 yards) saw the bulk of Matthew Stafford’s 37 pass attempts (25 completions for 365 yards, TD, INT). Thursday night’s win proved once again that Woods remains a force and that both of the Rams’ top receivers can eat at the same table some weeks.
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SEATTLE
QB RUSSELL WILSON’s career-long starting streak is in peril. Jeff Kerr ofCBSSports.com:
Russell Wilson has never missed a game in his NFL career, even though his streak of 149 consecutive starts may be in jeopardy. Wilson, who left the Seattle Seahawks 26-17 loss to the Los Angeles Rams Thursday night in the fourth quarter, was diagnosed with a “badly sprained” finger, according to head coach Pete Carroll.
Wilson was clearly in pain after banging his throwing hand against Rams All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald on a third-quarter incompletion. The Seahawks quarterback stayed in the game for one more series, only throwing one more pass before exiting the contest.
Carroll said in his postgame press conference there is no timetable for Wilson’s return, but the Seahawks quarterback does have 10 days until Seattle’s next game. If Wilson starts, it will be his 150th consecutive start for the quarterback — becoming only the sixth quarterback in NFL history to start that many consecutive games.
Wilson wasn’t the only QB to be fingered by injury fate on Thursday. Grant Gordon ofNFL.com:
Bum fingers were a theme on Thursday night.
First it was Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and then it was Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, but Stafford was able to stay in the game and lead the Rams to a 26-17 victory on Thursday Night Football.
The win came despite Stafford’s index finger on his throwing hand (right) popping out, according to him. Stafford said the finger was swollen, but did not affect his game overall.
Rams head coach Sean McVay said he would need more info from the training staff, but that Stafford told him he was fine.
“Popped it out and I don’t really know how to be honest with you,” Stafford told Erin Andrews in his FOX postgame interview. “Yeah, just looked down and it was on the left a little bit, threw it back in. Our guys did a great job, gave me a little tape. Was able to just kinda keep it warm and keep playing.”
Stafford consulted a trainer late in the second quarter and then initially had a compression wrap on his finger before transitioning to at least one different wrap. He said the finger didn’t alter him a great deal.
“Not too much,” he said. “I felt pretty good. Felt like it was functioning enough. Little swollen, but they kept [the wrap] on it and I just went out and played.”
Stafford finished the game 25-of-37 passing for a season-high 365 yards with a touchdown, an interception and a 97.2 rating.
– – –
The Seahawks have a crisis on defense. Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com:
The Seahawks’ defense isn’t stopping anyone this season, and is on pace to break an NFL record no team would want to break.
Seattle already ranked dead last in the NFL in total yards allowed heading into Thursday night’s loss to the Rams, then gave up 476 total yards to Los Angeles. Now the Seahawks have given up a total of 2,254 yards through five games.
That’s an average of 451 yards a game, and puts the Seahawks on pace to give up 7,664 yards in a 17-game season. That would be the most in NFL history.
The current record for the most yards allowed in a season is 7,042, set by the Saints in 2012. That Saints team gave up 440 yards a game over a 16-game season, so the Seahawks are actually allowing more yards per game than the record-setting team and aren’t only on pace to break the record because the season is now 17 games long.
The Seahawks are 2-3 and in last place in the NFC West. With Russell Wilson‘s finger injury perhaps affecting their offense going forward, Seattle’s defense needs to get things fixed in a hurry.
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AFC WEST
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DENVER
It looks like QB TEDDY BRIDGEWATER will be good to go on Sunday. Josh Alper ofProFootballTalk.com:
Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater returned to practice for the Broncos on Thursday and that was a good sign for his chances of clearing the concussion protocol in time to play against the Steelers on Sunday.
It looks like that is going to happen. Mike Klis of KUSA reports that the expectation in Denver is that Bridgewater will be cleared by an independent neurologist on Friday, fully practice with the team, and be in the lineup this weekend.
Should anything change on that front, Drew Lock would get the start for the 3-1 Broncos.
Bridgewater was 7-of-16 for 65 yards and a touchdown before getting hurt in last week’s loss. He completed over 76 percent of his passes in their season-opening three-game winning streak.
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AFC NORTH
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BALTIMORE
QB LAMAR JACKSON doesn’t like back pads. Nick Shook of NFL.com:
Lamar Jackson’s 2021 season has included a few appearances on the injury report, though only once for physical ailment.
Jackson’s back caused him problems in the lead up to Baltimore’s Week 4 win over Denver, and it remains a topic of conversation. Jackson has missed practice time due to his back issues, prompting reporters to ask if he’ll add some extra pads to his gear in Week 5.
Jackson’s answer: No, I do not want to wear additional armor that might weigh me down.
“I feel like if I put on extra pads and stuff like that, I’ll be looking like a transformer,” the quarterback said, via ESPN’s Jamison Hensley. “I don’t want to be slowed down. But I just feel we should be protecting all QBs in the league, not just myself.”
Jackson’s back could be seen as a vulnerability, especially considering his highly dangerous mobility that often leaves him susceptible to taking additional hits. Adding protective gear would make sense, then, in order to allow Jackson to continue playing with his trademark style.
Since he won’t wear additional pads, it’s fair to continue to ask about his back and how it might affect him going forward. That includes robbing him of practice reps, which are sometimes more valuable to some than others.
No worries, Jackson said.
“I would’ve practiced last week if my back wasn’t hurt,” Jackson said. “And then the next day, my training staff they wanted me to sit out for my back, don’t have any problems with me moving and stuff like that, so that’s why I sat out that day. I don’t think it impacted at all. Me sitting out it helped my back heal up faster, the soreness go away and I was able to perform.”
Jackson certainly performed well in Week 4, completing 22 of 37 passes for 316 yards and a touchdown in the Ravens’ win in the Broncos. He added 28 yards on seven carries, finishing off another game with nearly 350 scrimmage yards.
The Ravens’ chances rest on Jackson’s availability, so his health will continue to be a topic. He’s taking a chance by not adding some gear to keep him protected, but as we’ve all learned by now, Jackson is incredibly elusive. It’s not often a defender gets a free shot on him, anyway.
If less pads maintains that slippery nature, so be it. Jackson is going to continue to do it his way, even if that means a few appearances on the weekly injury report.
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CINCINNATI
Cincinnati’s quarterback preparation is in Jeopardy!, but that is a good thing. Ben Baby of ESPN.com:
With Thursday’s night game against the Jacksonville Jaguars hanging in the balance, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow knew what the defense was about to do — and was ready.
Late in the fourth quarter, on a crucial third-down play, the Jaguars showed a blitz that Burrow had prepared to face.
Familiar with the defensive look and Jaguars defensive coordinator Joe Cullen’s playcalling tendencies, Burrow called an audible — a screen to tight end C.J. Uzomah. Uzomah turned a quick pass into a 25-yard reception that set up the game-winning field goal in a 24-21 victory.
The play was the latest example of the knowledge and football acumen Burrow has displayed throughout the Bengals’ strong start to 2021. The second-year quarterback’s proficiency in dissecting defenses owes much to his weekly preparation with the coaching staff and other quarterbacks, which is highlighted by a unique, “Jeopardy!”-styled review session on Saturday nights.
“He is the smartest guy on the field at all times,” Uzomah said after the game.
The weekly preparation is pretty straightforward for Cincinnati’s group of quarterbacks that includes Burrow, back-up Brandon Allen and reserve Jake Browning. Starting on Tuesday, the Bengals (3-1) install the game plan for the upcoming opponent, which this week is the 3-1 Green Bay Packers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET on Fox). The strategy for first and second downs, third downs and in the red zone are all segmented throughout the week. At the end of the week, they review all the material.
Different teams have various approaches for how they conduct the review. Some have the reserve quarterbacks give a presentation. Others opt for a quiz, or a tips-and-information fact sheet.
But for the past two seasons at least, Cincinnati’s review sessions have been modeled after the popular game show “Jeopardy!” The format, which was introduced by former back-up quarterback Ryan Finley, varies from the show in that the opportunities to provide answers rotate between participants.
Many offensive aspects are covered, including knowing how to determine pass protections and when to audible. Uzomah, who participated in one of the review sessions, said he was left stumped.
“I was like, ‘What the hell is this?’” said Uzomah, who had two touchdowns and 95 yards against Jacksonville, both career highs. “‘I don’t know any of this stuff, why am I here?’”
Bengals quarterbacks coach Dan Pitcher said the game can feature some good-natured banter as the players and coaches debate if someone took too long to answer or didn’t answer a question fully.
Burrow, always eager to swoop in and steal a question for points, is as competitive as anyone in the room.
“With Joe, he’s more mad at himself if that ever happens than in a joking nature,” Pitcher said. “They’re all competitive though, coaches included.”
The night before the team’s Week 2 game against Chicago is a good example. The final question, which usually is not about football, was to name the five bodies of water known as the Great Lakes. Only one person got them all — head coach Zac Taylor, who leaned on the H.O.M.E.S. acronym to name lakes Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie and Superior.
“I knew it, so I didn’t care what they did,” said Taylor. “I knew I was getting my points.”
That preparation with the quarterbacks and coaches, including offensive coordinator Brian Callahan and assistant wide receivers coach Brad Kragthorpe, has paid off for Burrow. That’s why he took such great joy in solving the Jaguars’ defense and creating a game-changing play late.
“I’ve taken a lot of pride in that this year, of having the answers to everything I see,” said Burrow, who was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week on Wednesday. “That was my answer this week, so that was exciting for me.”
That wasn’t the only play that showed how Burrow’s preparation has paid off.
On the first third down of the game, Burrow motioned running back Samaje Perine into the backfield for extra protection against a defensive look the Bengals didn’t expect to see in that situation. It allowed Burrow to hit wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase for a 15-yard gain and a first down.
“Those are the plays that make all the difference in the world,” Pitcher said.
While the “Jepoardy!” games are competitive, they aren’t taken too seriously. When Browning asked for the winner during a road game, nobody knew who won. Taylor couldn’t recall the winner of the Week 2 review session, noting that two have taken place since then.
But it’s all part of the weekly preparation to ensure Burrow and the rest of the team’s most important position group are ready for gameday.
“We’re all focused on the same goal,” said Allen. “That’s playing well at the quarterback position and winning games.”
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TE C.J. UZOMAH knows everyone expects the Packers to win on Sunday.
A battle of 3-1 teams are set to square off Sunday when the NFC North-leading Packers travel to Cincinnati to face the AFC North-leading Bengals.
The Bengals’ three wins this season have come against clubs with a combined 2-10 record entering Week 5 (Vikings 1-3; Steelers 1-3; Jaguars 0-4). Beating Aaron Rodgers and the Packers would be a statement win for Cincinnati.
Bengals tight end C.J. Uzomah joined NFL Network’s Good Morning Football on Friday and was asked what message a victory might send.
“It’s the message that we’re here,” Uzomah replied. “This is another huge opportunity for us. Personally, I admire Aaron Rodgers and what he’s done to the league and for the league and for his team. He’s an unbelievable competitor, an unbelievable quarterback. You’re right. They’re coming to the jungle. They’re coming to our house, and we expect a big crowd to kind of rattle him a little bit as much as we can rattle him. Everything helps in our favor playing at home.
“We get this win, and we put the league on notice that we’re here. This isn’t a 3-1 that just happens to be 3-1. At this point, it’s a 4-1 that just beat the Packers, who are on a hot streak, who are on a run and have one of the hottest quarterbacks to play the game. That’s what we’re after, that’s our goal, and that’s our mentality.”
In order to win, the Bengals must keep pace with Rodgers and the Packers offense.
Quarterback Joe Burrow has played well in his return from an ACL tear that cut his rookie season short. Burrow became just the fourth second-year QB in the Super Bowl era to throw for 2-plus touchdowns in his team’s first four games — only Dan Marino had 2+ pass TDs in the fifth game as well.
“He’s an animal. He’s an absolute beast back there,” Uzomah said of Burrow. “He’s a stone-cold killer. His facial expressions, they don’t change throughout the game. That’s something you kind of want. When he shows emotion, you know we’ve got to get it together. But he’s an amazing person. I got to rehab with him, which was awesome. I got to see him through the ups and downs of his injury, which is a tough injury to come back from. He’s proving why he was the No. 1 draft choice for us. That locker room presence he has, he’s just … he’s the boy. He’s Joey Franchise for a reason. We call him Franchise because he’s the franchise, because he’s the face of the franchise, and he will be for a long time.”
The last time the Bengals started 3-1 was in 2018. They won their fourth game (home against Miami) to move to 4-1 before the bottom fell out in Marvin Lewis’ final season in Cincinnati, finishing 6-10.
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CLEVELAND
QB BAKER MAYFIELD is not 100%. Jake Trotter of ESPN.com:
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield has been playing with a partially torn labrum in his left shoulder, a source confirmed to ESPN on Thursday.
Mayfield suffered the injury to the non-throwing shoulder on Sept. 19 while trying to make a tackle against the Houston Texans, and has been wearing a shoulder harness since.
Mayfield is coming off arguably his worst game in almost a year. He completed only 15 of 33 passes for 155 yards in Cleveland’s 14-7 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. Still, Mayfield has downplayed both the injury and the harness, saying they “should not” be affecting his throws.
“I really do not think it’s that complicated,” Mayfield said of his performance against the Vikings. “Everybody is going to try and make an excuse. I pretty much hit on it after the game, I just have to make the damn play. It’s that simple.”
Mayfield, who finished in the top 10 in QBR last season, ranks 26th in QBR so far this season with a rating of 39.8.
The Browns, who have won three in a row, travel to play the Los Angeles Chargers this weekend.
The NFL Network first reported the severity of Mayfield’s injury
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AFC EAST
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NEW ENGLAND
This could be ominous for the Patriots on Sunday. Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk.com:
Center David Andrews may be the only regular starter from the Patriots offensive line on the field against the Texans this Sunday.
According to multiple reports from New England, the Patriots remained without left tackle Isaiah Wynn, left guard Michael Onwenu, right guard Shaq Mason, and right tackle Trent Brown during the open portion of Friday’s practice.
Stephon Gilmore: This is a place I always wanted to play – ProFootballTalk
Wynn and Onwenu were placed on the COVID-19 reserve list earlier this week. If vaccinated, they could return after back-to-back negative tests taken 24 hours apart. Brown is dealing with a calf injury and Mason is listed with an abdomen injury.
Justin Herron, Yodny Cajuste, Ted Karras, and Yasir Durant are on the 53-man roster as backup offensive linemen. The Patriots will likely supplant that group with players from the practice squad.
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NEW YORK JETS
DE JOHN FRANKLIN-MYERS has consented to extend his time with the Jets. Rich Cimini of ESPN.com:
Defensive end John Franklin-Myers, one of the New York Jets’ promising young players on defense, has agreed to a contract extension, it was announced Friday.
Terms were not disclosed, but a source confirmed to ESPN that it is a four-year extension worth $55 million, including $30 million guaranteed.
The 25-year-old Franklin-Myers was in the final year of his rookie contract, making $920,000 in 2021. The extension puts him under contract through 2025.
“He’s done nothing but work, work, work,” coach Robert Saleh told reporters in London ahead of Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons. “He’s been a tremendous leader and then you see his play on the field. He’s absolutely dominant at times. … He hasn’t even scratched the surface of where we think he can go in this system. Those are the guys you want to pay.”
Franklin-Myers, claimed on waivers from the Los Angeles Rams in 2019, won a starting job in training camp. In four games, he has three sacks, tying a career high, along with five quarterback hits and one forced fumble.
The Jets like Franklin-Myers because of his versatility; he can play inside or outside on the defensive line.
“I would anticipate him having a really good year for us, a career year for himself,” defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said recently.
Franklin-Myers was a fourth-round pick of the Rams in 2018. As a rookie, he played in the Super Bowl and recorded a strip sack of Tom Brady in the Rams’ loss to the New England Patriots.
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THIS AND THAT
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CANDIDATES TO BE TRADED
Cody Benjamin of CBSSports.com gives us 19 guys who could be traded by the November 2 deadline:
he NFL trade deadline falls on Nov. 2 this year, the Tuesday after Week 8. We’re four weeks through the 2021 season, with the fifth on deck, meaning we’re right at the halfway point between the start of the season and the trade deadline. Plenty of teams won’t know whether they’re truly buyers or sellers until October comes to a close, but we’re taking an early look ahead.
Which big names could be on the block this fall? Here are 19 who may well be trade chips in the coming weeks:
Nick Foles
CHI • QB • 9
It’s Justin Fields’ show in Chicago now, and this staff has shown way too much love to Andy Dalton to bump him below No. 2 duties. Trading Foles, who still has something in the tank as a legitimate backup, would save the Bears $4 million.
Allen Robinson
CHI • WR • 12
Normally, you wouldn’t be in the business of dealing your young QB’s No. 1 pass target. And that may well prevent A-Rob from being moved. But he’s on the tag and has never seemed close to a long-term deal in Chicago. Contenders would surely be up for a rental.
Robert Quinn
CHI • OLB • 94
The former Rams and Cowboys standout is off to a hot start rushing the passer this year, but the Bears would happily accept offers. They need any cap space they can get, Quinn is already 31, and he’s due $16+ million in each of the next three seasons.
Byron Jones
MIA • CB • 24
The Dolphins are going nowhere fast, and Jones is one of their biggest investments. He’s not a bad corner, but at 29 and commanding $16M per year through 2024, they can afford to auction his talent in what seems like an inevitable future search for a new QB.
Xavien Howard
MIA • CB • 25
He successfully negotiated a raise this year, but he’s basically had one foot out the door for a few seasons, publicly touting the idea of changing scenery. Someone would pay for his ball skills, and the Dolphins would instantly save almost $14M by letting them.
Zach Ertz
PHI • TE • 86
Ertz genuinely prefers to stay in Philly, and he’s split duties with no fuss this year, but if the wins don’t accumulate in a hurry, the Eagles could justify giving him another/better chance at a title while finally passing the torch to Dallas Goedert.
Derek Barnett
PHI • DE • 96
The former first-rounder has failed to emerge in the wake of Brandon Graham’s injury, and his knack for ill-advised penalties has already grated the new staff, which just paid Josh Sweat. A 2022 free agent, he could still appeal as a pass-rushing flyer.
Fletcher Cox
PHI • DT • 91
Selling him after losing Graham to injury wouldn’t necessarily warm the locker room, and Cox would prefer to be a lifelong Eagle. But Javon Hargrave is balling, while Cox is approaching 31, not currently living up to his big deal and could be Howie Roseman’s best asset for 2022 restocking, should Nick Sirianni’s squad struggle to stack wins before November.
Cordarrelle Patterson
ATL • RB • 84
They wouldn’t deal him now, with Matt Ryan still talking about a late run, but a few more losses would demand their eyes turn to 2022. He’s been a true multipurpose weapon, but he’s also a 30-year-old journeyman on a one-year deal. Maybe the 49ers come calling?
Dante Fowler
ATL • DE • 6
He’s already on pace to surpass his disappointing 2020 numbers, and at 27, he could still lead their pass rush for a while. But trading him would save Atlanta some much-needed cash, with a potential QB change — and more — coming after this season.
Jimmy Garoppolo
SF • QB • 10
Even if Trey Lance earns the No. 1 job in his absence, we’d bet Kyle Shanahan would rather keep him around as insurance for a playoff run. But if someone gets desperate, they’d listen. (What about the Dolphins, whose Brian Flores was with Jimmy on the Pats?)
Marcus Maye
NYJ • FS • 20
Facing DUI charges complicates his status a bit, but Maye feels like one of the surest trade possibilities. A year after the Jets dealt Jamal Adams, he’s on the tag with no long-term deal in sight, and New York could use plenty more assets for its rebuild.
Trey Flowers
DET • OLB • 90
Things have gotten progressively worse for Flowers since his arrival from New England despite a decent Lions debut in 2019. Starting next year, Detroit will owe him $20+ million per year. If they can absorb some of that, maybe a team with space to spare will call.
Michael Thomas
NO • WR • 13
This all depends on where the Saints are at in November. He’d certainly enable the staff to let Jameis Winston throw it more. But his relationship with the club has been shaky before, and a trade would give them tens of millions down the road, amid a likely rebuild.
JuJu Smith-Schuster
PIT • WR • 19
They won’t do this unless Ben Roethlisberger is benched (unlikely) or eventually lands on “injured reserve” (possible), and the return might not be big (his free agent market was so-so). But JuJu, on a one-year deal, would surely appeal as a rental for a contender.
Eric Ebron
PIT • TE • 85
No smart team is offering much here, but the Steelers would be foolish not to sell. A 2022 free agent, his successor is already on the roster in Pat Freiermuth, and his production and durability have never been particularly reliable. As a TE2, he’d be a decent add.
Joe Haden
PIT • CB • 23
Both he and the Steelers would love for the marriage to last forever, and like JuJu, he probably won’t be auctioned until it’s clear Big Ben is out of the equation, but at least a half-dozen playoff teams would likely call about his availability, even at 32.
Brandin Cooks
HOU • WR • 13
He is the Texans offense, but Houston hasn’t shied away from parting with important pieces this year. They need draft picks more than anything. Cooks’ resume is also littered with relocation, and you can bet a contender would welcome his proven speed.
Anthony Barr
MIN • OLB • 55
Should Minnesota fail to regain its footing in the NFC North, Mike Zimmer’s restocked defense could be destocked, starting with the former Pro Bowler. The Vikings have let Barr test the market before and restructured his deal this year.
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THE DOUBLE PUNT
Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com puts his lawyer’s mind to the task of interpreting Seattle’s “double punt”:
Last night’s historic, uncanny, and impressive double punt raises several questions that have yet to be fully answered. In this article, we’ll try to answer the biggest unanswered questions.
First, does the rulebook allow two punts?
Yes, it does. Rule 9, Section 1, Article 1 provides that “Team A may attempt a punt, drop kick, or placekick from on or behind the line of scrimmage.” The same rule also contemplates a second punt, drop kick, or placekick on the same play, by implication contained in a sentence regarding the penalty for a second kick.
“For a second kick from behind the line after the ball has crossed the line: Loss of 10 yards from the previous spot.”
The officials did not flag Seattle for an illegal second punt. The Seahawks were penalized because the line judge believed punter Michael Dickson had gone beyond the line of scrimmage. However, Seattle could have been (and should have been) flagged for an illegal second punt; as written, the rule prohibits a second punt “after the ball has crossed” the line of scrimmage.
Although it can be debated whether a portion of Dickson’s body was at or behind the line of scrimmage, the ball itself clearly had crossed the line. Thus, if the rule had been applied as written, the second punt would have been deemed illegal because the ball had crossed the line before the second punt occurred.
Thus, while the rulebook allows two punts, the rule prohibits a second punt if the ball has crossed the line. Here, the ball itself crossed the line while Dickson was accomplishing the second punt. As the rule is currently written, it should have been a foul.
And, yes, the counter to this point is that the rule contemplates the ball itself crossing the line and then being brought back behind the line and punted again. But that’s not what the rule says. The rule says a second kick “after the ball has crossed the line” is prohibited.
Second, was the punter behind the line of scrimmage for the second punt?
The rulebook explains that a foul occurs for a punt that happens “when the player’s entire body and the ball are beyond the line of scrimmage,” and that “this includes either when the player is airborne or touching the ground.”
Dickson, contrary to the tweet posted last night by the league’s officiating account, was not “behind” the line of scrimmage. At best, his back leg was at the line of scrimmage at a time when the rest of his body — and the ball — were past it.
The rule is violated only when the entire body is beyond the line of scrimmage. That’s what the line judge initially determined; that’s why a flag was thrown. Things got interesting (and a little nutty) after that.
Third, was replay assistance properly used to resolve the situation?
That’s the murkiest of the questions, and the one that compels the most careful thought by the league regarding what is and isn’t allowed by way of real-time video assistance.
As revised for 2021, the replay assistant and “designated members of the Officiating Department” may provide video support for the on-field officials, under certain specific circumstances. Rule 15, Section 3, Article 9 states that they may advise game officials “on specific, objective aspects of a play when clear and obvious video evidence is present.” Such advice is available for, among other things, “location of the football or a player in relation to . . . the line of scrimmage.”
The ruling on the field was that the punter was beyond the line of scrimmage. So if the ruling on the field was that Dickson had gone beyond the line of scrimmage, was there clear and obvious evidence that he actually had not gone beyond the line of scrimmage?
Without clear and obvious evidence that the line judge’s judgment was wrong, the replay assistant/Officiating Department should not have advised the on-field officials to overturn the ruling on the field.
That’s an important point. The “clear and obvious” standard makes the expanded involvement of the replay assistant/Officiating Department akin to a mini-replay review. If the very high standard is met, and if the replay assistant/Officiating Department make that decision quickly, the ruling on the field gets overturned based on their advice.
Was it clear and obvious in this instance that the on-field assessment was wrong? No. Whatever the ruling on the field, there wasn’t enough for the replay assistant/Officiating Department to quickly decide that it was clearly and obviously wrong.
Here’s why it’s an important point. On that specific play, the new procedure was applied in the same way that a sky judge/booth umpire would be used. However, the sky judge/booth umpire concept is definitely not part of the current rules and procedures.
In other words, the replay assistant/Officiating Department participated in what became the official ruling on the field without respecting the standard that the initial ruling on the field would be overturned only with clear and obvious visual evidence.
Fourth, could Sean McVay have challenged the ruling?
Yes. The rules make clear that the play can still be officially challenged and reviewed, even after the replay assistant/Officiating Department assists with the on-field decision-making process. However, because the official ruling on the field became that Dickson was not beyond the line of scrimmage, the ruling on the field would have been overturned only if the evidence to the contrary were clear and obvious.
That’s what makes the intermediate step so critical; the use of the new quasi-sky judge protocol changed the ruling on the field from beyond the line of scrimmage to not beyond the line of scrimmage. Without the intervention of the replay assistant/Officiating Department, the ruling on the field would have been that Dickson was beyond the line of scrimmage — and it then would have fallen to Seahawks coach Pete Carroll to challenge it. The challenge likely would have failed.
That said, McVay could have challenged the ruling that the ball did not cross the line, based on the rule that a second punt can’t happen once the ball crosses the line of scrimmage.
To summarize, the play clearly violated the rule as currently written, because the ball crossed the line before the second punt occurred. Dickson was not behind the line of scrimmage; at best, his back leg was on it. The ruling on the field was that he was beyond the line. The replay assistant/Officiating Department changed that ruling. McVay did not officially challenge anything, although he could have.
And now you’ll be ready to fully digest a similar situation, the next time it happens. After we’re all dead and gone.
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