CHICAGO

People doing sorts:

@OptaSTATS

The Bears are the only NFL team in the Super Bowl era to win a road game despite scoring no TDs, having 75+ penalty yards and losing multiple fumbles.

Road teams were a combined 0-46 in the Super Bowl era when doing all that in a game before today (reg & post).

MINNESOTA

Whoever the Vikings QB might be in Week 14 (and we’d guess NICK MULLENS), he will have the advantage of throwing to WR JUSTIN JEFFERSON.  Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk.com:

The Vikings won’t play this week, but the stage is set for them to have wide receiver Justin Jefferson back in the lineup when they return from their bye week.

Jefferson hurt his hamstring in October and has missed the last seven games while on injured reserve. He returned to practice on November 8 and has been listed as questionable to play the last couple of weeks without being put back on the active roster.

That will change Tuesday. The Vikings announced that they will be activating Jefferson, which is no surprise because they need to do so before his 21-day practice window closes and he becomes ineligible to return to the field at any point this season.

The Vikings will return to action on December 10 against the Raiders and getting Jefferson back would boost their chances of getting a win in that contest.

DALLAS

The Cowboys did not close a deal on LB SHAQUILLE LEONARD, as he leaves town to spend time with their biggest rival.  Charean Williams of ProFootballTalk.com:

Free agent linebacker Shaquille Leonard completed his visit with the Cowboys on Tuesday and is headed to Philadelphia for a visit with the Eagles on Wednesday, per multiple reports.

By all accounts, Leonard’s visit with the Cowboys went well, including the team’s satisfaction with Leonard’s health.

Leonard, though, wants to check out his options before deciding on a new team.

He is expected to make a decision by the weekend.

The Cowboys play the Seahawks on Thursday night, and the Eagles play the 49ers on Sunday. So, Leonard likely won’t suit up for his new team until at least Week 14, and that’s when the Eagles and Cowboys meet for the second time this season.

Philadelphia currently leads Dallas by two games in the division.

The Cowboys have lost linebacker Leighton Vander Esch to a season-ending neck injury, while the Eagles have linebacker Nakobe Dean on injured reserve and Zach Cunningham injured a hamstring Sunday.

Eagles coach Nick Sirianni was the offensive coordinator with the Colts for three years, which could give the Eagles an advantage.

“Made a lot of plays, that’s for sure,” Sirianni said, via Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports. “He had a knack for the football and how to get the football. What I remember is just how, as an offensive coordinator, how hard he was to throw around. His length was comparable to Jim Boeheim’s 2-3 zone at Syracuse. He’s going to make a play in the passing lane.

“He was a great teammate and I really enjoyed being around him. I still have a relationship with him. I think he is a great person, great teammate.”

PHILADELPHIA

The first playoff-clinching scenario of the year! Charean Williams of ProFootballTalk.com:

The Eagles can become the first team to clinch a playoff berth.

For the first time this season, the NFL has had to send out a “playoff scenarios” announcement. In this case, it’s a playoff scenario as the Eagles are the only team with a chance to clinch a berth this week.

Philadelphia, though, does need a win and help to sew up a spot this week.

The Eagles (10-1) host the 49ers (8-3) in the game of the week.

Philadelphia clinches playoff berth with:

1. PHI win + LAR loss or tie OR

2. PHI win + DET loss + GB loss or tie OR

3. PHI tie + LAR loss + GB loss or tie + ATL loss or tie OR

4. PHI tie + LAR loss + GB loss or tie + NO loss or tie

TAMPA BAY

Presented as it appeared on Twitter about TE PAYNE DURHAM:

@RobGronkowski

Payne Durham is my idle

@JennaLaineESPN

Fun fact: Payne Durham chose No. 87 to pay homage to @RobGronkowski. That’s his idol.

SEATTLE

The Seahawks believe QB GENO SMITH has snapped out of his funk.  Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk.com:

Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith was less than 100 percent for last Thursday’s game against the 49ers after hurting his elbow in Week 11 and it showed as he went 18-of-27 for 180 yards and an interception in a 31-13 loss.

That loss was the second in a row for Seattle and it left them with at 6-5 with diminished playoff hopes. This Thursday will find them trying to turn that tide in Dallas and it looks like Smith will be at lot closer to full strength for that effort.

Smith is not on the injury report this week and head coach Pete Carroll said on Tuesday that there’s no comparison to where Smith was at this time last week.

“The difference was night and day,” Carroll said, via the team’s website. “He was out there running practice and putting on a show for us as he does every week throwing the football all over the place. He did that exactly. He was full go the whole time, and that was not the case. We don’t want to make a big deal about it, but it was pretty obvious it was a big difference.”

Another date with the 49ers looms in Week 14 and the Seahawks host the Eagles in Week 15, so this is a crucial stretch for their playoff chances. Having a healthy Smith doesn’t guarantee they’ll navigate it successfully, but it definitely improves the chances.

DENVER

It seems pretty clear why S KAREEM JACKSON keeps getting suspended – to everyone but Jackson.  Charean Willams of ProFootballTalk.com on his impending trip to New York.

Broncos safety Kareem Jackson is serving his second suspension of the season, punishment for five illegal hits this season.

Jackson said Tuesday he will fly to New York on Wednesday to meet with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

“We’ll see what comes of it,” Jackson said, via video from Troy Renck of Denver7. “[I want to] get some clarity. I feel like there’s a lot of gray area. To me, I see a lot of the same things happening around the league that guys aren’t going through what I’m going through. No flags. No fines. No suspensions. Not really sure why I’m being treated the way I’m being treated. I’m making regular football plays. Nothing malcious in my opinion. But at the same thing, like I said, get some clarity. I just want to know why I’m the only person going through what I’m going through.”

Jackson returned from a two-game suspension on Nov. 14, saying the NFL had not answered his questions about what is or isn’t a legal hit. After the next game, Jackson was suspended for four games for lowering his helmet to hit Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs.

Jackson said Tuesday he feels targeted by the league.

“There’s no clarity. A lot of gray areas,” Jackson said. “I asked a ton of questions and told them, ‘I’ll be in the same situation, how am I supposed to play or how am I supposed to go about these situations?’

“Hopefully something comes of this meeting. I don’t think much will, because I don’t even even think they know. At this point, I feel like I’m the poster child for whatever they are trying to get across or prove. So, we’ll see.”

Jackson also complained about being banned from the team facility while suspended.

“You can’t tell me that you care about the guys, and then cut them off. What if I don’t have a support system?” Jackson said. “So, a lot of things they’re doing are contradictory in my opinion, so hopefully I can get some clarity.”

Jackson, who has served one game of his four-game ban, will forfeit $559,889 in salary. He gave up $279,000 in salary from the previous two-game suspension. He also has paid four fines for unnecessary roughness this season for a total of $89,670.

Officials have ejected him twice.

S P.J. LOCKE is in with Jackson out – and Ryan McFadden of the Denver Post has this report on his play against the Browns.

Broncos safety P.J. Locke was hitting folks.

The Cleveland Browns faced a fourth-and-14 in the fourth quarter when Locke lined up like he was playing man coverage on tight end David Njoku. The disguise worked as Locke flew into the backfield undetected by the Browns’ offensive line and backup quarterback P.J. Walker, whom he strip-sacked before linebacker Alex Singleton recovered the ball.

The hit was a fitting conclusion to Locke’s day in the Broncos’ 29-12 win over the Browns on Sunday, one he wasn’t even sure he’d be able to play in 24 hours earlier due to an ankle injury.

Locke didn’t miss a step, however, as he made big plays and delivered hits that could be felt in the suite level at Empower Field — including one that could’ve been costly had he and the Denver defense not responded with five straight stops to close out the game.

“(Locke) is a baller, man,” Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II said. “When his (name) gets called upon, he is always going to step up and make plays for us.”

Locke, who missed practice Wednesday, said there were certain movements he wasn’t comfortable with due to his injury. But as the week moved along, he showed progress. He practiced in limited fashion on Thursday before being a full participant on Friday.

Even though Denver desperately needed the depth at safety with Kareem Jackson serving a four-game suspension, head coach Sean Payton said he didn’t want to put Locke on the field if he wasn’t healthy.

When Locke woke up Sunday morning, he knew it was time to cut it loose.

“I knew physically that I probably wouldn’t be 100% but mentally, I knew I could be. That was the biggest thing,” Locke said.

Locke made his presence felt on the first drive of the game. He bolted to the line of scrimmage, stopping Browns running back Jerome Back for no gain. On the following play, Locke broke up starting quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s pass to wide receiver Amari Cooper.

All told, Locke finished with seven tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.

“I’m not asking P.J. to be Kareem, but we got to hold that same level of play, and he did that today,” Broncos safety Justin Simmons said. “He was all around the ball (and) fitting the run game when we needed him to.”

Locke’s performance embodied a physical style of play that was on display by the Broncos’ defense throughout the afternoon. He said the team knew Cleveland would try to come into the game and impose its will, so they wanted to match the Browns’ physicality.

“You could hear that game,” Payton said.

At the same time, Denver’s aggressive nature came with a cost. Locke was flagged for unnecessary roughness after delivering a late hit on Njoku, following an incomplete pass. The penalty moved the Browns to Denver’s 5-yard line before they eventually scored on a Harrison Bryant touchdown catch that cut the deficit to 14-12 with 6:42 left in the third.

Later in the quarter, outside linebacker Baron Browning was flagged for roughing the passer after he rocked Thompson-Robinson on an incomplete pass. The official waited a few seconds before tossing the flag in the air, which led to an uproar from the crowd. After staying on the ground for a prolonged period, Thompson-Robinson jogged off the field, was evaluated for a head injury and never returned.

When Locke was asked if he felt the Broncos, who were penalized eight times Sunday, have a target on their backs because of Jackson’s history with illegal hits, he didn’t bite.

“It’s a part of the game. We have to be smart in certain situations and keep going,” he said.

Locke is not Jackson, but he surely did his best impression to help extend Denver’s win streak to five. While Jackson remains suspended, the Broncos will need this level of play from Locke as they enter the most crucial part of the season.

“(Locke) does things the right way and he’s getting rewarded for that,” Simmons said.

KANSAS CITY

We had stayed away from the kerfuffle caused by Deadspin and woke agitator Carron Phillips until now over the young lad in headdress and war paint at last week’s Chiefs game (in Las Vegas, important plot point).  But now, there is a twist to the story.  Alice Wright of the Daily Mail was outraged by Phillips’ rant against “blackface” even before the twist.

Sports outlet Deadspin has accused a young Kansas City Chiefs’ fan of wearing racist blackface despite photos showing him wearing team colors across his entire face as well as a Native American headdress.

The uproar started when a photographer of the young fan, taken in profile, showed his face painted black.

Sports reporter Carron Phillips later wrote on Monday that ‘a Kansas City Chiefs fan found a way to hate Black people and the Native Americans at the same time.’

But others pointed out the other half of the child’s face – one not seen in the initial picture – was painted team color red.

He also took a shot at the headdress, which the team has banned since 2020, saying the fan ‘doubled up’ on racism by wearing the clothes some consider ‘cultural appropriation.’

Many indigenous communities consider wearing Native American clothing as a costume cultural appropriation, meaning the superficial or inappropriate use of another people’s cultural expression.

Blackface is the act of painting a non-black person’s skin darker to typically mock or imitate a black person.

Phillips also takes aim at the NFL in the article, writing: ‘If the NFL had outlawed the chop at Chiefs games and been more aggressive in changing the team’s name, then we wouldn’t be here.’

Deadspin argues if the league changed the Chiefs name the same way the Washington Redskins became the Commanders, then the issue would not have arisen.

Several sports teams have faced mounting pressure in recent years to change their names and mascots that may be deemed offensive to some.

The Cleveland Indians changed to the Cleveland Guardians in February 2021 after facing mounting criticism to drop the ‘Indians’ moniker.

While the Chiefs have faced less criticism than other team’s calls to change Native American references remains around their use of the tomahawk chop

While the Chiefs have faced less criticism than other team’s controversy remains around their use of the tomahawk chop, a celebration move using the forearm forwards and backwards repeatedly with an open palm to simulate a tomahawk chopping.

Wearing headdresses and war paint has been banned inside the Arrowhead stadium since September 2020.

‘The answers to all of those questions lead back to the NFL,’ the article read.

‘While it isn’t the league’s responsibility to stop racism and hate from being taught in the home, they are a league that has relentlessly participated in prejudice.

‘If the NFL had outlawed the chop at Chiefs games and been more aggressive in changing the team’s name, then we wouldn’t be here.’

After receiving pushback online by users who argued it was unfair to target a child and that it was disingenuous to say the child was in blackface, Phillips doubled down.

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, he said: ‘For the idiots in my mentions who are treating this as some harmless act because the other side of his face was painted red, I could make the argument that it makes it even worse.

Adding: ‘Y’all are the ones who hate Mexicans but wear sombreros on Cinco.’

We note that headdresses are banned/discouraged at Arrowhead Stadium in KC, but the game Sunday was in Las Vegas where no such ban exists.

But now, this twist, also from the Daily Mail.

This evening it emerged that the youngster has Native American heritage himself with a grandfather serving on the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, and that the team’s multi-ethnic squad had enthusiastically joined in with Holden’s ‘Indian’ chopping gesture.

‘Just stop already,’ the boy’s mom Shannon Armenta wrote on Facebook, ‘He is Native American.’

LAS VEGAS

Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review Journal throws out a name:

@VinnyBonsignore

Hearing a name to keep an eye on when @Raiders  go through HC search process: Former Stanford HC (and former Raiders assistant coach) David Shaw.

Ben Levine of ProFootballRumors.com fills the story out:

Shaw spent more than a decade running Stanford’s program, earning three conference titles and five bowl victories. He was fired following two-straight 3-9 campaigns, and he’s spent the past year out of football entirely.

Shaw actually spent time with the Raiders early on in his coaching career, serving as the team’s offensive quality control coach and later the quarterbacks coach. He spent four seasons with the Ravens before getting recruited by Jim Harbaugh to be the receivers coach at the University of San Diego. He followed Harbaugh to Stanford, serving as the offensive coordinator before getting promoted to head coach when Harbaugh left for the 49ers.

This isn’t the first time the coach has been connected to head coaching gigs. Shaw was a candidate for the Broncos head coaching job last offseason before the organization traded for Sean Payton.

Depending on how the Raiders finish the season, Shaw might not even have a shot at the job. Vic Tafur of The Athletic writes that a 6-3 record for Pierce “would get him the full-time job.” Following last weekend’s loss to the Chiefs, the Raiders are now 2-2 under the interim head coach, meaning they’ll need to go 4-1 the rest of the way to reach that record. Of course, Pierce could also earn the job without the strong finish; as Tafur writes, Davis “loves” how the players have responded to their new head coach.

PITTSBURGH

Winning close or not at all:

@ScottKacsmar

The Steelers have gone 53 straight games without winning by more than 14 points.

It’s the 2nd-longest streak in franchise history.

16th longest by any team in Super Bowl era.

Record is 113 games by Cardinals in 1994-2001.

– – –

Chris Trapasso of CBSSports.com grades all the young QBs for every game.  Here’s what he has for QB KENNY PICKETT last Sunday in Cincinnati:

Kenny Pickett

High-Caliber Throws/Plays:

Pickett’s first throw of the game was a rope down the seam to Pat Freiermuth that was perfectly placed.

He later led Diontae Johnson, in stride, down the right sideline for 39 yards.

On a 3rd-and-6 in the third quarter, he fit a pass into the arms of Freiermuth from an impossible angle for a first down near the sideline.

On a third down in the fourth, Pickett threw from the far hash outside the numbers to George Pickens on a deep ball with gorgeous trajectory.

Low-Caliber Throws/Plays:

In the third, Pickett missed a completely wide-open receiver in the middle of the field. Egregious miss.

Summary: Pickett was drastically better in his first game without Matt Canada calling the plays. Was he a completely different quarterback? Not necessarily. Still antsy in the pocket and had a few errant throws, but sprinkled in more pinpoint tosses than normal.

Grade: B+

Season Grade: C

For the record, Trapasso has BRYCE YOUNG’s season grade at D+, C.J. STROUD of the Texans and BROCK PURDY both at B-.  So he’s a tough grader.

– – –

Meanwhile Coach Mike Tomlin with some love for EDGE T.J. WATT. Kevin Patra of NFL.com:

The Pittsburgh Steelers offense finally showed up to the party in Week 12. The defense has been here the entire time.

The Steelers’ D kept the club afloat and spearheaded them into playoff position. Pittsburgh hasn’t allowed an opponent to earn 20 points in the past seven contests, allowing them to go 5-2 over that stretch despite an offense that played so poorly that head coach Mike Tomlin fired the offensive coordinator last week.

The Steelers defense has been suffocating despite significant contributors missing time, including star defensive tackle Cameron Heyward and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.

The key to Pittsburgh’s stellar performances through it all: T.J. Watt.

“Not only for the defense but for our football team,” Tomlin said on Tuesday, via the team’s official website. “There is a lot to learn from him in terms of how he goes about his business, how he works to maximize his talent level. What he does to maintain a level of production.

“Let’s be honest. T.J. is the best defensive player on the planet right now. And he proves that week in and week out with the plays that he delivers us.”

The tandem of Watt and the underrated Alex Highsmith has pushed the Steelers to playoff positioning despite being outscored by 23 net points through 11 games.

Watt generated two sacks in Week 12 at Cincinnati, his 20th career game with two-plus sacks. The Steelers edge rusher needs one more game with two-plus sacks in 2023 to tie his brother J.J. — 21 games — for the fifth-most contests with two-plus sacks in a player’s first seven seasons.

Watt has produced despite opponents scheming to slow him down.

“I get a bird’s eye view of it. I see the lengths that people go through to minimize his impact on the game,” Tomlin said on Tuesday. “I know the type of games that we’ve been in close ball games and you know how, at times it minimizes a guy that plays his position’s ability to impact the game. None of those things slow down that train that we all know what’s coming. And so we’re just appreciative of it.”

The best could be on the way for Watt. Per the team, in 29 career December games, Watt has 21.5 career sacks, 48 quarterback hits and nine forced fumbles.

INDIANAPOLIS

The Colts are in the playoffs at the moment – but RB JONATHAN TAYLOR needs thumb surgery.  Stephen Holder of ESPN.com:

Indianapolis Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor will undergo thumb surgery on Wednesday in Los Angeles, team owner Jim Irsay told ESPN on Tuesday.

Irsay said the Colts are hoping he misses at most two to three weeks.

Taylor rushed for 91 yards and two touchdowns in the Colts’ victory Sunday over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and played the entire game. He closed out the win with an 8-yard run with 1:24 remaining that gave the Colts a first down and allowed Indianapolis to run out the clock. Taylor played 42 snaps in the game and carried the ball 15 times.

It has been an eventful season for Taylor, starting with his very public contract standoff and ankle injury that sidelined him for the first four games. But Taylor’s performance has been impressive since he signed a three-year, $42 million extension in October and returned to the lineup.

Taylor’s workload had consistently increased in recent weeks, with the share of carries between him and backup Zack Moss tilted more toward Taylor lately. Taylor has 414 yards on 100 carries since returning.

If Taylor misses time, he’ll give way to Moss, who was one of the NFL’s leading rushers earlier this season in Taylor’s absence. Moss has a career-best 672 yards and five rushing touchdowns this season, surpassing his previous high of 481 yards as a rookie in Buffalo in 2020.

NEW ENGLAND

The Patriots sit at 2-9 after their rookie kicker misfired on Sunday.  Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com:

Patriots kicker Chad Ryland missed a game-tying 35-yard field goal with six seconds left in Sunday’s loss to the Giants, and now the Patriots are looking for potential replacements.

The Patriots worked out five kickers on Tuesday: Tanner Brown, Matthew McCrane, B.T. Potter, John Parker Romo and Parker White. They also worked out three punters, two long snappers and three wide receivers, all of whom have experience returning kicks, so it was a special teams-focused tryout day in New England.

But the focus has to be a replacement for Ryland, who has now missed 35-yard field goals two weeks in a row after also missing one against the Colts. Patriots coach Bill Belichick said on WEEI that the Patriots need better from that position.

“Chad’s a very talented player,” Belichick said. “But this is two weeks in a row that we basically missed extra points. It’s not good enough.”

If one of those kickers at the tryout did look good enough, he could be kicking for the Patriots as soon as Sunday’s game against the Chargers.

THIS AND THAT

GRUDEN TO THE HOOSIERS?

Justin Tasch of the New York Post sums up the rumors:

Jon Gruden is back in the coaching rumor mill, but not for an NFL job.

Gruden has been linked to the Indiana University coaching search after the school fired Tom Allen with a $15.5 million buyout, with The Athletic reporting that Gruden, who attended Clay High School in South Bend, Ind., is a “major wild card candidate” for the Hoosiers.

Gruden, 60, has “some interest” in the job and has “some support with a few key people high up at the school,” per the report.

Meanwhile, Jeff Rabjohns of Peegs.com says Gruden is not a candidate for the Indiana gig and claims “his agent did float some good bulls–t.”

Gruden last coached with the Raiders in 2021, when he resigned that October five games in after an NFL investigation into the Commanders discovered he used racist, homophobic and misogynistic language in emails.

The DB can add some info – Gruden actually attended an Indiana game in Bloomington earlier this season.  His father, Jim, now 86 years old, coached at IU in the 70s and Jon accompanied him back to campus for the game.

And we also know that Jon Gruden’s top priority is to coach again, somewhere.  He would not think the Indiana job is beneath him.

BROADCAST NEWS

Add the World Series audience with the NBA Finals audience – and you still haven’t reached what watched Green Bay at Detroit (muchless Washington at Dallas) this past Thursday.  Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com:

The NFL says 2023 was its most-watched slate of Thanksgiving games ever.

Packers-Lions, Commanders-Cowboys and 49ers-Seahawks combined to average 34.1 million viewers, the most the league has ever recorded for its Thanksgiving games.

It’s worth noting that out of home viewing has only been counted toward viewership totals since 2020, and a significant portion of people watching football on Thanksgiving are watching it at someone else’s house. So it might be more accurate to say 2023 was the NFL’s most-watched Thanksgiving of the last four seasons, and prior to that there simply isn’t reliable apples-to-apples data.

Regardless, the NFL is very pleased with the viewership totals, which included 41.8 million for the game in Dallas, 33.7 million for the game in Detroit and 26.9 million for the game in Seattle.

NFL games are in a different world than any other programming on American television. Among the most-watched non-football events of this year, none can even come close to what a big NFL game draws. This year’s World Series reached an average of 9.1 million viewers. This year’s NBA Finals reached an average of 11.6 million viewers. This year’s Academy Awards averaged 18.8 million viewers. This year’s Grammys averaged 12.5 million viewers. America’s biggest annual events can’t come close to the audience that NFL games bring in.

ALL 24&UNDER

A team of young pros from Matt Miller and Matt Bowen of ESPN.com:

Today’s NFL is loaded with young talent. A rookie quarterback is in the 2023 season’s MVP race. Seventeen receivers and tight ends taken in the past three draft classes have at least 500 receiving yards this year. A second-year pass-rusher has double-digit sacks, and there are 10 defensive backs under the age of 24 with multiple interceptions this season.

With all that in mind, we wanted to put together the NFL’s All-Youngster team and name the top under-24 players at each position. NFL draft analyst Matt Miller picked the first- and second-team offense, while NFL analyst Matt Bowen did the same for the defensive side of the ball. Players were eligible if they were 23 years old or younger as of Nov. 28.

Let’s get started building our pair of 22-man rosters packed with the game’s best youth with two quarterbacks with high ceilings.

Quarterback

First team: C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans

Current age: 22

Not only is Stroud essentially a lock for Offensive Rookie of the Year honors after this season, he’s also a legitimate MVP candidate thanks to his turnaround of the Texans. The 6-5 Texans are a playoff threat behind Stroud’s command of the offense. He has a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 19-5 and is second in passing yards with 3,266. The Texans have a great young quarterback to build around, and we want our All-Youngster team to start there, too.

Second team: Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers

Current age: 23

All Purdy does is win football games. The last pick of the 2022 draft has a 13-3 career record as a starter. In his second season, we’ve seen the 49ers lean more on his passing ability, and he has backed it up with world-class accuracy (70.2% completion percentage). Purdy leads all NFL quarterbacks with a total QBR of 75.6 this season and is in the top 10 in passing yards (2,871) and touchdown passes (19). His poised style of play has the 49ers looking like a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

Running back

First team: Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons

Current age: 21

No, Robinson’s first season hasn’t produced the type of stats we expected when the Falcons made him the No. 8 overall pick in April’s draft, but his talent is still obvious. The rookie back is No. 9 in the league with 63.9 rushing yards per game and has added 32 catches out of the backfield. A back with his power, speed, contact balance and receiving skills should ideally see 20-plus touches per game going forward and can become an even bigger part of this Atlanta

Second team: Breece Hall, New York Jets

Current age: 22

Hall, who saw his 2022 rookie season disrupted by an ACL tear, got back onto the field this year and once again looks like a blue-chip running back. In a struggling offense, he has carried the ball for 569 yards over 11 games, while also adding 38 catches for 320 receiving yards. Similar to Robinson’s situation, Hall has the burst, balance and receiving ability to put up top-five running back numbers, but he is held back by the Jets’ lackluster offense.

Wide receiver

First team: Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals

Current age: 23

Chase is the ideal NFL wide receiver in terms of traits, speed, toughness, sure hands and crisp route running. His 75 catches, 889 receiving yards and six touchdown receptions are all top-10 numbers this season. The 2021 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and second-team All-Pro might be just 6-foot and 201 pounds, but he’s a true go-to receiver with game-changing talents.

First team: Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints

Current age: 23

Olave broke out in his rookie season, catching 72 passes for 1,042 yards and four touchdowns in 2022. He’s a silky-smooth route runner with excellent quickness and the agility to tie up the feet of defensive backs. His numbers are quieter this season — 63 catches, 771 yards and three TDs — but Olave has all the traits to be a perennial All-Pro candidate.

First team: Garrett Wilson, New York Jets

Current age: 23

Wilson, the 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year, quickly emerged as one of the best young receivers in football with 83 catches, 1,103 yards and four touchdowns in his debut for a Jets team that struggled at quarterback. He is explosive as a route runner and dynamic with the ball in his hands, and he’ll be a WR1 in the NFL for a long time. He is currently on pace to crack 1,000 yards again despite more uneven QB play.

Second team: George Pickens, Pittsburgh Steelers

Current age: 22

In his second NFL season, Pickens hasn’t had the best supporting quarterback play, and the Steelers’ offense in general has sputtered. But he has still racked up 40 catches, 662 yards and three scores. He’s a dynamic deep threat who consistently wins over the top and on 50-50 balls. The 6-foot-3 Pickens is the ultimate mismatch on vertical routes when his quarterback can get him the ball.

Second team: Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams

Current age: 22

The red-hot start by Nacua this season caught headlines and put a spotlight on how great route running and quickness can turn a fifth-round draft pick into a star. Nacua is seventh in the league in receiving (924 yards) and tied for 10th in catches (73). He also has three scores for the Rams. Nacua is the ultimate inside receiver who can carve up defenses with underneath routes.

Second team: Jordan Addison, Minnesota Vikings

Current age: 21

Addison was expected to be a running mate to Justin Jefferson but has quickly taken over as WR1 with Jefferson out due to a hamstring injury. The 2023 first-rounder is tied for fifth in the league with seven touchdown catches and already has 647 yards despite not becoming an every-game starter until Week 6 and losing starting quarterback Kirk Cousins in Week 8 (torn Achilles).

Tight end

First team: Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions

Current age: 22

LaPorta has five touchdowns and has become unstoppable in the red zone. The 2023 second-rounder has 55 catches for 539 yards and is making a case for an All-Pro nod in his first season in the NFL. And that’s not to mention how effective he has been in the run game as an outside blocker. LaPorta has a strong case for already being a top-five tight end.

Second team: Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons

Current age: 23

Pitts is a case of betting on potential and not looking too much at previous production, given the quarterback play and scheme in Atlanta. The No. 4 overall pick of the 2021 draft, Pitts had 68 catches as a rookie but just 28 last season and 37 so far in 2023. When the Falcons can get him the ball, he’s averaging 7.3 yards per target and has yet to drop a pass all season. He has the traits to see an uptick in stats.

Left tackle

First team: Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions

Current age: 23

Sewel has played both right and left tackle since joining the Lions in 2021, but it’s on the left side where he’s at his best, even as he has settled back to the right for most of this season. A Pro Bowler in 2022, Sewell is one of the cleanest blockers in the NFL. So far this year, he has given up just two sacks and has a pass block win rate of 92.3%.

Second team: Charles Cross, Seattle Seahawks

Current age: 23

A 2022 first-rounder, Cross stepped into the Seahawks’ lineup immediately and became a foundational part of the O-line at left tackle. There were bumps along the way last season, as he allowed 15 sacks in 17 games, but he has allowed one sack so far in 2023 and has a pass block win rate of 88.4% over eight games. Cross is equally impressive in the run game, where his 80.4% win rate is top 10 in the NFL among tackles.

Left guard

First team: Tyler Smith, Dallas Cowboys

Current age: 22

Smith’s future in Dallas may ultimately be at left tackle, but we’ll slot him in at left guard, where he’s playing in 2023. The 2022 first-rounder has allowed two sacks in 2023 with a 93.0% pass block win rate in nine starts. The 6-foot-6, 332-pounder was raw coming out of Tulsa but looks to be turning into one of the league’s best guards.

Second team: Peter Skoronski, Tennessee Titans

Current age: 22

The No. 11 overall pick in the 2023 draft, Skoronski has made the transition from college left tackle to NFL left guard over eight starts this season, securing a pass block win rate of 87.1%. He is no doubt still acclimating to the new position on an offense that has been under duress this season, but the potential is through the roof with his play power, patience and dominant run-blocking traits.

Center

First team: Tyler Linderbaum, Baltimore Ravens

Current age: 23

An All-American and Rimington Award winner at Iowa, Linderbaum has hit the ground running in the NFL, starting every game in 2022 and 2023 so far. He is one of the best centers in the game regardless of age, ranking sixth at the position in pass block win rate at 96.3%. He’s the perfect center to build a team around.

Second team: Joe Tippmann, New York Jets

Current age: 22

The Jets have moved Tippmann around, shuffling the 2023 second-rounder between guard and center, but his college tape was most dominant in the middle of the offensive line. We haven’t seen him settle in there yet, but the upside is apparent with his run-block power and poise in the passing game. He has shown flashes with a pass block win rate of 88.1% this season in limited action (436 snaps).

Right guard

First team: Jamaree Salyer, Los Angeles Chargers

Current age: 23

A versatile offensive lineman who has filled in at tackle, Salyer has struggled at times acclimating to right guard after spending his first year on the left side. He has been attributed with seven sacks this season, but we’re chalking that up to a complete position change. The former sixth-rounder has Pro Bowl potential with a career 89.1% pass block win rate and 75.0% run block win rate.

Second team: O’Cyrus Torrence, Buffalo Bills

Current age: 23

Torrence, the Bills’ second-round pick in 2023, has started 12 games at right guard while impressing both in the run and pass game. He has allowed four sacks this season and secured a pass block win rate of 92.2%. He’s also a bull-moving lineman out of gaps at 347 pounds.

Right tackle

First team: Darnell Wright, Chicago Bears

Current age: 22

Wright has started 11 games at right tackle for the struggling Bears. The rookie’s tape has been hot and cold — he has allowed nine sacks — but his flashes in the run game are dominant with a win rate of 77%. That’s top-20 among all tackles. Wright has to develop, as this is his second season playing right tackle, but the traits are there for him to become a star.

Second team: Paris Johnson Jr., Arizona Cardinals

Current age: 22

Johnson, the No. 6 pick in the 2023 draft, made the move to right tackle for the Cardinals and has impressed. His future may be on the left side, but he’s getting it done at RT this season with a pass block win rate of 80.2%. As a one-year starter in college at left tackle after playing right guard, it’ll benefit Johnson to settle into one position.

Edge rusher

First team: Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions

Current age: 23

Hutchinson is a relentless defender with the pass-rushing chops to hit the quarterback and the physicality to set an edge against the run. He has 5.5 sacks and 42 pressures this season after posting 9.5 sacks in his 2022 rookie year. He’s explosive off the ball, with the lower-body flex and technique to win one-on-ones. And Hutchinson’s high effort mentality shows up consistently on the tape, too.

First team: Kayvon Thibodeaux, New York Giants

Current age: 22

With high-end traits and juice off the ball, Thibodeaux has elevated his game this season after being the No. 5 pick in 2022. His 11 sacks are eighth-most in the NFL, and he has also added 29 pressures. The tape tells us that he has developed a deeper set of counter moves in his second pro season, and the arrow is pointing up on his game.

Second team: Will Anderson Jr., Houston Texans

Current age: 22

A rapidly ascending defender in his first pro season after going No. 3 in April, Anderson’s 24.7% pass rush win rate ranks fifth overall in the league. He also currently sits at three sacks and 28 pressures on the season. His speed off the ball has shown up on the tape, and he creates pocket disruption with speed to power.

Second team: George Karlaftis, Kansas City Chiefs

Current age: 22

Karlaftis has eight sacks and 26 pressures this season. He’s a power-based edge rusher, with the technique and counter moves to transition through the rush path. And with his great effort level, Karlaftis puts himself in position to make plays on third and fourth down. He can win one-on-one or get home off the schemed stunts in the Chiefs’ defense.

Defensive tackle

First team: Jalen Carter, Philadelphia Eagles

Current age: 22

Carter is a chaos creator with a complete skill set on the interior. He has four sacks, two forced fumbles and 18 pressures this season. He’s an easy mover with the natural power to shed blockers and create disruption versus both the run and pass game. Carter would get my early vote as the Defensive Rookie of the Year.

First team: Jordan Davis, Philadelphia Eagles

Current age: 23

Davis, the No. 13 overall pick of the 2022 draft, is a force-multiplier at the point of attack alongside Carter. He uses his 6-foot-6, 340-pound frame and power to displace blockers on contact, re-setting the line of scrimmage. And while his numbers don’t jump — 2.5 sacks and 29 tackles this season — Davis alters offensive schemes up front due to his ability to demand attention. And his 47.5% run stop win rate ranks second in the NFL this season.

Second team: Calijah Kancey, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Current age: 22

Kancey has played in only eight games this season, but watch the recent tape of the rookie first-rounder. His initial first step off the ball pops, and Kancey can create disruption behind the line of scrimmage. He has three sacks and 16 pressures on the season, and I expect the production to elevate over the final six weeks.

Second team: Keeanu Benton, Pittsburgh Steelers

Current age: 22

Benton has both the size (6-foot-4, 309 pounds) and upper-body power to shed blockers and find the ball. He works with positive lateral pursuit and strikes with his hands to create pass-rush opportunities. Like Davis, Benton isn’t going to fill up the stat sheet (one sack, seven pressures and 28 tackles), but he has shown development in his rookie season as an interior space-eater who can make plays.

Linebacker

First team: Nick Bolton, Kansas City Chiefs

Current age: 23

Bolton is currently on IR with a wrist injury, and he has played just four games this season. But the third-year pro is one of the rising stack linebackers in the league, coming off a 180-tackle campaign in 2022. He is a downhill thumper in the run game and is decisive to the ball. Plus, Bolton can make plays in coverage as a zone defender with three career interceptions.

First team: Quay Walker, Green Bay Packers

Current age: 23

Walker is a run-and-hit linebacker with three-down traits and has flashed his impact ability with the Packers. The 2022 first-rounder has the pursuit speed to track and finish at the second level, along with the awareness to make plays in coverage. Walker had 119 tackles and three forced fumbles last season, and he’s on pace to cruise past 100 tackles again this season (79 in nine games). He also had a pick-six earlier this year.

First team: Jack Campbell, Detroit Lions

Current age: 23

At 6-foot-5 and 243 pounds, Campbell uses his long frame, physical tools and run-game awareness to mix it up in the box. He sees it fast here, with the ability to pursue the ball carrier. Plus, Campbell can play at depth in zone coverage, putting himself in a position to drive top-down on second-level throws. In 365 defensive snaps played this season, the first-round rookie has 47 tackles, one sack and one pass breakup.

Second team: Jack Sanborn, Chicago Bears

Current age: 23

Playing the Sam linebacker position in the Bears’ base 4-3 defense, Sanborn is an instinctual defender who is quick to identify the play. He has the ability to run clean lines to the ball, can rack up run stops and gets to depth in the Bears’ core zone-coverage schemes. His 41.1% run stop win rate ranks second among linebackers this season, and over his two-year career, Sanborn has 113 tackles, three sacks and one interception.

Second team: Ivan Pace Jr., Minnesota Vikings

Current age: 22

With his compact and strong 5-foot-10, 231-pound frame, the undrafted rookie has put together quality tape this season. Pace hasn’t made a bunch of splash plays — 45 tackles and a half sack — but he covers ground at the second level and gets a jump downhill due to his awareness at the position. Plus, his ability to play with leverage and balance at the point of attack should lead to future production.

Second team: Henry To’oTo’o, Houston Texans

Current age: 22

To’oTo’o has the tackling range to cut off the ball on the edges, and he will shoot interior gaps to create downhill disruption against the run. I see the movement skills to match and carry in coverage, too, and he can run with inside seams or transition from depth to break on the ball. Through 12 weeks of his rookie season, To’oTo’o has 56 tackles, one forced fumble and two pass breakups.

Cornerback

First team: Pat Surtain II, Denver Broncos

Current age: 23

Surtain is a long-framed cover corner with prototypical traits and high-level technique. He will challenge receivers at all three levels of the field and can make tackles on the perimeter. Surtain has seven interceptions and 28 pass breakups over his three pro seasons. He’s already a top-five player at the position.

First team: Sauce Gardner, New York Jets

Current age: 23

He’s 6-foot-3, but Gardner moves like a much smaller defender, with the quickness and lower-body flexibility to change directions instantly. He has the press-coverage traits and length to create on-the-ball production and the backfield vision to play off-coverage in the Jets’ zone schemes. Gardner is competitive and aggressive in his technique, and he will challenge receivers. His 19 pass breakups since entering the NFL last season are tied for fifth over that time, and he also has two career picks.

Second team: Devon Witherspoon, Seattle Seahawks

Current age: 22

Witherspoon’s urgent playing style jumps off the tape. The rookie — who was drafted at No. 5 in April — is a natural disruptor with inside/outside coverage flexibility and the physicality to drop the hammer on contact. He has one interception and three sacks already this season, and his 10 pass breakups are tied for second-most in the NFL. Witherspoon is in the mix for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

Second team: Trent McDuffie, Kansas City Chiefs

Current age: 23

McDuffie is one of the league’s rising talents in the secondary, and his versatility and competitive playing style are maximized in the Chiefs’ defensive scheme. He can lock down receivers in coverage on the perimeter or bump inside to pressure and fit up against the run. McDuffie is an explosive mover, with the lower-body control to flip his hips and close on the ball. He has 57 tackles, two sacks and four pass breakups this season, but he is still looking for his first pro interception after being selected in Round 1 in 2022.

Safety

First team: Talanoa Hufanga, San Francisco 49ers

Current age: 23

Hufanga’s season was cut short after an ACL injury in Week 11, but he’s a three-level impact defender with the ability to create difference-making plays. He can drive top-down on the ball, match and carry in coverage and create chaos near the line of scrimmage. Hufanga has seven interceptions, two forced fumbles, two sacks and eight pass breakups in his three pro seasons, and he came close to 100 tackles in 2022 with 95.

First team: Kyle Hamilton, Baltimore Ravens

Current age: 22

Hamilton is a multi-dimensional player in the Ravens’ defensive system, with the traits to play as nickel safety, create pressure or use his split-field range to drive on the ball. And we are seeing his impact this season, as the 6-foot-4 safety returned one of his two interceptions for a touchdown. He also has 62 tackles, three sacks and six pass breakups over 12 games.

Second team: Jevon Holland, Miami Dolphins

Current age: 23

Holland has adapted to new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s system this season in Miami, where he can play from split-field alignments or spin late to roam the second level as a robber/curl defender. In three pro seasons, Holland has notched four interceptions, 14 pass breakups, four forced fumbles and four sacks. He has the traits to find the ball from multiple alignments.

Second team: Andre Cisco, Jacksonville Jaguars

Current age: 23

Cisco has the ball-hawking traits with the deep-field range to make plays from the post- or split-field alignments. Over the past two seasons, the 2021 third-rounder has six interceptions (tied for eighth-most), seven pass breakups and a TD. And he will deliver a strike when driving top-down on the ball, with 46 tackles in 2023.