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Week 7 NFL Power Rankings: Dolphins rise to top

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There are no more unbeaten teams after a wild Week 7 of the NFL season. I repeat: no more unbeaten teams. 

 

What does that mean? Well, the 1972 Miami Dolphins can pop the champagne as they celebrate another year of being the only team in NFL history to have a perfect season. 

 

Both the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles lost their first games this year on the road and their quarterbacks did not play well. 

 

Of course, the 49ers could easily still be undefeated if their kicker, Jake Moody, cashed in on a 41-yard game winning field goal, but that’s not how the story ended for San Francisco. It’s worth taking into account that offensive stars Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel had to exit the game due to injury but Cleveland did what they could and kept attacking that stingy Niner defense.

 

The Eagles were hoping to start out 6-0 as they faced off against the Jets on the road in East Rutherford, but their offense looked lost. They couldn’t get anything going with the run game as running back D’Andre Swift had tallied just 18 yards on 10 attempts. Quarterback Jalen Hurts did not look comfortable as he threw three interceptions and was sacked five times even with the Jets missing their star cornerback Sauce Gardner. But it did not matter because Robert Saleh’s defense was up for the task and played lights out to hand Philly their first loss of the year. 

 

Flipping it over to the rest of the league, a couple of highly talented teams in the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs had some ugly wins on their home turf against subpar opponents. But at the end of the day, a win is a win in the stat sheet I guess. 

 

The Jacksonville Jaguars blew out the Indianapolis Colts 37-20 as Jacksonville’s defense forced four turnovers that included three picks against quarterback Gardner Minshew. 

 

Baltimore snuck out with a victory against the Titans in London while the Texans got a much-needed win at home against the Saints. 

 

The Detroit Lions continue to win football games while Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys were able to fend off the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football.

 

The Miami Dolphins were in a little bit of trouble against the Carolina Panthers after finding themselves down 14-0, but there was no panic with the best offense in the league. 

 

Raheem Mostert had a huge day running for 115 yards and two touchdowns, Tyreek Hill had six catches for 163 yards and a touchdown and Tua Tagovailoa threw for 262 yards and three touchdowns. Miami ended up winning 42-21 and are 5-1 on the season, their best start in 20 years. 

 

Below are my Week 7 power rankings.

 

  1. Carolina Panthers (0 – 6) 

Last Week: 32

Result: Lost at Dolphins 42-21

 

  1. New England Patriots (1 – 5)

Last Week: 31

Result: Lost at Raiders 21-17

  1. Arizona Cardinals (1 – 5)

Last Week: 29

Result: Lost at Rams 26-9 

 

  1. Chicago Bears (1 – 5)

Last Week: 26

Result: Lost vs. Vikings 19-13

 

  1. Denver Broncos (1 – 5)

Last Week: 30

Result: Lost at Chiefs 19-8

 

  1. New York Giants (1 – 5)

Last Week: 28

Result: Lost at Bills 14-9

 

  1. Tennessee Titans (2 – 4)

Last Week: 22

Result: Lost vs. Ravens 24-16

 

  1. Green Bay Packers (2 – 3)

            Last Week: 25

Result: Bye Week

 

  1. Minnesota Vikings (2 – 4)

Last Week: 24

Result: Won at Beats 19-13

 

  1. Atlanta Falcons (3 – 3)

Last Week: 19

Result: Lost vs. Commanders 24-16

 

  1. Indianapolis Colts (3 – 3)

Last Week: 13

Result: Lost at Jaguars 37-20

 

  1. New Orleans Saints (3 – 3)

Last Week: 12

Result: Lost at Texans 20-13

 

  1. Washington Commanders (3 – 3)

Last Week: 27

Result: Won at Falcons 24-16

 

  1. Las Vegas Raiders (3 – 3)

Last Week: 18

Result: Won vs. Patriots 2-17

 

  1. Los Angeles Rams (3 – 3)

            Last Week: 20

Result: Won vs. Cardinals 26-9

 

  1. Houston Texans (3 – 3)

Last Week: 23

Result: Won vs. Saints 20-13

 

  1. Pittsburgh Steelers (3 – 2)

Last Week: 16

Result: Bye Week

 

  1. Los Angeles Chargers (2 – 3)

Last Week: 14

Result: Lost vs. Cowboys 20-17

 

  1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3 – 2)

Last Week: 11

Result: Lost vs. Lions 20-6

 

  1. New York Jets (3 – 3)

Last Week: 21

Result: Won vs. Eagles 20-14

 

  1. Seattle Seahawks (3 – 2)

Last Week: 8

Result: Lost at Bengals 17-13

 

  1. Cincinnati Bengals (3 – 3)

Last Week: 15

Result: Won vs. Seahawks 17-13

 

  1. Baltimore Ravens (4 – 2)

Last Week: 10

Result: Won at Titans 24-16

 

  1. Cleveland Browns (3 – 2)

Last Week: 17

Result: Won vs. 49ers 19-17

 

  1. Buffalo Bills (4 – 2)

Last Week: 6

Result: Won vs. Giants 14-9

 

  1. Dallas Cowboys (4 – 2)

Last Week: 7

Result: Won at Chargers 20-17

 

  1. Jacksonville Jaguars (4 – 2)

Last Week: 9

Result: Won vs. Colts 37-20

 

  1. Philadelphia Eagles (5 – 1)

Last Week: 2

Result: Lost at Jets 20-14

 

  1. Detroit Lions (5 – 1)

Last Week: 5

Result: Won at Buccaneers 20-6

 

  1. San Francisco 49ers (5 – 1)

Last Week: 1

Result: Lost at Browns 19-17

 

  1. Kansas City Chiefs (5 – 1)

Last Week: 4

Result: Won vs. Broncos 19-8

 

  1. Miami Dolphins (5 – 1)

Last Week: 3

Result: Won vs. Panthers 42-21

 

NFL Power Rankings Week 6: Dolphins back in top 5

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With Week 6 of the NFL in the books, there was certainly a lot to unpack. From season-ending injuries to major upsets, the league continues to show its unpredictability.

 

There are only two teams left with perfect records: Philadelphia and San Francisco. But looking at the other end of the spectrum, Carolina is still seeking their first win of the season. 

 

It has been a rough first five weeks for Bryce Young and the winless Carolina Panthers. Turnovers were the story of the game for Carolina as they got blown out on the road in Detroit. Young threw two interceptions and has now thrown four in five games this year. It doesn’t get easier for the Panthers as they head down to South Florida next week to play one of the league’s best teams in the Miami Dolphins. 

 

Let’s talk about New England for a second. What has happened to Bill Belichick and his New England Patriots? New England got embarrassed at home and Mac Jones’s struggles continued. Jones looked absolutely rattled by New Orleans’ defense as he completed just 12 of his 22 passes for 110 yards. Oh, and he also threw a couple of picks. And to make things worse, the Patriots have been outscored 72-3 in their last two games. Woah.

 

Speaking of the number 72, the Denver Broncos have been one of, if not, the biggest letdown in the league this season. Bringing in Sean Payton was clearly not going to help Russell Wilson guide this team to consistently find ways to win. And it doesn’t help when the defense just looks lost week after week. Denver gave up 234 rushing yards to the Jets and couldn’t bring down Breece Hall as he ran for 177 yards and a touchdown. If it wasn’t for a come-from-behind win against the Chicago Bears, the Broncos would easily be at the bottom of my list. 

 

The Chicago Bears. Let’s give them props for winning their first game in 346 days. Yes, you read that right. Justin Fields played lights out, throwing for 282 yards and four touchdowns. But the story of the game was D.J. Moore. Moore had eight catches for 230 yards and three touchdowns to help lead the Bears to a 40-20 victory in Washington on Thursday Night Football.

 

The Cardinals are an interesting team. They go from blowing a game against the Giants one week to beating the Cowboys another week. But it seems like they’ve run out of gas as they’ve lost by double digits in their last two games against the 49ers and Bengals. Arizona had no answer in containing Ja’Marr Chase as the star wide receiver had a total of 15 catches for 192 yards and three touchdowns. With the status of quarterback Kyler Murray being uncertain, it’s looking like a long season for the Cardinals. 

 

The offensive line for the New York Giants continues to be a disappointment and they have not been doing Daniel Jones any favors as they allowed seven sacks in their loss to the Dolphins. It seemed as if every time Jones dropped back to pass, he was getting tossed to the ground by Miami’s defensive line. Jones eventually had to exit the game due to neck soreness. A positive note that New York can take out of the game was that they forced a couple of interceptions that included a 102-yard pick-six. But don’t look now Giants fans. Your New York Football Giants are headed to Buffalo next week. Yikes. 

 

It looked like the Bills were jetlagged in their 25-20 loss to the Jaguars in London. Buffalo was down early in the game and despite their efforts to make a comeback, it was too little too late. Give credit to Jacksonville though. They had a very good offensive approach, especially through the ground game. Travis Etienne ran all over Buffalo’s defense as he had 26 carries for 136 yards and two touchdowns. But I think the main story is the injury to Bills star linebacker Matt Milano. According to reports, Milano suffered a season-ending knee injury during the first quarter and the Bills took another major blow to their defense. They’ve now lost Milano and Tre’Davious White in the span of two weeks. 

 

The Philadelphia Eagles cruised by the Los Angeles Rams to start their season out 5-0 and the San Francisco 49ers look like the most complete team in the NFL after making the Dallas Cowboys look like a deer in headlights. To top it off, George Kittle had a hat trick, catching three touchdowns in San Francisco’s 42-10 victory. 

 

Shifting over to South Florida, the best offense in the league is back at it again. Whether it’s in the air or on the ground, the Dolphins looked unstoppable. Aside from a couple of careless interceptions from Tua Tagovailoa, Miami looked flawless on both sides of the ball. Tyreek Hill had eight catches for 181 yards and a touchdown. Rookie running back De’Von Achane made his presence known as he had 11 carries for 151 yards and a touchdown although there were some reports that Achane was suffering from a knee injury after the game. There are no reports of the severity of the injury.  

 

On the defensive side, defensive tackle Zach Sieler had a day, tallying six tackles and two sacks. After a disappointing loss to Buffalo in their last game, Miami looks like they are back to being the team to beat in the AFC. With a matchup against the winless Carolina Panthers in their next game, the Dolphins could very well be headed towards a 5-1 start to the season. 

 

Below are my Week 6 power rankings.

 

  1. Carolina Panthers (0 – 5)

Lost vs. Lions 42-24

 

  1. New England Patriots (1 – 4)

Lost vs. Saints 34-0

 

  1. Denver Broncos (1 – 4)

Lost vs. Jets 31-21

 

  1. Arizona Cardinals (1 – 4)

Lost vs. Bengals 34-20

 

  1. New York Giants (1 – 4)

Lost vs. Dolphins 31-16

 

  1. Washington Commanders (2 – 3)

Lost vs. Bears 40-20

 

  1. Chicago Bears (1 – 4)

Won vs. Commanders 40-20

 

  1. Green Bay Packers (2 – 3)

            Lost vs. Raiders 17-13

 

  1. Minnesota Vikings (1 – 4)

Lost vs. Chiefs 27-20

 

  1. Houston Texans (2 – 3)

Lost vs. Falcons 21-19

 

  1. Tennessee Titans (2 – 3)

Lost vs. Colts 23-16

 

  1. New York Jets (2 – 3)

Won vs. Broncos 31-21

 

  1. Los Angeles Rams (2 – 3)

Lost vs. Eagles 23-14

 

  1. Atlanta Falcons (3 – 2)

Won vs. Texans 21-19

 

  1. Las Vegas Raiders (2 – 3)

            Won vs. Packers 17-13

 

  1. Cleveland Browns (2 – 2)

Bye Week

 

  1. Pittsburgh Steelers (3 – 2)

Won vs. Ravens 17-10

 

  1. Cincinnati Bengals (2 – 3)

Won vs. Cardinals 34-20

 

  1. Los Angeles Chargers (2 – 2)

Bye Week

 

  1. Indianapolis Colts (3 – 2)

Won vs. Titans 23-16

 

  1. New Orleans Saints (3 – 2)

Won vs. Patriots 34-0

 

  1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3 – 1)

Bye Week

 

  1. Baltimore Ravens (3 – 2)

Lost vs. Steelers 17-10

 

  1. Jacksonville Jaguars (3 – 2)

Won vs. Bills 25-20

 

  1. Seattle Seahawks (3 – 1)

Bye Week

 

  1. Dallas Cowboys (3 – 2)

Lost vs. 49ers 42-10

 

  1. Buffalo Bills (3 – 2)

Lost vs. Jaguars 25-20

 

  1. Detroit Lions (4 – 1)

Won vs. Panthers 42-24

 

  1. Kansas City Chiefs (4 – 1)

Won vs. Vikings 27-20

 

  1. Miami Dolphins (4 – 1)

Won vs. Giants 31-16

 

  1. Philadelphia Eagles (5 – 0)

Won vs. Rams 23-14

 

  1. San Francisco 49ers (5 – 0)

Won vs. Cowboys 42-10

 

Tyree Hill and Jaylen Waddle are giving the Miami Dolphins the most dynamic receiving duo in the NFL.

5 Takeaways from Miami’s 48-20 Loss to Buffalo

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The Disappointing Fangio Defense: 

 

In what has been a challenging start to the season for the Miami Dolphins, the performance of their defense, led by defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, has been a major letdown. After four weeks of play, the Dolphins’ defense finds itself at the bottom of the league, ranking worst in success rate, second-worst in passing success, and third-worst in rush EPA and success. To make matters worse, they sit at the 21st spot in passing EPA and a dismal 26th in EPA/play. Against the Buffalo Bills, this defense allowed quarterback Josh Allen to have a field day without applying sufficient pressure, unveiling effective blitz packages, or really making him feel uncomfortable in the slightest. The decision to leave second-year UDFA Kader Kohou on an island against All-Pro WR Stefon Diggs backfired spectacularly, as Diggs racked up three touchdowns and 120 receiving yards, with two of those touchdowns coming in the first half. The absence of halftime adjustments compounded the defensive woes, underlining the urgent need for significant improvements in Miami’s defensive game plan.

 

Abandoning the Run Game: 

 

While it’s understandable that the Dolphins leaned heavily on their passing game, given the early deficit, Coach McDaniel conceded that he should have stuck with the run game more. Rookie De’Von Achane, a bright spot, found the end zone twice and displayed promise. However, the Bills’ defensive strategy of employing cover two effectively limited deep passing opportunities for Miami’s wide receivers. Opponents are increasingly adapting to Miami’s high-flying offense by focusing on preventing deep passes. This necessitates a strategic adjustment in the Dolphins’ game plan to counter these defensive tactics.

 

Concerns on the Offensive Line

 

After three nearly flawless weeks, the Dolphins’ offensive line encountered a considerable setback, surrendering a total of four sacks to the Bills. This marked a significant departure from the mere one sack allowed in the first three weeks of the season. The absence of center Connor Williams forced the Dolphins to thrust Liam Eichenberg into the center position, where he faced a challenging day. Eichenberg’s struggles not only affected the offensive line but also contributed to LT Terron Armstead’s injury. An unfortunate collision with Armstead’s knee forced him to exit the game prematurely. Tua Tagovailoa found himself under constant pressure, and it was evident that he was rattled. Miami must urgently address this concern at the center position to ensure the protection of Tagovailoa’s health.

 

Injuries Taking Their Toll

The Dolphins were dealt a harsh blow with the loss of Terron Armstead, expected to be sidelined for weeks, is a significant setback. The unavailability of LB Jaelan Phillips and C Connor Williams due to injuries further exacerbated issues, impacting both the pass-rushing and pass-protection aspects of Miami’s game plan. These injuries disrupted Miami’s strategy and undoubtedly contributed to their struggles on the field.

 

A Shot at Redemption

 

Defeats may sting, but they also provide the opportunity for redemption. In the grand finale of the regular season, the Dolphins will host the Bills—a team they have a peculiar knack for defeating at home, even if Buffalo’s backyard proves elusive. Could it be for the division title? After all, a win in Miami is worth two in Buffalo, isn’t it? If the Dolphins aspire to dethrone the Bills and crown themselves AFC East champions, there’s a captivating journey ahead and a lot of work to be done.

 

Every Record from Dolphins’ 70-20 Win Over Denver

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Just how dominant was the Miami Dolphins 70-20 win over the Broncos? Well, the Dolphins broke or tied 13 records in their 70-point performance on Sunday.

 

Here is the full list:

 

Team records including postseason

  • The Dolphins amassed 70 points in a single game, setting a franchise record
  • Miami also scored the most touchdowns in a single game in franchise history (10)
  • A total yard mark of 726 is the most in team history 
  • Miami ran for 350 yards on the backs of Raheem Mostert, De’von Achane, and Chris Brooks
  • The Dolphins tied a team record by scoring 35 points in the second half of Sunday’s game.
  • Lastly Miami tallied 10 Point After Attempts in a single game with 10, which also set a franchise record.

 

Individual records including postseason

 

  • Rookie RB De’Von Achane put up four touchdowns in Sunday’s game. That’s the most touchdowns in a game by a rookie.
  • Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane scored 24 points apiece, setting individual and tying team records for both. 
  • Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane put up 4 touchdowns apiece, setting individual and tying team records for both.
  • Rookie RB De’Von Achane rushed for the most yards in a single game by a rookie with 203.
  • Tua Tagovailoa has thrown for 1,024 yards in 3 games… The most passing yards through 3 games in franchise history.
  • Tyreek Hill has 412 receiving yards through 3 games. That’s the most receiving yards through 3 games in Dolphins history.
  • Jason Sanders tied a team record with 10 PATs in a single game. 
Tua Tagovailoa, with Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel, had an uncharacteristically poor performance in the loss against San Francisco.

5 Takeaways from Dolphins’ Week 1 Triumph Over the Chargers

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The Miami Dolphins opened their 2023 campaign with an electrifying victory, outlasting the Los Angeles Chargers 36-34 in a thrilling showdown. Here are five key takeaways from this Week 1 clash:

 

  1. Tua Tagovailoa Returns in Style

After an arduous nine-month wait since his last meaningful game due to a season-ending concussion in December 2022, Tua Tagovailoa made an impressive comeback. Showing no signs of rust, Tagovailoa’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. He completed 28 of 45 passes for a staggering 466 yards. Notably, a crucial 47-yard connection with Tyreek Hill on a pivotal third-and-10 in the late stages of the game set the stage for a game-deciding four-yard touchdown pass to Hill. Tagovailoa’s resilience and skill were on full display.

 

  1. Vic Fangio’s Timely Defensive Adjustments

The Dolphins’ defense faced a stern test throughout the game, struggling to contain the Chargers’ offensive prowess. However, it was Vic Fangio’s late-game adjustments that turned the tide. Fangio’s strategic blitzes on consecutive plays disrupted the Chargers’ offense, leading to a Justin Herbert intentional grounding and a key sack by Zach Sieler. Justin Bethel and Jaelan Phillips combined for a pivotal game-ending sack. While not without its challenges, Fangio’s timely defensive tactics ultimately delivered the stops required for victory.

 

  1. Overcoming Costly Turnovers

Overcoming adversity is a hallmark of a resilient team, and the Dolphins demonstrated just that. Despite turning the ball over twice within the 5-yard line, they refused to be discouraged. The first blunder occurred early in the game when Tagovailoa and Connor Williams mishandled a center-quarterback exchange. Later, an ill-advised pass by Tagovailoa resulted in an interception by J.C. Jackson. The Dolphins’ potent offense on Sunday proved capable of surmounting these setbacks.

 

  1. J.C. Jackson’s Unforgettable Play

In a rare sequence, a drive that commenced with a touchback and less than 10 seconds left in a half concluded with a successful field goal. This remarkable turn of events was made possible by a crucial play from J.C. Jackson, who drew a penalty by interfering with Erik Ezukanma. Jason Sanders capitalized on the extra play, nailing a 41-yard field goal. However, Jackson’s challenging day continued as Tyreek Hill burned him on a 35-yard touchdown pass later in the third quarter.

 

  1. Concerns in Dolphins’ Run Defense

The Dolphins’ defense faced challenges in stopping the run, with several alarming moments during the game. Notable among these was Austin Ekeler’s 55-yard dash through a gaping hole created by a Chargers’ offensive line that appeared five yards wide. Furthermore, the Chargers executed an 11-play, 75-yard touchdown drive without completing a single pass. Allowing 243 yards on 40 rushing attempts, including three touchdowns, raised concerns, especially considering that the Chargers’ rushing offense ranked 30th in yards per carry and yards per game in 2022. Improvement in run defense is imperative to ease the burden on Tagovailoa in the competitive AFC East.

Offensive Line’s Redemption

One of the most significant points of redemption in this game was the performance of the Miami Dolphins’ offensive line. Often criticized in recent times, the offensive line stepped up admirably. Despite uncertainties leading up to the season opener, the unit collectively delivered an outstanding performance. Players like Austin Jackson, Liam Eichenberg, and Kendall Lamm assumed key roles, filling in for injured teammates. Most notably, the offensive line succeeded in protecting Tua Tagovailoa, offering him the necessary time for his quick releases. Impressively, the offensive line kept formidable Chargers’ defensive ends Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack at bay, not conceding a single sack. While not without its initial challenges, such as Connor Williams’ snapping issues, the offensive line’s overall performance showcased significant improvement. These developments bode well for the Dolphins as they look to establish a more formidable presence upfront.

The Miami Dolphins’ Week 1 victory not only highlighted their offensive firepower and resilience but also illuminated areas for potential defensive improvement. With Tua Tagovailoa back in the mix and an evolving offensive line, the Dolphins are poised for a promising season as they navigate the competitive landscape ahead.

Key Insights Gleaned from Baltimore Ravens’ Preseason Finale

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The preseason finale often serves as a platform for those looking to prove themselves worthy of a roster spot. While stars are resting, the real battles occur among players trying to cement their places on the team. 

 

As the Baltimore Ravens locked horns with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, there were several noteworthy performances and notable absences. Let’s delve deep into the key insights from this intriguing matchup. 

Roster Absences

 

Sometimes, the players who don’t play reveal more about a team’s strategies than those who do. Two notable absences from the Ravens’ roster might offer clues about the team’s plans as they approach the regular season.  

 

The Seymour-Kelly Situation


Kevon Seymour, despite missing the recent practice, had been starting ahead of Kyu Blu Kelly at cornerback. With his veteran status allowing for certain roster moves without the waiver process, Seymour’s absence presents intriguing possibilities.

 

Mitchell’s Mysterious Absence


Rookie UDFA Keaton Mitchell showed potential as a runner and kick returner earlier in the preseason. But his absence from the finale raises questions: Is he part of the Ravens’ long-term plan? A vital position on any NFL roster is the backup quarterback. This preseason, the battle between Josh Johnson and Tyler Huntley had been closely watched, and the finale provided some valuable insights. Josh Johnson may have solidified his spot as the backup. Posting a 6-9 for 95 yards and a touchdown against the Buccaneers, his performance, coupled with his good health, speaks volumes.

 

Huntley’s Health and Roster Mechanics


With Huntley’s ongoing injury concerns, the Ravens might be forced to make some strategic decisions. Their approach towards him and Johnson will be crucial during the roster cutdowns, especially with the latter’s veteran status.

 

For those interested in wagering on the Ravens’ roster decisions or upcoming games, it might be worth checking out some online betting platforms. Make sure to use the DraftKings Maryland promo code for special offers.

 

Trenton Simpson’s Development

 

Trenton Simpson’s progression, or lack thereof, became a major point of discussion after the finale. A talented youngster, his performance in the preseason suggests there’s still much room for growth.  Despite being a third-round pick, Simpson found himself down the pecking order, playing later in the game and seemingly struggling to adapt.

 

His struggles in recent weeks raise questions about what role, if any, he might have in the upcoming season. Is he a long-term project or just going through early career hiccups? The starting left guard position has been one of the most keenly contested spots in the Ravens’ lineup this preseason. Two players have emerged as frontrunners.

 

John Simpson’s Dominance

 

John Simpson has emerged as a favorite for the left guard position, outperforming his peers and establishing a robust case for himself. While Aumavae-Laulu started the preseason on a strong note, recent performances suggest he’s struggling to keep pace with Simpson, especially when facing stronger opponents.

 

With Tyus Bowser out and new additions to the team, the edge rusher position has been a focal point of the preseason. The Ravens have some decisions to make. Jeremiah Moon has consistently started in the recent games, even ahead of fourth-round pick Tavius Robinson. His stock seems to be rising rapidly.

 

Wrapping It Up


As the preseason draws to a close, the Baltimore Ravens have given us a glimpse into the tough decisions they face. From roster absences to position battles, every moment of the finale offered a valuable insight. The preseason finale is more than just a game. For many players, it’s a final shot at making the roster or proving their worth.

 

With the roster taking shape and the regular season approaching, the Ravens and their fans have much to look forward to. The strategies and decisions made now will shape the team’s fortunes in the upcoming months.

 

The curtain has come down on the Baltimore Ravens’ preseason, a critical phase that offers a blend of anticipation, excitement, and anxiety. As we transition into the regular season, let’s recap and conclude on what these insights potentially mean for the team and its avid followers. The preseason is a complex tapestry of individual stories, hopes, dreams, and immense dedication. Players battle for their positions, veterans strive to maintain their standing, and rookies ardently aspire to cement a spot. The finale against the Buccaneers epitomized these very sentiments.

 

The Road Ahead

 

The insights gleaned from this finale highlight the depth and talent available to the Ravens. Each decision, from roster cuts to starting lineups, carries with it the weight of the season’s aspirations. As fans, while we may analyze and speculate based on these games, it’s essential to remember the broader picture. The real battle is just beginning, and the Ravens are shaping up to be a formidable force.

 

In essence, as we gear up for the regular season, one thing is clear: the Baltimore Ravens have an ensemble of talent, and how they harness it will define their journey ahead.

Preseason Primer: Dolphins at Jaguars

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The Dolphins will take the field tonight in Jacksonville, in what will be their final preseason matchup. According to HC Mike McDaniel, he expects to play starters for anywhere between “more than a series, and less than a half”. It’s also expected that the Jaguars will play their top unit for most of the first half. 

While the impact of the starting units isn’t much more than a dress-rehearsal for the regular season, there are still important things to keep an eye on. NFL teams must trim their rosters to 53 by Tuesday’s deadline, so this will serve as a last-chance effort for bubble players, and camp positional battles to potentially find resolution. 

Most of the Dolphins roster looks pretty set in stone, but these are the things I’ll be keeping my eye on at the 7pm kickoff: 

 

Will the Dolphins keep a fourth running back? If so, then who? 

Barring a Jonathan Taylor trade, current running backs Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr, and Devon Achane, look to be locks for the final 53. The other three backs, Salvon Ahmed, Myles Gaskin, and Chris Brooks have all contributed strong preseason performances, so if McDaniel decides to keep a fourth it won’t be an easy decision. 

Gaskin, now in his fifth season with the Dolphins, is the longest tenured runner on the roster. The former seventh-round pick is the most polished runner of the three, and his scrappy nature is a big part of why he’s lasted in Miami this long. 

Ahmed’s skill set may be a bit redundant with rookie third-round pick Devon Achane on the roster, but after Achane suffered a shoulder injury last week, Ahmed could be safe to make the initial roster. 

Undrafted rookie Chris Brooks is the most intriguing of the group. At 6 ‘1”, 223 lbs Brooks is the biggest and most powerful runner on the team, and has run with force and vision in the previous exhibitions. It will be interesting to see how many snaps he gets against the Jaguars, as he still appears to be a long shot behind the incumbents. Even if he doesn’t survive final-cuts, he will likely be a player that Miami looks to add to their practice squad. 

 

Tight ends Durham Smythe and Tyler Kroft look to be safe, but which tight end will step up to claim the third spot?

The answer to this could very well come down to which player the team feels could be a contributor on special teams. Eric Saubert got some h-back, and special teams reps last week against the Texans, but has largely been unimpressive throughout campo and the exhibition season. Rookie sixth-round pick Elijah Higgins brings some upside to the team with his receiving ability, and had some good run-blocking reps between the first two games. He is raw, having recently transitioned from his college position at wide receiver, he may be someone they look to stash on the practice squad. 

Tanner Conner may be the name to watch. After a standout performance in camp last year as an undrafted rookie, Conner made the team, but failed to see much playing time behind Mike Gesicki and Smythe. He has missed nearly all of training camp while on the physically-unable-to-perform (PUP) list, but was activated this past week. He doesn’t have much time to make an impression, so today’s game could be pivotal if Conner hopes to extend his stay on Miami’s active roster. 

Current undrafted rookie Julian Hill has flashed throughout the offseason, and could have an outside chance, particularly if Miami decides to keep four tight ends. 

 

Where is Robbie Chosen? 

Chosen was an exciting addition this off-season, and flashed his speed in OTA’s, but he’s had a surprisingly quiet training camp. It no longer feels like he’s a lock to make the roster, especially when River Cracraft can play on special teams. If McDaniel chooses to only keep five receivers, Chosen may be on the outside looking in, with Braxton Berrios, Cedrick Wilson, and Erik Ezukanma securely on the roster. 

 

With Robert Jones hurt, and Lester Cotten missing time, has Isaiah Wynn locked up the left guard spot, and how many snaps does Liam Eichenberg see in his return to action? 

It’ll be interesting to see if Eichenberg receives any snaps with the first-team. He was clearly losing the left guard battle before being sidelined with an injury. I don’t know that there’s much he can do to be the opening day starter, but a strong performance could be the kick-starter his confidence needs after a rough training camp. Right now it looks like Wynn has claimed the starting job, but it’s important he continues to play strong after an impressive camp by Lester Cotton. 

 

The Dolphins have a slew of defensive backs that could all make their case for the final 53, but Miami can’t keep everyone. Xavien Howard, Kader Kohou, Jevon Holland, Cam Smith, Eli Apple, DeShon Elliott, and Brandon Jones are all locks to make the team. Noah Igbinoghene is likely to make the team, as he’s on the final year of his rookie deal. After them, there’s a lot of intriguing young players, like Trill Williams, Verone McKinley, Noah Igbinoghene, Keidron Smith, and Bryce Thompson, that could all do themselves a huge favor with a strong performance tonight in Jacksonville. 

Special teams standout Elijah Campbell has probably locked up a spot, but another core special teams player may be in doubt. After missing a chunk of time with an injury, Keion Crossen returned to practice this week, but with the depth in the secondary, he may be on the outside looking in. 

 

Can any of the young players earn their spot with a solid showing on special teams? 

Undrafted rookies like linebackers Mitchell Agude, Garrett Nelson, and Aubrey Miller Jr, all have a real chance to make the team if they can prove to be of value on special teams. All three have flashed in different parts of the offseason, but Nelson and Agude have really turned it up in the exhibition games. It wouldn’t be a shock if one of them earns one of the final spots on Miami’s 53.

Final 2023 NFL Mock Draft

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Another 2023 NFL Mock Draft! As the hour winds down to Draft night, there’s been a lot of movement in the last 48 hours and things are radio silent in the NFL World.

While last night I ran a mock, things have started to shake up a little

This 2023 NFL Mock Draft answers the biggest questions on where the quarterbacks will be going, potential trades and big surprises. In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft I will be focusing on the first round. So here is my predictive 2023 NFL Mock Draft round 1:

Top 10 Mock Draft

1) Carolina Panthers (from Chicago): QB Bryce Young

2) Houston Texans: EDGE Will Anderson

3) Tennessee Titans (Projected Trade with Arizona): QB Anthony Richardson

4) Indianapolis Colts: QB, CJ Stroud

5) Seattle Seahawks (from Denver): DL Jalen Carter

6) Detroit Lions: CB Devon Witherspoon

7) Las Vegas Raiders: QB, Will Levis

8) Atlanta Falcons: EDGE Tyree Wilson

9) Chicago Bears (from Carolina): OT Paris Johnson Jr.

10) Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans): RB Bijan Robinson

The Middle picks

11) Arizona Cardinals: OT Darnell Wright

12) Houston Texans (from Cleveland): OT Peter Skoronski

13) Green Bay Packers (from New York Jets): EDGE Nolan Smith

14) New England Patriots: OT Broderick Jones

15) New York Jets (from Green Bay Packers): Jaxon Smith Njigba

 

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16) Washington Commanders: CB Joey Porter Jr.

17) Pittsburgh Steelers: CB Christian Gonzalez

18) Detroit Lions: DL Calijah Kancey

19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: EDGE Myles Murphy

Rounding out the teens

20) Cincinnati Bengals (Projected Trade with Seattle): TE Dalton Kincaid

21) Los Angeles Chargers: WR Quentin Johnson

22) Baltimore Ravens: CB Deonte Banks

23) Kansas City Chiefs (Projected Trade with Minnesota): WR, Zay Flowers

24) Jacksonville Jaguars: OT Anton Harrison

25) New York Giants: WR Jordan Addison

26) Dallas Cowboys: EDGE Lukas Van Ness

27) Buffalo Bills: DL Bryan Breese

28) Seattle Seahawks (Projected Trade with Cincinatti): G O’Cyrus Torrence

29) New Orleans Saints (from San Francisco through Miami and Denver): DL Mazi Smith

30) Philadelphia Eagles: EDGE Keion White

31) Minnesota Vikings (Projected Trade with Kansas City): SAF Brian Branch

 

Hussam Patel is a Miami Dolphins contributor and Lead NFL Draft analyst at Five Reasons Sports Network. Follow him on Twitter at @HussamPatel

Former Eagles Players who Added to Franchise History Books

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This season has been pretty phenomenal for Philadelphia Eagles fans, and it’s understandable that the fans would be getting a little bit excited about the prospect of lifting the Lombardi this season. Apart from a Super Bowl in 2017, the Eagles have kind of been dry since the 1960s at this point, but they destroyed the 49ers this past weekend 31-7 to book their place in the Super Bowl, where they’ll face the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, February 12th. The Chiefs had a little bit of a harder time claiming their place as they edged out a 23-20 win over the Bengals.

 

The 2023 Super Bowl will be played at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale Arizona between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs

Source: SN

 

Today, we’re going to take a brief detour on the path to the future and take a look behind us. The history books are full of big names when it comes to people who have represented the Philadelphia Eagles, so we’re going to look at some of the biggest names to pull on that jersey and take a little bit of time to go into what made them such important figures for the Eagles, etching their names in the history of this franchise forever.

 

  1. Reggie White – Defensive End
  2. Chuck Bednarik – Linebacker
  3. Steve Van Buren – Running Back
  4. Brian Dawkins – Safety
  5. Pete Pihos – Tight End

 

Pete Pihos

 

When it comes to players from deep in the history books, between 1953 and 1955, Pihos led the league in receiving, was outstanding for a tight end, and was a very physical player once he received the ball, to the point where defenders would genuinely consider whether tackling him was a good idea. He would go on to make the Pro Bowl six times in a row, which is an incredibly impressive feat. 

 

Brian Dawkins

 

There are few names loved more by Eagles fans than Brian Dawkins; he was picked up in the second round of the 1996 draft. He’s a member of the fairly exclusive “20/20” club, being one of very few players to ever post both 20 sacks and 20 interceptions, which is impressive. But when it comes to Dawkins, it wasn’t just his stats that made him so good; he put his body on the line like a human wrecking ball, making huge plays, taking games by the scruff of the neck, and changing the momentum with his own hands.

 

Steve Van Buren

 

Steve Van Buren led the league in rushing yards in four of his eight years playing professionally, and while he may not be one of the “greatest” running backs of all time in terms of stats, for the Eagles he was fantastic. He built up a reputation as a terrifying returner, adding five touchdowns to his career stats from returning kicks and punts. Even though he represented the Eagles way back in the 40s and 50s, it’s fair to say he is still one of the greatest Eagles of all time.

 

Chuck Bednarik

 

Chuck Bednarik is a player who will go down in history as one of the most brutal men to make tackles. He would shut down the most bold and stupid players who dared challenge him. He came to the Eagles in 1949 as the first pick in the draft and stayed with the Eagles for a pretty staggering 14 years. Bednarik is a Pro Football Hall of Famer and fully deserves that status. 

 

Reggie White isn’t just one of the greatest Eagles of all time; he’s one of the greatest to ever play the game. 

Source: Sportscasting

Reggie White

 

Reggie White is arguably everyone’s number one pick here; he was picked up by the Eagles in the 1985 supplemental draft, recording 11 sacks in his rookie season and not posting numbers below that in his time in Philadelphia. But, as one of the greatest players in history, it’s insane to put him anywhere other than first on this list. Unfortunately, some poor decisions by the top brass had him slip away to the Packers in 1993, but he was absolutely incredible for the Eagles and everywhere else he played, really, earning him a spot in the pro football hall of fame. 

 

With that being said, it’s time to look forward. The Eagles are scheduled to face the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 57 on February 12th at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. We’ve examined how experts believe this one will play out, who the favorite is, what the over/under is, and brought you the best odds on the big game. For fans located in sports betting regulated states like Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Michigan, and Ohio, there are also plenty of betting promotions that are currently available for the Super Bowl. Sadly, Massachusetts punters won’t be able to take advantage of the betting specials offered by MA online sportsbooks this time around because the state won’t be allowing online gambling until after the Super Bowl this year. However, bettors can visit retail bookies instead, as they became legal on January 31st of this year. 

 

So, without further ado, here are the odds you’re looking at! Firstly, the favorite for this game is the Philadelphia Eagles; you’ll be looking at odds in the region of -125, which will see a return of $9 from a $5 stake. For the “underdogs,” you’ll be getting around +105, which will net you $10.25 from the same stake, so it’s a tight one to call. Of course, these are two teams that have put everything on the line all season to get here, and it all boils down to this. 

 

When it comes to individual lines, here are some of the big ones: if you’re looking to bet on the spread, you’re looking at -110 for either +1.5 or -1.5, which is a return of $9.54 from a $5 stake. If you’re looking at the over/under, they’re also putting up odds of -110 on an over/under of 50.5 points. We found a pretty good parlay that comes in at +500 and returns $30 from $5; the lines are the following: Chiefs to win, Travis Kelce to score a TD in the match, and Patrick Mahomes to get 300 or more passing yards in the match! Not too bad, really.

 

That’s just about it for this one. What do you think about the players we’ve mentioned here? Are there any big names you think we’ve missed? I think when you properly look over the history books when it comes to players that have represented the Eagles, there are countless names you could put here, but with a limited amount of time here, we could only talk about so many, and we personally think we’ve picked the best of the best.

 

So, Eagles fans, how are we feeling ahead of the Super Bowl? I imagine the nerves have fully kicked in now, and you’re all chewing your fingers to the bone. But in my opinion, you have nothing to worry about. Your team has had a phenomenal season and has looked absolutely brilliant throughout, even on the few occasions where they haven’t gotten the result they were after. It’s time to push on and cap off the season with a bit of gold, right? 

Green Bay Packers: Who Are the Packers Legends?

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The Green Bay Packers are synonymous with success in the National Football League. 

Led by some of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game, the Packers have won countless Super Bowls, divisional championships, and other honors.

When you look at the NFL Playoffs Worst Odds for a given year, you will likely not find the Packers on that list. Even when the team doesn’t have a great start, such as in 2022, pundits assume they will eventually get their act together and make the playoffs.

In order to maintain such high standards, the Packers must ensure any players that come into the franchise are of the highest caliber.

Below is an analysis of the careers of several Green Bay Packers legends.

 

5. Donald Driver

While he may not be the most famous name to have an association with the Packers, most die-hard fans of the team would put Driver in their top five players list.

Driver was an outstanding wide receiver for the Packers, and is still the team’s leader in receptions and receiving yards. He was a five-time Pro Bowler who was inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame back in 2017.

The greatest season in Driver’s career came in 2010, when he was a part of the Green Bay Packers team that won the Super Bowl. He was one of the best players in the league that year, shining with Aaron Rodgers as his QB.

4. LeRoy Butler

A safety who is also a recent Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, Butler is recognized as one of the best players who ever lined up in his position. He was an extraordinarily challenging defender to handle when he was in his prime in the 1980s.

When Butler was lining up for the Packers, he played under coach Mike Holmgren, with Brett Favre as his QB, with defensive end Reggie White on the team as well at one point. Given the talent of the players on the roster, the fact that Butler is so fondly remembered shows just how great a player he was. Fun fact: Butler also invented the famed Lambeau Leap celebration!

 

3. Brett Favre

In many ways, Favre was the quintessential American footballer. Even though he has had his controversies off the field, the quarterback was a consummate pro on the field for the Green Bay Packers.

After announcing his retirement in 2011, Favre left the league as the leader in passing yards and passing touchdowns. While both of those marks have been overtaken in recent years, he’s still fondly remembered as one of the all-time great quarterbacks.

A winner of three straight MVP titles and a Super Bowl MVP, Favre will always have a place in Packers folklore.

2. Bart Starr

The Green Bay Packers are renowned for having outstanding quarterbacks in their franchise. Bart Starr is another one of those legendary players who wore the great green uniform.

The no.15 was one of the top players that legendary coach Vince Lombardi had the pleasure of mentoring. He was an MVP in both Super Bowl I and Super Bowl II.

Even though modern NFL fans might not remember Starr, he is forever enshrined in the history of the Green Bay Packers franchise. He was a leader in the NFL in both completion percentage and passer rating four times in his career, along with winning the 1966 MVP.

While he was a part of a top-notch organization, most Packers fans recognize that without Starr as their leading QB they would not have been such a dominant team in the 1960s.

1. Aaron Rodgers

A list of Green Bay Packers legends would not be complete without the man who is still creating his legacy to this day. Despite having lit up the NFL for 18 years, even with his injury setbacks, Rodgers is not showing any sign of slowing down his game anytime soon.

Even though the Packers are far from the best NFL team in 2022, Rodgers is still up there as one of the best QBs. When he receives the appropriate protection from his teammates, he can still throw as well as any other player in the league.

A winner of two straight MVP titles earlier in his career, along with a Super Bowl, Rodgers has one of the lowest passer interception percentages in league history.