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Author: Jon Kuzma

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The Jacksonville Jaguars had an absolute embarrassment take place at their practice today when Yannick Ngakoue and Dante Fowler had to be held back by teammates from fighting each other. There’s nothing worse than seeing two players on the same team come to blows and Jacksonville had high expectations until all of this went down. Now you have to question the Jaguars mental toughness because clearly there’s some drama going on behind closed doors. It doesn’t seem like Ngakoue and Fowler are going to be able to work together anymore and that means Fowler will probably be removed from the team. Dante Fowler has been a thorn in Jacksonville’s side by constantly inciting scuffles and brawls during training camp. Not to mention Fowler is suspended for the first game of the season because of a misdemeanor battery charge. So there’s a pattern of poor behavior on Fowler’s behalf and the Jaguars might be better off without that headache. The only issue is Fowler could be a huge contributor for this team and that spark plug was supposed help this franchise make a deep playoff run. How is that possible though when the culture is starting unravel? Everyone knows Jacksonville is loaded with talent but clearly there’s some skeletons in their closet. To make matter even worse Jalen Ramsey will be suspended for a week of practice for screaming profanities at the press during the fight between Fowler and Ngakoue. Apparently Ramsey wanted the media members in attendance to stop recording the situation unfolding. Which is another setback considering all the reps Ramsey will miss. The only positive thing that came out of all this mayhem is the fact that we saw how important Calais Campbell is to this ball club. Campbell was working so hard to make sure he kept Ngakoue and Fowler away from each other. Without him everything would have spiraled out of control and it’s no surprise he’s the team’s best player too.

Charity of the day: Hunger Project

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The Jaguars Super Bowl expectations might be on hold. They have an internal crisis on their hands.

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Author: Jon Kuzma

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The Arizona Cardinals took on the Los Angeles Chargers in a preseason match up and it was the Cardinals who came out on top 24-17. Josh Rosen was one player who looked good in that win and to be honest Rosen’s stats weren’t great by any means. The former UCLA signal caller finished the night 6/13 for 41 yards, 0 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. However it was how Rosen operated while he was on the field that really showcased what he can do. This is a young quarterback who understands the intricacies of the position. We saw the rookie avoid the pressure and deliver a few nice strikes downfield. It was also overwhelmingly obvious that Rosen throws a pretty ball and that’s creating optimism within this organization. Sam Bradford might be extremely accurate but that’s because he only throws short passes and takes very few risks. Josh Rosen has much better arm talent which is going to result in more points being put on the board. Outside of Rosen other notable performances were turned in by Chase Edmonds and Bryce Williams. Edmonds rushed for a Cardinals score while Bryce Williams hauled in a 14 yard touchdown reception for Arizona. Those plays along with a Jeremy Cash defensive touchdown really solidified the win for Steve Wilk’s squad. On the opposing sideline the Chargers were led by Geno Smith who had 218 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. Smith looks like a lock to win Los Angeles’ back up quarterback job behind Philip Rivers. The other contributors for the Chargers were Detrez Newsome who scored a rushing touchdown and Geremy Davis who hauled in 88 yards plus an aerial TD. That wasn’t enough to get it done though and you have to give credit to the Cardinals players for completing their mission. Now Arizona gets feel good about themselves heading into their second game of the preseason. Which is undoubtedly good momentum.

Charity of the day: Brookings Institution

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Author: Jon Kuzma

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If there was anyone who wanted revenge against the Broncos it was definitely Trevor Siemian and we saw that firsthand in the Vikings 42-28 win over Denver. Siemian was a member of the Broncos for the past three seasons before being traded in March. Clearly that felt like a slap in the face to Siemian because he came out with a chip on shoulder and lit the Broncos up. Trevor Siemian finished the night with 165 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. That was the difference maker for Minnesota and the former 7th rounder from Northwestern had to feel good about getting a little redemption. Siemian wasn’t the only quarterback to stand out either. Chad Kelly had a strong night throwing for 177 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. With this big performance Kelly may have surpassed Paxton Lynch for the Broncos back up quarterback job. Kelly looked exactly like the player he was at Ole Miss and he’s going to give Denver a spark if Case Keenum ever gets banged up. To be honest this game was actually really close all the way till the fourth quarter. That’s when the Vikings started to run away with it after two big touchdowns late in the game. Third string Vikings quarterback Kyle Sloter was responsible for both of those scores (one throwing and one rushing). You have to applaud Mike Zimmer though because he had his squad dialed in and ready to compete. Not only does that Purple team from Minnesota know their assignments but they also fly around and hit people. It’s that discipline which really jumps out when you watch them play. Kirk Cousins also looked good in his brief stint to start the game off and there’s a lot of optimism swirling around this ball club. Truthfully this seems like another small win for the Vikings’ organization but they know it’s big for their confidence.

Charity of the day: Brookings Institution

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The Minnesota Vikings pull out a 42-28 win in a thriller against the Denver Broncos.

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Author: Jon Kuzma

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The New York Jets entered their first preseason game knowing they have a surplus of quarterbacks and clearly that’s a good problem to have. Both Sam Darnold and Teddy Bridgewater brought some excitement to the Jets offense by each throwing for a touchdown pass. Obviously the Falcons wish they had one player who could put up a touchdown and now it looks like New York has some options under center. They could trade Teddy Bridgewater and pick up some more draft capital for the future. Although it almost feels like they should keep Teddy Bridgewater and consider cutting Josh McCown. Todd Bowles wants McCown to be his starter but Bridgewater and Darnold can clearly handle the job. Why not let Teddy Bridgewater lead this team until Darnold is ready to take over the reins? Coaches have to be willing to take risks and it seems like going with Josh McCown is a lame duck choice. Give one of the young guys the nod and try to infuse some youth into your starting line up. Two other new Jets were also responsible for the scores New York had. Those players were Isaiah Crowell and Charles Johnson who can clearly contribute something. You also have to give a lot of credit to the Jets defense. They were able to come out and completely shut down the Falcons offense. Which is another failure for Steve Sarkisian. Atlanta took a huge step back last year even when they had Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, and everyone else out on the field. So to get completely shut out with the second and third stringers too, it’s evident that Sarkisian isn’t working out. New York has to be upbeat though. They seem to be ascending and morale is improving within the organization. That’s all you can really ask for and at least they’re heading in the right direction.

Charity of the day: National Alliance to End Homelessness

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Both Sam Darnold and Teddy Bridgewater stood out in the Jets 17-0 win against the Atlanta Falcons.

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Author: Jon Kuzma

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It didn’t take very long to see that Jon Gruden is an excellent offensive play caller. On the very first drive it was apparent that this is a rhythm and timing offense which is very well coordinated. Oakland only scored 16 points in their win over the Lions but the scheme and concepts were all on point. In time those philosophies will help Oakland score a lot of touchdowns. The other thing Gruden does is bootleg quite often. So defenders have to be conscious of that play or it’s going to be a long day. As for the game Connor Cook had a good night throwing for 141 yards, 1 touchdowns, and no interceptions. Chris Warren III was also a top performer for the silver and black putting up 86 rushing yards. Ryan Switzer hauled in the lone touchdown grab and that was enough to seal the Raiders fate. Detroit couldn’t get anything going and that was because of sketchy quarterback play. Neither Jake Rudock or Matt Cassell threw for 100 yards and that’s not enough. One bright spot for the Lions was the running backs on their roster. That was a weakness for this franchise the past couple of years but now there’s a stable of ball carriers who can get the job done. Kerryon Johnson looked really special in his first pro game ever. Johnson had a 57 yard run called back because of a penalty but on that play he really showed he can be an impact player from day one. Ameer Abduallah also scored a touchdown and made several big plays. Together those guys and LeGarrette Blount have a lot of potential. The Raiders have to be happy about pulling out the win though. It was a tough fought battle but Oakland persevered down the stretch. It’s just a little bit more momentum for Jon Gruden and company as they march towards the regular season.

Charity of the day: National Alliance to End Homelessness

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The Jon Gruden era is officially underway and the Raiders are off to a good start.

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Author: Jon Kuzma

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If anyone was wondering whether or not Shaquem Griffin can be a serviceable player in the National Football League it feels like we got our answer. Griffin was tough as nails in the Seahawks 17-19 loss to the Colts. While that defeat was unfortunate for the team Griffin has to be upbeat about his own personal performance. Even though it was his first game as a pro Griffin recorded 9 tackles and 1 TFL. It wasn’t just the fact that the former Golden Knight put up big numbers. Really it was how Shaquem Griffin was able to go about doing that. Not only did the linebacker play extremely confident, his instincts were incredibly sharp as well. On one particular snap Griffin was lined up inside (linebacker) and shot through the “a gap” only to blow the play up in the backfield. The running back never stood a chance and everyone kind of looked around like “hey this Griffin guy is the real deal.” Clearly only having one hand holds Griffin back a little bit but make no mistake about it this kid is a pure football player. His skills are so far beyond his limitations that Seattle would be foolish to cut him from the team. If we’re one game in and Shaquem Griffin is already able to dominate like this imagine how good he’ll be after he gains more experience? Not only is Griffin a bright talent but he is also an inspiration to everyone around him. Watching someone overcome adversity like Griffin does truly showcases what determination and hard work can do. Pete Caroll is a coach who puts a lot of stock into culture and that’s a good sign for Griffin. It’s going to be exciting to watch the rookie the next three preseason games but it seems like he will indeed make the 53 man roster once the time comes. This absolutely amazing story just keeps getting better and better.

Charity of the day: Hope For The Warriors

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Shaquem Griffin didn’t skip a beat in his first game and it looks like the rookie has a bright future.

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Author: Jon Kuzma

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There’s an old saying in sports “you’re only as good as your last performance” and Baker Mayfield certainly put on a clinic in the Browns 20-10 win over the New York Giants. Tyrod Taylor threw for a touchdown too but it was Mayfield who stole the show. Baker Mayfield looked poised in the pocket and finished with 212 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. While Mayfield had struggled throughout OTAs and had “a long ways to go” according to Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley. Mayfield put all of that in the past with this big performance and you could see how much upside the number 1 overall draft pick has. Those stats jump out at you and it feels like Cleveland can win with the former Sooner under center. Tyrod Taylor works hard and he has amazing leadership. However Baker Mayfield can throw the football on a level beyond Taylor’s abilities. We all know great quarterback play is the key to winning in the National Football League and it feels like Hue Jackson has to roll the dice to save his job. Tyrod Taylor is the safe play but Baker Mayfield is the guy who will turn this team’s luck around. There were concerns it would take a year or so for that to happen but Mayfield completely changed everyone’s outlook. Now the process should be sped up and give Baker Mayfield a ton of credit for making a push for the starting job. All we can go by is what people show us each game and Mayfield was everything we’ve known him to be in the past. When you also factor in those weapons it’s just a perfect situation for the rookie. David Njoku and Antonio Callaway both hauled in touchdown passes from Mayfield against the Giants. So when Jarvis Landry and Josh Gordon get going it’s really going to be a dynamic group and there’s nobody better to command that attack than Baker Mayfield.

Charity of the day: Hope For The Warriors

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Baker Mayfield silenced the critics with a 2 touchdown performance against the Giants. Cleveland won the game too.

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Author: Jon Kuzma

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The Dolphins made a bold decision when they traded away Jarvis Landry this off-season especially since Miami only received a 2018 fourth round pick and a 2019 seventh round selection. There’s no way those two late round talents are going to replace Jarvis Landry and you have to wonder what the Dolphins front office was thinking? No player gave this team more on game day than number 14 did. It’s extremely arrogant to think you can just part ways with Landry and walk away with a better roster. To be honest it’s not just Jarvis Landry’s playmaking abilities that will be missed either. Landry lit a fire under every single player in that locker room and he raises the bar. Adam Gase feels like he can implement system guys like Danny Amendola to minimize the loss of Landry. However Tom Brady isn’t in Miami and you better believe the Patriots quarterback extended a lot of people’s career’s up there in Foxborough. To make matters even worse for the Phins Landy has been pumping out highlight reel catches all throughout Browns camp. A lot of people like to knock this guy because they think he is slow. However Jarvis Landry has looked every bit like a receiver who has averaged 100 catches and 1,000 yards per year. That’s a level of output that’s not easily replaced and it’s very unlikely things pan out in Miami’s favor. Cleveland on the other hand is going to struggle as well but at least they’ll have Landry to help dig them out of the hole. There’s nobody you’d rather have in the trenches next to you then Landry and he was worth every penny no matter what the Dolphins had to pay him. It’s just not a good football move to let go of players like that and now the fans in South Florida are the ones who will suffer.

Charity of the day: Cancer Research Institute

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Author: Jon Kuzma

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New York Jets defensive back Jamal Adams has only been through one NFL season but he’s already had enough of his team’s approach to the game. Adams recently ripped the Jets in a Bleacher Report interview basically accusing his teammates of just going through the motions. While at first it seems like Adams is wrong for going this route when you actually read his statements you can understand why he is so frustrated. Adams wants to come in and change the culture of New York and it’s good that this organization has at least one player who takes things seriously. If the other 52 guys can rally around Adams and elevate themselves as well the Jets could rack up a couple more wins. It’s funny that Adams is taking this leadership approach because Jarvis Landry just did the same exact thing with the Cleveland Browns. Both of those guys are former LSU players so we know they’re cut from a different cloth down there in Baton Rouge. One thing is concerning about Adam’s comments though and that’s the fact he didn’t record a single interception last year. Adams was actually showed up by Marcus Maye who was the other safety New York drafted in 2017. Which means in order for Adams to be the vocal leader of this ball club he’s going to need to produce a little bit more on the field. In the NFL you can’t carry the franchise on your shoulders unless you’re one of the best players. It’s a little concerning that Jamaal Adams spoke out before actually becoming the Jets top defender. His mind is in the right place but he’s not quite there yet when it comes to being the face of Gang Green. Adams should leave that role up to Leonard Williams until he really establishes himself. Hopefully something positive comes from this though and maybe New York can move past their lackadaisical methods. So really these comments were a catch 22. Adams is right for trying motivate the other players in that locker room but he should’ve waited before trying to take on so much responsibility.

Charity of the day: Cancer Research Institute

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Jamal Adams wants to change the New York Jets culture but we’ll see if he is going about it the right way? The Jets need a new mentality.

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Author: Jon Kuzma

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With the first episode of Hard Knocks airing people were excited to get an inside look at the Cleveland Browns. Even though Cleveland has a 1-31 record over the past two seasons with all the new talent they added there’s definitely a hype surrounding this team. However once the show started rolling we got a clear picture of why the Browns are so bad. It’s because of a lack of leadership from the coaching staff and players. Hue Jackson didn’t have much urgency overseeing things and at one point Jarvis Landry completely ripped the wide receivers room. Landry went on to state that everyone should practice every single day unless their leg is broken. By setting the tone the former Dolphin not only stole the show but he also proved he can hold everyone accountable. It’s starts with players who take the initiative and Jarvis Landry became a fan favorite after the speech he gave. If the other players take a similar approach then there’s a chance the Browns could win five or six games but you can’t expect much more than that. Even with the additions they’ve made Josh Gordon is AWOL at the moment and there seems to be friction between the head coach (Jackson) and his assistants (Todd Haley and Gregg Williams). Although Hard Knocks is cool because we get to see what goes on behind the scenes. It really wasn’t the best look for Cleveland because all of the off-season luster has worn off and now it’s the same team who is coming off the worst stretch in NFL history. Which proves it’s going to be a long shot for this ball club and they still need more time before they can produce a winning record. Overall it was entertaining but it might not have been the best time for the Browns to sign up for this project.

Charity of the day: National Forest Foundation

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The Browns probably weren’t the best choice for Hard Knocks.