10 Yard Fight: Around The League

[DeJohn11]

Steelers News
Veterans to see a light load during Preseason

We caught up with Coach DeJohn after yesterday's training camp practice for his plans on the preseason.

"We got a lot of young guys who need some growth and development" the coach quickly responded when asked about starters minutes in preseason. "It's important to us that guys like Ben (Roethlisberger), Bell, and Brown all get necessary reps, but for sake of going into the regular season healthy, they can expect a light load as far as game situations go."

The Steelers are looking at improving on two straight Divisional Round losses and DeJohn believes a healthy roster is key to that.

"Those guys have been around a long time. The only people concerned about their timing and conditioning might be them. The coaching staff is confident that the practice reps will be sufficient to get them in rhythm."

The Steelers have a slew of young talent that will need some solid reps in the preseason to earn their mettle. Coach DeJohn says expect them to play the majority of the time (if not all of it) in the First and then final preseason games with starters seeing reps in the 2nd and 3rd.

When asked about certain contract situations (ie Brown and Shazier), DeJohn responded by saying "We like to handle those in house. We're confident to get those guys signed. Negotiating through media is not what we do here"

It's going to be an interesting season as the Steelers look to take advantage of a closing window in veteran QB Roethlisberger. "Ben's got some years left on his career. That's not a concern of our's just yet" DeJohn responded.


Live from St Vincent-St. Mary's College, I'm Jeremy Fowler, ESPN.

[Yeah...THAT Guy]

LOS ANGELES RAMS 2017-2018 PREVIEW

Key Acquisitions:
FS Glover Quin
WR Jaron Brown
C Will Montgomery
MLB Paul Posluszny
RT Javarious Leamon
WR Cooper Kupp
CB Jourdan Lewis
TE Keeshawn Bean

Key Losses:
OLB Joplu Bartu
WR Brian Quick

2016-2017 SEASON REVIEW

In their return to Los Angeles, rookie head coach Torry Holt helped lead a young Rams team back to relevance. Holt accomplished what former coach Jeff Fisher could not, leading the Rams to a 10-6 record and a return to the postseason for the first time since 2004.

This was a team that dealt with a litany of injuries throughout the season, but they were able to overcome those losses and find ways to win. Offensively, Todd Gurley, Jared Goff, Tavon Austin, Lance Kendricks, Tre Mason, and George Farmer all missed time, forcing Torry Holt to change his offensive gameplan on a weekly basis to feature new players. Despite all of this, the Rams managed to be one of the more efficient offenses in the NFL. This was largely due to the play of Todd Gurley and Jared Goff. Gurley built upon an impressive rookie campaign, finishing his sophomore season with 1,577 all-purpose yards and 13 touchdowns. Meanwhile, Jared Goff won Offensive Rookie of the Year as he posted a stat line of 3,370 passing yards and 23 touchdowns compared to 13 interceptions.

Defensively, the Rams were strong in the trenches, but vulnerable in the secondary. Aaron Donald and Robert Quinn were standouts on the line, finishing the season with 11 and 9 sacks respectively. In the linebacking core, Mark Barron was particularly good, finishing the season with 84 tackles and a team-leading 6 interceptions.

AN OFFSEASON IN REVIEW

Heading into the offseason, the Rams made their goals pretty clear:

1. Adding explosiveness to the offense
2. Improving on the offensive line
3. Improving the secondary

Adding Explosiveness:
Tavon Austin missed considerable time last season, and the Rams had nobody that could fill his role in the offense. As a result, Holt had to reinvent the offense, becoming both creative and conservative in order to move the ball down the field. As a result, adding more explosive players to the offense was a top priority.

The Los Angeles Rams brought in two new wide receivers to address this need: veteran Jaron Brown and rookie Cooper Kupp. Brown, the 6’2” former Arizona Cardinal, figures to spend most of his time lining up outside, where his combination of size, speed, and leaping ability will potentially add more of a vertical element to the team. Cooper Kupp, the 5th round pick of out of Eastern Washington University, is another versatile receiver. At 6’2” and 215 lbs, he too provides a nice blend of size and quickness that could potentially make him dangerous after the catch.

The last notable upgrade comes from within the organization. Tyler Higbee, a 2nd year tight end, has been running with the first team offense in training camp. Higbee is much more athletic than his predecessor, Lance Kendricks, and Torry Holt and the rest of the staff are expecting big things from him this season.

Improving the Offensive Line:
The offensive line was ultimately the Rams undoing in 2016, as Jared Goff spent most of their wildcard matchup with the Carolina Panthers laying on his back. In the offseason, the Rams added two new starters to the mix. Their starting center will be veteran Will Montgomery, who was signed as a free agent. At right tackle, the Rams opted to upgrade through the draft, selecting Javarious Leamon with the 55th pick in the draft. Coach Torry Holt will be hoping that these two additions will be able to open up more holes for Todd Gurley while also allowing Jared Goff to take more shots down the field.

Improving the Secondary:
Simply put, the Los Angeles Rams secondary was a mess a season ago. Strong safety TJ McDonald was hurt for most of the season, and the combination of Stevie Brown and Maurice Alexander simply could not make up for it. Meanwhile, the 5’8” LaMarcus Joyner was outmatched by taller receivers, and the combination of that and the lackluster safety play resulted in a defense that was vulnerable to big plays.

The Rams began their offseason with the signing of veteran safety Glover Quin, who will pair with the now-healthy TJ McDonald to form a formidable safety duo. Meanwhile, the secondary has seen an influx of youth, as the Rams drafted a pair of defensive backs in the 4th and 6th rounds of the draft. Quincy Wilson struggles in man coverage, but he was used as a hybrid corner/safety at the University of Florida, and he will likely do the same for this Rams defense. Fellow rookie Jourdan Lewis has been running with the first team. Given his tremendous skills in zone coverage, he should fit in well with the rest of this Rams defense. Playing on the outside, he has allowed the 5’8” LaMarcus Joyner to move inside, where he should be a much better match for slot receivers.

SEASON PREDICTIONS

Most Valuable Player:
Todd Gurley – Simply put, Todd Gurley is the engine that makes this offense go. His running ability allows the Rams to control the tempo of the game, keep the defense fresh, and methodically put points on the board. One of the top vote-getters for the MVP award a year ago, a healthy campaign from Gurley should put him in the thick of the race yet again.

Fantasy Sleeper:
Tavon Austin – After remaining relatively healthy the first few years of his career, Austin was injury plagued a season ago, which halted what otherwise may have been a breakout season. The addition of Jaron Brown should allow Austin to play out of the slot more, and his other-worldly athleticism should allow him to feast off of nickel corners. In an offense that utilizes a lot of quick hitters, his ability to make plays after the catch could reap benefits for those that draft him in their fantasy leagues.

Defensive Player of the Year:
Aaron Donald – No surprise here; Aaron Donald has established himself as one of the premier defensive players in the NFL. While undersized for the position, Aaron Donald is a freak athlete, and that allows him to put pressure on QBs with both his pass rushing abilities as well as his sneaky ability to drop into coverage (as seen by his pick six last season).

Most Valuable Newcomer:
Jourdan Lewis - Lewis appears to be the front runner to start opposite Trumaine Johnson in the secondary. He will certainly be tested as teams try to avoid Trumaine, but Jourdan has the zone coverage abilities to excel early on for the Rams, and his presence allows LaMarcus Joyner to slide into the nickel spot, where he should also be a difference maker.

Projected Record:
11-5

[coachmac75]

Jaguars cut Jonathan Cyprien


10YF Jaguars Blog

Quite a shocking news in Jacksonville but the Jaguars confirmed today that SS Jonathan Cyprien was cut from the roster. Cyprien was Jaguars 2nd round selection (33rd overall) in the 2013 NFL draft. Cyprien started all games last season posting 82 tackles (47 assists) and 1 interception.

Some rumors related that Cyprien regressed in his coverage skills and was not showing any progress when the team in the meantime signed former Ravens Terrence Brooks and drafted two safeties in the last draft. It has been said that 2nd year player Clayton Fejedelem who spent the whole 2016 in the practice squad outplayed Cyprien so far in camps.

[dramaman728]

The Seattle Seahawks and the "12th Man" come into the 2017 season riding an offsets on high after capturing their 2nd NFL title in 5 seasons. While this Seahawks team is slightly different than the Champion team from 2013, the blueprint for success remains the same.

Last year the Seahawks led the leagle in rushing behind a makeshift offensive line which started 2 rookies. With a full season under their belt, and the addition of 1st round pick Leonard Fournette to the backfield, the Seahawks offensive line will look to dominate in the trenches all year.

On defense the vaunted "Legion of Boom" remains the stingiest secondary in the NFL. Coupled with the fearsome front seven who features DE's, Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril, and second level LB's Bobby Wagner, and K.J. Wright, points will surely be difficult for opponents to come by.

We were lucky to catch up with Head Coach Ricky Watters, to get some feedback on the mindset of this team heading into this new season.

Question: "Given the tremendous success you experienced last season, what has been your message this offseason on to keep your team focused?"

Answer: "The message is simple "Focus and Preparation are the precursors for Domination." Coming into last season, we were flying under the radar. Even though we has the pieces, most of the league didn't respect our ability to dominate. Well now that every one knows what we're capable of, we must be focused and prepared if we're going to remain dominate and repeat."

Question: "So are you saying the goal this year is to repeat as champions?"

Answer: "Every team begins the offseason l with the goal of a championship in mind. Just because we won last year doesn't mean our goal is any different. With the addition of Leonard Fournette, and the defense still intact from last year, we have the realistic opportunity to do what hasn't been done since the '97-'98 Broncos."

Question: "Speaking of Fournette, how much of an impact do you anticipate him having this year?"

Answer: "As long as he stays healthy, Fournette has the opportunity to lead this league in rushing category. He has all the tools necessary to have his name in the ring of honor alongside past Seahawks great runner, namely myself, Shaun Alxander, and Beast mode Marshawn Lynch. Not to mention there's a huge chip on his shoulders, being passed up my 31 teams in the 1st round."

Well that's it from the sports reporters desk here in Seattle. Bold words from the leader of a bold team. All eyes will definitely be focused on Seattle this year as they attempt to defend their Super Bowl championship.

[Kodii Rockets]

#FlyEaglesFly | Philadelphia Eagles 2017 Pre-Season Preview

After enduring their second 7-9 season in a row, the Buzz around the NovaCare Complex is surprisingly optimistic. When Eagles Head Coach Seth Joyner was asked about his outlook for this season and beyond he said rather frankly 'We're not where we want to be, but we're almost where we need to be', with the vaguery of that quote aside, it's so true it's almost poetic.

2nd year QB Carson Wentz is coming off of a year that you would expect from a number 2 overall pick, he showed flashes of brilliance, as well as showing his youth and inexperience at times last year on his way to 4112 yards passing with 30 TDs and 24 interceptions. The question now is whether he can build on a decent rookie campaign that ended up netting him offensive Rookie of the Year. As veteran Chase Daniels, the elder statesman of the QB group, who was brought over because he was so well versed in OC Doug Pederson's offense was released, and replaced by back-up Tyler Bray, it's time to see if Wentz has learned enough to soar in the Eagles west coast scheme.

After a season that saw Ryan Mathews miss it's entirety after breaking his Fibula in the pre-season, questions seemingly have been answered as to whether he can be a primary back for a full NFL season, it's looking like he may be a story of another talent who's career was dimmed by injury. Although he's looking solid in camp, the 29 year old running back has questions coming into the season of how much more punishment his body can take. The Eagles looked like they may have found something in last year's emergency FA pick up Bryce Brown, who rushed for 1014 yards along with 12 TDs and ended up with a Pro-Bowl selection after getting the starting nod week 3. Philadelphia also commited to infusing the run game with some youth after releasing diminutive powerhouse Darren Sproles, and selecting Tennessee standout HB Alvin Kamara in the first round.

The Eagles major flaw, may be the one that keeps this team from elite status. The wide receiver corps led by Jordan Mathews and Doreal Green-Beckham has plenty to prove, as does an offensive line that severely lacks continuity and with Jason Peters, the patriarch of the bunch retiring, they'll have an enormous void to fill both on the field, and in the lockerroom. Not to mention, the Eagles lack quality depth at most positions leaves them susceptible to an injury or two in the wrong place effectively ending any hopes of being a playoff contender.

The Eagles' defense has the chance to be really, really good in 2016. After eschewing Jim Schwartz's wide 9 attacking defense, Joyner and the Eagles brass thought that Marvin Lewis would be the defensive coordinator they needed to help prod the defense to that upper eschelon. The front four will be led of course by Fletcher Cox, who was already an absolute beast, but seems to enjoy his role back in his natural DT position, allowing him to better maximize his strengths. On the edges, the Eagles don't have that one "star" pass rusher, but they have a few players who are more than capable of getting to the quarterback in Brandon Graham, and Connor Barwin. If Jordan Hicks can stay healthy after missing his entire sophmore campaign, along with Mychal Kendricks finding a way to be more consistent, the defense has the potential to be one of the best in the league.

What was last year one of the Eagles weaknesses has turned into a strength, on the back end, Malcolm Jenkins and Rodney McLeod form one of the best safety duos in the NFL. With the addition of Sam Shields being aquired in a trade during pre-season, Nolan Carroll II who was surprisingly Franchise tagged in the off-season and Cody Riggs proving himself to be a legitimate NFL commodity at the Nickel back, we're looking to see what this improved secondary can do going forward.

All in all, we could see this season showing a surprising leap from the Eagles, and from what we're seeing, we wouldn't be surprised if this team made a deep run into the Playoffs for the 2017 Season.

[dannyboy0003]

Berea, Ohio

The 2017 Cleveland Browns have a lot to be optimistic about as they head into year two of the Bernie Kosar era with a bit of momentum created in free agency and the draft. The browns were able to add some key pieces this offseason via free agency and fill in some others with a very good draft.

The offense will be led by rookie signal caller Mitch Trubisky, whom the Browns selected with the 4th pick in the 2nd round out of North Carolina. The Browns got that pick in a trade that sent Duke Johnson to the Texans, which was widely viewed as a big mistake by the Browns at the time. Trubisky has all the tools you look for in a franchise quarterback, he's big, has a big arm, is accurate, and can extend the play with his legs.

He will be joined in the backfield by most likely a running back by committee that includes second year backs Darius Jackson (141 carries, 642 yards, 4.6YPC, 6TD), Marshaun Coprich (88CAR/445YDS/5.1YPC/6TD, 27REC/306YDS/1TD), and 5th round draft pick De'veon Smith. Jackson and Smith are your more between the tackles bruisers but Coprich adds another dimesion out of the backfield. Expect all three to get touches until one emerges as a clear cut lead back. Fullback Danny Vitale (4 total tds) proved to be a valuable lead blocker and an underrated pass catcher and was rewarded with a Pro Bowl trip as a rookie.

The receiving corp is led by Josh Gordon, who is coming off his first Pro Bowl year in which he led all receivers with 132 catches for an NFL record 2,041 yards and 7 TDS. Second year man Corey Coleman is poised for a breakout season after amassing 58 receptions for 920 yards and 5 TDs in only 9 games. Tight End Gary Barnidge returns after posting 42 grabs for 482 yards and 2 touchdowns. Marquez North showed some big play flashes last season with 22 catches for 315 yards (19.7YPC) and 2 TDs.

The offensive line is one of the strengths of the team as perennial Pro Bowler Joe Thomas protects the blindside. Joel Bitonio and veteran John Greco will start at guard. J.C Tretter was a high priority free agent who signed a 4 year $30million deal this off season to be the starting center. Second round pick Roderick Johnson will start at right tackle, but according to sources looks to have the upside to eventually be the heir apparent at left tackle when Thomas eventually retires.

The defense was an area that was heavily addressed in both free agency and the draft. The browns were able to address major needs with their two first round picks as well as some key free agent pickups. The defense will also be switching to a Hybrid look that will include some 3-4 packages as well as some 4-3 packages.

The front will center around second year Nose Tackle Danny Shelton, who is coming off a year in which he had 37 tackles, 6 for loss, 1 sack, and 1 fumble recovery. His value often doesn't show up in the box score, as he is often occupying 2 blockers to allow those beside and behind him to make plays. The Browns are looking for continued growth from Carl Nassib, who tallied 63 tackles, 17 for loss, 4 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles in his rookie campaign. Nassib will compete for the starting role against 3rd round rookie Carl Lawson from Auburn and free agent pickup Daquon Jones, who signed a 4 year $19.8 million dollar contract this offseason. On the other side, Johathan Allen, the number 9 overall pick has won the job. Allen, from Alabama, looks to have the skill set and upside that could make him a perennial All Pro, should he stay healthy and develop the way the Browns feel he can.

The linebacking corp is led by second year stud Emanuel Ogbah who, in his rookie campaign, racked up 97 tackles, 20 for loss, 7.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, and a safety. Ogbah was named to the Pro Bowl team for his efforts. On the other side, expect to see a platoon of newly signed John Simon (69 tackles, 10TFL, 4 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery in 2016) and second year man Tyrone Holmes (101 tackles, 26TFL, 5.5 sacks, 2 INT, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery in 2016). In the middle the Browns will look to number 1 overall pick out of Vanderbilt Zack Cunningham to provide some stability in the middle of the field. He has the skill set and athleticism to join Jonathan Allen and Ogbah as the core of this defense for many years to come. Christian Kirksey is playing in the final year of his contract and after posting 120 tackles, 14 for loss, 6 ints, 2 forced fumbles, 6 fumble recoveries, and 2 tds, expect the Browns to open up the checkbook to keep Kirksey around for a while.

The secondary really got a lift from Kyshoen Jarrett last season. Jarrett was signed during camp and stuck with the team. He ended up making his first trip to the Pro Bowl after leading the NFL with 148 tackles, 3 for loss, 1 sack, and 4 interceptions. He was rewarded for his behavior with a 4 year deal worth about $22 million. He will be joined this year by veteran free agent signee Da'Norris Searcy, who signed a similar 4 year, $21.8 million deal in the offseason. Joe Haden returns at corner after another great year with 78 tackles, 8 for loss, 5 interceptions, I fumble recovery, and a touchdown. Another diamond in the rough that the coaching staff found last year in camp was D'Joun Smith, who had 64 tackles, 4 ints, I forced fumble, and a touchdown in 12 games. Smith was rewarded with a 4 year deal worth $24.1 million this offseason. Kevon Seymour (45 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 1 int in 2016) and undrafted free agent Earl Thompkins will provide depth in the secondary.

The Browns will be an interesting team to watch this year. Although they finished 0-16 last year, they feel very optimistic about their young core of talent and their abundance of both cap room and draft picks again this season. They saw 2 rookies make the pro bowl, Josh Gordon break the single season receiving mark, and several first or second year players make great strides in their development. Cleveland fans will be closely watching to see if some new faces on defense and Mitch Trubisky can lead this team to it's first playoff appearance since 2002.

Key Losses:

NONE

Key Additions:

LE Daquon Jones (Free Agency)
ROLB John Simon (Free Agency)
SS Da'Norris Searcy (Free Agency)
QB Mitch Trubisky (Round 2 pick 4)
HB De'veon Smith (Round 5 pick 1)
RT Roderick Johnson (Round 2 pick 1)
LE Jonathan Allen (Round 1 pick 9)
MLB Zack Cunningham (Round 1 pick 1)

[coachmac75]

Jaguars release official 2017 depth chart


10YF Jaguars Blog

[jb12780]

Sources say the New York Giants were offered Ndomukong Suh and Jarvis Landry in exchange for Odell Beckham Jr and Jonathan Hankins. Trade was immediately shot down.

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