| |
|
| Wednesday, August 18, 2021 |
| Boys and girls, we're now officially entering the second full week of preseason football, which means we're yet another step closer to real football. Pour yourselves a drink. And buckle up for today's NFL news roundup, because we've got plenty to cover. John Breech is taking the day off to celebrate the release of his bold Bengals predictions (more on that below), so it's me, Cody Benjamin, taking you around the league on this fine afternoon. |
| This is the Pick Six Newsletter. Now let's get to it. (And please, do yourself a favor and make sure you're signed up to receive this newsletter every day! You don't want to miss our daily offerings of everything you need to know around the NFL.) |
| We've got insider notes on the Patriots' QB battle, an All-NFC North team, and much more: |
| Today's show: Analytics-based projections for AFC, NFC North |
| |
| It's Nerd Week on the "Pick Six Podcast," with analytics- and data-based previews of every division around the league. On Wednesday, PFF's Steve Palazzolo joined Will Brinson to hit the AFC and NFC North. Some highlights: |
| Steve thinks the AFC North will be an especially tight race, if not the tightest in the NFL, alongside the NFC West.He believes the Browns have all the pieces to make a big run, but his biggest hesitancy in crowing them true contenders is still quarterback Baker Mayfield: "There was a point (in 2020) where Case Keenum looked like he might've been the better option." He's buying the Over on the Packers but agrees with Brinson about the Vikings trending upward. One reason, besides a revamped defense: Offensive linemen tend to break out in years three/four, and Minnesota is relying on a number of young blockers up front. |
| Catch the entire discussion (and subscribe for all kinds of daily NFL talk) right here. |
| |
| 2. Insider notes: Mac Jones pushing Cam Newton for Patriots' QB job |
| CBS Sports NFL insider Jason La Canfora was in Philadelphia this week to cover the Patriots' joint practices with the Eagles ahead of Thursday's preseason matchup. His eyes were glued to New England's QB battle, and he doesn't think it's unreasonable that rookie Mac Jones will open 2021 with an immediate role, whether as the official starter or otherwise. From JLC's insider notes: |
During the session I watched, which included ample 11-on-11 work and some spirited two-minute drills, Jones was more decisive, more intent on getting the ball out, more accurate throwing outside the numbers and arching the ball down the sidelines and also seemed plenty willing enough to throw into windows and anticipate coverage.
|
Jones will get several more chances to (prove himself) over the final two preseason games and remaining practices. Could be he sees the field from the opener on in special situations, two-minute-drills, times when a hurry-up pace is needed. (Cam) Newton offers clear advantages in the red zone or early downs and short-yardage situations. Nothing that (coach Bill) Belichick, ever the iconoclast, decides should be surprising, and given the dichotomy between the quarterbacks, finding niches for them both just might be the best way to settle this issue.
|
| 3. All-NFC North Team: Packers headline explosive offense |
| |
| Jared Dubin is digging through all 32 rosters to assemble All-Division Teams ahead of the 2021 season. On Wednesday, he revealed his all-star roster for the NFC North, and the Packers led the way with 10 representatives. Here's a sneak peek at his All-NFC North offense, which could probably rival almost any in the league: |
| QB: Aaron Rodgers (GB)RB: Dalvin Cook (MIN)WR: Davante Adams (GB)WR: Allen Robinson (CHI)WR: Justin Jefferson (MIN)TE: T.J. Hockenson (DET)FLEX: Aaron Jones (GB) |
| |
| 4. Bold Bengals predictions: Joe Burrow explodes, Cincy doubles win total |
| Who better to make fearless Bengals projections than John "Bengal" Breech? If you somehow couldn't tell before today that Breech is loyal to the orange and black, just check out his three bold picks for the 2021 season, all of which should excite fellow Bengals faithful: |
| Joe Burrow leads the NFL in passing yardsThree different wide receivers top 1,000 yardsThe Bengals at least double their 2020 win total (4) |
| Catch the entire rundown of predictions, plus Breech's explanation for each, right here. |
| 5. Bears battle injuries: Fields held back, Jenkins has surgery |
| |
| Chicago may have headlined Week 1 of the preseason thanks to QB Justin Fields' flashy debut, but injuries are the name of the game this week. Not only is second-round pick Teven Jenkins, the hopeful starter at left tackle, done until at least November after undergoing back surgery, but Fields himself is now being held out of practice due to a groin issue . Coach Matt Nagy insists Fields' injury isn't serious, but it's unclear if the rookie will suit up for the Bears' second preseason game on Saturday. |
| 6. Rapid-fire roundup: Jamal Adams extension, Tim Tebow fallout |
| Hungry for more NFL news? Good. We've got a dessert platter right here: |
| Jamal Adams lands $70M deal with Seahawks: Seattle has finally extended the former Jets starChiefs GM will 'work (his) tail off' to extend Tyrann Mathieu: The safety is entering a contract yearJosh Rosen among 49ers' early cuts: The former first-rounder is still struggling to stick'Hard Knocks' power rankings: CeeDee Lamb steals the show for the Cowboys Tim Tebow joins list of all-time roster cuts: A look at other notable names to be axed |
| |
| |
| | | | | Drop In. Ride On. | | Women's Cup | Pluto TV is now the exclusive home to PBR RIDEPASS. Download Pluto TV to watch thrilling western sports action plus over 200 channels of movies, TV shows, news, sports and more, all 100% free.
Watch Free
| | Tonight marks the start of the inaugural Women's Cup, played at Lynn Family Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky. Matches played feature NWSL's own Racing Louisville and Chicago Red Stars, as well as Global soccer powerhouses FC Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain. Catch the action tonight at 5 and 7:30 PM ET on Paramount+.
Watch Live
|
|
| |
| |
