Nine NFL bandwagons to hop aboard in 2020

You don't get a trophy for winning the offseason. But you do get a bandwagon.

To state the obvious, it's been a harrowing, tumultuous spring in the real world. And typically, in times of strife, sports can be there to supply what is truly their most important function: joyful distraction. But of course, the COVID-19 pandemic shut down all live athletic competition in America. So, with much of the nation in quarantine, NFL roster reconstruction was essentially the only game in town for sports fans seeking a release. This only heightened intrigue in free agency and the draft, ratcheting up the hype that naturally spawns from offseason wheeling and dealing.

And it was quite an interesting few months of NFL activity, with the stunning relocation of the greatest quarterback of all time, the staggering trade of a first-team All-Pro wideout and the surprising stimulation of the league's first-ever virtual draft.

Consequently, bandwagons are filling up fast at various outposts across the NFL. Here's the strange thing, though: I'm kinda feeling these bandwagons -- like all of them. Maybe all the real-world distress has me seeking out optimism wherever I can find it.

So, without further ado, here's a list of NFL bandwagons I'm advising you to hop on in 2020, Schein Nine style:

Buffalo Bills

For the first time in a quarter-century, Buffalo is taking the AFC East. By multiple games. And for good measure, the Bills are going to notch their first playoff victory since that division-title-winning group completely overwhelmed Dan Marino's Dolphins in what was then called Rich Stadium. The droughts end this season, Bills Mafia. The fine football fans out in lovely Western New York are gonna party like it's 1995.

Yes, with great hype comes great pressure. Last offseason, I christened Buffalo as my Cinderella team for the 2019 campaign, and the Bills reached double-digit wins for the first time this millennium before losing in overtime at Houston on Wild Card Weekend. This offseason, the Bills bandwagon's filling up, especially with Tom Brady out of the division and Stefon Diggs on the roster. The most important individual figure, though, might be Sean McDermott. In Year 4 on the job, McDermott's a gem of a head coach; he'll have Buffalo ready to meet the great Jim Kelly's lofty expectations. McDermott's fingerprints are all over the ferocious defense, which boasts playmakers on every level, including a pair of young Pro Bowlers in LB Tremaine Edmunds and CB Tre'Davious White.

On the other side of the ball, QB Josh Allen took great strides as a thrower in Year 2, boosting his touchdown passes (20, up from 10 in his rookie campaign), completion percentage (58.8, up from 52.8) and quarterback rating (85.3, up from 67.9), while reducing his interceptions (9, down from 12). Not to mention, nobody had more fourth-quarter comebacks (4) or game-winning drives (5) than Allen in 2019. I think, under the watchful eye of offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, the 24-year-old takes another big step forward this season. In fact, as I wrote last month, I see Allen blossoming into a dark-horse MVP candidate, with Diggs now headlining a stellar receiving trio that also includes John Brown and Cole Beasley.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tom Brady! There's not a chance this fails, even with Brady turning 43 in August. The G.O.A.T. is still great. And as star linebacker Lavonte David told me last month on my SiriusXM Radio show, Schein on Sports, Brady's going to "fall in love" with Mike Evans. David called Evans, who's eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving in all six of his NFL campaigns, a top-three receiver in the NFL. I don't disagree -- and after the coming season, with TB12 delivering the football, neither will you. Brady will maximize the elite WR duo of Evans and Chris Godwin -- and have a blast taking a trip down memory lane while throwing touchdowns to Gronk! Getting Iowa OT Tristan Wirfs with the No. 13 overall pick was a coup. Obviously, building a fortress around the game's oldest active player is essential.

And circling back to Lavonte David, don't sleep on this Bucs defense. The unit really started to come into its own down the stretch last season, as the young secondary caught up with the outstanding front seven. The front's a brick wall against the run, while Shaq Barrett and Jason Pierre-Paul terrify opposing quarterbacks off the edges. And it's hard to find a better off-ball linebacker duo than David and Devin White.

Wouldn't it be perfect for the Brady-led Bucs to become the first team to ever host a Super Bowl in the home stadium?

Dallas Cowboys

Last week, in a bold predictions edition of the Schein Nine, I said Mike McCarthy will win Coach of the Year and the Cowboys will enter the playoffs as the NFC's No. 1 seed. Now, that is a bandwagon you want to hop on. And given the Cowboys' nationwide fan base, that's a bandwagon that'll fill up rather quickly. So you better hop aboard now!

I really think the McCarthy hiring was one of the most significant moves of this offseason. The Super Bowl-winning coach will help Dak Prescott become consistently great. Dallas' loaded offense is going to sizzle, and CeeDee Lamb is going to become the next great Cowboys receiver to wear No. 88.

Cleveland Browns

Really, I mean it this time.

Like many others, I spent much of last offseason predicting BIG things for the 2019 Browns. I said Cleveland would win the AFC North and make a run in January. I had Baker Mayfield third in a June ranking of potential MVP candidates. I had the Browns as the third-most complete team in the entire NFL.

Whoops.

Cleveland, of course, went 6-10, while Mayfield suffered a sophomore slump where he threw nearly as many interceptions (21) as touchdown passes (22).

But I truly believe these Browns are different -- and much improved after an offseason full of significant additions (and subtractions). Tight end Austin Hooper and offensive tackle Jack Conklin were ideal pickups in free agency. They'll make Mayfield better. As will first-round OT Jedrick Wills. And Baker will thrive in his first season under the biggest addition of all: a new head coach/play-caller in the form of the cerebral and buttoned-up Kevin Stefanski. What a major upgrade that is, after the chaotic, short-lived mess that was the Freddie Kitchens era. Or error. There's a reason Kitchens was one-and-done in the big chair: His Browns were completely undisciplined and unprepared.

With a talented defense supporting him, Mayfield is leading Cleveland to the playoffs. Secure your space on the bandwagon now. Plenty of good seats still available!

Indianapolis Colts

If I had to give each team's offseason an emoji, Indianapolis would get Heart-Eyes. This is true love, people.

It's not just that the Colts cleaned up in the draft. (Though GM Chris Ballard certainly did that, snagging a perfect receiving complement to T.Y. Hilton in Michael Pittman and an instant Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate in RB Jonathan Taylor.) It's the fact that the Colts cleaned up in the draft after rightly trading their first-round pick for the great DeForest Buckner, who'll immediately anchor Matt Eberflus' defensive front.

Oh, and they signed a future Hall of Fame quarterback in Philip Rivers, who has a great chance to bounce back from a disappointing 2019 now that he's playing behind the best offensive line in football. The Colts bandwagon is rolling right into the playoffs as a product of brilliant design.

Arizona Cardinals

I hope you were paying attention two months ago, when I revealed Arizona as my Cinderella team for 2020. Not to brag, but I'm going to, as I've nailed my last three Cinderella picks: Jacksonville in 2017, Chicago in 2018 and Buffalo in 2019.

So, why do the Cardinals only sit here, at No. 6 on this list? Well, as I touched on in that Cinderella forecast, I think Arizona is going to be one of the most explosive, fun teams in the league this year. It will be a show you won't want to miss each Sunday. But the NFC West looks like the toughest division in football. And the Cards still have some question marks on both sides of the football (specifically, in the trenches). So, unlike the five teams listed above, I'm not ready to pronounce Arizona playoff-bound. At least not yet. But that could change ...

I still cannot believe the Cardinals' highway robbery of DeAndre Hopkins. Suddenly, ascending young star quarterback Kyler Murray not only has a WR1, but one of the very best receivers in the game today. I still cannot believe the Cardinals stole Isaiah Simmons at No. 8 in the draft. He's a freak! And then Arizona followed that up by snatching bright tackle prospect Josh Jones in Round 3.

Denver Broncos

I don't have the Broncos making the playoffs, but if they do, I won't be shocked. This is a longer-term play. Get a premium seat on the bandwagon now and thank me later.

I love how John Elway has surrounded Drew Lock with an influx of talent this offseason. When you finally get a young quarterback you believe in, give him every chance to be successful. The Broncos have certainly done that. In free agency, Elway and Co. signed Melvin Gordon to partner with Phillip Lindsay in the backfield. And they spent big bucks on versatile O-lineman Graham Glasgow. In the draft, Denver used their first two picks on explosive receivers (Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler), selected a plug-and-play center (Lloyd Cushenberry) and then grabbed Lock's old college tight end (Albert Okwuegbunam).
All of that means that we're gonna find out if Lock's the real deal real quick. That's smart team management.

Cincinnati Bengals

I'm kind of obsessed with what's going on in Cincy. Joe Burrow has it. He's going to change the perception -- and reality -- with the Bengals in the coming years. And I love how the team immediately supported him with the second-round selection of WR Tee Higgins.

The Bengals also (finally) spent money in free agency, smartly addressing the front and back of the defense (see: DT D.J. Reader, CB Trae Waynes, S Vonn Bell). I don't expect a playoff bid in 2020. This team just went 2-14, after all. But I love where Cincy is headed.

Carolina Panthers

I thought Matt Rhule was simply fantastic on the always-entertaining Around the NFL Podcast. I loved how he gushed about Teddy Bridgewater's leadership, saying "he brings out the best in people." I am a big believer in the new coach and the new quarterback.

Rhule was a fabulous hire. Look at what he did at Temple and Baylor. Monumental stuff for those programs. Meanwhile, Teddy has the accuracy and leadership -- and now the opportunity. He will thrive under offensive coordinator Joe Brady, a great hire who just took Joe Burrow and the LSU offense to another stratosphere. I loved the Robby Anderson pickup, giving Carolina a field stretcher to complement playmaking wideouts D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel, as well as provide the transcendent Christian McCaffrey with more room to operate. Carolina then smartly went ALL DEFENSE in the draft.

Don't judge the Panthers by their 2020 win total. Buy stock now for the bright future.

Rams offense and new coordinator Kevin O’Connell are clicking

The Rams hired Kevin O’Connell to help the offense meet expectations.

But first things first. Someday soon, O’Connell expects to meet the offense.

Four months after the new offensive coordinator and other new assistant coaches joined the staff, O’Connell still hasn’t been able to introduce himself to most of his players face to face. Coronavirus restrictions have kept NFL teams from gathering at team facilities, let alone on practice fields. The Rams are conducting unit and position-group meetings via video streams.

“Do they even know who I am at this point?” O’Connell wondered in a video chat with reporters on Thursday. “Hopefully they can click through that team meeting and find the little box that says ‘O’Connell,’ so when they catch me walking in the halls, they know who I am.”

In person, O’Connell, who turned 35 on Monday, is a likable former San Diego State quarterback and Patriots third-round draft pick who didn’t catch on as an NFL player but has caught the up escalator as a coach.

After three years as a position coach and offensive coordinator under Jay Gruden with the Redskins, roles that Rams coach Sean McVay used to have in Washington, O’Connell was hired by McVay in January.

His own role with the Rams takes some explaining. An offensive coordinator normally runs the attack, calls the plays. But McVay does that himself, and he didn’t even have anyone with the title of offensive coordinator after Matt LaFleur left following the 2017 season to be OC for the Titans and now head coach of the Packers.

“I look at it as my role is whatever is required to assist coach McVay in preparing the offense,” said O’Connell, who comes in along with new running backs coach Thomas Brown to join an offensive staff that includes pass-game coordinator Shane Waldron and run-game coordinator and offensive-line coach Aaron Kromer.

McVay, who hasn’t had a quarterbacks coach per se since Zac Taylor left to coach the Bengals following the Rams’ 2018 run to the Super Bowl, has said some of that duty will fall to O’Connell.

“I think it’s going to be a great opportunity for Jared (Goff) to work with someone like him, because of some of the things that he’s done, that maybe I haven’t gotten exposed to,” McVay said when he introduced O’Connell, defensive coordinator Brandon Staley and special-teams coordinator John Bonamego at a press conference in February.

Goff’s passer rating sank from eighth in the league in 2018 to 22nd in 2019. It was only part of the 9-7 Rams’ overall offensive disappointment, which saw Todd Gurley lose more than a yard per carry off his rushing average.

Now Gurley (released) and wide receiver Brandin Cooks (traded) are gone. Second-round draft picks Cam Akers and Van Jefferson will compete for major roles in replacing them.

If the offensive line improves, it will be because of better health and the benefit of experience. The only new face is Tremayne Anchrum, a seventh-round draft pick.

O’Connell might be the biggest addition to the offense.

His success could be measured by how much Goff’s numbers improve, something that will depend on the quarterback and everybody around him.

“You’ve got the fundamentals of playing the position,” O’Connell said on Zoom from San Diego, where he was visiting his parents. “It can be as pure as a first step on a drop-back from underneath the center, it can be his base at the top of a drop, it can be where his eyes are going off of a play-action fake, it can be understanding what’s happening on the other side of the ball vs. (the) play (that was) called.”

O’Connell noted that this will be Goff will have more “ownership” of the offense in his fifth NFL season.

On top of technique and X’s and O’s, O’Connell said, “maybe it’s a leadership thing, maybe it’s making sure we’re great out of the huddle, maybe it’s the little details like that, where if we can just get 1 or 2% better at all of those things, he’s got a chance to have a great season and I’m really excited for him.”

Specific changes in X’s and O’s won’t start until players and coaches see what they have on the practice field, O’Connell said.
There is one advantage to not having physical practices until further notice from the NFL and local officials: It leaves more time to talk with players about the philosophy and “the why” behind the offense.

“It’ll be great when we get to training camp, or whenever we’re able to all get together again, and kind of pick up from a person-to-person, in-person standpoint,” O’Connell said. “But I’m really happy with where we are considering what this offseason has been like.”

Rams depth chart 2020: Projected starters for Week 1 reveals concerns for LA pass rush and rushing attack
The offseason wasn't kind to the Rams, as their projected depth chart suggests

There is much to prove for every NFL team entering the 2020 season, sans the world champion Kansas City Chiefs, but the Los Angeles Rams are near the top of the list. The team followed up a stellar 2018 season that saw them appear in Super Bowl XXXVI, but their balloon was rapidly deflated when a flat offensive effort saw them lose to the New England Patriots. They then suffered from the dreaded Super Bowl hangover in 2019, fighting through an uneven season that saw them finish at 9-7 and out of the playoffs entirely.

With head coach Sean McVay now needing to re-establish his brand as an offensive genius and Jared Goff being looked at to carry more of the load, things will get interesting quickly once the season fires up. With no Todd Gurleybehind him and no Brandin Cooks beside him to stretch the opposing defense, new faces will have to step up to challenge incumbents to help buoy the team back to contender status. Otherwise, the Rams face another disappointing season, and one wherein they'll open up SoFi Stadium -- their new NFL digs.

And with that, let's take a shot at predicting who makes the cut for the final 55-man roster, and who has to play the best football of their career thanks to offseason changes.

(* indicates player is a rookie)

Offense


Goff needs to tee off in 2020

The biggest and most glaring change to the Rams depth chart for 2020 doesn't come by addition, but instead by subtraction. The team decided it was time to cut ties with All-Pro running back Todd Gurley, releasing him this offseason before seeing him immediately sign on with the Atlanta Falcons. The split came amidst rumors of health issues with Gurley's knee, but those claims were never formally substantiated and the Pro Bowler has released several workout videos showing his knee is seemingly just fine.

It's all water under the bridge now, though, with the Rams seeking to figure out who'll be Gurley's successor only two years after making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history. It'll be easier said-than-done, considering Brown and Henderson combined for 455 total yards from scrimmage last season, and they'll both now be challenged by Akers -- a rookie with more than enough juice to push his name higher on the depth chart.

With Gurley gone and Brandin Cooks out as well, the latter via trade to the Houston Texans, Goff might find himself shouldering more of the load as it relates to having to make players around him better. And as he and head coach Sean McVay work to bounce back from missing the playoffs only a season after making it to the Super Bowl, it's paramount Goff do just that in 2020.

Defense


Finding Robin to pair with Batman

You know what Aaron Donald is and you know what he's capable of. The future Hall of Fame pass rusher is a force of nature on the football field, but the Rams are looking to see who'll step up and be an impactful sidekick to him in 2020. Donald led the team in 2019 with 12.5 sacks and second place went to linebacker Dante Fowler, who had 11.5 of his own, but Fowler waved goodbye in free agency and joins Gurley as a member of the Falcons. What's more, the team decided to release Clay Matthews, whose eight sacks were good enough for third-most on the team last season and 3.5 more than fourth-place Samson Ebukam.

Keeping with the theme of lost sack-producers, Corey Littleton left to join the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason, and while he logged just 3.5 sacks in 2019, it was more than Brockers (3.0). All told, the Rams need to replace, at minimum, 23 sacks lost to either free agency or by voluntary release, and that simply won't be easy to do.

Brockers and Ebukam now ascend the depth chart by default but if they want to remain in their respective seats, they'll have to step up big and help Donald harass opposing quarterbacks.

Special teams


Just for kicks

It's a new day on the special teams unit in Los Angeles as well, as not all of the more obvious changes were relegated to offense and defense. With the coming 2020 season arrives a new face at kicker, as longtime boot Greg Zuerleinfollows former Rams special teams coordinator Jim "Bones" Fassel to the Dallas Cowboys for a fresh start. That forced Los Angeles to address the position in the 2020 NFL Draft, and Sloman seemingly gets the nod as Zuerlein's successor -- selected in the seventh round by McVay and Co. He must still beat out Austin MacGinnis and Lirim Hajrullahu to assure his spot, which should make for an interesting camp, seeing as there is no definitive frontrunner at the position just yet.

On the return side, look for rookie Trishton Jackson to battle Dortch for the honor of handling punts, seeing as both have similar skill sets and near-equal 40 yard dash times. JoJo Natson, the Rams top return specialist, is now a member of the Cleveland Browns, leaving the door open for his replacement to step up -- whomever that may be.

2020 Offseason Opponent Breakdown: Arizona Cardinals

Continuing this year's offseason opponent breakdowns on theRams.com, up next is Los Angeles' Week 13 and Week 17 divisional opponent, the Arizona Cardinals.

2019

The Cardinals embarked on the 2019 season with a new head coach and a new quarterback. Former Texas Tech head coach Kliff Kingsbury was hired after the team parted ways with Steve Wilks after one season. Arizona then chose former Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft and dealt 2018 No. 10 overall pick Josh Rosen to the Dolphins the next night for the 62nd overall pick and a 2020 fifth-round pick.

Compared to 2018, the Cardinals scored 136 more points under Kingsbury's Air Raid offense and went from last to 16th in the league in scoring offense (14.1 to 22.6 points per game). However, they regressed defensively, finishing last in total defense after being 20th in 2018. Opponents scored at least 30 points in 7 of their 16 games.

Changes

In that context, it made sense that Arizona elected to use its highest draft pick in 2020 on Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons, who was widely regarded as the most versatile defensive prospect in this year's class. While Simmons will primarily play linebacker, Cardinals second-year defensive coordinator Vance Joseph envisions an all-encompassing role for the rookie this upcoming season.

Other defensive reinforcements included signing former Bills defensive lineman Jordan Phillips and Giants outside linebacker Devon Kennard to three-year deals, and former Falcons inside linebacker De'Vondre Campbell to a one-year deal.

The biggest move, though, was on offense, acquiring four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and a 2020 fourth-round pick from the Houston Texans in exchange for running back David Johnson, a 2020 second-round pick and the Cardinals' 2021 fourth-round pick. Hopkins' 104 receptions for 1,165 yards and seven touchdowns last year earned him his third consecutive AP First Team All-Pro selection, and he's had at least 1,100 receiving yards in five of his seven NFL seasons.

Head coach

Kingsbury enters his second season as head coach of the Cardinals, compiling a 5-10-1 record in his first season.

What to watch for

Hopkins vs. Jalen Ramsey

The two faced off often in the AFC South when they were with the Texans and Jaguars respectively, and now they're back in the same division again as members of NFC West teams.

Ramsey in a video conference with reporters last month said Hopkins is one of the toughest receiver matchups he's had since entering the league.

"We've had some very, very good battles," Ramsey said. "I think he's the only receiver maybe that's gone over 100 yards on me in my career, and I've also had some success against him, holding him to his lowest totals he's ever had each year. So I'm excited. I'm excited for that challenge."

The respect is mutual, as Hopkins last year said that Ramsey is his favorite cornerback to play against. It should make for a pair of exciting matchups this upcoming season.

Rams playoff odds and predicted total wins: NFL futures picks and best bets

Geoff Clark

Will the Los Angeles Rams make the 2020 NFL playoffs? Below, we look at the BetMGM betting odds and make our pick. We also predict their exact win total for the upcoming season.

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Odds last updated Thursday, June 4 at 2 p.m. ET.

Will the Los Angeles Rams make the 2020 NFL playoffs?
Yes: +165 | No: -200

Full Article--
[sportsbookwire.usatoday.com]

When fans describe the Rams, what do they say?

Or, is there hardly such thing anymore?

You think of KC, you think Mahomes and offense. What describes us?

View: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2894338-ranking-nfls-7-most-likely-quarterbacks-to-lose-their-job-in-2020

Ranking NFL's 7 Most Likely Quarterbacks to Lose Their Job in 2020

The constant turnover at the NFL's quarterback position doesn't figure to slow in 2020.

Painting in broad strokes, teams seem to have less patience with the most important position in sports. The Arizona Cardinals quickly dumping Josh Rosen for Kyler Murray seemed to be foreshadowing. This offseason, big names like Tom Brady and Philip Rivers changed teams, while notables like Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota sit in backup roles and Cam Newton remains on the open market.

Last season, veterans Eli Manning and Andy Dalton lost their jobs. This year could feature more of the same, especially in organizations not tied to the current starter for the long term or outright rebuilding and willing to see what it has down the depth chart.

The following quarterbacks are the likeliest to lose their jobs in 2020, with rankings based on a team's contention or rebuilding status, the presence of quality options behind the starter, age and both past and projected production.

7. Dwayne Haskins, Washington Redskins

The Washington Redskins didn't give Dwayne Haskins a fair shake as a rookie, keeping him from the starting job in favor of journeyman Case Keenum while firing Jay Gruden early in the season.

Haskins eventually got in and showed some promise but settled on a 58.6 completion percentage with as many touchdowns as interceptions.

This offseason, Washington hired Ron Rivera as head coach and overhauled the front office. Rivera also quietly made a move for Kyle Allen via trade with his former Carolina Panthers, acquiring a 24-year-old passer who completed 62.0 percent of his 489 attempts last year while tossing 17 touchdowns and 16 interceptions.

Haskins is clearly the starter going into 2020. Yet such significant organizational overhauls usually don't bode well for quarterbacks under these circumstances. And this one is especially unique with the new head coach already bringing on a young signal-caller from his last team. If Haskins struggles early, will a coaching staff that didn't draft him look in a different direction?

6. Philip Rivers, Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts' addition of Philip Rivers was one of the bigger quarterback moves of the offseason, but it wasn't met with nearly the amount of fanfare Tom Brady received when he left New England.

Rivers will play for a new team for the first time since entering the league in 2004, and the plan is clear: Get the Colts back to contending.

And while it sounds good on paper, Rivers is now 38 years old and took a notable step back last season. He mustered more than 4,600 yards through the air in 2019, yet managed just 23 touchdowns and 20 interceptions while going 5-11, taking the Los Angeles Chargers from 12 wins to five.

This all comes with a disclaimer: Rivers will get to play in front of a superb offensive line in Indianapolis. But joining a new team at this stage of his career is a red flag (an unorthodox summer amplifies this) regardless of the surrounding pieces.

Rivers is a luxury acquisition for a team that didn't want to miss out on a chance to contend given its current roster build. But it also means the Colts have one of the league's better backups in Jacoby Brissett, who could again find himself in a starting role in 2020 if Rivers' regression last year was a sign of things to come.

5. Jarrett Stidham, New England Patriots

Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots have made it clear Jarrett Stidham is the guy to replace Tom Brady.

For now.

New England's refusal to go after a bigger name during a rich offseason for quarterbacks speaks to the team's confidence in Stidham (with cap and asset preservation seemingly a determining factor). But he's merely a 2019 fourth-round pick with four career passing attempts to his name, highlighted by a turnover.

Stidham might go into the season as the starter, but New England has a contingency plan if Stidham struggles. The Patriots signed 34-year-old Brian Hoyer in March. Typically, that wouldn't register as much more than a veteran depth addition, but it's important to keep in mind Hoyer has had two prior stints in New England and even attempted 65 passes last year in Indianapolis.

If the Patriots see enough of Stidham and his play reinforces the idea that 2020 is nothing more than a transitional year as opposed to Year 1 of a new era, it won't be long before Hoyer makes an appearance under center.

4. Nick Foles, Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears traded for Nick Foles this offseason, reuniting him with quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo in a move that clearly signals he'll get every chance to start over Mitchell Trubisky in 2020.

And while head coach Matt Nagy said both quarterbacks will get a chance to play with the starters this preseason, Trubisky's 17 touchdowns in 15 games while the Bears stumbled to 8-8 hints the job will go to the veteran.

But the problem with the plan is Foles. He's merely a 61.9 percent passer since entering the league in 2012. His postseason accolades lead the resume, but he hasn't seen significant regular-season playing time since 2015 and boasts a career 26-22 record with a touchdown percentage of just 4.2, a mark that would've ranked him 20th last season.

Chicago would like the Foles addition to work after regressing from 12 wins to eight a year ago. But Foles' track record combined with an unpredictable offseason could lead to initial struggles that have the Bears eventually turning back to Trubisky.

3. Gardner Minshew II, Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars moved Nick Foles and didn't make a big splash on the quarterback market otherwise, all while entering a big rebuilding stage via other talent departures.

For now at least, that means 2019 sixth-round pick Gardner Minshew II gets the nod under center. As a rookie, he completed 60.6 percent of his passes with 21 scores and six interceptions, going 6-6 with a 42.6 QBR, ranking him 26th.

As promising as Minshew looked at times last year, his surroundings don't seem poised to help him much. The Jaguars went out and signed 30-year-old Mike Glennon in May, with coach Doug Marrone talking up Glennon's familiarity with the offense. The team had also previously traded for Joshua Dobbs, a 2017 fourth-round pick, last year.

In what is obviously a rebuilding year, the Jaguars feel like a team that could start a trio of players at quarterback by season's end.

If Minshew struggles early—and he could with Indianapolis, Tennessee and Houston three of his first five opponents—one of the names behind him might assume the starter role early.

2. Tyrod Taylor, Los Angeles Chargers

Cincinnati is the only place where a high-profile rookie unquestionably has the starting job locked down.

Which means Tyrod Taylor is bound to start 2020 over No. 6 pick Justin Herbert for the Los Angeles Chargers.

All signs have pointed toward Taylor getting the nod in 2020, even before the draft. Some of this may have been predraft smoke to keep other teams away from Herbert, but even NBC Sports' Peter King wrote the following: "Anthony Lynn doesn't view—at least now—Tyrod Taylor as a bridge quarterback. He thinks he can be a good NFL starter."

Taylor will turn 31 in August and is only a career 61.6 percent passer who has 85 or fewer attempts in each of the last two seasons. But there's a reason Cleveland wanted him in the room with Baker Mayfield and now Los Angeles with Herbert.

The Chargers are in at least a mini-rebuild now after regressing from 12 wins to five last year and don't have a major reason to rush Herbert out there. But while the Oregon product also fell to become the third quarterback off the board, a combination of fan support and Taylor's play will get Herbert in there during a transitional year.

1. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Miami Dolphins

The whole world seems to know what the plan is for the Miami Dolphins.

In fact, Tua Tagovailoa to the Dolphins in the first round of this year's draft seemed like one of the big event's most obvious storylines.

Yet given some of the injury questions and basic hurdles facing a rookie, the starting gig figures to belong to Ryan Fitzpatrick out of the gate. It makes sense on multiple levels, including on-field performance. Last year, while he only threw for 20 scores and went 5-8, Fitzpatrick still tied for fourth in the NFL with four game-winning drives.

Fitzpatrick is 37 years old and gives what looks like an improving roster a fighting chance. But more importantly, he's one of the better veterans in the league to have on hand to mentor a top-five pick like Tagovailoa.

Fitzpatrick's play won't hold off the fan-backed Tagovailoa hype, though, eventually relegating him to sage-veteran status as the next franchise passer takes over for the Dolphins.

The past two years of my life have been a mess. I lost both my parents, and you all know what we are going through now. I just want to say that the most constant thing in my life has been my wife, and you guys. I really appreciate it.

Note, please don't make it about the bigger issue. This is more hoping that butthurt lockerroom full of egos fueled by Asshole Face falls flat on their goddamn face.

Basically, fuck the aints.

Play-action prowess critical for Jared Goff, Sean McVay in 2020

Mark Schofield

(In this series, Touchdown Wire’s Mark Schofield takes a look at one important metric per NFL team to uncover a crucial problem to solve for the 2020 season. In this installment, it’s time to look at how the Los Angeles Rams and in particular Jared Goff struggled on play-action in 2019, and how Goff and Sean McVay might address that issue in 2020).

Two seasons ago the Los Angeles Rams rode a forward-thinking offense and a stout defense to Super Bowl LIII. Jared Goff seemed light-years removed from the potential draft bust he looked as a rookie and anyone who ever bumped into Sean McVay on the street was interviewed for a coaching job with another organization.

Their offense was one of the major reasons for their success in 2018. The Rams were second in the league in yards per game, averaging 421.1 yards in each of their contests. They were second in the league in points per game, averaging 32.9 per outing. In terms of Defense-adjusted Value Over Average, the Rams were also the second best offense in the league, with an Offensive DVOA of 24.6%, and a Weighted Offensive DVOA (which places an emphasis on recent performance) of 19.3%.

Full Article--
[touchdownwire.usatoday.com]

When will the 2020 NFL season start? Answering the biggest questions, 100 days out

Exactly 100 days remain before the scheduled start of the NFL season. If the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs actually kick off Sept. 10 at Arrowhead Stadium, they will produce one of the most significant moments in league history.

None of this country's major professional leagues has managed to resume play since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. The NFL and NFL Players Association have more time and less urgency than their cross-sport counterparts, but the issues -- testing, safety protocols, payroll adjustments and fan policies among them -- are no less difficult to resolve.

The NFL has been pledging an on-time start to the season for months, even while working on multiple contingency plans behind the scenes, a number of which were built into the regular-season schedule. One could push the Super Bowl to the end of February.

"As a league, and in partnership with the players' association, we will continue to prepare and to adjust where necessary," commissioner Roger Goodell said during a recent media teleconference. "I think this offseason has looked a lot different than it has in the past. We are proud that our key activities, such as free agency, the league year, the offseason programs and of course the draft, demonstrated that we can operate in new and innovative ways, so we are prepared for the 2020 season."

If the NFL season is truly to start Sept. 10, the league has a long agenda list for the next 100 days. Let's take a closer look, both on and off the field.

What is the status of team facilities?

The facilities began reopening on May 19 as state and local guidelines have relaxed. The first phase limited teams to bringing back no more than 50% of its non-field employees, for a total of up to 75 people in the building at any time. Coaches and players, other than those receiving medical treatment, were not part of that group.

The second phase began this week, as the league anticipated all facilities would reopen at some capacity. In a memo to teams, Goodell said last week that he anticipated allowing coaches to return by Friday. There is hope -- but no plan yet -- for the return of players before the NFL offseason ends June 26.

So what does that mean for teams' offseason programs?

The programs will remain virtual through at least June 12, at which point the league and the union will reevaluate national conditions.

That leaves a two-week window, from June 15 to 26, when the NFL could potentially allow players to return for on-field workouts. For scheduling purposes, teams have saved the one mandatory event -- a three-day minicamp -- for potential use in that time frame. But there is no guarantee that the NFL will be ready to utilize that time. And even if teams receive that authorization, it's possible that some will opt against a scramble to bring players from all over the country into the facility for such a short period.

"We've got to get this right," said Troy Vincent, the NFL's executive vice president of football operations. "We're coming out of phase 1, going into phase 2, and we have to assure the general public and our players that our protocol and procedures [work]. We can't miss. We just can't fail. So rather than saying, 'Yes, we're going to do this,' we have time. We have to be right. We are really taking a responsible approach on a daily basis. It's changing daily."

What is the significance of June 26? Could the offseason be extended to get more virtual work in?

By agreement with the players' association, via the collective bargaining agreement, the league limits both the amount and period of time that players can participate in offseason team workouts. This year, the latest day that teams can host player workouts is June 26, allowing for a monthlong quiet period before training camps open.

We've learned this year not to rule out unusual or unprecedented events, but an extension beyond June 26 would seem unlikely and almost certainly would be tied to an acknowledgement that the start of training camps would be pushed back.

So will training camps be pushed back?

That's impossible to predict right now. We don't even know how the offseason program will end! All teams have been instructed to plan an on-time start to camps in late July, but its ultimate timing -- and that of everything that follows -- is largely dependent on three key factors:

The NFL's success in conceiving and implementing a health and safety protocol that minimizes the chances of infection and ensures quick action to prevent spread

Agreement from the players, via the NFLPA, on that protocol and on any potential economic concessions

Acquiescence from state and local governments in the localities that house NFL stadiums

What will the NFL's health and safety protocols look like?

Most of it remains in development, and part of it will be adjusted in reaction to trial and error from other leagues. We've gotten a few glimpses, including efforts to design a helmet visor that could limit the flow of virus through airborne particles.

Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL's chief medical officer, has made clear that the league should expect some personnel to be infected and said: "Our challenge is to identify them as quickly as possible and prevent spread to any other participants."

Sills also said that "certain important steps" in testing and testing availability must happen before the NFL has large-scale events. In other words, production and availability of test kits must increase to the point where the league can test all of its participants regularly and reliably without limiting the supply for the rest of the public.

"When we and the players' association feel that we are at a point of satisfaction with that science, then we'll be ready to move forward," Sills said.

Once everyone is comfortable on the science, the NFL and NFLPA will need to address a series of other important aspects of their coronavirus policy. While physical distancing is not possible during games, will practices be reorganized to limit proximity? Will players and coaches be quarantined when not at the team facility? Will rosters or practice squads be expanded to ensure a full complement of healthy players? What about players with underlying conditions, those in high-risk groups and those who have other personal reasons to stay away from the field?

Atlanta Falcons center Alex Mack, the treasurer of the NFLPA, told reporters he is more concerned about players getting infected while away from the team facility or stadiums.

"I think it comes down to how can you control when people go home," Mack said. "What they do, what the people at their home are doing. It's just the whole spiderweb effect of contamination that's hard to wrap your head around and kind of figure out. I guess the fear of the unknown, to me, concerns me."

In addition to the health of players, the NFL also must take into account the rest of its on-field personnel, from coaches to athletic trainers to game officials. The NFL has three head coaches over the age of 65 and a total of six who are at least 60 years old. And the average age of the league's game officials is 52, according to NFL Referees Association executive director Scott Green.

Let's back up: What did you mean earlier by potential economic concessions?

It's messy, and no one wants to hear about it amid record unemployment numbers around the country. But the experiences of the NBA and Major League Baseball, in particular, show us that the NFL's return to play is dependent on cooperation between owners and players on issues they don't always agree on.

Owners already have instituted some pay reductions and furloughs among off-field staffers. What will happen if they ask players to also take pay reductions outside of their collective bargaining agreement?

The league's salary cap addresses the question from a philosophical standpoint. Players would share in the impact of lower revenues in 2020 via a smaller salary cap in 2021. Would owners seek additional concessions? We would be fools to rule out the possibility.

Regardless, training camps won't open on time and the season won't kick off Sept. 10 without players' full cooperation.

Is there really a chance for fans to attend 2020 games?

Not every state has addressed whether it will allow professional sports this summer or fall -- or whether fans would be allowed to gather in significant numbers. But contingency planning includes the possibility of admitting a limited number of fans per game.

During an appearance last month on CNBC, Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross said: "I think there definitely will be a football season this year. [The] real question is, will there be fans in the stadium? Right now -- today -- we're planning to have fans in the stadium."

The Dolphins recently unveiled plans to limit crowds to as low as 15,000 people at Hard Rock Stadium, allowing them to maintain physical distancing within the 65,000-seat facility. Would the NFL allow some teams to admit fans if others are prevented by state or local regulations? The league hasn't yet said.

What about the rest of the NFL's offseason schedule?

Even after the end of the offseason program, teams can continue to work through existing individual contract situations, including signing their rookie classes.

July 15 remains the deadline for signing franchise players to long-term contracts. Otherwise, they must play the season under a one-year deal. In this unusual offseason, none of the 14 players tagged has signed new deals, a list that includes Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Yannick Ngakoue and Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry.

Isn't the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction usually in the summer?

Yes. At the moment it remains on the schedule. The annual Hall of Fame Game would be played Aug. 6, and the Class of 2020 would be inducted Aug. 8. But David Baker, the Hall's president and CEO, told USA Today that he is considering multiple contingencies, including pushing the ceremony to the spring or combining it with the 2021 induction.

What plans are being made by the NFL for game officials?

In most years, the NFL officiating department's annual July clinic would be especially busy. The department has new leadership that includes former coach Perry Fewell, now the senior vice president of officiating administration, and retired referee Walt Anderson, now senior vice president of training and development.

The clinic is likely to be held via video conference, according to Green. The NFLRA also is discussing contingencies for the season, such as whether it would make sense for officials to be assigned to games based on their home city to minimize air travel.

Here's another random issue to consider in the coronavirus era: Could whistles accelerate the spread of the virus? And if officials wear masks during games, how would they blow a whistle?

So when will we start getting clarity on all of this?

The NFL has followed a simple rule throughout the coronavirus pandemic: Maintain original schedules until they are no longer viable. So there is no reason to expect the NFL to make any imminent announcements about training camp or the season. For the most part, it has implemented its virtual offseason program in two-week increments. That's a good working understanding for how the rest of the summer could go.

Let’s say the Rams call you. They want your help...

Where can you help them?

Bold NFL predictions: Cowboys roll, Seahawks stumble, Pats collapse

Go big or go home!

No better time than the present to evoke the old adage. That's the beauty of the NFL: Every year, big and bold things happen -- stuff no one saw coming. Just take last season, for example. Here's a random collection of memorable happenings:

The 49ers went from picking second in the draft to hitting the Super Bowl. Gardner Minshew started the season as a sixth-round afterthought behind big-ticket free-agent signee Nick Foles ... and ended up as the Jaguars' entrenched starter. Boston Scott, who sounds like a backup midfielder for Johns Hopkins lacrosse, suddenly began making plays in crunch time to help lift the Eagles into the playoffs.

These are the kinds of unforeseen developments that spawn fearless futurecasting across the football world. And as you know, I'm never lacking for takes on the NFL front. Thinking about the coming season, I have some choice predictions in mind ...

I think the Bills will win the AFC East and a home playoff game. And I really mean it this time when I say the Browns will hit the postseason. Tom Brady taking the Bucs to the Super Bowl? Sure, I could see it. Why not?

But none of those feel truly audacious. It's the offseason. Let's get adventurous!

Here are my boldest predictions for the 2020 season, Schein Nine style:

1) Patriots will collapse to a top-five pick in the 2021 NFL Draft

By Labor Day, I might even push this to top three. Or on the clock.

Tom Brady is in Tampa. Jarrett Stidham is Jarrett Stidham. Yes, Bill Belichick is the greatest coach in the history of sports, but the roster just isn't that good. The problems that ultimately led to New England's undoing down the stretch last season still exist -- in fact, they're probably even more problematic. And the Patriots no longer have the G.O.A.T. to serve as the ultimate deodorant for what stinks. The receiving corps remains underwhelming. I like the long-term upside of the two tight ends New England drafted in the third round -- Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene -- but the roster lacks a proven NFL commodity at the position. The offensive line is average at best. Same with the backfield. Defensively, the Pats went from historic during the team's 8-0 start last season to leaky in the second half of the year. And the unit lost a number of key players, including Kyle Van Noy and Jamie Collins.

I haven't even mentioned the schedule, which is brutal. Check it out. New England will be the inferior team in almost every single game it plays. Road division games in Miami and New York are hardly givens. The Bills will maul the Patriots.

This season in Foxborough has 5-11 written all over it. If everything breaks right. I think the Jaguars, Patriots and Giants are the three worst teams in the NFL right now.

2) Raiders RB Josh Jacobs will win the rushing title

Despite the purported devaluation of running backs, the position is currently stocked with big-name stars, including Christian McCaffrey, Ezekiel Elliott, Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, Alvin Kamara, Dalvin Cook and Nick Chubb, to name a few. But everyone's gonna have to move aside for Jacobs in 2020.

The Raiders' second-year back is physical, speedy and fresh, having averaged just 123 carries over his past four years of football (three at Alabama, one in the NFL). Yes, a shoulder injury prematurely ended his fantastic rookie season -- when he rushed for 1,150 yards and forced the most missed tackles as a runner, per Pro Football Focus -- but he'll be recovered and ready to rock in the fall.

In 2020, the presence of rookie speed merchant Henry Ruggs III should loosen things up, preventing teams from always stacking the box. A year removed from the Antonio Brown debacle, Derek Carr and the passing attack are going to sing. The Raiders' offensive line is mammoth and talented -- the unit will provide Jacobs plenty of room to truck the opposition. Jacobs logged 242 carries last season. I think that number gets closer to that of fellow Alabama alum Derrick Henry, who toted the rock a league-high 303 times in 2019. I can't wait to watch it.

3) Jets QB Sam Darnold will become a star

I still love Darnold. His rookie year was a classic roller-coaster ride, not at all helped by the dreadful offensive coordinating of Jeremy Bates, who was fired -- along with head coach Todd Bowles -- after the season. General manager Mike Maccagnan kept his job through 2019 free agency and the draft -- and then got canned. Because only the Jets. Adam Gase was brought in to maximize New York's second-year quarterback ... and Darnold got mono. But don't let all of this misfortune color your view of the No. 3 pick of the 2018 draft. He still has plenty of promise, especially with competent leadership now in the front office.

GM Joe Douglas has shown plenty of promise in a short time on the job, with a calculating, savvy approach. He brilliantly beefed up the offensive line this offseason, adding a whole bunch of big bodies in free agency, then spending the Jets' first-round pick on OT Mekhi Becton. This is how you properly protect a young quarterback, by OVERindulging on O-linemen. Now, Darnold's receiving corps is full of question marks -- which is why this prediction is bold in the first place -- but Douglas did add the explosive Denzel Mims in Round 2 of the draft.

Down the stretch last season, after Darnold was recovered from mono, the young QB excelled. From Week 9 through 17, he averaged 245.2 passing yards per game and compiled a 14:5 TD-to-INT ratio, leading the Jets to a 6-3 record. Darnold has every intangible and tangible you want in a true franchise quarterback. And in 2020, it all comes together over the course of a full season.

4) Coach of the Year Mike McCarthy's Cowboys will be the NFC's No. 1 seed

You betcha. After years of Dallas being stuck in the middle with Jason Garrett, McCarthy is the perfect remedy for what ails this team. The Super Bowl-winning coach is a great offensive mind. He will maximize the incredible weapons Dallas possesses on offense, with Zeke running behind a stout O-line and Dak Prescott throwing the ball to Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup and CeeDee Lamb. The defense has some questions, especially in the secondary. But Dallas can rush the passer, and the linebacking duo of Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith is strong.

McCarthy also put together a fantastic coaching staff. There's a new culture in Dallas. And with this offense, "America's Team" is going to be so much fun to watch.

5) Seahawks will miss the playoffs

I know that the Seahawks have been one of the most consistent teams in the NFL over the last decade, posting a winning record in each of the past eight seasons, with double-digit wins in seven of them. I know that Russell Wilson is a first-ballot Hall of Famer. And I never want to bet against fellow future gold-jacket wearers Bobby Wagner and Pete Carroll. But I have serious questions about the overall quality of this roster -- especially when compared to a host of rosters across the NFC.

San Francisco, last year's NFC champs, look even better right now. Tampa Bay won the offseason, with Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski joining a talented young roster and Jason Licht adding some key pieces in the draft. New Orleans will be squarely in the Lombardi hunt for the fourth straight season. The Cowboys and Eagles both upgraded their rosters. I have already declared the Cardinals this year's Cinderella team. And Aaron Rodgers is still Aaron Rodgers.

Don't get me wrong: I don't expect the Seahawks to fall apart. But they'll lose a few more games than usual, especially in this year's highly competitive NFC West.

6) Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes will throw 51 touchdown passes

In his first full year as a starter, he posted the second 50/5,000 season in NFL history and won MVP. Last season, he was the Super Bowl MVP. This offseason, the Chiefs stole Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who has Brian Westbrook-like qualities as a runner/receiver. And here's the rub: At age 24, Mahomes is only getting better.

Andy Reid is a gem of a coach and play caller. Mahomes is the best show in sports with unreal weapons around him. Why not?

7) Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster will dominate once again

Smith-Schuster was dreadful last season, totaling just 552 yards and three touchdowns. Yes, injuries were a major factor for both him and Ben Roethlisberger. But JuJu fizzled in the spotlight of replacing Antonio Brown as the Steelers' WR1. I think he learned from it. And I am enamored with his amazing talent and work ethic. Not to mention, he's still just 23 years old.

Plus, Big Ben is back! And while I am quite skeptical about the prospect of a 38-year-old coming off elbow surgery staying healthy for 16 games -- and inherently, I wish Pittsburgh had improved its brutal backup quarterback situation -- there is no denying the chemistry the first-ballot Hall of Famer has with JuJu.

Oh, did I mention Smith-Schuster's in a contract year?

8) Lions QB Matthew Stafford will lead the NFL is passing yards

I have loved listening to Stafford talk in jubilant tones this offseason, after a 2019 campaign that was limited to just eight games due to injury. The league is always better when No. 9 is slinging it for the Lions. Stafford's back is healthy, and I think he is primed to have the best year of his underappreciated career.

It's Year 2 in Darrell Bevell's offense, an attack that suited Stafford quite well last fall. Detroit has a fine trio of receivers in Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones and Danny Amendola, and I think T.J. Hockenson can enjoy a breakout sophomore campaign with better health. Rookie RB D'Andre Swift was a steal in Round 2, and he's a legit weapon in the passing game. Detroit still has issues on defense, meaning Stafford is going to be called upon to throw the ball a lot. And I think the Lions are going to win some games you don't expect them to win this year behind a rejuvenated Stafford.

9) Chargers S Derwin James will win Defensive Player of the Year

The candidates for this award roll deep. Aaron Donald is always a fine answer. Nick Bosa's an emerging superstar. T.J. Watt's now blowing up defenses like his brother. Tre'Davious White's a stud on Sean McDermott's defense. Stephon Gilmore won it last year. And I personally voted for Chandler Jones.

But don't sleep on Derwin.

As a rookie in 2018, James immediately made his presence felt -- as in, he earned first-team All-Pro honors. Not too shabby. Then, unfortunately, he was injured for most of last year, and it changed everything for the Chargers' esteem and team. But I think he comes back with a vengeance in 2020.

To me, James is already the best safety in the NFL. With a Swiss Army Knife skill set, he makes plays and wrecks games. And I envision him taking his game to a whole other level in Year 3.

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First, the O...

There’s 3 intriguing QB’s competing to be Goff’s backup, plus a rumored possibility of re-signing Bortles. Most important position on the team has multiple backup options.

At RB I see Akers/Hendy sharing most of the snaps, but Brown and this Xavier Jones kid should provide quality depth behind them.

There are 15 players competing for 5 starting positions on the OL. Including a now healthy Blythe and Hav. All coached by Kromer. Color me cautiously optimistic there.

I see WR as at least 4 deep with top quality starting caliber players. With Webster and others behind them.

TE might now be a team strength position with the addition of Hopkins. Gonna be some tough final cuts at TE come September, I think.

Now the D...

The DL starters look impressive with 3 more quality and versatile backups behind them, all carryovers from last years roster. I LOVE this DL, especially against the run in the NFC West.

Edge should be fine on Floyd’s side and I see 4-5 promising players on the opposite side. I like Barry’s chances of coming up with an effective rotation at Edge. Fierce competition there, actually.

ILB has yet to prove itself, but there is no shortage of competition, that’s for sure. I’m guessing Kiser and Young/Howard in base, but stay tuned.

CB? Are you kidding me? Among the best and deepest in the league, hands down.

S? Here again, at least 3 deep with competition behind them.

Lastly, the ST...

We have 3 top PK candidates competing to replace the departed GZ. THREE! And all 3 with impressive resumes. So impressive that nobody can handicap their respective chances. Amazing.

Like I said earlier, this roster competition is the result of some ‘real fine’ planning on the part of Snead/McVay despite lacking a 1st rounder, losing some quality UFA’s, and being up against the cap. Holes are few and far between with solid competition waiting in the wings.

Color me impressed. Even worth a Hot Damn!

I’ve had fun playing with this thing. There are other animals here too.

This link should launch the tracker page;


One shark near me... was down in South Carolina just a month ago... swam all the way up the east coast past Maine. In a month!

Kind of fun to tinker with.

Defensive linemen competition heated

The LA Rams currently are fairly certain that Andrew Whitworth will start at the left offensive tackle, and Aaron Donald will start wherever he wants to on the defensive line. Beyond that, uncertainty begins to creep in. In a normal year, that uncertainty gathers amidst fans like dew on the blades of grass, waiting for OTAs and spring training to rapidly burn off the questions and focus the team’s hierarchy into the consensus depth chart long before the first snap of a preseason game.

But 2020 is not a typical season. The dawn of training camp and OTA’s will not shine for fans anytime soon. There is no visual evidence of which teams practice with the first string. So questions and uncertainty will linger longer than usual. That means that the tiering of NFL rosters will not be as cut-and-dry as it has been in the past. In a normal season, we would see the visual evidence of who was lining up as starters, and who was lining up as the third or fourth string and could form our own conclusions.

Virtual questions quarantined answers

2020 is different in so many ways. Coaches are meeting with players in a virtual format where plays are diagnosed and discussed. Afterward, players are sent back to their own resources with an honors system that they are following a healthy diet, are hydrating properly, are getting sufficient quality sleep, and are exercising and strength training properly. Most are doing exactly that, but some may cut corners.

If the season began today, the LA Rams starting three would most certainly be Aaron Donald, A’Shawn Robinson, and Michael Brockers backed up by Sebastian Joseph Day, Greg Gaines, and Morgan Fox. That is merely the like top six for the group. In 2019, The Rams only carried six defensive linemen on the 53-man roster. Will the 2020 makeup differ, as the defense under new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley will emphasize a more rapid rotation?

Fighting for roster roles

Twelve to six is certainly not very good odds for a player, particularly when three such roles are certain assignments. Eventually, all the players on the roster will gather and begin actual hands-on practices. At that point in time, we’ll begin to form a picture of who will be the Rams starters, and who will likely be making up supporting roles.

After all, the Rams signed defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson after it appeared that Rams veteran Michael Brockers would sign elsewhere. When the Rams re-signed Brockers, that inadvertently bumped 2019 starter Sebastian Joseph Day down in the rotation. Meanwhile, young Greg Gaines, patiently awaiting his opportunity to add his run defense skills to the LA Rams defensive line, must place his own hopes for promotion on hold.

Sorting it all out

Of all the positions at or near the line of scrimmage, the defensive line seems to be the easiest to sort out. That is until you dive into the players who have been added to the defensive front. On paper, it’s a three-man front. That base 3-4 defense is the basic framework for the team’s structure. But the team has twelve competitors in the mix for those three spots, six of whom were on the Rams’ roster last season. They are joined by free agent A’Shawn Robinson, and five players added after the 2020 NFL Draft: Michael Hoecht, Sam Renner, Greg Reaves, Eric Banks, and Jonah Williams.

Of the group signed after the NFL Draft, Hoecht, Banks, Williams, and Renner are most likely defensive linemen. All are 6-foot-4 or taller, and tip the scales at over 270 pounds. Only Greg Reaves is a hybrid 6-foot-2, 241-pound defensive end/outside linebacker hybrid who could play as an OLB for the Rams defense for better odds of making the roster.

Competition for DL starts with special teams

The key to the defense’s success must be stopping the run in 2020. To do that, the team must be better than the 2019 version. That means that the Rams’ defensive line must be better, which opens the door for competition. While the team did not address the position in the draft, the addition of five players signed immediately after the 2020 NFL Draft suggests that the team is open to adding new faces to the roster this season.

Most of those additions need to excel on special teams. That is the primary route for rookies to stick on the team’s roster, and the LA Rams are most certainly interested in improving special teams play in 2020. Defensive linemen have a solid shot at making a special teams impact because they have the size to serve as temporary blockers while excelling at tackling in coverage. Covering punts and kickoffs can prove to be a distinct advantage in determining who makes final cuts for the team.

How many defensive linemen are the right number?

If the LA Rams were looking into a two or three defensive linemen front on plays, then six is a good number to carry into the 2020 season. But that’s a big IF, as the team will likely have some four, five, or even six defensive linemen packages in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Those defensive stands are best made by flooding the field with defensive linemen, as many as five or six, and forcing offenses to go big.

The LA Rams have six players who could start now. But if they add a new face, do they carry an extra defensive lineman, or do the Rams bump a veteran to the waiver wire? Perhaps they add two new faces, will that bump a returning veteran? Does improving the defense mean counting on improvements from returning players or swapping out new players with higher ceilings? By the time the LA Rams must make the roster cuts, they’ll need to have the answers to those questions. Until then, the competition will be fierce. What emerges from this competition will hopefully be a much more prepared defensive front.

Starts back on June 11th. Cannot wait!! No crowds as yet.

An explanation...

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Had to laugh at the comment that some are as fast as WR's -- not quite.

Rams to gain $5.5 million in cap space Tuesday from Gurley's release

Cameron DaSilva

The Los Angeles Rams aren’t exactly flush with cap space at the moment, sitting on just over $569K as of June 1. But on Tuesday, they’ll get some much-needed relief.

Because the Rams designated Gurley as a post-June 1 release, they’re able to spread his dead cap charge over the next two years instead of taking all of it on in 2020. The drawback was that they didn’t get any relief when they cut Gurley back in March, but the money will come through on Tuesday.

The Rams will gain $5.5 million this week from Gurley’s release, which will put them at more than $6 million in cap space.

Full Article--
[theramswire.usatoday.com]

Here is the series on the NFC West Cardinals;

State of the Franchise: Can talented Cardinals roster mesh on the field?

Where does your franchise stand heading into 2020? Adam Rank sets the table by providing a State of the Franchise look at all 32 teams, zeroing in on the key figures to watch and setting the stakes for the season to come.

Members of the Arizona Cardinals organization, Cards fans around the world and those of you who are extremely jealous of Kliff Kingsbury's house:

The Cardinals made some bold moves prior to last season, giving up on Steve Wilks and Josh Rosen after only one year and bringing in Kingsbury and Kyler Murray. It was an exciting offseason for the franchise. The Cardinals improved to 5-10-1 in 2019, which might not seem like anything to celebrate, but it was a positive development for a team coming off a brutal 3-13 campaign. So, yeah, the change needed to happen after '18. It's like when The Office totally revamped Michael Scott's character after one season when they got rid of the ill-fitting shirts and slicked back hair. That's basically what the Cardinals did last offseason.

How the Cardinals got here

Let's take a quick look back at the ups and downs of the 2019 season:

The highs:

Kyler Murray's debut. I said last year that his first game was going to be so lit, and it was. The Cardinals fell behind by 18 points to the Detroit Lions, but Murray erased that deficit in the fourth quarter to send the game into overtime.

Trading for Kenyan Drake. It seemed a little weird to me at first. I'm going to be honest about that. Drake hadn't really broken out in three-plus seasons with Miami, so it seemed like a stretch to think he was going to be good in Arizona. But it actually worked out quite well, especially in his first game with the Cardinals. Drake had 162 total yards and a touchdown against the 49ers, who had the league's top-ranked defense, on Thursday Night Football. And sure, the Cardinals lost that game, but it was a pretty cool night.

Chandler Jones had 19 sacks. And a league-high eight forced fumbles, to boot. That kind of production is how you earn first-team All-Pro honors.

Beating the Seahawks in Week 16. And they did it with Brett Hundley at QB for most of the second half after Murray left with an injury. When you're in the middle of a five-win season, a victory like this is massive.

Rosen faltering in Miami. I know this might be a weird thing to include in this category, but Josh Rosen didn't exactly kill it with the Dolphins last season. You're not rooting against him, but it would have been just the Cardinals' luck if he had gone to Miami and turned into Dan Marino. (Google that name, kids. Marino was good.)

The lows:

Tying the Lions in Murray's debut. It was awesome that Murray rallied the Cardinals late in his career debut. Would have been better had they won the game.

Losing streaks. You might not remember this but the Cardinals were winless in their first four games of the season, going 0-3-1. Then they won three consecutive games against the Bengals, Falcons and Giants. But they finished the season with just two wins over their final nine. That was kind of a bummer.
2020 VIPs

Head coach: Kliff Kingsbury. Many were skeptical of Kingsbury, and I'm sure some of you even delighted in the fact that the Cardinals finished 21st in total offense. So much for the whiz kid from Lubbock. But you need to dig a little bit deeper to see the improvements the Cardinals made on offense. The Cardinals scored 22.6 points per game, which is 8.5 points higher than their 2018 average. They scored at least 25 points in nine games, after having only one such game the previous season. They also set a club record with seven games without a giveaway. The team was clearly moving in the right direction. I would even say it was a good first season when you consider how tough the division is. Sure, Kingsbury did make some mistakes. There were times when he might have been too eager to show the world how clever he was, but the team showed just enough promise to have me believing.

Quarterback: Kyler Murray. The Cardinals made a bold choice to draft Murray first overall a year after selecting Josh Rosen 10th overall, and I applauded them for it. Mostly because I'm an Angels fan and I'm glad he's not playing for the A's. But it was a good football move, too. Murray became the sixth player in NFL history to post 3,500 passing yards and 500 rushing yards in a season, joining Cam Newton as the only rookies to do it. Murray, the 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year, set the franchise rookie record for passing yards and touchdowns. Maybe the most important thing, though, is that Murray set the NFL rookie record with 211 consecutive pass attempts without an interception. That is impressive. He's one of the most exciting players in the league and sometimes makes football look like parkour. But he's not blindly out there heaving the ball into desperate situations and turning the ball over. That might be the most impressive thing he did last year. Well, that and these plays right here.

But still, the lack of interceptions (just 12 on 500-plus attempts) is amazing.

Projected 2020 MVP: Larry Fitzgerald, wide receiver. I know I should say Murray or even DeAndre Hopkins. But this team still belongs to Larry Fitz. He's totaled 144 receptions over the last two seasons. And really, he should end up ceding some targets to Hopkins. So, yeah. Let me try this again.

Projected 2020 MVP (for real): Murray. It all comes down to him. Sure, the Cardinals beat Seattle late last season with Murray sidelined for most of the second half (they built a double-digit lead when Murray was in the game, mind you). But if Arizona is going to be the IT team this season (more on that in a moment), it all comes down to Murray's development. And the precedent has been set. Lamar Jackson just won the MVP in his second season. Patrick Mahomes won the MVP in his second season and the Super Bowl in his third year. Murray is going to need to be the MVP, win a Super Bowl and move into a house like Kingsbury to top that.

2020 breakout star: Byron Murphy, cornerback. All right. I had Christian Kirk here last season, and I kind of believe he could improve playing with Larry Fitz and Nuk. But I don't want to be accused of being some dumb fantasy dork, so let me expand my horizons a little bit and talk about Murph, who, like Kirk, played high school ball in Arizona (Saguaro High in Scottsdale). He's also another local guy who didn't play at ASU like he should have, but we won't get into that. The Cardinals drafted him with the first pick in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He was pressed into action with Robert Alford suffering a leg injury in training camp and Patrick Peterson serving a six-game suspension to open the season. He started every game and played well in stretches. Look, he was a rookie. But he's talented. He had 10 passes defensed last year and this could be a huge season for him.

New face to know: DeAndre Hopkins, wide receiver. Even with all of the main-event-status receivers who have been traded in recent years, the DeAndre Hopkins deal was an absolute stunner -- not only for the compensation it took to acquire Hopkins. Well, yeah. Maybe it was just the shockingly low price for his services. How are you going to acquire Hopkins for anything less than a first-rounder? Anyway, Hopkins is coming off back-to-back seasons with 100-plus receptions (he underachieved with just 96 in 2017), and he never drops the football. Plus, he is entering his age-28 season, meaning he's still well within his prime. I know that I've made quite a few references to Kliff Kingsbury's house. But this was the Kliff Kingsbury's house of deals for the Cardinals.

The 2020 roadmap

The competitive urgency index is: GETTING THERE. I know that everybody wants to talk about Arizona's great offseason and make claims that this team could have a 49ers-like turnaround. And I'm here for it. But before we really jump into that, there is one thing I really want to address and I will do that after we discuss ...

Three key dates:

Week 1 at 49ers. The Cardinals were the winners in the offseason, but how will that translate on the gridiron? Arizona could make a huge opening-week statement if it goes up north and defeats the defending NFC champions.

Week 7 vs. Seahawks. The Cardinals have a tough stretch in October with three consecutive roadies at the Panthers, Jets and Cowboys. Then they play host to the Seahawks before their bye week.

Week 17 at Rams. For Cardinals fans, all you are hoping for at this point is that this game means something for the playoffs. (For Arizona.)

Will the Cardinals be able to ...

Avoid being the Browns of 2020? Stop me if you've heard this one before ... A team surrounds its second-year, Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from Oklahoma with an all-world receiver and is expected to compete at a very high level. Well, that plot didn't work out very well for the Cleveland Browns, who suffered another humiliating season in 2019. So the Cardinals will want to make sure that they are doing everything possible to avoid a similar fate. At least Arizona seems to possess better leadership at the top. But one of the big reasons the Browns failed last year is that they couldn't block. They allowed 50 sacks for the third consecutive season. This offseason, the Cardinals locked up tackle D.J. Humphries on a new three-year contract and added OT Josh Jones in the third round of the draft (which appears to be an amazing value). So it looks like the Cardinals have adequately addressed the position. You add that to finds like Justin Murray, who became a starter last year, and the Cardinals should be able to pull this off up front.

Stop people from throwing the football? The Cardinals had Chandler Jones and his 19 sacks. They also had Patrick Peterson (granted, he missed six games) and Budda Baker in the secondary. So you would think that would be a pretty good pass defense. And yet, Arizona ranked 31st in the league in pass defense last year. That just doesn't quite add up. It's kind of like when you have a great ensemble TV cast and it just doesn't work. Like the remake of V. You had Morena Baccarin. Morris Chestnut. Alan Tudyk. You had Steve the Pirate on a network TV show. How does that fail? Whatever. The Cardinals need to fix that, though. I love that they picked up Isaiah Simmons in the draft. I thought that he was the best non-quarterback in this class. If you ever watched a Clemson game, you know Simmons plays all over the field. He's the kind of player I expect to make an immediate impact. The Cardinals also had some nice signings with Devon Kennard and De'Vondre Campbell, who will join Jordan Hicks at linebacker and make the defense pretty solid.

Find a role for Dan Arnold? Not getting a lot of production from the tight end position is an Arizona tradition, much like hitting Portillo's every time I'm in town for spring training. Arnold flashed a little bit last year. All right, he caught six passes and two of them went for touchdowns. One of them was against Cleveland in Week 15. I made a joke about him with a Weezer reference in our "That Helps No One" segment on NFL Fantasy Live. I know Maxx Williams is the incumbent starter and got a two-year extension late last season, but Arnold has the size (6-foot-6, 220 pounds) and definitely looks the part. And having another tight end option in this offense could be huge. And fine, I'm worried I won't get George Kittle on my fantasy team.

One storyline ...

... people are overlooking: The real genius of the DeAndre Hopkins trade. Obviously, anytime you get a player like Hopkins, that's awesome. Even better, he didn't cost a first-round pick like the one Buffalo spent on Stefon Diggs (worth it). The Cardinals did part with David Johnson in the deal, and that was a good thing. Mostly because Johnson's contract was going to swamp the Cardinals for a long time to come -- like the way Todd Gurley had become a burden for the Rams. The thing is, the Rams got nothing for Gurley, who was released. The Cardinals got one of the best receivers in the world in their deal with Houston. For that alone, it was a great move for the Cardinals. The other part is there was some troubling tape on Johnson last year, especially with plays like this:

Login to view embedded media View: https://twitter.com/kyleynfl/status/1194331114120339456?s=21


I can't unsee that. I hope DJ can rebound in Houston. But this was such a great move for the Birds.

... people are overthinking: Can Kenyan Drake really do it again? I do get this question in my mentions a lot, and I understand. Drake had high expectations in Miami and never really lived up to them. But you could say that for a lot of dudes who played for the Dolphins. Just look at Ryan Tannehill and Minkah Fitzpatrick and what they've done since moving to new teams. And if you look at the numbers, Drake was a huge improvement over Johnson in terms of yards per attempt (4.8 to 3.7), yards after contact (2.69 to 2.05) and forced missed tackles (17 percent to 6.4 percent). Now, Arizona still has backup RB Chase Edmonds, who had some nice flashes, and rookie Eno Benjamin has been added to the mix, but Drake has the sixth-highest base salary on the team this season. He's going to be featured.

For the 2020 season to be successful, the Cardinals MUST:

Close out some games. The Cards lost five games by seven points or less, and that doesn't include the Week 1 tie. Even though it was awesome to rally from that deficit, they still had opportunities to win that season opener. Win some of those close ones and this team can be a playoff contender.

Continue to develop Murray. Again, this goes back to not wanting to be the Browns of 2020. If the Cardinals finished 8-8 and Murray looked like an MVP candidate, that's a lot easier to stomach than scuffling to eight wins and wondering if your quarterback is going in the right direction.

Be competitive in the NFC West. This looks like the best division in football. The Cardinals showed they could compete with the big boys at times last year, but that needs to be a weekly occurrence now.

In closing

Once again, I'm excited about this squad. The Cardinals are poised to be one of the most interesting teams to watch. I'm trying not to let what happened to the Browns last season cloud my judgement. Or dampen my enthusiasm. There is a lot of reason for optimism. Besides, Season 2 was the best season of The Office. So they have that going for them.

Uniform jokes incoming in 3...2...

Just thought I’d post this from our class organization.

I say, Heck yeah!

Let’s see...

Coaching. Three new coordinators THREE!. I love the O’Connell addition which plugs a ‘19 hole. Staley seems like an upgrade over the stale Wade Phillips (Wade is still unemployed, btw). Bonamego doesn’t have a high bar to exceed the down-trending Fassel of the previous 2 years.

On O...

QB. More experienced and benefitting from O’Connell’s influence. Can’t be overstated.
RB. Damaged Gurley gone and replaced by Akers. Hopefully, Hendy has upped his pass pro and grasp of playbook.
OL. Gotta believe that this group benefits from last years experience together, plus Blythe and Hav are now healthy.
TE. Needle definitely pointing up for Higbee and Hopkins sure looks like an upgrade for 3rd string.
WR. Is the tandem of Reynolds/Jefferson an upgrade over the concussed Cooks of ‘19? I sure think so.

On D...

DL. Better run D than last year with the ARob addition and with impressive depth.
Edge. Floyd looks like a push vs Fowler because of better run D and coverage skills. Matthews, frankly, won’t be that hard to upgrade among 4-5 candidates waiting in the wings.
ILB. Littleton was a fine player, but not necessarily a good fit for Staley’s D. That can’t be overstated. I expect better run D this year from Kiser and whoever wins that other spot in base D.
CB. Ramsey and Hill/Long/Williams? Are you kidding me? Long/Burgess/Williams at nickel? Wow! An embarrassment of riches at CB this year, honestly.
S. JJ and Rapp/Burgess depending on set called by Staley? Mercy! Is there a more versatile D in either secondary or front 7 anywhere? I’ll wait.

On ST...

As I said above, Bonamego doesn’t have a tall order to exceed the Fassel results of the last 2 years. Seriously, Bones was coasting on his previously elite reputation. I predict a Hekker return to All Pro level and one of those three impressive K candidates should be able to exceed GZ’s mediocre 40-49 yard numbers of ‘19. Coverage and return units are likely to be markedly better, too.

So, there you have it in black and white. I see upgrades and/or potential upgrades just about everywhere I look. The only exceptions might be at one edge and at ILB in base. And even those might not be downgrades at all.

Most heartbreaking moments in Los Angeles Rams history

by Pete D. CamarilloMay 30, 2020

The history of the Los Angeles Rams features plenty of successes as well as heartbreaks across their time spent in both St. Louis and L.A.

Of course, the team broke Los Angelinos’ hearts when they left for St. Louis in the 1990s. The Rams then spurned St. Louis when they returned to L.A. in 2015, too. They won their only title in Missouri and the state offered to use public money to build them a state-of-the-art stadium to stay. It wasn’t enough

The series of moves aside, these are the four greatest heartbreaks in Rams franchise history.

Trading Eric Dickerson

It’s lazy to limit the Rams’ greatest devastations to their Super Bowl losses. That’s why Eric Dickerson’s trade must get mentioned as well.

Full Article--
[clutchpoints.com]

NFL Running backs...

Looking around the league... who are your top 8 running backs in the NFL? Rushing, receiving, blocking, whatever combination of all that you value.

No need to rank them. Just the best 8.

Who are they? And any comment why, if you’d like.

2019 RUSHING LEADERS




2020 TOP DRAFT CHOICES