John Bonamego looks to keep specialists' routines intact

Special teams coordinators are a tight-knit group in the NFL coaching fraternity, so much so that the Rams' newest one, John Bonamego, happens from the same coaching tree as his predecessor, John Fassel.

It's a good sign for a unit that has been together for a long time. And if it's not enough of a hint about emphasizing continuity, it's one of Bonamego's main objectives as he gets settled.

"Those guys are like any other position. They want to be coached, they want to get better," Bonamego said. "It's really working with them and establishing a rapport, a routine, learning what they can do and what they do well. Like any other player, try to keep them out of the situations that are asking them to do things that they don't do well. The No. 1 takeaway there is communication."

Bonamego wants to instill a fundamentally sound, accountable culture within the Rams special teams. Successfully doing so starts with learning the regular habits of players like punter Johnny Hekker, kicker Greg Zuerlein and long snapper Jake McQuaide.

The trio have been together since 2012 and provided stability to the Rams' special teams, and Bonamego's familiarity with them goes back well before his arrival in Los Angeles.

"A lot of those guys I've looked at coming out of the draft," Bonamego said. "I had a pretty good relationship with Johnny before he signed here. I was in Jacksonville at the time, we took a kid by the name Bryan Anger instead, but I remember those conversations."

With that foundation, he explained how he'll get to know his new players better.

He wants to be straightforward by saying this is what their workload will look like on a given day, but he also wants their feedback.

"Now within that, what do you guys think? Is this dramatically different from what you've done before?" Bonamego said, explaining that process.

A 17-year NFL coaching veteran, Bonamego emphasizes communication because it's what his mentor, the late Frank Gansz, passed down to him. (Fassel worked with Gansz' son, Frank Jr., in Baltimore in 2006 and 2007.)

"A commitment to the fundamentals, and how he taught and communicated it," Bonamego said, when how the elder Gansz impacted his coaching career. "How he handled players in meetings, how he practiced, his communication, his attention to detail, all of those things. Just a really, really special, unique individual."

The elder Gansz won a Super Bowl with the Rams as then-head coach Dick Vermeil's special teams coordinator. Similarly, Bonamego will be looking to get the current team back to the postseason, and that starts with building relationships with his new specialists and understanding how they operate.

"Those guys are like baseball pitchers, you always have to be cognizant of that,"

Bonamego said. "A baseball guy throws, he's off a couple days because you have to give him time to recover. Punting a football, kicking off a football, that's a very violent, explosive act. You just gotta always know where they're at physically, and how they're feeling, because it's a long season and you want them there. You want them available and you want feeling good on Sunday when it counts."

XFL - Week 2 Line Up

SATURDAY

Game: New York Guardians at DC Defenders
Date: Saturday, Feb. 15
Time: 2 p.m. ET
Location: Audi Field (Washington, D.C.)
TV: ABC

Game: Tampa Bay Vipers at Seattle Dragons
Date: Saturday, Feb. 15
Time: 5 p.m. ET
Location: CenturyLink Field (Seattle, Washington)
TV: FOX
Stream: fuboTV (try for free)

SUNDAY

Game: Dallas Renegades at Los Angeles Wildcats
Date: Sunday, Feb. 16
Time: 3 p.m. ET
Location: Dignity Health Sports Park (Carson, California)
TV: ABC

Game: St. Louis BattleHawks at Houston Roughnecks
Date: Sunday, Feb. 16
Time: 6 p.m. ET
Location: TDECU Stadium (Houston, Texas)
TV: FS1
Stream: fuboTV (try for free)

View: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2875905-nfl-teams-that-should-completely-rebuild-in-2020#slide0
NFL Teams That Should Completely Rebuild in 2020

"Rebuild" is a dirty word in sports, though it shouldn't be treated as such.

Smart organizations know when their team isn't constructed properly and should be prepared to restart the process upon failure, which can be defined as anything less than consistent competitiveness at the highest level. If you can't compete for a championship, something has gone wrong along the way.

The worst place a team can reside is in professional sports limbo (i.e. mediocrity). Yes, short-term losing is difficult to endure, but constant disappointment after building expectations is even worse.

Franchises with near-.500 records and low-level playoff squads are fooling themselves. They're not good enough to topple the best teams yet not bad enough to accumulate the number of assets needed to make a difference.

It doesn't need to be a strip-it-to-the studs rebuild like the Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins underwent in recent years. However, the goal is to obtain as much draft and financial capital as possible.

"If you don't think I have to build something long term, if you don't think it takes time to build something great, if you think something great gets built in one second, then that's wrong," Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper told reporters after Matt Rhule's introduction as head coach.

The following five teams are stuck in a rut. Each needs to shed bloated contracts. None has been competitive at the highest level for at least two seasons. And each is closer to a reset than league relevance.

Carolina Panthers
2019 Record: 5-11
2020 Projected Salary-Cap Space: $32.21 million (22nd)
2020 Draft Picks: 7th, 38th, 69th (fourth-, fifth-, sixth- and seventh-round picks)

All signs are present for a rebuild.

"We have a shared vision," owner David Tepper told reporters after introducing Matt Rhule as head coach. "We know it's not going to be a fast process. We're willing to build something for the long term."
Now is the perfect time to start said process.

Rhule was a well-known program-builder at the collegiate level. The 45-year-old turned Temple from a 2-10 squad in his first year to back-to-back 10-win seasons. He also pulled the Baylor Bears out of their worst period of the program's history and molded them into an 11-win squad.

"With Rhule and [offensive coordinator Joe] Brady, we got people who really develop talent, OK?" Tepper said, per Max Henson of the team's official site. "... When you look at Matt and what he's done at other places, I think with this staff now we have some of the best developers of talent in the league."

Everything starts with Cam Newton.

The Panthers have a legitimate trade chip in the 2015 MVP, and a potential move helps on two fronts. First, Newton will likely garner a decent return in draft capital. Second, a Newton release or trade will save the team $18.6 to 21.1 million against the 2020 salary cap. Carolina still has Kyle Allen and Will Grier, and Tepper said he doesn't know exactly how healthy Newton is after last year's mostly lost season because of a foot injury.

The quarterback decision will create a cascading effect throughout the organization that technically started with Luke Kuechly's abrupt retirement and Greg Olsen's departure. A team without difference-makers, aside from Christian McCaffrey, must continue to build and develop instead of trying to patch multiple holes.

Cincinnati Bengals
2019 Record: 2-14
2020 Projected Salary-Cap Space: $47.64 million (16th)
2020 Draft Picks: 1st, 33rd, 65th (fourth-, fifth-, sixth- and seventh-round picks)

The Cincinnati Bengals already seem like they've started a rebuild after a woeful 2019 effort under first-year head coach Zac Taylor, but they have yet to consider a full-scale rebuild.

"We are not trying to get better by losing our best players," director of player personnel Duke Tobin said last week, per ESPN's Ben Baby. "In our opinion, that's not the path forward. Lose your best players, how do you get better by doing that?"

Cincinnati often operated under a warped sense of reality in the past. Owner Mike Brown's influence can be felt throughout the organization with the league's smallest scouting department, an unwillingness to splurge in free agency and an often misguided approach to character and talent acquisition.

The Bengals are already the worst team in the NFL. They're not going to get significantly better with their current crop of aging stars.

The following players formed the team's core during Marvin Lewis' tenure. Those guys are followed by their ages during the 2020 campaign and how much the Bengals save by outright releasing them this offseason:

• quarterback Andy Dalton, 33, $17.7 million
• wide receiver A.J. Green, 32, unrestricted free agent
• defensive tackle Geno Atkins, 32, $6.4 million
• defensive end Carlos Dunlap, 31, $6.48 million
• cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, 31, $8.29 million

Now throw offensive tackle Cordy Glenn, 31, into the mix since his release would create $9.5 million in salary-cap relief.

The team's foundation is busted and cracking. Those previously named players didn't help the Bengals win much in 2019. Granted, injuries played a part, but the franchise shouldn't believe it'll make a significant leap in 2020 with the majority of those players back and a rookie quarterback behind center.

Jacksonville Jaguars
2019 Record: 6-10
2020 Projected Salary-Cap Space: $63.26 million (sixth)
2020 Draft Picks: 9th, 20th, 42nd, 74th (fourth-, fifth-, two sixth-, seventh-round picks)

Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tom Coughlin failed the Jacksonville Jaguars, and owner Shahid Khan wasn't afraid to say it.

"Tom was in charge, and the last two years were not where we want to be," Khan said when asked about Coughlin's dismissal, per Sports Illustrated's John Shipley. "That's where you have to start."

Coughlin set the tone for the organization and served as its most influential voice. Why Khan didn't go any further with changes is perplexing, though.

Both general manager David Caldwell and head coach Doug Marrone deserved their share of blame. Yet both were retained, which sends a mixed message and makes the team's next steps more difficult to discern.

The Jaguars will want to win at a high level in the short term without realizing they're not built to do so.
The team's quarterback situation is a mess. Coughlin stressed a hard-nosed, run-first offense built around Leonard Fournette without adequately addressing the skill positions. And the once-fearsome defense is a shell of itself.

Someone punch the reset button.

Jacksonville has the financial flexibility to remain intact, but should the franchise continue with its roster as currently constructed? Absolutely not, as the team is bogged down by multiple failed acquisitions.

The Jaguars are stuck with quarterback Nick Foles for another season before his contract becomes manageable. However, significant salary-cap space ($20 million) can be added by releasing defensive tackle Marcell Dareus.

Jacksonville can't stop there, though.

First, the organization must prioritize defensive end Yannick Ngakoue's re-signing, because he will demand top dollar on the open market. Whereas, cornerback A.J. Bouye, guard Andrew Norwell, wide receiver Marqise Lee, linebacker Jake Ryan and center Brandon Linder could all be released since their recent performances aren't commensurate with their compensation.

Los Angeles Chargers
2019 Record: 5-11
2020 Projected Salary-Cap Space: $51.75 million (13th)
2020 Draft Picks: 6th, 37th, 71st (fourth-, fifth-, sixth- and seventh-round picks)

An already seismic shift occurred when the franchise announced it officially parted ways with longtime quarterback Philip Rivers.

"After stepping back a bit from last season, we reconnected with Philip and his representatives to look at how 2019 played out, assess our future goals, evaluate the current state of the roster and see if there was a path forward that made sense for both parties," general manager Tom Telesco said, per ESPN's Eric D. Williams. "As we talked through various scenarios, it became apparent that it would be best for Philip and the Chargers to turn the page on what has truly been a remarkable run."

The above comment signals the start of a potential rebuild. Yes, Tyrod Taylor remains under contract, but he's a bridge to whomever the Chargers acquire to become their next face of the franchise.

Telesco added: "We agreed that making this decision well before free agency would allow everyone to put themselves in the best position for success in 2020."

Los Angeles' GM is right regarding Rivers, but he's wrong about his team's best-case scenario. Rivers became expendable because the Chargers own this year's sixth overall pick, but rookie quarterbacks don't usually position teams for short-term success.

The Chargers have fantastic building blocks in defensive end Joey Bosa and wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. At the same time, they could possibly lose Melvin Gordon and Hunter Henry in free agency. Melvin Ingram III and Casey Hayward are now on the wrong side of 30 too.

This team is much closer to sweeping change than building upon what's already in place.

Minnesota Vikings
2019 Record: 10-6
2020 Projected Salary-Cap Space: minus-$12.33 million (32nd)
2020 Draft Picks: 25th, 58th, 89th (fourth-, sixth- and two seventh-round picks)

This is an opportunity to jump-start the inevitable.

The team is already in financial crisis, inasmuch as an organization can be in today's game. Multiple moves must be made just to get enough salary-cap space to sign the Vikings' eventual draft class, let alone do anything in free agency.

Some of those moves seem obvious.

For example, Everson Griffen's release by itself will get the Vikings back into the black, but barely. Xavier Rhodes is another possible cap casualty. Yes, the cornerback made another Pro Bowl in 2019, but his status was mainly built on reputation. Rhodes' performance declined the last two seasons, and Minnesota can save another $8.1 million with his release.

Would those moves be enough to sign the incoming rookie class and re-sign a free agent or two? No.
Kicker Dan Bailey, punter Britton Colquitt, fullback C.J. Ham (restricted) and defensive backs Anthony Harris, Jayron Kearse, Mackensie Alexander and Trae Waynes are all pending free agents.

Maybe the team looks to move on from left tackle Riley Reiff or defensive tackle Linval Joseph. The front office could trade Stefon Diggs for a significant return after last year's contentious relationship.

But these issues run deeper than poor cash flow.

Everything is pointing toward a potential blowup in 2021. Kirk Cousins' contract ends after the upcoming season. Both general manager Rick Spielman and head coach Mike Zimmer are on the last years of their deals.

Furthermore, the Vikings aren't one of the NFC's elite teams and of course have the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears in the same division.

By now, the Vikings' championship window appears to have closed.

OK, so guess how many times our new OC says the phrase "pretty quickly", then watch this 2 minute video and count them.

I bet you lose.

*The act of dumping a boy/girlfriend right before Valentine's Day, cuz you're too cheap to buy a gift, ya bastid. Tell us about yur technique, flv!
@flv

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In what could portend the wave of the future, the Broncos are not sending their assistant coaches to the scouting combine in Indianapolis this year because they believe they'll make better use of their time by watching film back in Denver, league sources told ESPN on Friday.

Additionally, the Rams are not sending their offensive and defensive coordinators, Kevin O'Connell and Brandon Staley, to the combine because they would rather have them in Los Angeles implementing the team's new offensive and defensive schemes, sources said.

In a copycat league, the Broncos and Rams could be establishing a trend that other teams will follow, leaving coaches behind to watch the combine on TV and do their own scouting work in the office.

Broncos head coach Vic Fangio, who will attend this year's combine in person, told ESPN he thought the assistant coaches' time would be better spent study prospects on tape rather than in person.

The Broncos' assistant coaches also will have access to the combine private interviews led by the personnel staff and Fangio in Indianapolis.

Rams head coach Sean McVay will attend the opening days of the combine, fulfilling his obligation to speak with the media, before returning to Los Angeles to continue implementing his systems with his two new coordinators, sources told ESPN. The rest of the Rams' coaching staff will attend the combine.

Both organizations believed there was better use of their time than to attend the combine en masse, sources told ESPN. Though it did not drive either team's decision, there also is a hefty financial savings for each organization by not having everyone travel to Indianapolis.

Interesting approach. If nothing else, I'm glad McVay is open to different ways of using his resources. We'll see if it becomes permanent.

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McVay mum on reasons for Rams’ defensive co-ordinator change

THOSUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Sean McVay still isn’t saying why he fired defensive co-ordinator Wade Phillips after their third straight winning season with the Los Angeles Rams.

McVay introduced new defensive co-ordinator Brandon Staley at the Rams’ training complex Wednesday, nearly a month after Staley was hired to replace Phillips. The Rams (9-7) finished 13th in the NFL in total defence last season with a unit that over-performed that ranking in many analytical statistics, but Phillips was still dismissed along with a handful of other assistants.

When asked directly, McVay said there “really wasn’t anything in particular” behind his decision to replace a 42-year NFL veteran one year removed from a Super Bowl appearance with a 37-year-old with three years of NFL experience, all as an outside linebackers coach.

“Very excited about what Brandon will add,” McVay said. “His ability to work in unison with our coaching staff that’s currently in place, you look at the foundation that Wade was instrumental in establishing, (and) I think Brandon has done a great job. I’ve really enjoyed sitting in on some of these meetings and watching the collaboration of Brandon’s leadership with the coaches that we’ve had in place.”

The Rams also introduced new offensive co-ordinator Kevin O’Connell and special teams co-ordinator John Bonamego. O’Connell, who also will coach the Rams’ quarterbacks, is McVay’s first offensive co-ordinator since his rookie season in 2017, when current Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur had the title.

Staley is taking a major step up in his career after his brief stints on Vic Fangio’s staffs in Chicago and Denver. Just over three years after Staley was the defensive co-ordinator at Division III school John Carroll, he has taken charge of an NFL defence boasting superstars Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey.

“Sean is just a guy that I’ve held in such high regard for so many years,” Staley said. “As a defensive coach, you’re always trying to stay ahead. You’re always trying to anticipate where the NFL is going. (Los Angeles) was always an offence that you always had to be aware of, a team that you always had to be aware of.”

Staley expects to keep Phillips’ basic 3-4 defensive structure with the Rams next season. Los Angeles could have major turnover at several key defensive positions, with free agency looming for leading tackler Cory Littleton, pass rusher Dante Fowler and longtime defensive lineman Michael Brockers.

Geez, it could be wild if all these QBs move around. I am dizzy with all the articles.

Stafford, Carr, Newton, Rivers...

Sort of makes you wonder if the QB salary is reaching that tipping point it might not be good for the league.

All your ageing legends could move around at the end of their careers because of it. Not that Carr or these guys are legends... but the point being starters will move at the end of their careers.

Where does the Rams defense stand without Eric Weddle?

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Rams' defense could appear drastically different going into next season as the unit undergoes arguably its biggest makeover since Sean McVay became coach three years ago.

Gone is veteran defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, who came to L.A. in 2017 with McVay. Newcomer Brandon Staley will take over and inherits a defense that ranked ninth in efficiency last season, but one that had momentary and -- in three instances -- complete game meltdowns.

Staley is expected to maintain the 3-4 scheme installed by Phillips, but he could be down four key contributors from the get-go.

Veteran defensive lineman Michael Brockers, outside linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. and inside linebacker Cory Littleton are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents next month.

And last week, veteran safety Eric Weddle announced his retirement after playing 13 seasons, earning six trips to the Pro Bowl and two All-Pro honors.

Here's a look at questions facing each defensive position group this offseason.

Safeties

Weddle's production was down in his final season, but the 13-year veteran provided leadership and was the defense's on-field signal-caller last season. He had 108 combined tackles but no interceptions and only four pass deflections in a career that saw him pick off 29 and bat down 99. It's uncertain who will take over his duties going forward.

Taylor Rapp is expected to slide into Weddle's starting role after he demonstrated steady improvement throughout his rookie season. Rapp had two interceptions and six pass breakups.

John Johnson III will return from a season-ending shoulder injury for the fourth and final season of his rookie contract. Johnson has ascended into a leadership position and is among the defense's top playmakers. In six games last season he had two interceptions.

Marqui Christian, a key rotational player in the secondary last season, is a pending unrestricted free agent.

Defensive line

The line will look much different than it has the past seven seasons, with the exception of mainstay Aaron Donald.

Donald missed on a third consecutive NFL Defensive Player of the Year honor last season, but still had 12.5 sacks and is considered among the league's best defenders.

In 2020, though, he will likely play without Brokers for the first time. A force against the run, Brockers -- who just wrapped a three-year, $33.3 million deal contract -- is expected to earn another large payday elsewhere. It's uncertain who will replace him.

Morgan Fox, a restricted free agent, maintained a role as a rotational player last season and had two sacks. Justin Lawler, a seventh-round pick from SMU in 2018, spent last season on injured reserve because of a foot injury. Sebastian Joseph-Day, Tanzel Smart and Greg Gaines are expected to maintain similar roles as last season at tackle.

Outside linebackers

Fowler blossomed into the player that the Rams hoped he would be when they acquired him at the trade deadline in 2018. Last season, the fifth-year pro had a career-best 11.5 sacks and forced two fumbles.

Now he is due a payday.

Fowler is a candidate for the franchise tag (expected to be more than $15.4 million next season for linebackers) if the two sides cannot agree to a long-term contract.

There also remains the possibility that Fowler signs a long-term deal elsewhere, although he has expressed a desire to remain with the Rams -- even on a short-term deal or for potentially less money.

If Fowler does not return, the Rams could turn to Samson Ebukam -- a starter in 2018, and Ogbo Okoronkwo, who showed glimpses of his playmaking ability in spot opportunities last season.

Ebukam had 4.5 sacks last season and Okoronkwo had 1.5.

Clay Matthews III is expected to return for 12th season and the second of his two-year, $9.3-million deal with the Rams. Matthews was sidelined for three games last season after he broke his jaw in Week 5, but finished with eight sacks -- his most since 2014.

Inside linebackers

The Rams could lack starting experience at inside linebacker if Littleton departs in free agency.

An undrafted free agent in 2016, Littleton climbed from special teams standout to defensive starter after two seasons.

After leading the Rams in tackles in consecutive seasons and intercepting five passes over that same span, Littleton has expressed a desire to sign for his value, meaning it's unlikely he'll return in 2020 given the Rams' lack of salary-cap space and the team's history of letting inside linebackers go.

Micah Kiser, Kenny Young and Travin Howard are among candidates to replace Littleton or earn the second starting spot. Kiser was projected to start alongside Littleton last season before he suffered a season-ending pectoral injury in a preseason game.

After a string of injuries last season, Troy Reeder was elevated to a starting spot and finished with 53 tackles. However, the former undrafted free agent is expected to return to the role of a backup role going forward.

Cornerbacks

The cornerbacks group underwent a significant in-season makeover last season when Aqib Talib was placed on injured reserve, then traded to the Miami Dolphins, and Marcus Peters was traded to the Baltimore Ravens.

Those moves were made to acquire Jalen Ramsey, who returns for the final season of his rookie contract.

However, it remains uncertain who will start opposite of Ramsey.

Troy Hill and Darious Williams are the options currently on the roster.

Hill showed promise in nine starts last season, intercepting two passes, before he underwent thumb surgery and missed the final two games. Williams also is a young player who coaches have expressed confidence in. He intercepted two passes in each of his two starts at the end of the season.

Standout slot cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman returns for the final season of his three-year, $15.7 million contract, though he could become a salary-cap casualty because of Hill's ability to play both outside and in the slot.

Habits from playing career shape Kevin O'Connell's coaching career

In college, new Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O'Connell logged "plays that confused him, coverages that tested him and his handling of situations" for each game, filling multiple notebooks, according to a December 2011 article from the New York Times.

He carried those intensive film study habits with him to the pros as a player and to each of his first three coaching stops, creating a large collection of spiral-bound observations that he still comes across each time he's moved.

They're helpful references, but he has to be selective.

"My wife wants me to get rid of it all, but each and every time I've had to move I try and figure out the important stuff," O'Connell told theRams.com "She does not let me keep it all though, because obviously, you add three kids to the mix, and there's only so much room to store things. But I still do have a lot of that information."

What the O'Connell family home lacks in storage, the Rams coaching staff gains in the form of football knowledge and a keen attention to detail that will benefit the staff.

The roots of that mindset came during O'Connell's second-to-last NFL season, when he took on the responsibilities of an unofficial quality control coach as the New York Jets' No. 3 quarterback. It was not the part the former third-round pick expected to be playing in his fourth year as a pro, but it served as early preparation for a future NFL coaching career.

"Towards the end of my playing career, I really had to kind of embrace that supportive third quarterback role," O'Connell told theRams.com, recalling the story more than eight years later. "I did a lot of things to help the defense, I did some quality control work in that setting, just because I loved it."

Within that new role, O'Connell took meticulous notes and keeping everything as organized as he possibly could. The greater the detail, the easier it was for him to recall tendencies of opposing defenses.

He took those habits with him when he broke into the NFL as the quarterbacks coach for the Browns in 2015, became an offensive assistant on then-49ers head coach Chip Kelly's staff in 2016 and joined the Washington Redskins as quarterbacks coach in 2017.

"Every time you go through these moves, you end up, you know, adding three years of things in Washington," O'Connell said. "But obviously when I went to Washington, I had stuff from San Francisco and Cleveland and New York and New England and all the places I was. So I do (still have those notebooks), I come across that stuff."

O'Connell has kept most of that information he's accumulated over the years, and for good reason: It has served as a helpful historical guide in key situations.

In 2018, the Redskins went through four different starting quarterbacks due to injuries to their top two at the position. The third one they brought in was Mark Sanchez, the starting quarterback for the Jets in 2010 and 2011. Reuniting with a former teammate, O'Connell's recall proved critical.

"How I coached Mark was a lot of, 'hey, we used to call this blank in New York, it's this here,'" O'Connell said.

In 2019, the Redskins would experience more late-season change at quarterback, naming rookie Dwayne Haskins their starter in Week 11. Similar to the Sanchez situation, O'Connell drew upon his playing experience – specifically how he was trained as a rookie in New England – to help shorten the learning curve.

"You have to cut corners any way you can to help that player understand in the fastest way possible what to do," O'Connell said.

A self-described "old-school guy," O'Connell continues to write things down in notebooks and binders. However, he said he has "transitioned with the times" by making digital copies so that he doesn't have to search through a bunch of boxes.

"I think my wife would appreciate if I transition a lot of that into digital storage instead of physical storage in my office or in our home," O'Connell said.

Old habits die hard, though, so it seems O'Connell won't be getting rid of this one anytime soon.

I like to wander through You Tube videos and have eclectic tastes. When I satisfy these interests with a certain subject, magically, more video with similar theme appear in my "suggested" list.

Let me back up a bit. I have always have felt that one must beware of wild animals. Petting a lion or any other creature whose natural desire is to eat you, is an animal that you can never fully trust as an adult animal. Even if you think he's tame, all it takes is one serious bite or action, and that can ruin your life, forever. I've resisted anthropomorphic ideas about all animals, because animals have an internal nature that isn't ours.

Ok, now I'm wondering about that. It started with the Lion Whisperer on You Tube. The dude runs a preserve over thousands of acres in South Africa, providing sanctuary for wild animals that he has raised/interacted with and with whom he has been accepted as part of their tribe, pack, etc.. He has hyenas, black panthers, and lions. He is accepted and they are very affectionate to him. They roll on the ground with him, and he rubs them all over and scratches their chins. Even hyenas, which I found the most shocking because I hated those animals...that's over, after watching these videos. He takes his lions for a walk and they love it. He has to be careful because of their immense size, but they are mindful of his frailty. FEW others could get in there with them, and especially not visitors, although they ride around and follow the Lions in the safety of a truck, watching.

Heaven help you if you watch a video where humans are kind and aid distressed animals of all kinds. Geese, Kaolas, seals, pigs, deer, etc...all express relief and human like traits of thankfulness when you help them. Some come by after the fact to be near their rescuers and to interact with them, for years, and it's fukking me up. I love meat, and now I'm thinking like a friggin tree hugging vegetarian. Do animals have souls? I never used to think that was true except for dogs and cats. Pigs screw with me the most, because they can be so sensitive and thankful when their pain is relieved. STOP THAT SHYTE, YOU TUBE!

I guess I better start looking at ways to cook with tofu?

So every year I do spend some time on the QBs and I know many of you do as well. And generally there's a guy or two who I feel are fits for us. Leading into the 2019 draft was Minshew and Wilkins neither of which the Rams seemed interested in (although a McVay disciple did draft Manny Wilkins and yes I know I was wrong about TE being a need ). This year it's the same deal where I'd like to see the Rams snap up a bargain who would come with team control and help insulate us against a QB injury. Gonna put up one guy I'm really intrigued with and interested in who you guys are trackin...

James (Captain) Morgan
Homey had a great Shrine week and game, has plenty of arm, some swag, and a good head on his shoulders. Really like this dude.

Morgan vs Miami
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Morgan vs Old Dominion
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Post-Shrine Article

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- There's a story, it seems, behind every player's uniform number, but the one former Florida International quarterback James Morgan tells is a little more complicated than most.

"Up until eighth grade I was No. 4, then I was No. 12 in high school," Morgan said after finishing his third straight stellar practice at the East-West Shrine Bowl on Wednesday. "You can probably connect the dots with that one."

You can if you know more about where Morgan was raised. Born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, just 33 days after the local team beat the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXI, Morgan was baptized by fire into Packers fandom. For the next decade, no one was bigger in the state than Brett Favre. Babies and streets were named after him, mayors gave him keys to their cities and jorts became fashionable again.

And every quarterback, from Pop Warner to high school, battled to wear No. 4.

Then came The Breakup in 2008, when Aaron Rodgers was handed the quarterback keys and Favre was sent packing. It was a split that divided the state, and even today, when Packers fans are asked to choose sides, the smart ones remain politically correct.

Morgan, who changed his number from 4 to 12 upon entering Ashwaubenon High School -- a school whose colors are green and gold and which lies less than two miles from Lambeau Field -- two years after Favre exited for the New York Jets, is no different.

"That's such a tough question," he replied when asked where his loyalties lie today. "I've loved watching both of them. Favre was my hero growing up. Just watching him being able to do his thing, the gunslinger mentality, I really tried to embrace that as a young quarterback.

"And everything Aaron has been doing is just phenomenal. There's so much to take away from his game when you watch his tape -- how he reads defenses, his technique, his quick release. Both of those guys were hugely inspirational to me."

Morgan has kept No. 12 since the jersey swap more than eight years ago. It's the same number he has been wearing in St. Pete's this week at practice and will sport in Saturday's game. It's the same number NFL scouts have been consistently using to identify the best quarterback here through the first three practice days.

"No. 12," one scout said. "And it's not even close."

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Morgan's path, from Ashwaubenon to here in St. Pete's, is anything but a straight line. As a quarterback in high school, where he threw for 7,000 yards (fifth in the state) and 70 touchdowns (tied for seventh), he was a three-star recruit, but a top-20 pro-style quarterback prospect nationally and No. 1 in the state. However, he never got the call from his preferred school, Wisconsin, which at the time had Gary Andersen as its head coach and a run-first mentality as its offensive style.

So off he went to Bowling Green State to play the Air Raid for Dino Babers, whose work with Jimmy Garoppolo at Eastern Illinois and Robert Griffin III at Baylor was appealing to Morgan. But after Morgan redshirted his freshman year, Babers took off for Syracuse, with just two years under his belt at Bowling Green.

A new coach (Mike Jinks), a new system and new players recruited by Jinks all led to dissatisfaction for both sides, and the two amicably decided to go different ways. Morgan, who got his degree in pre-law before leaving Bowling Green, transferred to Florida International, where he played the last two seasons for former Dallas Cowboys assistant and Cleveland Browns head coach Butch Davis.

He had already endured one breakup (Favre and the Packers) that allowed him to gain perspective on this one: It doesn't always work out, even for the very best.

But it did finally work out for Morgan at FIU. After just 17 practices, he won the starting job, led the Panthers to a second-place Conference USA finish in his first year and helped beat Miami -- Davis' old school -- in 2019. In his two years combined, he threw for 5,312 yards, 40 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, with a completion percentage of 61.5.

All the time borrowing from the games of his hometown heroes, Favre and Rodgers.

"I try to get the best of both worlds," he said. "You want the fearless mentality of Favre. He never was scared to make a throw. He knew he could make every throw on the field. That's the way I feel. Rodgers, on the other hand, has been very safe with the ball; he doesn't turn the ball over a lot. He makes good decisions. Never be afraid but take what they give me. That's very important for me."

Is he the answer at NT or are we still looking for a starter at that position?

Now that Chiefs are Super Bowl champions, which NFL team will be next to break title drought of 25+ years?

Super Bowl LIV was a matchup of NFL franchises which hadn't won a Lombardi Trophy in quite some time. Of course, the Kansas City Chiefs ended a 50-year wait with their 31-20 victory – extending the dry spell of the San Francisco 49ers, the first team to win five Super Bowls, to 25 years.

There are still a dozen organizations in the league that have never hoisted a Lombardi. And while New England Patriots fans grapple with nearly 400 days without a new ring – sorry, kids – the Niners have joined a list of a half-dozen clubs at least a quarter century removed from Super Sunday glory. (The Dallas Cowboys will boost that figure to seven a year from now if they don't win Super Bowl LV.)

So who's closest to a Chiefs-level breakthrough? Let's rank the "contenders" (most recent title listed in parentheses):

18. Jacksonville Jaguars (never reached Super Bowl): When you're bleeding core talent like CB Jalen Ramsey, allowing executive VP Tom Coughlin to scare off free agents before finally ousting him, hoping sixth-rounder Gardner Minshew solves a long-festering quarterback problem – all while sticking more toes into the London market – that 2017 AFC championship game appearance suddenly seems a long way off.

17. Carolina Panthers (never won Super Bowl): Veterans Luke Kuechly and Greg Olsen are gone, and former MVP Cam Newton could be next given he's only got one year remaining on his contract – and has to prove he's healthy enough to play. The defense was horrible with Kuechly, and there's not much more all-pro RB Christian McCaffrey can do after an epic individual performance in 2019. And as the team transitions to former Baylor coach Matt Rhule, who must re-adapt to a pro mindset, good possibility he'll have to go well into his seven-year deal if he's to take the Panthers where they've never gone.

16. Cincinnati Bengals (never won Super Bowl): Things might be looking up for a team poised to add record-setting Heisman Trophy winner and native Ohioan Joe Burrow atop the 2020 draft. But assuming that's true, Burrow will have to prove he can excel when not surrounded by a surplus of talent. Even if he becomes a franchise-level passer, will the Bengals ever break their pattern of failing to pursue (either in free agency or with aggressive draft moves) talent that might finally enable them to win their first playoff game in nearly three decades?

15. Washington Redskins (won Super Bowl XXVI in 1992): Thirsty as owner Daniel Snyder is for a return to relevance, the common denominator in his 21-year tenure – one that includes two playoff wins, none since 2005 – is Snyder himself. Coach Ron Rivera now steps into this quagmire of football culture – which could make all the difference. He established an impressive track record in Carolina and joins a team with enough young talent – and in a seemingly weak division – to mount a swift turnaround.

14. Detroit Lions (never reached Super Bowl): The 3-12-1 record in 2019 was ugly. But remember, this team was competitive early, its 0-8 finish coinciding with the loss of injured QB Matthew Stafford. This isn't to suggest Detroit's first Super Bowl appearance is just around the corner, but this is a group that could elevate fairly quickly with better luck, proper allocation of more than $40 million in cap space and wise use of the draft's No. 3 overall pick.

13. Los Angeles Chargers (never won Super Bowl): The defense seems to be in excellent shape, assuming young stars like DE Joey Bosa and S Derwin James can stay on the field. But an offense that never reached Super Sunday with likely Hall of Famer Philip Rivers at the controls is now in need of a new quarterback. After squandering a major opportunity in 2019, hard to see a championship nucleus jelling soon.

12. Arizona Cardinals (never won Super Bowl): First-year NFL coach Kliff Kingsbury and Co. won five games in 2019, exceeding most outside expectations. But even with QB Kyler Murray winning offensive rookie of the year honors, the Cards have quite a few personnel holes to fill. And though they ran the ball well late in the season behind rental RB Kenyan Drake, Kingsbury must still determine how his "Air Raid" offense can better complement a defense that ranked dead last with Pro Bowl-caliber players like OLB Chandler Jones, CB Patrick Peterson and S Budda Baker.

11. Miami Dolphins (won Super Bowl VIII in 1974): The '72 and '73 Dolphins, the former edition going 17-0 for the only perfect season of the Super Bowl era, are two of the greatest teams in league history. But the Fins haven't been to a Super Bowl in 35 years – QB Dan Marino couldn't overcome Joe Montana's 49ers in Super Bowl XIX – and have only reached postseason twice in the past 18 seasons. Still, with five first-round picks over the next two drafts and nearly $90 million of salary cap space this year, great potential for an instantaneous reboot – if they solve a decades-long quarterback conundrum.

10. Chicago Bears (won Super Bowl XX in 1986): The supporting cast is decent enough, though the roster is largely capped out. Yet the 2019 season seemed to illustrate that the defense must be transcendent, not merely elite, for this team to win consistently as currently constructed. The wheels will surely continue to spin until QB Mitchell Trubisky proves he's not the worst starting quarterback in the NFC North.

9. New York Jets (won Super Bowl III in 1969): Glass half full? Or half empty? They won a bunch of games in the second half of the 2019 season ... after QB Sam Darnold's month-long mono battle had already ruined the campaign. The jury remains out on retread coach Adam Gase and whether he's capable of restoring this team – its record streak since its previous Super Bowl appearance now at 51 years – to contention. Still, Darnold continues to flash and went 7-6 in his sophomore outing. Led by presumed cornerstone Jamal Adams, the defense was resurgent. And $50 million in cap room could fill some holes in GM Joe Douglas' first offseason.

8. Cleveland Browns (never reached Super Bowl): They seem to have a lot of the right pieces – QB Baker Mayfield (presumably), WR Odell Beckham Jr. (presumably), RB Nick Chubb (definitely) and DE Myles Garrett (finally), among others. But can a new regime that includes first-year coach Kevin Stefanski and rookie GM Andrew Berry overcome decades of disappointment which have all too often been fueled by what amounts to self-sabotage?

7. Las Vegas Raiders (won Super Bowl XVIII in 1984): GM Mike Mayock's first draft was quite fruitful, and the Silver and Black nearly doubled their win total in Year 2 of the Jon Gruden reboot. Still, many obstacles to navigate before this itinerant franchise is ready to snag a long-awaited fourth crown. This year's move to Vegas promises to be highly disruptive as the players and entire organization endure the hassle of uprooting families, not to mention day-to-day football operations. Rumors about QB Derek Carr's job security continue to circulate, and a significant talent gap remains between the Raiders and the team they must overtake in the AFC West, reigning champion Kansas City.

6. Houston Texans (never reached Super Bowl): QB Deshaun Watson has done a nice job fulfilling Dabo Swinney's Michael Jordan comparison prior to the 2017 draft. But MJ had Scottie Pippen and some combination of Dennis Rodman, Horace Grant, Toni Kukoč, Steve Kerr and others. Are aging DE J.J. Watt and WR DeAndre Hopkins enough to help Watson take the Texans to glory never realized by this franchise or the departed Oilers? Newly promoted GM Bill O'Brien's penchant for mortgaging the future doesn't necessarily bode well.

5. Tennessee Titans (never won Super Bowl): The current Oilers got awfully close to football immortality last season, making an unexpected run to the AFC title round and giving the Chiefs a stern test for three quarters. But major financial decisions loom with RB Derrick Henry (the NFL's 2019 rushing king), QB Ryan Tannehill (the NFL's 2019 leader in passer rating) and RT Jack Conklin all unsigned. Heading into this third season, coach Mike Vrabel also needs to figure out how to create an easier Super Bowl path in January for a team that's finished 9-7 each of the past four years.

4. Atlanta Falcons (never won Super Bowl): Perhaps no team is better positioned to take the league by storm than this one. Sure, it may seem like the Falcons have been steadily descending since their infamous Super Bowl LI implosion, but they've also suffered an unusually high amount of injuries to key players. And despite falling out of the race quickly in 2019, Dan Quinn's reconfigured coaching staff found something in the second half to salvage a 7-9 finish after a 1-7 start. Former MVP Matt Ryan, star WR Julio Jones and a bevy of capable young players still have a legitimate championship window.

3. Minnesota Vikings (never won Super Bowl): They took a significant step forward in their second year with Kirk Cousins, the oft-maligned quarterback earning his first playoff win while taking the wild-card Vikes to the divisional round. Losing Stefanski as the offensive play-caller hurts, and GM Rick Spielman must address secondary issues for a team that isn't even cap-compliant at the moment. Still, reason to believe there's enough in the cupboard for Minnesota to build on its 2019 success.

2. Buffalo Bills (never won Super Bowl): With two playoff berths in the last three seasons, an ascending quarterback in Josh Allen and a defense that's ranked in the top three the past two years, they're probably not going to sneak up on anyone in 2020. Sean McDermott's team might even be ready to knock the Patriots off their long-held AFC East perch. But a coronation likely hinges on Allen's continued development and the ability of McDermott and GM Brandon Beane to recruit a top-tier free agent or two to Buffalo with their $80 million war chest.

1. San Francisco 49ers (won Super Bowl XXIX in 1995): They were just minutes from obtaining a record-tying sixth Lombardi, so the Niners are tantalizingly close to adding to their proud lineage. Will the team return intact in 2020? Of course not. San Francisco can't afford to keep DL Arik Armstead, DB Jimmie Ward and WR Emmanuel Sanders. And yet DE Nick Bosa and WR Deebo Samuel should only get better coming off strong rookie showings. And despite largely unfair criticism lobbed at coach Kyle Shanahan and QB Jimmy Garoppolo following Kansas City's fourth-quarter comeback, the duo should only get better in the wake of their first full season of collaboration. Throw in an excellent group of assistants and GM John Lynch's ability to tweak the roster, and this appears like a club that should contend for the foreseeable future.

Report: Bengals have told Andy Dalton they'll work with him on trade

The Cincinnati Bengals will indeed try to find a trade partner for veteran quarterback Andy Dalton.

It has sounded for a while like the Bengals will do right by Dalton on his way out the door as it seems clear the team heads toward making Joe Burrow the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NFL draft.

Now Ian Rapoport of NFL Network has followed up with a report confirming this, noting the Bengals have been in communication with Dalton and won’t put him in a situation he doesn’t like.

Meaning, a trade will happen at some point, though it won’t figure to be a deal that sends the veteran to a needy rebuilder without a chance of contending. What might complicate matters is a free-agent quarterback class including Philip Rivers, Marcus Mariota, Jameis Winston, Teddy Bridgewater and Tom Brady.

Dalton leaving would mean the Bengals need to be on the market for a veteran backup, too.

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NFL Teams 1 Piece Away from Contending Next Season

The old adage "there's always next year" holds true in the NFL.

One offseason of good work can catapult a team from the bottom of the totem pole to the playoffs. Through a combination of smart moves, the San Francisco 49ers went from a four-win team in 2018 to the Super Bowl this past season.

Several teams could get back to the playoffs next season by improving one specific area. Factoring in current rosters, draft picks, salary-cap room and past and projected success, the following teams fit that bill.

Cleveland Browns

The Piece: Offensive tackles

Plenty of finger-pointing and media chatter would suggest the Cleveland Browns are in sheer disarray. However, they have a potential franchise passer in Baker Mayfield and elite weapons such as wideout Odell Beckham Jr. and running back Nick Chubb around him.

Gambling on first-time head coach Freddie Kitchens backfired on the Browns in 2019, although he never had much of a chance. Poor offensive line play derailed Cleveland's offense regardless of the play-calling.

Left tackle Greg Robinson has never lived up to his status as 2014's No. 2 pick, got benched at one point last year and finished with a mediocre 66.9 grade at Pro Football Focus. Right tackle Chris Hubbard was a disaster in pass protection and had a lackluster 50.6 grade at PFF.

Despite the offensive line struggles, Cleveland still managed to cobble together six wins, went .500 in the AFC North and lost four games by seven points or fewer. Landing a big name like an Andrew Whitworth or trading for Trent Williams wouldn't only help Mayfield's development; it could spark a playoff push, too.

Chicago Bears

The Piece: Quarterback

Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky took a step back in his third NFL season.

One year removed from guiding the Bears to a 12-4 record while throwing for 3,223 yards, 24 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 14 games, Trubisky threw for 3,138 yards, 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions this past season. He completed only 63.2 percent of his pass attempts compared to 66.6 percent in 2018, and the Bears stumbled to a 8-8 record.

Trubisky got sacked a career-high 38 times in 2019, and Allen Robinson II was the only Bears receiver to cross the 700-yard threshold. As a result, the Bears went from averaging 26.3 points per game in 2018 to 17.5 points per game this past season.

Would a free-agent quarterback like Teddy Bridgewater or Philip Rivers cure those offensive woes? What about trading for Andy Dalton? The Bears held opponents to only 18.6 points per game this past season, so upgrading at quarterback could help them get back into the playoffs.

Indianapolis Colts

The Piece: Quarterback

The Indianapolis Colts likewise may be searching for a quarterback upgrade after Andrew Luck's unexpected retirement led to an up-and-down season from Jacoby Brissett.

The freshly extended Brissett stepped into a starting role and completed only 60.9 percent of his passes with 18 touchdowns and six interceptions behind one of the NFL's better offensive lines. He ended as one of the league's worst-ranked starters and had the second-highest uncatchable pass rate (23.9 percent), per PFF's Ben Linsey.

Star wideout T.Y. Hilton missed six games because of injuries, which didn't help Brissett. But the Colts' 3-3 record in an AFC South division that sent two teams to the playoffs and a point differential of only minus-12 suggests better play under center could have led to a postseason berth.

The Colts have more than $86 million in cap space and three picks in the top 45 of the upcoming draft, which gives them plenty of ways to bolster their quarterback depth chart. If the right signal-caller comes to town, the Colts could be back in the playoffs in 2020.

Dallas Cowboys

The Piece: A big-play TE

The Dallas Cowboys were one of last season's biggest disappointments relative to the talent on their roster, which explains why they moved on from head coach Jason Garrett. They now must attempt to re-sign both quarterback Dak Prescott and No. 1 wide receiver Amari Cooper this offseason.

If they do keep Prescott and Cooper in the fold, adding a big-play tight end would help further bolster their offense. Jason Witten came out of retirement in 2019 and hauled in 63 passes for 529 yards and four touchdowns, but he had only one play longer than 20 yards.

The Cowboys had the third-best point differential in the NFC (plus-113) and won five of their six division games, yet they still managed to finish just 8-8. They ranked first in yards gained per game (431.5), but they were sixth in points scored (27.1).

If the Cowboys don't select a tight end in the draft, they could turn their attention to free agents such as Eric Ebron or Tyler Eifert to further diversify their passing attack and take less pressure off star running back Ezekiel Elliott.

The Cowboys shouldn't have missed the playoffs last season, so they aren't in need of a major overhaul. But getting Prescott a dangerous tight end capable of moving all over the field would be an improvement.

Los Angeles Rams

The Piece: Starting OL

The Los Angeles Rams had one of the NFL's best offensive lines in 2018, and they rode it all the way to a Super Bowl appearance. Last season was about the exact opposite, and the offense fell apart as a result.

Quarterback Jared Goff completed only 62.9 percent of his passes with 22 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. Meanwhile, the running game mustered just 3.7 yards per carry.

Even if the Rams retain free-agent tackle Andrew Whitworth, they may look to replace center Austin Blythe (who had a 50.5 grade at Pro Football Focus) or right tackle Rob Havenstein (50.9). Adding a free agent such as Bryan Bulaga or Jack Conklin could stabilize their offensive line.

The Rams have other areas of need as well, but we've already seen what an upgraded line can do for them. They allowed 24.0 points per game in 2018, but their potent offense (32.9 points per game) carried them all the way to the Super Bowl.

A true factory of sadness in Cleveland...Baker,ol' Baker *smh

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You lucky LA bastards next year...even if you're not a wrestling fan this is another thing that the new stadium is going to bring. You will get a TON of demented wrestling fans from all over the world. It will literally takeover the city that week next year, should be a fantastic show.

And you know there are going to be multiple Manias in the coming years.

Is this really feasible with our cap space? Cap gurus, if we tag him, does that immediately start to count against the cap or only if he signs the tag deal does it count? If he signs, would it would handcuff us in free agency?

How much more advantageous would it be to tag him vs just getting the compensatory pick for him next year (I assume he'll get a sizable contract so the pick will be 3/4th rnd variety).

Play the game and the team that wins is in the NFL and the loser goes to the XFL....BRILLIANT!
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no, it's not superbowl 36 apparently.

what do people see when they watched that game?

not hard to guess which game they chose but it pales in comparison to what happened to the rams in superbowl 36. and check the comments, it's baffling.

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