FUUUUUUUUUUCK!


Okay


Sigh..


Your turn..

Who's in? My tickets arrived today.

@tiger1971 are we catching up for a beer? I will have my old man with me.

2 weeks to go!

NFL Week 6 injuries: Todd Gurley ruled out while Tyreek Hill, Alvin Kamara among questionables

Todd Gurley headlined the injury report on Friday. He'll do so again on Saturday.

The Rams' All-Pro running back was initially announced as doubtful for Los Angeles' home game against San Francisco by head coach Sean McVay. Gurley, who has been dealing with a quadriceps injury, was inactive during the Rams' first two practices in preparation for Sunday's game. On Saturday, the Rams confirmed he will not play and signed running back John Kelly to the active roster.

Malcom Brown, who is second to Gurley in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns, should get the start for Sunday's game. Brown, who had just one carry in last week's loss to Seattle, scored two touchdowns in L.A.'s season-opening victory against the Carolina Panthers.

Other big names to keep an eye on from an injury standpoint include Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey, Saints running back Alvin Kamara, Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph, Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey, Ravens receiver Marquise Brown and Chiefs receiver Tyreek Hill, among others.

There isn't a single team that isn't dealing with at least one significant injury this week, as the NFL season is nearing the midway point. Several teams will look to get healthy during their upcoming bye weeks.

For the latest updates and analysis of the injuries heading into Week 6, check out our rundown below.

Panthers (-2.5) vs. Buccaneers in London

• Panthers: DB Natrell Jamerson (foot), T Greg Little (concussion), LB/DE Christian Miller (ankle), QB Cam Newton (foot), G Trai Turner (ankle) OUT; S Eric Reid (ankle), LB Shaq Thompson (ankle), CB Donte Jackson (groin), TE Chris Manhertz (concussion), T Dennis Daley (groin) QUESTIONABLE
• Buccaneers: G Alex Cappa (forearm), ILB Jack Cichy (elbow), T Demar Dotson(hamstring), WR Breshad Perriman (hamstring), guard Zack Bailey (foot, ankle) OUT; RB T.J. Logan (ankle) QUESTIONABLE

One player that will be on the field for the Panthers Sunday is running back Christian McCaffrey, who was included on Carolina's injury report throughout the week with a back injury. McCaffrey was a full participant on Thursday and Friday after being held out of Wednesday's practice. Logan was a limited participant during the Bucs' last two practices after being held out of Wednesday's practice.

Bengals at Ravens (-11)

• Bengals: DT Ryan Glasgow (thigh), WR A.J. Green (ankle), OT Andre Smith(ankle), OT Cordy Glenn (concussion), DE Kerry Wynn (concussion), DE Carlos Dunlap (knee) OUT; S Shawn Williams (thigh) QUESTIONABLE
• Ravens: CB Jimmy Smith (knee) OUT; WR Marquise Brown (ankle), ILB Patrick Onwuasor (ankle), TE Mark Andrews (shoulder) QUESTIONABLE

While Andrews was a full participant during Friday's practice, Brown and Onwuasor did not practice throughout the week. Brown, the team's first-round pick and leading receiver, sustained his injury during the second of Baltimore's Week 5 win over Pittsburgh. Ravens coach John Harbaugh said that Brown will be a game-time decision against Cincinnati. Williams, one of the Bengals' top defensive players, was limited on Friday after being held out of the team's first two practices.

Seahawks (-1.5) at Browns

• Seahawks: C/G Ethan Pocic (mid back) OUT; T Duane Brown (biceps), G/T D.J. Fluker (hamstring) DOUBTUL; RB Rashaad Penny (hamstring) QUESTIONABLE
• Browns: T Kendall Lamm (knee), CB Denzel Ward (hamstring), CB Greedy Williams hamstring) QUESTIONABLE

While Brown and Fluker did not practice throughout the week, Penny, who has complemented Chris Carson in the backfield this season when healthy, was a full participant on Thursday and Friday after sitting out Wednesday's practice. Lamb, Ward and Williams were each limited during the Browns' first two practices in preparation for Sunday's game. Reserves T.J. Carrie and Terrance Mitchell would start at cornerback if Ward and Williams' can't go. A sixth year veteran, Carrie has 47 career starts under hit belt, while Mitchell, also a six year veteran, has 21 career starts to his credit.

Texans at Chiefs (-4.5)

• Texans: C/G Greg Mancz (concussion) OUT; RB Taiwan Jones (hip), WR Kenny Stills (hamstring), CB Jonathan Joseph (wrist/hip) QUESTIONABLE
• Chiefs: T Eric Fisher (groin), DT Chris Jones (groin), LB Dorian O'Daniel(hamstring) OUT; WR Sammy Watkins (hamstring), G Andrew Wylie (ankle) DOUBTFUL; WR Tyreek Hill (shoulder), LB Anthony Hitchens (groin) QUESTIONABLE

Hill, who hasn't played since Week 1, was a limited participant throughout this week's practices for the Chiefs. The Chiefs are reportedly optimistic that Hill will be on the field for Sunday's game. Jones and Still were limited throughout the week for Houston, while Joseph was limited during Friday's practice after not being a full participant on Wednesday and Thursday.

Saints at Jaguars (-1.5)

• Saints: QB Drew Brees (right thumb), WR Tre'Quan Smith (ankle), DE Trey Hendrickson (neck) OUT; RB Alvin Kamara (ankle) QUESTIONABLE
• Jaguars: TE Josh Oliver (hamstring) OUT; CB Jalen Ramsey (back), DE Lerentee McCray (oblique) QUESTIONABLE

Kamara, who had 104 all-purpose yards in New Orleans' Week 5 win over Tampa Bay, did not practice on Friday after being limited on Thursday. Latavius Murray, a seven-year veteran, will likely start at running back if Kamara can't go. Murray, a former Oakland Raider and Minnesota Viking, has 94 rushing yards and a touchdown on 24 carries this season. Ramsey, one of the NFL's top cornerbacks, is in jeopardy of missing his third consecutive game due to injury. He was limited throughout the week in preparation for the Jaguars' home game against the Saints.

Eagles at Vikings (-3)

• Eagles: RB Corey Clement (shoulder), CB Ronald Darby (hamstring), WR DeSean Jackson (abdomen), DT Tim Jernigan (foot), CB Avonte Maddox(concussion, neck), RB Darren Sproles (quadricep) OUT
• Vikings: LB Ben Gedeon (concussion), G Josh Kline (foot) OUT; LB Kentrell Brothers (hamstring/wrist) QUESTIONABLE

While Philadelphia will be without several players on Sunday, they will have receiver Nelson Agholor, who was a limited participant Friday after sustaining an illness. Defensive backs Orlando Scandrick (illness), Rodney McLeod (knee) and Sidney Jones (hamstring) will play despite being on the Eagles' injury report throughout the course of the week. Brothers was a limited participant throughout the Vikings' practices this week.

Redskins (-3.5) at Dolphins

• Redskins: LB Josh Harvey-Clemons (hamstring), G Wes Martin (chest), TE Jordan Reed (concussion), TE Vernon Davis (concussion), S Deshazor Everett(ankle) OUT; OT Donald Penn (hamstring) QUESTIONABLE

• Dolphins: CB Johnson Bademosi (ankle), RB Kalen Ballage (foot), OT Jesse Davis (elbow), WR Jakeem Grant (hamstring), LB Trent Harris (foot), CB Xavien Howard (knee), S Reshad Jones (ankle), CB Chris Lammons (toe), S Bobby McCain (hamstring, shoulder), WR Albert Wilson (calf/hip) QUESTIONABLE

Every player that got a tag on the Dolphins' injury report this week has been ruled as questionable for Sunday's game against the also-winless Redskins. Top corner Howard has been limited in practice all week, while Bademosi and Ballage didn't appear on the team's injury report until Friday. Penn was a full participant for the Redskins on Friday after missing Wednesday's practice and being limited on Thursday.

49ers at Rams (-3)

• 49ers: FB Kyle Juszczyk (knee), T Mike McGlinchey (knee), CB Ahkello Witherspoon (foot) OUT; TE George Kittle (groin) QUESTIONABLE
• Rams: RB Todd Gurley (quad), OLB Clay Matthews (jaw), CB Aqib Talib (ribs) OUT

Kittle, who caught six passes for 70 yards an a score in San Fran's 31-3 win over Cleveland on Monday night, did not appear on the team's injury report on Wednesday and Thursday before being a limited participant during Friday's practice. Ross Dwelley, a two-year veteran with four career catches to his name, would start for the 49ers if Kittle can't go against the Rams. Troy Hill will replace Talib at CB for Sunday's AFC West matchup with San Francisco. Hill, a five-year veteran, has appeared in five games this season but has yet to receive a start. Gurley being ruled out impacts the Rams gameplan in a major way.

Falcons (-2.5) at Cardinals

• Falcons: P Matt Wile (quad), CB Desmond Trufant (toe), CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson(groin) OUT;
• Cardinals: ILB Dennis Gardeck (ankle), ILB Ezekiel Turner (hamstring), S Charles Washington (shoulder) OUT; RB David Johnson (back), ILB Haason Reddick (shoulder), OLB Terrell Suggs (back), WR Damiere Byrd (hamstring), WR Christian Kirk (ankle), P Andy Lee (right hip), DE Zach Allen (neck), CB Trevor Williams (hip) QUESTIONABLE

Johnson, the Cardinals' former All-Pro running back, is questionable after being limited on Friday and not practicing on Wednesday and Thursday. While the Falcons will be down a pair of cornerbacks for Sunday's game, Pro Bowl receiver Julio Jones will play on Sunday despite missing significant practice time with a hip injury. Cornerbacks Damontae Kazee, Kendall Sheffield and Jordan Miller will get more reps on Sunday with Trufant and Wreh-Wilson out for the Falcons.

Cowboys (-7) at Jets

• Cowboys: WR Randall Cobb (hip/back), T La'el Collins (knee), T Tyron Smith (ankle) QUESTIONABLE
• Jets: DL Henry Anderson (shoulder), RB Trenton Cannon (foot/ankle), LB C.J. Mosley (groin), G Kelechi Osemele (shoulder/knee/illness) DOUBTFUL; CB Nate Hairston (knee), WR Josh Bellamy (shoulder), LB Jordan Jenkins (calf), WR Demaryius Thomas (hamstring/knee) QUESTIONABLE

Collins and Smith did not practice throughout the week, while Cobb missed Thursday and Friday's practices. Cameron Fleming will replace Smith if he can't go on Sunday. Devin Smith and Tavon Austin will look to pick up the slack if Cobb can't go against the Jets. Mosley's injury kept him out throughout the week for the Jets, while Thomas, Jenkins and Bellamy were limited throughout the week.

Titans at Broncos (-2)

• Titans: OLB Sharif Finch (shoulder), DE Cameron Wake (hamstring) OUT; CB Chris Milton (calf), RB Rod Smith (groin) QUESTIONABLE
• Broncos: CB Bryce Callahan (foot) OUT; T Ja'Wuan James (knee), S Trey Marshall (lower leg), DB Duke Dawson Jr. (foot) QUESTIONABLE

Milton did not practice in the week leading up to Sunday's game against Denver, while Smith was a full participant Friday after not appearing on the team's injury report earlier in the week. Guard Kevin Pamphile and tight end Delanie Walkerare good to go for Tennessee. Marshall was limited throughout the week for the Broncos, while Dawson missed Wednesday's practice before being limited on Thursday and Friday.

Steelers at Chargers (-6.5)

• Steelers: QB Mason Rudolph (concussion), RB Jaylen Samuels (knee), WR James Washington (shoulder), LB Mark Barron (hamstring), CB Steven Nelson(groin) OUT
• Chargers: S Nasir Adderley (hamstring), K Michael Badgley (right groin), RB Justin Jackson (calf) DOUBTFUL; DE Melvin Ingram III (hamstring), TE Hunter Henry (knee) QUESTIONABLE

Pittsburgh rookie quarterback Devlin Hodges will make his first career start in relief of Rudolph. Donte Moncrief, who signed a two-year deal with the Steelers this offseason, will likely see significant playing time Sunday with Washington out. Nelson, initially listed as questionable, has been downgraded to out this week. Vince Williams will replace Barron in the starting lineup, while 2016 first round pick Artie Burns will start for Nelson. Henry was a full participant on Friday after being limited on Wednesday and Thursday, while Ingram was limited on Friday after not practicing the previous two days.

Lions at Packers (-4)

• Lions: DT Mike Daniels (foot), CB Amani Oruwariye (knee) OUT; WR Danny Amendola (chest), DB Quandre Diggs (hamstring), DL Da'Shawn Hand (elbow), TE T.J. Hockenson (concussion), DT A'Shawn Robinson (knee), CB Darius Slay (hamstring) QUESTIONABLE
• Packers: WR Davante Adams (toe), S Darnell Savage, TE Robert Tonyan OUT; CB Tony Brown (hamstring) DOUBTFUL

Another week, another absence for Adams as he battles turf toe that will sideline him for his second consecutive game. Savage will be the key starter sidelined for the Packers defense, keeping two top weapons off the field. Daniels being out threatens the Lions' defensive line depth, and the concerns linger with both Hand and Robinson being questionable. The biggest defensive question mark is Slay, because he's the best corner on the team, but was limited in practice all week. Amendola was limited all week as well, joining a list of concerning ailments leading into an all-important early NFC North clash.

Sunday Night Football: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers (2-3) will host the Pittsburgh Steelers (1-4) for a prime-time, cross-divisional AFC matchup on Sunday night. It will mark the second time in as many seasons that these two teams have faced off on “Sunday Night Football.” The Chargers overcame a 23-7 halftime deficit to secure a 33-30 victory on the final play of the game in last season’s Sunday night matchup in Pittsburgh.

The Steelers will try to return the favor on Sunday night in Los Angeles. But that is easier said than done under the circumstances. With Ben Roethlisberger out for the season, and Mason Rudolph not able to return from the concussion he suffered in last week’s heartbreaking 26-23 overtime loss to division rival Baltimore, the 1-4 Steelers are turning to undrafted rookie quarterback Devlin Hodges to carry the passing game on the road against the Chargers.

Injuries have been a contributing factor in the Chargers’ early-season struggles as well. In fact, the injury bug bit the Chargers hard before the season even started with the loss of All-Pro safety Derwin James and starting left tackle Russell Okung. And it hasn’t stopped biting since, with several other starters falling victim along the way.

But they still have more than enough talent in place to avoid losing to a winless Broncos team at home, which is exactly what happened last week. The underachieving Chargers now sit at 2-3 on the season in search of redemption in the form of a much-needed win against the Steelers on Sunday night.

Pittsburgh at Los Angeles

Kickoff: Sunday, Oct 13 at 8:20 p.m. ET
TV: NBC
Spread: Chargers -7

Three Things to Watch

1. Pittsburgh quarterback Devlin Hodges

This time last year, Hodges was throwing passes for FCS school Samford. And up until three weeks ago, he wasn’t even on the Steelers’ active roster. But with Mason Rudolph still in the NFL’s concussion protocol and already ruled out for Sunday’s matchup, the undrafted rookie quarterback will make his first career start for the Steelers on the road against the Chargers. Hodges filled in admirably after Rudolph went down in the third quarter last week against the Ravens, completing seven of his nine pass attempts for 68 yards. He also added 20 rushing yards on two carries.

Hodges will be matched up against a Chargers pass defense that ranks eighth in the NFL, allowing just 215 passing yards per game. He will also face the potential wrath of elite pass rusher Joey Bosa, which is intimidating for even the most seasoned of veterans.

That being said, hope is not completely lost for a Cinderella story to unfold for the rookie quarterback. Despite the Chargers’ lofty NFL ranking in terms passing yards allowed per game, they rank just 27th in the league in passing yards allowed per attempt (8.5). And opposing quarterbacks have a combined passer rating of 108.5 against them so far this season, which is the sixth-highest in the NFL.

Hodges will still need his supporting cast to step up in a big way in order to find success on Sunday night. Most notably — the Pittsburgh offensive line, running back James Conner and wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster.

2. Will Philip Rivers bounce back?

Rivers averaged just 4.4 yards per pass attempt in last week’s home loss to Denver. He also failed to throw a touchdown pass for the first time this season. But he did toss a pair of interceptions en route to a passer rating of just 58.6. Not only was it Rivers' worst performance of the season, but it also ranked among the worst of his 16-year career. The question is — will he rebound against the Steelers in Week 6?

History indicates that he will. Rivers has not had back-to-back games without a touchdown pass since 2015. He also has a very impressive track record against Pittsburgh. He completed 72 percent of his passes for 299 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in last season’s Week 13 win against the Steelers and boasts an impressive 10-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio over his last four starts against them.

But success will not come easy for the eight-time Pro Bowl quarterback on Sunday night. The Pittsburgh pass defense currently ranks a respectable 12th in the NFL, allowing 230 passing yards per game. However, it’s the Steelers' pass rush that is most worrisome, particularly now that the Chargers are down another starting offensive lineman with last week’s loss of Pro Bowl center Mike Pouncey to a season-ending neck injury.

The Steelers have already racked up 19 sacks through five games, good for third in the NFL. They terrorized Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson last week on their way to five sacks. And an opportunistic Steeler defense also forced Jackson to throw three interceptions. Pittsburgh enters Week 6 tied with New England for the most takeaways in the NFL with 12.

3. The run game

As if the Pittsburgh offense wasn’t already facing enough adversity with its quarterback situation, the Steelers also make their way to Los Angeles with a run game that currently ranks among the worst in the NFL, averaging just 67 rushing yards per game. After a breakout 2018 season, running back James Conner has failed to run for more than 55 yards in a game all season, while averaging just 3.3 yards per carry. Backup running back Jaylen Samuels has been even worse at 2.8 ypc and is now dealing with a knee injury that could keep him sidelined for over a month, propelling rookie Benny Snell Jr. into the backup role.

While a matchup against the Chargers’ No. 18-ranked run defense (119 ypg) appears somewhat favorable on paper, the Chargers are going to undoubtedly load the box to shut down the Steelers ground attack and force rookie quarterback Devlin Hodges to try to beat them with his arm. It's a strategy that stands a good chance of working.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles is banking on running back Melvin Gordon to spark a lackluster ground attack that is averaging 89.8 rushing yards per game heading into Week 6 (24th in the NFL). Gordon was unspectacular in his season debut last week against the Broncos, rushing for just 31 yards on 12 carries. He should fare better against a Steelers' run defense that ranks No. 21 in the NFL, allowing 126 rushing yards per game. But success isn’t guaranteed when you consider that Pittsburgh is giving up only 3.9 yards per carry, which puts them in the top 10 in the league in that category.

Fellow running back Austin Ekeler will continue to figure into the Chargers’ plans in the run game as well. But Ekeler’s greatest value remains as a pass catcher out of the backfield. He matched a Chargers franchise record with 15 receptions last week against Denver. And Ekeler could see plenty of targets come his way again on Sunday night as a check-down option for Philip Rivers against the blitz-heavy Steelers.

Final Analysis

The Steelers are probably going to have a tough row to hoe offensively on Sunday night with an undrafted rookie making his first career start at quarterback to go along with a run game that has yet to show up this season. Fortunately, the Steelers have a defense that can keep them in the game against the beat-up Chargers. But it still won’t be enough, as Philip Rivers finds a way to lead the Bolts to victory.

Prediction: Chargers 20, Steelers 17

Game Day Thread

The GDT is a live thread tradition here at ROD.

While we all get fired up watching the game, please remember our core principles; we always show respect for our team and each other.

Despite the emotional highs and lows watching a game, we will moderate this thread with that in mind, however please refrain from name calling. This applies to players, the Rams organization, and others.

This is the core rule of the GDT. Moderators are tasked to issue thread bans, at a minimum, to maintain this standard.

This is our team. Win or lose. Good days and bad.

A more loosely moderated atmosphere can be found in the chat room.

Go Rams!

———

Game Day Chat Room:

CHAT ROOM

Sorry to be late but working much.. Myself, I'm doing CGI's bratwurst chili.

Here’s how I’ve always done it;

• Get a pack of Johnsonville brats, regular.
• Take a serrated knife and cut down length wise each one to deskin the brats, squeeze out the sausage meat. Toss out skin.
• Put brat sausage meat in with ground beef.
• Cook like you would ground beef.

I make a big pot, 1lb ground beef, 5 brats. Proportion the rest of your ingredients to taste.


Also doing leftover brats from 2 packs on grill. Also burgers and brats on grill. A great salad to go with them. Hope all have a great Sunday football day. Peace.

Just saw one of the scareiest KOs I've seen in a while. Price caught dude flush in the cheek with an up kick sounded like it broke dudes face. Link if anyone interested.

Been hearing some talking heads bouncing the idea of Jay Gruden coming to LA as Rams Offensive Cordinator.
Jay and Sean have a long history together and are good buddies. Rams currently have no OC as McVay calls all the plays.

I wouldn't be adverse to Jay coming to the Rams. Right now I think Sean could use some help on offense, Jay has been around a lot longer than Sean.


Real possibility or just talk?

Brian Baldinger talks sleeper Super Bowl teams

NFL Network's Brian Baldinger can analyze every position on the gridiron, and Wednesday afternoon fans had the opportunity to receive their very own breakdown from Baldy, as the eleven-year NFL veteran answered questions on Reddit. Here our eleven favorite moments from the AMA.

1. WHICH PLAYER HAS MADE THE BIGGEST JUMP FROM LAST YEAR TO THIS YEAR?

I think Marquez Valdes-Scantling has made the biggest jump. He's going to be a star player there. I also think Orlando Brown is a really good player. He fits in well with what the Ravens want to do. He wants to get guys in a phone booth and beat the hell out of them. Michael Gallup in Dallas right now. He's made a big jump. He might be a No. 1 eventually but he's definitely a high-end No. 2 right now. I also really like what Kyle Allen has done. He's made a big jump and I don't think the Panthers are in any hurry to get Cam Newton on the field right now.

2. WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE PLAYER TO DO A BREAKDOWN OF?

Quenton Nelson. (Immediate answer.) He's the most dominant offensive lineman I've seen since Larry Allen. He's a freak. I've never seen an offensive lineman sprint down the field every play to pick his QB up. His QB isn't going to get touched or grazed or breathed on without Quenton Nelson having something to say about it.

3. GOT ANY DARK HORSE SUPER BOWL TEAMS?

It's obviously early, but I want to see if Houston can pick up where they left off vs. Atlanta last week. If they find a way to beat the Chiefs and Deshaun Watson keeps playing like he's playing, I think Houston. Their offensive line is better than it's been in a long, long time. The 49ers, too. They're undefeated. If you're going to do pure dark-horse, you have to go with Texans and 49ers.

4. WE'VE HEARD A LOT ABOUT THE PATRIOTS LINEBACKERS AND SECONDARY THIS YEAR. ANY IMPRESSIONS, GOOD OR BAD, ABOUT ANY OF THE PLAYERS ON THEIR DL?

If you look at what they're doing defensively, they're the Golden State Warriors of the NFL right now. It's like positionless basketball. If you look at Jamie Collins or Dont'a Hightower or Kyle Van Noy they're all interchangeable. They're getting home and chasing the quarterback. And Stephon Gilmore is as good at cornerback as anyone out there. You have to go back to the '85 Bears to see a defense this dominant.

5. BEST TEAMS THAT USE THE FULLBACKS? AND WHAT FULLBACKS ARE THE BEST IN THE LEAGUE IN YOUR OPINION?

I think there's a bunch. I think there's a return to FBs. Kyle Juszczyk might be the best. And the most versatile. What he did on the Matt Breida 83-yard touchdown was phenomenal. Alec Ingold in Oakland. He's really good right now. James Develin. What he does in New England is a big part of their offense. Any time the Patriots struggle, they always go back to I formation and try to kick your butt with Develin.

6. RANK THE ROOKIE TACKLES AFTER 5 WEEKS.

It's a little early to do a fully ranking but I will say Jawaan Taylor is doing really well right now. I had him as my top tackle in the draft. I think he's played really well.

7. WHO'S THE ONE PLAYER THAT SHOULD BE IN THE HALL OF FAME THAT ISN'T CURRENTLY?

That's a great question. Eric Allen, Everson Walls and Ray Donaldson. Donaldson is the single best offensive lineman I've ever played with. Everson Walls has 60 INTs; he led the league 3 of his first 4 years in INTs. I played with EA -- those three have been really overlooked.

8. WHO'S A YOUNG PLAYER WHO ISN'T GETTING ENOUGH RECOGNITION IN YOUR EYES?

The tight end from Seattle Will Dissly is off to a phenomenal start. He's second on the team next to Tyler Lockett in receptions. And if you watch his blocking on their rushing TDs, they're running right behind him. I don't know the last time the Seahawks had a tight end like this who can do it all both blocking and receiving. He needs more recognition.

9. WHAT'S YOUR EARLY PREDICTION FOR MVP THIS YEAR? CAN RUSSELL WILSON WIN THE AWARD IF HE KEEPS UP THIS EFFICIENCY EVEN IF HE DOESN'T HAVE THE VOLUME STATS AT THE END OF THE YEAR?

Russell can because the team is winning. His "TNF" game was one of the best you'll see by a QB. But, Christian McCaffrey -- what's he doing right now is phenomenal. He's going to touch the ball at least 400 times this season. He leads the league in rushing and yards from scrimmage. The offense hasn't looked this good in a long time. Wilson, McCaffrey, Patrick Mahomes are all top-line candidates right now.

10. BALDY YOU'RE THE MAN! LOVE THE BREAKDOWNS. DO YOU PREFER CRUNCHY OR CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER?

Well I love peanut butter. At one point growing up I used to eat 7 PB&J sandwiches a day. I love putting peanut butter on one side and jelly on the other. I almost had to go after Jon Gruden when he was in Tampa. He would put peanut butter and jelly on the same side of the bread. Why would you do that?! I go chunky though. My mom always said eat something that sticks to your ribs and that REALLY sticks to your ribs.

11. WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT PLAYING FOOTBALL?

I miss the camaraderie in the locker room. When I was with the Eagles, we were playing the Saints in the late game, I remember laughing at something so hard I didn't think I could stop before kickoff. The whole offensive line, it was just a big cackle for an hour. The Saintskicked our butts in the first half but we won the second half and won the playoff game. Then just flying on the plane on the way back, it was just so fun.

Is Sam Bradford’s career in the NFL pretty much over?

The former Minnesota Vikings quarterback still hasn’t signed with a new team this offseason since he was let go by the Arizona Cardinals last November.

18 quarterbacks have been signed to new deals since the 2019 free agency period officially began back in March, including Sean Mannion deciding to join the Minnesota Vikings.

One passer who remains unsigned though is former Vikings signal-caller Sam Bradford. Still only 31-years-old, Bradford is coming off a 2018 campaign that saw him get let go by the Arizona Cardinals midway through the season after a few pretty forgetful performances.

The fact that the former Minnesota quarterback has yet to sign with a new team this year may be an indication of his time in the NFL coming to a close sooner than later.

When guys like Mannion, Tom Savage, Brett Hundley, and Landry Jones are getting opportunities over Bradford, it seems a bit odd. The former Vikings passer hasn’t even been rumored to join another team this offseason.

If Bradford has had any offers this year, they probably weren’t like any of the previous contracts he’s signed during his career in the league.

In nine seasons, the veteran quarterback has earned more than $129 million and he’s never signed a deal with a team for less than $20 million. Based on his recent health and performance, Bradford would be lucky to get an offer for more than $5 million per year at this point in his football career.

Even that amount seems a little too high for someone who has more interceptions (four) than wins (two) in his last two seasons.

To continue playing in the NFL, Bradford’s best bet right now would be as a backup. However, this may be too tough of a pill for the former No. 1 draft pick to swallow and he might decide to just end his career in the league instead.

If Bradford is able to suck it up and relish the opportunity to be a backup, he could probably extend his time in the NFL for a number of years. Maybe the former Minnesota quarterback could even have some sort of career renaissance down the road when he’s called upon to fill in for a team’s starter.

For now though, Bradford remains unsigned and it’s possible that it will stay that way forever.

I was a big fan of Breaking Bad, one of the all time great shows.

This movie was OK, and that's all, just OK.

At least we got all our WRs and TEs...

Login to view embedded media View: https://twitter.com/LindseyThiry/status/1182767373792747523

According to Shefter:
Login to view embedded media View: https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1182742705052487681


Also,
Login to view embedded media View: https://twitter.com/LindseyThiry/status/1182742628338585601

Login to view embedded media View: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2TnkJ8_BmSI
,

Breaking down Seattle. Sorry the quality isn’t as solid as normal guys. Had to use a different computer due to mine crashing

The onside kick is dead. Here is how to fix it.

Football games don’t have to end like this. Last year in the NFL, only four onside kicks were recovered all season long, down from 12 in 2017 (with Miami having recovered four of them on their own!). So far this year, no team has recovered one. Two weeks ago, the Colts were down to the Raiders with just 70 seconds left to play. They had all three timeouts left. With that in mind, Frank Reich elected to kick away and hope his defense could stop the Raiders on successive plays. And really, it was the only choice he had. Reich isn’t a dinosaur. He didn’t eschew the onside kick because he was being too conservative. He was simply following the math to its logical end. Thanks to formation restrictions and other safety implementations, the NFL has made it impossible to recover an onside kick, so why bother to attempt one?

Every year, some game ends in a tie, or some other overtime game ends abruptly because one team failed to get a possession in the extra period. And whenever it happens, NFL pundits go apeshit, demanding that the NFL fix overtime in a way that’s fair but not too communistic, fun but not too gimmicky, and results in a definite winner and loser. Meanwhile, close endings in every OTHER game have been hamstrung by the onside kick being murdered. What’s more, the idea of pulling off a SURPRISE onside kick—as the Saints did to deliriously great effect in their Super Bowl upset of the Manning-era Colts—has essentially been stricken from the playbook. This sucks because it’s fun to watch an NFL team risk its ass attempting one at a random moment, particularly when it’s some big road dog attempting to steal away a possession because they already know that they’re overmatched.

This is a crisis. You know about all the visible hindrances to exciting gameplay. We’ve got PI challenges that are rendered futile before the official has even finished jogging back from his little peep show booth. We’ve got the yellow FLAG graphic right there to tell everyone, “Sit back down. This wasn’t anything.” We’ve got 600 quarterbacks hurt: their mangled limbs hanging off the side of the injury cart, with rats skittering over to take a nibble.

But here is an invisible deletion that has robbed every game of a potentially rambunctious ending, and stripped underdogs of a vital tool in their little emergency comeback kits.

In a way, getting rid of the onside kick is FAIR. If you’re down 10 points with two minutes to go, tough shit. You got yourself into this mess. You’re gonna lose fair and square. But I’m not here for what’s fair. FUCK fair. I’m here to be entertained. And I am not entertained by a two-score game being rendered a formality in the twilight of the fourth quarter. I am here for ACTION. I want the onside kick back the way it was. The way the rules used to be, the onside kick was still risky, but they at least left open the tiniest of loopholes to allow for a miracle every now and then. I like miracles in my sports. That’s why I fucking watch them.

The NFL has paid cursory attention to this crisis, even going so far as to consider replacing the onside kick with a fourth-and-15 play from your own 35-yard line. But that idea never got out of development hell, and thus we are stuck, as we are every season, watching games that are a constant work in progress as the NFL lumbers toward a utopian rulebook somewhere in the distance that will make everything fair and perfect.

I don’t need dramatic fixes here. This is not gonna be a listicle of off-the-wall proposals to replace the onside kick with something that’s safer but also more dazzling. I want what I had. I want nervous hands teams. I want kickers going into the laboratory and experimenting with the Rabona, conspiring with special teams coaches to get the maximum amount of both bounce and chaos from drubbing a ball off the turf. I want that split second of doubt where someone falls on the ball but you can’t tell who did until the refs have untangled players from the hogpile.

And the way you do this is simple. You move the receiving team back.

That’s it. The rule now is that the receiving team must be 10 yards off the ball prior to kickoff. The rules also state that the kickoff has to travel 10 yards and hit the ground before it’s a live ball that can be recovered by the kicking team. Without cluster formations, unbalanced formations, and other dangerous wrinkled permitted, that setup reduces current onside kick attempts to a simple handoff, with the kicker forced to boot a 10-yarder directly into enemy hands.

So move the receiving team back another five yards. They gotta start 15 yards away, which gives the kicker a chance to dribble the pigskin into the tiniest of openings before the hands team can get there. The team in front would still be at a massive advantage to recover the ball, seeing as how the kicking team would still have to run twice as far to get to that spot. But at least there’d be SOME chance to recover. That’s all I ask. I don’t need it to be 50/50. I just need there to be enough of a chance that it’s WORTH trying every so often.

Would this make onside kickoffs more dangerous? I guess. But look, they already neutered kickoffs to the point where no one even bothers taking them out of the end zone anymore. And I already know what this game, in total, does to players and I still watch. It doesn’t matter if the NFL does some shit that makes the sport .05 percent less or .05 percent more “safe,” if such things can even be properly quantified. What matters is that onside kicks fucking suck right now. If the NFL can’t sort out an easy, not-terribly-dramatic way of restoring them to their proper place in the sport, then they should just scrap the kickoff altogether and be done with it.

A series of injuries three years ago led to some considerable maneuvering along Washington’s offensive line. Most notably, All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams slid over to guard during a September game against the New York Giants.
Williams had never before played guard in the NFL, so Washington’s offensive coordinator consulted with line coach Bill Callahan, wondering if the game plan needed to be tweaked to accommodate Williams’ lack of experience at the position.
Callahan assured his boss that no alterations were needed and that Williams was up to the task. And sure enough, the game went off without a hitch (the Giants won a back-and-forth contest). Afterward, the coordinator heaped high praise on Williams’ ability to seamlessly switch positions on short notice and pull it off at a high level.
The coordinator just happened to be an up-and-coming whiz kid named Sean McVay, and that sequence of events is particularly interesting now, given the Rams’ possible need to upgrade their offensive line and the determined contract-holdout stance Williams has taken in Washington (he has yet to play this season).
Williams has made it clear he wants out, and the deeper he digs in, the more likely it becomes that his team — which is 0-5 and fired coach Jay Gruden this week — finally begins to explore the trade market. Washington is going nowhere this year, and with Williams under contract through the 2020 season the team might want to at least receive a desirable asset for its disgruntled tackle.
Might the Rams be a viable landing spot?
The NFL’s trade deadline is Oct. 29, and Les Snead and the Rams consistently have shown they are willing to dip into the trade market if they feel there is a legitimate chance to upgrade the team. It’s what they did to land outside linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. at last year’s deadline, and before that how they acquired Marcus Peters, Aqib Talib and Brandin Cooks.
There are all sorts of dynamics that must come together to facilitate a trade — mutual motivation, aligned thinking on compensation, salary-cap considerations — but Snead and the Rams have shown willingness and creativity to close deals.
Will that be the case this year?
And if so, who might be available?
Here are some possibilities:
Washington left tackle Trent Williams
Why does Williams playing some guard in Washington matter? A potential relocation to Los Angeles would require him making that move again. The Rams are set at tackle with veterans Andrew Whitworth on the left and Rob Havenstein on the right, and neither is going anywhere this year. It’s notable, though, that adding Williams certainly would cover the Rams at left tackle next season if Whitworth decided to retire.
More immediately, Williams would provide an upgrade at left guard for rest of this season over second-year lineman Joe Noteboom, who is still smoothing out his own transition to guard while starting for the first time in his career. The Rams remain bullish on Noteboom, but there is a definite sense of urgency to create improvement along an offensive line that has struggled to protect quarterback Jared Goff. Williams would greatly enhance that objective, and would allow Noteboom to become a super-sub, able to step in at both tackle and guard spots if needed, while also allowing him more time to develop.
Williams is a 31-year-old seven-time Pro Bowler who would be owed just over $3.5 million this year and $14.6 million next season. He clearly would solve an issue this season while also being the obvious replacement for Whitworth, should the 37-year-old veteran call it a career at the end of this season.
For a bunch of reasons, this makes a ton of sense from the Rams’ perspective.
The question is, is Washington motivated to make a move right now? As an NFL executive told me, if the compensation is strictly draft picks, Washington might just wait until after the season to get clarity on who is drafting when, so as to line up the best possible picks. On the other hand, if someone gets desperate, perhaps they make an in-season offer too compelling to pass up.

Trent Williams has been a full-time starter since his rookie season of 2010. (Matt Kartozian / USA Today)
Cincinnati defensive tackle Geno Atkins
Much like in Washington, the Bengals are languishing at 0-5 and might look to move desirable pieces at the deadline in order to stock up future assets. Atkins is a seven-time Pro Bowler who would fit perfectly alongside Aaron Donald. He hasn’t recorded less than nine sacks over the last five seasons and he’s a highly effective run defender. A Donald/Atkins tandem would be dynamic, to say the least.
Atkins signed a four-year contract extension in 2018 worth $65.3 million through the 2022 season, and while that is a big commitment for a 31-year-old defensive tackle, keep in mind that more than 50 percent of the contract will have been paid off during the first two years.
The Rams are satisfied with Michael Brockers and Sebastian Joseph-Day alongside Donald, but a team can never have enough defensive linemen, and adding Atkins would enhance the Rams’ rotational depth. It would also provide coverage if Brockers is not brought back in 2020.
Jacksonville cornerback Jalen Ramsey
The Jaguars are certainly acting like a team dead set against trading Ramsey, their 24-year-old Pro Bowl cornerback, and chances are they will stick to that position. On the other hand, if Ramsey is adamant that he will not sign a long-term extension, the Jaguars might decide his value as a trade chip is simply too compelling to ignore.
If the Jaguars make Ramsey available, the reported asking price would be two first-round picks. That is an incredibly high return, and the Rams would have to be very careful, because of their pronounced need to use draft picks to replenish around their young core.
That said, Ramsey would be a foundational piece to build around, as the Rams obviously would prioritize signing him to a long-term deal. As a result, this would be a move for today and for the foreseeable future, as the former Florida State star would be one of the anchors of a talented young defensive backfield and a perfect man-coverage fit in Wade Phillips’ 3-4 defense.
Aside from the obvious cost, the Rams would need to move one of their current cornerbacks to create a space for Ramsey. That would mean potentially parting ways with Aqib Talib or Marcus Peters, both of whom will be free agents at the end of the season. Should the Rams pursue this path, accepting either Peters or Talib in a Ramsey package might make sense for the Jaguars. It would signal to their fans that they aren’t punting on the 2019 season as much as they are maximizing an asset (Ramsey) who is making it clear he is not part of the plan moving forward.
Denver defensive end Von Miller
Reports recently surfaced that the Broncos might at least gauge what might be available in exchange for Miller, their seven-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher. Don’t you have to at least lob a call if you’re the Rams?
Clearly the cost would be steep, and the financial investment real (Miller’s cap hit is more than $25 million next season). But Miller playing alongside Donald for the next two and a half seasons would be incredibly dynamic, not to mention a quarterback’s worst nightmare.
Broncos president John Elway doesn’t appear shy about making big moves, even ones involving franchise greats and fan favorites. You get the sense he is open to hearing what might be out there. If you are the Rams, you’d have to check in.
(Top photo of Les Snead: Aaron M. Sprecher via AP Photo)

By: Cameron DaSilva | 6 hours ago

(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Rams’ backs are against the proverbial wall this week as they look to avoid their first three-game losing streak under Sean McVay. Snapping their two-game skid won’t be easy, though, with the 4-0 49ers coming to town.

The Rams don’t want to fall 2.5 games behind San Francisco in the NFC West, but that’s exactly where they’ll be with another loss. Injuries on both sides make this a difficult game to predict and present each team with favorable matchups.
Here are the five biggest matchups to watch on Sunday.



Rams OL vs. 49ers DL
If you haven’t seen the graphic comparing the Rams offensive line to the 49ers’ defensive front using Pro Football Focus grades, it illustrates just how different each unit has been this season. The 49ers boast four former first-round picks on their defensive line and another as a backup (Solomon Thomas), while the interior of the Rams’ O-line is filled with players struggling in pass protection and run blocking.

This will be arguably the most important matchup of the game because if Jared Goff doesn’t get time in the pocket, he’s going to have trouble moving the ball down the field. He’s been under constant duress this year and has been blitzed 13 more times than any other quarterback and suffered the second-most hits (22) in the NFL.

Dante Fowler Jr. vs. 49ers tackles

Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

The 49ers are starting two backup tackles on Sunday with Joe Staley and Mike McGlinchey sidelined due to injuries. In their place, it’ll be Daniel Brunskill and Justin Skule thrust into the starting lineup. Fowler hasn’t put up big numbers in terms of sacks or quarterback hits, but he’s tied for third in hurries this season with 11.

He has his most favorable matchup yet on Sunday and given all the attention Aaron Donald gets, Fowler should be able to grab a sack or two against the 49ers. He needs to convert those pressures into sacks and get Jimmy Garoppolo on the ground.

John Johnson vs. George Kittle

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Johnson will most likely be the primary defender on Kittle, who is the 49ers’ most dangerous offensive weapon. If Taylor Rapp plays, he’ll also be asked to cover Kittle, as will Cory Littleton and Eric Weddle. Johnson is the best pick to cover the athletic tight end, though, and should do a good job with his assignment.

Kittle went off against the Rams last season, catching nine passes for 149 yards and a touchdown in Week 17 and five passes for 98 yards and another score in Week 7. Los Angeles has to find a way to limit his production, otherwise he’s going to make them pay with another big game.

Robert Woods vs. Richard Sherman

Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Sherman has never been the fastest cornerback in the league, but he’s always been one of the smartest. His instincts are off the charts, which makes him such a good defender in zone coverage. He rarely gets beat deep and with his size at the line of scrimmage, he’s able to bully receivers.

Woods has to use his speed and quickness to counter Sherman’s physicality, but a lot of it comes down to Sean McVay’s game plan and the route combinations he calls. The 49ers are still without Ahkello Witherspoon, so perhaps Goff will stay away from Sherman, but this is an important matchup for the Rams offense to win.

Rams LBs vs. 49ers RBs

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

No team runs the ball more than the 49ers, who average 38.5 rush attempts per game. There also isn’t a team that rushes for more yards per game than San Francisco, which averages 200 per week. The Rams could be without Bryce Hager for another week, who has been one of their better run defenders.

Littleton and Troy Reeder, if he starts, will need to be at their very best against Tevin Coleman and Matt Breida. The 49ers offense is built upon being able to run the football and considering how often they’ve been leading games, Garoppolo hasn’t been asked to carry the team much. The Rams have to change that by getting out in front and taking away the run.

Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports


By Sam Robinson | Last updated 10/10/19


Rams running back Todd Gurley has made it through five games without a knee-related absence this season, which could be considered a victory based on the suspicion surrounding Gurley during the offseason.
But the two-time first-team All-Pro has encountered a quadriceps issue and is “up in the air” for Week 6, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). The Rams initially viewed this as a minor injury but it appears Gurley is not a lock to suit up against the 49ers on Sunday after missing practice Wednesday.
The fifth-year running back has been productive but a cut off his All-Pro form this season. He has yet to post a 100-yard rushing game and, with 338 scrimmage yards, is well off the pace of his past two seasons.
It would not surprise if the Rams exercised caution here and turned their Week 6 workload over to Malcolm Brown.
Here is the latest from the NFC West:

• The knee and quad injuries Dee Ford sustained early this season have limited his workload. The Niners defensive end has played just 33 snaps over the past two games and has been limited in practice. The 49ers holding Ford out of Wednesday and Thursday practices throughout the season would not be a surprise, reports Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area. Ford still rates as a top-20 edge defender, per Pro Football Focus, but has played just 97 snaps this season.
• 
  
• After injury trouble and role changes, Niners defensive end Arik Armsteadentered this season with an uncertain future. But his first four games of a contract year have helped change his status, and GM John Lynch says the fifth-year pro will be a sought-after commodity if he reaches the 2020 open market. “What Arik needs to do is keep on playing at that level and he’s going to make his life really easy because a lot of people are going to be coveting him, along with us,” Lynch said, via NBC Sports Bay Area. The 2015 first-round pick arrived during coach Jim Tomsula‘s one-year stay and missed 18 games between the 2016-17 seasons. But Armstead bounced back to play 18 games in 2018 and grades as PFF’s No. 14 edge defender through four games this season. The 49ers have DeForest Buckner extension talks on tap for 2020; they may have to consider the franchise tag for Armstead.
• 
  
• An unorthodox Trent Williams destination: The Los Angeles Rams. While other teams have much bigger offensive line needs, Sean McVay coached Williams in Washington. The Redskins also moved the longtime left tackle to guard for a 2018 game. That would be where Williams would play if the Rams traded for him, with Andrew Whitworth and Rob Havenstein entrenched at tackle. The Rams remain confident in left guard Joseph Noteboom, but Vincent Bonsignore of The Athletic notes (subscription required) the team desires immediate improvement up front. PFF grades Noteboom as its fifth-worst full-time guard.

Thursday Night Football: New York Giants vs. New England Patriots

On paper, the New York Giants seem completely outclassed by the New England Patriots. The 5-0 Patriots are the lone undefeated team left in the AFC, outscoring opponents by a whopping 121 points (155-34). It's the second-best scoring margin since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970, trailing only the "Greatest Show on Turf" 1999 Rams.

The Pats' last regular-season home loss came back in the 2017 season, making Gillette Stadium their personal playground to bully opponents into submission. The Giants come in with a rookie quarterback in Daniel Jones starting just the fourth game of his career. Their best player, Saquon Barkley, appears unlikely to return from a high ankle sprain that's sidelined him.

But if there's one team that has the Pats' number, it's the Giants. They're the only team to own two Super Bowl victories over this 21st century NFL dynasty, including an upset that ruined a 2007-08 bid for a perfect season. Eli Manning (now the Giants backup) may base his NFL Hall of Fame candidacy on the way he outgunned Tom Brady in those signature moments.

Can Jones follow in his footsteps and pull off one of the biggest upsets in NFL regular-season history? The Giants are currently 16.5-point underdogs and that number is expected to climb if Barkley remains sidelined entering Thursday's contest.

New York at New England

Kickoff: Thursday, Oct. 10 at 8:20 p.m. ET
TV: FOX/NFL Network
Spread: Patriots -16.5

Three Things to Watch

1. Paying homage to the Patriots' defense

For years, the Patriots rode to Super Bowl victories behind the arm of Tom Brady. Brady's doing just fine this season (10 TDs, 2 INTs, 99.4 passer rating), defying Father Time at 42 years old. But it's the defense that has turned heads, easily the best of head coach Bill Belichick's tenure in New England.

Through five games, this unit leads the league with just 6.8 points allowed. Only 10 of those points have come in the first half; the Redskins last week are the only team to score on the Patriots in the first quarter. It's allowed the team to take a halftime lead into every contest and never pivot from their offensive game plan.

This unit leads the league in yards per game allowed (238.4), passing yards allowed (160.4) and sacks per pass attempt (13.41 percent). Perhaps most importantly, they're only allowing opponents to convert 12.7 percent of their third-down opportunities! That averages out to only one of every eight attempts. So if you don't move the ball quickly on the Patriots… you're punting.

The defense leads the league in interceptions (11), helping create a turnover margin of plus-seven that's tied for the league lead. Devin McCourty and Jamie Collins are 1-2 in the league with seven picks between them; that's more than any other NFL team has snagged all season.

2. Can Sony Michel continue to re-emerge?

In a game likely to become a blowout early, much of the focus could shift not to the Giants' running game but the Patriots'. Saquon Barkley, despite chirping on NFL Network earlier this week that he could play, appears unlikely to be a part of this game. It's just too soon to even be cleared for game action from a high ankle sprain that typically takes a minimum of four weeks to heal.

The Giants' defense is abysmal overall (30th in the NFL) and ranks 23rd against the run, allowing 130.0 yards per game. It's the perfect training ground for Michel to get going after a sluggish start raised questions as to whether he could carry the Patriots' running game in his second season. Last year's Super Bowl LIII star had a season-high 91 yards on the ground last week against the Redskins, averaging 5.7 yards a carry while scoring his third rushing touchdown. He also caught his first passes of the year as Brady looks to diversify his options post-Antonio Brown.

With top receivers Josh Gordon (knee) and Julian Edelman (chest) nursing injuries, the Patriots would love to trust the ground game to power through. Michel is looking to re-establish himself and Thursday night is the perfect opportunity to quiet early season critics who worry he's on pace for just 838 yards as the lead back.

3. How will Daniel Jones fare against the Patriots' defense?

Jones had a spectacular debut as the starting quarterback three weeks ago against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, benefitting from a missed field goal late to seal the win. It was clear the Giants were hungry for a change of leadership, energy, and enthusiasm Jones provided the offense.

But his 336-yard, two-TD performance without a pick seems more like a one-week wonder in Barkley's absence. Jones has understandably struggled since, posting a 1-1 record the last two weeks while turning the ball over three times. Against a stronger defense (the Vikings last week) Jones struggled to move the ball, posting just 4.79 yards per attempt and 182 passing yards.

The Patriots, of course, are a much more formidable defense. And Jones is without wide receiver Sterling Shepard, who suffered a concussion against the Vikings and didn't practice Monday. Tight end Evan Engram (knee) also stands a chance of sitting out.

Who will Jones even throw to? Rookie Darius Slayton? Himself? It could get ugly.

Final Analysis

Believe it or not, the Giants are the second-best team the Patriots have faced this season. Besides the 4-1 Bills, the Steelers (1-4) are the only other 2019 opponent with a win.

Just don't expect the Giants to improve their record. The question is not if they'll drop to 2-4 but if they'll lose by double digits. Despite the history that haunts the Patriots in the postseason, I think this regular-season contest will be over by the second quarter.

Prediction: Patriots 34, Giants 10