Category: Atlanta Falcons - LINDSEYYOK.COM

Mac Jones benched second week in a row in Patriots loss

10/9/2023

New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones was benched in Sunday's game (yes, again) and was replaced by backup Bailey Zappe. The Pats were trailing the New Orleans Saints 31-0. This also happened last week against the Dallas Cowboys (they were losing 38-3 before Zappe replaced Jones). The Patriots have gone two straight games without a touchdown.

Head coach Bill Belichick isn't giving us any indication that the team is going to move on from Jones, pointing to the score as the reason why Jones was riding the bench. "Yeah, there were a lot of problems, it certainly wasn't all him," Belichick said post-game.

If New England does choose to stick with Jones, you'd have to think his leash is getting shorter. Zappe was given extra practice reps during Week 5's practice sessions, and you kinda have to think that happens again in Week 6.

more qb news:

X-Rays were negative for #Colts QB Anthony Richardson, source says. While he’s ruled out, that’s a positive sign.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 8, 2023

Indianapolis Colts QB Anthony Richardson left Sunday's game in the second quarter gripping his right shoulder after taking a hit. Backup QB Gardner Minshew, who started in Richardson's place already this season, finished the game. X-rays were negative on Richardson's shoulder (aka no break), but an MRI will be conducted to tell the severity of the injury and whether Richardson will miss any significant time.

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones left Sunday's game after taking a hard hit on his sixth (!!) sack of the day. It was later revealed that Jones had suffered a neck injury. Backup Tyrod Taylor replaced him; Jones did not return. Jones underwent X-rays on his neck and is awaiting results. He also said in his post-game press conference that his neck feels similar to an injury he sustained in 2021 - that injury was season-ending. This is definitely something to watch going forward.

Daniel Jones admits his neck soreness and pain feels “similar” to what he had in 2021. He had an X-ray tonight, awaiting results, and will get a scan tomorrow. Not encouraging. #Giants pic.twitter.com/gl4FCELwVR
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) October 8, 2023

Atlanta Falcons QB Desmond Ridder had a career day on Sunday, completing 28 of 37 passes and a touchdown, including this 7-yard run.

Start fast, @desmondridder □

□ FOX | NFL+ pic.twitter.com/KXzkkygogB
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) October 8, 2023

Houston Texans rookie quarterback CJ Stroud made history on Sunday, throwing 177 passes without an interception.

177 from CJ7️⃣

History made ? pic.twitter.com/X7l8lc4auz
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) October 8, 2023

Baker Mayfield, Kyle Trask listed as co-Qb1s

8/9/2023

Tampa Bay Buccaneers QBs Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask are both listed as QB1 on the team's first depth chart.

Bucs first depth chart lists Baker Mayfield OR Kyle Trask as the starter. Rookie Calijah Kancey is the starter at DT and Cody Mauch is the other rookie starter at LG. pic.twitter.com/kPnpiUKZAR
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) August 8, 2023

Head coach Todd Bowles said each QB will start a preseason game. "Whoever starts this game, the other one will start the next game and get the same amount of reps."

more qb news:

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was voted the No.1 player in the NFL by the players.

Malik Willis listed at No.2 and rookie QB Will Levis at No.3 on the first depth chart for the Tennessee Titans.

The Detroit Lions signed free agent QB Teddy Bridgewater this week to back up starter Jared Goff and head coach Dan Campbell is excited to see what he brings to the table. "The guy that's gonna give you the best chance to win a game if you're gonna need them. You have to play a little different, that's fine, every game's different."

Veteran quarterback Matt Ryan is prepping to be a broadcaster in 2023, but he's still open to taking a job should anyone need a vet QB. "I'm staying in shape... CBS is where my focus is at right now. But we'll see how the season shakes out."

The San Francisco 49ers listed QB Brock Purdy as the starter, Trey Lance or Sam Darnold as the backup.

QB Chris Streveler reverted to the New York Jets' injured reserve list after going unclaimed on waivers.

QB Mac Jones is listed as the starter on the New England Patriots first unofficial depth chart.

Cowboys offense will be 'dak-friendly'

8/3/2023

The Dallas Cowboys may not have offensive coordinator Kellen Moore any longer, but owner Jerry Jones is still referring to the offense as "Dak [Prescott]-friendly," mentioning that he has all the tools he needs to succeed.

Jerry Jones on @dfwticket on what he's excited about with the Cowboys' offensive changes: "It's Dak-friendly. He's going to have an offensive line that is going to be able to protect him better, their spacing is narrower, which is conducive to protection. He's going to have more…
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 1, 2023

It's difficult for any quarterback to learn a new offense, but it may be especially difficult for Prescott, who is under a ton of pressure to perform (and throw less interceptions) in 2023.

more qb news:

The Las Vegas Raiders signed QB Chase Garbers.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder has a lot to prove this season (and that's an understatement), but he says having owner Arthur Blank behind him just adds to his confidence. "That's comforting for me obviously knowing that Mr. Blank and everyone in the organization believes in me and my skill set. At the end of the day, for myself, it's about putting a higher expectation than even what they have for myself and going out and trying to exceed that and be better."

Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes topped NFLPA's most recent top-50 player sales list.

Aaron Rodgers says he's not in new york for just one season

8/2/2023

We all know the story by now of how Aaron Rodgers took a massive pay cut to play with the New York Jets. But, apparently, he reiterated (once again) that he plans to be there for longer than just 2023.

Aaron Rodgers on the #Jets: “This is going to be a few years partnership.”
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) August 1, 2023

As someone who has thought that Rodgers would retire after the past two seasons, I'd be shocked if he played beyond 2023. It's better to bow out too soon than too late.

more qb news:

The Washington Commanders are all-in on second-year quarterback Sam Howell for 2023 and one of their first orders of business is getting him up to speed with star wide receiver Terry McLaurin. Scary Terry speaks about the relationship thus far. "As we've gone over the course of this offseason, we've thrown together, we've gotten some reps out here. I think one thing that strikes me with him is we have a nuanced connection."

After missing Monday's practice due to having a nasal procedure, Indianapolis Colts rookie QB Anthony Richardson returned to practice on Tuesday.
- Richardson got all 18 starting reps Tuesday.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is getting up to speed after recovering from offseason elbow surgery. Part of that means taking a day or two off during training camp. Purdy said, "Arm still feels great. Three weeks ago, we started building up to this, doing two days of throwing, a day off, two days of throwing. So I've been actually doing this plan for a couple of weeks now, and so it feels normal, it feels fresh when I go out to practice, and ready to go."

Peyton Manning visited the Green Bay Packers earlier this summer, and quarterback Jordan Love picked up some tidbits from the legendary QB as he heads into his first year as a starter.

Jordan Love with more on what advice Peyton Manning had for him: film prep, taking coaching, asking questions. A productive conversation for the #Packers’ first-time starter. pic.twitter.com/Vu2D06Psl2
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) August 1, 2023

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels and QB Jimmy Garoppolo previously worked alongside each other with the New England Patriots (Garoppolo was Tom Brady's backup), but McDaniels says that was a different time, and not to make much of it. "He didn't play much for me in New England. You know, I got to be around him when he was developing, but he really put a stamp on what he's about in San Fran. I know he was coached well by an incredible coaching staff there, and he's doing some really good things here already."

The Atlanta Falcons are heading into 2023 with a lot of playmakers on offense, but it's still fair to question if second-year QB Desmond Ridder is the real deal. Team owner Arthur Blank seems to think he is.

Arthur Blank on Desmond Ridder: "We feel pretty strongly that he’s going to be our quarterback of the future. We have to play games and we have to see, but we feel good about him."
— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) August 1, 2023

Cleveland Browns QB Kellen Mond will start in Thursday's Hall of Fame Game against the New York Jets. Rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson is also expected to get some playing time. On Mond, head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters, "I think Kellen's done a great job. There was a period of just getting to know him early in the season last year. So he's done everything we've asked him to do."

The Chicago Bears plan for QB Justin Fields to get some playing time in the first preseason game. "It will be some play time," head coach Matt Eberflus said. "A little bit in there. But how much I'm not sure. We'll have to continue to discuss that."

Is Trey Lance on the move?

4/20/2023

The San Francisco 49ers have been taking calls from teams asking about QB Trey Lance. While that's as far as the process goes, teams calling about his availability before the draft is significant. Brock Purdy is likely to be the starter whenever he is fully recovered from his elbow injury that he sustained in the NFC Championship Game. The Niners also have QB Sam Darnold on the roster.

Two intriguing landing spots for Lance could be the Tennessee Titans and Houston Texans, as he's familiar with Titans GM Ran Carthon and Titans head coach DeMeco Ryans.

Sources: The #49ers have received inquiries from several teams looking into a potential trade for former No. 3 pick QB Trey Lance. The conversations have been the result of SF fielding the calls, not making them, with teams aware that Brock Purdy is likely the future starter. pic.twitter.com/ddOZjZq5Xn
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 19, 2023

A report states the Minnesota Vikings were one of the teams to speak to Lance at this year's scouting combine. There were also rumors swirling around that time about a potential Kirk Cousins trade, so this may be something to keep an eye on.

more Qb news:

Deshaun Watson didn't participate in last season's offseason program and Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski says he thinks he'll be better in 2023 after a full offseason. "Certainly, for Deshaun to have that season under his belt, those experiences and be able to learn from everything that's happened last year, into the past, I think he'll be a better player for it." Maybe, hear me out, he shouldn't have done what he did to earn his suspension, then?

CJ Stroud visited the Atlanta Falcons on Wednesday.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes worked out with one of the top WR prospects on Wednesday. Boston College receiver Zay Flowers traveled to Texas to work out with Mahomes at the request of the team. Imagine getting that call when you think your visits are over. The Chiefs will likely have to trade up to get Flowers, however, as he's one of the top prospects in this year's NFL Draft.

Andy Dalton signed with the Carolina Panthers this offseason, knowing he'd be sitting behind the No. 1 pick. While it's looking like it's going to be Bryce Young, Dalton said of the young QB, "Size hasn't mattered to him. He's still been able to make the throws you need to make."

Sam Howell is supposed to be (key word: supposed to be) the starter for the Washington Commanders in 2023 and is determined to take advantage of the opportunity. "That's what I've been trying to do ever since I got here is to get this opportunity. So, I'm definitely going to try to do everything I can to take advantage of it."

Eagles ink Jalen Hurts to new mega-deal

4/18/2023

The first of the quarterback extensions has dropped. The Philadelphia Eagles signed QB Jalen Hurts to a five-year, $255 million extension to kick off the week.

The #Eagles and Jalen Hurts agreed to terms on a five-year, $255 million contract extension that makes him the highest-paid player in NFL history, sources tell me and @RapSheet.@AgentNicoleLynn negotiated the deal, which includes $179.304M in guarantees and a no-trade clause. pic.twitter.com/NsLzULcE1M
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 17, 2023

The Eagles were adamant that getting an extension done for Hurts was a priority this offseason. It comes at the perfect time, as Hurts is heading into his final year of his rookie contract.

The extension includes $179.304 million in guarantees, a no-trade clause, and up to $15 million in additional incentives.

On the heels of a Super Bowl appearance and an MVP-caliber season, it'll be interesting to see how Hurts rebounds in 2023. With a strong core on the roster, the Eagles are set up for success with Hurts.

I talk more about Hurts' deal and what it means for the other QBs in line for an extension in Monday's Patreon episode.

more QB news:

With pre-draft visits continuing through Wednesday, Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson will meet with the Tennessee Titans, Atlanta Falcons, and Baltimore Ravens this week. The Titans is the most intriguing one, as they are rumored to be one of the teams who would be most likely to trade up to the No. 3 spot - potentially to grab Richardson. Atlanta picks at No. 8, and the Ravens could be looking for a replacement for Lamar Jackson, should he not sign the franchise tag.

Speaking of Jackson, he is not expected to attend Baltimore's voluntary offseason program, as he hasn't signed the tag. No reason to panic now, but if he does not attend mandatory workouts and/or minicamp, we can start to wonder if he will attend training camp this summer.

Last season, the Kansas City Chiefs began their offseason program virtually, and they're doing the same in 2023. QB Patrick Mahomes has gathered teammates in Texas to work out together as they check in with coaches and other personnel via Zoom.

Bryce Young has canceled his remaining pre-draft visits. Young has already visited with the Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans, which is likely where he'll be selected next week.
- Young is now an overwhelming favorite to be drafted first overall.

Bryce Young this morning: -350 to go 1st overall

Bryce Young now: -2000 to go 1st overall ?? pic.twitter.com/1GHbHKdrN7
— BetMGM ? (@BetMGM) April 17, 2023

Betting odds suggest Georgia QB Stetson Bennett will go undrafted.

Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert had shoulder surgery (in his non-throwing arm) to repair a torn labrum this offseason. While he's made progress and has worked on stretching in rehab, his participation in OTAs isn't a sure thing, yet. "We're going to listen to the doctors," head coach Brandon Staley said.

Zach Wilson was present for the first day of New York Jets offseason workouts.

Panthers wrap up QB visits

4/14/2023

The Carolina Panthers are wrapping up their private visits with the top 2023 quarterback prospects. Ohio State's CJ Stroud and Kentucky's Will Levis will visit with the team next week.

The #Panthers will bring in Will Levis and CJ Stroud for top 30 visits on Tuesday. The team is *trying* to keep an open mind until they get through all visits and then will begin finalizing a plan for the #NFLDraft #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/JCjwKNOTGg
— Bridget Condon (@BridgetCondon_) April 13, 2023

The Panthers have also met with Florida's Anthony Richardson and Bryce Young from Alabama and have attended all of the top prospects' Pro Days.

Carolina will have their choie of quarterbacks with the first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft in two weeks. Young is currently the favorite, but we all know it's #lyingseason.

more qb news:

With the Aaron Rodgers trade still on standby, it leaves everyone wondering exactly what the Green Bay Packers are asking in return. Apparently, they're still holding onto getting a first-round pick in 2024. The New York Jets may not be in on that gamble, considering Rodgers may not even be playing in '24.

The NFL and NFLPA approved a QB-specific helmet designed to cut down on concussions. The helmet is designed to protect the part of the head that QBs hit on the ground, which was responsible for about half the concussions suffered by QBs. "This helmet performs better in laboratory testing than any helmets we have ever seen for these sorts of impacts."

QB prospect Anthony Richardson wrote a piece for The Player's Tribune, which is worth a read. In it, he addresses his critics: "I know the things people are picking apart. People talk about whether I can be accurate. They say I don't have touch. They say I can't throw short. They say a lot of things. All I gotta say is: Watch how hard I work."

Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes was named one of Time's Most Influential People of 2023.

The saga continues. Despite many thinking the arrival of WR Odell Beckham Jr. to the Baltimore Ravens would be a slam dunk to QB Lamar Jackson either playing on the franchise tag or signing a long-term deal with the team in 2023, Beckham says he was given no assurances to Jackson remaining on the team. "My thoughts would be that he would be here."

The New England Patriots signed QB Trace McSorley to a one-year contract. McSorley is familiar with new Pats OC Bill O'Brien.

The Arizona Cardinals tried out QB Jeff Driskel for some reason.

Dorian Thompson-Robinson has visited the Cincinnati Bengals, Los Angeles Chargers, Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, Las Vegas Raiders, and Philadelphia Eagles. Thompson-Robinson is expected to be a late-round pick.

Bailey Zappe ready to compete for starting job

4/13/2023

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has refused to say who the starting quarterback will be come September and rumors have been swirling all offseason that Mac Jones is on the outs with the team. The potential savior? Bailey Zappe. Zappe says he's ready for the challenge come training camp.

Bailey Zappe spoke today between drills as the @PatsFoundation held a youth football clinic at Naval Station Newport. He was asked by @NBC10_Joe about his mindset entering OTA’a and competing at quarterback. pic.twitter.com/VB1Lz7tRsf
— Bob Socci (@BobSocci) April 12, 2023

Zappe played four games last season and you could argue that he looked better amidst the Matt Patricia Experiment than Jones did. Zappe threw five touchdowns and three interceptions, with a 100.9 passer rating.

It's a small sample size, but if the Patriots are serious about opening up a competition this summer, Zappe is ready for it.

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More qb news:

Adam Schefter said on his podcast that an Aaron Rodgers trade doesn't seem likely before the draft. While both the New York Jets and the Green Bay Packers intend for Rodgers to be on the Jets' roster in 2023, Rodgers' massive contract and the proper compensation appear to be the reason for the holdup.
- Speaking of the Packers, what will life be like in Green Bay sans Rodgers? Offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins says it'll be noticeably different, but they should be fine. "Obviously 12 is a Hall of Fame player and we don't know what we're going to get out of Jordan [Love], but either way it goes, I feel like going forward, we'll be good."

Bryce Young is the current betting favorite to be the No. 1 pick.
- Young visited with the Houston Texans on Wednesday.

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Kentucky QB Will Levis met with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Wednesday and will head up one state to meet with the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday. Levis has visited most QB-needy teams. The Falcons currently have the No. 8 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Arizona Cardinals backup QB Colt McCoy is expected to be limited in offseason work, due to a procedure he had this offseason. Head coach Jonathan Gannon gave an update this week. "Colt, he's doing great. He gets a little extra work here and there but he's ready to go." McCoy's health is important due to starter Kyler Murray still recovering from last year's torn ACL.
- As far as McCoy's next job once he's done with football? USFL has hired him as an analyst. McCoy said, "I have to study up on the rules - their rules are a little bit different - and I have to learn the players, the coaches, the teams. It's a little bit different than what we do in the NFL, but I'm excited, and I think it's a great opportunity working with some great people at NBC."

Did the Patriots Really shop Mac Jones?

4/5/2023

Bill Belichick hasn't yet committed to QB Mac Jones starting for the New England Patriots in 2023. I think he's just being Belichick, but others seem to think the tension between the two is real.

Tom E. Curran reveals that Coach Belichick was really pissed off at Mac Jones for going outside the building for advice on how to run the offense.

Curran also believes Brian Hoyer was released because he was against the system like Mac. pic.twitter.com/ZC3URuwdQw
— Jones & Mego with Arcand (@JonesandMego) March 31, 2023

We all saw Jones scream on the sideline many times, frustrated. As he had a right to when you make your defensive coordinator your offensive coordinator (?). Jones wasn't bad his rookie season and then went through a dramatic second year as a pawn in the Matt Patricia experiment.

I know Belichick is controlling, but he's not dumb. Let Jones have another year with an actual OC before you ship him off elsewhere.

Speaking of, a report also surfaced on Tuesday that Belichick shopped Jones to teams including Washington, Tennessee and Vegas. I'm not so sure about that.

more QB news:

The Atlanta Falcons are determined to stick with second-year QB Desmond Ridder in 2023. He has the support of the team, including new teammate Calais Campbell. "If Ridder continues to develop to be who I think he can be, I wouldn't be surprised we're playing in late January and potentially February." Let's not over-do it, Calais.

The Washington Commanders will visit with Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker.
- Hooker will also visit with the Green Bay Packers and the Titans this week.

Florida QB Anthony Richardson will meet with the Baltimore Ravens, Tennessee Titans, and Atlanta Falcons for pre-draft visits/workouts.

Veteran QB Brian Hoyer signed a two-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. He'll be Jimmy Garoppolo's backup.

Houston QB prospect Clayton Tune will meet with several teams including the Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints, and Cleveland Browns.

Free agent QB Trevor Siemian is visiting with the Cincinnati Bengals on Wednesday. Jake Browning is currently the only other backup QB on the roster.

Daniel Jones is training with New York Giants teammates in Arizona this week.

The end of an era (kinda): John Elway's role with the Denver Broncos is officially over. After spending time in the front office, his latest role was an outside consultant to the general manager.

Chargers not losing sleep over Justin herbert extension

4/3/2023

The Los Angeles Chargers are looking to sign QB Justin Herbert to a long-term contract extension ASAP. And, according to General Manager Tom Telesco, he's earned it. (He has.)

"I don't have an update on it. There's a lot that will go into it, obviously, with these types of contracts and the amount of numbers that it's going to be. It's just a good problem to have to know you have a franchise quarterback that's now moving into a veteran franchise quarterback. There are a lot of good things that come with that... I know the numbers are going to be big."

.@chargers GM Tom Telesco breaks down the latest with LA's offseason, including a future contract extension for QB Justin Herbert...

"...you know you have a franchise quarterback...we think we can win a Super Bowl with him..."

⬇️VIDEO⬇️#Chargers | #BoltUp pic.twitter.com/eJlwVnoB28
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) March 31, 2023

more qb news:

After struggling in his second season, Mac Jones doesn't appear to be a lock to start for the New England Patriots in 2023. I'm kind of overreacting, I totally think he'll be the starter in 2023. But if you ask head coach Bill Belichick, you may not get a straight answer. "Everybody will get a chance to play. We'll play the best players," Belichick said when asked if there will be a QB competition between Jones and backup Bailey Zappe.

Going into his fifth NFL season, New York Giants QB Daniel Jones has a flashy new contract to show for it and the chance to get even better. "We have a lot of confidence in Daniel and just to see his work ethic and his commitment get rewarded like that was a pretty cool thing," owner John Mara said. "As I said yesterday to the media, I think there's no limit as to how high he can climb if we put the right pieces around him."

Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts is due a contract extension soon, and owner Jeffrey Lurie is determined to keep him around for a long time. "Each franchise quarterback is different. But once you've found one, that's when you're really excited. And we'll be working with Jalen, I'm sure, for a long time."

The Seattle Seahawks signed QB Geno Smith to a well-earned contract extension already this offseason, but that doesn't mean they won't be looking at QB prospects in this year's draft. Seahawks' brass went to Florida QB Anthony Richardson's Pro Day last week and came back impressed. "He was really impressive," John Schneider said. "Great athlete, great young man. He has a ton of physical talent, no doubt about it."

Three weeks after having UCL surgery, San Francisco 49ers QB Brock Purdy says rehab is going well so far, and that he should start throwing in three months. "The protocol is you start throwing at three months, but it all depends on how your therapy and your range of motion and everything goes up until that point. There are definitely some boxes I have to check off first before I get to that point, but that's the plan as of now."

The Atlanta Falcons have said they're not interested in QB Lamar Jackson and that they plan to stick with Desmond Ridder, who is heading into his second season. Head coach Arthur Smith defends this decision (or tries to): "He won a lot of games in college and helped Luke Fickell at Cincinnati really change the whole culture of that program." Oh, okay. Well in that case!

Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen has taken a lot of hits and is known for being somewhat reckless during games, but there's a shred of that that makes Allen who he is. Former Bills QB Jim Kelly says Allen doesn't have to do everything himself for the Bills to be successful. "Josh can't do everything himself, and I hope they find a way to get a star running back."