Category: Tampa Bay Buccaneers - LINDSEYYOK.COM

THE DROP-BACK: Wednesday September 29 - Mac isn't biting

9/29/2021

patriots

Tom Brady's return to New England is being drilled into our heads this week (I'm already sick of it), but I'm going to talk about the other quarterback in this situation: Patriots rookie Mac Jones. It has to be somehow harder on him than us to constantly hear about Brady's return while he's the new guy just trying to get through his first rodeo. Jones, however, is turning his focus on correcting last week's mistakes. "I think just fixing the corrections from the game we just played is obviously really important and then moving on with the game plan for this week. It will definitely be exciting. Tampa Bay is a great team, and it's a new week. We're excited, and the only thing we can do is focus on each day, and then when Sunday comes, we'll just go out there and play as hard as we can." I hope Jones doesn't turn on ESPN this week.

texans

Houston Texans rookie quarterback Davis Mills made his first NFL start last week because of an injury to starter Tyrod Taylor. Because he didn't get a lot of time to prepare for the start, we should assume the team should take off the training wheels a little bit, and we should expect him to do more in his second start in Week Four. Head coach David Culley explains: "Well, he's going to have a lot more put on him than we put on him last week. I feel like he'll be able to handle that. We're just going to run our offense and let him handle it from there."

Washington

With Ryan Fitzpatrick still out for the Washington Football Team, it's up to quarterback Taylor Heinicke to take the reins. But head coach Ron Rivera wants him to rein it in just a smidge. "When Taylor manages things and doesn't force things, you can see him move the ball for us. But when he tries to do more than he needs to, bad things seem to happen." The good news? They have the Atlanta Falcons next week, so they have a chance to work out those kinks.

THE DROP-BACK: Wednesday September 8 - brady's talking about the rules again

9/8/2021

buccaneers

Once again, because no one has benefitted more from the rules in the NFL, Tom Brady is speaking out about how he doesn't like one of the new rules - the new jersey number rule. So, this one I agree with him on. Brady is pissed that it's harder to keep track of player position during in-game situations, as well as watching on film. "I'm playing two guys who had different numbers in the preseason. So, yeah, you've got to watch film and know who you're studying but so do running backs. They've got to know who to block. So does the offensive line. So do the receivers who are adjusting their routes based on blitzes."

patriots

Heads were scratched when the New England Patriots cut presumed starting quarterback Cam Newton in favor of rookie Mac Jones instead of just keeping him as the backup. People questioned Newton's work ethic, commitment to the team, and vaccination status as reasons for his dismissal. However, head coach Bill Belichick says none of that was the problem, and Newton gave the Patriots his all. "I have nothing but positive thoughts and feelings for Cam. He came in here; he worked hard. He gave us everything he had. Right now, our future is going to be Mac at quarterback, and that is where we're going to go."

--

Speaking of the rookie, Jones won the starting job fair and square, but that doesn't mean his work is done. Jones also had great things to say about Newton and his leadership and even added that they plan to keep in touch. Awww.

On Cam Newton, Jones says he was "obviously a really good mentor to me." Adds they'll stay in touch.

"I never felt like we were butting heads or anything like that. Obviously Cam's a great guy and a great player, and hopefully he lands somewhere." https://t.co/Hop6mU6GkG
— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) September 7, 2021

cowboys

This year, Dak Prescott is bracing for a tremendous comeback season with the Dallas Cowboys, but it'll be at a lesser price. After signing his huge ass deal earlier this offseason, Prescott was set to make $9 million in 2021. Instead, the team converted just over $6 million into a signing bonus, freeing up $5 million in cap space. The Cowboys also restructured running back Ezekiel Elliott's contract this offseason.

- other notes -

Sean McVay says the Rams will include Justin Fields in their preparation against the Bears.
Jake Browning signed to the Bengals' practice squad.
Devlin Hodges tried out for the Patriots.

THE DROP-BACK: monday september 7 - COVID Brady

9/7/2021

buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady managed not to get COVID during last season, but he confirmed over the weekend that he contracted the virus in February, right after the Super Bowl parade. Funny how that happens while galavanting around tons of people without a mask on during peak pandemic! When asked how he thinks the league will handle the continuing COVID-19 pandemic with the Delta variant in the mix, Brady was pretty pessimistic. "I think it's going to be challenging this year. I actually think it's going to play more of a factor this year than last year just because of the way we're doing things this year and what the stadium is going to look like and what the travel is going to look like and the people in the buidling and the fans..."

--

Straight from the mouth of the player is protected more than anyone else! Yep, Bradythinks many penalties called for defensive players are actually due to the mistakes of offensive players. Or does he? "For example, when I used to play against Ray Lewis, I wouldn't throw the ball to the middle of the field because he would hit them and knock them out of the game. And now, every hard hit is a penalty on the defense. So I feel like they penalize defensive players for offensive mistakes." He's not wrong, but I'm still trying to wrap my head around Brady admitting he isn't perfect?

patriots

This week, the talk of the town was when the New England Patriots released veteran quarterback Cam Newton and decided to go with the rookie Mac Jones. This reasonably raised questions of if Jones was genuinely ready to take over the team's reins, be a leader, and be able to be successful within the offense. Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne says there's nothing to worry about on that front. "For any starter, I think you feel that pressure, but he was built for it since Alabama. I think he's more ready than anyone really knows."

titans

The Tennessee Titans have activated quarterback Ryan Tannehill off the COVID-19 reserve list just in time for opening week. Tannehill has previously said he only got vaccinated because the NFL basically forced him to do so. Now he benefits from the relaxed regulations for vaccinated players.

- other notes -

Rob Gronkowski said he's seen "no drop off" in Tom Brady.
Jerry Jones echoes Mike McCarthy and says the Cowboys are not pursuing Cam Newton at this time.
The Saints re-signed Trevor Siemian.
The Texans confirm Tyrod Taylor will start Week One.
Trey Lance got his splint off his finger this weekend, but still didn't throw in practice on Monday.
Dak Prescott was a full participant in Monday's practice.
Russell Wilson was named one of Seattle's captains for the 2021 season.

THE DROP-BACK: THURSDAY AUGUST 26 - Is it Mac Jones time?

8/26/2021

patriots

Cam Newton was pretty much a lock for the New England Patriots' starting quarterback job, and then this week happened. Long story short, Newton didn't quite follow COVID-19 protocols and was required to stay away from the team for the week, which gave all reps with the starting team to rookie Mac Jones. Jones has been taking the reins in practice and is currently breathing down Newton's neck for the starting role. This will be something to keep an eye on.

Jones’ streak ran to 18 consecutive completions before he faced pressure and had a ball tipped at the line. Very impressive morning for the rookie.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) August 25, 2021

falcons

The savior of the Atlanta Falcons' quarterback position is here, hallelujah. Josh Rosen has signed with the team, and should be in line as the best QB on the team in no time. Head coach Arthur Smith agrees with me, saying he expects Rosen to play in the final preseason game. "That's only the fair thing to do. We signed him. We have to figure out this backup quarterback spot. So, you'll see him play at some point Sunday night." Challenge accepted.

buccaneers

Tom Brady may be more like us, after all. After winning the Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in February, Brady underwent knee surgery to repair a torn MCL. Brady spoke about his recovery from surgery this week, detailing the process. "When you miss time and you don't continue to train the way you're capable of training, it's tough because your body wants to, you know, it feels like, 'OK I get time off.' And then you get your body going again, it's hard."

colts

After being questionable to start the 2021 season, it seems like Carson Wentz is trending in the right direction for the Indianapolis Colts' opener. Wentz returned to practice earlier this week from foot surgery, and so far, so good. The next step? Going through a practice without any restrictions.

Next step for Wentz and Nelson is go through a full padded practice, no restrictions, Reich says
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) August 25, 2021

jaguars

The inevitable happened. Trevor Lawrence has been announced as the Jacksonville Jaguars' starting quarterback, which pretty much everyone knew was going to happen. Lawrence was, of course, asked about how he felt about the situation. "I'm really excited for the opportunity; I'm grateful for it. It doesn't really change anything though. We still have the same task in front of us."

bengals

Joe Burrow will finally be making his debut since tearing his ACL late last season. While I assumed Burrow wouldn't see any preseason action due to protecting his health behind that horrid offensive line, Burrow should play in the Cincinnati Bengals' final preseason game. And that's okay with him.

"I'm excited to get out there." - @JoeyB pic.twitter.com/vJkiY1jdwN
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) August 25, 2021

49ers

San Francisco 49ers fans wanted you to believe all along that there was a quarterback competition, but as it turns out (and like I told you all along), there really hasn't been one at all. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said as much, without really naming his starter, which he honestly doesn't even have to do. "I've got a pretty good idea," he said. "I've always had a pretty good idea, but there's a lot of days between now and then, at every position."

-quick notes-

Kliff Kingsbury says no decision has been made on Kyler Murray playing the last preseason game, but that he doesn't think he needs anymore reps.
Dwayne Haskins will start at QB for the Steelers in their final preseason game.
Broncos name Teddy Bridgewater the starter; Drew Lock will be the backup to start Week One.
Dak Prescott threw 12 passes during Wednesday's practice.
The Seahawks will add Matt Hasselbeck to their Ring of Honor.

THE DROP-BACK: TUESDAY AUGUST 24 - 'more brady,' screamed nobody

8/24/2021

BUCCANEERS

Because we're not sick of hearing about how great Tom Brady is at his age, he's determined to drill it into our heads even harder. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback is heading into his millionth year at the position, and he's determined to make it his best year yet. Like, better than all the times he won the Super Bowls. Brady told Peter King, "It's a totally imperfect game that you're trying to do as perfectly as possible. Every day I come out trying to do it. I'm hoping this is my best year."

patriots

There's many a quarterback battle around these parts, but one of them seems to have been settled. Cam Newton has apparently told he's the starter for the New England Patriots, with rookie Mac Jones as the backup. Newton has had a good camp (better than last year), but so has Jones. Head coach Bill Belichick says the answer is simple.

Question (via @TheGregHillShow): You’ve said Cam is the starter. What do you have to see, and when, for that to change?

Bill Belichick: “The fact that Cam started last year, and he’s here, somebody would have to play better than him. Training camp is all about competition. …”
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 23, 2021

bengals

After Joe Burrow was injured late last season, there were questions if he'd be ready to go in time for the start of the 2021 season. Head coach Zac Taylor says that although Burrow hasn't taken any reps in the preseason, he seems to be ready to go Week One. "They've shown us enough to know that they're going to be ready to play."

-other notes-

Jalen Hurts returned to Eagles practice Sunday after missing this weekend's preseason game due to an illness.
Jimmy Garoppolo says he's not worried about the 49ers' QB competition with Trey Lance.
Jordan Ta'amu among Lions cuts.
Cam Newton out of Pats' practice this week due to COVID-19 protocols.
Carson Wentz returned to practice Monday, is optimistic about his status for Week One.
Jordan Love practiced on Monday after being sidelined with a shoulder injury.
Daniel Jones planning to start, play first half this weekend against Patriots.
Rams waived Devlin Hodges.
Seahawks waived Alex McGough.
Cooper Rush will start at QB for the Cowboys in final preseason game.

THE DROP-BACK: Monday 08/02 - carson wentz probs

8/2/2021

colts

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz is hurt (again). The team is hoping for a minor setback and not a major one, but the more reports come out, the worse they get. It started with just a "twinge" at practice and then escalated into "might need surgery" in about an hour. Wentz will visit with a foot specialist (what a title), Robert Anderson, to determine the injury's severity.

Update on #Colts QB Carson Wentz: He will see noted foot specialist Robert Anderson in the near future, sources tell me and @RapSheet. A firmer timeline for his return will be established at that point. For now, the team is taking solace in Week 1 still being 6 weeks away.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 30, 2021

UPDATE: Wentz will not have surgery right away, and will rest the injury for now and hope it improves. If it worsens, Wentz could risk surgery and won't be available for the season opener.

#Colts QB Carson Wentz plans to try to rest and rehab his foot injury over the next few days, source said, rather than have immediate surgery. If all goes well, Week 1 is in play. If it doesn’t improve, the answer may be surgery.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 1, 2021

Browns

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield and star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. haven't been able to precisely get on the same page since they've been together due to various things. This could be the year when they click. Mayfield said the two are working on building on more chemistry in year three. "When it comes down to the chemistry stuff, every rep matters for us, but then just the terminology and speaking outside the building, not just about football. That goes such a long way when it comes to chemistry and that trust factor, and we've made huge strides." Cleveland is coming off their best year in a (very) long time, and OBJ could be a piece that elevates them even higher.

Browns GM Andrew Berry is also counting on another good season for Mayfield and depends on him to build upon last year's success. "He's made a ton of growth both on and off the field. We're looking forward to him having another fantastic season."

Patriots

The New England Patriots are a team heading into the 2021 season with a question at the quarterback position. Cam Newton is the current starter, but there's still a (minimal) chance that rookie Mac Jones could settle into that spot. That could create some tension between the players, but not in this case. Newton spoke about his support of Jones during the first few days of camp.

Cam Newton says he’s impressed with Mac Jones, including his knowledge of rap music. pic.twitter.com/lUaf6KWm0l
— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) July 30, 2021

Jones returned the sentiment, saying Newton has been a "great teammate. He's helped me and made it a lot of fun. Your first practices as a rookie are going to be hard, so he just tries to stay positive with me."

Newton is working hard on improving this season is his decision-making and rhythm while running the offense. "It's just taking the brain longer at times. But hopefully, with a lot of repetitions, it'll be good."

One quarterback who is OUT of the New England QB competition thus far is Jarrett Stidham. He had back surgery Friday and is expected to be sidelined for 12 weeks. Damn, have to put my Stidham jersey on ice for a little bit.

#Patriots QB Jarrett Stidham underwent successful surgery on Wednesday to repair a back injury, sources say. Stidham should be able to return in roughly 12 weeks or so, as the procedure was not season-ending.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 30, 2021

jets

While he did sign his rookie contract late, New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson is present and accounted for at training camp. And in true Jets fashion, he was underwhelming in his first practice. I'm going to consider the fact that he took a red-eye across the country, and it's his first day before I start actively making fun of him. Wilson agrees.

“It’s going to be a process.” Zach Wilson says. He doesn’t feel he was behind. It was just first day in a while with “live bullets” #Jets
— DJ Bien-Aime (@Djbienaime) July 30, 2021

ravens

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is currently sidelined with COVID-19 for the second time and is missing quality time meshing with his wide receivers and the rest of the team. While Jackson can't get that time back, offensive coordinator Greg Roman says Jackson is still with the team, only mentally. That's like when I mean to respond to a text, and I respond mentally without actually responding to the person.

Ravens OC Greg Roman on Lamar Jackson's absence: "It's certainly not a positive. But we got to create a positive out of this thing. We got to get a great plan when he does come back on how we can try to make up for the time as best we can. That's really the game we have to play."
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) July 30, 2021

buccaneers

As if we need to talk about Tom Brady some more, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback's knee is one of the hot topics of conversation, and he's sure to be asked about it approximately 650 more times this summer. Brady said Friday that his knee "feels good now." So can we stop?

Bucs' QBs coach cannot, in fact, stop. Clyde Christensen says he thought everyone knew Brady had a torn MCL. "It kind of surprised me; I thought everyone knew. When I first met him, he said, "Hey, my knee's not 100 percent..." No, we all just assume Brady will be great with any sort of injury ever. Thanks, Clyde.

There are actually other quarterbacks on the Bucs' roster. Rookie Kyle Trask likely will not start until Brady says he's had enough, but they don't want him to do nothing and not develop. "You know, we try to get our little extra sessions, him and I. That'll be a challenge all season," Christensen said.

cardinals

Many people have been talking about Aaron Rodgers' comments lately, including Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, who said he appreciated the MVP's honesty.

Kyler Murray was a big fan of the Aaron Rodgers press conference, although he said Rodgers has earned that right.

“People like to sugarcoat s**t. I Iove how honest he was.”
— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) July 30, 2021

Speaking of personnel decisions and involving your QB in those decisions, the Cardinals consult Murray from time to time, which is why Rodgers is pissed. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury explained why it's essential to involve your players; it gives them a different perspective. "Those guys have as good a feel for players, players' personalities, and talent as any of us because they have been on the field, and they have worked with them. I do think that goes a long way."

cowboys

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is coming off of a horrendous ankle injury. The good news is, his ankle is okay. The bad news is, he has a shoulder injury now. The severity of the injury isn't known, but it's not expected to be that serious. Prescott thinks he could have strained it due to not warming up properly.

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott on shoulder: “I don’t necessarily know if I warmed up properly before I made a certain throw on one of the days.” A long throw. “I wasn’t as warm as I probably needed to be when I threw that.” pic.twitter.com/OM0Xc6BAPh
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) July 30, 2021

bears

With quarterbacks Justin Fields and Andy Dalton poised to take the Chicago Bears' starting and backup jobs (respectively), what will happen with Nick Foles? Head coach Matt Nagy says he expects teams needing a veteran QB should be calling the team to ask about BDN. "I mean, anybody that's had the career he has is somebody that's always going to be... for all teams, as a third-string guy, teams are going to look at guys like him." Translation - please call about him because we don't know what to do with him.

vikings

After all but one Minnesota Vikings quarterback decided to take the initiative to get vaccinated, the team is working out QBs for the week after rookie Kellen Mond tested positive for COVID-19. Minnesota will work out some guys named Case Cookus and Jackson Erdmann on Monday. Get vaccinated.

lions

And, for a feel-good story of the weekend: Detroit Lions players had a watch party for backup quarterback David Blough's wife, Melissa Gonzalez, advance in the Olympics (because she's a badass). The best part to me was their good luck video before the race.

We're pulling for you, Melissa❗️ pic.twitter.com/sGuB3sqlR7
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) July 30, 2021

THE DROP-BACK: Wednesday 07/21 - Rodgers watch, day 78403

7/21/2021

As the world turns, we're still in the midst of the ongoing Aaron Rodgers versus Green Bay Packers feud. And today's latest punch is telling. The Packers offered Rodgers an extension, tying him to Green Bay plus a big payday. I've gone back and forth on this thing multiple times, usually ending up in the "who the hell knows" camp, when it comes to Rodgers showing up. This one has me leaning towards the "hell no" category. What happens from there... I'm not sure. But I'm not counting on Rodgers being at Packers camp in 2021.

This off-season, the Packers offered Aaron Rodgers a two-year contract extension that would have tied him to Green Bay for five more seasons and made him the highest-paid QB and player in football.

Rodgers declined the offer, proof it’s not about the money.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 20, 2021

Guys.. he might be the one. The Jacksonville Jaguars are throwing rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence to the wolves full force. Lawrence had surgery on his non-throwing shoulder this offseason but should show up to training camp later this month with no restrictions.

Chicago Bears rookie quarterback (and likely starter, if you ask me) Justin Fields is quickly becoming one of my favorite players before he even sets foot on the turf. Fields visited with a Chicago resident and fan who was recently a victim of gun violence. More of this, please.

Just met Bears rookie QB and future Hall of Famer @justnfields (as well as his lovely parents)! I can’t believe they came out to to visit a little ol’ gunshot victim. Bear effing down! □⬇️ Thank you, @ChicagoBears @670TheScore @ParkinsSpiegel @shane_riordan @CEmma670 pic.twitter.com/x4QUqY73Xu
— (っ◔◡◔)っ Scott Morrow, Yeti Enthusiast (@scottjmorrow) July 20, 2021

he won't go away

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady has already won a Super Bowl on his new team, but he's not bouncing after that. HIs (sketchy) personal trainer Alex Guerrero explained that he expects to play at least in 2021 and 2022. Beyond that? Please go away.

NFL Notes: Thursday 07/08 - lug nuts

7/8/2021

The Cleveland Browns may have finally broken the 'Cleveland Browns curse' last season, getting their first playoff win since I was a small child. People also forget that they played the Kansas City Chiefs pretty hard in the Divisional Round as well. Quarterback Baker Mayfield says the team is aware of the expectations they have in 2021 while managing three tough divisional opponents.

#Browns QB Baker Mayfield spoke on The Match broadcast about the teams chemistry and expectations this season: pic.twitter.com/8aRqb5iVWC
— Baillie Burmaster (@bayburmTV) July 7, 2021

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is partnering with USA Football to host youth football coaching clinics over the summer. "Smart coaching can make a lasting and positive impact on kids and their sports development," Mahomes said in a statement.

Long story short: Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie corner Cameron Kinley was given permission to delay his Navy commission to attend Bucs camp and potentially play football this season, should he make the team. General Manager Jason Licht released a statement on Tuesday stating that he's appreciative of the Pentagon to allow Kinley "a chance to earn a spot on our roster."

See you at training camp, @ck3thethrill pic.twitter.com/r2tNQ6ckBr
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) July 7, 2021

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is due for a contract extension soon, and based on his play, it should be a big one. Allen is guaranteed to stick around through the 2022 season since the team picked up his fifth-year option. Beyond that? Head coach Sean McDermott said those things will work themselves out. "They work themselves out when you've got two parties that want to be together and have the same end goal in mind."

The Pittsburgh Steelers released cornerback Steven Nelson earlier this year. Now he's being recruited to the other Pennsylvania team (the Philadelphia Eagles, for those following along) by none other than Darius Slay.

It could all be so simple my man #Nelsonisland
— Steve Nelson (@Nelson_Island) July 6, 2021

Before things went south for the 2020 Philadelphia Eagles, they drafted quarterback Jalen Hurts, which probably had a lot to do with the plummeting of Carson Wentz's confidence. Former head coach Doug Pederson clarified that that was not their intention. Wentz will get to prove that he can full it back together with the Indianapolis Colts in 2021.

Former #Eagles Head Coach Doug Pederson discussed last season, Carson Wentz and Jalen Hurts, and how he reflects on his time in Philadelphia.

Take a listen to what he told us recently...

⬇️AUDIO⬇️ | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/wLZRkH9bFK
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) July 7, 2021

With training camp looming at the end of the month, the number of players who are getting vaccinated is rising. NFL Media reports that 68 percent of NFL players have received at least one shot. I thought that number would be slightly higher due to the strict guidelines that players will have to follow if they chose not to get vaccinated, but it's better than below half. Right?

Vaccination update 20 days before most NFL teams report to camp:

- Five teams have 85%+ of players with at least one shot

- 68% of players league-wide with at least one shot (national rate is 67.1%, and 53% among men 18-39)

- Virtually all Tier 1 and 2 personnel are vaccinated
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 7, 2021

Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock had a near-death experience on Wednesday as a lug nut hit his windshield while driving, shattering it. I would typically make a joke here (that's nuts, perhaps), but that could have ended badly.

Safe travels the rest of your way across Kansas @DrewLock23 □

Crazy having a (lug-nut) fly across the median striking your windshield and nearly go through it!

Glad your #seatbelt was fastened. □

Have a safe season now and into the future. #ServiceCourtesyProtection □□ pic.twitter.com/DXDLon2l0Y
— Trooper Ben (@TrooperBenKHP) July 7, 2021

NFL Notes: Fridayyyyyy 06/25

6/25/2021

More motivation for NFL players to get vaccinated (I didn't think we needed any more, but here we are): Players who may miss a game due to COVID-19 and are also vaccinated will receive their per-game roster bonus. On the flip side, those who are not vaccinated and have to miss a game may not get paid. If money doesn't make these dudes get a damn shot, I don't know what will.

The NFL and NFLPA also agreed to more benefits for fully vaccinated players, including allowing them to collect per-game roster bonuses even if they miss a game because of a “breakthrough case.” From today’s memo to clubs: pic.twitter.com/E44E1NUsC1
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 23, 2021

The Indianapolis Colts have a new quarterback this season in Carson Wentz. The big question is: Does he have the ability to start anew and be the Wentz that was an MVP candidate? Or will he show the unconfident Wentz we saw last season in Philly? Linebacker Darius Leonard seems to think Wentz and Indy are the perfect match. "He came into a perfect place to have success. We believe in him. We know who he is, and we know what he can be. I can't wait to see what he and coach Frank are going to step up and do.

Another day, another Tom Brady story. But how's this for bullshit? Brady was on the The Late Late Show with James Corden and he insisted that he's no longer trying to win for anyone but himself. Wait, it gets worse. Brady says he's still trying to prove it to himself. Prove what to yourself, man? You're the greatest of all time and you don't know that by now? -thinking emoji-

The @TomBrady is 44 and still going for more! pic.twitter.com/hEsZTIb01e
— The Late Late Show with James Corden (@latelateshow) June 24, 2021

OLIPOP - A new kind of soda.

The Pittsburgh Steelers will not be heading to their usual training camp spot, St. Vincent College, this summer and instead will hold camp in Pittsburgh. The team plans to return to Latrobe in 2022.

Statement from #Steelers Spokesman Burt Lauten on #SteelersCamp pic.twitter.com/vZl3zPbmZq
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) June 24, 2021

In other Steelers news, the team released veteran offensive lineman David DeCastro on Thursday, citing ankle issues. DeCastro attended minicamp this month but did not participate in any drills or team activities. He also underwent surgery in 2020. The problem is lingering enough that DeCastro is mulling over his options, including if he wants to continue to play football. Not a good offseason to be a Steelers lineman.

DeCastro has been having his ankle evaluated recently, sources said. He’s had issues with it for quite some time. Had surgery on it before last season. He’s evaluating his future. https://t.co/pzokwBJ3CT
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 24, 2021

NFL Notes: Tuesday 06/22 - Eli Manning is back back

6/22/2021

Former starting quarterback and Super Bowl champion Eli Manning is re-joining the New York Giants -- but not in the way you would think. Manning is taking a "business operations and fan engagement role" with the team. "Staying involved with this organization is very important to me. I love the organization, love the Giants and the fans, and so I want to do anything possible to help them out and be a part of it," he said in a statement. Add this to the list of Things Eli can do that Brady can't.

As if we need more Tom Brady in our lives, the Super Bowl-winning Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB is in a new episode of The Shop: Uninterrupted on HBO. In the trailer for the episode, Brady talks candidly about his time bout with free agency last offseason, specifically with one team that supposedly did not want to sign him in the end: "One of the teams, they weren't interested at the very end. I was thinking, you're sticking with that motherfucker?" I'm manifesting that this is about Derek Carr, but it could also be about Mitch Trubisky. And no, he isn't going to be talking about his pal â€‹Jimmy Garoppolo â€‹like that.

Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert will be learning a new offense this year under new head coach Brandon Staley. Herbert is looking to build upon his explosive rookie season and is spending "a few hours" each day studying his new scheme. "The tough part is memorizing and learning it all. That's where it's tough because you have to go in there and spend a lot of time watching film, practicing and repping it."

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay is getting a new quarterback this year, and it's one he can't stop gushing about. Experience is vital for McVay, who is looking forward to seeing what Matthew Stafford can do this year. "Bro, this dude is a bad MF-er. Whatever people say about him, as good as it can be, he's even better than advertised. It makes sense to him." We're going to learn a whole lot about Stafford this season.

Today in Things We Love To See, Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib came out as openly gay on Monday. But better than that, he also donated $100,000 to The Trevor Project, which focuses on suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth. Check out his message:

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A post shared by Carl Nassib (@carlnassib)

I feel like rookie New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones has been shit-talked lately. But his teammates are keeping the faith, which I guess, they kinda have to do. Vet safety Devin McCourty thinks he has enough leadership skills to make it work at the position. "That's a different position being a young guy because you're automatically in that leadership role. But I think he's used to that."

The Baltimore Ravens ranked at No. 32 in passing yards and passing attempts last season, so it's not a secret that that's a significant need for improvement heading into the 2021 season. QB Lamar Jackson agreed, saying they need to focus on consistency. "We hit some of them, but we're just trying to be more consistent this year. That's where the strides happen. It starts in practices, and hopefully, it transitions to the game."

Despite a previous report, Buffalo Bills fans no longer have to be vaccinated to attend Bills games this season. Erie County is basing this info off of low hospitalization rates and good vaccination rates. Tell that to Cole Beasley.

Based on few new COVID-19 cases (0 on Friday and 4 yesterday out of thousands of tests), low hospitalizations, and good vaccination rates, we are rescinding the vaccination requirement to attend Bills games and stadium events. We will revisit in future if circumstances warrant. pic.twitter.com/DO9echOulB
â€” Mark Poloncarz (@markpoloncarz) June 20, 2021