Colts have agreed to terms with free agent cornerback Antonio Cromartie.
Broncos name Trevor Siemian starting QB vs. Rams.
While the Denver Broncos' quarterback competition isn't technically over, a major advantage was lent to Trevor Siemian.
Coach Gary Kubiak announced Monday that Siemian will start the team's third preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams in Denver. Siemian completed 10 of 14 passes for 75 yards and a pick six last week against the San Francisco 49ers. It was his first start of the preseason.
Kubiak added Siemian has a sore shoulder but likely will return to practice Tuesday.
While Mark Sanchez might be able to recover at some point during the season, Kubiak's announcement puts more faith in the second-year quarterback out of Northwestern. The seventh-round pick already had a year in Kubiak's system and was pegged as a surprise candidate all along to upend the more experienced Sanchez and first-round pick, Paxton Lynch.
Why is the third preseason game crucial? Typically teams use the third game as their most realistic dress rehearsal during the four-game warmup series. Siemian should easily get his most playing time of the preseason and will get to game plan for his opponent -- something teams rarely do during the first or second preseason game. The planning can have a massive impact on a quarterback's performance and negate some of the assignment errors that often populate the preseason.
The ball seemed to be in Sanchez's court after Siemian ended his playing time against the 49ers with a pick-six. Sanchez, however, lost two fumbles before the half and couldn't find a rhythm to start the third quarter. Once the Broncos did not secure a deal with Colin Kaepernick this offseason -- or venture too deeply into the waters for Sam Bradford -- Sanchez was widely believed to be the starter by default.
A sound performance by Siemian could close the book on that question for now.
In other Broncos news...
» As we wrote Sunday, DeMarcus Ware (back) is set to hit the practice field. The team officially removed him from the non-football injury list Monday and he will be on the practice field Tuesday.
» Cornerback Aqib Talib will play in the team's third preseason game. This should mark the cornerback's long return from an offseason gunshot wound to his leg. Talib returned to practice two weeks ago.
While the Denver Broncos' quarterback competition isn't technically over, a major advantage was lent to Trevor Siemian.
Coach Gary Kubiak announced Monday that Siemian will start the team's third preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams in Denver. Siemian completed 10 of 14 passes for 75 yards and a pick six last week against the San Francisco 49ers. It was his first start of the preseason.
Kubiak added Siemian has a sore shoulder but likely will return to practice Tuesday.
While Mark Sanchez might be able to recover at some point during the season, Kubiak's announcement puts more faith in the second-year quarterback out of Northwestern. The seventh-round pick already had a year in Kubiak's system and was pegged as a surprise candidate all along to upend the more experienced Sanchez and first-round pick, Paxton Lynch.
Why is the third preseason game crucial? Typically teams use the third game as their most realistic dress rehearsal during the four-game warmup series. Siemian should easily get his most playing time of the preseason and will get to game plan for his opponent -- something teams rarely do during the first or second preseason game. The planning can have a massive impact on a quarterback's performance and negate some of the assignment errors that often populate the preseason.
The ball seemed to be in Sanchez's court after Siemian ended his playing time against the 49ers with a pick-six. Sanchez, however, lost two fumbles before the half and couldn't find a rhythm to start the third quarter. Once the Broncos did not secure a deal with Colin Kaepernick this offseason -- or venture too deeply into the waters for Sam Bradford -- Sanchez was widely believed to be the starter by default.
A sound performance by Siemian could close the book on that question for now.
In other Broncos news...
» As we wrote Sunday, DeMarcus Ware (back) is set to hit the practice field. The team officially removed him from the non-football injury list Monday and he will be on the practice field Tuesday.
» Cornerback Aqib Talib will play in the team's third preseason game. This should mark the cornerback's long return from an offseason gunshot wound to his leg. Talib returned to practice two weeks ago.
Injury roundup: Elvis Dumervil off PUP list for Ravens.
Slowly but surely, the Baltimore Ravens are getting healthier.
Pass rusher Elvis Dumervil came off the physically unable to perform list Monday, according to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport. Monday marks his first practice of the preseason after foot surgery derailed his offseason plans.
Defensive coordinator Dean Pees has done wonders with the tandem of Dumervil and Terrell Suggs when the pair is healthy -- a rarity of late. If the Ravens have any hope of returning to the playoffs -- or even staying afloat in a stacked AFC North -- they will need 16 games from both of their sack artists.
The last year both Suggs and Dumervil were healthy, they combined for 29 sacks -- the most lethal duo in the NFL before a torn Achilles tendon sidelined Suggs for the 2015 season. Feeling the weight of an increased workload, Dumervil went under the knife to repair a lingering foot issue this offseason.
The Ravens had a miniature Pro Bowl squad on their PUP list just a week ago but seem to be rounding into form just in time. Dumervil will probably work his way back slowly to preserve his status for the regular-season opener.
Here are the other injuries we've been monitoring Monday:
1. In other Ravens news, safety Matt Elam fell on his knee during Baltimore's win over the Colts and will have surgery to clean it out, coach John Harbaugh said. The surgery is not season-ending, he added.
Wide receiver Breshad Perriman is also off the PUP list, Harbaugh said.
2. Washington Redskins coach Jay Gruden said Monday that running back Matt Jones (shoulder sprain) will sit out the remainder of the preseason.
3. Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson passed his physical and is expected to practice Monday, the team announced.
4. Quarterback Carson Wentz (sore ribs) will not throw Monday Philadelphia Eagles practice. Coach Doug Pederson said the rookie quarterback is day-to-day.
Kicker Caleb Sturgis and safety Blake Countess have both cleared concussion protocol with the Eagles, the team announced.
5. There's a "good chance" Cardinals defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (ankle) will play Sunday against the Texans, general manager Steve Keim said.
6. Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said Tyrone Crawford took a hit to the head Sunday at practice. The defensive tackle is being evaluated for a concussion and is listed as day-to-day. Defensive end Charles Tapper (back) is also listed as day-to-day.
Defensive end Shaneil Jenkins will miss practice due to a hamstring injury.
7. Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Jake Fisher is hoping to be back for the season opener as he continues to recover from a leg injury.
8. Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson will participate in individual drills Monday, per the team. Nelson tore his ACL last preseason and missed all of 2015.
9. Indianapolis Colts cornerback Vontae Davis is week-to-week with an ankle injury. "It's a little scary. It's not pretty right now," Colts coach Chuck Pagano said of the team's cornerback situation.
The team is getting back Henry Anderson. The defensive lineman has been activated off the PUP list.
10. Miami Dolphins center Mike Pouncey (hip) and quarterback Matt Moore (concussion) didn't practice.
11. Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Tamba Hali (knee) has been removed from the PUP list and will begin practicing on a limited basis, per The Kansas City Star.
12. San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick participated in a full-team warm-up session on Monday, per CSN Bay Area.
13. Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kendall Wright is doubtful to play this week, head coach Mike Mularkey said.
14. Texans running back Alfred Blue (shoulder) is back at practice for Houston.
"He practiced today. He looked good. He had a shoulder deal. He's ready to play and will be back this week," Texans coach Bill O'Brien said.
15. San Diego Chargers right guard D.J. Fluker was seen on crutches after practice Monday's practice, per the San Diego Union-Tribune. The guard was wearing a boot on his right foot.
San Diego tight end Jeff Cumberland posted on social media that he had successful surgery on his ruptured Achilles tendon. The Chargers placed him on injured reserve hours before the surgery.
16. Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib (leg) is expected to play vs. Los Angeles, coach Gary Kubiak said. Denver also removed linebacker DeMarcus Ware (back) off the non-football injury list and he will practice Tuesday.
17. New York Giants safety Darian Thompson (shoulder) is considered week-to-week, and tight end Matt LaCosse (knee) is day-to-day.
Slowly but surely, the Baltimore Ravens are getting healthier.
Pass rusher Elvis Dumervil came off the physically unable to perform list Monday, according to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport. Monday marks his first practice of the preseason after foot surgery derailed his offseason plans.
Defensive coordinator Dean Pees has done wonders with the tandem of Dumervil and Terrell Suggs when the pair is healthy -- a rarity of late. If the Ravens have any hope of returning to the playoffs -- or even staying afloat in a stacked AFC North -- they will need 16 games from both of their sack artists.
The last year both Suggs and Dumervil were healthy, they combined for 29 sacks -- the most lethal duo in the NFL before a torn Achilles tendon sidelined Suggs for the 2015 season. Feeling the weight of an increased workload, Dumervil went under the knife to repair a lingering foot issue this offseason.
The Ravens had a miniature Pro Bowl squad on their PUP list just a week ago but seem to be rounding into form just in time. Dumervil will probably work his way back slowly to preserve his status for the regular-season opener.
Here are the other injuries we've been monitoring Monday:
1. In other Ravens news, safety Matt Elam fell on his knee during Baltimore's win over the Colts and will have surgery to clean it out, coach John Harbaugh said. The surgery is not season-ending, he added.
Wide receiver Breshad Perriman is also off the PUP list, Harbaugh said.
2. Washington Redskins coach Jay Gruden said Monday that running back Matt Jones (shoulder sprain) will sit out the remainder of the preseason.
3. Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson passed his physical and is expected to practice Monday, the team announced.
4. Quarterback Carson Wentz (sore ribs) will not throw Monday Philadelphia Eagles practice. Coach Doug Pederson said the rookie quarterback is day-to-day.
Kicker Caleb Sturgis and safety Blake Countess have both cleared concussion protocol with the Eagles, the team announced.
5. There's a "good chance" Cardinals defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (ankle) will play Sunday against the Texans, general manager Steve Keim said.
6. Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said Tyrone Crawford took a hit to the head Sunday at practice. The defensive tackle is being evaluated for a concussion and is listed as day-to-day. Defensive end Charles Tapper (back) is also listed as day-to-day.
Defensive end Shaneil Jenkins will miss practice due to a hamstring injury.
7. Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Jake Fisher is hoping to be back for the season opener as he continues to recover from a leg injury.
8. Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson will participate in individual drills Monday, per the team. Nelson tore his ACL last preseason and missed all of 2015.
9. Indianapolis Colts cornerback Vontae Davis is week-to-week with an ankle injury. "It's a little scary. It's not pretty right now," Colts coach Chuck Pagano said of the team's cornerback situation.
The team is getting back Henry Anderson. The defensive lineman has been activated off the PUP list.
10. Miami Dolphins center Mike Pouncey (hip) and quarterback Matt Moore (concussion) didn't practice.
11. Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Tamba Hali (knee) has been removed from the PUP list and will begin practicing on a limited basis, per The Kansas City Star.
12. San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick participated in a full-team warm-up session on Monday, per CSN Bay Area.
13. Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kendall Wright is doubtful to play this week, head coach Mike Mularkey said.
14. Texans running back Alfred Blue (shoulder) is back at practice for Houston.
"He practiced today. He looked good. He had a shoulder deal. He's ready to play and will be back this week," Texans coach Bill O'Brien said.
15. San Diego Chargers right guard D.J. Fluker was seen on crutches after practice Monday's practice, per the San Diego Union-Tribune. The guard was wearing a boot on his right foot.
San Diego tight end Jeff Cumberland posted on social media that he had successful surgery on his ruptured Achilles tendon. The Chargers placed him on injured reserve hours before the surgery.
16. Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib (leg) is expected to play vs. Los Angeles, coach Gary Kubiak said. Denver also removed linebacker DeMarcus Ware (back) off the non-football injury list and he will practice Tuesday.
17. New York Giants safety Darian Thompson (shoulder) is considered week-to-week, and tight end Matt LaCosse (knee) is day-to-day.
Karlos Williams clears waivers, becomes free agent.
The Karlos Williams experience is curtains in Buffalo.
On Saturday the Bills released the running back and Williams cleared waivers Monday, becoming a free agent.
After arriving to camp out of shape, Williams was also set to serve a four-game suspension to start the year for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse. Shortly after his release, Williams thanked the Bills on Instagram for giving him the opportunity to play for them.
"I've always said this is a performance based business and the release of Karlos Williams was strictly performance based," Bills general manager Doug Whaley told reporters. "He came in behind the eight ball and never caught up and there was other guys on the roster that moved ahead of him.
"So in light of that we thought, why hold on to him, why don't we give him a chance to maybe find another job out there in the league? We weren't going to hold on to him to the end knowing he wasn't going to make the team."
Williams infamously started camp on Buffalo's active/non-football injury list after showing up 20 pounds overweight. The second-year power back admitted in June that he tacked on the extra heft while tending to -- and eating with -- his wife during her pregnancy. A noble gesture, but not what the Bills were expecting.
Coach Rex Ryan, loyal to a fault with his players, assured reporters earlier this month that the back's roster spot was safe, saying: "We're not going to give up on Karlos Williams. I can tell you that."
That changed Saturday -- just hours before the Bills face the Giants -- leaving Buffalo without the runner who plowed for 517 yards and seven rushing touchdowns on just 93 carries as a rookie.
In Williams' absence, Reggie Bush, Mike Gillislee and promising rookie Jonathan Williams will be asked to pick up the slack behind workhorse LeSean McCoy.
While surprising, it's an understandable move by the Bills. The Williams saga was an unnecessary drama for a team that has already been blitzed by the injury bug. Buffalo needs healthy players more than it needs an overweight, suspension-addled back who doesn't appear plugged in to the task at hand.
The Karlos Williams experience is curtains in Buffalo.
On Saturday the Bills released the running back and Williams cleared waivers Monday, becoming a free agent.
After arriving to camp out of shape, Williams was also set to serve a four-game suspension to start the year for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse. Shortly after his release, Williams thanked the Bills on Instagram for giving him the opportunity to play for them.
"I've always said this is a performance based business and the release of Karlos Williams was strictly performance based," Bills general manager Doug Whaley told reporters. "He came in behind the eight ball and never caught up and there was other guys on the roster that moved ahead of him.
"So in light of that we thought, why hold on to him, why don't we give him a chance to maybe find another job out there in the league? We weren't going to hold on to him to the end knowing he wasn't going to make the team."
Williams infamously started camp on Buffalo's active/non-football injury list after showing up 20 pounds overweight. The second-year power back admitted in June that he tacked on the extra heft while tending to -- and eating with -- his wife during her pregnancy. A noble gesture, but not what the Bills were expecting.
Coach Rex Ryan, loyal to a fault with his players, assured reporters earlier this month that the back's roster spot was safe, saying: "We're not going to give up on Karlos Williams. I can tell you that."
That changed Saturday -- just hours before the Bills face the Giants -- leaving Buffalo without the runner who plowed for 517 yards and seven rushing touchdowns on just 93 carries as a rookie.
In Williams' absence, Reggie Bush, Mike Gillislee and promising rookie Jonathan Williams will be asked to pick up the slack behind workhorse LeSean McCoy.
While surprising, it's an understandable move by the Bills. The Williams saga was an unnecessary drama for a team that has already been blitzed by the injury bug. Buffalo needs healthy players more than it needs an overweight, suspension-addled back who doesn't appear plugged in to the task at hand.
Roberto Aguayo: Missed kicks 'shouldn't happen'.
Let's all calm down and allow Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie kicker Roberto Aguayo to work it out.
Expectations for the rookie kicker out of Florida State were unreasonable the moment he was selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Billed as one of the most accurate kickers in NCAA history, he's missed an extra point and a pair of field goals this preseason.
"I don't know if 'concern' is the right word, but every player on a football team has a specific role and specific job to fill, and they're expected to do their job," Bucs coach Dirk Koetter said Sunday, via ESPN.com. "Roberto in both the first preseason games -- he's been pretty consistent in practice -- but in both the preseason games, he's missed kicks that he's expected to make."
Aguayo, for his part, added this:
"It shouldn't happen with me. You just have to fix it and keep moving on. I feel like that's what preseason games were made for, to get the young guys rolling in, to keep working, keep getting better."
Kicking is so much more about muscle memory and mental strength. If Aguayo was nervous before, it could have easily snowballed into the situation we currently find ourselves in. Talent like his just doesn't disappear and it's on the coaching staff to reel in whatever is causing this miniature version of Steve Sax Syndrome.
Aguayo should take solace in the fact that he's not the only big name struggling in the preseason. Top free agent acquisitions like Brock Osweiler haven't wowed and Jared Goff, the No. 1 pick in the draft, has been outplayed by Dak Prescott. The NFL is a strange game and allowing the pressure associated with a contract or draft position only makes it worse. Here's hoping the Buccaneers realize this and get Aguayo back on track.
Let's all calm down and allow Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie kicker Roberto Aguayo to work it out.
Expectations for the rookie kicker out of Florida State were unreasonable the moment he was selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Billed as one of the most accurate kickers in NCAA history, he's missed an extra point and a pair of field goals this preseason.
"I don't know if 'concern' is the right word, but every player on a football team has a specific role and specific job to fill, and they're expected to do their job," Bucs coach Dirk Koetter said Sunday, via ESPN.com. "Roberto in both the first preseason games -- he's been pretty consistent in practice -- but in both the preseason games, he's missed kicks that he's expected to make."
Aguayo, for his part, added this:
"It shouldn't happen with me. You just have to fix it and keep moving on. I feel like that's what preseason games were made for, to get the young guys rolling in, to keep working, keep getting better."
Kicking is so much more about muscle memory and mental strength. If Aguayo was nervous before, it could have easily snowballed into the situation we currently find ourselves in. Talent like his just doesn't disappear and it's on the coaching staff to reel in whatever is causing this miniature version of Steve Sax Syndrome.
Aguayo should take solace in the fact that he's not the only big name struggling in the preseason. Top free agent acquisitions like Brock Osweiler haven't wowed and Jared Goff, the No. 1 pick in the draft, has been outplayed by Dak Prescott. The NFL is a strange game and allowing the pressure associated with a contract or draft position only makes it worse. Here's hoping the Buccaneers realize this and get Aguayo back on track.
Dez Bryant suffers concussion, out vs. Seahawks.
Those hoping to see more of Dallas Cowboys wideout Dez Bryant in the preseason will have to wait.
The star wide receiver suffered a concussion during Monday's practice, a source with knowledge of the injury told NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport. The news was first reported by 105.3 The Fan in Dallas. There is no indication of how serious the injury is, but Bryant will not play against the Seahawks on Thursday, Rapoport added. Barring the (way) outside chance he takes snaps in the team's preseason finale, we will not see the playmaker again until Sept. 11 against the New York Giants.
Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said Bryant suffered the concussion after taking a hit off the shoulder pads of teammate Barry Church. Garrett added Bryant is feeling much better after experiencing concussion-like symptoms Monday.
There is no doubt the Cowboys will play it safe with their star wide receiver. After seeing what life was like without Bryant's field-stretching abilities last season thanks to a broken foot and hasty return, the Cowboys will hope to preserve Bryant until the games actually count.
Defensive tackle Tyrone Crawford is also in the team's concussion protocol and will not play against the Seahawks this week. Rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott, however, likely will see some playing time Thursday, Garrett said.
Bryant took to Twitter on Tuesday morning to ease the concern of Cowboys fans everywhere. While every concussion is serious, Bryant didn't seem to think he'd be out for much longer.
Those hoping to see more of Dallas Cowboys wideout Dez Bryant in the preseason will have to wait.
The star wide receiver suffered a concussion during Monday's practice, a source with knowledge of the injury told NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport. The news was first reported by 105.3 The Fan in Dallas. There is no indication of how serious the injury is, but Bryant will not play against the Seahawks on Thursday, Rapoport added. Barring the (way) outside chance he takes snaps in the team's preseason finale, we will not see the playmaker again until Sept. 11 against the New York Giants.
Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said Bryant suffered the concussion after taking a hit off the shoulder pads of teammate Barry Church. Garrett added Bryant is feeling much better after experiencing concussion-like symptoms Monday.
There is no doubt the Cowboys will play it safe with their star wide receiver. After seeing what life was like without Bryant's field-stretching abilities last season thanks to a broken foot and hasty return, the Cowboys will hope to preserve Bryant until the games actually count.
Defensive tackle Tyrone Crawford is also in the team's concussion protocol and will not play against the Seahawks this week. Rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott, however, likely will see some playing time Thursday, Garrett said.
Bryant took to Twitter on Tuesday morning to ease the concern of Cowboys fans everywhere. While every concussion is serious, Bryant didn't seem to think he'd be out for much longer.
Josh Gordon reportedly drawing interest from teams.
The Browns have been through hell and back with Josh Gordon. They aren't about to part ways with the oft-suspended wideout now that he's finally ready to play.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Tuesday that multiple teams have reached out to Cleveland's front office to inquire about trading for the pass-catcher. A Browns source, though, said the team isn't looking to trade Gordon, who will serve a four-game suspension to open the year before returning against the Patriots in Week 5.
Gordon, who hasn't played in a game since December 2014, is practicing with the Browns and appears likely to make his preseason debut on Friday against the Buccaneers.
The Browns have supported Gordon through multiple suspensions and a tangled web of off-the-field distractions. If new coach Hue Jackson can help the 25-year-old keep his focus, the Browns have a chance to feature the pass-catcher in juicy three-wideout sets alongside Terrelle Pryor and rookie Corey Coleman.
Longtime beat writer Tony Grossi of ESPN doesn't expect the Browns to move Gordon any time soon:
Bottom line: Cleveland can't afford to part ways with anyone who can help the team win.
The Browns aren't simply a farm team sitting around waiting to feed Gordon to the Patriots or some other playoff-bound franchise looking for a "final piece of the puzzle." Not unless they're getting a king's ransom in return.
The Browns have been through hell and back with Josh Gordon. They aren't about to part ways with the oft-suspended wideout now that he's finally ready to play.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Tuesday that multiple teams have reached out to Cleveland's front office to inquire about trading for the pass-catcher. A Browns source, though, said the team isn't looking to trade Gordon, who will serve a four-game suspension to open the year before returning against the Patriots in Week 5.
Gordon, who hasn't played in a game since December 2014, is practicing with the Browns and appears likely to make his preseason debut on Friday against the Buccaneers.
The Browns have supported Gordon through multiple suspensions and a tangled web of off-the-field distractions. If new coach Hue Jackson can help the 25-year-old keep his focus, the Browns have a chance to feature the pass-catcher in juicy three-wideout sets alongside Terrelle Pryor and rookie Corey Coleman.
Longtime beat writer Tony Grossi of ESPN doesn't expect the Browns to move Gordon any time soon:
Bottom line: Cleveland can't afford to part ways with anyone who can help the team win.
The Browns aren't simply a farm team sitting around waiting to feed Gordon to the Patriots or some other playoff-bound franchise looking for a "final piece of the puzzle." Not unless they're getting a king's ransom in return.
New touchback rule backfiring? Kick returns up in preseason.
Stephen Gostkowski is one of the National Football League's best kickers, so it is no surprise that, in New England's preseason game against Chicago, the Patriots had Gostkowski loft the opening kickoff to the 4-yard line, so the coverage team could stop the return short of the 25-yard line -- where the ball is automatically placed on a touchback. Alas, when Robbie Gould kicked to the Patriots in the same game, they decided to return the kickoff from 5 yards deep in the end zone. Stopped at the 15 yard line -- 10 yards short of where they would have been had they simply taken a knee in the end zone -- the Pats summed up in two plays the risks and rewards of the NFL's new kickoff rule.
The preseason is the month of experimentation for coaches, and nowhere has this been more apparent than on the kickoff. None of it is absolutely indicative of what teams will do in the regular season -- after all, coaches are still trying to evaluate fringe roster players on coverage and return teams, so they probably want more returns than usual -- but the results of the league's rule to move the touchback to the 25-yard line to discourage returns have been decidedly mixed and sometimes messy.
According to NFL Media research, out of 142 total kickoffs in the first week of the preseason, just 42 (29.6 percent) resulted in touchbacks, and the other 100 were returned. Furthermore, 99 of the 142 kickoffs went into the end zone, meaning there were 57 additional opportunities for a touchback, but the returner opted instead to run the ball back.
In Week 2, there were 137 total kickoffs, 50 of which (36.5 percent) were touchbacks. A total of 102 kickoffs (74.5 percent) reached the end zone, so teams returned the ball 52 times when they didn't have to. That means that of the 279 kickoffs so far this preseason, the ball went into the end zone 72 percent of the time, but only 33 percent of all kickoffs resulted in touchbacks, while 67 percent were returned.
If those figures hold up in the regular season, they would go completely against the hopes of the Competition Committee and NFL owners.
Last regular season, 41.1 percent of all kickoffs were returned, so if the return rate of 67 percent from the first two weeks of this preseason continues into the 2016 campaign, it would represent an alarming spike for the league, which approved the new touchback line as a one-year experiment, positioning the decision as a move to increase player safety.
There is no question that the league is moving toward marginalizing or even entirely eliminating the kickoff, because the high-speed collisions on returns make it one of the most dangerous plays in the game. Last spring, New York Giants owner John Mara, a member of the Competition Committee, said if the league could figure out what to do with the onside kick in end-of-game situations, the kickoff might disappear entirely.
But ever since the rule was approved in the spring, coaches have debated its impact. A few argued that there might be an uptick in the use of the mortar kick -- a high, short kick that forces the receiving team into a return while giving the coverage unit plenty of time to pin the returner deep in his own territory. Halfway through the preseason, it is obvious coaches are still trying to figure out how they will approach it when the games count.
Dirk Koetter, the first-year head coach in Tampa Bay, said it is unlikely the Buccaneers will have a hard-and-fast rule for the kickoff.
"Special teams coaches in the league say there is a 3 percent difference between the 25-yard line and the 20-yard line in scoring, so teams that can do it and have a kicker that can do it will be tempted to mortar kick it and try to go down and cover," Koetter said. "We also drafted a kicker in the second round. So depending -- is Devin Hester back there? Some of the returners in this league, you'll say we'll give it to him on the 25. It's nice to have a guy who has the ability to kick it out every time. I think it will change week to week based on weather, the other returner and how good is our coverage team."
The decisions could be critical to game outcomes. In the 2015 season, the Minnesota Vikings were the only team with an average drive-starting position of greater than the 25-yard line (theirs was the 25.5-yard line). Every other team had average drive starts inside the 25 and 12 teams started from the 21-yard line or in.
As Koetter noted, it makes a difference in scoring: When teams started on their own 20 in 2015, they scored touchdowns on 17.9 percent of the drives. When they started on the 25-yard line, their touchdown rate jumped to 20.8.
So the experimenting goes on.
The Miami Dolphins have rookie Jakeem Grant returning kickoffs -- he returned two in their preseason opener against the Giants (with a long of 27 yards) and two against the Cowboys (long of 30). Asked if it was worth it to have someone rehearsing returns when there would seem to be a clear advantage to simply taking a touchback, first-year head coach Adam Gase responded: "In the preseason? Absolutely. You want to see what he can do, for one. But then you also want to see the guys up front, how we block things or certain schemes you want to work on. So in the preseason, that's your time to say we're bringing this thing out unless it's X number in the end zone."
Will the philosophy change once the regular season starts?
"I'm sure it will," Gase began. "We'll talk about that when we get there. But who knows? Maybe it won't. Maybe we'll say, 'Let's give this kid a chance to house-call one.' He's a weapon, and he can change field position."
Stephen Gostkowski is one of the National Football League's best kickers, so it is no surprise that, in New England's preseason game against Chicago, the Patriots had Gostkowski loft the opening kickoff to the 4-yard line, so the coverage team could stop the return short of the 25-yard line -- where the ball is automatically placed on a touchback. Alas, when Robbie Gould kicked to the Patriots in the same game, they decided to return the kickoff from 5 yards deep in the end zone. Stopped at the 15 yard line -- 10 yards short of where they would have been had they simply taken a knee in the end zone -- the Pats summed up in two plays the risks and rewards of the NFL's new kickoff rule.
The preseason is the month of experimentation for coaches, and nowhere has this been more apparent than on the kickoff. None of it is absolutely indicative of what teams will do in the regular season -- after all, coaches are still trying to evaluate fringe roster players on coverage and return teams, so they probably want more returns than usual -- but the results of the league's rule to move the touchback to the 25-yard line to discourage returns have been decidedly mixed and sometimes messy.
According to NFL Media research, out of 142 total kickoffs in the first week of the preseason, just 42 (29.6 percent) resulted in touchbacks, and the other 100 were returned. Furthermore, 99 of the 142 kickoffs went into the end zone, meaning there were 57 additional opportunities for a touchback, but the returner opted instead to run the ball back.
In Week 2, there were 137 total kickoffs, 50 of which (36.5 percent) were touchbacks. A total of 102 kickoffs (74.5 percent) reached the end zone, so teams returned the ball 52 times when they didn't have to. That means that of the 279 kickoffs so far this preseason, the ball went into the end zone 72 percent of the time, but only 33 percent of all kickoffs resulted in touchbacks, while 67 percent were returned.
If those figures hold up in the regular season, they would go completely against the hopes of the Competition Committee and NFL owners.
Last regular season, 41.1 percent of all kickoffs were returned, so if the return rate of 67 percent from the first two weeks of this preseason continues into the 2016 campaign, it would represent an alarming spike for the league, which approved the new touchback line as a one-year experiment, positioning the decision as a move to increase player safety.
There is no question that the league is moving toward marginalizing or even entirely eliminating the kickoff, because the high-speed collisions on returns make it one of the most dangerous plays in the game. Last spring, New York Giants owner John Mara, a member of the Competition Committee, said if the league could figure out what to do with the onside kick in end-of-game situations, the kickoff might disappear entirely.
But ever since the rule was approved in the spring, coaches have debated its impact. A few argued that there might be an uptick in the use of the mortar kick -- a high, short kick that forces the receiving team into a return while giving the coverage unit plenty of time to pin the returner deep in his own territory. Halfway through the preseason, it is obvious coaches are still trying to figure out how they will approach it when the games count.
Dirk Koetter, the first-year head coach in Tampa Bay, said it is unlikely the Buccaneers will have a hard-and-fast rule for the kickoff.
"Special teams coaches in the league say there is a 3 percent difference between the 25-yard line and the 20-yard line in scoring, so teams that can do it and have a kicker that can do it will be tempted to mortar kick it and try to go down and cover," Koetter said. "We also drafted a kicker in the second round. So depending -- is Devin Hester back there? Some of the returners in this league, you'll say we'll give it to him on the 25. It's nice to have a guy who has the ability to kick it out every time. I think it will change week to week based on weather, the other returner and how good is our coverage team."
The decisions could be critical to game outcomes. In the 2015 season, the Minnesota Vikings were the only team with an average drive-starting position of greater than the 25-yard line (theirs was the 25.5-yard line). Every other team had average drive starts inside the 25 and 12 teams started from the 21-yard line or in.
As Koetter noted, it makes a difference in scoring: When teams started on their own 20 in 2015, they scored touchdowns on 17.9 percent of the drives. When they started on the 25-yard line, their touchdown rate jumped to 20.8.
So the experimenting goes on.
The Miami Dolphins have rookie Jakeem Grant returning kickoffs -- he returned two in their preseason opener against the Giants (with a long of 27 yards) and two against the Cowboys (long of 30). Asked if it was worth it to have someone rehearsing returns when there would seem to be a clear advantage to simply taking a touchback, first-year head coach Adam Gase responded: "In the preseason? Absolutely. You want to see what he can do, for one. But then you also want to see the guys up front, how we block things or certain schemes you want to work on. So in the preseason, that's your time to say we're bringing this thing out unless it's X number in the end zone."
Will the philosophy change once the regular season starts?
"I'm sure it will," Gase began. "We'll talk about that when we get there. But who knows? Maybe it won't. Maybe we'll say, 'Let's give this kid a chance to house-call one.' He's a weapon, and he can change field position."
Thank you indy!
Mariota: Versatile Tajae Sharpe 'makes it easy' on QBs.
The Tennessee Titans didn't have a single wideout catch more than 36 passes a year ago. We don't expect that to be the case in 2016.
Rookie receiver Tajae Sharpe put on another show in Saturday's 26-16 preseason loss to the Panthers, hauling in six passes for 68 yards as a consistent go-to target for quarterback Marcus Mariota. Sharpe now has a team-leading eight catches for 103 yards over two tilts.
He makes it easy," Mariota said of Sharpe, per the team's official website. "He is a very versatile athlete, and he's done a lot for us already. He creates separation in and out of his routes and we are going to continue to expect these kinds of things out of him."
The fifth-rounder out of the University of Massachusetts has developed quickly enough to displace the streaky Justin Hunter and allow the Titans to deep-six the Dorial Green-Beckham experiment.
"There's a big trust level," coach Mike Mularkey said of Mariota and Sharpe. "What you're seeing (from Sharpe) is what he basically does in practices. He's made some big catches that we haven't had here in a while. ... Tajae has been a pleasant pick. ... He's consistent."
Tennessee leaned last season almost exclusively on Delanie Walker, who led all NFL tight ends with 94 receptions. Mularkey acknowledged Saturday that Sharpe's emergence "absolutely" takes heat off Walker and "opens up other options for everybody."
Mularkey noted that teams in the preseason aren't "going to go out of their way and try to eliminate Tajae right now," but the rookie is no longer a secret. For a franchise that has struggled greatly to develop pass-catchers, Sharpe's quick start is ideal news for Mariota, Mularkey and the new-look Titans.
The Tennessee Titans didn't have a single wideout catch more than 36 passes a year ago. We don't expect that to be the case in 2016.
Rookie receiver Tajae Sharpe put on another show in Saturday's 26-16 preseason loss to the Panthers, hauling in six passes for 68 yards as a consistent go-to target for quarterback Marcus Mariota. Sharpe now has a team-leading eight catches for 103 yards over two tilts.
He makes it easy," Mariota said of Sharpe, per the team's official website. "He is a very versatile athlete, and he's done a lot for us already. He creates separation in and out of his routes and we are going to continue to expect these kinds of things out of him."
The fifth-rounder out of the University of Massachusetts has developed quickly enough to displace the streaky Justin Hunter and allow the Titans to deep-six the Dorial Green-Beckham experiment.
"There's a big trust level," coach Mike Mularkey said of Mariota and Sharpe. "What you're seeing (from Sharpe) is what he basically does in practices. He's made some big catches that we haven't had here in a while. ... Tajae has been a pleasant pick. ... He's consistent."
Tennessee leaned last season almost exclusively on Delanie Walker, who led all NFL tight ends with 94 receptions. Mularkey acknowledged Saturday that Sharpe's emergence "absolutely" takes heat off Walker and "opens up other options for everybody."
Mularkey noted that teams in the preseason aren't "going to go out of their way and try to eliminate Tajae right now," but the rookie is no longer a secret. For a franchise that has struggled greatly to develop pass-catchers, Sharpe's quick start is ideal news for Mariota, Mularkey and the new-look Titans.
Panthers quarterback Cam Newton has been on the cover of Sports Illustrated enough times between his college and NFL career that he doesn't really worry about the jinx. Good thing, because the reigning MVP is on one of the four regional covers for SI's 2016 NFL preview, The headline reads: "Feel The Heat: Think One Disastrous Super Bowl Will Cool Down Cam Newton? Think Again."
DeMarcus Ware is in uniform and on practice field for Broncos. He was moved off of the non-football illness list Monday.
The Niners continue to work different looks along the offensive line. For brief portion of team period open to media, Anthony Davis was working with first team at right guard again in place of Andrew Tiller. Rookie Joshua Garnett came in for Zane Beadles at left guard with the first unit after a couple of reps for Beadles. San Francisco still seeking its five best for the starting unit.
49ers QB Colin Kaepernick again expected to go through full practice on Tuesday. During part open to the media, Kaepernick did all of the individual drills then for brief period of team came on after about six reps for Blaine Gabbert. Kaepernick showing no signs of issues after practice Monday.
