Shaun Hill left the Lions in free agency before 2014 in part to be closer to home. If he had stayed in Detroit, he would have had no chance of starting with Matthew Stafford the incumbent. Since then, he started eight games for St. Louis in 2014 and is slated to start in Minnesota due to Teddy Bridgewater's season-ending injury. Hill started 10 games in Detroit in 2010 when Stafford was injured and actually threw the pass that ended up creating the 'Calvin Johnson rule.'
Former Bills RB Karlos Williams, who worked out for Jets, also recently worked out for Steelers, per source. Williams getting back in shape.
The Saints placed CB Damian Swann on injured reserve Wednesday with an injury that ESPN's Adam Caplan reported was in the abductor area (but won't require surgery). Swann is not eligible to be designated for return this season since he was placed on IR before Week 1. Swann had a promising rookie year in 2015 that was cut short by concussions, but he struggled to progress this summer, partly due to injuries. The Saints replaced Swann by re-signing DT C.J. Wilson, one day after releasing him. Their signing of DE Paul Kruger is not official yet.
The Packers worked out rookie long snapper Ryan DiSalvo on Wednesday. He was released by the Dolphins earlier this week.
Three injured Jets waived yesterday -- S Dion Bailey, DE Jake Ceresna and RB Romar Morris -- cleared waivers and go on Jets' IR.
Steelers make it official: Zach Mettenberger claimed, Bruce Gradkowski to Reserve Injured.
NFL clears Harrison, Peppers, Matthews in PED probe.
The NFL cleared Packers linebackers Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers and Steelers linebacker James Harrison of taking or obtaining any performance-enhancing substances following its investigation into accusations made about the players in an Al Jazeera America documentary last year.
The league provided a statement on the matter Wednesday:
The NFL found no credible evidence that Pittsburgh's James Harrison and Green Bay's Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers were provided with or used substances prohibited under the NFL-NFL Players Association Policy on Performance-Enhancing Substances following a comprehensive investigation into allegations made in a documentary by Al Jazeera America, it was announced today.
The three players participated in interviews last week at their team facilities.
Initiated in January, the investigation was led by the NFL's security and legal teams with support from expert consultants and other professionals. The investigation involved witness interviews, a review of relevant records and other materials, electronic research, and laboratory analysis and review.
The trio, along with former Broncos and Colts quarterback Peyton Manning and free-agent linebacker Mike Neal, were accused of obtaining performance-enhancing drugs in the report, which was released in December. The NFL cleared Manning of any wrongdoing in July. The league hasn't announced details of its investigation of Neal.
The documentary's main source, a former Guyer Institute intern pharmacist named Charlie Sly, recanted his accusations shortly after the report's release. He was recorded with a hidden camera by Al Jazeera America when he made his original statements.
So ends a turbulent few months for Harrison, Matthews and Peppers. Harrison was especially adamant of his innocence. At one point he requested that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell interview him at his home and later said he thought the interview should be broadcast live. All three players eventually complied to interviews and avoided suspension.
The documentary was a sore spot for all of the athletes involved, especially Manning, Harrison, Peppers and Matthews. The four have never tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs. In a sworn affidavit he and the NFLPA provided to the league prior to being interviewed, Harrison vehemently denied obtaining the supplement "Delta-2," which Sly associated with him.
The NFL cleared Packers linebackers Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers and Steelers linebacker James Harrison of taking or obtaining any performance-enhancing substances following its investigation into accusations made about the players in an Al Jazeera America documentary last year.
The league provided a statement on the matter Wednesday:
The NFL found no credible evidence that Pittsburgh's James Harrison and Green Bay's Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers were provided with or used substances prohibited under the NFL-NFL Players Association Policy on Performance-Enhancing Substances following a comprehensive investigation into allegations made in a documentary by Al Jazeera America, it was announced today.
The three players participated in interviews last week at their team facilities.
Initiated in January, the investigation was led by the NFL's security and legal teams with support from expert consultants and other professionals. The investigation involved witness interviews, a review of relevant records and other materials, electronic research, and laboratory analysis and review.
The trio, along with former Broncos and Colts quarterback Peyton Manning and free-agent linebacker Mike Neal, were accused of obtaining performance-enhancing drugs in the report, which was released in December. The NFL cleared Manning of any wrongdoing in July. The league hasn't announced details of its investigation of Neal.
The documentary's main source, a former Guyer Institute intern pharmacist named Charlie Sly, recanted his accusations shortly after the report's release. He was recorded with a hidden camera by Al Jazeera America when he made his original statements.
So ends a turbulent few months for Harrison, Matthews and Peppers. Harrison was especially adamant of his innocence. At one point he requested that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell interview him at his home and later said he thought the interview should be broadcast live. All three players eventually complied to interviews and avoided suspension.
The documentary was a sore spot for all of the athletes involved, especially Manning, Harrison, Peppers and Matthews. The four have never tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs. In a sworn affidavit he and the NFLPA provided to the league prior to being interviewed, Harrison vehemently denied obtaining the supplement "Delta-2," which Sly associated with him.
NFC ceiling/floor scenarios: Packers, Cardinals can climb high.
Ceiling ... You can be a U.S. Senator one day!
Floor ... Will you be moving out before you're 28?
The highs and lows of expectations -- they're all around. From our parents. From our employers. And, of course, we turn around and project the same on our favorite football teams. If everything breaks right, the Kansas City Chiefs will go 12-4. If everything breaks down -- that is, Justin Houston misses too much time and Jamaal Charles isn't himself -- maybe 7-9 is on the horizon. With the margin of victory so slim in today's NFL -- the realization of former Commissioner Paul Tagliabue's vision of parity -- a five-game swing is actually a pretty narrow range. And the cool thing? We can do this for every franchise, you and I.
Well, I did. Below you will find the hypotheticals -- the hot-dogs-and-apple-pie version as well as the doom-and-gloom scenario -- for every team in the NFL. Bear in mind, these scenarios include eventualities where everything either goes very right or very wrong. In other words, don't get upset at the mere mention of the possibility that the Packers could go 8-8. Much would have to go awry -- like the return of Brian Brohm. Yet, if you still have an issue with these narratives, @HarrisonNFL is the place.
Let's get the dual-universe predictions going with a look at the NFC...
NFC EAST
DALLAS COWBOYS
Ceiling: 12-4. The defense stays afloat while it is without two of its better pass rushers (the suspended duo of DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory). Dak Prescott performs like he has in the preseason against real schemes, holding down the fort until Tony Romo returns. Either Ezekiel Elliott or Alfred Morris takes advantage of running behind the best offensive line in the business.
Floor: 6-10. I don't think this team will go 4-12 again, even with Romo set to miss more time. Last year, Dallas lost a bunch of close calls and also had receiver Dez Bryant go down. After what we've witnessed this preseason: Dak Prescott > Matt Cassel. That said, what if Prescott's preseason (78 percent completion rate, five TDs, zero picks, 137.8 passer rating) was a mirage? The depleted defense can't lose linebacker Sean Lee to injury again.
NEW YORK GIANTS
Ceiling: 11-5. Receiver Sterling Shepard proves to be an Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate. Veteran Victor Cruz produces like the 2012 version of Victor Cruz. The looks-good-in-the-showroom defense plays itself into being at least a top-15 unit. Cornerback Janoris Jenkins becomes one of the steals of free agency. Coach Ben McAdoo keeps the 'stache.
Floor: 5-11. The right side of the offensive line becomes more than a worry, causing the offense to get off to a pitiful start. Running backs Rashad Jennings, Andre Williams and Orleans Darkwa sputter. Ron Dayne comes out of retirement. Truthfully, I think the Giants will be closer to 11-5 than 5-11.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Ceiling: 10-6. Quarterback Sam Bradford plays lights-out football, running back Ryan Mathews stays healthy all season and Doug Pedersen proves more than ready to be a head coach. The offensive line performs consistently, providing the offense time to gel.
Floor: 4-12. The secondary can't hold the fort, with Malcolm Jenkins unable to play at such a high level again, and the pass rush isn't stout enough to compensate. Rookie QB Carson Wentz is forced to play before he's ready, with WRs dropping passes like it was 2015. That's 4-12, folks.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Ceiling: 12-4. The defending NFC East champs have everything go their way. Rookie receiver Josh Doctson contributes immediately. Undrafted rookie back Rob Kelley takes the next man up mentality to heart and runs with it. And the Josh Norman signing greatly improves Washington's defense.
Floor: 5-11. After a career year, QB Kirk Cousins takes a large step backward. Matt Jones fumbles consistently. Inside linebackers Will Compton and Mason Foster struggle on early downs, Su'a Cravens develops slowly, thus negating the newly improved secondary's effect on third.
NFC NORTH
CHICAGO BEARS
Ceiling: 10-6. The Bears get Chivas Regal play out of Jay Cutler. Receiver Kevin White puts up 800 yards and eight touchdowns. And most importantly, the slowly building defense receives a lift from rookie Leonard Floyd, moving from 20th in points allowed to the top 10.
Floor: 3-13. The bottom falls out with Cutler, who sorely misses free-agent defector Martellus Bennett (at least, as a target in the passing game). Second-year pro Jeremy Langford can't hold down a full workload at running back. Harold Jones-Quartey and Adrian Amos and whoever else don't turn out as Hall of Fame safeties ... or starter ilk.
DETROIT LIONS
Ceiling: 10-6. Golden Tate must catch 100 balls OR Marvin Jones must turn out to be the top signing in free agency. The light bulb comes on for running back Ameer Abdullah. Linebacker DeAndre Levy is healthy and Stephen Tulloch isn't missed.
Floor: 4-12. Matthew Stafford looks like a man devoid of the best wide receiver this side of Larry Fitzgerald. Pass rusher Ziggy Ansah fails to repeat his stellar 2015 campaign with no one up front picking up his All-Pro slack (Devin Taylor? Haloti Ngata? A'Shawn Robinson?).
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Ceiling: 14-2. While the defense frankly isn't good enough for the Packers to go 15-1 like they did in 2011, the offense is. Or it can be. Receiver Jordy Nelson puts up 1,400 yards and 14 TDs in his return from a season lost to injury. Running back Eddie Lacy keeps the weight and the tacklers off, balancing the offense.
Floor: 8-8. Barring something terrible, it is very hard to see this Green Bay team posting a losing record. (We're mostly avoiding the QB injury outcome.) Aaron Rodgers has to have his worst season. Sam Barrington and Jake Ryan are wholly ineffective inside. Youngsters Damarious Randall and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix take a step backward.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Ceiling: 10-6. Teddy Bridgewater's disastrous injury -- the quarterback was placed on injured reserve Wednesday after suffering a dislocated knee and torn ACL at practice on Tuesday -- limits this ceiling quite a bit. If backup Shaun Hill ends up being the starter in Bridgewater's place, the Vikings' best-case record will be 10-6, even if absolutely everything else goes right for them -- like rookie receiver Laquon Treadwell becoming a top-flight red-zone target and Adrian Peterson avoiding a late-career slow-down.
Floor: 6-10. Peterson hits the Shaun Alexander/Larry Johnson Wall. Jerick McKinnon proves to be a career backup. Losing Bridgewater plays out exactly how you'd expect it to. The top-five defense posts not one, not two, but a string of paltry showings.
NFC SOUTH
ATLANTA FALCONS
Ceiling: 11-5. Matt Ryan moves past being a good player to the premier status he was prematurely awarded after three years in the league. Running backs Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman form one of the top 1-2 punches in the league, assisting the defense with ball control.
Floor: 4-12. Seeing the same swing for the Falcons as the Bucs, although I feel Atlanta will finish behind its rival. Dwight Freeney feels his age (36) ... meaning there's no pass rush. Again. Youngster Keanu Neal's success is thwarted by his preseason knee injury. Mohamed Sanu? WR3.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Ceiling: 14-2. Mike Shula retains his play-calling magic with Cam Newton running point. Jonathan Stewart = healthy. Sans Josh Norman and facing a relatively tough schedule, the Panthers' best hope is to be 14-2. Remember, in 2015, Carolina played the weak AFC South and NFC East.
Floor: 9-7. The division is not strong enough to knock the Panthers down to .500. But if the kids in the secondary struggle to fill the Norman void -- and the edge rush isn't there again -- Carolina could lose much more often in 2016. Receiver Kelvin Benjamin starting slowly after missing 2015 with a torn ACL would turn bad quickly.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Ceiling: 10-6. Cameron Jordan doesn't end up having to singularly provide the pass rush. Stephone Anthony comes into his own at linebacker, receiving more than just tutelage from James Laurinaitis. Mark Ingram rushes for 1,200 yards, providing time on the bench for the Saints' dog-tired defense.
Floor: 5-11. Speaking of Ingram, Drew Brees needs help. In the 5-11 scenario, 37-year-old QB hits the career wall, leaving even more in the defense's hands. Tight end Coby Fleener is on-again, off-again, like he was for much of his career in Indy. Still, Brees and New Orleans are too good at home to only win three games.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Ceiling: 11-5. A lot would have to happen here, starting with Jameis Winston continuing his progression in Year 2 to a point that would make him a top-15 quarterback. The Bucs must get something from the TE position, and Robert Ayers would provide 10 sacks in his first year in Tampa.
Floor: 4-12. Dirk Koetter struggles in his transition to head coach. Doug Martin resembles the 2013 and '14 Doug Martin, not the 2015 vintage. Veteran pass catcher Vincent Jackson shows his age, with Mike Evans struggling with a basic function of being a wide receiver: catching the football. Honestly, I think the Bucs go 8-8.
NFC WEST
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Ceiling: 15-1. Arizona is certainly a Super Bowl contender, but in order to hit 15 wins, the Cardinals have to sweep Seattle, because they go on the road to Carolina and Minnesota. Honey Badger will have to return better than ever. The secondary is already thin. Chandler Jones proves to be good for more than 10 sacks.
Floor: 9-7. Much would go south here, especially considering Bruce Arians went 11-5 with Drew Stanton and Ryan Lindley starting games in 2014. Running back David Johnson would falter carrying the load. Receiver Larry Fitzgerald would get old, fast. Carson Palmer? Think of the picks and fumbles in the NFC title game.
LOS ANGELES RAMS
Ceiling: 9-7. A lot of people feel the Rams are almost there, but with a small draft haul (because of the deal for Jared Goff), nine wins is as far as we can go. Goff would have to unseat Case Keenum and play viably, with the WRs all playing over their heads, especially Tavon Austin.
Floor: 4-12. The floor is higher than the 49ers', based on overall talent. It would be quite tough for L.A. to finish this low, especially with its D-line. Reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Todd Gurley would seriously regress in this scenario, with the new-look secondary faltering sans Janoris Jenkins (and with T.J. McDonald a question mark).
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Ceiling: 9-7. For the Niners to win nine games, Colin Kaepernick would have to take over for Blaine Gabbert early in the season. Not the 2014-15 Kaepernick mind you, but the version who won the 2013 wild-card game at Lambeau. If Gabbert starts all 16, I don't see the 49ers' ceiling being higher than .500. Receiver Torrey Smith produces, while the young DEs overachieve.
Floor: 3-13. There is too much talent on this team for the Niners to do worse than 3-13 or, truthfully, be anywhere close to that bad. Still, if running back Carlos Hyde is ineffective, linebacker NaVorro Bowman has a setback with that knee, and the secondary performs even worse than it did last year ...
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Ceiling: 14-2. Seattle still has the capability to finish as the top seed in the NFC. Three things would most likely happen: 1) Running backs Thomas Rawls and Christine Michael would provide a prolific 1-2 punch. 2) The offensive line would shock everyone. 3) Rookie defensive tackle Jarran Reed would contribute immediately.
Floor: 9-7. Last year, plenty went wrong with the Seahawks, but they still finished 10-6. In the floor scenario, Russell Wilson can't put the team on his back for long spurts, plays are forced to Jimmy Graham repeatedly and former left tackle Russell Okung is badly missed (by Wilson).
Ceiling ... You can be a U.S. Senator one day!
Floor ... Will you be moving out before you're 28?
The highs and lows of expectations -- they're all around. From our parents. From our employers. And, of course, we turn around and project the same on our favorite football teams. If everything breaks right, the Kansas City Chiefs will go 12-4. If everything breaks down -- that is, Justin Houston misses too much time and Jamaal Charles isn't himself -- maybe 7-9 is on the horizon. With the margin of victory so slim in today's NFL -- the realization of former Commissioner Paul Tagliabue's vision of parity -- a five-game swing is actually a pretty narrow range. And the cool thing? We can do this for every franchise, you and I.
Well, I did. Below you will find the hypotheticals -- the hot-dogs-and-apple-pie version as well as the doom-and-gloom scenario -- for every team in the NFL. Bear in mind, these scenarios include eventualities where everything either goes very right or very wrong. In other words, don't get upset at the mere mention of the possibility that the Packers could go 8-8. Much would have to go awry -- like the return of Brian Brohm. Yet, if you still have an issue with these narratives, @HarrisonNFL is the place.
Let's get the dual-universe predictions going with a look at the NFC...
NFC EAST
DALLAS COWBOYS
Ceiling: 12-4. The defense stays afloat while it is without two of its better pass rushers (the suspended duo of DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory). Dak Prescott performs like he has in the preseason against real schemes, holding down the fort until Tony Romo returns. Either Ezekiel Elliott or Alfred Morris takes advantage of running behind the best offensive line in the business.
Floor: 6-10. I don't think this team will go 4-12 again, even with Romo set to miss more time. Last year, Dallas lost a bunch of close calls and also had receiver Dez Bryant go down. After what we've witnessed this preseason: Dak Prescott > Matt Cassel. That said, what if Prescott's preseason (78 percent completion rate, five TDs, zero picks, 137.8 passer rating) was a mirage? The depleted defense can't lose linebacker Sean Lee to injury again.
NEW YORK GIANTS
Ceiling: 11-5. Receiver Sterling Shepard proves to be an Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate. Veteran Victor Cruz produces like the 2012 version of Victor Cruz. The looks-good-in-the-showroom defense plays itself into being at least a top-15 unit. Cornerback Janoris Jenkins becomes one of the steals of free agency. Coach Ben McAdoo keeps the 'stache.
Floor: 5-11. The right side of the offensive line becomes more than a worry, causing the offense to get off to a pitiful start. Running backs Rashad Jennings, Andre Williams and Orleans Darkwa sputter. Ron Dayne comes out of retirement. Truthfully, I think the Giants will be closer to 11-5 than 5-11.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Ceiling: 10-6. Quarterback Sam Bradford plays lights-out football, running back Ryan Mathews stays healthy all season and Doug Pedersen proves more than ready to be a head coach. The offensive line performs consistently, providing the offense time to gel.
Floor: 4-12. The secondary can't hold the fort, with Malcolm Jenkins unable to play at such a high level again, and the pass rush isn't stout enough to compensate. Rookie QB Carson Wentz is forced to play before he's ready, with WRs dropping passes like it was 2015. That's 4-12, folks.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Ceiling: 12-4. The defending NFC East champs have everything go their way. Rookie receiver Josh Doctson contributes immediately. Undrafted rookie back Rob Kelley takes the next man up mentality to heart and runs with it. And the Josh Norman signing greatly improves Washington's defense.
Floor: 5-11. After a career year, QB Kirk Cousins takes a large step backward. Matt Jones fumbles consistently. Inside linebackers Will Compton and Mason Foster struggle on early downs, Su'a Cravens develops slowly, thus negating the newly improved secondary's effect on third.
NFC NORTH
CHICAGO BEARS
Ceiling: 10-6. The Bears get Chivas Regal play out of Jay Cutler. Receiver Kevin White puts up 800 yards and eight touchdowns. And most importantly, the slowly building defense receives a lift from rookie Leonard Floyd, moving from 20th in points allowed to the top 10.
Floor: 3-13. The bottom falls out with Cutler, who sorely misses free-agent defector Martellus Bennett (at least, as a target in the passing game). Second-year pro Jeremy Langford can't hold down a full workload at running back. Harold Jones-Quartey and Adrian Amos and whoever else don't turn out as Hall of Fame safeties ... or starter ilk.
DETROIT LIONS
Ceiling: 10-6. Golden Tate must catch 100 balls OR Marvin Jones must turn out to be the top signing in free agency. The light bulb comes on for running back Ameer Abdullah. Linebacker DeAndre Levy is healthy and Stephen Tulloch isn't missed.
Floor: 4-12. Matthew Stafford looks like a man devoid of the best wide receiver this side of Larry Fitzgerald. Pass rusher Ziggy Ansah fails to repeat his stellar 2015 campaign with no one up front picking up his All-Pro slack (Devin Taylor? Haloti Ngata? A'Shawn Robinson?).
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Ceiling: 14-2. While the defense frankly isn't good enough for the Packers to go 15-1 like they did in 2011, the offense is. Or it can be. Receiver Jordy Nelson puts up 1,400 yards and 14 TDs in his return from a season lost to injury. Running back Eddie Lacy keeps the weight and the tacklers off, balancing the offense.
Floor: 8-8. Barring something terrible, it is very hard to see this Green Bay team posting a losing record. (We're mostly avoiding the QB injury outcome.) Aaron Rodgers has to have his worst season. Sam Barrington and Jake Ryan are wholly ineffective inside. Youngsters Damarious Randall and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix take a step backward.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Ceiling: 10-6. Teddy Bridgewater's disastrous injury -- the quarterback was placed on injured reserve Wednesday after suffering a dislocated knee and torn ACL at practice on Tuesday -- limits this ceiling quite a bit. If backup Shaun Hill ends up being the starter in Bridgewater's place, the Vikings' best-case record will be 10-6, even if absolutely everything else goes right for them -- like rookie receiver Laquon Treadwell becoming a top-flight red-zone target and Adrian Peterson avoiding a late-career slow-down.
Floor: 6-10. Peterson hits the Shaun Alexander/Larry Johnson Wall. Jerick McKinnon proves to be a career backup. Losing Bridgewater plays out exactly how you'd expect it to. The top-five defense posts not one, not two, but a string of paltry showings.
NFC SOUTH
ATLANTA FALCONS
Ceiling: 11-5. Matt Ryan moves past being a good player to the premier status he was prematurely awarded after three years in the league. Running backs Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman form one of the top 1-2 punches in the league, assisting the defense with ball control.
Floor: 4-12. Seeing the same swing for the Falcons as the Bucs, although I feel Atlanta will finish behind its rival. Dwight Freeney feels his age (36) ... meaning there's no pass rush. Again. Youngster Keanu Neal's success is thwarted by his preseason knee injury. Mohamed Sanu? WR3.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Ceiling: 14-2. Mike Shula retains his play-calling magic with Cam Newton running point. Jonathan Stewart = healthy. Sans Josh Norman and facing a relatively tough schedule, the Panthers' best hope is to be 14-2. Remember, in 2015, Carolina played the weak AFC South and NFC East.
Floor: 9-7. The division is not strong enough to knock the Panthers down to .500. But if the kids in the secondary struggle to fill the Norman void -- and the edge rush isn't there again -- Carolina could lose much more often in 2016. Receiver Kelvin Benjamin starting slowly after missing 2015 with a torn ACL would turn bad quickly.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Ceiling: 10-6. Cameron Jordan doesn't end up having to singularly provide the pass rush. Stephone Anthony comes into his own at linebacker, receiving more than just tutelage from James Laurinaitis. Mark Ingram rushes for 1,200 yards, providing time on the bench for the Saints' dog-tired defense.
Floor: 5-11. Speaking of Ingram, Drew Brees needs help. In the 5-11 scenario, 37-year-old QB hits the career wall, leaving even more in the defense's hands. Tight end Coby Fleener is on-again, off-again, like he was for much of his career in Indy. Still, Brees and New Orleans are too good at home to only win three games.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Ceiling: 11-5. A lot would have to happen here, starting with Jameis Winston continuing his progression in Year 2 to a point that would make him a top-15 quarterback. The Bucs must get something from the TE position, and Robert Ayers would provide 10 sacks in his first year in Tampa.
Floor: 4-12. Dirk Koetter struggles in his transition to head coach. Doug Martin resembles the 2013 and '14 Doug Martin, not the 2015 vintage. Veteran pass catcher Vincent Jackson shows his age, with Mike Evans struggling with a basic function of being a wide receiver: catching the football. Honestly, I think the Bucs go 8-8.
NFC WEST
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Ceiling: 15-1. Arizona is certainly a Super Bowl contender, but in order to hit 15 wins, the Cardinals have to sweep Seattle, because they go on the road to Carolina and Minnesota. Honey Badger will have to return better than ever. The secondary is already thin. Chandler Jones proves to be good for more than 10 sacks.
Floor: 9-7. Much would go south here, especially considering Bruce Arians went 11-5 with Drew Stanton and Ryan Lindley starting games in 2014. Running back David Johnson would falter carrying the load. Receiver Larry Fitzgerald would get old, fast. Carson Palmer? Think of the picks and fumbles in the NFC title game.
LOS ANGELES RAMS
Ceiling: 9-7. A lot of people feel the Rams are almost there, but with a small draft haul (because of the deal for Jared Goff), nine wins is as far as we can go. Goff would have to unseat Case Keenum and play viably, with the WRs all playing over their heads, especially Tavon Austin.
Floor: 4-12. The floor is higher than the 49ers', based on overall talent. It would be quite tough for L.A. to finish this low, especially with its D-line. Reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Todd Gurley would seriously regress in this scenario, with the new-look secondary faltering sans Janoris Jenkins (and with T.J. McDonald a question mark).
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Ceiling: 9-7. For the Niners to win nine games, Colin Kaepernick would have to take over for Blaine Gabbert early in the season. Not the 2014-15 Kaepernick mind you, but the version who won the 2013 wild-card game at Lambeau. If Gabbert starts all 16, I don't see the 49ers' ceiling being higher than .500. Receiver Torrey Smith produces, while the young DEs overachieve.
Floor: 3-13. There is too much talent on this team for the Niners to do worse than 3-13 or, truthfully, be anywhere close to that bad. Still, if running back Carlos Hyde is ineffective, linebacker NaVorro Bowman has a setback with that knee, and the secondary performs even worse than it did last year ...
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Ceiling: 14-2. Seattle still has the capability to finish as the top seed in the NFC. Three things would most likely happen: 1) Running backs Thomas Rawls and Christine Michael would provide a prolific 1-2 punch. 2) The offensive line would shock everyone. 3) Rookie defensive tackle Jarran Reed would contribute immediately.
Floor: 9-7. Last year, plenty went wrong with the Seahawks, but they still finished 10-6. In the floor scenario, Russell Wilson can't put the team on his back for long spurts, plays are forced to Jimmy Graham repeatedly and former left tackle Russell Okung is badly missed (by Wilson).
Joey Bosa looks 'ready to roll' in return to Chargers.
After a nasty holdout that left both Joey Bosa and the Chargers in an ugly place with each other, the first-round pass rusher finally returned to practice on Tuesday.
So how did he look?
"It was great to get him here," coach Mike McCoy said, per the team's official website. "We couldn't wait to get him here, and he looked as expected (which is) in shape, (and) ready to roll."
Said McCoy: "(He's) a guy who loves to play. The energy, the passion he comes to work with every day. He was that way all day yesterday either in the weight room, in the meetings (or) no matter where it was. You go out there and see it when he goes through individual drills. He looked like the way he did when he left."
After finally signing his rookie deal -- a four-year, $25.8 million contract packed with a $17 million signing bonus, the largest upfront installment in team history -- Bosa acknowledged it was "nice actually getting to run some plays."
"It's just going to take a little bit of time to get back in the rhythm of things and get all the plays," said the No. 3 overall pick. "I spent some extra time with coach yesterday, and I'm going to spend extra time with him today and I'm sure throughout the rest of the week to get up to pace."
Tuesday's session was a non-contact practice, meaning Bosa hasn't toiled in pads since his final game with Ohio State on New Year's Day. His former Buckeyes teammate, linebacker Joshua Perry, doesn't believe that will be an issue.
"Joey came back ready to roll like he said he would. Guys received him well," Perry said. "We're all excited to have him back. I'm looking forward to building the bond like we did back in school together. But he looked like Joey today."
Veteran Corey Liuget described Bosa as not "really saying much because he's still a rookie, so he is feeling his way through things," but noted: "We could tell that he definitely had been working out while he was away. That was obvious. He was in good shape."
If Bosa hits the ground running, prepare yourself for a flood of hot takes about the fact that training camp, ultimately, is a meaningless exercise.
That isn't the case, but Bosa was drafted for what he displayed on film at Ohio State: The unmistakable and unusual traits of a dominant quarterback-destroyer who very well could make a difference right away -- holdout or no holdout.
After a nasty holdout that left both Joey Bosa and the Chargers in an ugly place with each other, the first-round pass rusher finally returned to practice on Tuesday.
So how did he look?
"It was great to get him here," coach Mike McCoy said, per the team's official website. "We couldn't wait to get him here, and he looked as expected (which is) in shape, (and) ready to roll."
Said McCoy: "(He's) a guy who loves to play. The energy, the passion he comes to work with every day. He was that way all day yesterday either in the weight room, in the meetings (or) no matter where it was. You go out there and see it when he goes through individual drills. He looked like the way he did when he left."
After finally signing his rookie deal -- a four-year, $25.8 million contract packed with a $17 million signing bonus, the largest upfront installment in team history -- Bosa acknowledged it was "nice actually getting to run some plays."
"It's just going to take a little bit of time to get back in the rhythm of things and get all the plays," said the No. 3 overall pick. "I spent some extra time with coach yesterday, and I'm going to spend extra time with him today and I'm sure throughout the rest of the week to get up to pace."
Tuesday's session was a non-contact practice, meaning Bosa hasn't toiled in pads since his final game with Ohio State on New Year's Day. His former Buckeyes teammate, linebacker Joshua Perry, doesn't believe that will be an issue.
"Joey came back ready to roll like he said he would. Guys received him well," Perry said. "We're all excited to have him back. I'm looking forward to building the bond like we did back in school together. But he looked like Joey today."
Veteran Corey Liuget described Bosa as not "really saying much because he's still a rookie, so he is feeling his way through things," but noted: "We could tell that he definitely had been working out while he was away. That was obvious. He was in good shape."
If Bosa hits the ground running, prepare yourself for a flood of hot takes about the fact that training camp, ultimately, is a meaningless exercise.
That isn't the case, but Bosa was drafted for what he displayed on film at Ohio State: The unmistakable and unusual traits of a dominant quarterback-destroyer who very well could make a difference right away -- holdout or no holdout.
Super Bowl LI pick: New England Patriots vs. Arizona Cardinals.
Time to look into the crystal ball and see who'll be playing for the Lombardi Trophy in February.
I write this column every year for NFL.com. And if there's one thing I learned from infamously predicting a Falcons-Texans Super Bowl a few years back (in a season where those two teams would go on to win a combined six games), it's this:
Always pick the best teams. Pick the most talented rosters. Pick great organizations. Pick Hall of Famers.
Aaahhh, yes -- logic. Quite a concept.
With that as a backdrop, I'll pick the Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots to meet in Houston for Super Bowl LI. Yup, five months after they meet in Glendale on the season's first Sunday.
Why the Cards?
Arizona is the best team in football. Steve Keim, the Cardinals' outstanding general manager, has built the NFL's No. 1 roster, 1 through 53. Arizona has depth and oozes talent. The Cards can beat you in multiple ways. And after losing on Championship Sunday last season -- getting blasted by Cam Newton and the Panthers, to be frank -- Arizona is driven and ready to get over the hump.
The Cardinals have everything you want in a contender, starting with the man in the Kangol cap. Bruce Arians is a fantastic coach who will maximize Keim's roster. Arians coaches aggressively and confidently -- and the players take on his personality. The Cardinals aren't cocky, but they know their capabilities. They practice hard. They play hard. They expect to win. That's Bruce Arians football.
When Tyrann Mathieu tore his ACL last December, the Cardinals lost their heart and soul, not to mention a true candidate for Defensive Player of the Year. Mathieu rehabbed with his trademark intensity, and now he's "ready to roll" for Week 1, according to Arians, who also added that he expects his Swiss Army Knife "to be out there full speed." Yes! Mathieu's poised to regain his status as one of the most impactful defensive players in the league, a true playmaker who just has a knack for being around the football. Keim knows Mathieu's immense value, as evidenced by the megabucks extension he just handed the safety. $40 million in guarantees for a guy who just suffered his second major knee injury? Tells you how big a game changer Mathieu is when he's on the field.
Mathieu, of course, isn't the only superstar in Arizona's secondary. Patrick Peterson is the best cornerback in the NFL. This summer, Calais Campbell told me on my nightly CBS Sports Network TV show, "Time to Schein," that he thinks Peterson is equivalent to Deion Sanders in his prime. A stretch? Sure. But Peterson is the best in the business in 2016 -- a true lockdown, shutdown glove.
Campbell is a spectacular player himself -- a leader who anchors the front seven on defense, a guy who finally has gotten the respect he deserves with back-to-back Pro Bowl selections. Even with Campbell up front, Arizona had one glaring weakness a year ago: the lack of a consistent pass rusher off the edge. So Keim traded for one of the best in the league, former Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones. He will sack the quarterback 15 to 20 times this year.
Bottom line: The Cardinals will field a top three-to-five defense in 2016. And then there's the offense.
I love the dynamic versatility of Arians' attack. On a team that boasts a fantastic aerial assault, I actually think running back David Johnson will be the Cardinals' best offensive player. Johnson is a second-year stud who will run the ball with speed and power -- oh, and he's also a terrifying weapon in the passing game. Johnson will be a top-five running back in the league this year. The offensive line is solid and underrated.
Back to the aerial attack for a second. Arizona's top three receivers -- Larry Fitzgerald, John Brown and Michael Floyd -- complement each other perfectly. You can't focus on just one. And Carson Palmer wows you in the regular season.
Yes, notice that I ended that last sentence with "in the regular season." I share the hesitation many of you have with Palmer in the playoffs. Majestic regular seasons have not carried over to January for the quarterback. His numbers from last season's two postseason games: four touchdown passes, six interceptions, three fumbles (two lost) and a 67.1 passer rating. Oof. Well, this year, I'm banking on Johnson to truly help shoulder the load. I'm banking on Honey Badger being back, spearheading a stingy defense that won't allow Arizona to get down big early in a game. I'm banking on Palmer breathing. He's stunned me in the regular season as a Cardinal. Now, the way his career will be defined is hanging in the balance. It's go time. I trust Arians to guide him to the Promised Land.
Arizona is loaded. The Cardinals can withstand inevitable injuries. My biggest concern is the stout competition in the NFC. The NFC West rival Seahawks are loaded, too. And the reigning NFC champion Panthers will be back in the playoffs and ready to rock. But I like Arizona's team better than both. With the crushing news on Vikings QB Teddy Bridgewater, Green Bay might go 6-0 in the NFC North. I have the Cardinals beating the Packers on Championship Sunday in Arizona.
I'm trusting the Cardinals' talent and drive. "All or Nothing" was more than just a great TV show -- it gave us a behind-the-scenes look at the Cardinals' culture, the Cardinals' way of life. And that's something I can get on board with.
Why the Pats?
Frankly, I didn't hesitate in the AFC, even with Tom Brady missing a quarter of the regular season. After the Cardinals beat the visiting Patriots in Week 1, Jimmy Garoppolo will win three straight home games (over the Dolphins, Texans and Bills). The young QB has Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels. He has Rob Gronkowski.
And then Brady comes back and reminds you he's the best quarterback in NFL history.
Fresh out of retirement, Dante Scarnecchia will straighten out the maligned offensive line.
The defense, which ranked in the top 10 in total D and points allowed last season, is underrated. Jamie Collins is the best NFL player you don't hear about (at least not enough -- dude's a versatile stud).
Did I mention Bill Belichick is the single best coach in NFL history?
I think there is amazing competition in the AFC -- from about 2 through 10 in the conference. (The defending Super Bowl champion Broncos will take a step back with their quarterback situation.) But the No. 1 spot is a no-brainer: It's New England. No need to spill more ink on them.
And the Super Bowl LI winner will be ...
Maybe Super Bowl Sunday is won with Jones strip-sacking his old teammate Brady (leading to a recovery by Mathieu, obviously). Maybe Johnson takes a swing pass the distance for the game-winning score. Maybe it's a Peterson pick. Maybe it's a Palmer-to-Brown home-run ball.
But there are no maybes about the 2016 Arizona Cardinals. They are built brilliantly. They are coached brilliantly.
It's the Cards' time to shine.
Time to look into the crystal ball and see who'll be playing for the Lombardi Trophy in February.
I write this column every year for NFL.com. And if there's one thing I learned from infamously predicting a Falcons-Texans Super Bowl a few years back (in a season where those two teams would go on to win a combined six games), it's this:
Always pick the best teams. Pick the most talented rosters. Pick great organizations. Pick Hall of Famers.
Aaahhh, yes -- logic. Quite a concept.
With that as a backdrop, I'll pick the Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots to meet in Houston for Super Bowl LI. Yup, five months after they meet in Glendale on the season's first Sunday.
Why the Cards?
Arizona is the best team in football. Steve Keim, the Cardinals' outstanding general manager, has built the NFL's No. 1 roster, 1 through 53. Arizona has depth and oozes talent. The Cards can beat you in multiple ways. And after losing on Championship Sunday last season -- getting blasted by Cam Newton and the Panthers, to be frank -- Arizona is driven and ready to get over the hump.
The Cardinals have everything you want in a contender, starting with the man in the Kangol cap. Bruce Arians is a fantastic coach who will maximize Keim's roster. Arians coaches aggressively and confidently -- and the players take on his personality. The Cardinals aren't cocky, but they know their capabilities. They practice hard. They play hard. They expect to win. That's Bruce Arians football.
When Tyrann Mathieu tore his ACL last December, the Cardinals lost their heart and soul, not to mention a true candidate for Defensive Player of the Year. Mathieu rehabbed with his trademark intensity, and now he's "ready to roll" for Week 1, according to Arians, who also added that he expects his Swiss Army Knife "to be out there full speed." Yes! Mathieu's poised to regain his status as one of the most impactful defensive players in the league, a true playmaker who just has a knack for being around the football. Keim knows Mathieu's immense value, as evidenced by the megabucks extension he just handed the safety. $40 million in guarantees for a guy who just suffered his second major knee injury? Tells you how big a game changer Mathieu is when he's on the field.
Mathieu, of course, isn't the only superstar in Arizona's secondary. Patrick Peterson is the best cornerback in the NFL. This summer, Calais Campbell told me on my nightly CBS Sports Network TV show, "Time to Schein," that he thinks Peterson is equivalent to Deion Sanders in his prime. A stretch? Sure. But Peterson is the best in the business in 2016 -- a true lockdown, shutdown glove.
Campbell is a spectacular player himself -- a leader who anchors the front seven on defense, a guy who finally has gotten the respect he deserves with back-to-back Pro Bowl selections. Even with Campbell up front, Arizona had one glaring weakness a year ago: the lack of a consistent pass rusher off the edge. So Keim traded for one of the best in the league, former Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones. He will sack the quarterback 15 to 20 times this year.
Bottom line: The Cardinals will field a top three-to-five defense in 2016. And then there's the offense.
I love the dynamic versatility of Arians' attack. On a team that boasts a fantastic aerial assault, I actually think running back David Johnson will be the Cardinals' best offensive player. Johnson is a second-year stud who will run the ball with speed and power -- oh, and he's also a terrifying weapon in the passing game. Johnson will be a top-five running back in the league this year. The offensive line is solid and underrated.
Back to the aerial attack for a second. Arizona's top three receivers -- Larry Fitzgerald, John Brown and Michael Floyd -- complement each other perfectly. You can't focus on just one. And Carson Palmer wows you in the regular season.
Yes, notice that I ended that last sentence with "in the regular season." I share the hesitation many of you have with Palmer in the playoffs. Majestic regular seasons have not carried over to January for the quarterback. His numbers from last season's two postseason games: four touchdown passes, six interceptions, three fumbles (two lost) and a 67.1 passer rating. Oof. Well, this year, I'm banking on Johnson to truly help shoulder the load. I'm banking on Honey Badger being back, spearheading a stingy defense that won't allow Arizona to get down big early in a game. I'm banking on Palmer breathing. He's stunned me in the regular season as a Cardinal. Now, the way his career will be defined is hanging in the balance. It's go time. I trust Arians to guide him to the Promised Land.
Arizona is loaded. The Cardinals can withstand inevitable injuries. My biggest concern is the stout competition in the NFC. The NFC West rival Seahawks are loaded, too. And the reigning NFC champion Panthers will be back in the playoffs and ready to rock. But I like Arizona's team better than both. With the crushing news on Vikings QB Teddy Bridgewater, Green Bay might go 6-0 in the NFC North. I have the Cardinals beating the Packers on Championship Sunday in Arizona.
I'm trusting the Cardinals' talent and drive. "All or Nothing" was more than just a great TV show -- it gave us a behind-the-scenes look at the Cardinals' culture, the Cardinals' way of life. And that's something I can get on board with.
Why the Pats?
Frankly, I didn't hesitate in the AFC, even with Tom Brady missing a quarter of the regular season. After the Cardinals beat the visiting Patriots in Week 1, Jimmy Garoppolo will win three straight home games (over the Dolphins, Texans and Bills). The young QB has Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels. He has Rob Gronkowski.
And then Brady comes back and reminds you he's the best quarterback in NFL history.
Fresh out of retirement, Dante Scarnecchia will straighten out the maligned offensive line.
The defense, which ranked in the top 10 in total D and points allowed last season, is underrated. Jamie Collins is the best NFL player you don't hear about (at least not enough -- dude's a versatile stud).
Did I mention Bill Belichick is the single best coach in NFL history?
I think there is amazing competition in the AFC -- from about 2 through 10 in the conference. (The defending Super Bowl champion Broncos will take a step back with their quarterback situation.) But the No. 1 spot is a no-brainer: It's New England. No need to spill more ink on them.
And the Super Bowl LI winner will be ...
Maybe Super Bowl Sunday is won with Jones strip-sacking his old teammate Brady (leading to a recovery by Mathieu, obviously). Maybe Johnson takes a swing pass the distance for the game-winning score. Maybe it's a Peterson pick. Maybe it's a Palmer-to-Brown home-run ball.
But there are no maybes about the 2016 Arizona Cardinals. They are built brilliantly. They are coached brilliantly.
It's the Cards' time to shine.
Christian Hackenberg learning to wait for time to shine with Jets.
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Christian Hackenberg is sitting on a steel bench in the Jets' field house Monday, reliving the first snaps he's taken as an NFL quarterback.
He's analytical. He smiles. (For the record, he is not smiling as broadly as his head coach did after Hackenberg's first touchdown pass as a Jet; we'll get to that later.) Hackenberg is sporting a semblance of a mustache, which is standard operating procedure, or something like that, for quarterbacks around here.
"It's mandated," he said.
He's joking.
These are interesting times for Hackenberg, who never missed a start in his three years at Penn State, beginning with his first game as an 18-year-old freshman. If 2016 goes according to the Jets' plan, he may not so much as suit up for a contest this season.
"Ultimately, I have to control what I can control, and that's coming in every day and being the best pro I can be and preparing as if I am the starter, as if I am playing Week 1 against Cincinnati," he said. "[I want to] get in the habit of that, because when that opportunity is presented to me, I don't want to have to make changes. I want to already be there [in terms of routine]."
All of that might be a year, perhaps two, away.
But there is this Thursday: Coach Todd Bowles said second-year pro Bryce Petty and Hackenberg will split the quarterbacking duties in the preseason finale in Philadelphia. Starter Ryan Fitzpatrick and backup Geno Smith will sit.
The goal for Hackenberg? Look comfortable, Bowles said, "and command the offense and make less mistakes than he made the week before."
On Saturday against the Giants, Hackenberg became the last of the quarterbacks in the 2016 draft class to play in a preseason game, evidence of the Jets' crowded depth chart at his position.
In a four-headed quarterback room, Hackenberg is the one who is told occasionally to get the coffee. (A rather gentle rookie initiation, isn't it?) He's also the one asking the most questions.
Before Saturday, Hackenberg hadn't entered a football game in relief since he was a freshman in high school. The last time he counted a veteran quarterback as a teammate was ... never.
As in never.
"I've always kinda been the 'older' guy, even when I was the younger guy," Hackenberg said. "Having that now, with three other [perspectives], has been great."
Hackenberg is particularly grateful that Fitzpatrick, a well-traveled 11-year veteran, is wholly willing to share his experiences and wisdom. "An awesome resource," Hackenberg said.
Fitzpatrick has spoken kindly of Hackenberg's mental aptitude and physical tools, comparing him to a Madden video-game creation "with the height and the size and the arm strength and all that."
In the first two preseason games, Hackenberg stood and watched and listened and learned. He found patience.
"It was a unique opportunity for me to gather as much information as I could before I went in there," he said.
Hackenberg got the call with 12:06 remaining Saturday night.
His first drive ended in a touchdown but started ominously -- with two incompletions and a delay-of-game penalty -- until he hit tight end Zach Sudfeld with a 16-yard strike.
"I thought the one incompletion was a good ball," he said. "Every time we had run that play, I'd never gotten back to that read. It was a situation where [the Giants] were running the right defense for it. And I had to get all the way back to my fifth progression.
"The delay of game was what it was. [But] once Zach made that play, a great grab in tight coverage, that kind of jump-started everything."
On successive passes, Hackenberg connected with undrafted rookie Robby Anderson for 27 yards down the left sideline on a corner route and then for a 10-yard touchdown, on a tighter corner route to the end zone.
"It was just like I was just reacting," Hackenberg said. "For me, it's been a while since I was just reacting. And it felt really good just to be super-confident in what I was doing and super-confident in what the defense was giving me and being able to just throw the football and not think about anything else. It was refreshing."
(My take: Hackenberg was sacked 84 times the last two seasons. A clean pocket that allows him to set his feet likely qualifies as "refreshing.")
On the touchdown, Hackenberg saw a hurried defense as the play clock was running down.
"It was the right coverage to get Robby the ball and he beat his guy clean," he said. "We had been working on that play pretty much all of training camp. You've been to practice; the emphasis was red zone, and it was that route. It was just cool to see that come to fruition."
The Jets' sideline erupted. Bowles, usually the definition of stoic, smiled from ear to ear.
"It was a good drive," Hackenberg said. "A good way to start the career."
In a press conference, I told Bowles he's never looked happier.
"I hope not," Bowles said, laughing. "I'd like to think I've had happier times in my life."
He added: "I was happy for the kid."
Hackenberg finished the game completing 6 of 16 passes for 105 yards, along with a costly interception thrown deep in his own territory that allowed the Giants to score the game-winning touchdown.
"Definitely something to learn from," Hackenberg said. "[I will] try not to make that [mistake) again."
As for Bowles, he and the Jets are going to give Hackenberg, their second-round draft pick, every chance to succeed. That means not rushing him, allowing him time to unlearn bad habits and grasp the NFL game. He is their future, and their future is not now.
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Christian Hackenberg is sitting on a steel bench in the Jets' field house Monday, reliving the first snaps he's taken as an NFL quarterback.
He's analytical. He smiles. (For the record, he is not smiling as broadly as his head coach did after Hackenberg's first touchdown pass as a Jet; we'll get to that later.) Hackenberg is sporting a semblance of a mustache, which is standard operating procedure, or something like that, for quarterbacks around here.
"It's mandated," he said.
He's joking.
These are interesting times for Hackenberg, who never missed a start in his three years at Penn State, beginning with his first game as an 18-year-old freshman. If 2016 goes according to the Jets' plan, he may not so much as suit up for a contest this season.
"Ultimately, I have to control what I can control, and that's coming in every day and being the best pro I can be and preparing as if I am the starter, as if I am playing Week 1 against Cincinnati," he said. "[I want to] get in the habit of that, because when that opportunity is presented to me, I don't want to have to make changes. I want to already be there [in terms of routine]."
All of that might be a year, perhaps two, away.
But there is this Thursday: Coach Todd Bowles said second-year pro Bryce Petty and Hackenberg will split the quarterbacking duties in the preseason finale in Philadelphia. Starter Ryan Fitzpatrick and backup Geno Smith will sit.
The goal for Hackenberg? Look comfortable, Bowles said, "and command the offense and make less mistakes than he made the week before."
On Saturday against the Giants, Hackenberg became the last of the quarterbacks in the 2016 draft class to play in a preseason game, evidence of the Jets' crowded depth chart at his position.
In a four-headed quarterback room, Hackenberg is the one who is told occasionally to get the coffee. (A rather gentle rookie initiation, isn't it?) He's also the one asking the most questions.
Before Saturday, Hackenberg hadn't entered a football game in relief since he was a freshman in high school. The last time he counted a veteran quarterback as a teammate was ... never.
As in never.
"I've always kinda been the 'older' guy, even when I was the younger guy," Hackenberg said. "Having that now, with three other [perspectives], has been great."
Hackenberg is particularly grateful that Fitzpatrick, a well-traveled 11-year veteran, is wholly willing to share his experiences and wisdom. "An awesome resource," Hackenberg said.
Fitzpatrick has spoken kindly of Hackenberg's mental aptitude and physical tools, comparing him to a Madden video-game creation "with the height and the size and the arm strength and all that."
In the first two preseason games, Hackenberg stood and watched and listened and learned. He found patience.
"It was a unique opportunity for me to gather as much information as I could before I went in there," he said.
Hackenberg got the call with 12:06 remaining Saturday night.
His first drive ended in a touchdown but started ominously -- with two incompletions and a delay-of-game penalty -- until he hit tight end Zach Sudfeld with a 16-yard strike.
"I thought the one incompletion was a good ball," he said. "Every time we had run that play, I'd never gotten back to that read. It was a situation where [the Giants] were running the right defense for it. And I had to get all the way back to my fifth progression.
"The delay of game was what it was. [But] once Zach made that play, a great grab in tight coverage, that kind of jump-started everything."
On successive passes, Hackenberg connected with undrafted rookie Robby Anderson for 27 yards down the left sideline on a corner route and then for a 10-yard touchdown, on a tighter corner route to the end zone.
"It was just like I was just reacting," Hackenberg said. "For me, it's been a while since I was just reacting. And it felt really good just to be super-confident in what I was doing and super-confident in what the defense was giving me and being able to just throw the football and not think about anything else. It was refreshing."
(My take: Hackenberg was sacked 84 times the last two seasons. A clean pocket that allows him to set his feet likely qualifies as "refreshing.")
On the touchdown, Hackenberg saw a hurried defense as the play clock was running down.
"It was the right coverage to get Robby the ball and he beat his guy clean," he said. "We had been working on that play pretty much all of training camp. You've been to practice; the emphasis was red zone, and it was that route. It was just cool to see that come to fruition."
The Jets' sideline erupted. Bowles, usually the definition of stoic, smiled from ear to ear.
"It was a good drive," Hackenberg said. "A good way to start the career."
In a press conference, I told Bowles he's never looked happier.
"I hope not," Bowles said, laughing. "I'd like to think I've had happier times in my life."
He added: "I was happy for the kid."
Hackenberg finished the game completing 6 of 16 passes for 105 yards, along with a costly interception thrown deep in his own territory that allowed the Giants to score the game-winning touchdown.
"Definitely something to learn from," Hackenberg said. "[I will] try not to make that [mistake) again."
As for Bowles, he and the Jets are going to give Hackenberg, their second-round draft pick, every chance to succeed. That means not rushing him, allowing him time to unlearn bad habits and grasp the NFL game. He is their future, and their future is not now.
Fantasy football backfield breakdowns by team.
Ah, the fantasy running back. The position is obviously an invaluable piece of a potential championship-winning roster. We're in the midst of a changing of the guard in terms of elite fantasy backs as well as a shift in draft strategy. This season, more than in years past, seems to be focused on top tier wide receivers in the early rounds of fantasy drafts. Much of that is due to the incredible amount of season-ending injuries that starting running backs endured last season, making the handcuffs and other backups behind them more important than ever. A few waiver-wire stars of 2015 include Thomas Rawls, DeAngelo Williams and Tim Hightower. I'm willing to bet none of those guys were on your draft list last August.
So with that in mind, I've taken it upon myself to help all of you fantasy fans out there iron out some details when it comes to all 32 NFL teams and how their backfields are shaping up for the 2016 campaign. Based on what we've seen in camp and preseason action, below are projected depth charts and outlooks for the top backs on each team, and the next man (or men) up should someone get injured.
During the regular season, this column will become "Committee Meetings" every Monday to recap the week that was among running backs and to preview the outlook for the upcoming week.
Ah, the fantasy running back. The position is obviously an invaluable piece of a potential championship-winning roster. We're in the midst of a changing of the guard in terms of elite fantasy backs as well as a shift in draft strategy. This season, more than in years past, seems to be focused on top tier wide receivers in the early rounds of fantasy drafts. Much of that is due to the incredible amount of season-ending injuries that starting running backs endured last season, making the handcuffs and other backups behind them more important than ever. A few waiver-wire stars of 2015 include Thomas Rawls, DeAngelo Williams and Tim Hightower. I'm willing to bet none of those guys were on your draft list last August.
So with that in mind, I've taken it upon myself to help all of you fantasy fans out there iron out some details when it comes to all 32 NFL teams and how their backfields are shaping up for the 2016 campaign. Based on what we've seen in camp and preseason action, below are projected depth charts and outlooks for the top backs on each team, and the next man (or men) up should someone get injured.
During the regular season, this column will become "Committee Meetings" every Monday to recap the week that was among running backs and to preview the outlook for the upcoming week.
Arizona Cardinals:Projected starter: 1. David Johnson
Backups: 2. Chris Johnson; 3. Andre Ellington; 4. Stepfan Taylor
2016 Outlook: Once David Johnson took over as the Cardinals bell cow last season in Week 13, he collected a 79 percent share of running back carries through the rest of the regular season. Johnson is a no-brainer first-round pick in all fantasy formats as he'll be the team's workhorse from the get-go this year with Chris Johnson and Andre Ellington likely to play a complementary role behind him. With the three-down capabilities Johnson possesses, coach Bruce Arians will be hard pressed to take his talented young runner off the field. Fantasy managers who do end up drafting David will want to consider investing in veteran Chris as a potential handcuff, but not until the very late rounds. Andre Ellington, who has had durability issues nearly his entire career, is nothing more than an afterthought and probably should not be drafted save for the deepest of leagues as a dart throw. Williams and Taylor are capable of handling a full workload but would only be called upon in desperate times.
Projected starter: 1. Devonta Freeman
Backups: 2. Tevin Coleman; 3. Terron Ward; 4. Brandon Wilds
2016 Outlook: Why is last season's top-scoring fantasy running back available in the middle of the second round of drafts this year? Good question. Most of that has to do with the fact that the Falcons' coaching staff has said they want to incorporate Tevin Coleman more often in an effort to preserve Freeman for the entire season. Still, Devonta Freeman is Atlanta's go-to back in red-zone and goal-line situations, which makes him a nice value considering his ADP. Coleman will cut into Freeman's workload some, but it shouldn't be enough to deter fantasy owners from investing in the Falcons' primary back. Freeman, who was targeted 97 times as a pass-catcher last season, remains one of the top picks at running back in PPR formats and if you can snag him in Round 2 of a standard league, consider it a win.
Baltimore Ravens:Projected starter: 1. Justin Forsett
Backups: 2. Terrance West; 3. Javorius Allen; 4. Lorenzo Taliaferro
2016 Outlook: Justin Forsett, who will turn 31 in October, projects as Baltimore's starting running back to open the year which makes his Round 10 ADP seem like quite a bargain. But the veteran has a few hungry teammates creeping up behind him and pushing for touches. Before Forsett went down with a broken arm last year, he averaged 4.2 yards per carry in 10 games but scored only two touchdowns leaving fantasy owners who invested an early-round pick in him wanting more. His injury opened up an opportunity for Buck Allen to get some work as a rookie, and he flashed as much as one might think he could in an anemic Baltimore offense depleted by injuries. But this preseason, Allen worked behind a surprisingly resurgent Terrance West who projects to be Forsett's No. 1 backup and may even usurp the starting role at some point during the year based on a strong showing in camp and exhibition game action. Rookie Kenneth Dixon suffered an MCL tear in the Ravens' third preseason game, so he will miss at least the first month of the season and should not be on the redraft radar. The bottom line here is if you're messing with any Ravens' running back in fantasy, you're playing with fire. It's probably going to be one of the more confusing situations in the league and none of these backs are worth more than a double-digit round dart throw.
Buffalo Bills:Projected starter: 1. LeSean McCoy
Backups: 2. Reggie Bush; 3. Mike Gillislee; 4. Jonathan Williams
2016 Outlook: A hamstring injury limited Shady's production early last season, but he did manage to produce some solid weeks for owners who stuck with him. With Karlos Williams out of the picture now, McCoy projects for a huge workload in Buffalo's run-first offense. He's healthy and has the potential to post RB1 numbers at a second-round cost. Bush may spell McCoy in certain situations but isn't worth a draft investment. Mike Gillislee should serve as McCoy's primary backup and showed some flashes late last season. In fact, in the final five games of 2015, Gillislee averaged 5.6 yards per carry taking his 47 rushes for 276 yards and three touchdowns. He's worth a late-round dart throw given McCoy's injury history. We know Rex Ryan employs a ground-and-pound offense (the Bills had the highest run percentage in the NFL last season, 52.2) which means there will be ample opportunities for these backs to get theirs.
Carolina Panthers:Projected starter: 1. Jonathan Stewart
Backups: 2. Fozzy Whittaker; 3. Cameron Artis-Payne; 4. Brandon Wegher
2016 Outlook: Last year, Cam Newton accounted for a third of the Panthers' rushing yards. Jonathan Stewart received 53 percent of the team's rush attempts and for the most part was quietly consistent from a fantasy perspective. In the 13 games in which he was healthy, Stewart never saw fewer than 10 rush attempts and went on an insane eight-game streak where he received 20 or more carries between Weeks 6 and 13. He's still the only running back you'll want from this team in fantasy but as always, his ceiling will be limited due to the way Newton is used as a goal-line vulture as evidenced by J-Stew's six rushing touchdowns compared to Newton's 10 in 2015. Stewart is currently a Round 5 pick, going ahead of players with more upside like Jeremy Hill and Melvin Gordon. If Stewart were to miss time, which he's been known to do, Fozzy Whittaker and Cameron Artis-Payne would likely split the workload. The backups in Carolina are best left on the waiver wire.
Chicago Bears:Projected starter: 1. Jeremy Langford
Backups: 2. Ka'Deem Carey; 3. Jacquizz Rodgers; 4. Jordan Howard
2016 Outlook: From what we've seen in the preseason, the primary back job in Chicago seems like Jeremy Langford's to lose. He's worked in the most with the Bears' first-team offense and received some valuable red-zone opportunities. Ka'deem Carey, Jacquizz Rodgers and Jordan Howard will likely go undrafted in most leagues. Despite Howard's size, he has struggled to make a splash as a reliable goal-line option. Since earlier in the spring, Langford's ADP has plummeted into a more reasonable Round 7 range. There is a chance that Chicago's offense is just plain inefficient, so tread with caution when looking to select Langford. He's no more than an RB3 option until we see more from him during the regular season. Carey and Rodgers may rotate in, but their volume will not be enough to warrant a fantasy roster spot.
Cincinnati Bengals:Projected starter: 1. Jeremy Hill
Backups: 2. Giovani Bernard; 3. Rex Burkhead; 4. Cedric Peerman
2016 Outlook: Over the past two seasons, no running back duo in the NFL has been more productive than Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard. The Cincinnati tandem ranks first in combined carries (767), rush yards (3,328), rushing touchdowns (27) and scrimmage yards (4,443) since 2014. And while both backs have received similar volume in that span -- Hill has averaged 15.2 touches per game while Bernard has averaged 14.3 -- Hill gets the nod as the better fantasy asset due to his nose for the end zone with 21 total touchdowns compared to Bernard's nine. In fact, Hill leads the NFL in rushing touchdowns (20) since he entered the league in 2014. If you were one of those fantasy owners who got burned by Hill last year, it makes sense if you're looking elsewhere for running back production. But he's been slipping in drafts, has had a promising preseason and looks like a more confident and decisive runner. At this point, he's a huge value with fringe RB1 upside. For fantasy owners looking to find mid-round value backs with safe floors, Bernard should be your first option. His 1,200 scrimmage yards last year helped him become a consistent weekly play as a flex option. However, he only scored two touchdowns, the lowest of his career. He's bound to find the end zone a few more times this season, and with a lack of other targets in the passing game, is likely to see plenty of targets as a receiver. He's not a goal-line back but the Bengals have gone to him in longer-yardage red zone situations and he's made the most of those opportunities.
Cleveland Browns:Projected starter: 1. Isaiah Crowell
Backups: 2. Duke Johnson; 3. Raheem Mostert; 4. Terrell Watson
2016 Outlook: We haven't gained much clarity this preseason in terms of the Browns backfield split between Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson. It's likely going to shape up the way we thought it would all offseason -- Crowell is the early-down banger and goal-line back, while Johnson works in on passing downs and may be used on the outside as a receiver. Both Johnson and Crowell come as value picks this season with Round 8 and Round 10 ADPs, respectively, in standard formats. Johnson has more upside thanks to his passing game prowess but he lacks the toughness as a between-the-tackles runner that Crowell possesses. There's almost zero risk in adding Crowell in double-digit rounds. If he falters early on, Cleveland could give Johnson a shot as a three-down back, but Johnson's ceiling in standard formats is lowered unless that happens.
Projected starter: 1. Ezekiel Elliott
Backups: 2. Alfred Morris; 3. Darren McFadden; 4. Darius Jackson
2016 Outlook: We already know that Zeke is a first-round pick in fantasy drafts this year. He only solidified that status after a shining performance in his preseason debut against Seattle where he ripped off several runs for nice gains, even running into Kam Chancellor without trepidation. Now that Tony Romo is due to miss time, Dallas could lean on Zeke even more than we originally thought. Elliott does it all and has the skill set to remain on the field for all three downs -- something that is becoming rarer these days in the NFL. Behind Zeke, Alfred Morris is probably the No. 2 with McFadden slipping due to an offseason injury. Zeke is the only Dallas running back that should be on your draft radar.
Denver Broncos:Projected starter: 1. C.J. Anderson
Backups: 2. Ronnie Hillman; 3. Devontae Booker; 4. Kapri Bibbs
2016 Outlook: Denver paid up in the offseason to keep C.J. Anderson and will likely feed him the ball as their primary back early and often this season. With a questionable quarterback situation, the Broncos could lean on the run game to manage the clock. Anderson is a value pick currently being drafted at the end of Round 3 in standard formats. Ronnie Hillman remains Denver's No. 2 back on the team's official website, but there have been strong reports about rookie Devontae Booker. One of Booker's strengths is as a pass catcher, so his versatility in that aspect is valuable. The rookie will probably push Hillman for the No. 2 job as the season progresses and is worth a bench stash for now. If you end up drafting Hillman, you're doing it wrong.
Detroit Lions:Projected starter: 1. Ameer Abdullah
Backups: 2. Theo Riddick; 3. Zach Zenner; 4. George Winn
2016 Outlook: Ameer Abdullah is the projected starter for Detroit, but that doesn't mean you should draft the second-year back as a workhorse by any means. That sentiment is reflected in his Round 9 ADP. An offseason report that Theo Riddick could be more involved as a runner between the tackles may have been realistic as he has seen 14 rush attempts in the preseason. Still, you'll want to shy away from Riddick save for PPR formats -- don't forget that he hauled in 80 receptions on 99 targets just a season ago. Second-year bruiser Zach Zenner missed most of last season with upper body injuries but is healthy heading into 2016. He should compete for snaps and could become an option as a short-yardage or goal-line back. We may be looking at a full-blown running back committee here. For now, you'll want to target Abdullah as he's been slipping in drafts and is a value as a bench RB4 given his volume potential. It's still hard to imagine him scoring more than five or six touchdowns which will limit his ceiling.
Green Bay Packers:Projected starter: 1. Eddie Lacy
Backups: 2. James Starks; 3. John Crockett; 4. Brandon Burks
2016 Outlook: Eddie Lacy is a big man, but he did some work to slim down this offseason and looks like the 2014 version of Lacy we all knew and loved. The dude just trucks through defenders and can rip off huge chunks of yardage once he gets chugging. He's also built for goal-line work, so no concerns there and is capable of catching passes which would mean he's a candidate for work on all three downs. Considering that the Packers offense should be one of the more high-scoring squads in the NFL this year, Lacy feels like a great value at his current late Round 2/early Round 3 ADP, especially in a contract year. James Starks remains in the picture as well and will play a complementary role behind Lacy. It's hard to imagine seeing Starks having fantasy relevance as long as Lacy is healthy, so he'll probably remain a waiver wire guy in most standard leagues. With the return of Jordy Nelson and a healthy Randall Cobb to open things up downfield, the Packers run game could be a nice surprise this season.
Houston TexansProjected starter: 1. Lamar Miller
Backups: 2. Alfred Blue; 3. Jonathan Grimes; 4. Tyler Ervin
2016 Outlook: Finally, a situation that we can be excited about for Lamar Miller. That excitement is reflected in his early second-round ADP. Miller has never averaged fewer than 4.0 yards per carry in his four seasons in the NFL, has collected 2,643 scrimmage yards and 19 touchdowns over the last two seasons and could shatter his previous fantasy point totals of 185.4 and 184.9 (standard) as the featured back in Houston. He's set up to thrive as a three-down runner with top-five fantasy back potential and brings much-needed improvement to the Texans backfield. With essentially zero competition for snaps behind him, fantasy owners should not be afraid to snatch him as a late first-rounder with an all-purpose skill set which only boosts his fantasy value. Alfred Blue never wowed in his stint as Arian Foster's backup and speedy rookie Tyler Ervin will likely be limited to special teams duties early on. This backfield is Miller's to own and the sky is the limit in a revamped Houston offense that is loaded with speed.
Indianapolis Colts:Projected starter: 1. Frank Gore
Backups: 2. Robert Turbin; 3. Jordan Todman; 4. Josh Ferguson
2016 Outlook: As it stands now, this Colts backfield is not very appealing from a fantasy perspective. Frank Gore is 33 years old and while he just won't go away, he registered a career-low 3.7 yards per carry last season in a struggling Indy offense. He may be the leader at the start of the season but the wheels have to fall off at some point, and Gore has been on a statistical decline now for a few seasons. Elsewhere, Robert Turbin and Jordan Todman are career backups with some potential if handed a real opportunity but neither is a viable fantasy option in redraft leagues. Josh Ferguson is a UDFA in whom the Colts see some Darren Sproles-like qualities. Whether or not he can put it all together is yet to be seen, but he has led the team in preseason rush attempts through three games. In short, Gore is really the only back here worth drafting but you can't expect anything more than flex-type production rather than the RB2 upside we've leaned on for years with The Inconvenient Truth. We're not buying a 1,000-yard season though. One of the backups may eventually step up but none of them are worth gambling a draft pick on.
Jacksonville Jaguars:Projected starter: 1. Chris Ivory
Backups: 2. T.J. Yeldon 3. Denard Robinson; 4. Jonas Gray
2016 Outlook: So far in preseason action, the Jaguars backfield split between T.J. Yeldon and Chris Ivory has gone as we thought it would. Ivory has six rush attempts in the red zone compared to Yeldon's one. We sort of figured Ivory would be the red-zone guy for Jacksonville, so that gives him more touchdown upside even if he is splitting the workload. Yeldon is a shiftier back with better pass-catching skills and that's exactly the role he's set up for. Yeldon has actually been more efficient with his rush attempts during the preseason than Ivory has, with the second-year back averaging seven yards per rush compared to three for the veteran. Yeldon is currently the cheaper option in drafts going about two full rounds later than Ivory. Still, it's tough to tell who will be the better option on a weekly basis. You might be better off stashing both of these guys until we gain additional clarity in the regular season. Due to their respective upside, both are worth drafting at their current cost.
