NFL

The future of the NFL is here

Published

3 years ago

October 4, 2021

darragh

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Justin Herbert is one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks to play in the NFL over the past few decades, and his All-22 film review showed that — and more. However, physical gifts can only take a QB so far, as early-career Josh Allen and three of the five rookie quarterbacks can attest to. Herbert put it all together immediately, forcing draft analysts everywhere to re-evaluate how they do things. But the Los Angeles Chargers‘ game against the Cowboys was proof he’s young and can still improve.

Justin Herbert All-22 Film Review: The physical tools are mind-numbing

What if I told you Herbert is more athletic than Allen? Despite having a slower 10-yard split, Herbert’s 40-yard dash time was 0.07 seconds faster than Allen’s. He was also more explosive in his jumps and weighed just one pound less. However, most observers didn’t account for Herbert’s athleticism because he so rarely uses his legs as a weapon or a crutch.

Although he doesn’t employ his legs often, plays like this prove Herbert can use them in a pinch — and that maybe the Chargers offense should utilize them more in high-leverage situations.

This play also shows that Herbert is still young. This was a third-and-long, and if he does nearly anything but slide here, he’ll pick up the first down while still avoiding a hit. However, it was early in the game, and I’d like to think that he’d convert the first down in a higher leverage situation.

The arm talent, it’s everywhere

This throw is absurd, and the next one I use as an example is even nuttier. This is a 41-yard throw from outside the right hash to the left numbers, and it’s on a taut string. But that’s not all.

Cowboys cornerback Anthony Brown is on the opposite sideline with overtop leverage against tight end Jared Cook. If Herbert leads this throw too far to the sideline, it’s — at a minimum — a broken-up pass. Instead, he has enough velocity to throw to the inside shoulder and still not allow safety Malik Hooker to drive on the ball in time.

You can count the number of quarterbacks that can do this on the hand of a drunken, clumsy woodworker. This is pure, unadulterated arm talent.

I see your ridiculous cross-field throw and raise you a honey hole shot 40+ yards downfield. Having the chutzpah to make this throw is impressive. Having the ability to make this throw is earth-shattering.

Herbert has no business possessing this sort of weaponry. I’m not sure why he isn’t required to register his right shoulder with the ATF.

His arm is special, and prospects like Herbert and Allen are the proof of why arm strength matters. If the mental side of his game develops, the sky is the limit.

Justin Herbert All-22 Film Review: Executing leverage reads

This throw may seem innocent enough, but it shows something that some young quarterbacks struggle with early in their careers. The speed of the game at the NFL level is different, and the leverage reads some signal-callers made in college won’t work in the NFL.

Here, Herbert sees that Cowboys defensive backs Damontae Kazee and Trevon Diggs both have shoulders facing toward the hashes. As such, the Chargers QB can anticipate a throwing hallway on the out route. If Diggs doesn’t carry Keenan Allen’s route that far inside, Herbert can throw it to the inside.

This is the confusion that bunch formations can cause. This looks like Cover 3, but for some reason, Diggs keys on the third option — in this instance, Allen. I assume Diggs was expecting to carry Allen vertically, but by the time the Dallas corner drives inside, Joshua Palmer has already uncovered on the out route.

Poise in the pocket

Even under pressure, Herbert has been solid. Although LA’s offensive line has protected him admirably, he’s shown few struggles even when under duress. Herbert hangs tough, and his physical abilities allow him to make plays off-script.

Here, despite two free rushers bearing down, Herbert keeps his eyes downfield and sees the rub route did its job — opening the passing window over the middle. While he could have tried sprinting out of the pressure, he instead buys time and throws a fadeaway over the middle that allows for yardage after the catch.

Seasoning can make Herbert a top-tier quarterback

The Chargers bet big on a quarterback with ridiculous physical tools. They had to do that because the best quarterback in the NFL plays in their division.

Herbert hasn’t reached the upper echelons of quarterback play, but he is well on his way. He’s made a few mistakes that can be chalked up to youth and playmaking. If he continues to improve the mental aspect of his game, Herbert has the potential to be a top-two quarterback in the NFL. He might never find the creativity of Patrick Mahomes, but he has the potential to achieve unbelievable heights.

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NFL

Taylor Swift Is Shown Chugging a Beer on the Jumbotron at Super Bowl 58

Published

2 months ago

February 12, 2024

darragh

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Global superstar Taylor Swift made it to the big game to support her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce. In the second quarter, it was evident that she was having a good time at the Super Bowl after taking a 12-hour flight from Tokyo the night prior.

Taylor Swift Seen Chugging Beer at Super Bowl

Swift’s attendance has been highly anticipated, as many fans questioned whether she would be able to make it to the big game since she had been in Japan until Saturday for her Eras Tour.

Sure enough, she made it to the Super Bowl and was seen making a grand entrance alongside Blake Lively and Ice Spice.

Swift made it back to the States with plenty of time to make it to Allegiant Stadium to support Kelce. After a leg of her Eras Tour, where she performed several nights in Japan, the singer appeared to let loose.

In a box full of friends, Swift was shown chugging a beer with Ashley Avignone. She was shown on the jumbotron and slammed her cup down after she finished her beer.

Legend 😂 pic.twitter.com/hk27JTAXZ9

— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) February 12, 2024

There was a mix of cheers and boos as Swift was shown on the big screen, and a long pass to Mecole Hardman was the only highlight of the first half for Swift and her friends. The 49ers led the Chiefs, 10-0, late in the second quarter.

On social media, Swift garnered plenty of support from NFL fans.

“If you’re hating on her you can kick rocks man she’s the best,” one user posted on X.

“The one thing I learned this season is that she is actually fun,” another said.

“Booing Taylor Swift chugging a beer is so soft. She’s just one of us now and I respect it ,” another posted.

At the time of the beer chugging, Kelce, Taylor Swift’s boyfriend, has had one catch for a single yard. It came on the first possession, which ended up being a three-and-out. The Kansas City Chiefs hadn’t done much otherwise.

They did have a deep pass play to Hardman, which put them in the red zone, but Isiah Pacheco fumbled on the very next play — one that Kelce was surprisingly on the sideline for.

Swift and Kelce have garnered much media attention as their romance has taken off throughout this NFL season.

Swift was able to support her boyfriend at many of his games throughout the final stretch of the season, as her Eras Tour was on a break. But starting on Feb. 7, she went back on the road.

MORE: NFL World Reacts to Unbelievable Super Bowl Trick Play

Despite performing in Tokyo the night before the Super Bowl, she was able to make it in time to support her boyfriend due to the time difference and is having a good time doing so.

As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast! Click the embedded player below to listen, or you can find the PFN Fantasy Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. Be sure to subscribe and leave us a five-star review! Rather watch instead? Check out the PFN Fantasy Podcast on our Fantasy YouTube channel.

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What Happened to the 49ers Linebacker?

Published

2 months ago

February 12, 2024

darragh

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The San Francisco 49ers sustained a massive blow during the second quarter of Super Bowl 58, as linebacker Dre Greenlaw left the game on a medical cart.

CBS Sports confirmed that the veteran Greenlaw suffered an Achilles tear, ruling him out for the rest of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

What Happened to Dre Greenlaw?

The outside linebacker, who had already been battling past injuries to his hamstrings and calves, left with what appeared to be a leg injury.

And somehow, his left leg looked like it buckled as he tried to trot onto the field with the Niners’ defense.

#49ers LB Dre Greenlaw appeared to suffer an injury while running on the field.

pic.twitter.com/zx0l1NjTew

— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) February 12, 2024

Greenlaw clutched his left leg in agony before being helped off the field.

CBS Sports sideline reporter Evan Washburn reported that the outside linebacker left with what was ruled as a lower leg injury. He was later determined to sustain an Achilles injury.

Greenlaw was declared out for the rest of the game.

#49ers LB Dre Greenlaw (Achilles) is now officially out for the game.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 12, 2024

Greenlaw Carted Off in Passenger Seat

Even more noticeable was where Greenlaw sat on the cart.

He ended up leaving not in the back of the medical vehicle but ended up riding shotgun with his leg injury.

He can’t sit in the back? pic.twitter.com/9jpz0rdoF1

— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) February 12, 2024

One would think that with an injury like an Achilles ailment, medical officials would try to make the player as comfortable as possible before they leave. It wasn’t the case here.

MORE: San Francisco 49ers Depth Chart

Regardless, Greenlaw was replaced by Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles for the rest of the first half. Greenlaw became the most significant injury of the game.

As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast

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NFL World Reacts to Epic Super Bowl Intro From CBS

Published

2 months ago

February 12, 2024

darragh

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Super Bowl 58 is here and it’s going to be exciting. The San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs are facing off in the final game of 2023.

CBS is broadcasting the game and the opening was nothing short of amazing. How is the NFL world reacting to the electric Super Bowl-opening video?

Epic CBS Super Bowl Intro Garners Reaction From NFL World

The video, which spanned four minutes and 19 seconds, featured players from both teams talking about the big game and what it means to them. It also featured their families talking about their journeys to this point.

“Amazing intro! Reminds me of my dad! Bravo on the intro!,” one NFL fan said on X (formerly known as Twitter)

And now, the end is near.

And so, the @49ers and @Chiefs face that final curtain. pic.twitter.com/YgIEGOAMb1

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) February 11, 2024

Additionally, Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” played in the background, giving it a near-movie feel. “This was incredible.,” another person said on X. “And so, the @49ers and @Chiefs face that final curtain,” CBS Sports said.

The 49ers finished the regular season as the top seed in the NFC with a 12-5 record. After their first-round bye, they defeated both the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions to earn their trip to Las Vegas for the Super Bowl. Both of their victories came in comeback fashion, including an NFC Championship-record 17-point comeback.

The Chiefs, on the other hand, had a more uphill battle. Entering the playoffs as the AFC’s third seed, they finished the regular season with an 11-6 record. In the playoffs, they defeated the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, and Baltimore Ravens to punch their ticket.

Super Bowl 58 is a re-match of Super Bowl 54 when the Chiefs defeated the 49ers 31-24. The win was the first in Patrick Mahomes career, as he also won Super Bowl MVP. Four years later, the Chiefs have made three more and won another. For the 49ers, this is their first trip back to the big game since.

The game kicked off at 6:30 p.m. ET with the 49ers receiving the opening kick. In addition to being broadcast on CBS, the game is also being streamed on Paramount+.