NFL

Do Zach Wilson and the Jets need outside help to fix their slow starts?

Published

3 years ago

October 11, 2021

darragh

[ad_1]

Heading into their bye week at 1-4, the New York Jets and QB Zach Wilson need to find a way to fix their slow starts to NFL games and do so quickly. With the Jets yet to score a single point in the first quarter, they are finding themselves in a hole early and putting more pressure on Wilson and the offense to chase the game.

Zach Wilson has led this offense to just 13 first-half points in 2021

New York’s issues are not just limited to the first quarter — the entire first half has been a problem. Just 13 of their league-worst 67 points have come in the first 30 minutes. If we total up all their first-half performances, this is the line we are left with: 124 plays, 396 yards (3.2 yards per play), 14 punts, 1 touchdown, 2 field goals, and 6 interceptions.

There is no way to sugarcoat it — those numbers are a major problem for the Jets’ offense heading into their bye week. Only one of those interceptions has come when the Jets are trailing by more than a touchdown. Therefore, it is not as if Wilson is desperately trying to make plays chasing the game. He is just making bad decisions, as well as getting some bad luck along the way.

Against the Falcons in London, you could feel the desperation when Wilson turned the ball over. Once again shut out on two first-quarter drives and having gone down 10-0, Wilson tried to force the ball to Keelan Cole and was picked off by Jaylinn Hawkins. Fortunately, Wilson’s defense bailed him out by forcing a fumble, but it was a clear sign of frustration from the young QB.

Both Robert Saleh and Wilson acknowledged the issue in the postgame press conference

Unsurprisingly, the first-half struggles were a big feature of the postgame press conference for both Saleh and Wilson. When questioned about the play-calling in the first half, Saleh pointed towards the game situation more than the plays being called.

“There are some shots down the field, but you can only take what the defense is giving you, which leads to checkdowns which leads to the intermediate stuff.

“Credit to their defense,” Saleh said. “They play a lot of two-high, which does not warrant shots over two-high safeties. But when they got a little bit more aggressive in nine coverage, the shot allowed you more. It’s all based on what the defense is willing to give you and I thought we did a good job.

“We just couldn’t get momentum going and we couldn’t convert on some third-and-shorts, and defensively we just couldn’t get off the field. So there was no chance for anyone to get into a rhythm in the first half, and then the second half it started to pick up. Defense gets the stop and offense starts moving the ball, and too little, too late.”

Signs of encouragement for the Jets’ offense once again in the second half

Wilson also acknowledged the concerns and pointed to how the offense needs to take encouragement from what they have been doing in the second half.

“I really think it’s the way we’re starting. I don’t know what it is. We have got to figure that out over this bye week, how to fix that. I’ve got to play better at the start as well.

“It’s interesting, in the second half, right, every single game, we have looked really good and we know what we’re capable of and we were able to show it there at the end. I just think we have to get a good rhythm going, some flow. Starting three-and-out isn’t the way to do it, sitting on the sideline.”

Wilson also defended the offensive play-calling and the preparation that they are getting with the coaches.

“So I’d say that’s what we have to get better at, because we have the tools. Coaches are putting us in a good position and obviously we’re able to move the ball down the field. And it’s interesting because in those two-minute drives, I feel like confidence for everybody is higher than ever so we have to start the game that way.”

Could the Jets look outside the organization to kick-start their offense?

While Wilson defended the coaches and Saleh defended the play-calling, the Jets may need to start self-scouting their offensive coordinator. Mike LaFleur has spent time working under Kyle Shanahan since their time together in 2014.

In San Francisco, LaFleur was the passing game coordinator for four years. He was also the wide receivers coach for two seasons. However, Shanahan always retained the play-calling duties in San Francisco. Therefore, this is really LaFleur’s first exposure to making calls on the field during a game. That responsibility could be part of the problem for the first-time offensive coordinator.

The scripted plays have simply not worked. Interestingly, that is the element that LaFleur probably did have a hand in with San Francisco. However, once the Jets get deeper into the game, the flow seems to improve. The solution might be as simple as LaFleur needing to trust himself more to move away from the script earlier.

If there are concerns around LaFleur’s game management, the Jets may need to turn to an experienced offensive coach to help them. For example, we saw Gary Kubiak step into an offensive advisor role in 2019 to support Kevin Stefanski in his first year as Vikings OC.

Could the Jets turn to a somewhat familiar face to help LaFleur and Wilson?

The Jets might be wise to look at something similar themselves. The most obvious name would be Mike Shanahan. Having worked with Kyle in San Francisco, LaFleur would have plenty of concepts Mike Shanahan is familiar with.

At the age of 69, could the Jets talk Shanahan into providing some mentorship to their young OC? It would be an intriguing move to make during the season. Nonetheless, with a young QB in his first year in the NFL, New York’s front office should at least consider proposing the idea to Saleh and LaFleur.

The problems are not all on the play-caller, to be sure. Per Next Gen Stats, Wilson has the third-worst differential between expected completion rate and actual completion rate this season at 7.3%. He is making mistakes and they are costing his team.

However, that comes back to the experience of the coaching staff. Do they have a person on staff to help them develop Wilson’s skills? If not, someone with that experience could be the difference between Wilson succeeding or turning into yet another failed Jets QB prospect.

[ad_2]

Source link

NFL

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

Published

2 months ago

February 12, 2024

darragh

[ad_1]

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.

[ad_2]

Source link

NFL

What Happened to the 49ers Linebacker?

Published

2 months ago

February 12, 2024

darragh

[ad_1]

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

[ad_2]

Source link

NFL

NFL World Reacts to Epic Super Bowl Intro From CBS

Published

2 months ago

February 12, 2024

darragh

[ad_1]

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+.