NFL

Dolphins owner Stephen Ross in ‘win-now’ mode, not concerned about future draft capital?

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2 years ago

October 21, 2021

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The Miami Dolphins are not in a good place. Projected to be among the AFC’s contenders in 2021, the club instead sits at the bottom of its division with a 1-5 record. Rumors about a potential Deshaun Watson acquisition or head coach Brian Flores being on the hot seat all point to one thing — Dolphins owner Stephen Ross might be fed up. At age 81, Ross wants to win immediately and likely isn’t afraid to sacrifice draft capital to bring success to Miami Gardens.

Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross in ‘win-now’ mode?

According to PFN Insider Tony Pauline, both Flores and general manager Chris Grier are on the hot seat and could be in danger of losing their jobs. Flores was once viewed as one of the NFL’s premier young coaches. He seemingly had the Dolphins in place to succeed for the long haul.

But now, he’s seen by some in the NFL as “another example of ripe fruit from the Bill Belichick tree quickly going rotten,” per Pauline. These sources point to other former New England assistants, such as Eric Mangini, Bill O’Brien, and to a lesser extent, Joe Judge — coaches who have shown promise before fizzling out.

Meanwhile, sources tell Pauline that there are people inside the Miami organization who feel Tua Tagovailoa is not the answer at quarterback. To rub salt into the wound, Pauline is told that some members of the franchise have already given up on the second-year quarterback, and the situation gets worse each week when they see the results of Justin Herbert.

Tua, who recently returned from a rib injury, has played well in spurts. But through 12 starts, he’s largely been disappointing. The Dolphins, of course, drafted Tua one pick before the eventual 2021 Offensive Rookie of the Year in Herbert.

Ross “needs and wants” to win immediately, according to those who Pauline spoke with. Sources tell Pauline that the Dolphins’ owner is willing to trade draft capital in order to buoy his club’s roster. Those inside the league say that given his age, Ross may not care about sacrificing draft selections from three or four years out — he wants instant success and is willing to pay for it.

The concept of a Deshaun Watson acquisition looms

Earlier today (October 20), John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reported the Dolphins and Texans were getting closer on a trade involving Watson. Miami has long been rumored as a potential destination for Watson, although the 22 sexual assault lawsuits pending against him certainly complicates matters. Watson has a full no-trade clause, but he would reportedly sign off on being shipped to the Dolphins.

Pauline notes that those he talked to wonder out loud if Miami would attempt to put conditions on any draft picks it traded to Houston in exchange for Watson. While conditional picks are common in the NFL, they’re typically tied to playing time or statistical categories. It’s unclear if the league office would allow Miami to link draft pick conditions to the results of a pending legal situation.

Unsurprisingly, sources tell Pauline that Texans general manager Nick Caserio wants no conditions placed on the potential draft picks for Watson. Some reports have indicated that Houston is seeking a massive package in exchange for its three-time Pro Bowl QB. The asking price may be as high as three first-round picks (and maybe more).

Dolphins draft capital limited in coming years

The Dolphins were once flush with draft picks — acquiring extra draft capital was part of Grier’s rebuilding plan. While they still have ample picks, Miami’s reserve of future selections isn’t as robust as it once was. Prior to the 2021 NFL Draft, the Dolphins traded one of their extra first-round picks to move up to No. 6 overall, where they eventually landed Alabama WR Jaylen Waddle. They also sent a 2022 third-round pick to the Giants to move up the board for Notre Dame OT Liam Eichenberg.

In 2022, Miami has additional selections in both the fourth and fifth rounds. However, picks in the middle rounds are unlikely to be attractive as anything but fillers in a potential Watson trade offer. But in 2023, the Dolphins have an extra first-round pick courtesy of the 49ers. Miami acquired that selection when San Francisco moved up for QB Trey Lance in the 2021 NFL Draft.

If Houston’s ask is indeed three first-round picks, the Dolphins have the assets over the next two drafts to meet the price. However, such a move would leave Miami barren in the first round for the next several years.

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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

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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!

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What Happened to the 49ers Linebacker?

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2 months ago

February 12, 2024

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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

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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+.