Tre Brown (Seahawks):
"Brown had a bad missed tackle in the red zone as the half ended — could’ve cost the Seahawks four points but didn’t, since he redeemed himself partially with good position on the ensuing incompletion. We’ll cut him some slack since it was his VERY FIRST QUARTER OF NFL ACTION.
Saw him continue into the second half without fanfare. Made an open-field tackle on Peterman, though it’s hard to gauge exactly how much credit one earns for that. Switched off his man to make another clean tackle immediately thereafter, so there were moments of awareness. Was only targeted a handful of times. If opposing offenses could throw at him a little more, that would be helpful. Thanks guys."
On seven pass-blocking snaps, Humphrey allowed no pressures. After an offseason of chatter about the rookie being a left-handed snapper, he didn’t seem to have any problems snapping the ball, whether the quarterback was Patrick Mahomes or Chad Henne. He had some impressive blocks in the run game too, clearing rushing lanes for Clyde Edwards-Helaire. All-in-all, this was a very good start for Humphrey and something that he can build off of as we inch toward the regular season.
AUGUST 17, 2021 05:00 AM
On a recent day at Chiefs training camp, as the team’s third-stringers completed a hurry-up drill, two players stood well behind the play, otherwise alone, having a conversation —quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his new left tackle, Orlando Brown.
Eventually, two guys done with their portion of practice were in motion, and Mahomes was simulating a dropback, imaginary football in his hands and everything.
It’s been something of a regular sight on the Missouri Western State practice fields, as a 25-year-old quarterback and newly-acquired left tackle build the foundation of one of the Chiefs’ most important — and closely evaluated — relationships of 2021.
“He’s trying to get a good feel,” Mahomes said. “He’ll try something one day and ask if I liked it, and I’ll tell him the truth — and he wants to hear that so he can know how I’m feeling throughout the game.”
Brown has spent the majority of his career blocking on the right side of the offensive line — and blocking for a quarterback who leads an offense quite different from this one. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is willing, almost eager, to run with the football. The Chiefs would prefer Mahomes run it as little as possible. They’re just fine with him resting deeper in the pocket, going through his reads.
The contrast requires some adjustments in footwork, Brown has said, but it also requires some plain getting used to. During those conversations, Mahomes has told Brown where he prefers to sit in the pocket on certain throws and therefore where he’d like Brown to send a potential edge rusher.
Brown has used practice repetitions to work on very specific parts of his game to account for the changes — new quarterback, new position — even to the detriment of losing some on-one-one drills.
“It’s always good to know where your quarterback wants to be, what he wants to do, what he’s thinking in certain situations,” Brown said. “That can help me react or put my player wherever I need to put him so (Mahomes) can do what he does best.”
Mahomes has spent the bulk of training camp trying to stay in the pocket as often as possible — to make scrambling a last resort, not a first option. It’s a typical point of emphasis in camps, but particularly this season after he judged he too often departed the pocket in 2020.
“Orlando is great about talking about different things that he is trying and seeing how I like them,” Mahomes said. “Trying to build that relationship, build that kind of comfort with them. For me, I’ll always try to stay within the pocket, especially during training camp.”
Aug 16, 2021 at 10:23 am ET4 min read
As the legendary Michael Scott once noted, you might not be superstitious, but it's OK to be a little stitious. So when the Dallas Cowboys took the field against the Arizona Cardinals on Friday the 13th, it played out exactly as you'd think it would. They lost a total of five players to injury, headlined by starting defensive tackle Neville Gallimore, who left the game in the first quarter with what turned out to be a hyperextended elbow. The MRI results showed a near best-case scenario though, sources tell CBS Sports, with Gallimore having suffered no tears and only a minor structural issue.
He's expected to miss the remainder of the preseason and potentially Week 1 as well -- his timetable being 4-6 weeks -- but the 10-day span between the Cowboys first two regular season games gives him a shot at being available when they travel to take on the Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 19.
And because he won't be lost for significant time to start the season, barring a setback, the Cowboys aren't suddenly pressed to go after a talent like free agent Geno Atkins. This isn't to say they aren't keeping an eye on Atkins (they are), but it would be a much different story if Gallimore were lost for most or all of the season. But, as it stands, he isn't, and it opens the door for rookie third-round pick Osa Odighizuwa to dig his heels in.
-- Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was dialed in Monday [in joint practice with Pats]. Outside of one shaky 7-on-7 drill in which he threw two interceptions, he was on point with his throws, made sound decisions and acquitted himself well overall against coach Bill Belichick's defense. It's safe to say Hurts had the best day of any of the quarterbacks Monday, including Mac Jones and 2011 No. 1 overall pick Cam Newton.
-- There is a fast-growing sentiment among #Eagles’ players that Jalen Hurts is undoubtedly the franchise QB. His work ethic, intangibles and overall skill level have captured the entire locker room. Players I’ve spoken with are consistently blown away by Hurts - on/off the field.
BOSTON (CBS) — Usually, playing out the final few minutes of a preseason game is merely a formality. But Patriots fans who stayed until the end of Thursday night’s preseason opener against the Washington Football Team at Gillette Stadium were treated to one electric run by rookie running back Rhamondre Stevenson.
With just over a minute to go in the game, Stevenson ripped off a 91-yard touchdown run that sent all of Gillette into pure jubilation. The rookie back took a pitch from Brian Hoyer and took care of the rest, outrunning everyone on the Washington defense for the score.
Just when it looked like someone would catch up to Stevenson and turn his scoring scamper into just a long run, he shifted into another gear and reached pay dirt for his second touchdown of the game.
The play got fans and Patriots players alike to go absolutely bananas. Most of Stevenson’s teammates made the trek to the end zone to celebrate with the rookie, including those who share the running back room with him.
“I was just hoping he wouldn’t get caught,” said veteran back James White. “That was a great play call. First of all, offensive line did a great job blocking, receivers, fullbacks. It was an impressive run for a guy his size. He had a good performance out there today, and hopefully he can keep it going.”
The 6-foot, 227-pound Stevenson was touted as a power back when the Patriots took him in the fourth round out of Oklahoma. But he showed off some incredible speed throughout Thursday night’s 22-13 victory, rushing for a game-high 127 yards on 10 carries. Those numbers were obviously padded a bit with that fourth-quarter marathon to the end zone, but the rookie was impressive in his first NFL action.
His first touchdown run came early in the fourth quarter, when Stevenson punched it in from a yard out. The Patriots were working with a short field after Joejuan Williams picked off Steven Montez and took it to the Washington 19-yard line. Stevenson accounted for all 24 of New England’s yards on the ensuing drive (a false start penalty on the Patriots meant an extra five yards for him to cover), capped off with his first NFL touchdown.
The Patriots ran for 179 yards on 25 carries, and the run attack will be a big part of the team’s identity when the regular season comes around. New England has a crowded stable of backs with starter Damien Harris (four carries, 17 yards), Sony Michel (six carries, 26 yards) and White (two catches for 22 yards) ahead of Stevenson on the depth chart. JJ Taylor (two carries, 10 yards) is also fighting for a roster spot ahead of the season.
Rookie backs usually get a redshirt year to acclimate to the NFL, as White and Harris did after being drafted by the Patriots. But given New England’s focus on the ground attack, Stevenson could find his way to the field — and make an impact — quite a bit in his first season with the Patriots.
By KAREN GUREGIAN | karen.guregian@bostonherald.com | Boston Herald
Ronnie Perkins was happy to finally receive an actual number Thursday night before the preseason game with Washington.
And 51 suits him just fine.
“It feels good,” said the rookie defensive end. “I was kind of hoping I got number 51, so it was kind of a dream come true to sit in my locker Thursday night when I came in.”
Asked why he chose the number, Perkins, who wore No. 7 at Oklahoma, mentioned the former Patriots who wore it previously.
“Coach Mayo played in it. One of my older vets Bent [Ja’Whaun Bentley] played in it,” said Perkins. “So it’s kind of like me just carrying on their tradition and balling out in that number.”
When Perkins talked to Mayo about wearing his number, the team’s inside linebackers coach and former Patriots great set the rookie straight.
“Mayo told me I got to carry the tradition, man. You can’t wear that number, and go out there doing BS,” said Perkins. “You got to – to wear that number you got to go out there and knock their heads off playing fast. So, got to carry on that tradition for him.”
-- Lastly, Rookie outside linebacker Ronnie Perkins tied for the team lead with four quarterback pressures, including an excellent speed-to-power rush on Joejuan Williams’s interception. By pushing right tackle David Steinmetz into the quarterback’s lap, Perkins forced an errant throw.
Later on, Perkins showed good discipline rushing over the right tackle by forcing the quarterback away from his arm side, making a more challenging cross-body pass attempt.
New England’s revamped front seven has excellent depth on paper, and we saw that come to fruition in the victory over Washington, where they were pressuring the QB throughout the game.
-- Patriots third-round pick Ronnie Perkins added to a strong performance by leading the team with three run stops.
-- Fifth-year [Bengals] linebacker Jordan Evans has become the veteran presence in a linebackers room with three starters age 25 or younger.
"He'll tell you slap dead in your face if you're doing something wrong or something you can improve on," Davis-Gaither said of Evans. "I think the biggest thing he helped me with was in coverage, being able to see things before they happen."
The Best Still to Come From Ford
Cody Ford was more open and honest than I think he ever has been since being drafted by the Bills in 2019.
The former 2nd round pick has dealt with injuries each of his first two seasons, the latest a knee injury that cost him the back end of last year and needed multiple surgeries.
General Manager Brandon Beane has said he still believes in Ford, noting he really hasn't been healthy.
So with that in mind, I asked Ford after practice if we have yet to see the best he has to offer?
"Definitely have not seen it."
From there Ford explained his new mentality, one that's been aided by talking with a mental health coach, who has helped Ford navigate trying times.
As for on the field, Ford says he still can play where ever the Bills want, noting that because he's played on both sides of the line, there are no challenges anymore in doing that because of his experience.
Bledsoe is a bit lost in the logjam along the defensive line. But he made the most of his chances too, even cobbling together one of the best PFF grades by any Bengals defender last night. A high motor and some versatility go a long way — especially late in exhibitions when coaches are paying close attention.
--
Ossai credited Sample and tackle Amani Bledsoe, who had three quarterback hits and half of a sack, for getting his sack.
"I had a lot of plays that allowed me to come free with my interior linemen Cam Sample and Amani Bledsoe," said Ossai. "They did a really good job of getting vertical. It was a team effort. I was just in the right place at the right time."
-- Finally, let’s spend some more time talking about [Bengals rookie PK] Evan McPherson, because all the guy does is make buckets. McPherson was eight-for-eight on Monday, which included a 54-yarder.
There’s nothing more McPherson has to do to fend off Austin Siebert, as the “competition” seems to be a battle in name only, as it should be.
-- Last but certainly not least, Evan McPherson has a damn cannon attached to his leg. He nailed both of his field goal tries, including one from 40 yards that would’ve also been good from 60. Austin Siebert is only boosting his resume for his next employer at this point.
Powers began the game as the Ravens starting left guard, then moved to right tackle, but it was a struggle for him all night. The Ravens failed to get a first down in the first quarter, and on a third-and-5 designed quarterback draw by Trace McSorley, Powers was beaten by Saints defensive lineman David Onyemata, who dropped McSorley for a 3-yard loss. Powers later was called for a holding penalty, and too often the pocket was collapsing where Powers was playing.
Powers began training camp in a battle for the starting left guard job with Tyre Phillips and rookie Ben Cleveland, who missed the Saints game with an undisclosed injury. Shifting Powers to tackle, a position he has not played previously, was a curious development. It’s possible that this signals either Phillips or Cleveland will win the left guard job and the Ravens want to see if Powers has a future as the team’s swing tackle. But Phillips already has experience there, and should Cleveland be the left guard, Phillips is the more logical tackle option.
Either way, Powers could get caught in a numbers game. After watching the offensive line struggle against the Saints, general manager Eric DeCosta figures to be watching the waiver wire closely, and any addition lessens Powers’ chances.
-- When will [Ravens WRs] Marquise Brown and Miles Boykin rejoin practice? Marquise Brown suffered a hamstring injury on the second day of camp. Their budding star first round receiver had a lingering injury that compounded into surgery before he ever played a snap of NFL football.
-- But the Colts defense also made its fair share of plays, and it kept Carolina out of the end zone. A Bobby Okereke blitz forced a Darnold misthrow in the first session and Rhodes broke up another pass, and Zaire Franklin and Curtis Bolton had a “sack” on Will Grier.
As the 2021 offseason progressed, it became increasingly apparent that spots on the Denver Broncos’ final 53-man roster at the cornerback position were going to be hard to come by.
Still, Parnell Motley had a decent shot at one of the six spots given the fact that the Denver Broncos brought him onto the active roster late last season and actively worked to get him some snaps in regular season games.
It was clear the team had an interest in his potential, and Motley did pretty solid in the opportunities he got down the stretch of the 2020 season.
So far in 2021, however, he has not exactly been seizing his opportunities.
Motley has routinely been on the back end of some of the biggest offensive highlights of Broncos training camp, getting beat deep down the field and not exactly staking his claim on a CB6 spot.
Based on the Denver Broncos’ first preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings, it would be fair to assume that Nate Hairston has probably surpassed Motley as the team’s CB6.
Motley is listed as CB6 but if Essang Bassey is able to come back healthy, you could quickly see a handful of players including Hairston, Bassey, and newcomers Rojesterman Farris and Saivion Smith push Motley even further down the depth chart.
-- [Browns QB Baker] Mayfield is far ahead of where he was at this time last summer, and the Browns are very pleased with his growth in the scheme. He’s developing excellent timing with some of the younger receivers such as Donovan Peoples-Jones, and building on his chemistry with Jarvis Landry and Rashard Higgins. Unfortunately, he hasn’t had any 11-on-11 reps yet with Odell Beckham Jr., but Beckham could possibly be eased into some team drills this week. He’s also working hard on his connection with Austin Hooper. Occasionally the ball still sails on Mayfield at times, and that’s directly tied to his footwork, which is still a work in progress. They overhauled it last offseason, and he’s refining it this summer. When his mechanics are sound, he’s as deadly accurate as anyone. All-in-all, it’s been an excellent camp for him.
After Dustin Hopkins missed two field goals in Washington's preseason opener against the Patriots, the whole kicking operation has received a ton of unwanted attention.A
According to Ron Rivera, the "timing is off" in that vital area for the Burgundy and Gold, which is a highly-concerning statement to hear as Week 1 keeps bounding toward the franchise like a squib kick.
So, what exactly is going on? And, much more importantly, can it be fixed?
Tress Way, who moonlights as Washington's holder in addition to the work he does as a Pro Bowl punter, went into great detail on Monday about what's currently affecting him, Hopkins and long snapper Camaron Cheeseman as well as how they are striving to remedy it.
"It comes down to a few keys," Way began during a press conference after practice. "It's a three-headed monster and I'm directly in the middle. So I try and tell Cheese and I try and tell Hop, 'I will do whatever you guys want me to do in order to make it more comfortable for y'all.'"
Way then proceeded to plunge into what he labeled as "super nerdy specialist talk."
"Hop has a key that he tries to go off of my left hand," Way said. "My left hand is the hand that's down [before the snap]. When that comes up to catch, that's his green light to go. And that's when he starts his process... Cheese's key is my head turning."
After hearing Way break those items down, it's natural to wonder why — after countless reps at OTAs, minicamp and training camp — the trio still doesn't have their rhythm down.
Sure, it's understandable that there'd be a learning curve for Way and Hopkins as they adjust to Cheeseman after working so closely and for so long with Nick Sundberg. Way explained that he's even had to outline super simple aspects for Cheeseman such as where they meet up on the sideline just before taking the field for a kick or punt. With Sundberg, all that had become second nature. But despite that major change, shouldn't their development be further along by now?
Per Way, pulling off a flawless snap-to-hold-to-kick sequence in practice pales in comparison to doing so in a game, and the matchup with New England, of course, was the unit's first exposure to game conditions.
"It's a whole different story," Way said. "We've since changed a couple of things and we're trying to just make things as smooth as possible.”
In addition to that difference in atmosphere and pressure, both Way and Rivera have both commented on how fast Cheeseman's snaps are. The first-year pro out of Michigan really zings it back there, they've noted, which is another part of the equation that's being accounted for as training camp progresses.
The next opportunity for Way, Hopkins and Cheeseman to test out their chemistry will come this Friday when Washington hosts the Cincinnati Bengals for their second preseason outing. Should they find more success at FedEx Field, then the problems versus the Pats will largely be forgiven and the collective panic about the field goal crew will fade.
The typically-upbeat Way likes their chances of doing just that.
"[Cheeseman's] doing awesome, and practice has been going great," Way said. "And Hop's been knocking the cover off the ball. And so it honestly is just one of those things where it brought some things to light and we've been hammering it out this week."
--[Bears rookie QB] Justin Fields’ first throw of the day is a short completion to Damien Williams in drills without a defense. I love Williams’ versatility as a pass catcher. Matt Nagy is going to use him a ton out of the backfield.
-- Mason Cole, Dru Samia, and Kyle Hinton were the highest graded lineman.
-- Dru Samia struggled as a run blocker but had an 85.2 pass blocking grade. No pressures allowed for Cole, Brandel, or Samia.
-- 49ers left tackle Trent Williams didn’t make it through the entire practice on Monday, but there’s no sign that the team believes it’s a serious injury.
Williams limped off the field during the session. Head coach Kyle Shanahan didn’t have too much detail on what happened, but he didn’t raise any alarms about the veteran’s condition.
“I didn’t see it. They said he just clipped his hip or knee or something, and we got him out,” Shanahan said, via 49ers WebZone.com. “Didn’t seem overly concerned, but we’ve got to look at it when we get inside.”
If there’s any concern, Williams may not be seeing the field for this week’s game against the Chargers.
-- Kyler Murray didn't play Friday, and he certainly looked like he saved up his game effort for Sunday's practice. The Cardinals' quarterback – in the last public (and open to reporting) practice of training camp – had a great practice Sunday. To me, it was his best of camp. Other than an early throw over the middle in the red zone that was nearly picked off by linebacker Jordan Hicks, Murray was scary sharp.
Practice isn't a game, of course. You still want to see Murray with at least some preseason snaps (I'd think he'd get some for Friday's ESPN game against the Chiefs) but the trend around the league is to keep the starting QB reps in preseason fairly low. But if Murray practices like Sunday, that's a very good sign as we move toward games that count.
-- The Arizona Cardinals have been missing a pair of defensive linemen for almost all of training camp so far — two players they are counting on to be disruptive forces up front.
One is J.J. Watt, who landed on PUP after tweaking his hamstring in the run test. It seems like they are just going to keep him fresh until the regular season.
The other is Jordan Phillips, their biggest free agent acquisition before the 2020 season. He has been out since early in camp with an undisclosed injury.
The Cardinals don’t know when he will return yet.
It appears they are looking toward the season opener.
“We’re not sure just yet,” head coach Kliff Kingsbury on Monday. “He’s played a lot in this league. We feel confident when he’s back ready to go, he’ll be full throttle.”
Phillips landed on injured reserve twice last season with a hamstring injury but was very good when he was healthy.
If this is another injury, it probably isn’t anything to worry about. He, like Watt, participated in OTAs and minicamp.
If it is still the hamstring or an aggravation of it, then he could be dealing with something chronic.
Watt and Phllips on the interior defensive line will be fun to see. Hopefully, they both be ready by Week 1.
"Brown had a bad missed tackle in the red zone as the half ended — could’ve cost the Seahawks four points but didn’t, since he redeemed himself partially with good position on the ensuing incompletion. We’ll cut him some slack since it was his VERY FIRST QUARTER OF NFL ACTION.
Saw him continue into the second half without fanfare. Made an open-field tackle on Peterman, though it’s hard to gauge exactly how much credit one earns for that. Switched off his man to make another clean tackle immediately thereafter, so there were moments of awareness. Was only targeted a handful of times. If opposing offenses could throw at him a little more, that would be helpful. Thanks guys."
4 standouts on offense from Chiefs' preseason win over 49ers
C Creed Humphrey
I could really highlight anyone from the Chiefs’ new-look offensive line here, as the first glimpse was impressive and as advertised. Humphrey and the rest of the unit only played 11 snaps on Saturday, but the rookie out of Oklahoma looked the part of an NFL starting center in each snap.On seven pass-blocking snaps, Humphrey allowed no pressures. After an offseason of chatter about the rookie being a left-handed snapper, he didn’t seem to have any problems snapping the ball, whether the quarterback was Patrick Mahomes or Chad Henne. He had some impressive blocks in the run game too, clearing rushing lanes for Clyde Edwards-Helaire. All-in-all, this was a very good start for Humphrey and something that he can build off of as we inch toward the regular season.
How Patrick Mahomes, Orlando Brown found a connection. And why it’s key for Chiefs
BY SAM MCDOWELLAUGUST 17, 2021 05:00 AM
On a recent day at Chiefs training camp, as the team’s third-stringers completed a hurry-up drill, two players stood well behind the play, otherwise alone, having a conversation —quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his new left tackle, Orlando Brown.
Eventually, two guys done with their portion of practice were in motion, and Mahomes was simulating a dropback, imaginary football in his hands and everything.
It’s been something of a regular sight on the Missouri Western State practice fields, as a 25-year-old quarterback and newly-acquired left tackle build the foundation of one of the Chiefs’ most important — and closely evaluated — relationships of 2021.
“He’s trying to get a good feel,” Mahomes said. “He’ll try something one day and ask if I liked it, and I’ll tell him the truth — and he wants to hear that so he can know how I’m feeling throughout the game.”
Brown has spent the majority of his career blocking on the right side of the offensive line — and blocking for a quarterback who leads an offense quite different from this one. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is willing, almost eager, to run with the football. The Chiefs would prefer Mahomes run it as little as possible. They’re just fine with him resting deeper in the pocket, going through his reads.
The contrast requires some adjustments in footwork, Brown has said, but it also requires some plain getting used to. During those conversations, Mahomes has told Brown where he prefers to sit in the pocket on certain throws and therefore where he’d like Brown to send a potential edge rusher.
Brown has used practice repetitions to work on very specific parts of his game to account for the changes — new quarterback, new position — even to the detriment of losing some on-one-one drills.
“It’s always good to know where your quarterback wants to be, what he wants to do, what he’s thinking in certain situations,” Brown said. “That can help me react or put my player wherever I need to put him so (Mahomes) can do what he does best.”
Mahomes has spent the bulk of training camp trying to stay in the pocket as often as possible — to make scrambling a last resort, not a first option. It’s a typical point of emphasis in camps, but particularly this season after he judged he too often departed the pocket in 2020.
“Orlando is great about talking about different things that he is trying and seeing how I like them,” Mahomes said. “Trying to build that relationship, build that kind of comfort with them. For me, I’ll always try to stay within the pocket, especially during training camp.”
Cowboys injury roundup: Neville Gallimore could miss Week 1, Dalton Schultz expected for regular season opener
By Patrik WalkerAug 16, 2021 at 10:23 am ET4 min read
As the legendary Michael Scott once noted, you might not be superstitious, but it's OK to be a little stitious. So when the Dallas Cowboys took the field against the Arizona Cardinals on Friday the 13th, it played out exactly as you'd think it would. They lost a total of five players to injury, headlined by starting defensive tackle Neville Gallimore, who left the game in the first quarter with what turned out to be a hyperextended elbow. The MRI results showed a near best-case scenario though, sources tell CBS Sports, with Gallimore having suffered no tears and only a minor structural issue.
He's expected to miss the remainder of the preseason and potentially Week 1 as well -- his timetable being 4-6 weeks -- but the 10-day span between the Cowboys first two regular season games gives him a shot at being available when they travel to take on the Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 19.
And because he won't be lost for significant time to start the season, barring a setback, the Cowboys aren't suddenly pressed to go after a talent like free agent Geno Atkins. This isn't to say they aren't keeping an eye on Atkins (they are), but it would be a much different story if Gallimore were lost for most or all of the season. But, as it stands, he isn't, and it opens the door for rookie third-round pick Osa Odighizuwa to dig his heels in.
-- Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was dialed in Monday [in joint practice with Pats]. Outside of one shaky 7-on-7 drill in which he threw two interceptions, he was on point with his throws, made sound decisions and acquitted himself well overall against coach Bill Belichick's defense. It's safe to say Hurts had the best day of any of the quarterbacks Monday, including Mac Jones and 2011 No. 1 overall pick Cam Newton.
-- There is a fast-growing sentiment among #Eagles’ players that Jalen Hurts is undoubtedly the franchise QB. His work ethic, intangibles and overall skill level have captured the entire locker room. Players I’ve spoken with are consistently blown away by Hurts - on/off the field.
Gillette Stadium Went Wild After Rhamondre Stevenson Rumbled 91 Yards For Preseason Touchdown
By CBSBoston.com StaffAugust 13, 2021 at 8:29 amBOSTON (CBS) — Usually, playing out the final few minutes of a preseason game is merely a formality. But Patriots fans who stayed until the end of Thursday night’s preseason opener against the Washington Football Team at Gillette Stadium were treated to one electric run by rookie running back Rhamondre Stevenson.
With just over a minute to go in the game, Stevenson ripped off a 91-yard touchdown run that sent all of Gillette into pure jubilation. The rookie back took a pitch from Brian Hoyer and took care of the rest, outrunning everyone on the Washington defense for the score.
Just when it looked like someone would catch up to Stevenson and turn his scoring scamper into just a long run, he shifted into another gear and reached pay dirt for his second touchdown of the game.
The play got fans and Patriots players alike to go absolutely bananas. Most of Stevenson’s teammates made the trek to the end zone to celebrate with the rookie, including those who share the running back room with him.
“I was just hoping he wouldn’t get caught,” said veteran back James White. “That was a great play call. First of all, offensive line did a great job blocking, receivers, fullbacks. It was an impressive run for a guy his size. He had a good performance out there today, and hopefully he can keep it going.”
The 6-foot, 227-pound Stevenson was touted as a power back when the Patriots took him in the fourth round out of Oklahoma. But he showed off some incredible speed throughout Thursday night’s 22-13 victory, rushing for a game-high 127 yards on 10 carries. Those numbers were obviously padded a bit with that fourth-quarter marathon to the end zone, but the rookie was impressive in his first NFL action.
His first touchdown run came early in the fourth quarter, when Stevenson punched it in from a yard out. The Patriots were working with a short field after Joejuan Williams picked off Steven Montez and took it to the Washington 19-yard line. Stevenson accounted for all 24 of New England’s yards on the ensuing drive (a false start penalty on the Patriots meant an extra five yards for him to cover), capped off with his first NFL touchdown.
The Patriots ran for 179 yards on 25 carries, and the run attack will be a big part of the team’s identity when the regular season comes around. New England has a crowded stable of backs with starter Damien Harris (four carries, 17 yards), Sony Michel (six carries, 26 yards) and White (two catches for 22 yards) ahead of Stevenson on the depth chart. JJ Taylor (two carries, 10 yards) is also fighting for a roster spot ahead of the season.
Rookie backs usually get a redshirt year to acclimate to the NFL, as White and Harris did after being drafted by the Patriots. But given New England’s focus on the ground attack, Stevenson could find his way to the field — and make an impact — quite a bit in his first season with the Patriots.
Patriots rookie Ronnie Perkins plans on emulating Jerod Mayo
By KAREN GUREGIAN | karen.guregian@bostonherald.com | Boston Herald
August 15, 2021 at 1:24 p.m.
Ronnie Perkins was happy to finally receive an actual number Thursday night before the preseason game with Washington.And 51 suits him just fine.
“It feels good,” said the rookie defensive end. “I was kind of hoping I got number 51, so it was kind of a dream come true to sit in my locker Thursday night when I came in.”
Asked why he chose the number, Perkins, who wore No. 7 at Oklahoma, mentioned the former Patriots who wore it previously.
“Coach Mayo played in it. One of my older vets Bent [Ja’Whaun Bentley] played in it,” said Perkins. “So it’s kind of like me just carrying on their tradition and balling out in that number.”
When Perkins talked to Mayo about wearing his number, the team’s inside linebackers coach and former Patriots great set the rookie straight.
“Mayo told me I got to carry the tradition, man. You can’t wear that number, and go out there doing BS,” said Perkins. “You got to – to wear that number you got to go out there and knock their heads off playing fast. So, got to carry on that tradition for him.”
-- Lastly, Rookie outside linebacker Ronnie Perkins tied for the team lead with four quarterback pressures, including an excellent speed-to-power rush on Joejuan Williams’s interception. By pushing right tackle David Steinmetz into the quarterback’s lap, Perkins forced an errant throw.
Later on, Perkins showed good discipline rushing over the right tackle by forcing the quarterback away from his arm side, making a more challenging cross-body pass attempt.
New England’s revamped front seven has excellent depth on paper, and we saw that come to fruition in the victory over Washington, where they were pressuring the QB throughout the game.
-- Patriots third-round pick Ronnie Perkins added to a strong performance by leading the team with three run stops.
-- Fifth-year [Bengals] linebacker Jordan Evans has become the veteran presence in a linebackers room with three starters age 25 or younger.
"He'll tell you slap dead in your face if you're doing something wrong or something you can improve on," Davis-Gaither said of Evans. "I think the biggest thing he helped me with was in coverage, being able to see things before they happen."
The Best Still to Come From Ford
Cody Ford was more open and honest than I think he ever has been since being drafted by the Bills in 2019.
The former 2nd round pick has dealt with injuries each of his first two seasons, the latest a knee injury that cost him the back end of last year and needed multiple surgeries.
General Manager Brandon Beane has said he still believes in Ford, noting he really hasn't been healthy.
So with that in mind, I asked Ford after practice if we have yet to see the best he has to offer?
"Definitely have not seen it."
From there Ford explained his new mentality, one that's been aided by talking with a mental health coach, who has helped Ford navigate trying times.
As for on the field, Ford says he still can play where ever the Bills want, noting that because he's played on both sides of the line, there are no challenges anymore in doing that because of his experience.
Bengals roster bubble: Which players helped their cause in Week 1?
DL Amani Bledsoe
Bledsoe is a bit lost in the logjam along the defensive line. But he made the most of his chances too, even cobbling together one of the best PFF grades by any Bengals defender last night. A high motor and some versatility go a long way — especially late in exhibitions when coaches are paying close attention.
--
Ossai credited Sample and tackle Amani Bledsoe, who had three quarterback hits and half of a sack, for getting his sack.
"I had a lot of plays that allowed me to come free with my interior linemen Cam Sample and Amani Bledsoe," said Ossai. "They did a really good job of getting vertical. It was a team effort. I was just in the right place at the right time."
-- Finally, let’s spend some more time talking about [Bengals rookie PK] Evan McPherson, because all the guy does is make buckets. McPherson was eight-for-eight on Monday, which included a 54-yarder.
There’s nothing more McPherson has to do to fend off Austin Siebert, as the “competition” seems to be a battle in name only, as it should be.
-- Last but certainly not least, Evan McPherson has a damn cannon attached to his leg. He nailed both of his field goal tries, including one from 40 yards that would’ve also been good from 60. Austin Siebert is only boosting his resume for his next employer at this point.
STOCK FALLING
OL BEN POWERSPowers began the game as the Ravens starting left guard, then moved to right tackle, but it was a struggle for him all night. The Ravens failed to get a first down in the first quarter, and on a third-and-5 designed quarterback draw by Trace McSorley, Powers was beaten by Saints defensive lineman David Onyemata, who dropped McSorley for a 3-yard loss. Powers later was called for a holding penalty, and too often the pocket was collapsing where Powers was playing.
Powers began training camp in a battle for the starting left guard job with Tyre Phillips and rookie Ben Cleveland, who missed the Saints game with an undisclosed injury. Shifting Powers to tackle, a position he has not played previously, was a curious development. It’s possible that this signals either Phillips or Cleveland will win the left guard job and the Ravens want to see if Powers has a future as the team’s swing tackle. But Phillips already has experience there, and should Cleveland be the left guard, Phillips is the more logical tackle option.
Either way, Powers could get caught in a numbers game. After watching the offensive line struggle against the Saints, general manager Eric DeCosta figures to be watching the waiver wire closely, and any addition lessens Powers’ chances.
-- When will [Ravens WRs] Marquise Brown and Miles Boykin rejoin practice? Marquise Brown suffered a hamstring injury on the second day of camp. Their budding star first round receiver had a lingering injury that compounded into surgery before he ever played a snap of NFL football.
-- But the Colts defense also made its fair share of plays, and it kept Carolina out of the end zone. A Bobby Okereke blitz forced a Darnold misthrow in the first session and Rhodes broke up another pass, and Zaire Franklin and Curtis Bolton had a “sack” on Will Grier.
Denver Broncos players tumbling down the depth chart
1. Parnell Motley, CBAs the 2021 offseason progressed, it became increasingly apparent that spots on the Denver Broncos’ final 53-man roster at the cornerback position were going to be hard to come by.
Still, Parnell Motley had a decent shot at one of the six spots given the fact that the Denver Broncos brought him onto the active roster late last season and actively worked to get him some snaps in regular season games.
It was clear the team had an interest in his potential, and Motley did pretty solid in the opportunities he got down the stretch of the 2020 season.
So far in 2021, however, he has not exactly been seizing his opportunities.
Motley has routinely been on the back end of some of the biggest offensive highlights of Broncos training camp, getting beat deep down the field and not exactly staking his claim on a CB6 spot.
Based on the Denver Broncos’ first preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings, it would be fair to assume that Nate Hairston has probably surpassed Motley as the team’s CB6.
Motley is listed as CB6 but if Essang Bassey is able to come back healthy, you could quickly see a handful of players including Hairston, Bassey, and newcomers Rojesterman Farris and Saivion Smith push Motley even further down the depth chart.
-- [Browns QB Baker] Mayfield is far ahead of where he was at this time last summer, and the Browns are very pleased with his growth in the scheme. He’s developing excellent timing with some of the younger receivers such as Donovan Peoples-Jones, and building on his chemistry with Jarvis Landry and Rashard Higgins. Unfortunately, he hasn’t had any 11-on-11 reps yet with Odell Beckham Jr., but Beckham could possibly be eased into some team drills this week. He’s also working hard on his connection with Austin Hooper. Occasionally the ball still sails on Mayfield at times, and that’s directly tied to his footwork, which is still a work in progress. They overhauled it last offseason, and he’s refining it this summer. When his mechanics are sound, he’s as deadly accurate as anyone. All-in-all, it’s been an excellent camp for him.
'Nerdy specialist talk': Tress Way discusses WFT's FG operation
/BY PETER HAILEYAfter Dustin Hopkins missed two field goals in Washington's preseason opener against the Patriots, the whole kicking operation has received a ton of unwanted attention.A
According to Ron Rivera, the "timing is off" in that vital area for the Burgundy and Gold, which is a highly-concerning statement to hear as Week 1 keeps bounding toward the franchise like a squib kick.
So, what exactly is going on? And, much more importantly, can it be fixed?
Tress Way, who moonlights as Washington's holder in addition to the work he does as a Pro Bowl punter, went into great detail on Monday about what's currently affecting him, Hopkins and long snapper Camaron Cheeseman as well as how they are striving to remedy it.
"It comes down to a few keys," Way began during a press conference after practice. "It's a three-headed monster and I'm directly in the middle. So I try and tell Cheese and I try and tell Hop, 'I will do whatever you guys want me to do in order to make it more comfortable for y'all.'"
Way then proceeded to plunge into what he labeled as "super nerdy specialist talk."
"Hop has a key that he tries to go off of my left hand," Way said. "My left hand is the hand that's down [before the snap]. When that comes up to catch, that's his green light to go. And that's when he starts his process... Cheese's key is my head turning."
After hearing Way break those items down, it's natural to wonder why — after countless reps at OTAs, minicamp and training camp — the trio still doesn't have their rhythm down.
Sure, it's understandable that there'd be a learning curve for Way and Hopkins as they adjust to Cheeseman after working so closely and for so long with Nick Sundberg. Way explained that he's even had to outline super simple aspects for Cheeseman such as where they meet up on the sideline just before taking the field for a kick or punt. With Sundberg, all that had become second nature. But despite that major change, shouldn't their development be further along by now?
Per Way, pulling off a flawless snap-to-hold-to-kick sequence in practice pales in comparison to doing so in a game, and the matchup with New England, of course, was the unit's first exposure to game conditions.
"It's a whole different story," Way said. "We've since changed a couple of things and we're trying to just make things as smooth as possible.”
In addition to that difference in atmosphere and pressure, both Way and Rivera have both commented on how fast Cheeseman's snaps are. The first-year pro out of Michigan really zings it back there, they've noted, which is another part of the equation that's being accounted for as training camp progresses.
The next opportunity for Way, Hopkins and Cheeseman to test out their chemistry will come this Friday when Washington hosts the Cincinnati Bengals for their second preseason outing. Should they find more success at FedEx Field, then the problems versus the Pats will largely be forgiven and the collective panic about the field goal crew will fade.
The typically-upbeat Way likes their chances of doing just that.
"[Cheeseman's] doing awesome, and practice has been going great," Way said. "And Hop's been knocking the cover off the ball. And so it honestly is just one of those things where it brought some things to light and we've been hammering it out this week."
--[Bears rookie QB] Justin Fields’ first throw of the day is a short completion to Damien Williams in drills without a defense. I love Williams’ versatility as a pass catcher. Matt Nagy is going to use him a ton out of the backfield.
-- Mason Cole, Dru Samia, and Kyle Hinton were the highest graded lineman.
-- Dru Samia struggled as a run blocker but had an 85.2 pass blocking grade. No pressures allowed for Cole, Brandel, or Samia.
-- 49ers left tackle Trent Williams didn’t make it through the entire practice on Monday, but there’s no sign that the team believes it’s a serious injury.
Williams limped off the field during the session. Head coach Kyle Shanahan didn’t have too much detail on what happened, but he didn’t raise any alarms about the veteran’s condition.
“I didn’t see it. They said he just clipped his hip or knee or something, and we got him out,” Shanahan said, via 49ers WebZone.com. “Didn’t seem overly concerned, but we’ve got to look at it when we get inside.”
If there’s any concern, Williams may not be seeing the field for this week’s game against the Chargers.
-- Kyler Murray didn't play Friday, and he certainly looked like he saved up his game effort for Sunday's practice. The Cardinals' quarterback – in the last public (and open to reporting) practice of training camp – had a great practice Sunday. To me, it was his best of camp. Other than an early throw over the middle in the red zone that was nearly picked off by linebacker Jordan Hicks, Murray was scary sharp.
Practice isn't a game, of course. You still want to see Murray with at least some preseason snaps (I'd think he'd get some for Friday's ESPN game against the Chiefs) but the trend around the league is to keep the starting QB reps in preseason fairly low. But if Murray practices like Sunday, that's a very good sign as we move toward games that count.
-- The Arizona Cardinals have been missing a pair of defensive linemen for almost all of training camp so far — two players they are counting on to be disruptive forces up front.
One is J.J. Watt, who landed on PUP after tweaking his hamstring in the run test. It seems like they are just going to keep him fresh until the regular season.
The other is Jordan Phillips, their biggest free agent acquisition before the 2020 season. He has been out since early in camp with an undisclosed injury.
The Cardinals don’t know when he will return yet.
It appears they are looking toward the season opener.
“We’re not sure just yet,” head coach Kliff Kingsbury on Monday. “He’s played a lot in this league. We feel confident when he’s back ready to go, he’ll be full throttle.”
Phillips landed on injured reserve twice last season with a hamstring injury but was very good when he was healthy.
If this is another injury, it probably isn’t anything to worry about. He, like Watt, participated in OTAs and minicamp.
If it is still the hamstring or an aggravation of it, then he could be dealing with something chronic.
Watt and Phllips on the interior defensive line will be fun to see. Hopefully, they both be ready by Week 1.
