The NFL's Cut Day Approaches
The NFL is gearing up for one of its most significant annual events: Cut Day. By next Tuesday, all 32 teams are required to trim their active rosters from 90 players down to 53. This process, while cutting players’ dreams short, also signifies the final shape of the teams as they head into the new season. Coaches will be making tough decisions, evaluating every performance from the preseason games to make informed choices.
Brady and Manning on Top QBs
At the recent Fanatics Fest, legendary quarterbacks Tom Brady and Peyton Manning shared their insights on the current quarterback landscape in the NFL. Both unanimously placed Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes at the top of their lists. Mahomes continues to set the benchmark with his dynamic playmaking abilities and leadership.
In addition to Mahomes, both Brady and Manning hailed Cincinnati Bengals’ Joe Burrow, Baltimore Ravens’ Lamar Jackson, and Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen as top-five quarterbacks in the league. Manning also included Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers in his top picks, while Brady highlighted veteran Aaron Rodgers, who is now helming the New York Jets.
Defensive Performances in Preseason
The preseason games offered glimpses of potential breakout stars and solid performances. One such notable effort was by Buffalo Bills’ defensive end Greg Rousseau, who made an impressive 2.5 sacks over just 11 snaps in a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. His performance hints at an impactful presence in the upcoming season.
Receivers and Quarterbacks Under the Spotlight
On the offensive front, Kansas City receiver Xavier Worthy showed promise, catching three of six targets for 62 yards and a touchdown against the Detroit Lions. However, not all quarterbacks had standout performances. New York Giants' Daniel Jones completed 11 of 18 passes for 138 yards but had two interceptions in a game against the Houston Texans. Meanwhile, San Francisco 49ers' Brock Purdy finished his outing with just two completions on six attempts for 11 yards and faced a sack against the New Orleans Saints.
Among the new faces, Jayden Daniels made his presence felt for the Washington Commanders in a 13-6 loss to the Miami Dolphins and was designated as the Commanders' starting quarterback moving forward. Malik Nabers also stood out for the Giants with several notable receptions in their matchup against the Texans.
Veteran Movements and Uncertainties
In other news, Dallas Turner had a subdued performance, playing 13 snaps for the Minnesota Vikings in their win over the Cleveland Browns. Matthew Judon’s decision to opt for a trade to the Atlanta Falcons over the Chicago Bears also turned heads.
On the injury front, Justin Herbert returned to practice for the Los Angeles Chargers after dealing with plantar fascia in his right foot since July 31. His return is a positive sign for Chargers fans eagerly anticipating the start of the season.
Contract Extensions and Predictions
The Seattle Seahawks locked down quarterback Geno Smith with a three-year, $75 million extension, including $40 million in guaranteed money. This contract demonstrates the franchise's confidence in Smith's capabilities and his role in their future plans.
Looking ahead to potential MVP candidates, CBS Sports’ Will Brinson has laid out his predictions. He pegged Buffalo's Josh Allen as his MVP bet with +850 odds, citing Allen’s continued progression and impact on the Bills’ offense. Brinson also mentioned Los Angeles Rams’ Matthew Stafford as a mid-tier MVP contender with 30-to-1 odds, indicating his belief in Stafford's ability to lead the Rams effectively.
Player Comments
Beyond the stats and lineup decisions, the psychological aspects of the game came into the spotlight through players' comments. Tua Tagovailoa shed light on the mental toughness required in the NFL, stating, “To put it in the simplest terms, if you woke up every morning and I told you that you suck at what you did, that you don't belong doing what you do, that you shouldn't be here, that this guy should be here, that you haven't earned this.” He added, “You hear it and you hear it — regardless of what is, the good or the bad — and you hear it more and more and you start to actually believe that... it's basically been two years of training that out.”
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell also weighed in on the complexities of player relationships in the league: “I don't particularly have a comment on something that took place with another team or I don't like to comment on comments of other players on other teams, but I can just tell you I know that the players Flo works with, he's got great relationships here.”
As Cut Day approaches, teams, players, and coaches are all bracing for the whirlwind of decisions that will shape the roster and set the stage for the 2023 NFL season.