“He isn’t nearly the same player he’s been in the past. New Orleans Saints to bench 8-time Pro Bowl team leader - soccerdelights.com
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“He isn’t nearly the same player he’s been in the past. New Orleans Saints to bench 8-time Pro Bowl team leader

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“He isn’t nearly the same player he’s been in the past. New Orleans Saints to bench 8-time Pro Bowl team leader as playoff hopes slip away

The New Orleans Saints have had a roller coaster season to put it lightly.

After starting the 2024 campaign with two dominating performances where the offense put up over 44 points in back-to-back blowout wins and their defense held their opponents to less than 20 points, the Saints lost six of their next seven contests which resulted in massive decisions for the organization.

Head coach Dennis Allen was ultimately fired and replaced with special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi as the interim head coach.

The coaching change appeared to provide an instant spark, as the Saints immediately won their next two games with Rizzi leading the squad, but Sunday’s matchup with the Rams was the team’s last true chance to get back into the divisional race, and New Orleans couldn’t get it done.

Sitting at (4-8), New Orleans is 13th right now in the playoff seeding and their only realistic path to the postseason is through the division. Even with the Falcons and Bucs tied atop of the NFC South with just (6-6) records, the Saints have less than a one percent chance of making the postseason at this point. This Week 14 features the struggling Raiders going to Tampa to take on the Bucs, while the Falcons travel up to Minnesota to take on the Vikings. All three games with NFC South implications will be going on at the same time, but it would take a miracle for New Orleans to play in January o close out the 2024 season.

The Saints obviously have several major decisions to make this offseason about the future of the franchise. First and foremost, who will they hire as the next head coach? Rizzi has been mentioned as a potential candidate to take the full-time position and seems to have support from the locker room, but the roster could look very different in 2025 and there will be several qualified candidates in play.

The new coach will have to help make a decision on QB Derek Carr, who has played like a middle-of-the pack NFL starter since coming to New Orleans, looking great some weeks, and awful others.

But NFL writer Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report believes the New Orleans Saints need to make a drastic decision right now to help their future, and it involves benching one of the biggest faces of the team for more than a decade and a key veteran defensive star that has cemented himself as a leader on the squad.

Ballentine suggests the Saints should bench 8-time Pro Bowl DE Cameron Jordan, who has been with the organization his entire NFL career since getting drafted in 2011.

“Jordan has had an excellent career with the Saints, but the 35-year-old isn’t nearly the same player he’s been in the past. The organization is likely headed toward a rebuild this offseason and won’t be in the playoffs this winter, so giving more reps to younger players like Payton Turner and Isaiah Foskey should be the focus moving forward.”

Ballentine makes a solid point, but a player like Jordan may command a different level of respect. While it’s probable he won’t be on the team in 2025, it will be interesting to see if the Saints actually bench him to give younger players a chance to get experience as they look toward the future.

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NOT AGAIN: Jared Goff voices frustration over Dan Campbell Decision : Lions QB Reportedly Unhappy with Head coach Announcement

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NOT AGAIN: Jared Goff voices frustration over Dan Campbell Decision : Lions QB Reportedly Unhappy with Head coach Announcement

Jared Goff Voices Frustration Over Dan Campbell Decision: Lions QB Reportedly Unhappy with Head Coach Announcement

Detroit, MI – A rift may be forming within the Detroit Lions organization as quarterback Jared Goff has reportedly expressed frustration over a recent decision made by head coach Dan Campbell. The tension arises amid the Lions’ impressive season, where they have been competing at a high level in the NFC.

The Reported Discontent

Sources close to the team suggest that Goff is unhappy with a specific announcement made by Campbell, though details remain unclear. Some speculate that the issue stems from a recent coaching decision that may have impacted the team’s performance or future direction. Goff, known for his composure and leadership, has generally been a strong advocate for Campbell’s aggressive coaching style, making this reported discord particularly surprising.

While neither Goff nor Campbell has publicly addressed the speculation, insiders indicate that Goff has voiced concerns behind closed doors. Some believe it may be related to a shift in offensive play-calling duties or a decision affecting personnel that directly impacts Goff’s role in the offense.

Campbell’s Coaching Style Under Scrutiny

Dan Campbell has gained a reputation for his aggressive, sometimes unconventional, decision-making. Whether it’s opting for fourth-down attempts in critical situations or making bold roster moves, Campbell has consistently shown a willingness to take risks. While this approach has largely paid off for the Lions, it has also drawn criticism, especially in cases where those risks have backfired.

If the reported frustration from Goff is indeed true, it raises questions about whether the quarterback believes Campbell’s bold strategies are putting the team in difficult situations. Given Goff’s role as the leader on offense, any disagreement between him and the coaching staff could have significant implications for team chemistry and performance moving forward.

Possible Reasons for Goff’s Frustration

There are several theories as to what may have caused the reported tension between Goff and Campbell:

Play-Calling Adjustments – It is possible that Campbell has altered the offensive strategy in a way that Goff disagrees with. The Lions’ offense has been one of the most dynamic in the league, and any changes to its approach could impact Goff’s effectiveness.

Personnel Decisions – If Campbell made an announcement regarding player rotations or starting positions, it could have affected Goff’s comfort level with his supporting cast. Quarterbacks often develop strong relationships with their offensive weapons, and a sudden change could disrupt rhythm and chemistry.

Future of the Franchise – As a veteran quarterback, Goff may be thinking about his long-term future with the organization. If Campbell’s announcement involved a potential shift in quarterback plans or a draft-related move, it could be a point of contention.

The Team’s Official Response

So far, the Lions organization has remained tight-lipped regarding these reports. When asked about Goff’s relationship with Campbell, team representatives have emphasized unity and focus on their upcoming games. In his most recent media appearance, Campbell did not directly address any internal conflicts but reiterated his trust in Goff and the team’s leadership.

“Jared has been incredible for us,” Campbell said. “He’s a competitor, and we trust him to lead this team. Every decision we make is with the goal of putting us in the best position to win.”

Goff, for his part, has also not spoken publicly about the alleged frustrations. However, during a recent press conference, he seemed measured when discussing the team’s recent decisions, neither outright supporting nor criticizing them.

What This Means for the Lions Moving Forward

Despite the reported frustrations, Goff and Campbell have worked well together throughout their time in Detroit. The Lions have experienced a resurgence in the NFC, and their strong chemistry has been a key factor in their success. However, if there is a growing divide between the quarterback and the head coach, it could create distractions at a crucial point in the season.

The Lions will need to address any internal issues quickly to ensure they remain focused on their playoff push. Whether or not Goff’s frustration is a sign of deeper problems remains to be seen, but it is clear that the situation will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.

Conclusion

For now, Detroit’s success continues to overshadow any potential disagreements within the organization. But as the season progresses, any lingering issues between Goff and Campbell could become more apparent. If these reports are accurate, the Lions’ ability to manage internal conflicts may be just as important as their performance on the field.

Lions fans will be hoping that Goff and Campbell can resolve any differences and continue their quest for a deep playoff run. With the stakes high and the pressure mounting, the coming weeks will reveal whether this reported frustration is a minor disagreement or a sign of bigger issues ahead.

 

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kellen More Saints set to Sign Eagles’ Projected $53.3 Million DT Who hopes to Reunite With New Orleans Saints HC

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GOOD NEWS: kellen More Saints set to Sign Eagles’ Projected $53.3 Million DT Who hopes to Reunite With New Orleans Saints HC

The New Orleans Saints want to build a winner, but that’ll require championship-level players.

As the Saints survey the free agent market, where better to look than Philadelphia? The Eagles just won the Super Bowl, meaning any of their players entering free agency are carrying championship experience.

Oh yeah, and Kellen Moore — recent offensive coordinator of the title-winning Eagles — is now the head coach in New Orleans. Moore gives the Saints a clear advantage when it comes to competing for Eagles players.

On Friday, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox suggested that, despite New Orleans’ financial barriers, the Saints should pursue an Eagles defensive stud.

“Perhaps no player improved their stock in 2024 as much as Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams,” Knox wrote.

“While Williams doesn’t have an extensive history of high-level play, he’s flashed his ability to be a disruptive interior pass-rusher. His combination of size (6’3″, 290 lbs) and athleticism make him extremely difficult to block one-on-one.”

“The Saints face a $47.5 million cap deficit but could target Williams if they can solve their cap issues by early next week. New Orleans could use a standout defensive tackle and could have an in with Williams after hiring away former Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore as their head coach.”

Spotrac predicts Williams to land a three-year, $53.3 million deal. To have a shot at the former No. 73 overall pick out of Louisiana Tech, New Orleans needs to get to work on their cap problems, and fast.

 

 

 

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Kellen Moore Saints Told to Sign Projected $40.9 Million Super Bowl Guard with Last Season ‘Pleasant Surprise’ on a Long Term Deal…

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Kellen Moore Saints Told to Sign Projected $40.9 Million Super Bowl Guard with Last Season ‘Pleasant Surprise’ on a Long Term Deal…..

The New Orleans Saints could consider acquiring a Super Bowl-winning guard in free agency … if they can afford him, that is.

New Orleans’ roster needs are numerous. One point of emphasis in depth chart construction will be to strengthen the offensive line to ensure that injury-riddled Derek Carr is provided with ample protection.

On Friday, The Advocate’s Matthew Paras wondered whether the Saints will call about a 25-year-old former No. 11 pick fresh off a championship: Mekhi Becton.

“Becton was one of the league’s pleasant surprises last season when he had newfound success after leaving the (New York) Jets to join the (Philadelphia) Eagles,” Paras wrote.

“A transition to guard helped him greatly. He could … be out of New Orleans’ price range considering the lack of quality offensive linemen available in free agency this year.”

Spotrac projects Becton to demand $10.2 million annually, which could land the guard a deal in the realm of four years, $40.9 million.

Becton would be an excellent, young piece to build around, but the Saints simply don’t have the type of cap space to make a splash signing right now.

Who knows — maybe Mickey Loomis will work wonders in March and recalibrate New Orleans’ fiscal resources in a way that makes a Becton signing somewhat plausible.

A rebuilding team with a new head coach like the Saints would be wise to invest in their offensive and defensive lines as a starting point. A long-term deal with Becton would be ideal, but it’s closer to fantasy than reality for New Orleans at the moment.

 

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Aaron Rodgers Dark Horse Emerging Causes Fear for Jets Fans

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Aaron Rodgers Dark Horse Emerging Causes Fear for Jets Fans

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers reacting ahead of an NFL game.

The NFL quarterback carousel continues to swing violently this offseason.

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport revealed that the Minnesota Vikings have emerged as a “dark horse” for New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers ahead of free agency.

A crazy domino effect was created on Friday, March 7 when the Seattle Seahawks traded quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders. Rapoport explained that the Seahawks, now with a hole at QB1, have pivoted to former Jets QB Sam Darnold. That means the Vikings would now have to pivot to a new direction to find a veteran quarterback.

In 2008 the Jets traded for Brett Favre in a blockbuster deal with the Green Bay Packers. After his tenure in NY, Favre was released and eventually landed on the Vikings. Now 17 years later, history has a chance to repeat itself.

The Jets are expected to officially part ways with Rodgers on Wednesday, March 12 when the new league year opens. At that point he can officially sign with a new team.

NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo said Rodgers “could be in play” for the Vikings.

Bad Memories for Jets Fans

There were plenty of good moments for NYJ fans in 2008 with Favre. The team started 8-3 and had legitimate Super Bowl aspirations. However Favre tore a tendon in his bicep and tried to play through it. The team couldn’t overcome the injury going 1-4 over the final five weeks of the regular season. Gang Green missed the playoffs and the rest is history.

Favre finished the season with as many passing touchdowns (22) as he had interceptions (22).

The Hall of Fame quarterback found the fountain of youth with the Vikings in 2009. He finished with the best touchdown (33) to interception (7) ratio of his career. In addition to individual success, Favre carried the Vikings to the NFC Championship game. Favre threw an interception across his body late that sealed their fate.

Rodgers showed signs of life this season for the Jets with 3,897 passing yards, 28 passing touchdowns to 11 interceptions, and he completed 63% of his passes.

The fear among Jets fans is Rodgers will leave, go to a much better team with better coaching, and thrive. This past season Minnesota won 14 games and put up prolific offensive numbers with skill talent everywhere.

A Rodgers-Vikings Pairing Might Be Better Than the Alternative

Rodgers going to the Vikings could be painful for Jets fans who remember the 2008 and 2009 seasons. However it could be a better result than the other rumors floating out there.

Art Stapleton of North Jersey dot com told Pat McAfee that the New York Giants “are significantly” interested in Rodgers.

“I don’t think it would be a shock to people if he was the Giants quarterback next season,” Stapleton said on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Thursday, March 6.

“My understanding is that the Giants are significantly interested in Aaron Rodgers..

I don’t think it would be a shock to people if he was the Giants Quarterback next season”@art_stapleton

Rodgers having a good season would turn some heads in 2025 with the Jets. But nothing would turn heads more than Rodgers dominating in the same stadium but with a shade of blue instead of green.

That success would be constantly shoved in the Jets’ faces and brought up during media availability constantly for head coach Aaron Glenn.

At least in Minnesota, Rodgers would be in the other conference as opposed to potentially being in the same town and stadium as the Jets.

 

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Saints Named ‘Perfect’ Destination For 6-Time Pro Bowler as HC Kellen Continue with Rebuild

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Saints Named ‘Perfect’ Destination For 6-Time Pro Bowler as HC Kellen Continue with Rebuild

We are just days away from free agency beginning in the National Football League.

It’s one of the more exciting times in the NFL calendar because of the fact that no teams are ruled out. Some may not do much in free agency, but every team will have the opportunity to add talent in the offseason with the hope of making playoff runs the following season.

The New Orleans Saints are a team that may not have much spending flexibility when it’s all said and done and free agency begins, but that doesn’t mean the franchise won’t be able to add any pieces. The Saints likely won’t be able to hand out some sort of massive, nine-figure deal, but New Orleans surely will be able to add some cheap depth if it sees fit.

New Orleans should be on the lookout for pieces to help improve the defense and because of this, Pro Football Focus’ Bradley Locker called New Orleans the “perfect” landing spot for six-time Pro Bowler Calais Campbell.

“New Orleans Saints: DL Calais Campbell,” Locker said. “While the Saints have a bevy of roster holes to fill, the unfortunate reality is that the team doesn’t have much room to work with financially. Campbell could be a cheaper but high-payoff signing. New Orleans closed 2024 ranked 31st in PFF run-defense grade, and no Saints interior defender recorded a run-defense mark above 62.2.

“Meanwhile, Campbell’s 85.9 PFF run-defense grade was the best among qualifiers at the position, marking his second straight season with an 80.0-plus grade in the category. When the Dolphins added Campbell last offseason, he played far better than his $2 million salary indicated. Perhaps the Saints could swing a similar type of deal to fortify their defensive line.”

Campbell is a Hall of Fame-level talent who now is 38 years old. He still had five sacks in 2024, but likely won’t land any sort of bank-breaking deal this offseason. This is the type of move the Saints could target because he’d be a clear upgrade and likely would be affordable at this stage of his career.

 

 

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