NFL
Packers will regret passing on perfect Preston Smith replacement at trade deadline
Packers will regret passing on perfect Preston Smith replacement at trade deadline
The Green Bay Packers must feel really good about their pass rush after all.
With all the dust from the NFL Trade Deadline starting to settle, the Packers’ situation at pass-rusher is clear. And by clear, I mean, not really changed? The one move that Green Bay made on Tuesday afternoon was sending Preston Smith to Pittsburgh for a late-round draft pick and some cap relief –not a hugely impactful decision considering the direction that Smith’s week-over-week snap counts were headed.
And, notably, the Packers declined to add anyone. It was long suspected that they were in the market for either another secondary piece or another complementary pass-rusher, but GM Brian Gutekunst said in his post-Deadline press conference that he was happy with the guys that the team already has on their roster.
GMs are always going to use that line when they fail to pull off a trade, and maybe it works out, but according to a recent report from The Athletic’s NFL Insider Dianna Russini, there were deals out there to be made. And those deals didn’t look that expensive, either.
Packers’ best Preston Smith replacement wouldn’t have cost them much
Russini reported that New York Giants edge-rusher Azeez Ojulari was available for a late fourth- or early fifth-round pick.
Teams are still trying to see what the Giants are going to do with Azeez Ojulari. New York is looking for a high 5 pick or late 4th rounder, per sources.
If the Giants decide to keep him, Ojulari becomes a free agent at the end of the season. pic.twitter.com/dHfhPQey2d
On one hand, a mid-round pick for a decent pass rusher who’s going to be a free agent isn’t necessarily the slam dunk that everyone assumes it is. On the other, that’s exactly the kind of move you make when you think you’re only one or two defensive pieces away from a division title run.
And considering how their two most recent division games have gone, it felt like they needed to do something.
Ojulari probably wouldn’t single-handedly change the Packers’ pass rush overnight, but the Giants’ fourth-year linebacker is in the middle of the best season since his rookie year, putting up six sacks, nine QB hits, and seven tackles for a loss in nine games so far (four of those being starts).
At the very least, even those numbers would be a major upgrade from Smith, who has a third of the sacks in as many games played. The lack of movement at secondary is arguably the bigger concern for the rest of the season, but it’s hard to blame Packers fans for wanting a little bit more from the deadline. Doing literally anything probably would have been a great start.
NFL
ONE LAST RIDE: Aaron Rodgers to sign a new two-year contract extension with Jets, welcoming Mike Vrable as the new Head coach
ONE LAST RIDE: Aaron Rodgers to sign a new two-year contract extension with Jets, welcoming Mike Vrable as the new Head coach, also giving verdict on…
In a significant development for the New York Jets, quarterback Aaron Rodgers has agreed to a new two-year contract extension that will keep him with the team through the 2026 season. Rodgers, 40, is expected to play a pivotal role in the Jets’ future, providing veteran leadership and on-field expertise as the team continues to rebuild and focus on playoff contention.
The announcement also includes a major shake-up in the coaching staff, with Mike Vrabel set to take over as the Jets’ new head coach. Vrabel, a former NFL linebacker with a proven track record of success with the Tennessee Titans, brings a winning mentality to a Jets team that has struggled in recent seasons. His appointment signals a new era for the Jets as they seek to return to relevance in the AFC.
As part of the coaching shakeup, the team has decided to part ways with interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich, who served as the Jets’ defensive coordinator. Despite leading a defense that showed flashes of brilliance, Ulbrich was unable to turn around a disappointing season overall, and his departure comes as part of the team’s efforts to create a fresh dynamic.
The Jets, who have been in a rebuild for years, now have an experienced quarterback and a new head coach at the helm. Fans are hopeful that this combination of leadership will finally push the team into playoff contention and beyond.
NFL
INCREDIBLE: Brock Bowers sets New NFL rookie records as the Raiders roll to a 25-10 victory over Saints
UNBELIEVABLE: Brock Bowers sets New NFL rookie records as the Raiders roll to a 25-10 victory over Saints
Aidan O’Connell passed for two touchdowns, tight end Brock Bowers broke two rookie NFL records, and the Las Vegas Raiders won for just the fourth time this season, 25-10 over the struggling New Orleans Saints on Sunday.
Bowers’ seven catches for 77 yards gave him 108 receptions for 1,144 yards this season, eclipsing Mike Ditka’s 1961 rookie tight end mark of 1,067 yards receiving and Puka Nacua’s 2023 mark of 105 catches by a rookie at any position. Bowers also surpassed Darren Waller’s franchise mark of 107 receptions in a season, which had stood since 2020.
Ameer Abdullah rushed for 115 yards for the Raiders (4-12) — the journeyman running back’s first 100-yard game in his 10 NFL seasons.
O’Connell finished with 242 yards passing, including a 3-yard TD pass to Jakobi Meyers and an 18-yarder to Tre Tucker.
Daniel Carlson kicked four field goals — his longest from 54 yards — for the Raiders, who didn’t look fazed by flight delays on Saturday that got them into their hotel after midnight, less than 12 hours before kickoff.
With former Raiders QB Derek Carr unable to suit up for the Saints (5-11) because of his injured left, non-throwing hand, rookie Spencer Rattler received his fifth career start. He remained winless as a starter after completing 20 of 36 passes for 218 yards and one TD with two interceptions.
Rattler also rushed for 46 yards to finish as New Orleans’ leading rusher for a second straight week.
The Saints used trickery to take an early 7-3 lead. Running back Kendre Miller took what looked like a toss sweep to the right before throwing a lateral back to his left, where Rattler caught it and threw 30 yards downfield to wide-open tight end Foster Moreau in the end zone.
Las Vegas moved in front for good on O’Connell’s short scoring pass to Meyers with a minute left in the second quarter.
Injuries
Saints: Miller left the game with concussion symptoms in the second quarter. LB Jaylan Ford appeared to suffer a serious lower right leg injury on punt coverage in the fourth quarter. DE Payton Turner left with an ankle injury. WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling was treated on the field late in the game — but walked off on his own — after a hard collision over the middle.
Up next Raider host the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.
NFL
GREAT NEWS: New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson has officially announced her ambitions of promoting the club to a new level, making it the highest Ranked club in the NFL
GREAT NEWS: New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson has officially announced her ambitions of promoting the club to a new level, making it the highest Ranked club in the NFL
New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson has officially unveiled her ambitious plans to elevate the franchise to new heights, aiming to make it the most successful NFL club in terms of championships and influence. Since taking over ownership following the passing of her late husband, Tom Benson, in 2018, Gayle has focused on not only preserving the legacy of the Saints but also driving the team toward unprecedented success.
Under her leadership, the Saints have continued to build a competitive roster and improve their infrastructure. However, Gayle’s latest vision goes beyond simply fielding a strong team. She aims to make the Saints the most decorated franchise in NFL history. This vision includes not only winning Super Bowls but also creating a long-term culture of sustained success where the team consistently performs at the highest level.
In her statement, Gayle Benson emphasized the importance of strategic investments, innovative management, and fostering strong player development. She plans to expand the organization’s brand globally, bringing the excitement of New Orleans to new audiences and elevating the Saints’ reputation across the world. Moreover, Gayle intends to continue the Saints’ commitment to their community, deepening their ties to New Orleans while ensuring the team remains a source of pride for fans.
While the road to becoming the top franchise in the NFL will be challenging, Gayle’s leadership and determination make her vision seem within reach. The New Orleans Saints have always been known for their passionate fanbase, storied history, and resilient players. Under Gayle’s stewardship, the team’s aspirations of greatness seem set to transform from dream to reality. The future of the Saints looks bright as they work toward becoming the ultimate NFL dynasty.
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