With the NFL season just weeks away there have been many story lines to consume fans attention, from Tyreek Hill taking his talents to South Beach with a more accurate passer (per his standards) in Tua Tagovailoa and Aaron Rodgers calling out his wide receiving corps for dropped passes, to Cowboys’ legend Michael Irvin saying the Cowboys are just a few cleaned up penalties away from chasing the undefeated ’72 Dolphins.
“Dough Boy, Dough Boy; Yeah That’s Me”
The Panthers announced Baker Mayfield as their starting quarterback, meaning he will face Cleveland (his former team) week one. The writing has been on the wall. Baker Mayfield should have been named the starter the moment the trade from Cleveland took place, but Baker cut down on the turnovers? That’s the real question.
Show Me the Money
Lamar Jackson betting on and representing himself in contract negotiations with the Ravens. It’s been rumored that both sides have quietly been negotiating a deal which includes him making more money than Kyler Murray, but Jackson’s camp is focused on the guaranteed. He is reportedly seeking more than division foe Deshaun Watson who received $230 million guaranteed. Can Lamar and Baltimore reach an agreement before it’s too late?
Kenny Pickett Eyes the Starting Job in Pittsburgh
Mitchell Trubisky has been solid this preseason, but the magic word is – preseason. Mason Rudolph should be playing at the North Pole. Kenny Pickett, the Steelers’ first round draft pick, has been lights out during the preseason with a quarterback rating of 138.6 – the highest amongst all rookie quarterbacks since 2015. Do you throw Kenny Pickett to the wolves with a suspect offensive line that couldn’t stop a runny nose last season?
2nd Coming of Joe Montana?
The 49ers won games last season despite questions at the quarterback position. Kyle Shanahan, who is known for being a technician with his schemes, puts his players in the best position to succeed. The pieces are there on both sides of the ball. Star wide out Deebo Samuel got the bag this offseason ($58 million guaranteed) after originally seeking a trade. Trey Lance has received high praise from the media, despite limited action during his rookie campaign – throwing for five touchdowns, including two interceptions in six games. Is he the second coming of Joe Montana? Let’s wait to see the final product on the field before placing Trey in Canton.
In Carr We Trust
UFC president Dana White announced during the Usman vs Edwards welterweight title Saturday night that a deal was in place to bring Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski to Las Vegas two seasons ago – the same year Brady won the Super Bowl in Tampa. Derek Carr may be the 4th best quarterback in the toughest division in football this season, but has the best overall receiver in football in Davante Adams and a top tier receiving corps (Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller). Add to that a sound running game and Derek has no more excuses for not getting over the top in Vegas.