As the NFL approaches its annual Cut Day, teams are scrambling to finalize their rosters, paring down from 90 to 53 players by next Tuesday. Among the thrills and spills, notable names and intriguing performances have been spotlighted in recent games and events.
Quarterback Rankings by Legends
At the recent Fanatics Fest, NFL legends Tom Brady and Peyton Manning shared their rankings of top quarterbacks in the league, providing fans and analysts much fodder for debate. Both Brady and Manning unanimously crowned Kansas City Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes as the top quarterback, recognizing his consistent excellence on the field. Complementing Mahomes in their top-five picks were Cincinnati Bengals’ Joe Burrow, Baltimore Ravens’ Lamar Jackson, and Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen.
Where the two icons differed was in rounding out their lists. Manning opted for Los Angeles Chargers’ Justin Herbert, whose prowess continues to grow, while Brady gave the nod to veteran Aaron Rodgers, now leading the New York Jets in what many anticipate to be a season of resurgence for the storied quarterback.
Preseason Performances
The preseason games have been a mixed bag of standout and lackluster performances, showcasing players fighting for their places. Buffalo Bills' defensive end Greg Rousseau was a revelation, securing 2.5 sacks over merely 11 snaps in a matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
On the offensive front, Kansas City receiver Xavier Worthy demonstrated his value by catching three of six targets for 62 yards and a touchdown against the Detroit Lions. Conversely, New York Giants' Daniel Jones had a rough outing, completing 11 of 18 passes for 138 yards but throwing two costly interceptions against the Houston Texans.
The San Francisco 49ers’ Brock Purdy struggled, completing only two of six passes for 11 yards and suffering a sack against the New Orleans Saints. Meanwhile, in a 13-6 loss to the Miami Dolphins, Jayden Daniels played for the Washington Commanders and was subsequently named the team’s starting quarterback.
Additionally, wide receiver Malik Nabers made notable receptions for the Giants in their encounter with the Texans, and Dallas Turner’s performance for the Minnesota Vikings against the Cleveland Browns was less impactful over his 13 snaps.
Trades and Returns
In trade news, Matthew Judon opted for a move to the Atlanta Falcons over the Chicago Bears, signaling a new direction in his career trajectory. Injuries have also played their part in shaping team rosters; Los Angeles Chargers’ Justin Herbert made a significant return to practice after dealing with plantar fascia in his right foot since July 31.
Contract negotiations have reached fever pitch as well. Quarterback Geno Smith signed a three-year, $75 million extension with the Seattle Seahawks, which includes $40 million in guaranteed money. This extension reflects the team’s confidence in Smith’s abilities and leadership.
MVP Predictions
Analyst Will Brinson has made bold predictions for the NFL MVP race. He sees Buffalo Bills' Josh Allen as a strong contender, with +850 odds, positioning Allen as a favorite amongst bettors. Los Angeles Rams’ Matthew Stafford is also a mid-tier contender according to Brinson, with 30-to-1 odds.
Voices from the Field
Off the field, Miami Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa opened up about the psychological challenges he has faced. “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 said, addressing the harsh criticism he's endured. He reflected on its impact, saying, “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 coach Kevin O'Connell, on another note, addressed the character and relationships fostered by coach Brian Flores. “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,” O'Connell affirmed.
As the deadline approaches, the anticipation mounts. This blend of roster cuts, trades, returns from injury, and MVP predictions ensures a dynamic environment, setting the stage for an exciting NFL season ahead.