Tag: Lisa Johnson

A change of colors for two veterans quarterbacks

Lisa Johnson
AFC South AFC East Reporter

By Lisa Johnson //@LJ1303

As we begin the 2020 NFL season, a few questions have been answered in regards to several top quarterback spots that were up for grabs.

The first one being that of New England’s future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady. For the first time in his entire NFL career, Brady was about to be a free agent. But as we all knew, that didn’t last too long.

AFC East fans rejoiced because Brady, as expected, signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians left no question that Tampa Bay would be a top contender in signing the six-time Super Bowl winner. This ended his two-decade stay with the Patriots.

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Quarterback options, Miami Dolphins style

Lisa
Lisa Johnson,
NFL Reporter

By Lisa Johnson //@LJ1303

The 2020 NFL combine is in full swing, and the Miami Dolphins enter this year’s draft with 3 first-round picks. Yes, I said 3. They will select picks 5, 18, and 26.

As Dolphins brass descended upon Indianapolis, the rumors have already begun to swirl. Dolphins GM Chris Grier has been linked to having several conversations with other GMs around the league about possible trades. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Grier mentioned continuing the process of rebuilding. And let’s be honest, we all know what that means. The Miami Dolphins need a franchise quarterback.

Let’s take a second and discuss the following quarterback options. I’ll start first with the 4 most popular names among Dolphins fans. I’m not going to add Joe Burrows to the list. Unless something catastrophic happens, I have the Bengals selecting him.

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Owners vote yes to new CBA, now heads to NFLPA

Lisa Johnson
AFC South AFC East Reporter

By Lisa Johnson // @lj1303

The conversations surrounding the new CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) have brought up two major proposals this week. Changes we could see as early as the 2020 NFL season.

According to multiple sports outlets, there is a proposed a 17-game season instead of the 16 game schedule in place now, and a major change to the playoff system.

The thought of a 17 game season is appealing to some fans, just as long as it comes with the elimination of a preseason game. It is being reported that the majority of the owners are in favor of this and are pushing this forward. While most players have opposed this due to the increased risk to players’ health and safety, that has eased up some due to negotiations in exchange for financial and other concessions for players.

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What’s next for NFL fans? Combine and Free Agency

Lisa Johnson
AFC South AFC East Reporter

By Lisa Johnson // @lj1303

As we watched the last seconds click off the clock at Hardrock Stadium, which concluded with the Kanas City Chiefs hoisting the Vince Lombardi trophy, the 2019 NFL season came to a close.

With that comes the next phase in the football world, the Scouting Combine and free agency. While fans consider this the offseason, for the teams this is where the real work begins.

First up, we have the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine. This annual pre-draft evaluation process will begin February 27 – March 1st. Make sure and give our NFL combine reporter Kate Arhar a follow on Twitter.  Kate will be in Indianapolis bringing us all the breaking news and practice coverage.

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Dolphins GM Chris Grier talks draft.

Lisa Johnson
AFC South AFC East Reporter

By Lisa Johnson // @lj1303

As the 2020 senior bowl comes to a close, the Miami Dolphins took full advantage of being able to speak and watch several draft prospects as they prepare for the 2020 NFL draft.

With the Dolphins holding 3 picks in the first round, the pressure is on Dolphins GM Chris Grier and this staff to deliver. After 10 years of mediocracy, Dolphins fans have voiced their displeasure to owner Stephen Ross, who all but admitted that this year was about stripping and rebuilding a winning franchise.

We had a chance to speak with Chris Grier in between day 2 practices at Ladd Pebble Stadium. I was one of many looking for answers to exactly what positions the Dolphins could be scouting. And if you know anything about Chris Grier, well, let’s just say I wouldn’t want to play poker with him.

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Day 3 at the Reese’s Senior Bowl brings focus to the lineman

Lisa Johnson
AFC South AFC East Reporter

By Lisa Johnson //@LJ1303

It was day 3 here in Mobile for me, both practice sessions were held inside at South Alabama University due to inclement weather, and it was standing room only. We were all ushered into one end zone. I decided to stay close to the goal post and pretty much made that my office for the day!

Today’s sessions consisted of watching the big boys upfront, the offensive linemen.

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Quarterbacks take center stage at Day 2 of the Reese’s Senior Bowl

Lisa Johnson
AFC South AFC East Reporter

By Lisa Johnson // @LJ1303 

It was day 2 of practice for the Reese’s Senior Bowl. I was expecting the quarterbacks to have a better day than yesterday, maybe look a little more polished than day 1. Not to say that they didn’t perform well, it’s just that they should start to get better as they learn each of the new styles.

With the North starting out, I was hoping to see a Jordan Love/Michael Pittman Jr. show. During media day, Love mentioned to me that he has been working out with Pittman. The offense, unfortunately, broke off into two sections, so we didn’t get to watch them connect to often.

However, Love had one beautiful pass play down the left sidelines to Pittman, followed by a couple of great out routes. Love has a great arm with very good velocity on the ball but can get a bit too lively, however. Yet I feel with some quality coaching, I can see this kid having a very successful NFL career.

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It’s Media Day at the Reese’s Senior Bowl

Lisa Johnson
AFC South AFC East Reporter

By Lisa Johnson // @LJ1303 

After 2 days of formal NFL club interviews, and an introductory press conference by executive director Jim Nagy, day 3 of the Reese’s Senior Bowl brought Media Day. This was followed by this morning’s official National Scouting weight-in.

This day has to be the most productive for all media members. It’s a day that gives you a chance to ask players questions, much like a meet and greet experience. It’s great exposure for players that are expected to take their talents to the next level.

It’s one of many great things the executive director does very well; making players available to the media. In turn, it gives that player a chance to tell what they are expecting and what they want to show coaches and scouts. As we all know, the more exposure for a player, the better.

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Titans vs Ravens. What will this divisional round bring?

Lisa Johnson
AFC South AFC East Reporter

By Lisa Johnson //@LJ1303

We are headed into week two of the NFL playoffs. Saturday’s match-up between the Tennessee Titans and the Baltimore Ravens will showcase two different types of offenses.

The Ravens have quarterback Lamar Jackson and his style of offense, which includes his dynamic ability to escape and run out of the pocket. While the Titans have more of a play-action pocket passer in Ryan Tannehill. Either way, both these teams will try to establish a run game. So expect a lot of smash-mouth, in the trenches, football.

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The Titans dethrone the Patriots

Lisa Johnson
AFC South AFC East Reporter

By Lisa Johnson //@LJ1303

The defending Super Bowl Champions started their playoff run with 2 huge questions Saturday night in Foxboro.

First Question: Could the Patriots defense stop the explosive running back Derrick Henry?

Answer: NO. The Patriots defense struggled with Henry all night long. When a running back ends his night with numbers like 182 rushing yards and a touchdown on 34 carries, you can pretty much assume the Titans controlled the line of scrimmage all night. He also added a 22-yard reception to finish with a total of 204 total yards from scrimmage.

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