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The latest
Metrics that Matter: Kareem Hunt's dominant rookie season | Pro Football Focus
Last year I wrote as one of my bold predictions for the 2017 fantasy season, “Kansas City’s rookie running back Kareem Hunt is a fantasy league-winner.” Mind you, this was before Spencer Ware’s season-ending PCL and LCL injuries.
Steve Hummer: Could money change Julio Jones — or our perception of him? | pilotonline.com
There is the persistent but unconfirmed belief — no one has actually spoken aloud on the subject — that Julio Jones is unhappy with his contract. His quarterback just got a new deal roughly doubling what Jones pulls down per season. The receiver marketplace has experienced a manic inflation — Sammy Watkins signs for an average of $16 million a year; Jarvis Landry for $15 mil; Davante Adams for $14.5 mil. Odell Beckham Jr. might yet push Jones down another place in the NFL wide receiver salary rankings (Jones is currently eighth).
Four reasons why the young Cowboys defense is on the rise | SB Nation (Cowboys)
And then there is the linebacker position group. In 2016, the Cowboys defense allowed the fewest rushing yards per game, but fell off last season after dealing with injuries to Sean Lee and Anthony Hitchens. While Hitchens has left town for big money, the group will now have one of the top college prospects in Leighton Vander Esch manning the middle of the field. Not only that, but Jaylon Smith’s knee continues to get better as this group looks pretty strong heading in to the new year.
Around the league
Redskins look to get in sync with new quarterback Alex Smith as OTAs begin | The Washington Post
The Redskins traded nickelback Kendall Fuller and a 2018 third-round pick to the Kansas City Chiefs to acquire Smith this offseason, then added a downfield wide receiver threat in speedster Paul Richardson, a former Seattle Seahawk, via free agency. The Redskins also drafted LSU’s Derrius Guice in the second round, and he’s expected to start at running back. That could be three new starters at offensive skill positions when the season begins Sept. 9 at Arizona.
NFL Spring League Meeting: Anthem, gambling, kickoffs on radar | NFL.com
What will be discussed at the NFL's Spring League Meeting in Atlanta? Judy Battista explores the likelihood of passing the new kickoff rule. Plus, discussions on sports gambling legality and national anthem protests.
Marcus Peters to Rams on Aaron Donald: 'Pay the man' | NFL.com
"Pay the man," the new Rams cornerback said bluntly Monday. "I mean, s---. I mean, you win the MVP, man. Come on now."
Pro Football Focus has released their annual ranking of the best position groups in the NFL, covering which team has the top position group along two runner-ups. Surprisingly, the Raiders were left completely off the list.
What the Salary Cap Tells Us About the NFL’s Most Extreme Teams | The Ringer
It might sound strange, but the salary cap is one of the biggest reasons I love—and am endlessly fascinated by—the NFL.
Roger Goodell details NFL’s stance on sports betting after ruling | The Denver Post
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says Congress should enact uniform standards for any states that plan to legislate sports betting.
No NFL discipline coming for Matt Patricia, Lions | NFL.com
The NFL will not discipline the Lions nor new head coach Matt Patricia after a sexual assault accusation in Texas from 1996 allegedly involving Patricia and a fellow fraternity member resurfaced earlier this month.
Tom Brady won't attend OTAs; Gronkowski not present | NFL.com
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady will not be present OTAs and tight end Rob Gronkowski has not yet shown up. How big of an issue is this for New England?
Willie Roaf: Lions OL Frank Ragnow will be a Pro Bowler | NFL.com
The Lions selected versatile OL Frank Ragnow with the No. 20 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Hall of Famer Willie Roaf praised the rookie and believes he'll make an immediate impact in Detroit.
In case you missed it at Arrowhead Pride
Building the Chiefs offense for Patrick Mahomes: Breaking tendencies
A lot of play calling is built on tendencies. Coordinators on both sides of the ball are poring over their own tendencies and those of their opponent. You can’t line up every week in the same formation, run the exact same play every time. You have to keep defenses honest. Anything you run needs to have tendency breakers to go with them.
Another look at a Patrick Mahomes projection for the 2018 Chiefs
For what it’s worth, this is not an attack on Mike Clay. I’ve been involved with data science long enough to understand how these things work, and it’s so hard to make predictions.
Are the Chiefs getting in the beer business?
What do you think, Chiefs fans? Are you excited about picking up a “Kingdom Blonde” this fall? Should we hope for more styles going forward?