2 months ago
As the Colts begin their season with a home matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, who do the experts predict will win the game?
ESPN's Mike Clay, Benjamin Solak, Seth Wickersham, Jason Reid, Dan Graziano, Jeremy Fowler, Matt Bowen, Eric Moody, Pamela Maldonado, Kalyn Kahler, Lindsey Thiry: RAVENS
NFL Network's Bucky Brooks, Colleen Wolfe, Nick Shook, Grant Gordon, Kevin Patra, Lance Zierlein, Tom Grossi, Brandon Perna: RAVENS
NFL.com's Jeremy Bergman, Brooke Cersosimo, Bobby Kownack, Dan Parr: RAVENS
NFL.com's Gennaro Filice: COLTS
#colts #jeremy #clay #solak
ESPN's Mike Clay, Benjamin Solak, Seth Wickersham, Jason Reid, Dan Graziano, Jeremy Fowler, Matt Bowen, Eric Moody, Pamela Maldonado, Kalyn Kahler, Lindsey Thiry: RAVENS
NFL Network's Bucky Brooks, Colleen Wolfe, Nick Shook, Grant Gordon, Kevin Patra, Lance Zierlein, Tom Grossi, Brandon Perna: RAVENS
NFL.com's Jeremy Bergman, Brooke Cersosimo, Bobby Kownack, Dan Parr: RAVENS
NFL.com's Gennaro Filice: COLTS
#colts #jeremy #clay #solak
2 months ago
The New York Jets have made their quarterback hierarchy clear.
Geno Smith is the starter, rookie Cade Klubnik is the backup. Evaluations could continue as we navigate the NFL's regular season.
New York head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed as much after the Jets unveiled their initial 53-man roster, ending any lingering questions about where the rookie fourth-round QB stood heading into Week 1. That doesn't mean questions about Klubnik's future have disappeared.
In ESPN's 2026 rookie guide, insider Dan Graziano identified a scenario in which the former Clemson quarterback could eventually find himself in the starting lineup.
The formula wasn't particularly complicated. Frankly, it was pretty straightforward, a theory most who are paying attention would agree with.
#klubnik
Geno Smith is the starter, rookie Cade Klubnik is the backup. Evaluations could continue as we navigate the NFL's regular season.
New York head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed as much after the Jets unveiled their initial 53-man roster, ending any lingering questions about where the rookie fourth-round QB stood heading into Week 1. That doesn't mean questions about Klubnik's future have disappeared.
In ESPN's 2026 rookie guide, insider Dan Graziano identified a scenario in which the former Clemson quarterback could eventually find himself in the starting lineup.
The formula wasn't particularly complicated. Frankly, it was pretty straightforward, a theory most who are paying attention would agree with.
#klubnik
2 months ago
Raiders rookie Fernando Mendoza gets unfortunate November QB job projection originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Las Vegas Raiders are heading into the 2026 NFL season with Kirk Cousins as their starting quarterback, as the veteran will lead the offense to start the season.
Week 1's matchup against the Miami Dolphins will have Cousins starting at quarterback over No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. It's not a huge surprise, but naturally, it's fair to wonder when Mendoza will see the field.
ESPN's Dan Graziano shared an updated projection for the Raiders' rookie, which reveals his potential NFL debut could come all the way in November, two months into the 2026 regular season.
"It stands to reason the Raiders want to see him start at some point this season, but they have been adamant that they don't want to play him until he's ready and they feel ready to put in position to succeed," Graziano writes. "Unless something happens to Cousins or the Raiders radically change their plans, don't expect to see Mendoza before November."
#raiders #mendoza #graziano #rookie
The Las Vegas Raiders are heading into the 2026 NFL season with Kirk Cousins as their starting quarterback, as the veteran will lead the offense to start the season.
Week 1's matchup against the Miami Dolphins will have Cousins starting at quarterback over No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. It's not a huge surprise, but naturally, it's fair to wonder when Mendoza will see the field.
ESPN's Dan Graziano shared an updated projection for the Raiders' rookie, which reveals his potential NFL debut could come all the way in November, two months into the 2026 regular season.
"It stands to reason the Raiders want to see him start at some point this season, but they have been adamant that they don't want to play him until he's ready and they feel ready to put in position to succeed," Graziano writes. "Unless something happens to Cousins or the Raiders radically change their plans, don't expect to see Mendoza before November."
#raiders #mendoza #graziano #rookie
2 months ago
While the Detroit Lions are preparing for the 2026 season, the latest NFL rumors project that the team could lose one player. According to Dan Graziano of ESPN, the Lions have committed more than $1 billion to star players, including running back Jahmyr Gibbs, which leaves veterans Brian Branch and Sam LaPorta fighting for new contracts this upcoming season. Graziano does not expect a new contract to materialize before Week 1, but Lions general manager Brad Holmes expresses his desire to keep all star players from the 2023 draft class, including LB Jack Campbell, for a "long time."
"We still want to keep those guys around; those plans haven't changed," Holmes said Wednesday, via Richard Silva of The Detroit News. "There's a couple factors that we've still got to sort through. But in terms of us wanting those guys around? Absolutely. Hopefully, we can get that done."
"Hopefully" is a strong word for the Lions. Detroit is walking into the season without triggering new deals for Branch or LaPorta, who are both coming off season-ending injuries. Both are also set to become unrestricted free agents next offseason.
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) makes a catch against Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu (4) during the first half at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md. on Sunday, November 9, 2025.
Unfortunately, it will probably come down to who can stay healthier and make an immediate impact this upcoming campaign. After all, Branch and LaPorta have proven to be top-5 athletes when healthy. However, the former second-round pick and 2024 Pro Bowl safety may have an edge here. The Lions were forced to release cornerback Terrion Arnold this offseason due to the latest investigation, and if they give up another elite secondary threat, it could become detrimental to the team's defense.
#lions #detroit #season #latest
"We still want to keep those guys around; those plans haven't changed," Holmes said Wednesday, via Richard Silva of The Detroit News. "There's a couple factors that we've still got to sort through. But in terms of us wanting those guys around? Absolutely. Hopefully, we can get that done."
"Hopefully" is a strong word for the Lions. Detroit is walking into the season without triggering new deals for Branch or LaPorta, who are both coming off season-ending injuries. Both are also set to become unrestricted free agents next offseason.
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) makes a catch against Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu (4) during the first half at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md. on Sunday, November 9, 2025.
Unfortunately, it will probably come down to who can stay healthier and make an immediate impact this upcoming campaign. After all, Branch and LaPorta have proven to be top-5 athletes when healthy. However, the former second-round pick and 2024 Pro Bowl safety may have an edge here. The Lions were forced to release cornerback Terrion Arnold this offseason due to the latest investigation, and if they give up another elite secondary threat, it could become detrimental to the team's defense.
#lions #detroit #season #latest
2 months ago
The Green Bay Packers are not going to have Pro Bowl running back Josh Jacobs for the start of the season. While he is not injured, Jacobs has been placed on the commissioner's exempt list following the news that criminal charges have been filed against him in relation to his arrest back in May for domestic violence.
Being on the commissioner's exempt list is not a suspension, but Jacobs cannot practice or play while on it. In fact, there is no time-limit for how long any player can be on the list, though it is worth noting that the Packers' running back will not have his initial court appearance until November 17. After Week 10.
Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd (32) catches a pass during the sixth day of training camp on Aug. 4, 2026, at Ray Nitschke Field in Ashwaubenon, Wis.
With Jacobs not on the roster, Marshawn Lloyd is expected to be the team's starting running back. Drafted in 2024, the third-year player has been healthy for just one game of his NFL career. However, it appears that he has put his injury woes behind him.
Indeed, the Packers have been impressed and happy with how Lloyd was performed during training camp and the preseason. They are comfortable with him sliding in as their starting running back, a role that Dan Graziano of ESPN believes would have been his before too long anyway:
#jacobs #lloyd #list #green
Being on the commissioner's exempt list is not a suspension, but Jacobs cannot practice or play while on it. In fact, there is no time-limit for how long any player can be on the list, though it is worth noting that the Packers' running back will not have his initial court appearance until November 17. After Week 10.
Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd (32) catches a pass during the sixth day of training camp on Aug. 4, 2026, at Ray Nitschke Field in Ashwaubenon, Wis.
With Jacobs not on the roster, Marshawn Lloyd is expected to be the team's starting running back. Drafted in 2024, the third-year player has been healthy for just one game of his NFL career. However, it appears that he has put his injury woes behind him.
Indeed, the Packers have been impressed and happy with how Lloyd was performed during training camp and the preseason. They are comfortable with him sliding in as their starting running back, a role that Dan Graziano of ESPN believes would have been his before too long anyway:
#jacobs #lloyd #list #green
2 months ago
It's been a long, long 12 months for the Washington Commanders. An injury-plagued 2025 season saw the entire NFL world suddenly dismiss the Commanders' 2024 season and throw them back to the bottom of the barrel. That shift in support has put a rather large chip on the shoulders of the Commanders' roster.
Several players have said people will be surprised by the Commanders in 2026, but what kind of surprise are we getting? Are we getting the kind of surprise that restores faith in the organization, or are we getting the kind of surprise that Commanders fans are used to? ESPN's Dan Graziano named one surprise for all 32 NFL teams, and his surprise for Washington is not exactly the kind of surprise fans are hoping for.
Don't be surprised if ... quarterback Jayden Daniels struggles to regain his brilliant rookie-year form.
What I'm hearing: This isn't about Daniels himself. He's an absolutely awesome player, and ******* uming he can get through the season healthy, I expect him to perform at a high level. It's what's around him that has me concerned. He has a thin and aging group of wide receivers. He has question marks at running back. And the offensive line issues, especially with left tackle Laremy Tunsil going down with a training camp injury, are too significant to overlook.
Earlier in the offseason, I was high on the Commanders' chances to rebound and contend in the NFC East. But the concerns that arose during camp are giving me pause. The fact that they have a young, first-time offensive coordinator in David Blough adds to the mystery (as, to be fair, it does with the first-time OC in Philadelphia and the first-time defensive coordinator in Dallas). There could be significant growing pains early in the season, if not longer. And even if things work out better than they look right now, Daniels' 2024 rookie season was one of the best we've ever seen. Washington could be pretty good and still not bounce back to that level.
#kind #daniels #back
Several players have said people will be surprised by the Commanders in 2026, but what kind of surprise are we getting? Are we getting the kind of surprise that restores faith in the organization, or are we getting the kind of surprise that Commanders fans are used to? ESPN's Dan Graziano named one surprise for all 32 NFL teams, and his surprise for Washington is not exactly the kind of surprise fans are hoping for.
Don't be surprised if ... quarterback Jayden Daniels struggles to regain his brilliant rookie-year form.
What I'm hearing: This isn't about Daniels himself. He's an absolutely awesome player, and ******* uming he can get through the season healthy, I expect him to perform at a high level. It's what's around him that has me concerned. He has a thin and aging group of wide receivers. He has question marks at running back. And the offensive line issues, especially with left tackle Laremy Tunsil going down with a training camp injury, are too significant to overlook.
Earlier in the offseason, I was high on the Commanders' chances to rebound and contend in the NFC East. But the concerns that arose during camp are giving me pause. The fact that they have a young, first-time offensive coordinator in David Blough adds to the mystery (as, to be fair, it does with the first-time OC in Philadelphia and the first-time defensive coordinator in Dallas). There could be significant growing pains early in the season, if not longer. And even if things work out better than they look right now, Daniels' 2024 rookie season was one of the best we've ever seen. Washington could be pretty good and still not bounce back to that level.
#kind #daniels #back
2 months ago
Lions get bold Jameson Williams, Amon-Ra St. Brown prediction that'd be a huge surprise originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Detroit Lions are entering the 2026 NFL season with a new offensive coordinator leading the way. Drew Petzing, who's been with the Arizona Cardinals for a while before this Lions gig, is now calling the shots on offense.
But even with change, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Sam LaPorta should still be able to thrive. That's exactly what ESPN's Dan Graziano is predicting will happen in 2026. But in a way that would be a bit of a surprise.
Instead of St. Brown leading the offense like normal, he's predicting that Williams will wind up as the Lions' leading receiver this upcoming season. If this came true, it would be a huge surprise considering what the Lions' passing attack has looked like in recent years.
"Don't be surprised if ... Jameson Williams is the team's leading receiver," Graziano writes. "No disrespect to Amon-Ra St. Brown, one of the most consistent pass catchers in the entire league. But I think this Lions offense is going to hum this season, and Williams is the player poised to take the biggest leap."
#leading #offense
The Detroit Lions are entering the 2026 NFL season with a new offensive coordinator leading the way. Drew Petzing, who's been with the Arizona Cardinals for a while before this Lions gig, is now calling the shots on offense.
But even with change, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Sam LaPorta should still be able to thrive. That's exactly what ESPN's Dan Graziano is predicting will happen in 2026. But in a way that would be a bit of a surprise.
Instead of St. Brown leading the offense like normal, he's predicting that Williams will wind up as the Lions' leading receiver this upcoming season. If this came true, it would be a huge surprise considering what the Lions' passing attack has looked like in recent years.
"Don't be surprised if ... Jameson Williams is the team's leading receiver," Graziano writes. "No disrespect to Amon-Ra St. Brown, one of the most consistent pass catchers in the entire league. But I think this Lions offense is going to hum this season, and Williams is the player poised to take the biggest leap."
#leading #offense
2 months ago
Jets get wild 'long-shot' prediction on Cade Klubnik that would be dream scenario originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New York Jets are heading into the 2026 NFL season with Geno Smith as their starting quarterback. But after his struggles last season, he might not start the full season.
It's very likely that Cade Klubnik, the rookie fourth-rounder, will get a chance to play for the Jets. If he does, his production will be very interesting to keep an eye on, as there is a small chance something truly wild happens.
As ESPN's Dan Graziano highlighted in his "long-shot" prediction for the Jets, Klubnik could come into the QB1 job early in the year, thrive, get the Jets into playoff contention, and prove he should be the starter next season, and potentially beyond, as well.
"Long-shot outcome: Klubnik comes on quickly in practice and overtakes Smith early in the season. He plays well, and the Jets hang in the wild card race into December," Graziano writes. "Picking too low in the first round to get (or even trade up for) one of the top two or three quarterbacks in the draft, they use their early-round picks to bolster the roster around Klubnik and go into 2027 with him as the starter."
#Jets #early #sporting #smith
The New York Jets are heading into the 2026 NFL season with Geno Smith as their starting quarterback. But after his struggles last season, he might not start the full season.
It's very likely that Cade Klubnik, the rookie fourth-rounder, will get a chance to play for the Jets. If he does, his production will be very interesting to keep an eye on, as there is a small chance something truly wild happens.
As ESPN's Dan Graziano highlighted in his "long-shot" prediction for the Jets, Klubnik could come into the QB1 job early in the year, thrive, get the Jets into playoff contention, and prove he should be the starter next season, and potentially beyond, as well.
"Long-shot outcome: Klubnik comes on quickly in practice and overtakes Smith early in the season. He plays well, and the Jets hang in the wild card race into December," Graziano writes. "Picking too low in the first round to get (or even trade up for) one of the top two or three quarterbacks in the draft, they use their early-round picks to bolster the roster around Klubnik and go into 2027 with him as the starter."
#Jets #early #sporting #smith
2 months ago
Texans 'long-shot' prediction could be end of C.J. Stroud's time in Houston originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Houston Texans, heading into the 2026 NFL season, have a lot on the line with their quarterback C.J. Stroud. His struggles to end the 2025 season were brutal and have left his future somewhat uncertain.
But at least for now, he's the Texans' starting quarterback. Stroud has another chance to prove his 2023 rookie season wasn't a fluke, and that the struggles of the past couple of years aren't actually who he is. But what if he struggles again?
ESPN's Dan Graziano shared a "long-shot" prediction that explores such a scenario and the fallout it would bring. Stroud flopping in 2026 could lead to a mid-season benching and likely the end of his Texans career as well.
"Long-shot outcome: Stroud totally flops in Year 4," Graziano writes. "Either because of injury or ineffectiveness, he finishes the season on the bench as Davis Mills steps in to replace him."
#texans #long #shot
The Houston Texans, heading into the 2026 NFL season, have a lot on the line with their quarterback C.J. Stroud. His struggles to end the 2025 season were brutal and have left his future somewhat uncertain.
But at least for now, he's the Texans' starting quarterback. Stroud has another chance to prove his 2023 rookie season wasn't a fluke, and that the struggles of the past couple of years aren't actually who he is. But what if he struggles again?
ESPN's Dan Graziano shared a "long-shot" prediction that explores such a scenario and the fallout it would bring. Stroud flopping in 2026 could lead to a mid-season benching and likely the end of his Texans career as well.
"Long-shot outcome: Stroud totally flops in Year 4," Graziano writes. "Either because of injury or ineffectiveness, he finishes the season on the bench as Davis Mills steps in to replace him."
#texans #long #shot
2 months ago
Lions linked to a pair of strange Jared Goff replacements in Eagles and Buccaneers QBs originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Detroit Lions have had a lot of success with the Jared Goff and Dan Campbell pairing. But there's a chance that things continue to go wrong as they did in 2025.
So, what happens to the Lions if the 2026 season is a dud? Well, it might be an unlikely future, but ESPN's Dan Graziano linked the Lions to two very unexpected quarterbacks who could replace Goff in Detroit.
As part of Graziano's "long shot" prediction, he linked the Lions to Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl champion QB Jalen Hurts and Tampa Bay Buccaneers Pro Bowl QB Baker Mayfield as possible Goff replacements.
"Frustrated by their inability to cash in on what seemed like a Super Bowl window, the Lions decide to break things up," Graziano writes. "They move on from Goff and bring in a veteran whose situation elsewhere fell apart, such as Baker Mayfield or Jalen Hurts."
#linked #Eagles
The Detroit Lions have had a lot of success with the Jared Goff and Dan Campbell pairing. But there's a chance that things continue to go wrong as they did in 2025.
So, what happens to the Lions if the 2026 season is a dud? Well, it might be an unlikely future, but ESPN's Dan Graziano linked the Lions to two very unexpected quarterbacks who could replace Goff in Detroit.
As part of Graziano's "long shot" prediction, he linked the Lions to Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl champion QB Jalen Hurts and Tampa Bay Buccaneers Pro Bowl QB Baker Mayfield as possible Goff replacements.
"Frustrated by their inability to cash in on what seemed like a Super Bowl window, the Lions decide to break things up," Graziano writes. "They move on from Goff and bring in a veteran whose situation elsewhere fell apart, such as Baker Mayfield or Jalen Hurts."
#linked #Eagles
3 months ago
The Buffalo Bills enter the 2026 NFL season with significant pressure on head coach Joe Brady and quarterback Josh Allen. ESPN's Dan Graziano believes last season's divisional-round exit raised the standard in Buffalo.
Speaking on ESPN's Get Up, Graziano explained why the Bills cannot treat another playoff appearance as enough.
"The coach that was there for nine years and took them to the playoffs eight times in nine years after 17 years when they didn't go at all before he got there, went to the second round last year, lost in overtime and got fired," Graziano said.
He then said, "Now, if you're not under pressure to follow that, I don't know who is."
MORE: Josh Allen sees something 'special' in Bills' new-look 2026 roster
#graziano #years #buffalo
Speaking on ESPN's Get Up, Graziano explained why the Bills cannot treat another playoff appearance as enough.
"The coach that was there for nine years and took them to the playoffs eight times in nine years after 17 years when they didn't go at all before he got there, went to the second round last year, lost in overtime and got fired," Graziano said.
He then said, "Now, if you're not under pressure to follow that, I don't know who is."
MORE: Josh Allen sees something 'special' in Bills' new-look 2026 roster
#graziano #years #buffalo
3 months ago
Ravens' Lamar Jackson already 'aggressively' showing his stuff at training camp originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has something to prove. He's certainly one of the strongest quarterbacks in the league, but last year was tough.
During the 2025 regular season, Jackson played 13 games, passing for 2,549 yards, 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions with a 103.8 passer rating. He also rushed for 349 yards and two touchdowns, according to NFL research.
It was good but not good enough to get the Ravens to make noise in the postseason. Now, Jackson is already out to prove that he's still one of the hottest players in the league.
Jeremy Fowler, Dan Graziano and Ben Solak of ESPN are reporting from NFL training camps this month. Their latest report shows that Jackson means business.
#jackson #sporting #training #league
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has something to prove. He's certainly one of the strongest quarterbacks in the league, but last year was tough.
During the 2025 regular season, Jackson played 13 games, passing for 2,549 yards, 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions with a 103.8 passer rating. He also rushed for 349 yards and two touchdowns, according to NFL research.
It was good but not good enough to get the Ravens to make noise in the postseason. Now, Jackson is already out to prove that he's still one of the hottest players in the league.
Jeremy Fowler, Dan Graziano and Ben Solak of ESPN are reporting from NFL training camps this month. Their latest report shows that Jackson means business.
#jackson #sporting #training #league
3 months ago
The Minnesota Vikings' most pressing question of 2026 training camp has a front-runner: Kyler Murray. On the latest episode of The Real Forno Show — a Vikings 1st & SKOL production on the Bleav Network — host Tyler Forness and producer Dave Stefano break down the quarterback competition between Murray and J.J. McCarthy, roster bubble battles, offensive line questions, and some rising stars worth watching before the preseason opener against the New York Giants.
The central argument from Forness is not about flashy stats — it's about processing. "The processing of both quarterbacks is going to be the differentiator in this quarterback competition," Forness said. While McCarthy has had flashes, Forness sees a fundamental inconsistency: "McCarthy is not doing enough to show that he has improved significantly from, quite frankly, a really poor overall 2025 season." ESPN's Dan Graziano reportedly confirmed Murray is the "clubhouse leader," and Forness agrees — but he frames the ceiling realistically: "If whoever starts is QB 16, this team could be a Super Bowl threat."
QB Competition: Murray leads, per ESPN's Dan Graziano. Forness argues McCarthy's processing remains at a sub-starter level despite some better moments in recent practices.
Kevin O'Connell's telling quote: "There have been some new layers to our offense… it might be a small detail, but it's important and it affects the visual outcome of the play." Forness believes this context explains many of Murray's surface-level miscues.
Tai Felton & Ivan Pace Jr.: Forness admits he was wrong on Felton: "He deserves a lot of credit for that." Pace's improved lateral coverage and multiple PBUs have also turned heads.
#Competition #graziano
The central argument from Forness is not about flashy stats — it's about processing. "The processing of both quarterbacks is going to be the differentiator in this quarterback competition," Forness said. While McCarthy has had flashes, Forness sees a fundamental inconsistency: "McCarthy is not doing enough to show that he has improved significantly from, quite frankly, a really poor overall 2025 season." ESPN's Dan Graziano reportedly confirmed Murray is the "clubhouse leader," and Forness agrees — but he frames the ceiling realistically: "If whoever starts is QB 16, this team could be a Super Bowl threat."
QB Competition: Murray leads, per ESPN's Dan Graziano. Forness argues McCarthy's processing remains at a sub-starter level despite some better moments in recent practices.
Kevin O'Connell's telling quote: "There have been some new layers to our offense… it might be a small detail, but it's important and it affects the visual outcome of the play." Forness believes this context explains many of Murray's surface-level miscues.
Tai Felton & Ivan Pace Jr.: Forness admits he was wrong on Felton: "He deserves a lot of credit for that." Pace's improved lateral coverage and multiple PBUs have also turned heads.
#Competition #graziano
3 months ago
An overlooked area the Oregon Ducks need to find a solution for in fall camp is in the kicking game. Atticus Sappington handled kickoffs, field goals and point-after-attempts over the past two seasons, but now that he has left the program, the Ducks need a new leg.
Special teams coordinator Joe Lorig didn't let the moment catch him by surprise. Instead, he's prepared Gage Hurych as the likely heir to Oregon's kicking throne.
"Gage is a guy we've been prepping for the last several years for this spot," Lorig told reporters on Monday. "We've been testing him in practice over the last couple of years. He had great mentors before him, so super excited about him. ... Pretty confident to say that Gage is going to be the guy."
Hurych won't be flying into the 2026 season without experience. In two seasons as a Duck, Hurych has converted all 17 PATs he has attempted, thanks to Lorig slowly integrating him into games. In the spring game, Hurych handled all the kicking duties. Again, he was perfect on PATs and made field goals from 35 and 45 yards. The Ducks even opted to let Hurych show off his powerful leg on attempts from 51 and 52 yards out, but he was off line on both tries.
Keaton Emmett and Rocco Graziano will continue to push Hurych in fall camp, and Emmett could be in line to handle some of the kickoff duties.
#kicking #pats #fall
Special teams coordinator Joe Lorig didn't let the moment catch him by surprise. Instead, he's prepared Gage Hurych as the likely heir to Oregon's kicking throne.
"Gage is a guy we've been prepping for the last several years for this spot," Lorig told reporters on Monday. "We've been testing him in practice over the last couple of years. He had great mentors before him, so super excited about him. ... Pretty confident to say that Gage is going to be the guy."
Hurych won't be flying into the 2026 season without experience. In two seasons as a Duck, Hurych has converted all 17 PATs he has attempted, thanks to Lorig slowly integrating him into games. In the spring game, Hurych handled all the kicking duties. Again, he was perfect on PATs and made field goals from 35 and 45 yards. The Ducks even opted to let Hurych show off his powerful leg on attempts from 51 and 52 yards out, but he was off line on both tries.
Keaton Emmett and Rocco Graziano will continue to push Hurych in fall camp, and Emmett could be in line to handle some of the kickoff duties.
#kicking #pats #fall
3 months ago
Mob Wives alum Renee Graziano just announced an unexpected move, leaving fans surprised. The TV star is now offering wedding services after spending years in reality television.
Renee Graziano, 57, took to Instagram to announce her new role. She is now an ordained minister. She shared a photo of herself in a wedding dress announcing the news. The photo read, "Get married by a mobwife. Renee Graziano is now officially an ordained minister. What can I say, I love love. To book, contact bookreneegrazianogmail."
She captioned the post, "I have some exciting news…
I officially became an ordained minister! If you know me, then you know there's nothing I love more than LOVE. Watching two people promise forever to one another is one of life's greatest blessings, and now I have the honor of making that moment official."
She further added details on how her fans can book her for wedding services. Graziano wrote, "Whether you want a beautiful traditional ceremony, something fun, or a wedding filled with laughter, love, and a little New York attitude, I'd be honored to marry you."
#love #minister
Renee Graziano, 57, took to Instagram to announce her new role. She is now an ordained minister. She shared a photo of herself in a wedding dress announcing the news. The photo read, "Get married by a mobwife. Renee Graziano is now officially an ordained minister. What can I say, I love love. To book, contact bookreneegrazianogmail."
She captioned the post, "I have some exciting news…
I officially became an ordained minister! If you know me, then you know there's nothing I love more than LOVE. Watching two people promise forever to one another is one of life's greatest blessings, and now I have the honor of making that moment official."
She further added details on how her fans can book her for wedding services. Graziano wrote, "Whether you want a beautiful traditional ceremony, something fun, or a wedding filled with laughter, love, and a little New York attitude, I'd be honored to marry you."
#love #minister
3 months ago
Renee Graziano announced on Instagram that she is now an ordained minister and available to officiate weddings
She offers a range of ceremonies, from traditional to fun, with her signature "New York attitude"
Graziano was previously married Hector Pagan Jr., a former mob **** ociate who became a government informant
Couples can now get married by a mob wife.
Renee Graziano is officially an ordained minister, she announced on Instagram on Tuesday, Aug. 4. The Mob Wives alum, 57, took to social media to offer her services to her fans.
#Instagram #hector
She offers a range of ceremonies, from traditional to fun, with her signature "New York attitude"
Graziano was previously married Hector Pagan Jr., a former mob **** ociate who became a government informant
Couples can now get married by a mob wife.
Renee Graziano is officially an ordained minister, she announced on Instagram on Tuesday, Aug. 4. The Mob Wives alum, 57, took to social media to offer her services to her fans.
#Instagram #hector
4 months ago
The Detroit Lions are hoping 2026 marks a return to championship contention after a disappointing finish last season. According to ESPN NFL insider Dan Graziano, one offseason move could ultimately determine whether quarterback Jared Goff dominates in 2026.
Graziano believes the biggest factor isn’t a flashy free-agent signing or blockbuster trade. Instead, it comes down to whether new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing can successfully revitalize Detroit’s offense.
Last season served as a reminder of just how much continuity matters.
Following a 15-2 campaign in 2024, the Lions entered 2025 facing major changes on offense. Ben Johnson departed to become the Chicago Bears’ head coach, while Detroit also experienced significant turnover along the offensive line.
The result was an offense that never quite found its rhythm.
Graziano believes the biggest factor isn’t a flashy free-agent signing or blockbuster trade. Instead, it comes down to whether new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing can successfully revitalize Detroit’s offense.
Last season served as a reminder of just how much continuity matters.
Following a 15-2 campaign in 2024, the Lions entered 2025 facing major changes on offense. Ben Johnson departed to become the Chicago Bears’ head coach, while Detroit also experienced significant turnover along the offensive line.
The result was an offense that never quite found its rhythm.
5 months ago
What's the next step for Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence and coach Liam Coen?
This is the question that ESPN NFL reporter Dan Graziano asked in a recent article of his. With mandatory minicamp beginning for many teams around the NFL, Graziano highlighted the one big question within each quarterback room.
Following an impressive 2025 season from both Lawrence and Coen, Graziano pontificated on what's next for the quarterback-coach duo.
"The trade-deadline addition of Jakobi Meyers and the emergence of Parker Washington deepened Lawrence's receiver corps," Graziano wrote. "The return from injury of 2025 first-round pick Travis Hunter should help in that department even more (assuming he doesn't have to play too much cornerback). But Thomas is the real X factor as the team's first-round pick in 2024 and offers No. 1 wideout potential if he and Lawrence can get on track together. We'll all watch to see if Coen can continue to position the Jaguars as an AFC threat."
There are a few different elements that will help faciliate a Year 2 jump for Lawrence, Coen, and the Jaguars' offense as a whole.
This is the question that ESPN NFL reporter Dan Graziano asked in a recent article of his. With mandatory minicamp beginning for many teams around the NFL, Graziano highlighted the one big question within each quarterback room.
Following an impressive 2025 season from both Lawrence and Coen, Graziano pontificated on what's next for the quarterback-coach duo.
"The trade-deadline addition of Jakobi Meyers and the emergence of Parker Washington deepened Lawrence's receiver corps," Graziano wrote. "The return from injury of 2025 first-round pick Travis Hunter should help in that department even more (assuming he doesn't have to play too much cornerback). But Thomas is the real X factor as the team's first-round pick in 2024 and offers No. 1 wideout potential if he and Lawrence can get on track together. We'll all watch to see if Coen can continue to position the Jaguars as an AFC threat."
There are a few different elements that will help faciliate a Year 2 jump for Lawrence, Coen, and the Jaguars' offense as a whole.
5 months ago
Did the Indianapolis Colts make the right decision by bringing back Daniel Jones?
This is the question that ESPN NFL reporter Dan Graziano asked in a recent article of his. With mandatory minicamp beginning for many teams around the NFL, Graziano highlighted the one big question within each quarterback room.
No surprise when it comes to the Colts, but those unknowns are centered around Jones and his play in 2026, coming off a major injury.
"The Colts need Jones to be healthy," wrote Graziano, "which he has struggled to be throughout his NFL career. And they need him to perform the way he did before his injury, when he was among the top eight in completion percentage (68%) and Total QBR (63). There were other options on the QB market, but the Colts never wavered. They'd better hope that was the right decision. Jobs and the future direction of the franchise are riding on it."
From the jump this offseason, the Colts made it crystal clear that re-signing Jones was a priority. Although things took a turn at one point with Indianapolis using the transition tag, eventually a deal got done, with the Colts re-signing Jones to a two-year, $88 million deal.
This is the question that ESPN NFL reporter Dan Graziano asked in a recent article of his. With mandatory minicamp beginning for many teams around the NFL, Graziano highlighted the one big question within each quarterback room.
No surprise when it comes to the Colts, but those unknowns are centered around Jones and his play in 2026, coming off a major injury.
"The Colts need Jones to be healthy," wrote Graziano, "which he has struggled to be throughout his NFL career. And they need him to perform the way he did before his injury, when he was among the top eight in completion percentage (68%) and Total QBR (63). There were other options on the QB market, but the Colts never wavered. They'd better hope that was the right decision. Jobs and the future direction of the franchise are riding on it."
From the jump this offseason, the Colts made it crystal clear that re-signing Jones was a priority. Although things took a turn at one point with Indianapolis using the transition tag, eventually a deal got done, with the Colts re-signing Jones to a two-year, $88 million deal.
5 months ago
The New York Giants have every reason to explore a trade for Atlanta Falcons star tight end Kyle Pitts in 2026.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano lists Pitts as an early candidate to be dealt before the NFL trade deadline in November, making him a player deserving of the Giants’ attention.
Atlanta is in extension mode at the moment. Top wide receiver Drake London signed a four-year, $141 million deal. Sources say the team is also engaged with the agents for star running back Bijan Robinson about a massive extension. Pitts could be part of that plan, too, but he's scheduled to play on a $15.045 million franchise tag if an extension isn't done before July 15. He's coming off an 88-catch, 928-yard and five-touchdown season, but the previous four campaigns were spotted with inconsistent health and production.
The Falcons, particularly with a new coaching staff and front office, might want to see how he fits in their new offense before committing long term. If they don't get him extended by July 15, and that rankles him and/or they struggle early in the season, teams will come asking about the availability of the uber-talented former top-10 pick, who doesn't turn 26 until October. Baltimore lost a pair of tight ends -- Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar -- in free agency and could be looking for the kind of offense Pitts can generate.
Pitts is the ideal type of tight end for the modern NFL. The 6-foot-6, 250-pound athlete recorded 928 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 2025. He is a former 1,000-yard receiver, having posted 1,026 yards as a rookie in 2021. Pitts excels at running precise routes and possesses the ability to make catches and gain yards after contact like a wide receiver.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano lists Pitts as an early candidate to be dealt before the NFL trade deadline in November, making him a player deserving of the Giants’ attention.
Atlanta is in extension mode at the moment. Top wide receiver Drake London signed a four-year, $141 million deal. Sources say the team is also engaged with the agents for star running back Bijan Robinson about a massive extension. Pitts could be part of that plan, too, but he's scheduled to play on a $15.045 million franchise tag if an extension isn't done before July 15. He's coming off an 88-catch, 928-yard and five-touchdown season, but the previous four campaigns were spotted with inconsistent health and production.
The Falcons, particularly with a new coaching staff and front office, might want to see how he fits in their new offense before committing long term. If they don't get him extended by July 15, and that rankles him and/or they struggle early in the season, teams will come asking about the availability of the uber-talented former top-10 pick, who doesn't turn 26 until October. Baltimore lost a pair of tight ends -- Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar -- in free agency and could be looking for the kind of offense Pitts can generate.
Pitts is the ideal type of tight end for the modern NFL. The 6-foot-6, 250-pound athlete recorded 928 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 2025. He is a former 1,000-yard receiver, having posted 1,026 yards as a rookie in 2021. Pitts excels at running precise routes and possesses the ability to make catches and gain yards after contact like a wide receiver.
5 months ago
As the Arizona Cardinals concluded voluntary OTAs this week, two player absences have been noticed. One is outside linebacker Josh Sweat, who led the team with 12 sacks in 2025 after signing a four-year, $76.4 million deal in free agency.
While a report insists the Cardinals will not be trading Sweat, ESPN's Dan Graziano adds information that Cardinals fans have been fearing. He isn't happy.
Graziano includes Sweat as one of 10 players who are trade candidates, but this nugget is why Cardinals fans should worry some.
Sweat is staying away from Arizona's offseason program and letting it be known he's not happy there.
Why isn't he happy? Perhaps it was because they fired Jonathan Gannon as head coach. Perhaps it was expecting to join a team with playoff hopes and ending up on a three-win team with little hope of success in 2026.
While a report insists the Cardinals will not be trading Sweat, ESPN's Dan Graziano adds information that Cardinals fans have been fearing. He isn't happy.
Graziano includes Sweat as one of 10 players who are trade candidates, but this nugget is why Cardinals fans should worry some.
Sweat is staying away from Arizona's offseason program and letting it be known he's not happy there.
Why isn't he happy? Perhaps it was because they fired Jonathan Gannon as head coach. Perhaps it was expecting to join a team with playoff hopes and ending up on a three-win team with little hope of success in 2026.
