2 months ago
Ty Simpson made his debut for the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday, and it couldn't have gone any better for the first-round pick. Simpson was surgical, going 21-for-25 with 190 yards and two touchdowns. Simpson did not commit a turnover, adding to his solid day in the Rams' 20-12 win over the Chiefs.
Head coach Sean McVay couldn't be happier with the performance of his next QB1, diving into Simpson's performance during his post-game presser.
"He took what the defense gave him," said McVay. "You know, I thought he read the plays out, read with his feet. I thought he did a really good job overall, and I thought even on some of the keepers where maybe the primary isn't there, he attacks with the ball up. Even on the first one that he had, where he ends up finding Max Klare on kind of the late-down flat, but hit a couple low crossing routes and I thought he kept the ball in play."
Avoiding turnovers and getting the ball to his pass-catchers was important in McVay's mind, so he was pleased with the job Simpson did.
"That's the biggest thing, is keeping the ball in play," he said. "There was one situation that we'll have a great learning opp on a third down where they kind of played a man coverage. We ended up throwing it to the flat to Max Klare. I've got to see, I think the pocket might have allowed him to be able to progress, but otherwise it was a really good day for him. He just felt like he was in good command, and it was cool to see a good smile on his face."
#simpson #klare #couldn 't
Head coach Sean McVay couldn't be happier with the performance of his next QB1, diving into Simpson's performance during his post-game presser.
"He took what the defense gave him," said McVay. "You know, I thought he read the plays out, read with his feet. I thought he did a really good job overall, and I thought even on some of the keepers where maybe the primary isn't there, he attacks with the ball up. Even on the first one that he had, where he ends up finding Max Klare on kind of the late-down flat, but hit a couple low crossing routes and I thought he kept the ball in play."
Avoiding turnovers and getting the ball to his pass-catchers was important in McVay's mind, so he was pleased with the job Simpson did.
"That's the biggest thing, is keeping the ball in play," he said. "There was one situation that we'll have a great learning opp on a third down where they kind of played a man coverage. We ended up throwing it to the flat to Max Klare. I've got to see, I think the pocket might have allowed him to be able to progress, but otherwise it was a really good day for him. He just felt like he was in good command, and it was cool to see a good smile on his face."
#simpson #klare #couldn 't
2 months ago
The John Mackey Award has been around since 2000 and is handed out by the Nassau County Sports Commission annually to college football's most outstanding tight end. With a bunch of preseason college football award watch lists being unveiled recently, the Mackey Award got in on all of the fun, with an Ohio State tight end landing on the preseason watch list.
To be frank, Ohio State has not been known for tight ends during its illustrious history, but this year, many believe Northwestern transfer Hunter Welcing could be a good one. He was an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention last season and will be entering his Redshirt Senior campaign after transferring to Ohio State.
Last year, Welcing tallied 28 catches for 296 yards (10.6 avg.) and two touchdowns to lead the tight end position in Evanston. Nate Roberts is projected by many to be the starting tight end for OSU, but the experience of Welcing could win out, especially with the loss of Max Klare and Will Kacmarek, who are now both in the NFL. And don't worry, Buckeye fans, if Roberts does grab the starting nod and receive a bigger volume of time, he could be added to the watch list later in the season.
In the meantime, though, there's no doubt Welcing will be in the rotation with his size, experience, and ability.
Ohio State has never had a John Mackey Award recipient, since it is arguably the best at producing elite wide receivers in the entire country, but it would be nice to get the recognition when the John Mackey Award is announced on December 11 during ESPN's Home Depot College Football Awards Show.
#state #welcing #john #college
To be frank, Ohio State has not been known for tight ends during its illustrious history, but this year, many believe Northwestern transfer Hunter Welcing could be a good one. He was an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention last season and will be entering his Redshirt Senior campaign after transferring to Ohio State.
Last year, Welcing tallied 28 catches for 296 yards (10.6 avg.) and two touchdowns to lead the tight end position in Evanston. Nate Roberts is projected by many to be the starting tight end for OSU, but the experience of Welcing could win out, especially with the loss of Max Klare and Will Kacmarek, who are now both in the NFL. And don't worry, Buckeye fans, if Roberts does grab the starting nod and receive a bigger volume of time, he could be added to the watch list later in the season.
In the meantime, though, there's no doubt Welcing will be in the rotation with his size, experience, and ability.
Ohio State has never had a John Mackey Award recipient, since it is arguably the best at producing elite wide receivers in the entire country, but it would be nice to get the recognition when the John Mackey Award is announced on December 11 during ESPN's Home Depot College Football Awards Show.
#state #welcing #john #college
2 months ago
The Los Angeles Rams started the preseason with a victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday, riding their backups and reserves to a 20-12 win. Stetson Bennett and Ty Simpson led the offense, while the second- and third-team defense kept the Chiefs out of the end zone for all 60 minutes.
It was a quality performance all around, but a handful of players stood out with particularly strong performances on the road.
How could Simpson not be considered a standout? He had the best stat line of any rookie quarterback in the preseason so far, completing 21 of 25 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns. Both touchdown passes were short, and one was on a screen to the running back, but the throws he made throughout the game were on time and with good accuracy.
We may not fully know what the Rams have in Simpson until he takes the reins from Matthew Stafford, but it was a great start in his NFL debut on Saturday.
Klare was Simpson's safety valve against the Chiefs, catching seven of eight targets for 37 yards. He caught a lot of short, quick passes in the flat, showing reliable hands at the catch point. He also blocked well in the run game, which will make him a player who could carve out a role for himself in the next two years.
#passes #saturday #preseason #short
It was a quality performance all around, but a handful of players stood out with particularly strong performances on the road.
How could Simpson not be considered a standout? He had the best stat line of any rookie quarterback in the preseason so far, completing 21 of 25 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns. Both touchdown passes were short, and one was on a screen to the running back, but the throws he made throughout the game were on time and with good accuracy.
We may not fully know what the Rams have in Simpson until he takes the reins from Matthew Stafford, but it was a great start in his NFL debut on Saturday.
Klare was Simpson's safety valve against the Chiefs, catching seven of eight targets for 37 yards. He caught a lot of short, quick passes in the flat, showing reliable hands at the catch point. He also blocked well in the run game, which will make him a player who could carve out a role for himself in the next two years.
#passes #saturday #preseason #short
2 months ago
All eyes were on Ty Simpson for his NFL debut on Saturday afternoon at Arrowhead Stadium. It was the first preseason action for the Los Angeles Rams' top pick in the 2026 draft, giving fans a glimpse at what the future could hold once Matthew Stafford retires.
Simpson entered the game against the Chiefs at the end of the first quarter after Stetson Bennett played two possessions, much to the excitement of the Rams' faithful around the country. Though there were probably some pre-game jitters for the rookie quarterback, the moment certainly didn't look too big for him.
His first completion was a 7-yard dump-off to Max Klare on a roll-out to his right, getting the ball into the hands of a fellow rookie. It wasn't a highlight-reel play, but he took what the defense gave him, and that was an easy completion.
Simpson was just 1-for-2 on his first drive, which was a brief one that ended in a punt, but he found a rhythm on the second drive. He went 4-for-4 for 41 yards during drive No. 2, capping it off with a Harrison Mevis field goal from 40 yards to put the Rams up, 6-3.
His best throw on the drive was a 23-yarder to Mark Redman, once again on a boot out to his right. He layered the ball nicely to the tight end for a big gain.
#first #rookie #ball
Simpson entered the game against the Chiefs at the end of the first quarter after Stetson Bennett played two possessions, much to the excitement of the Rams' faithful around the country. Though there were probably some pre-game jitters for the rookie quarterback, the moment certainly didn't look too big for him.
His first completion was a 7-yard dump-off to Max Klare on a roll-out to his right, getting the ball into the hands of a fellow rookie. It wasn't a highlight-reel play, but he took what the defense gave him, and that was an easy completion.
Simpson was just 1-for-2 on his first drive, which was a brief one that ended in a punt, but he found a rhythm on the second drive. He went 4-for-4 for 41 yards during drive No. 2, capping it off with a Harrison Mevis field goal from 40 yards to put the Rams up, 6-3.
His best throw on the drive was a 23-yarder to Mark Redman, once again on a boot out to his right. He layered the ball nicely to the tight end for a big gain.
#first #rookie #ball
3 months ago
The Los Angeles Rams revolutionized tight end play with their 13-personnel offense last season and they continue to expand their tight end packages to utilize the five quality players who currently make up the position group.
Due to injury issues with Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson got his shot to take on the majority of the tight end responsibilities last season, parlaying it into a career campaign. Both are back and effective as ever, while young and promising talents like Davis Allen, Terrance Ferguson and Max Klare work to carve out roles of their own.
With so much potential in the group, it's unclear which players will get the bulk of the opportunities. On Wednesday, we got some clarity on what the rotation will look like, as offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase stated that he doesn't expect one single player to ****** d the snaps. The staff will naturally move each player around to capitalize on the strengths of those individualized skill sets.
"No, I don't expect anyone in particular to come out on top," Scheelhaase told reporters. "I think those guys push each other and challenge each other and are so versatile that you're just excited to see who ends up coming to life based on what the defense wants to do. We can move those guys all around the field. They all can do so much, both in the run game and the pass game, that you're excited just based on a game plan.
"You don't know who ends up popping and making a play in the pass game. You don't know who ends up being at the point of attack in the run game. That makes a huge difference. I just appreciate how those guys work and how they've pushed each other to get where they're at right now."
#play #last
Due to injury issues with Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson got his shot to take on the majority of the tight end responsibilities last season, parlaying it into a career campaign. Both are back and effective as ever, while young and promising talents like Davis Allen, Terrance Ferguson and Max Klare work to carve out roles of their own.
With so much potential in the group, it's unclear which players will get the bulk of the opportunities. On Wednesday, we got some clarity on what the rotation will look like, as offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase stated that he doesn't expect one single player to ****** d the snaps. The staff will naturally move each player around to capitalize on the strengths of those individualized skill sets.
"No, I don't expect anyone in particular to come out on top," Scheelhaase told reporters. "I think those guys push each other and challenge each other and are so versatile that you're just excited to see who ends up coming to life based on what the defense wants to do. We can move those guys all around the field. They all can do so much, both in the run game and the pass game, that you're excited just based on a game plan.
"You don't know who ends up popping and making a play in the pass game. You don't know who ends up being at the point of attack in the run game. That makes a huge difference. I just appreciate how those guys work and how they've pushed each other to get where they're at right now."
#play #last
3 months ago
Ohio State's tight end room looks completely different entering 2026, but that doesn't mean the position is any weaker. In fact, there is a strong argument that it is deeper than it has been in years.
Gone are Max Klare, Will Kacmarek, and Jelani Thurman. Together, they accounted for virtually every meaningful snap at tight end over the last two seasons. Replacing that experience was never going to come from one player.
Instead, Ryan Day attacked the position by **** embling a room where every player has a defined role, and together, they may give the Buckeyes more flexibility than they've had in a long time.
The hierarchy entering fall camp appears fairly straightforward. Nate Roberts projects as the clear TE1. Mason Williams looks like the favorite for TE2. Behind them, Hunter Welcing and Bennett Christian are battling for rotational snaps, while Maxence LeBlanc and Brody Lennon continue developing as future contributors.
The names may not yet carry the same national recognition as previous Ohio State tight end rooms, but the fit of each player within Arthur Smith and Ryan Day's offense makes this group one of the more fascinating position battles on the roster.
#position
Gone are Max Klare, Will Kacmarek, and Jelani Thurman. Together, they accounted for virtually every meaningful snap at tight end over the last two seasons. Replacing that experience was never going to come from one player.
Instead, Ryan Day attacked the position by **** embling a room where every player has a defined role, and together, they may give the Buckeyes more flexibility than they've had in a long time.
The hierarchy entering fall camp appears fairly straightforward. Nate Roberts projects as the clear TE1. Mason Williams looks like the favorite for TE2. Behind them, Hunter Welcing and Bennett Christian are battling for rotational snaps, while Maxence LeBlanc and Brody Lennon continue developing as future contributors.
The names may not yet carry the same national recognition as previous Ohio State tight end rooms, but the fit of each player within Arthur Smith and Ryan Day's offense makes this group one of the more fascinating position battles on the roster.
#position
3 months ago
The Los Angeles Rams have an abundance of depth at tight end, which is a good thing because one of their key players is a bit banged up. Sean McVay told reporters on Monday that Davis Allen has a quad injury and will be out for "some time." Because it's a soft tissue injury, the team isn't going to rush him back.
Allen is in his fourth season with the Rams after being a fifth-round pick in 2023 out of Clemson.
Colby Parkinson, Terrance Ferguson and Tyler Higbee are the primary contributors at tight end, with rookie Max Klare also in the mix. Klare figures to get more reps with Allen out, which will only benefit the rookie out of Ohio State.
Allen caught 24 passes for 208 yards and three touchdowns last season, playing significant snaps after the team shifted toward more 13 personnel packages.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams TE Davis Allen out for 'some time' with quad injury
#quad
Allen is in his fourth season with the Rams after being a fifth-round pick in 2023 out of Clemson.
Colby Parkinson, Terrance Ferguson and Tyler Higbee are the primary contributors at tight end, with rookie Max Klare also in the mix. Klare figures to get more reps with Allen out, which will only benefit the rookie out of Ohio State.
Allen caught 24 passes for 208 yards and three touchdowns last season, playing significant snaps after the team shifted toward more 13 personnel packages.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams TE Davis Allen out for 'some time' with quad injury
#quad
4 months ago
Depending on how you look at things, tight end could be viewed as either a strength or a slight weakness for the Los Angeles Rams. With the addition of Max Klare in the second round, they have five quality tight ends who are expected to play a role this season. The downside is that none of those five tight ends are viewed as premier players by the general public.
Not even NFL coaches, executives or scouts believe the Rams have a top-23 tight end on their roster. ESPN polled talent evaluators from around the league on the best tight ends in football and no Rams player made the list. There were 10 players ranked, followed by five honorable mentions and eight in the "also receiving votes" category.
Not a single one was a member of the Rams. That means no coaches, execs or scouts voted for any of Los Angeles' tight ends even a single time. It's not terribly surprising given Colby Parkinson's one season of legitimate production, Terrance Ferguson's unrealized potential and Tyler Higbee's decline the last two years, but it does raise the question of whether the Rams have enough top-end talent at tight end.
For what Sean McVay needs, their tight end room checks the necessary boxes. With how often they run 13 personnel, quantity is equally important as quality. The Rams must have at least three or four tight ends who can play meaningful snaps in 13 personnel, rotating on and off the field frequently.
They have to be able to block and catch passes, while also being able to line up in a variety of spots: inline, out wide, in the slot, in the backfield. Parkinson may not be one of the best tight ends in football, but he scored eight touchdowns last season and was a real threat in the red zone.
Not even NFL coaches, executives or scouts believe the Rams have a top-23 tight end on their roster. ESPN polled talent evaluators from around the league on the best tight ends in football and no Rams player made the list. There were 10 players ranked, followed by five honorable mentions and eight in the "also receiving votes" category.
Not a single one was a member of the Rams. That means no coaches, execs or scouts voted for any of Los Angeles' tight ends even a single time. It's not terribly surprising given Colby Parkinson's one season of legitimate production, Terrance Ferguson's unrealized potential and Tyler Higbee's decline the last two years, but it does raise the question of whether the Rams have enough top-end talent at tight end.
For what Sean McVay needs, their tight end room checks the necessary boxes. With how often they run 13 personnel, quantity is equally important as quality. The Rams must have at least three or four tight ends who can play meaningful snaps in 13 personnel, rotating on and off the field frequently.
They have to be able to block and catch passes, while also being able to line up in a variety of spots: inline, out wide, in the slot, in the backfield. Parkinson may not be one of the best tight ends in football, but he scored eight touchdowns last season and was a real threat in the red zone.
4 months ago
Clyde Fuson is one of four Tennessee football players who have their jersey number retired by the program after being killed during World War II.
Fuson, a fullback for the Vols during the 1942 season, had his jersey number retired on Sept. 9, 2006 during Tennessee's, 31-30, victory over Air Force at Neyland Stadium.
He, Willis Tucker, Rudy Klarer and Bill Nowling were all killed in World War II and had their jersey numbers retired during the game against the Falcons.
Fuson (1923-44) served in the Army as part of the 335th Infantry Regiment and the 84th Infantry Division. A native of Middlesboro, Kentucky, he was killed during action in Germany.
Fuson wore No. 62 during his only season with the Vols. He was the second player to wear No. 62 at Tennessee. No. 62 was first worn by Mike Balitsaris from 1939-41.
Fuson, a fullback for the Vols during the 1942 season, had his jersey number retired on Sept. 9, 2006 during Tennessee's, 31-30, victory over Air Force at Neyland Stadium.
He, Willis Tucker, Rudy Klarer and Bill Nowling were all killed in World War II and had their jersey numbers retired during the game against the Falcons.
Fuson (1923-44) served in the Army as part of the 335th Infantry Regiment and the 84th Infantry Division. A native of Middlesboro, Kentucky, he was killed during action in Germany.
Fuson wore No. 62 during his only season with the Vols. He was the second player to wear No. 62 at Tennessee. No. 62 was first worn by Mike Balitsaris from 1939-41.
