Longshots to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
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USA Today
4 hours ago
- USA Today
LOOK: Matt Ryan makes appearance at Falcons training camp
Former Falcons QB was in attendance for Sunday's training camp practice The Atlanta Falcons had a special visitor in attendance as they went through their third training camp practice on Sunday morning. Former Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan brought his sons down to the Flowery Branch facility to get a closer look at this year's team. Ryan, who started for Atlanta from 2008 to 2021, has made the transition to television analyst following his retirement. The former league MVP met with second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. over the offseason to pass along some wisdom. Penix, who is entering his first full season as the Falcons' starting QB, said he received advice on how to plan for the offseason from Ryan. Since the team has not made the playoffs since Ryan was still playing for Atlanta, having him back around couldn't hurt. During his 14-year run with the Falcons, Ryan passed for 59,735 yards, 367 touchdowns and 170 interceptions. The former third overall pick made four Pro Bowls, one All-Pro team, and was the 2008 Offensive Rookie of the Year. Penix started the final three games of the 2024 season in relief of Kirk Cousins, passing for 775 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions. He also rushed for a score on the ground during his impressive 312-yard, three-touchdown performance in the season finale. The future looks bright with Penix under center as the team attempts to finally snap its seven-year playoff drought in 2025.
USA Today
a day ago
- USA Today
Texans GM praises TE Cade Stover as 'most improved player' of the offseason
Who is the most improved player for the Houston Texans heading into training camp? C.J. Stroud would be a smart option, but he's already won Offensive Rookie of the Year as a baseline. Calen Bullock or Kamari Lassiter would suffice, but their eight combined interception set a record for the most takeaways by a pair of Texans in franchise history. With a need at tight end, having anyone step up to provide a consistent force would benefit the offense under new play-caller Nick Caley. General manager Nick Caserio won't have a say on who DeMeco Ryans rolls out with the first-team offense, but he's excited to see what Cade Stover does in Year 2 after a promising offseason. "You would be hard for us to do find a player that's improved as much as Cade in the offseason. Really took advantage of his opportunities. Always has the right mentality and the right approach and mindset," Caserio said. "I think most young players going from Year One to Two have an opportunity for growth and development really more physically because they have a full year in the program, so as soon as the season is over what, are you doing in February, March, April, May to get yourself ready for the off season program. Cade, along with a number of other players certainly took advantage of his opportunities. We're glad he's here, and looking forward to potentially what he can bring to our football team.' Stover, the Texans' fourth-round pick in 2024, showed glimpses of being a well-rounded tight end during the early stages of training camp, but he never broke through the starting lineup. He suffered a collarbone injury late in the year that sidelined him for the rest of the regular season. Stover doesn't have one elite trait, but he offers skills as a well-rounded option. He can block, win in one-on-one routes and make plays in space without dropping passes. The Texans are sure to take full advantage of his skill set this season, especially with Caley's background of working with tight ends. The Texans don't need Stover to become the next Travis Kelce, but finding a stable No. 1 threat along with decent depth would suffice to help Houston get over the hump and into the conference championship.
USA Today
2 days ago
- USA Today
NFL Top 100: Jaguars WR Brian Thomas is No. 61, plays Cardinals in Week 12
Jacksonville's Brian Thomas Jr. had the rookie season that people wanted Marvin Harrison Jr. to have. This week, the NFL had its fourth week of revealing players in the "NFL Top 100." This week was about revealed Nos. 61-70. Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride came in at No. 65. On Friday, two Cardinals opponents for 2025 rounded out the week. Coming at No. 61 was Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas, who was a rookie last season. In his rookie campaign, he had the season Cardinals fans hoped that Marvin Harrison Jr. would have had. He had 87 catches for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns. He made the Pro Bowl and was fourth in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting. He was the fourth rookie since the NFL-AFL merger to have at least 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns. Fellow 2024 rookie receiver Malik Nabers of the New York Giants, Thomas' college teammate at LSU, called him "a freak of nature." Teammate Travon Walker, a defensive end, said Thomas is "a good route runner" with "exceptional speed." The Cardinals will have to find a way to slow Thomas in 2025. The Jaguars come to State Farm Stadium in Week 12. He isn't the only Jaguars player in the top 100, as defensive end Josh Hines-Allen made the list just behind Thomas at No. 63. 'NFL Top 100' opponents for Cardinals in 2025 Of the 30 players in the top 100 revealed as of the end of last week, the Cardinals face the following: Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
