Latest news with #GregCosell
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Buccaneers' Offense Has 1 Major Unknown Heading Into 2025
Buccaneers' Offense Has 1 Major Unknown Heading Into 2025 originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Much has been made of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers getting a third different offensive coordinator for Baker Mayfield in three years, and some have used that as a reason to doubt whether the franchise can continue its march in the NFC South. Advertisement But one thing that a lot of people seem to forget is that new coordinator Josh Grizzard was on the Buccaneers staff last season as the passing game coordinator under Liam Coen. Why does that matter? Things won't be entirely different for Mayfield and the offense because Grizzard has been in the system before. And for NFL analyst Greg Cosell, who spoke on the Ross Tucker podcast, having Grizzard as offensive coordinator isn't the issue; it's how he will call NFL games for the first time in his career. 'My guess is structurally, conceptually, they won't change much,' Cosell said. 'The key now becomes play calling in games, and we have no idea about that, and we'll have no idea about that because we're not going to be sitting there in their meetings during the week. But that becomes the issue, how does this new coordinator call the game and is Baker comfortable with all that.' Advertisement Buccaneers offensive coordinator Josh Cosell gets it. The change won't be as dramatic as some think. But the calling plays on game day might be. Grizzard has already gotten his feet wet in that department at OTAs and minicamp, with Todd Bowles allowing him to "mock" call games before training camp starts in a couple of weeks. So there are a lot of things the Buccaneers offense has going for it entering the 2025 season, but can Grizzard bring it all together not only in terms of scheme but calling the game in a way that produces results? Tampa Bay's 2025 success will depend on it. Related: Bucs Rival Alvin Kamara Reveals Weakness in Hilarious Viral Video Related: Baker Mayfield Graduates To 'Pro QB' In Backhanded Compliment to Buccaneers Star This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bucs'' 'Grown-Up' Baker Mayfield NFL-Wide View Revealed
Bucs'' 'Grown-Up' Baker Mayfield NFL-Wide View Revealed originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The list of people jumping on the Baker Mayfield bandwagon continues to grow, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback enjoying the best two-year spell of his career. Advertisement Entering the 2025 season, Mayfield and the Buccaneers have genuine Super Bowl intentions, something we haven't seen in his career up until now. For Mayfield, he has had his skeptics all throughout his career, and even last season, en route to throwing for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns (16 interceptions), some think he is about to fall off the proverbial cliff. But NFL analyst Greg Cosell, when speaking on the Ross Tucker podcast, has given Baker his flowers. "Baker Mayfield, around the league, is highly, highly respected," Cosell said. "He is a really good thrower of the football, and I'm not sure people think about that with Baker Mayfield, but he is a really, really good thrower of the football. He's grown up. He's aggressive, so every once in a while, he'll make a play that's viewed as reckless, but he's become a very good quarterback, and I think it's important to acknowledge that." Advertisement Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) tries to avoid a tackle by Denver Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto (15).Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Armed with potentially the best group of weapons of his career in Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, Emeka Egbuka, Cade Otton, and running backs Bucky Irving and Rachaad White, Mayfield has pressure to get it done in 2025. We believe the Buccaneers are favorites for the NFC South (again), but the franchise is now at a stage of its development where simply winning the division isn't enough. They want playoff wins now. After losing to Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders at home in the playoffs last year, Tampa Bay will no doubt be looking at going deeper in the postseason in 2025. With a "grown-up" Mayfield leading the charge. Advertisement Related: 'He's Still Got That Hunger!' Buccaneers' Yaya Diaby Praises Newcomer Haason Reddick Related: Buccaneers Look to Running Back as Most Promising Building Block This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Titans 53-Man Roster 2025: The WR roster lock you don't know about, the battle for the seventh spot, and the fate of the rest
Titans 53-Man Roster 2025: The WR roster lock you don't know about, the battle for the seventh spot, and the fate of the rest originally appeared on A to Z Sports. How the Tennessee Titans finish their WR room is a big question mark heading into training camp, and that decision could shape the future of this roster. Advertisement This is the second WR portion of an ongoing article series, breaking down the Titans projected 53-man roster one position at a time. So far we've covered the offensive tackles, the interior offensive line, quarterbacks, Kalel Mullings' role, Tyjae Spears' most important season ever, and Tony Pollard's potential ceiling. In this installment, let's discuss how Brian Callahan & Co. will round out this room: Wide Receivers Calvin Ridley Van Jefferson Elic Ayomanor Chimere Dike Tyler Lockett Bryce Oliver Xavier Restrepo Cut: James Proche, Colton Dowell, Treylon Burks, Jha'Quan Jackson, Mason Kinsey, TJ Sheffield Bryce Oliver Is The Lock Nobody Is Talking About Last call to board the Bryce Oliver train, friends. Because this locomotive is leaving the station in 2025. Advertisement NFL Films analyst Greg Cosell talked about how Oliver is a lock to make this team on Nashville radio last week after spending mandatory minicamp inside the Titans building, and from what I've heard, he isn't wrong. The 2nd year UDFA really endeared himself to the coaching staff last year when he was made a gunner on special teams and used on the offense down the stretch. He impressed in both roles, and Brian Callahan hasn't been shy about the fact that they feel he could be the new NWI for this franchise. Every team could use a built, strong, willing blocker in the receiver room who has reliable hands and is a valuable contributor on special teams. And Bryce Oliver is capable of doing all of those things at a very high level. Throw in the fact that he's got another gear in the speed department that NWI never had, and I think he's set to take the mantle and run with it for the next couple of years in two tone blue. He's making this team, people. More on his role linked here. Restrepo, Proche, Or Neither? To keep a 7th receiver, or to not keep a 7th receiver. That is the question. The Titans receiver room feels relatively established except for what happens on the back end. Could they keep just six and go heavier on the OL? Sure. But two players in particular stand out as possible reasons to keep a 7th, and their names are Xavier Restrepo and James Proche. Advertisement Restrepo is a fascinating case study. He's a slot-only player. It's doubtful he'll bring anything on special teams. And so he's a limited asset. But what he did in college is what we've seen him do in Titans practice so far: get open, get targets, and get upfield. Sometimes guys are just ball players! If he has an impressive August, I think he's on the team more likely than not. And then there's James Proche. He's a 'break glass in case of emergency' player on this roster. He was brought in to be a special teams ace, particularly in the return game. But the hope is that somebody with more offensive potential—specifically, Chimere Dike—can earn the returner role that he'd fill. If this team reaches the end of August and still needs a returner, James Proche will make this team. But if they have somebody they trust, he's a redundancy. In the end, as reflected in my roster projection, I feel strongly that this team keeps 7 receivers. And I feel less strongly about Xavier Restrepo being that seventh man. Sifting Through The Leftovers And then there were six. These cut candidates aren't all created equal, however. Advertisement Proche is what he is, as discussed above. The '9th' receiver on my depth chart that I'll be keeping an eye on in training camp is Colton Dowell. He's been out-of-sight, out-of-mind for Titans fans most of his career. But now that he's healthy, I don't think it's impossible for him to carve out a role for himself on special teams. If that's the case, he becomes harder to cut. He feels like a prime practice squad candidate to me. As does Mason Kinsey, who is a co-captain in Tennessee's bespoke offseason program. The same reason he's stuck around all this time in Nashville is the reason he'll stick again (if he doesn't get grabbed elsewhere)—he's useful. And then there's what I will call, lovingly, the riff-raff. TJ Sheffield did well to earn himself a spot on the 91-man roster in rookie minicamp. I think the road ends for him after August. Burks isn't somebody the Titans need to continue on with in 2025. And while it may feel premature, the same goes for Jackson. It's time for a change on both fronts. Related: 'I'm healthy as I've ever been' — L'Jarius Sneed speaks for the first time on his rehab and mindset ahead of crucial 2025 season Related: 'You have to assume' NFL analyst drops nugget on Titans wide receiver as a dark horse roster lock to make the team in 2025 View the original article to see embedded media. This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Buccaneers' Offense, Baker Mayfield Earn High Praise
Buccaneers' Offense, Baker Mayfield Earn High Praise originally appeared on Athlon Sports. As Baker Mayfield enters his third season with the Buccaneers, he's on an incredible run of two straight career seasons since arriving in Tampa Bay. Advertisement Last season, the offense finally clicked on all cylinders, as the rushing attack finally found its legs (pun intended) with the arrival of Bucky Irving through the draft and offensive coordinator Liam Coen. While the unit was kept intact for 2025, the only difference will be the departure of Coen to become the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Two top NFL analysts are big on both Baker and the offense this coming season, as Greg Cosell appeared on the "Ross Tucker Football Podcast" to discuss. "They've got a solid offense. They've got a good O-line. They've got two really good backs. We saw what Bucky Irving did a year ago. Rachaad White's a very good back as well as kind of a complimentary piece. They're really good at wide receiver. I mean, this is a good offense," Cosell said. "Baker Mayfield, around the league, is highly, highly respected. He is a really good thrower of the football, and I'm not sure people think about that with Baker Mayfield, but he is a really, really good thrower of the football. Advertisement "He's grown up. He's aggressive, so every once in a while he'll make a play that's viewed as reckless, but he's become a very good quarterback and I think it's important to acknowledge that." Tucker had nothing but good things to say about Mayfield as well. "I'll say this. I love watching him play. I love watching him play!" Tucker said. "It's funny, I had Ryan Fitzpatrick on the show, and he said there are certain guys that he makes it a point to watch every week because he enjoys the way they play, and Baker Mayfield is one of them. You can feel his energy and his love, and passion for the game. Greg, you can feel it when you watch him. He doesn't need to tell ya, you don't need to have people tell you, you can see it." Related: Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield Placed on Impressive List Related: Browns Slammed for Baker Mayfield Situation This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bills Draft Rookie Who Is Best At The 1 Thing He Does
The Buffalo Bills had a solid draft class with defense being a key priority, but the offense also had some nice additions. One of which was Georgia Tech tight end Jackson Hawes. While some might look at Hawes' stats from last season and ask themselves why the Bills would draft a tight end who isn't a good receiver, well, he's seen as the best blocking tight end in college. Advertisement In a similar role to what Dawson Knox does, Hawes comes to Buffalo looking to establish himself as a bruising blocker. For Greg Cosell, who was a guest on One Bills Live, he knows exactly what Hawes is coming to Buffalo to do. "Of the ones I saw, which was a good amount, I think he was the best blocking tight end that I watched," Cosell said. "He's not necessarily a receiver, but they're not drafting him to do that." American team tight end Jackson Hawes of Georgia Tech spars with American team defensive lineman Shemar Stewart of Texas A& Hunt-Imagn Images So yes, Hawes isn't a receiving tight end, but that's fine, Buffalo has Dalton Kincaid to do that. But with James Cook, Ty Johnson, Ray Davis, and Josh Allen, the Bills have quite the star-studded cast to run the ball with. However, to do that, you need good blockers - enter Hawes. Advertisement "I think you just got to be comfortable sticking your face in there," Hawes said on his blocking prowess. "You can't blink, my mentality is my eyes are like the lasers, man, and I'm just staring down my target, and then I'm not satisfied until I'm moving them." So, he knows his key strength, and he is bringing that to a Bills team that has a reputation for being the bully of the AFC East. Some might scoff at the notion of drafting a tight end for the sole purpose of blocking, but Hawes can be a receiver when called upon. As Cosell stated, that's not what Buffalo intends to do with him - he's going to physically overpower defenders in the run game. And he'll do it with a smile on his face, too. Related: Schefter Predicts Major Changes for Bills Related: Bills Sneaky Trade of A.J. Epenesa Predicted
