The NFL is buzzing with anticipation as Cut Day looms, with teams required to pare their rosters from 90 to 53 players by next Tuesday. This annual rite of passage always brings drama and speculation, and this year is no different. As teams finalize their squads for the upcoming season, fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see who makes the cut and who gets left behind.
Elite Quarterbacks Honored
At Fanatics Fest, two of the greatest quarterbacks ever to play the game—Tom Brady and Peyton Manning—shared their rankings of the top quarterbacks in the league. Unsurprisingly, both legends placed Kansas City Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes at the pinnacle of their lists. Mahomes has dazzled spectators and critics alike with his outstanding performances and clutch play, making a compelling case for his top-tier status.
Brady and Manning also agreed on the inclusion of Cincinnati Bengals' Joe Burrow, Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson, and Buffalo Bills' Josh Allen in their top five. Manning's nod to Los Angeles Chargers’ Justin Herbert highlights the young quarterback's rapid rise in the NFL, while Brady chose to spotlight veteran Aaron Rodgers, who is now spearheading the New York Jets.
Preseason Performances Under the Microscope
The preseason is always a critical time for players vying to secure their spots, and this year has seen some notable performances. Buffalo Bills' defensive end Greg Rousseau made a significant impact by recording 2.5 sacks over just 11 snaps in a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. On the offensive side, Kansas City receiver Xavier Worthy made impressive strides, catching three of six targets for 62 yards and a touchdown in a contest against the Detroit Lions.
Some players, however, found the preseason more challenging. New York Giants' Daniel Jones completed just 11 of 18 passes for 138 yards and threw two interceptions against the Houston Texans. Similarly, San Francisco 49ers' Brock Purdy struggled, completing only two of six passes for 11 yards and suffering a sack against the New Orleans Saints. These performances could weigh heavily on the decisions teams have to make as Cut Day approaches.
Emerging Talents and Veteran Moves
The Washington Commanders have made a notable decision by naming Jayden Daniels as their starting quarterback following a 13-6 loss to the Miami Dolphins. Giants' Malik Nabers also caught the eye with some standout receptions against the Texans, further bolstering his case for a spot on the team. Conversely, Minnesota Vikings' Dallas Turner played 13 snaps in their win over the Cleveland Browns but registered minimal productivity, leaving his future with the team in question.
The offseason has also seen some significant moves by established players. Matthew Judon chose a trade to the Atlanta Falcons over the Chicago Bears, sparking discussions among fans and analysts about the implications for both teams. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers and their fans were relieved as Justin Herbert returned to practice after dealing with plantar fascia in his right foot since July 31.
Contract Extensions and Predictions
Contract negotiations have kept their fair share of headlines. Geno Smith penned a three-year, $75 million extension with the Seattle Seahawks, with a substantial $40 million guaranteed. This deal underscores the Seahawks' confidence in Smith's ability to lead the team for the foreseeable future.
In the realm of predictions, analyst Will Brinson has spotlighted Buffalo's Josh Allen as his MVP bet, offering +850 odds. Additionally, he predicted Los Angeles Rams’ Matthew Stafford as a mid-tier MVP contender with 30-to-1 odds. Both predictions add another layer of intrigue as we head into the new season.
Quotes of the Week
Amidst all the preseason action and roster adjustments, player sentiments have also added depth to the ongoing narrative. Tua Tagovailoa shared a moment of introspection, saying, “To put it in the simplest terms, if you woke up every morning and I told you that you suck at what you did, that you don't belong doing what you do, that you shouldn't be here, that this guy should be here, that you haven't earned this.” He further elaborated on the mental toll over the past two years: “You hear it and you hear it—regardless of what is, the good or the bad—and you hear it more and more and you start to actually believe that... it's basically been two years of training that out.”
In response to questions about other teams and players, Kevin O'Connell preferred to keep his focus internal. “I don't particularly have a comment on something that took place with another team or I don't like to comment on comments of other players on other teams, but I can just tell you I know that the players Flo works with, he's got great relationships here.”
As the NFL readies itself for Cut Day, the anticipation, along with the excitement of new talents and the strategic moves of seasoned veterans, continues to captivate football enthusiasts everywhere. Each decision made now could have significant ramifications for the season ahead, making this a critical time for players and teams alike.