The New York Giants have officially decided to move on from head coach Brian Daboll after opening the season 2 8. The announcement came down Monday morning, and it signals the end of a tenure that once looked promising but never truly got back on track after the 2022 playoff run. Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka will take over as interim head coach for the rest of the year.

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport first reported the move. By the time it became official, most fans were already expecting it. The season felt stuck in repeat mode, and the collapse in Chicago on Sunday only added to the frustration. Blowing a late 10 point lead to the Bears pushed emotions to the edge and brought this decision to the front door.

Daboll’s Tenure Never Recovered After 2022

Early Success Raised Expectations

Daboll arrived with energy, creativity, and the reputation of a coach who could bring stability to a franchise badly in need of it. His debut season supported that belief. The Giants went 9-7-1 and made the postseason, then stunned Minnesota on the road. It felt like the foundation of something real.

But that first year ended up being the high point. Over the next two and a half seasons, the wins slowed to a crawl. The Giants collected only 11 victories during that stretch. The spark faded, the offense stalled, and the team never found the consistency needed to take the next step.

Repeated Late Game Collapses

What made things worse was how predictable the losses became. Week after week, the Giants were in games, only for small mistakes and mental lapses to pile up at the worst possible times. Sunday’s loss to Chicago looked like a replay of earlier failures. A solid lead late in the game, followed by a complete shutdown in the final minutes. Four straight defeats and another road meltdown sealed Daboll’s fate.

Ownership acknowledged the disappointment directly. John Mara and Steve Tisch said the results were not acceptable, and they understood why fans have grown frustrated. They thanked Daboll for his time in New York, but it was clear they felt the franchise had hit a dead end.

Joe Schoen Will Lead the Next Chapter

One part of the announcement surprised fewer people. General manager Joe Schoen is staying in place and will run the head coaching search. Ownership doubled down on Schoen just last week, and Monday’s statement confirmed it once again.

This decision puts significant responsibility on Schoen’s shoulders. The next hire will shape the direction of the franchise for years. It will impact how Jaxson Dart develops, how the roster is built, and how quickly the team can climb out of this cycle. Schoen pushed for continuity, and now he has to deliver on it.

Why the Timing Made Sense

Daboll Entered 2025 With Very Little Margin

Daboll began this season firmly on the hot seat. The 3 14 finish in 2024, combined with the decision to move on from Daniel Jones, left ownership unsure if another year would bring change.

Going into 2025, the front office tried to give Daboll every possible chance to turn things around. The quarterback room was rebuilt with multiple directions to explore. Russell Wilson arrived. Jameis Winston arrived. And the Giants made the bold move to trade back into the first round to draft Ole Miss star Jaxson Dart. The message was clear. Daboll had options. It was on him to make it work.

The Results Were Too Hard to Ignore

Ten games in, the Giants looked like the same team from last year. Injuries, stalled drives, communication breakdowns, and defensive slip ups kept showing up. The Chicago loss did not create the problem. It confirmed that nothing was changing.

At 2 8, with a young quarterback waiting to be developed and a fan base running out of patience, ownership chose to hit the reset button now rather than dragging out the inevitable.

What Comes Next for the Giants

Mike Kafka will run the team the rest of the way. Schoen will begin the coaching search. And for the Giants, this becomes another turning point in a long stretch of uncertainty.

There is young talent in important positions, and the franchise needs leadership that can build something stable around it. The Daboll era started with hope but ended with the feeling that everything was stuck in neutral.

The Giants now have a chance to start fresh. The question is who will step in and take on the challenge.

Rep The Team No Matter What!

Even through the ups and downs, we bleed blue. And if you’re gearing up for a fresh season, there’s no better way than with the just-released Jaxson Dart New York Giants jersey — flying off the shelves! It’s the hottest gear in the building right now, and the perfect way to show your faith in Big Blue’s future.

New York Giants Fanatics Shop

Ready for Redemption? Grab Tickets Now!

The past is behind us. A new season is coming, and hope is alive. Want to be there when the Giants start writing a new chapter? Head to StubHub to grab your tickets for the home opener at MetLife Stadium!

More Giants Talk Every Week.

We’ll be covering more Giants drama, victories, and throwbacks every week. Don’t miss a post—subscribe below and stay in the loop all season long.

The post Daboll Era Ends as Giants Make Big Move first appeared on Bleedbigblue.com.

NFL Draft Week: April 24–26

NFL Draft Day 1 – April 24, 8:00 PM

This is the opening night of the draft, where teams select their first-round picks. It’s the most anticipated day, often filled with trades, surprises, and potential franchise-changing selections.

NFL Draft Day 2 – April 25, 7:00 PM

Rounds 2 and 3 take place on Day 2. These picks can bring in starters and key depth pieces, especially for a team like the Giants looking to build on both sides of the ball.

NFL Draft Day 3 – April 26, 12:00 PM

The final day covers Rounds 4 through 7. While these picks are often overlooked, the Giants have found gems in these rounds before—like Ahmad Bradshaw and David Diehl.

OTA Offseason Workouts: May & June

Dates: May 27–28, May 30, June 2–3, June 5, June 9–10, June 12–13

Organized Team Activities (OTAs) are voluntary workouts that help players get back into football shape and give coaches a chance to start implementing schemes. It’s also the first time rookies and veterans share the field.

Mandatory Minicamp: June 17–19

This is the first required team activity of the offseason. All players under contract must attend. It’s a crucial time for team bonding, playbook installs, and for coaches to evaluate who’s ready to compete in training camp.

Training Camp: July 24–August 6

Training camp is where the real work begins. Position battles heat up, playbooks expand, and the foundation for the regular season is laid. This is when we’ll see who’s ready to make the 53-man roster.

Stay tuned and mark your calendars—this offseason will shape how the 2025 Giants take the field in September.

️🛍️ Rep the Team, No Matter What!

Even through the ups and downs, we bleed blue. And if you’re gearing up for a fresh season, there’s no better way than with the just-released Russell Wilson New York Giants jersey. It’s a bold new chapter—make sure you’re suited up for it.

New York Giants Fanatics Shop

🎟️ Ready for Redemption? Grab Tickets Now!

The past is behind us. A new season is coming, and hope is alive. Want to be there when the Giants start writing a new chapter? Head to StubHub to grab your tickets for the home opener at MetLife Stadium!

📬 More Giants Talk Every Week.

We’ll be covering more Giants drama, victories, and throwbacks every week. Don’t miss a post—subscribe below and stay in the loop all season long.

The post Key 2025 Offseason Dates Every Giants Fan Should Know first appeared on Bleedbigblue.com.

Per the Hollywood Reporter:

A Los Angeles jury on Thursday agreed with fans who claimed they overpaid for NFL Sunday Ticket, according to NFL. The decision, which was reached after less than a full day of deliberations, could force the league to change its broadcast model that’s made it the most popular sports league in the country.

The jury in the NFL Sunday Ticket antitrust trial has ordered the @NFL to pay $96 million in damages to commercial class and $4 billion in damages to the residential class.

The NFL’s revenue last year was $19 billion.

Story from @McCannSportsLaw to come.

Credit:… pic.twitter.com/k7QteRKvna

— Sportico (@Sportico) June 27, 2024

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Some more of what the legalese of the decision covers.

The league was disappointed — surprise! — by the decision of the California court.

A federal judge has ordered the @NFL to pay $4 billion in residential class damages and $96 million in commercial class damages to fans and bars, respectively, in the Sunday Ticket case.

In the statement below, the league says it will appeal the decision. pic.twitter.com/pWpXEpfe4L

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) June 27, 2024

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The damage could be steeper because antitrust damages can treble.

The #NFL has been ordered to pay 96 million in commercial class damages & 4 BILLION in residential class damages per today’s guilty verdict in the Sunday Ticket antitrust trial.

By federal antitrust law, that 4 billion becomes 12 billion in actuality. The plantiffs were seeking…

— Spotrac (@spotrac) June 27, 2024

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The #NFL has been ordered to pay 96 million in commercial class damages & 4 BILLION in residential class damages per today’s guilty verdict in the Sunday Ticket antitrust trial.

By federal antitrust law, that 4 billion becomes 12 billion in actuality. The plantiffs were seeking…

— Spotrac (@spotrac) June 27, 2024

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js.

The post NFL hammered for billions in Sunday Ticket antitrust verdict first appeared on Bleedbigblue.com.

That season, Briscoe stood in relief for injured starter Steve Tensi, and in 11 games and five starts, completed 93 passes in 214 attempts for 1,589 yards, 14 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. The pick total and 41.5% completion rate imply that the Nebraska-Omaha alum had some things to work on at the quarterback position, but Briscoe put up his first-year totals in an American Football League in which Tensi himself completed just 40.3 percent of his passes and threw five touchdowns to eight interceptions, and John Hadl of the San Diego Chargers was the league’s most prolific quarterback with a 47.3% completion rate, 27 touchdowns and 32 interceptions.

It was not the nature of the AFL in 1968 to have quarterbacks with the efficiency that would be required in the modern game—those quarterbacks were throwing it deep more often and playing against defenses that could be far more aggressive.

So, Briscoe’s statistics weren’t out of the ordinary for his league, and certainly for his experience. He had been selected in the 14th round of the 1968 AFL draft as a defensive back and was only allowed to compete as a quarterback—the position he played very well in college—because Al Caniglia, his college coach, told him to ask for an adaptation to his contract.

The first starting QB in pro football to break the color barrier

Remembering @Broncos Marlin Briscoe today on #Juneteenth pic.twitter.com/Su6nQKjX8x

— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) June 19, 2024

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“[Caniglia] told me, ‘Listen, Denver is one of the only teams in the [AFL] that practices in the city, where the media and fans can watch,” Briscoe recalled in William C. Rhoden’s Third and a Mile. “See if you can insert a little trial—two or three days—at quarterback in your contract.’ I thought it was a great idea. When [assistant coach] Stan Jones came to negotiate the contract, I said, ‘You know, I’ll sign the contract if Denver gives me a three-day trial. All I want to do is test my skills out for three days.”

Jones agreed that it was a good idea, though head coach Lou Saban and director of player personnel Fred Gehrke disagreed. The schism produced a holdout situation in which Briscoe threatened to go get a teaching job instead of accepting Denver’s $15,000 contract offer. Saban and Gehrke agreed to Briscoe’s terms, and though he generally got half the number of throws the other potential quarterbacks received in training camp, he made enough of an impact for the Denver Post to write an article about him.

After the season, Briscoe returned home to Nebraska to get his degree. His cousin called him from Denver to inform Briscoe that the Broncos had signed a quarterback named Pete Liskie from the Canadian Football league, and, word was, the team was having quarterback meetings without him.

“So, I took a clandestine flight to Denver,” Briscoe remembered. “I stood outside the coach’s office, and out walks Steve Tensi, Lou Saban, quarterbacks coach Hunter Anderson, Pete Liske, and a couple [other] quarterbacks. They couldn’t even look at me. If I didn’t think it was wrong for a man to cry, I’d have cried. I was that hurt. I just turned and walked out. I knew I wasn’t in their plans. It was like I’d never played that first year.”

In Saban’s mind, it appeared to be so.

“Marlin was an exceptional athlete, but he didn’t have great size. He was always throwing out of a well. I figured his best position was receiver, but we were searching for a quarterback. In the four and a half years I was with the Broncos, we never found a guy who could take over the position. We brought in quarterbacks by the dozens. It didn’t make much difference what their backgrounds were, I was going to play whoever could win—because if you don’t win, it’s over.”

Well. The Lou Saban era in Denver lasted from 1967 through 1971, and in that time, 10 different quarterbacks had at least one passing attempt for the team. Among those quarterbacks, Briscoe led the pack in touchdown percentage, passer rating, quarterback rating, and passing yards per game. The Broncos had a 2-3 record in the games he started, but Briscoe was clearly the best quarterback on a series of bad teams.

In a 21-14 win over the Miami Dolphins, Briscoe brought his team back from a 14-0 deficit, running six times for 29 yards and two touchdowns — including the game-winner.

“Marlin gave us some real Black power today,” veteran defensive lineman Dave Costa said after the win.

But nothing Briscoe did was enough for Saban.

“I did what I thought I had to do,” Saban said in Jeff Miller’s Going Long. “He went down to Miami a year later and played receiver and did very well. People said, ‘You were right.’ You’ve got to look out for the product, what’s best for the team.”

Briscoe stayed in the NFL as a receiver through the 1976 season, catching 224 passes for 3,537 yards and 30 touchdowns. He made the Pro Bowl in 1970 with the Bills with 57 receptions for 1,036 yards and eight touchdowns, and he was a part of the Miami Dolphins’ Super Bowl teams in 1972 and 1973, including the only perfect season in NFL history in 1972.

But the denial of opportunity at the quarterback position never left Briscoe—it always haunted him. Don Shula made him the Dolphins’ emergency quarterback in 1972 after Bob Griese was injured and veteran Earl Morrall took over. As Briscoe later said, “If I was good enough to be an emergency quarterback, why weren’t other teams willing to give me a chance?”

Hall of Fame receiver Paul Warfield remembered in Third and a Mile that the Dolphins did have one specific trick play in which Briscoe would be able to throw the ball.

“I was the slot receiver. Marlin lined up one yard off the line. The quarterback would throw him a quick hitch pass—actually, a lateral. I’d run downfield toward one of the two defenders, under control, kind of like a blocker. As soon as they came toward me, I’d release downfield, and Marlin would deliver the football. It put tremendous pressure on the defense, put them in a bind.”

Oct 1973; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Miami Dolphins running back Mercury Morris (22) and Marlin Briscoe (86) during the 1973 season at the Orange Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

The racial component is the clear and obvious reason for Briscoe’s enforced departure from the quarterback position, and it was quite clear that neither league was ready for a starting Black quarterback in 1968. In Briscoe’s case, there’s also an element of inflexibility about the position that went on at the time that got in his way.

In the late 1960s, a scrambling quarterback was still thought to be a Bad Thing. Hank Stram of the AFL’s Kansas City Chiefs had installed a moving-pocket offense combined with play action for quarterback Len Dawson that was quite effective, but functional mobility wasn’t considered a universal advantage for quarterbacks as it is today.

And while Briscoe was able to use his mobility to overcome his height disadvantage by creating throwing lanes on the run, he was a couple of generations ahead of his time with that idea—it’s obviously a common practice nowadays for quarterbacks, and if Briscoe came along in 2018 instead of 1968, his story would likely be radically different. He was a pioneer, and like a great many pioneers in any field, he found the terrain inhospitable and adaptation difficult as the forces arrayed against him were more powerful and entrenched that he was.

Briscoe became a mentor to some of the Black quarterbacks who followed in his wake, rooming with Shack Harris in Buffalo and talking with Joe Gilliam after Gilliam’s brief starting stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1974. All we can do is wonder how he would have fared given the opportunities he deserved.

The post Marlin Briscoe, who broke the color barrier for pro quarterbacks, deserved better first appeared on Bleedbigblue.com.

It should come as no surprise that the New York Giants have a mistake bad enough to land them on this list. It’s really more of a, “which coach would they pick” rather than if they would make the list at all.

That said, the Giants landed with the sixth worst coaching hire in NFL history when they inked Joe Judge in 2020.

In the ranking, PFN cites Judge as “another former Patriots assistant who unraveled after leaving Belichick’s side.” The other assistant they refer is Matt Patricia, who landed at seven on the list.

The article also references how everyone thought Judge’s job was safe until the final game of the season when the game ended with two quarterback sneak play calls on second-and-11 and third-and-9 while backed up against their own goal line.

A 10-23 overall record tells the story of Judge’s tenure with the Giants, but so does one specific play from the end of his stint with Big Blue.

In what ended up being Judge’s final game as New York’s head coach (the 2021 regular-season finale), Judge called for consecutive quarterback sneaks on 2nd-and-11 and 3rd-and-9 while the Giants were backed up against their own goal line. New York had no faith it could execute even a basic offensive play, a terrible reflection on its head coach.

Although every pre-Week 17 report had suggested Judge’s job was safe, the Giants fired him after that cowardly display. Belichick then shockingly tasked Judge and Patricia with overhauling the Patriots’ 2022 offense, and we know how that went.

Those two play calls reflected so poorly on Judge (along with his viral postgame meltdown in Week 17) that the Giants decided to fire him even though there were no previous indications that would happen.

Even when Judge was hired in 2020, many questioned the decision and none were surprised by his firing. But now the question remains: Will Brian Daboll meet this same fate as a former Belichick assistant?

The post Giants’ hiring of Joe Judge ranked among worst in NFL history first appeared on Bleedbigblue.com.

‘SB Nation Reacts’ survey reveals limited interest

NFL fans don’t appear to be excited about the upcoming offseason version of ‘Hard Knocks’ that will feature the New York Giants.

According to a national ‘SB Nation Reacts’ survey, only 26% of respondents plan to watch the HBO series next month.

You might think that is because of lack of interest in the Giants, a team that went 6-11 last season and has won one playoff game since 2012. Really, though, it might be ‘Hard Knocks’ fatigue.

The ‘Reacts’ survey found that a majority of respondents believe there are too many versions of the HBO series.

The five-part series debuts Tuesday, July 9 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO with new episodes debuting subsequent Tuesdays through July 30.

This is the Giants’ 100th season of NFL competition, and the first time they have been on any version of ‘Hard Knocks’.

“As we enter our 100th season, we look forward to providing our fans with the opportunity to see what it takes to build an NFL roster,” said Nilay Shah, Giants Senior Vice President, Marketing and Brand Strategy, in a statement released by the team. “Beginning the moment the previous season ended, we gave NFL Films unprecedented access to this critical time of the year. We know viewers will gain insight from moments that have never been captured before and are excited for them to learn more about our Giants history.”

The post NFL fans not thrilled about Giants’ ‘Hard Knocks’ appearance first appeared on Bleedbigblue.com.

O-lines deal with injuries, new coaches and schemes, depth chart moves, schedule challenges and the effects of when new quarterbacks and running backs are used. Every play is like conducting a symphony in the middle of a riot.

This 2024 ranking may vary from others out there, but it was created with fantasy football production in mind. It considers how offensive lines performed in fantasy-related metrics, what losses and gains occurred in the offseason, and then how changes to team dynamics likely impact their blocking.

Offensive lines, like any other segment of the roster, are sensitive to the impact that injuries creates. But at least starting out, here are how they rate heading into the 2024 NFL season.

Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

1. Detroit Lions

The Lions have invested heavily in their offensive line for several years, and the blockers remain a major asset to the offense.  Pro Bowlers T Penei Sewell and C Frank Ragnow return and they added two depth players in the middle rounds of the NFL draft. They lost G Jonah Jackson to the Rams but signed the Raven’s G Kevin Zeitler to a one-year deal for $6M to replace him. Even an average fantasy prospect gets a boost while playing with this offensive line.

2. Indianapolis Colts

The Colts sport one of the best offensive lines and their statistics prove it. Pro Bowlers G Quenton Nelson and Ryan Kelly return to a mature offensive line that had no notable losses this season. They did not need to spend money in free agency but still spent a third and fourth-round pick on line depth. This is an elite unit that enjoys continuity from last year.

3. Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles had the No. 1 offensive line entering 2023 and the group delivered. Pro Bowlers T Lane Johnson and G Landon Dickerson return while the only loss was Jason Kelce which ends his 12 years as an elite center. They picked up a couple of late round guards in the draft. This remains a stellar offensive line but moving Cam Jurgens over to center is a downgrade from the certain Hall-of-Famer Kelce, but the Eagles also upgraded the backfield with Saquon Barkley who will make the run blocking look even better. Kelce may be gone, but the Eagles have been the standard for blocking excellence for the last few years.

4. Kansas City Chiefs

The reigning Superbowl Champs were aided by their offensive line which rated from solid to outstanding. Patrick Mahomes had a major bearing on line ratings, given that he was only sacked 28 times to rank No. 2 in the NFL, and yet all that scrambling around searching unsuccessfully for the ghost of Tyreek Hill meant that he incurred more pressure than most quarterbacks. The Chiefs sent G Joe Thuney and C Creed Humphrey to the Pro Bowl but lost G Nick Allegretti to the Commanders. They added T Kingsley Suamataia from BYU with their second-round pick and two more linemen later in the draft. The O-line returns almost intact and should again provide Mahomes with a clean pocket and open lanes for Isaiah Pacheco.

5. Cleveland Browns

Their offensive line was elite for many seasons but 2023 was tough thanks to rampant injuries including season-enders for three starters. Throw in Nick Chubb’s exit in Week 2 and Deshaun Watson missing 11 games and even keeping Joel Bitonio, Ethan Pocic, and Wyatt Teller on the field wasn’t enough to replicate prior offensive success. Bitonio and Teller went to the Pro Bowl and the Browns grabbed G Zak Zinter from Michigan in the third round as depth. Otherwise, there were no notable additions or losses, and the season depends on how well their tackles Jedrick Willis Jr. (MCL), Dawand Jones (MCL), and Jack Conklin (ACL) return from their 2023 injuries.

6. Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons have been solid across the offensive line and while their stats were mostly moderate, that’s more due to HC Arthur Smith and QB Desmond Ridder who are both gone. The O-line returns all starters and have Kirk Cousins as a far bigger threat than Ridder. The change in offensive scheme and upgrade at quarterback should benefit from the continuity here. The Falcons had no notable additions, losses or draft picks for the O-line. Pro Bowler Chris Lindstrom is arguably the best run-blocker in the league.

7. Los Angeles Rams

This unit was one of the lowest-rated O-lines entering last season and they had been Bottom-5 in nearly every metric coming off 2022. Their post-Superbowl collapse was largely due to extensive injuries over the offense and they lost LT Andrew Whitworth to retirement. But the Rams O-line came back together far faster and better than anyone imagined. The only player movement was losing C  Coleman Shelton but picking up the Lions’ G Jonah Jackson for a three-year, $51M deal. They added a couple of linemen deep in the draft but this unit returns intact with the upgrade in Jackson who needs to stay healthy. There is some reshuffling, but this surprising group from 2023 looks to return just as capable.

8. Miami Dolphins

The Fins saw their offensive line improve in both years with HC Mike McDaniel at the helm. They added LT Terron Armstead and jumped up in all pass-blocking metrics except for the percentage of pressures. Last year, they solved that problem with the No. 3 pressure rate (17%), up from 27%. They brought in C Aaron Brewer (three-year, $21M) from the Titans but lost G Robert Hunt to the Panthers.  Miami drafted T Patrick Paul with their 2.23 pick to help address the loss. They still lagged in negative runs, but the rest of the metrics were stellar.

9. Buffalo Bills

The offensive line measurements were all good in 2023, and reflective of blocking for one of the best mobile quarterbacks in the league. The Bills allowed fewer sacks than any other team and were above average in run blocking. T Dion Dawkins went to the Pro Bowl but C Mitch Morse left for the Jaguars. The only moves the Bills made for the O-line was to add three rookies deep in the NFL draft. There is continuity from last year excluding Morse, but there is a lack of depth which will be problematic if injuries start to pile up.

10. San Francisco 49ers

The blocking metrics were all good last year, and Christian McCaffrey enjoyed the No. 2 yards before contact when he ran. The results were similar to those in 2022, and they corrected a problem with negative runs. The 49ers did nothing in the free agent market for losses or gains but spent their 3.22 pick on T Dominick Puni from Kansas, along with a late-draft guard for depth. LT Trent Williams went to another Pro Bowl and continues to defy age at 35 years old. The 49ers sport a Top-10 unit each year and Christian McCaffrey probably helps them to look a bit better than they are. The blocking remains an asset to the offense, but there’s no reason to expect improvement.

11. Green Bay Packers

A top line from 2023 when they excelled at pass defense, the Packers will have to process change from losing G Jon Runyan and T Yosh Nijman, and releasing long-time star tackle David Bakhtiari while not picking up any new notable free agents. But they did spend their first-round pick on T Jordan Morgan and picked up a center and tackle later in the draft. The backfield already changed with Aaron Jones gone and Josh Jacobs new to the team. The Packers have enough depth and versatility in their blockers that they can weather a few injuries.

Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

12. Houston Texans

As usual, T Larry Tunsil went to the Pro Bowl and the line play showed improvement, at least until injuries took out three of the five starters. RT George Fant left for the Seahawks and while they did not add anyone notable from free agents, they drafted T Blake Fisher from Notre Dame with their 2.27 pick and grabbed another tackle at the end of the draft. While the run-blocking stats suffered last year with Devin Singletary, the Texans upgraded to Joe Mixon. And the impact of C.J. Stroud cannot be overstated. Given their injuries, the offensive line played well and they enter 2024 with solid depth and the hope they can avoid a second season of injuries. The offense continues to develop and the line is no longer a liability.

13. New York Jets

The pass blocking stats were among the worst last year and that stemmed from injuries and spending the season protecting Zach Wilson, Trevor Siemian, and Tim Boyle. This unit was average on run blocking but defenses loaded up on Breece Hall once they realized the Jets didn’t have a quarterback. This should be a much-improved offensive line for 2024. The Jets acquired LT Tyron Smith (one-year, $6.5M) and G Jon Runyan (three-year, $30M). They spent their 1.11 pick on T Olu Fashanu from Penn State. Add in a healthy (fingers crossed) Aaron Rodgers and the offensive output – and blocking – should push the blocking to at least average if not better.

14. Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals’ offensive line was above average in pass blocking prior to last season but had been poor at run blocking. They improved yards per carry incrementally last year but dropped in sacks allowed. Cincinnati lost T Jonah Williams to the Cardinals but picked up RT Trenton Brown (one-year, $4.75M) from the Patriots. Most notably, they spent their first-round pick on T Amarius Mims out of Georgia. This mature offense must protect the occasionally fragile Joe Burrow when he passes. The upgrades in 2023 helped and there is continuity from last year other than swapping out Jonah Williams for Trenton Brown. The rookie Mims can season as a rookie unless injuries press him into heavy use.

15. Baltimore Ravens

Things have changed. The Ravens were always run-heavy until OC Todd Monken showed up last year. They were still a formidable run-blocking unit with top marks in 2023. But the offense throws more passes and Derrick Henry arrives to end the need for a committee backfield.  Starters G John Simpson and G Kevin Zeitler left in free agency. They traded away RT Morgan Moses to the Jets. The Ravens used their second-round pick on RT Roger Rosengarten to address that hole and the line will be reshuffled. Pro Bowler C Tyler Linderbaum is still there. But this line is in transition along with the offensive scheme and is not, at least for now, the same elite unit of recent seasons.

16. Las Vegas Raiders

The run blocking was below average last year after rating No. 5 in yards per carry (4.8) in 2022 and Josh Jacobs left for the Packers this season. But the pass blocking was better than expected, especially considering that the Raiders spun through Aidan O’Connell, Jimmy Garoppolo and Brian Hoyer at quarterback. RT Jermain Eluemunor and G Greg Van Roten both left but no free agents were added. They spent a 2.12 on C Jackson Powers-Johnson from Oregon and a 3.13 on T Demar Glaze out of Maryland. This first year of new OC Luke Getsy starts out with a worse backfield and quarterback, and they need the rookie Powers-Johnson to step up into the starting rotation likely as a guard.

17. Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers run defense has been a mess for a few seasons, even falling to an NFL-worst 1.8 yards-rushed before contact. The metrics for pass blocking have been mostly average. With the offseason upheaval, now HC Jim Harbaugh and OC Greg Roman will be changing the offense and have a stated intent to run the ball more often and better than they did when Austin Ekeler was the primary rusher. The Bolts did nothing in free agency but lost no one notable. The only difference-making change was spending their 1.05 pick on T Joe Alt from Notre Dame as the first lineman drafted this year. He’ll get plugged in on the right side at least for now.  LT Rashawn Slater was stellar in 2021 but tore his biceps in 2022 after just three games. He wasn’t nearly as effective last season. It is an all-new scheme with a new backfield imported from Baltimore by OC Greg Roman, and the two long-time star receivers are gone. If the rookie Alt meets expectations and Slater can return to form, this unit will improve, but until that is seen, they are more likely to remain average at best.

18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers pass blocking rated highly in 2022 and it was credited in part to the quick release of Tom Brad. The run blocking was arguably the worst however, and then repeated that in 2023 when they were dead last in yards per carry. But – the pass blocking measurements remained good even with Baker Mayfield at quarterback. T Tristan Wirfs went to the Pro Bowl and the Buccaneers added G Ben Bredeson (one-year, $3M) while losing no one notable. They also spent their first-round pick on T Graham Barton from Duke, who will likely become the new center. And with minimal changes, the run blocking is expected to again be among the worst in the league but the pass blocking should hold up well for Mayfield.

19. Dallas Cowboys

The salary cap situation in Dallas is already dire with looming mega-dollar contracts for CeeDee Lamb, Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons. That’s already led to losing C Tyler Biadasz to the Commanders and LT Tyrion Smith to the Jets without acquiring any free agents to replace them.  The Cowboys selected T Tyler Guyton with their 1.29 pick and another guard in the third round. The line had already turned average in 2022, and last season ranked poorly in run blocking for the first time in many years. They dropped below 4.0 yards per carry and were Bottom-5 in rush yards before contact. The Cowboys should incur further decline for 2024.

20. Chicago Bears

The Bears were slightly better than average while run blocking last year but they fell around Bottom-5 in pass-blocking metrics. They spent big in 2022 acquiring RG Nate Davis and drafting RT Darnell Washington with their 1.10 pick. This season, they added G Coleman Shelton (one-year, $3M) from the Rams and drafted a third-round tackle for depth. The Bears had the worst pass-blocking metrics in 2022 with the highest sack rate and only marginally improved in 2023. Injuries hit the O-line last year, and the offensive dynamics are sure to change with a new offense under OC Shane Waldrop from Seattle and of course the No.1 pick in the draft of quarterback Caleb Williams. The change from Justin Fields to Williams is hoped to be a game changer and that can only help the blockers. It may take time to come together amidst the scheme and personnel changes, but continuity from last year should at least keep this unit average.

21. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars offensive line rated well in 2022, with Top-10 marks in blocking metrics other than the surprising No. 32 in negative runs. The second season for HC Doug Pederson and OC Press Taylor was a disappointment in many ways with the offensive line as one of the weakest spots. They managed to remain an above-average set of pass blockers, but the rushing stats all declined to among the worst in the league. The positive was spending on C Mitch Morse (two-year-$10.5M) and they picked up a fourth-round tackle in the draft. Talent may lift them to being average but the run-blocking has to rise from the bottom of the barrel.

Syndication: Palm Beach Post

22. New Orleans Saints

The Saints’ pass-blocking was solid for the last few years, with Top-10 ranks for pass blocking metrics and Top-5 marks for negative runs. But run blocking has been among the worst. They’ve remained in the Bottom-4 in yards per carry and yards before contact the last two seasons.  They did not lose or acquire any free agents, but spent a 1.14 pick on T Taliese Fuaga from Oregon State. RT Ryan Ramczyk is no lock to play this year thanks to knee issues, so adding Fuaga may be just a wash (but a prudent draft pick). The Saints have two seasons of nearly the same blocking metrics and there is no reason to expect any significant improvement for 2024.

23. Carolina Panthers

The Panthers’ offensive line was a mess in 2023 and HC Frank Reich never the offense got on track. This should be a vastly better line for 2024, though the bar is low after last year’s disaster when the Panthers ranked Bottom-5 in nearly all blocking metrics. But they spent the big bucks in free agency trying for a quick turn-around for new HC Dave Canales. The Panthers grabbed Miami’s G Robert Hunt (five-year, $100M) as the top player available and added G Damien Lewis (four-year, $53M) from the Seahawks. They also added T Yosh Nijman (two-year, $8M). The improvement will take some time to come together as they all learn the new offense, but the Panthers have invested in their offensive line.

24. Seattle Seahawks

After several seasons with a solid run blocking and yet weak pass blockers, the Seahawks saw improvement in 2023 when they managed a Top-10 in sacks allowed and sack rate. The interior of the line will be recast after losing C Evan Brown and G Damien Lewis but they signed RT George Fant (two-years, $9.1M) and drafted guards in the third and sixth rounds. There’s a new offensive scheme installed by OC Ryan Grubb but almost all other offensive starters return for 2024. Seattle was still Bottom-8 in pass pressures, but that was more related to the injuries of offensive tackles Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas.

25. Pittsburgh Steelers

In 2022, the Steelers ‘ pass protection was at least average if not better. But their run-blocking was a liability. That changed last season when both yards per carry and sacked allowed were Top-10. They had brought in two new guards and drafted LT Broderick Jones with their first-round pick. This year, they again used their first-round pick and grabbed T Troy Fautanu and then T Zach Frazier in the second round. The offense already gets a makeover with new OC Arthur Smith but will rely on either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields at quarterback and both were recent problems with sacks and holding the ball too long on their 2023 teams. The investment was made in this unit, but it hasn’t yet become an asset.

26. Minnesota Vikings

For the second year in a row, the Vikings did nearly nothing for their offensive line but did not lose anyone notable. They produced average run-blocking metrics and below average in pass blocking, logging a No. 29 ranking in percentage of pressures when passing. That’s partially due to losing Kirk Cousins after eight games and churning through three other quarterbacks to finish the year. That’s an issue again this season with Sam Darnold and rookie JJ McCarthy taking over passing duties. The Vikings may end up better than this by year’s end, but it’s hard to see essentially the same players improving much while a rookie learns the NFL.

27. Tennessee Titans

Over the recent years, the one-time elite offensive line of the Titans declined and became one of the worst pass-blocking units in the NFL. Derrick Henry’s final season saw moderate marks from the run blocking but both Ryan Tannehill and Will Levis struggled to pass while pressured in almost a third of their attempts. Entering 2024, the Titans are finally leaving behind that run-all-the-time mentality and starting anew with HC Brian Callahan. He’ll import the Bengals offense and change the scheme. Pass blocking matters even more now. The Titans lost C Aaron Brewer to the Dolphins but added C Lloyd Cushenberry (four-years, $50M) from the Broncos. Most importantly, they added T JC Latham from Alabama with their 1.07 pick who will be slotted as the new left tackle – that should help reduce the pressures. Also a plus, the O-line is being directed by Bill Callahan, one of the most respected line coaches and, incidentally, Brian’s father. This is a unit that should improve with pass blocking, it’s only a question of how long it takes to come together.

28. Arizona Cardinals

This unit surprised by helping the backfield average 4.8 yards per carry, but it also ranked dead last in the percentage of negative rushes. The pass blocking stats were similar to 2022 but slightly improved. The second season for OC Drew Petzing added T Jonah Williams (two-year, $30M) and lost no important blockers. They added new tackles in the third and fifth rounds but this offense continues to evolve and the expectation is that they remain below average for 2024.

29. New England Patriots

The Patriots’ blocking declined last season after 2022 had shown improvement with average rankings. But 2023 wasn’t nearly as successful with all measurements dropping below average. They lost RT Trenton Brown to the Bengals but resigned RT Mike Onwenu and brought in T Chukwuma (one-year, $4M) from the Steelers. They drafted an offensive tackle in the third round and a guard in the fourth. The Pats are installing a new offensive scheme this year and will at least eventually turn to the rookie quarterback Drake Maye who needs pass protection as a pocket passer. This is the first year for the new scheme and this unit isn’t likely to be an asset quite yet.

30. Denver Broncos

Entering 2023, the Broncos gifted new HC Sean Payton with pricey free agents T Mike McGlinchey and G Ben Powers in the hopes that they could improve pass blocking that rated Bottom-3 in pass-blocking metrics including dead-last in sacks (63). While run blocking proved average, the pass blocking still remained an issue with Bottom-5 rankings. This offseason, they lost C Lloyd Cushenberry to the Titans and did nothing for the O-line other than spend a seventh-round pick on another center. But this unit returns almost intact and Russell Wilson isn’t there to hold on to the ball too long.  That still may not improve much with either Zach Wilson or the rookie Bo Nix under center, and it will be a new center at that.

31. Washington Commanders

Eric Bienemy only lasted a year as their offensive coordinator, but the offensive blocking improved in 2023 for the run game. The Commanders were at the bottom of the rankings in both run and pass blocking metrics after 2022, but turned around last season to finish as No. 10 in yards per carry and even took the top ranking for negative runs. Pass blocking remained weak, particularly with 65 sacks allowed. Some of that is related to Sam Howell’s only season as a starting quarterback. The pass blocking must improve with the offense handed over to Kliff Kingsbury and his penchant for aerial shows. Adding a rookie quarterback lends another significant dynamic, but Jayden Daniels’ dual threat abilities may help his offensive line. The O-line was upgraded with G Nick Allegretti (three-year, $16M) and C Tyler Biadasz (three-year, $29M) and drafting G Brandon Coleman from TCU in the third round. He may be switched to left tackle to replace Charles Leno who was released this spring. The left side of the line is weaker and a new scheme will be installed. The impact of the new blockers and that running quarterback should pay dividends later in the year.

32. New York Giants

The G-Men owned one of the worst offensive lines for many years and previous attempts to fix it never yielded positive results. Coming off 2022, the rushing metrics were average but the pass blocking was Bottom-5. Both starting tackles are former first-round picks and yet the Giants ranked No. 32 in sacks allowed, sack rate, and percent of pass plays with pressure for 2023. They picked up free agent RT Jermaine Eluemunor (two-year, $14M) from the Raiders and added G Jon Runyan (three-years, $30M) from the Packers. While that should help, and there is nowhere to go but up, the Giants’ offense enters 2024 without any rookie linemen, no Saquon Barkley, still relying on Daniel Jones and all that happens behind an O-line that has consistently been among the worst and that has defied improvement.

The post 2024 Offensive Line Rankings first appeared on Bleedbigblue.com.

Days before the Las Vegas Raiders decided to blow things up and fire general manager Dave Ziegler and head coach Josh McDaniels, a team meeting was called.

During the “airing of grievances” meeting, multiple Raiders players and captains unloaded on McDaniels.

Sensing he was losing the room completely, McDaniels called on a member of that Super Bowl XLII-winning Giants team to speak on behalf of himself and the coaches.

That person was Antonio Pierce, who gave a rousing speech about culture and attitude. He recalled his time with those 2007 Giants and said the Raiders needed to embody the same confident approach that Tom Coughlin-led team had.

Ultimately, Pierce said, these Raiders have to be those Giants.

That did not sit well with McDaniels, who immediately ripped into Pierce for disparaging the Patriots by bringing up that Super Bowl.

Inside scoopage of what went on behind the scenes that led the @raiders to fire head coach John McDaniels then.move onto Antonio Pierce as their new coach. #raiders @nflonfox pic.twitter.com/aLcymL3Gcy

— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) November 5, 2023

“He brought up the old Giants team that beat the (Patriots), Josh McDaniels’ team, in the Super Bowl in the 2007 season,” Jay Glazer of FOX Sports reported. “He said, ‘no matter who we played, we thought we could beat them. We had a game plan where we could beat them. We had to believe that and that’s not here. We have to believe that at the Raiders, we can beat anybody.’ He finishes up that speech, everyone thinks they’re great except for Josh McDaniels.

“Josh McDaniels then goes over to him and says, ‘don’t ever talk about the Patriots like that.’ And then you really saw how divided that building got. That got up to Mark Davis and I think Mark Davis looked at it and went, ‘OK, I’m gonna choose the guy who believes that we can win every single week.’”

Petty much?

In the end, McDaniels took two L’s to the 2007 Giants. Once in Super Bowl XLII and then again last week.

Somewhat ironically, Pierce was named the Raiders interim head coach and in his NFL debut at that post, defeated the Giants, 30-6.

The post Josh McDaniels’ hatred of the Giants ultimately got him fired first appeared on Bleedbigblue.com.

Last year, the ManningCast, an alternative and unconventional Monday Night Football broadcast hosted by the Manning brothers, won the Emmy for “Outstanding Live Series.”

I am finally above the law! I won a Sports Emmy. Only problem is, I have to share it with my brother. https://t.co/nHyZb5jJPP

— Eli Manning (@EliManning) May 25, 2022

Now, Manning is going for his second Sports Emmy Award to match his Super Bowl trophy count.

This year, Manning has been nominated for the category of Outstanding Personality/Emerging On-Air Talent. Others nominated for the award include Andraya Carter, Robert Griffin III, Greg Olsen, and JJ Reddick.

In addition to the ManningCast, Eli also works on “The Eli Manning Show” and the ESPN+ exclusive show, “Eli’s Places.”

Fittingly, “Eli’s Places” has also been nominated for Outstanding Hosted Edited Series.

Manning has been popping up everywhere, recently coaching the Pro Bowl while also going undercover as Chad Powers at a Penn State University football tryout. He’s also very active on Twitter, which likely comes as a surprise to most.

The 44th Annual Sports Emmy ceremony will take place on Monday, May 22, 2023 at the Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall.

The post Giants legend Eli Manning nominated for another Sports Emmy Award first appeared on Bleedbigblue.com.

“Being the recipient for the New York Giants and getting honored is truly amazing,” Barkley said. “It’s something that was a goal of mine when I got drafted. I want to win the whole thing. But it’s not just about winning the award. It’s all about the work you do within the community to try to make an impact and try to make change. I’m very fortunate. I’m very blessed to have the opportunity to play the sport that I love and live out my dream and be able to have an impact on children. That’s something I wanted to do from the moment I stepped on the field and the moment I was drafted by the Giants. To finally be a recipient for them and hopefully the winner for them is something that’s a dream of mine and a goal of mine. Hopefully, I’m able to accomplish it.”

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The post Saquon Barkley nominated for NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Award first appeared on Bleedbigblue.com.