🏈 The Touchdown Collective: Chef Saquon is really cooking
Saquon Barkley, Kyle Pitts and Drake Maye all feature to keep you ahead of the game, one play at a time
In today’s Touchdown Collective there’s the latest on Saquon Barkley and the Eagles in Press Coverage, Frank Ragnow’s retirement in Get to the Post, while Inside Zone has the scoop on TJ Watt’s contract talks. And it’s all about making a splash in Snap!
📰 Press Coverage
Philadelphia Eagles
Get ready for another helping of the Tush Push, because Chef Saquon Barkley is ready to cook up another five-star Super Bowl meal.
The Eagles running back, the new face of Madden, says the Eagles “know the recipe” as they chase back-to-back Lombardi trophies.
He said on NFL Network’s The Insiders: “Success is not an accident. We know the recipe. We know what it takes. We can’t skip any steps to get to where we want to get to. Last OTAs, it was the same thing, and we already know how training camp’s gonna be and we know how it’s gonna be during the season.
“We know the recipe, and we just got to stick to it and a little bit of luck when that comes in with staying healthy. We do that, with the talent that we have and the coaches that we have, we’ll be in a good position.”
Seattle Seahawks
The Legion of Boom? Maybe not. But Seattle’s defense want to “be number one in every category” according to veteran defensive tackle Jarran Reed.
The Seahawks were 14th in total defense last season (11th in passing, 16th against the run) but they were trending up towards the end of the year and Reed is focused on providing a base for the offense to work from this year.
He said: “My personal goal, my opinion, which I think everybody will back me on this, is that we want to be number one.
“We want to be number one in every category. That’s what we’re striving for. We’re hungry. Every game may not be perfect, but that’s what we’re striving for, that’s what we’re working hard to get to.”
New England Patriots
Drake Maye is progressing nicely ahead of his second year, says Pats OC Josh McDaniels.
Mike Vrabel has returned to New England as head coach after playing for the Patriots under Bill Belichick and McDaniels is back for his third stint with the side.
There is much to work through and for Maye to learn as the playbook evolves, but McDaniels has been impressed, saying: “He’s very smart and works really hard. The quarterback room, in general, is really, really good in terms of putting the time and effort in at this point of the year. [Maye] is doing a really good job of digesting information, processing the corrections when there is a correction to be made, and going out there with a great attitude.
“He does a really good job of listening. When you go out there the next time and see the same kind of look or the same problem the defense presents to you, he’s a quick study on that, and that’s a good thing for a young player.”
LA Rams
LA Rams defensive end Braden Fiske says he is "full go" in Phase 3 of OTA workouts.
Fiske had surgery after injuring his knee at the end of last season but said: “I’m feeling great right now. Everything went as planned. We’re even ahead of the process now [compared to] where I thought I was going to be. I’m full go right now, moving, doing indy (individual drills), doing everything and feeling great.”
New Orleans Saints
The Saints’ 3-4 defense is back with Brandon Staley – and Jeff Duncan breaks it all down here on Nola.com.
Staley learned the scheme from legendary defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and said of it: “When I think of 3-4 defense, I think of balance. I think of top run defense, top pass defense and eliminating explosive plays.
“And the way to eliminate explosive plays to be able to play split safety (coverage), or some version of it, because that keeps the ball in front of you in the secondary. We want to put a roof on the defense.”
Atlanta Falcons
Tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. is dealing with an undisclosed injury ahead of Week 2 of OTAs, coach Raheem Morris said.
There have been rumours of a trade for Pitts, with the Chiefs, Eagles, Steelers, Cowboys and Patriots all noted as possible landing zones.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz has reported that “nothing is imminent” on a move and Morris was quick to point out his side are being careful – and that Pitt is fully committed in Atlanta.
“Extremely cautious with Kyle right now and what he's got going on,” Morris said. “Obviously you don’t talk about injuries this time of year, but definitely being cautious with him. You won’t see him. He’s been here. He’s done such a great job of all the stuff that we’ve asked of him.
“He’s been in every single meeting. He’s been in every single thing that we’ve done other than on the field. And he’s been absolutely outstanding to be around.”
🔁 Last week’s poll results – Q: Can the Jets’ D really be a league standout? Your answer: Yes (100%).
🔁 Last week’s most clicked: The Detroit Lions are preparing for their OTAs by signing veteran linebacker Zach Cunningham.
↗ Get to the Post
In a shock move, Frank Ragnow of Detroit announced his retirement from the NFL…
What sport are we prepping for again, Houston…..?
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Some ballers here….
There are plenty of free agents still available on the market and USA Today’s Tyler Dragon takes a look at the best fit for the best available here.
🤫 Inside Zone
The Pittsburgh Steelers believe linebacker TJ Watt will sign a new deal before the start of the season, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
The Miami Dolphins have placed tackle Terron Armstead on the reserve/retired list.
The Titans have signed running back Tyrion Davis-Price after parting ways with running back Micah Bernard.
📸 Snap!
Sebastian Joseph-Day of the LA Rams douses his face with water before the game against the Seattle Seahawks on December 27, 2020.
📩 Who am I? I’m Michael Ham, the Daily Star Sunday and Sunday Express Sports Editor – and an avid NFL fan. I have almost 20 years of experience in sports news journalism and I’m the writer behind The Touchdown Collective. Write to me using this form with your thoughts on anything in this newsletter, things you’d like to see more of, or your view on anything NFL.
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