The trade for Julio Jones means one thing. The Tennessee Titans are all in on this season. The deal vaulted their offense at least on paper into the ranks of the NFL elite because it gave quarterback Ryan Tannehill a wide receiver duo on par with any other pair in the league. In the wake of the blockbuster deal, which improved Tennessees odds to win the Super Bowl https://www.clevelandgearstore.com/Richard_Lecounte_Face_Mask-590, its time to take a look at how Jones and A.J. Brown stack up to some of the other one-two wide receiver punches in the league. MINNESOTA VIKINGSAdam Thielen and Justin Jefferson. The word for Thielen and Jefferson is efficiency. As a rookie last season, Jefferson caught 88 passes for 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns with a catch rate of 70.4 percent. Thielen, on the other hand, produced a bounce-back season after missing six games in 2019. In the 15 contests he played in 2020, Thielen totaled 74 catches for 925 yards. He also grabbed 14 touchdowns, good enough for third in the NFL. They have the potential to each top 1,000 yards in a season. However, their performance is stringent upon what version of quarterback Kirk Cousins the Vikings get from week to week. Compared to Brown and Jones: Similar to the Thielen and Jefferson pairing, Brown and Jones can equally be 1,000-yard receivers this season. Jones Tony Fields II Pet Jersey, like Thielen a year ago, is a veteran in need of a bounce-back season from injury . Brown, like Jefferson, is a young receiver who has shown nothing but talent and potential in his first two seasons. The youngsters, Brown and Jefferson, each made the Pro Bowl for the first time in 2020. Jones has been to the Pro Bowl seven times while Thielen has been selected just twice.TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Arguably the most dynamic duo anywhere, Evans and Godwin, provide two electric targets for quarterback Tom Brady. In 2020, Evans saw a slight dip receiving yards but still topped 1,000 for the seventh time in his seven tries. He did set a career-high with 13 touchdown receptions https://www.clevelandgearstore.com/Tony_Fields_Ii_Pillow_Cover-633. Meanwhile, Godwin only played in 12 games, but he managed to produce 840 yards on 65 receptions and seven touchdowns. Both were better late in the season. Godwin, for example, had a season-best 133 yards in Week 17, and two 100-yard games in the playoffs. Godwin and Evans are both in the prime of their careers with four Pro Bowls between them. The Buccaneers offense ranked sixth in pass attempts last season. Its only reasonable to assume Tampa Bay will be in the top 10 in that category again. Compared to Brown and Jones: Brown and Jones have eight Pro Bowls between them, seven of which come from Jones. Where Godwin and Evans differ is that both are still in their 20s and they look like they could be a formidable tandem for several years. Jones, at 32, likely is on the decline, but with the right system and quarterback, he should still be very productive. Brown is entering his third season, meaning hes a long way from his career apex. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. The Seahawks passing offense got off to a quick start in 2020 but fizzled out as the season wore on. Yet somehow both Lockett and Metcalf topped 1,000 yards receiving and each had at least 10 touchdown catches. Metcalf finished seventh in the league with 1,303 yards. He was a big-play threat on nearly every down, averaging 15.6 yards per reception. Lockett is a versatile receiver who has a knack for finding the end zone. He scored seven of his 10 touchdowns within six yards of the goal line. He became one of quarterback Russell Wilsons favorite targets because of his sure hands and consistent output. In 2020, he finished with a catch rate of 75.8, his third straight season over 74 percent. The steady hands of both Metcalf and Lockett, coupled with Wilsons quarterback play, can instill fear in any defense. Compared to Brown and Jones: Metcalf, a college teammate of Browns at Ole Miss, and Lockett benefit from excellent quarterback play, but the same can be said for Jones and Brown. Ryan Tannehills connection with Brown has been apparent from the time he became Tennessees starting quarterback. Forget the idea that opponents can double-team Brown on every snap, as was the case prior to the trade. As a result, both Jones and Browns receiving yards per catch and catch rate might improve to levels comparable to those of Metcalf and Lockett.DALLAS COWBOYSAmari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb.Cooper finished top 15 in catches and receiving yards last season and did so with a collection of Andy Dalton, Ben DiNucci, and Garret Gilbert under center for 11 games. The last full season with Dak Prescott https://www.clevelandgearstore.com/Tony_Fields_Ii_T_shirt-108, Cooper set career highs in yards and touchdowns. Lambs rookie season went well, considering the circumstances. He notched 74 receptions for 935 yards and five touchdowns and quickly established himself as one of the leagues top primary slot receivers. With Prescott back in the fold, both Cooper and Lamb can reasonably expect a rise in production. It will also help that this will be the second year of coach Mike McCarthys offense in Dallas. Compared to Brown and Jones: Cooper and Lamb have the benefit of a two-time rushing champion, Ezekiel Elliott, as a part of their offense. Brown and Jones, of course, have the same luxury with Derrick Henry. That means defenses cant devote too many bodies to pass defense too often. That means there will be times for each team when both receivers will face single Anthony Schwartz T-Shirt, and chances are that one of them will win.

Each week during this year offseason, Jaguar Report will take Jacksonville Jaguars-related questions from our readers across social media and answer them in a question-and-answer format, giving readers a chance to have their voices heard.You can submit your questions every week by tweeting them to the Jaguar Report Twitter handle or by submitting them here.This week we take questions on Pat Freiermuth, surprise selections, and more.Q: How high is too high to draft Pat Freiermuth?A: There are enough factors at play for me to ultimately come to the conclusion that drafting Pat Freiermuth at No https://www.jacksonvilleprostoreonline.com/Jake_Luton_Pet_Jersey-398. 33 could be justified by the Jaguars. Considering Freiermuth status as the unquestioned TE2 in this class behind Kyle Pitts, coupled with both the Jaguars hiring of Penn State tight end coach Tyler Bowen to the same role on Urban Meyer staff and the Jaguars dire need at tight end, a slight reach can be excused here.With that said, I am of the personal opinion that No. 25 overall is too high to burn a pick on the productive Penn State tight end. I would like to clarify that statement with the fact that I think Freiermuth is a solid player and is more than deserving to be a round-two pick. With that said, I am not sure he has the profile of a first-round prospect.He is coming off a shoulder injury and surgery, doesnt have recent athletic testing numbers due to said injury https://www.jacksonvilleprostoreonline.com/Walker_Little_Flag-617, and then there are already questions of selecting a tight end in the first round unless they are a special prospect. While he is clearly the draft second-best tight end, taking him at No. 25 would sacrifice too much value. For context, here are some of the players that The Athletic consensus big board ranked from No. 23 through No. 27TCU S Trevon MoehrigAlabama QB Mac JonesTulsa LB Zaven CollinsNorthwestern CB Greg Newsome IIAlabama DL Christian BarmoreI am not a perfect draft evaluator by any means , but I have every single one of those players with a first-round grade outside of Mac Jones. There will be too many good players on the board at No. 25 to take Freiermuth, even if the need demands an aggressive move.Q: At the start of the season, 8 BYU players were voted to be team captain . Yet Zach Wilson, who had already been the starting QB for the past 2 seasons, was not chosen to be one. What your view on this?A: I dont put much stock into it Travis Etienne Pet Jersey. He was still a part of the team Leadership Council that was announced by the head coach, and there has never been anything but glowing reports on Wilson from BYU staff and players. Ultimately NFL teams should at least ask the question when they gather intel from BYU program, but it isnt something that would sway me from placing a high grade on the talented quarterback.There are legitimate questions about Wilson projection to the NFL and if he should truly be the No. 2 overall pick, but I dont think this is one of them. Again, that is just me personally.Q: What sort of spread of positions do you think would constitute a successful draft? Or is that the wrong way to try to evaluate it?A: I think with a roster like the Jaguars, it is probably the wrong way to look at it. While they have some intriguing talent in place, I dont think they are at a place where they can go into a draft and try to find specific positions to fill. They simply need to find good fits and talented players if they want to compete with the playoff teams within their division.With that said, there are some clear positions I think the Jaguars need to spend at least one pick in. The tight end class is certainly weak, but the Jaguars depth chart is even weaker. They also should take advantage of a talented secondary draft, both at cornerback and safety. Edge defender would also make sense since they are short a few players of filling out the depth chart at that position.Q: Do we take Pat Freiermuth if he is available at 33? If not, does he make it to 45? There is obvious connections to him and a huge need. Do you think they have that kind of value on him?A: When Urban Meyer said he wanted immediate value with the team first few picks, the tight end position and Pat Freiermuth instantly came to mind. Whether Freiermuth is one of the 33 best players in the draft class can be debated, but it is doubtful there are 33 players who would make a bigger impact on Jacksonville roster from day one. The need is that big.Plus, Meyer has talked constantly about the value in relationships and the impact his position coaches will play in the evaluation and player acquisition process. Jaguars tight end coach Tyler Bowen doesnt know any tight end prospect in the draft as well as he knows Freiermuth after their years together at Penn State. The Jaguars have already followed the idea of adding players their staff has relationships with during free agency Walker Little Pillow Cover, so there is little reason to think they wouldnt do it in the draft.As for whether Freiermuth would make it to No. 45, here are some teams between No. 33 and No. 45 with a need at tight end: the Atlanta Falcons , the Philadelphia Eagles at No. 37 if they trade Zach Ertz, the Cincinnati Bengals . Maybe one could make the argument for the Cowboys at No. 44, but I wouldnt. Then there are teams like the Lions, Broncos, Panthers, Giants, Dolphins, and 49ers who dont have glaring needs at tight end. They could always surprise and select Freiermuth, but they arent obvious options to pick him.When looking at this list, it is very reasonable the Falcons could pick Kyle Pitts at No. 4 to fill their tight end need. The Eagles may end up keeping Ertz, at least as of the second-round, and opt to use the high selection on another need. Meanwhile, the Bengals seem prime to select an offensive lineman in the second round. Freiermuth could make it to No. 45 overall and it wouldnt surprise me much.Q: With all this draft capital we have do you think there is any way we use it to trade back up in the first or are we content at 25?A: I think they stay at No. 25. I dont think they want to move any of their first five selections, and I doubt any pick after No. 65 is all that appealing when it comes to moving up in the first. The Jaguars could always trade a 2022 pick, but I doubt the new regime is interested in trading a future top pick during their first draft. Ultimately, I wouldnt expect a trade up in the first.Q: Laviska Shenault seems to be fast, elusive, and reasonably sure-handed. Why cant he be our starting slot WR?A: He can be. He isnt in the mold of a prototypical slot receiver due to his size and power https://www.jacksonvilleprostoreonline.com/Andre_Cisco_Pillow_Cover-235, but that doesnt matter much. There are plenty of power slots in the NFL, after all. With that said, I do think starting Shenault at slot receiver restricts him to a degree. Slot receivers can still get vertical, but Shenault can do more damage on the outside thanks to his skills as a deep threat .Q: Who is one prospect that could be a surprise at pick No. 25/33 that no one has talked about? It better not be a punter!A: Great question. Here are a few I think make sense.Oklahoma C Creed Humphrey: He would be a reach this early, but the Jaguars could justify it by showing he can play both guard and center and he gives them a long-term answer at either position. He is arguably the most athletic center prospect in the past several decades.UCF S Richie Grant: The Jaguars still need a rangy safety with ball skills and that is exactly what Grant is. He has the versatility to cover in man and zone and fits the Jaguars new defensive scheme well.Texas DE/OLB Joseph Ossai. He played for Jaguars defensive backs coach Chris Ash at Texas, tested like an elite athlete, is a multiyear starter with solid production, plays the run, and is a great scheme fit. Few edge defenders make better sense for the Jaguars than Ossai.Georgia CB Eric Stokes: He tested like an elite athlete and he was one of the SEC most consistent cornerbacks over the last several years https://www.jacksonvilleprostoreonline.com/Jake_Luton_Hoodie-143. He is tough, battle-tested, and adept at man coverage, which the Jaguars scheme demands.Q: Obviously having a better QB helps the entire offense. Who do you envision will benefit the most from drafting Trevor Lawrence?A: I think the entire offensive line will benefit thanks to Lawrence calmness in the face of pressure and ability to navigate muddied pockets. A panicked quarterback leads to a less efficient offensive line, so I think Lawrence steadiness will help the Jaguars entire offensive line instantly.Otherwise, I think DJ Chark is whose stock will truly soar. He has the speed to win deep and the size Jordan Smith Flag, catch radius, and leaping ability to win at the catch point. Considering Lawrence rocket arm and ability to drop jaw-dropping deep passes all over the field, it isnt hard to think he could help Chark reach 1,000 yards in year one.Q: Which players do you consideruntouchable on the current roster in terms of being starters?A: Not counting free agent additions? Here are the ones I think are locked in.Cam RobinsonAndrew NorwellBrandon LinderDJ CharkLaviska ShenaultJosh AllenMyles JackJoe SchobertCJ HendersonI truly think every other spot is up for grabs the spots not occupied by the free agent additions, of course.

The rookie season of quarterback Justin Herbert was a wild roller coaster ride with everything he had to endure in his first season. The adversity he faced since that fateful night in Los Angeles when he lifted the Rose Bowl trophy is truly unique.Herbert was a polarizing figure during the 2020 NFL draft process. After winning the Rose Bowl MVP award and basically used his legs to score three touchdowns, there were still questions about him.During the week leading up to the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, Herbert impressed many scouts and players. He had yet another MVP performance, but the questions were still there.The NFL Combine was next in Indianapolis, where the young quarterback impressed on the field yet again. Though, questions still popped up about the former Duck.On March 12, he had his pro day in front of basically the whole NFL world, and he performed at a high level, but the questions only began getting louder.Those questions were not only about his on-the-field performance but also about Justin Herbert the person. He was being labeled as an introvert, which he took exception to and deservedly so https://www.losprostoreonline.com/Chris_Rumph_Ii_Pillow_Cover-267.I wouldnt say that fairly accurate, Herbert said.I think on the surface it might appear that way, but when I really get to know people and the team, I think a lot of the guys on the team would tell you differently.Herbert is a different kind of player. He may not be the player who shows his emotion like Tampa Bay quarterback Tom Brady or talk as much as former Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, but that doesnt mean he isnt fired up.There were also questions about his performance on the field. In a draft featuring the LSU quarterback Joe Burrow along with Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, it is easy to be looked at as the outlier.Burrow was coming off a record-breaking season with LSU, where he won the Heisman Trophy and the National Championship. After the game, he sat with a cigar relaxed, which showed off some personality. Tua was coming off an injury-riddled season, but his work was done. He had come into the National Championship in 2017 at halftime and led the Crimson Tide to victory yet again https://www.losprostoreonline.com/Keenan_Allen_Hoodie-111.Burrow went first overall to the Cincinnati Bengals. The toss-up was after his selection would the Miami Dolphins jump up and take Herbert while the Bolts would draft Tua? Well, the Chargers had signed right tackle Bryan Bulaga and traded for right guard Trai Turner, so they must want Tua.Ultimately, the Dolphins took Tua fifth overall, and with the next pick, the Chargers took Herbert out of Oregon.That means they believed that Herbert played very stiff and more machine-like than smooth.When going back to training camp, it is true. When looking at number 10 on the field, it did seem a little machine-esque. It seemed like he relied on his arm strength more than his accuracy. He overthrew passes at times.Herbert practiced with the twos and threes during a practice open to the media, so there wasnt a chance to see him with receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams.He got a chance to face the first-string defense a couple of days into training camp, and on the very first play, he faced pressure. He threw an interception that defensive end Melvin Ingram ran back for a touchdown.The first week of the season goes by with quarterback Tyrod Taylor facing the Bengals in Cincinnati. The Chargers won thanks to a missed field goal by Randy Bullock.There were some issues with Taylor pregame that forced him to be taken to the hospital. Lynn came over to Herbert five minutes before the game and told him https://www.losprostoreonline.com/Derwin_James_Jr_Flag-313,You are in. Herbert ran for his first touchdown on the opening drive of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs.So, what were the questions about Herbert game?NFL.com says,play is more mechanical than maestro.Before halftime, Herbert dropped back, looked off the safety, and hit receiver Jalen Guyton for his first career touchdown pass.He showed more two games later against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bolts used play-action, so Herbert went to his left and waited until Tyron Johnson was open to hit him for a 53-yard touchdown pass.He led the team 97-yards a couple of drives later and threw a nice pass to tight end Donald Parham for the 19-yard touchdown. In the second half, Herbert faced a third and long when he hiked the ball while five defenders got through his offensive linemen Nick Niemann Pillow Cover, but he stood solid until he threw a laser to Jalen Guyton for a 72-yard touchdown catch and run.He went throw-for-throw against the greatest quarterback of all time, Tom Brady.I told Chargers Head Coach] Anthony Lynn] after the gameI said, Youve got a great one., said Bucs head coach Bruce Arians.That retreating playthat looked like Chiefs QB Patrick] Mahomes where we had an all-out blitz, and he just kept retreating and threw a dime down the field. For rookies to make plays like that, you know theyre special.That was significant praise from a Super Bowl winning head coach.Herbert followed it up the following week in front of the whole country on Monday Night Football against the New Orleans Saints. His first touchdown, he rolled out to his right and threw a cannon to Allen. Monday Night crew couldnt stop raving about him.The game was tied late in the fourth, the rookie quarterback found a wide-open Mike Williams to score a 64-yard touchdown. After the Saints answered, he threw up a nice ball to only where Williams could catch it. Unfortunately, kicker Michael Badgley missed the potential game-winner.Even future hall of fame quarterback Drew Brees was impressed by the rookie quarterback.I told him, I was really impressed with him ... he got a really bright future, Brees said, via KGW TV Orlando Sanchez.The next issue scouts saw wasball placement to lead receivers can be better.During his first start against the Chiefs https://www.losprostoreonline.com/Mark_Webb_Flag-493, there was a play in the first quarter that Herbert rolled to his left and threw a deep pass to what he thought was a wide-open Mike Williams, but he didnt put more on it and all-pro safety Tyrann Mathieu was able to knock it down.Herbert knew he had to learn from this, and he did.The rookie quarterback completed 32 passes of 25 yards or more. After facing most of the NFC South, the Bolts faced Jacksonville in a matchup where they were down on the scoreboard but made their way back into the game.With his team being down a touchdown, Herbert dropped back, hit Guyton in stride for a 70-yard touchdown pass to tie things up. The Bolts eventually won the game.One of his more impressive throws was week 11 when the Bolts faced the New York Jets. Chargers were in the RedZone, so Herbert rolled to his left and threw a missile towards Keenan Allen for the touchdown. The impressive part? Allen had Jets cornerback Lamar Jackson all over him, but Herbert only put it in a place he could catch it.It been special, explained Allen.He a special player. He been making some special plays. Throwing it. Running it. Throwing it out of bounds when he needs to. Throwing to the check down when he needs to. He evolving into a great player.In week 15, the Chargers played the Raiders in Las Vegas. The Bolts offense was missing Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, who both were on a limited snap count due to injury. In overtime, the Raiders kicked a field goal to take the lead.Herbert dropped back and waited for Guyton to get open and throws a 55-yard missile down the field. Guyton was tackled two yards away from the end zone. Herbert ran it in for the game-winner.The Rookie of the Year really showed out with his long-ball hitting his receivers in stride and not making them wait like in college. His only mistake was that week two matchup against Kansas City with the long ball.According to NFL.com,scouts say he leads by example but is not a commanding presence https://www.losprostoreonline.com/Keenan_Allen_Pet_Jersey-442.This was a big question mark held over Herbert head from the Rose Bowl to probably midway through his first season. They said he was an introvert, which he quickly denied.I wouldnt say that fairly accurate, Herbert said.I think on the surface it might appear that way, but when I really get to know people and the team, I think a lot of the guys on the team would tell you differently.He is just a different guy.After winning his first career victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars in week seven, Chargers social media caught Herbert running by Allen and slapping his backside yelling,YES SIR! That doesnt sound like an introvert.I think a lot of introverts get labeled with that word shy, lack of leadership, Chargers coach Anthony Lynn said.My son is an introvert, so I raised one. I know what the tags are, but you just look at how people respond to them. That all you need to know.It took him time, but Herbert began integrating himself more and more. The rookie quarterback kept getting more and more comfortable with the offense.He got a lot more vocal, said receiver Mike Williams.He started calling some plays on his own and making a decision on himself. So, that was good to see what a young quarterback coming in, not expected to come in, and this being vocal, telling people where to go putting people in the right places, and making plays happen. So, I say the leadership role came on pretty early.The players responded to their quarterback. When he won Rookie of the Year, a lot of his teammates congratulated him on social media.During the season, there was a point where running back Austin Ekeler went out with an injury for six games. When he returned, he noticed that things had changed.I think we have an identity, and I think a lot of it stands from our rookie quarterback, who been really playing well, Ekeler said.He taken a lot of responsibility on his shoulders and proven he can take that, and I think our identity is coming through Herbert right now.Obviously, were trying to run the ball, but Herbert is out there taking control and doing it with his arm and legs, too, at the quarterback spot.--There were a lot of negative things about him coming out. Many experts believed he had the highest potential for being a bust, and some even thought he was the fourth-best quarterback. He didnt pay attention during the process.I think I did a pretty good job of kind of staying away from all that stuff https://www.losprostoreonline.com/Keenan_Allen_Face_Mask-440, all the noise outside of what was really going on. As soon as the Rose Bowl was over, I knew that it was time to get better in time to prepare for the combine for the senior bowl and really to prepare for the NFL.After being drafted sixth overall, Herbert came in working and studying. He won the equivalent of the Heisman Trophy but for academia, called the William V. Campbell Trophy. He is intelligent and understands whatever is thrown his way.So, I spent all those times with coaches and just working on football, said Herbert.I think that the greatest thing I stay busy did my job, and good things happen when you put in the work Mark Webb T-Shirt. So, over these past couple of months with Coach Steichen and Coach Hamilton, I think weve put in a lot of good work. I think because of those guys, because of a great offensive line and receivers that make a lot of plays Derwin James Jr. T-Shirt. I think youre only as good as the guys around you.It wasnt all easy. Herbert went through a spell where he struggled against the AFC East . The team lost by eight points or more in each game. The Patriots blew them out for a franchise-worst 45-0. Herbert, along with the team, didnt quit and decided to pull together. They finished the season on a four-game win streak. I think the past four weeks, the game-winning field goals, being able to set up special teams for them to come up big like that and especially in the locker room, just celebrating with those guys and kind of realizing that it hasnt been tough here but just so proud of the guy the way the guys battled back, said Herbert.His former head coach was impressed with the rookie quarterback during the win streak.Justin and his work ethic, I mean, he took all that on his shoulders, and he just got better every single week, said Lynn.At one point, he went through a little rough patch. I believe he came out of that a better quarterback, you know, all rookie quarterbacks going to go through something like that. I like the way he went through it, the way he came out of it.Going into his second NFL season, Herbert will have his sixth different offensive coordinator and fifth head coach. New head coach Brandon Staley seems to have a plan for him and could help continue the growth of Herbert. The now second-year quarterback will look back at an interesting rookie season and probably smile. He went from being the quarterback that had a lot of question marks to the rookie of the year and quite possibly already a top ten quarterback in the league.For now, he intends on not only getting better but reaching out to former or current quarterbacks to continue improving.I think anytime youre able to talk with some of those guys that have had so much success over the past decade or so, and anything you can pick up on them is huge, said Herbert.So, Ill definitely try and reach out to as many guys as I can. Just so I can be the best quarterback I can be for the Chargers.

The rookie season of quarterback Justin Herbert was a wild roller coaster ride with everything he had to endure in his first season. The adversity he faced since that fateful night in Los Angeles when he lifted the Rose Bowl trophy is truly unique.Herbert was a polarizing figure during the 2020 NFL draft process. After winning the Rose Bowl MVP award and basically used his legs to score three touchdowns, there were still questions about him.During the week leading up to the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, Herbert impressed many scouts and players. He had yet another MVP performance, but the questions were still there.The NFL Combine was next in Indianapolis https://www.losprostoreonline.com/Mike_Williams_Face_Mask-528, where the young quarterback impressed on the field yet again. Though, questions still popped up about the former Duck.On March 12, he had his pro day in front of basically the whole NFL world, and he performed at a high level, but the questions only began getting louder.Those questions were not only about his on-the-field performance but also about Justin Herbert the person. He was being labeled as an introvert, which he took exception to and deservedly so.I wouldnt say that fairly accurate, Herbert said.I think on the surface it might appear that way, but when I really get to know people and the team, I think a lot of the guys on the team would tell you differently.Herbert is a different kind of player. He may not be the player who shows his emotion like Tampa Bay quarterback Tom Brady or talk as much as former Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, but that doesnt mean he isnt fired up.There were also questions about his performance on the field. In a draft featuring the LSU quarterback Joe Burrow along with Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, it is easy to be looked at as the outlier.Burrow was coming off a record-breaking season with LSU Chris Rumph II Hoodie, where he won the Heisman Trophy and the National Championship. After the game, he sat with a cigar relaxed, which showed off some personality. Tua was coming off an injury-riddled season, but his work was done. He had come into the National Championship in 2017 at halftime and led the Crimson Tide to victory yet again.Burrow went first overall to the Cincinnati Bengals. The toss-up was after his selection would the Miami Dolphins jump up and take Herbert while the Bolts would draft Tua? Well, the Chargers had signed right tackle Bryan Bulaga and traded for right guard Trai Turner, so they must want Tua.Ultimately, the Dolphins took Tua fifth overall, and with the next pick, the Chargers took Herbert out of Oregon.That means they believed that Herbert played very stiff and more machine-like than smooth.When going back to training camp, it is true. When looking at number 10 on the field, it did seem a little machine-esque. It seemed like he relied on his arm strength more than his accuracy. He overthrew passes at times.Herbert practiced with the twos and threes during a practice open to the media, so there wasnt a chance to see him with receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams.He got a chance to face the first-string defense a couple of days into training camp, and on the very first play, he faced pressure. He threw an interception that defensive end Melvin Ingram ran back for a touchdown.The first week of the season goes by with quarterback Tyrod Taylor facing the Bengals in Cincinnati. The Chargers won thanks to a missed field goal by Randy Bullock.There were some issues with Taylor pregame that forced him to be taken to the hospital. Lynn came over to Herbert five minutes before the game and told him https://www.losprostoreonline.com/Justin_Herbert_Face_Mask-428,You are in. Herbert ran for his first touchdown on the opening drive of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs.So, what were the questions about Herbert game?NFL.com says,play is more mechanical than maestro.Before halftime, Herbert dropped back, looked off the safety, and hit receiver Jalen Guyton for his first career touchdown pass.He showed more two games later against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bolts used play-action, so Herbert went to his left and waited until Tyron Johnson was open to hit him for a 53-yard touchdown pass.He led the team 97-yards a couple of drives later and threw a nice pass to tight end Donald Parham for the 19-yard touchdown. In the second half, Herbert faced a third and long when he hiked the ball while five defenders got through his offensive linemen, but he stood solid until he threw a laser to Jalen Guyton for a 72-yard touchdown catch and run.He went throw-for-throw against the greatest quarterback of all time, Tom Brady.I told Chargers Head Coach] Anthony Lynn] after the gameI said, Youve got a great one., said Bucs head coach Bruce Arians.That retreating playthat looked like Chiefs QB Patrick] Mahomes where we had an all-out blitz, and he just kept retreating and threw a dime down the field. For rookies to make plays like that, you know theyre special.That was significant praise from a Super Bowl winning head coach.Herbert followed it up the following week in front of the whole country on Monday Night Football against the New Orleans Saints. His first touchdown, he rolled out to his right and threw a cannon to Allen. Monday Night crew couldnt stop raving about him.The game was tied late in the fourth, the rookie quarterback found a wide-open Mike Williams to score a 64-yard touchdown. After the Saints answered, he threw up a nice ball to only where Williams could catch it. Unfortunately, kicker Michael Badgley missed the potential game-winner.Even future hall of fame quarterback Drew Brees was impressed by the rookie quarterback.I told him, I was really impressed with him ... he got a really bright future, Brees said, via KGW TV Orlando Sanchez.The next issue scouts saw wasball placement to lead receivers can be better.During his first start against the Chiefs, there was a play in the first quarter that Herbert rolled to his left and threw a deep pass to what he thought was a wide-open Mike Williams, but he didnt put more on it and all-pro safety Tyrann Mathieu was able to knock it down.Herbert knew he had to learn from this, and he did.The rookie quarterback completed 32 passes of 25 yards or more. After facing most of the NFC South, the Bolts faced Jacksonville in a matchup where they were down on the scoreboard but made their way back into the game.With his team being down a touchdown, Herbert dropped back, hit Guyton in stride for a 70-yard touchdown pass to tie things up. The Bolts eventually won the game.One of his more impressive throws was week 11 when the Bolts faced the New York Jets. Chargers were in the RedZone, so Herbert rolled to his left and threw a missile towards Keenan Allen for the touchdown. The impressive part? Allen had Jets cornerback Lamar Jackson all over him, but Herbert only put it in a place he could catch it.It been special, explained Allen.He a special player. He been making some special plays. Throwing it. Running it. Throwing it out of bounds when he needs to. Throwing to the check down when he needs to. He evolving into a great player.In week 15, the Chargers played the Raiders in Las Vegas. The Bolts offense was missing Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, who both were on a limited snap count due to injury. In overtime, the Raiders kicked a field goal to take the lead.Herbert dropped back and waited for Guyton to get open and throws a 55-yard missile down the field. Guyton was tackled two yards away from the end zone. Herbert ran it in for the game-winner.The Rookie of the Year really showed out with his long-ball hitting his receivers in stride and not making them wait like in college. His only mistake was that week two matchup against Kansas City with the long ball.According to NFL.com,scouts say he leads by example but is not a commanding presence.This was a big question mark held over Herbert head from the Rose Bowl to probably midway through his first season Tre' McKitty Flag. They said he was an introvert, which he quickly denied.I wouldnt say that fairly accurate, Herbert said.I think on the surface it might appear that way, but when I really get to know people and the team, I think a lot of the guys on the team would tell you differently.He is just a different guy.After winning his first career victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars in week seven, Chargers social media caught Herbert running by Allen and slapping his backside yelling,YES SIR! That doesnt sound like an introvert.I think a lot of introverts get labeled with that word shy, lack of leadership, Chargers coach Anthony Lynn said.My son is an introvert, so I raised one. I know what the tags are, but you just look at how people respond to them. That all you need to know.It took him time, but Herbert began integrating himself more and more. The rookie quarterback kept getting more and more comfortable with the offense.He got a lot more vocal, said receiver Mike Williams.He started calling some plays on his own and making a decision on himself. So, that was good to see what a young quarterback coming in, not expected to come in, and this being vocal, telling people where to go putting people in the right places, and making plays happen. So, I say the leadership role came on pretty early.The players responded to their quarterback. When he won Rookie of the Year, a lot of his teammates congratulated him on social media.During the season, there was a point where running back Austin Ekeler went out with an injury for six games. When he returned, he noticed that things had changed.I think we have an identity, and I think a lot of it stands from our rookie quarterback, who been really playing well, Ekeler said.He taken a lot of responsibility on his shoulders and proven he can take that, and I think our identity is coming through Herbert right now.Obviously, were trying to run the ball, but Herbert is out there taking control and doing it with his arm and legs, too, at the quarterback spot.--There were a lot of negative things about him coming out. Many experts believed he had the highest potential for being a bust, and some even thought he was the fourth-best quarterback. He didnt pay attention during the process.I think I did a pretty good job of kind of staying away from all that stuff, all the noise outside of what was really going on. As soon as the Rose Bowl was over, I knew that it was time to get better in time to prepare for the combine for the senior bowl and really to prepare for the NFL https://www.losprostoreonline.com/Derwin_James_Jr_Pillow_Cover-311.After being drafted sixth overall, Herbert came in working and studying. He won the equivalent of the Heisman Trophy but for academia, called the William V. Campbell Trophy. He is intelligent and understands whatever is thrown his way.So, I spent all those times with coaches and just working on football, said Herbert.I think that the greatest thing I stay busy did my job, and good things happen when you put in the work. So, over these past couple of months with Coach Steichen and Coach Hamilton, I think weve put in a lot of good work. I think because of those guys, because of a great offensive line and receivers that make a lot of plays. I think youre only as good as the guys around you.It wasnt all easy. Herbert went through a spell where he struggled against the AFC East . The team lost by eight points or more in each game https://www.losprostoreonline.com/Larry_Rountree_Iii_Pillow_Cover-483. The Patriots blew them out for a franchise-worst 45-0. Herbert, along with the team, didnt quit and decided to pull together. They finished the season on a four-game win streak. I think the past four weeks, the game-winning field goals, being able to set up special teams for them to come up big like that and especially in the locker room, just celebrating with those guys and kind of realizing that it hasnt been tough here but just so proud of the guy the way the guys battled back, said Herbert.His former head coach was impressed with the rookie quarterback during the win streak.Justin and his work ethic, I mean, he took all that on his shoulders, and he just got better every single week, said Lynn.At one point, he went through a little rough patch. I believe he came out of that a better quarterback, you know, all rookie quarterbacks going to go through something like that https://www.losprostoreonline.com/Rashawn_Slater_T_shirt-98. I like the way he went through it, the way he came out of it.Going into his second NFL season, Herbert will have his sixth different offensive coordinator and fifth head coach. New head coach Brandon Staley seems to have a plan for him and could help continue the growth of Herbert. The now second-year quarterback will look back at an interesting rookie season and probably smile. He went from being the quarterback that had a lot of question marks to the rookie of the year and quite possibly already a top ten quarterback in the league Tre' McKitty Pet Jersey.For now, he intends on not only getting better but reaching out to former or current quarterbacks to continue improving.I think anytime youre able to talk with some of those guys that have had so much success over the past decade or so, and anything you can pick up on them is huge, said Herbert.So, Ill definitely try and reach out to as many guys as I can. Just so I can be the best quarterback I can be for the Chargers https://www.losprostoreonline.com/Nick_Niemann_Flag-541.

Did you really think wed get through June without another no-hitter?Hours after the Red Sox lost a combined no-hit bid against the Rays in the eighth inning, the Cubs went the distance, using four pitchers to no-hit the Dodgers in Thursday 4-0 win.Right-hander Zach Davies started the game and went six innings, walking five batters with four strikeouts. Ryan Tepera pitched the seventh, while Andrew Chafin tossed a hitless eighth inning. Closer Craig Kimbrel came on for the ninth and walked Chris Taylor to lead off the inning before striking out the next three hitters https://www.bostonprostoreonline.com/Rafael_Devers_Face_Mask-390.The combined no-hitter was the seventh of the 2021 season and first since Corey Kluber on May 19. That ties the modern record, joining the 1990, 1991 and 2012 seasons. The most all-time is eight, which happened in 1884.Of the seven no-hitters in 2021, this is the first utilizing multiple pitchers. The Red Sox took a combined no-hit bid into the eighth inning on Thursday but eventually lost, 1-0, to the Rays on a walk-off wild pitch.This is the 17th no-hitter in Cubs history and fourth in the last seven years. It also the first combined no-hitter in team history. The last Cubs pitcher to throw a no-hitter was Alec Mills on Sept. 13, 2020. The last time the Dodgers were no-hit at home was also against the Cubs on Aug Jim Rice Hoodie. 30, 2015, by Jake Arrieta.

The Atlanta Braves saw yet another win slip away Thursday afternoon with a 4-3 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. Atlanta has now dropped two straight games since getting back to the .500 mark with a win in the series opener Tuesday. The Braves havent spent a day this season above .500 and it looked like they were about to break through Wednesday before Luke Williams walked things off against Will Smith in the ninth. Atlanta had another chance to get back to .500 Thursday but again watched a 3-1 lead turn into a 4-3 loss in excruciating fashion. For a multitude of reasons, things just havent clicked for the Braves this season. A lot of those close games that we have seen them win over the past three seasons have g the other way over the first two months of the season https://www.atlantagearshop.com/Austin_Riley_Pet_Jersey-202. There has been a ton of adversity, but that was also a trademark that the teams of the past three seasons have largely overcome. As frustrating as it has been, it is important to maintain some perspective. This isnt a 60-game regular season anymore. There is plenty to be concerned about Atlantas 29-31 record, there are still 102 games remaining in the regular season https://www.atlantagearshop.com/Dansby_Swanson_Pet_Jersey-274. There is still a long way to go. With that said, there are some issues that will need to be addressed. The bullpen is a logical starting point but the offense has been inconsistent. Travis dArnaud is likely to return at some point, but the lineup is likely going to need another addition. Whether that is filled internally or via trade, is still to be determined. MLB NewsThe Baseball Hall of Fame announced Wednesday that its annual induction ceremony will be held on Wednesday, September 8 at 1:30 p.m. ET and will take place outside in front of a limited spectators. The Seattle Mariners acquired first baseman/outfielder Jake Bauers from Cleveland in exchange for a player to be named later. Bauers had been designated for assignment earlier this week. The Chicago White Sox placed second baseman Nick Madrigal on the 60-day injured list due to a torn right hamstring and selected the contract of outfielder Brian Goodwin. It is not yet known whether Madrigal will be healthy enough to return this season. The Arizona Diamondbacks fired hitting coach Darnell Coles and assistant hitting coach Eric Hinske Thursday Marcell Ozuna Pet Jersey. Finally, The Athletic ranks the 30 greatest walk-up songs in baseball history and I am including it only so I can point out that Chipper J s and Crazy Train are ranked to low.

I used to write for a newspaper Buster Posey T-Shirt. Not full-time, mind you, but I spent a summer covering the writer, has said that the only Giants players hell draft to his fantasy team are the closers because while he doesnt root for the Giants Brandon Belt Flag, he always roots for a smooth ninth inning, so the game story doesnt need dramatic alterations. The cruel irony is that the worst enemy of a sportswriter on deadline is an interesting game.So where am I going with this, and what does it have to do with the Giants 9-4 win over the Texas Rangers? I dont write on deadline anymore, a fact that is probably frustratingly apparent to readers of this site. I can take my time writing articles, and even fill them with 200-word personal essays in place of the lede, as you just witnessed.I can write a story in the fifth inning, scrap it when the game looks completely different in the seventh inning, and settle on a third story when the final out is recorded. When the narrative arc of a game zigs and zags more than the portion of Highway 1 that I grew up on, I can zig and zag with it with minimal stress. I can even enjoy it!For example: in the sixth inning, with the Giants leading 2-1, Alex Wood walked two different hitters and then allowed a game-tying double Evan Longoria Hoodie. He was replaced by Jarlin García, who walked a batter and then allowed a two-run double.Three runs on two hits. I drafted an article. It looked like this.In the eighth inning I had to delete my masterpiece when Mike Tauchman, inhabitant of the lower east side of the Mendoza Line, came up with the bases loaded and two outs, with the Giants still trailing 4-2. He did this.Tauch it out.

The Oakland A’s aren’t winless anymore, but they still have a slump to bust out of at the plate.The A’s found themselves back in the loss column Thursday with a 6-2 defeat Sergio Romo Hoodie, and in the process missed their first chance to exact revenge against a Houston Astros club who already swept Oakland once this year.Game Thread In the 3rd and 5th they put together rallies, but both times Houston was able to retire Matt Olson to escape the jams, in Olson’s return to the lineup after missing a couple games to a banged knee.Oakland finally pushed across a couple runs in the 9th, on an RBI double by Stephen Piscotty and then an RBI pinch-hit single by Jed Lowrie. Unfortunately it was only enough to avoid the shutout, not make a serious comeback.On the bright side, the A’s had several loud outs that required especially nice defensive plays by the Astros, and also Olson nearly cashed in on one of his opportunities with a sharp grounder down the 3B line just barely foul — Houston later hit the same ball and it stayed fair for a run Matt Olson Face Mask. In other words, this was one of those games where Oakland got out-played but also had all the worst luck, and it could reasonably have been closer than it turned out.PitchingIn their first series against the Astros last week, the A’s allowed eight, nine, nine, and nine runs. This time it went down to six. Progress!Starter Cole Irvin fared slightly better in his second attempt against Houston. The lefty still gave up a run here and there, but he was able to work into the 6th inning after being pulled in the 5th last time. In particular, Irvin once again avoided any extended rallies or terribly crooked numbers. There was a solo homer Elvis Andrus Pillow Cover, then a couple innings later back-to-back doubles but nothing more, and then a couple innings later another solo homer. He bequeathed a runner to the bullpen before exiting, which later came across too.Irvin: 5⅓ ip, 4 runs, 3 Ks https://www.oaklandfanstoreonline.com/Matt_Olson_T_shirt-9, 1 BB, 2 HR, 5 hits, 79 pitchesStill lots of hard contact, but it will be interesting to see what he can do next time against a lineup that isn’t Houston’s juggernaut.The final run on Irvin’s record came when reliever J.B. Wendelken couldn’t strand the inherited runner in the 6th. Deolis Guerra worked the final two innings in his A’s debut, beginning by serving up a dinger to Jose Altuve but then retiring six straight.