Free-agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has been in the headlines recently, as he remains unsigned and seeking a new team for the playoffs. However, Beckham...
Justin or Tua? After SNF, There's No Question Herbert Is the Superior QB
Dec 12, 2022
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 11: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers passes during a game against the Miami Dolphins at SoFi Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Chargers' Justin Herbert and Miami Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa will be forever linked and compared after being back-to-back selections during the 2020 NFL draft, even though one has been clearly better throughout their careers, this season and when their two teams met Sunday night at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
When the two are juxtaposed, the difference is about the same as when the Avengers assemble and Thor and Hawkeye join forces. Herbert has God-given skills and abilities most can't even fathom, while Tagovailoa is a useful teammate with pinpoint accuracy to help in daunting situations.
The difference in natural ability is staggering, though, and was evident during the Chargers' 23-17 victory. The two signal-callers weren't even on the same plane of existence, and it should quiet anyone who believes Tagovailoa has earned elite status.
Sunday's performance showed a quarterback with better poise, pocket movement and natural arm talent, despite playing with a lesser supporting cast.
The 7-6 Chargers—who currently claim the AFC's precious and final seventh spot if the postseason began today—rely on Herbert to elevate the play of everyone around him and lift the team into the playoffs.
"You'll become less and less surprised as the game goes," a high-ranking NFL source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler before the season even began. "He'll be the best QB in the game."
Meanwhile, Tagovailoa is a deadly distributor. He's a sniper capable of picking apart opponents with pinpoint accuracy while working within the confines of Miami's offensive scheme.
Both approaches can be highly successful based on the situation. These comparisons shouldn't be viewed as a slight by any stretch of the imagination. The Dolphins have proved they can put a successful team on the field with a quarterback operating at a high level based on their approach.
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert.
The real difference is what happens when everything breaks down. The abilities to work off-platform, make second-window throws and create outside of structure are more important than ever. The likes of Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen have revolutionized how the position is played. Herbert brings those traits to the table.
Los Angeles' record is indicative of the trials and tribulations the roster faced this year. Mainly, the offensive line has three inexperienced starters in first-round guard Zion Johnson, sixth-round left tackle Jamaree Salyer and former undrafted right tackle Foster Sarell.
Herbert presents both subtle movement to escape pressure in the pocket and the athleticism to create when he breaks the pocket. Both are absolutely vital to the offense's success.
According to NFL Next Gen Stats, the 24-year-old evaded a career-high five pressures and completed 13 passes on the run—or two more than anyone in a single game since 2016. Herbert currently leads the NFL with 69 completions, 718 passing yards, eight touchdown passes and a positive-11.2 completion percentage over expected when on the move.
Offensive line issues tend to be minimized with a mobile quarterback who doubles as the unit's best playmaker.
In total, Herbert posted a new single-game personal best with 39 completions while moving into first place in passing yardage through the first three seasons of a career.
The type of throws that Herbert completes can be dumbfounding because they shouldn't be possible.
"It's tough," wider receiver Keenan Allen said of catching Herbert's line-drive passes, per ESPN's Lindsey Thiry. "The first year was tough, this year is way slower, and like I said, I think he's just understanding the defense more, understanding how he can throw the passes, understanding when to throw the passes and just not playing all arm."
While the Chargers lack speed on the outside and, oftentimes, healthy targets, their franchise signal-caller throws the ball with staggering placement in unfair angles for defenders befuddled by a pass coming in their direction.
How many quarterbacks are running a designed rollout to their right only to throw the ball across their body, past the opposite hash and 48 yards down the field? Those who should even attempt that type of pass with any hope of completing it can be counted on one hand with fingers to spare.
The Herbert and Mike Williams playmaking duo has been on point all game 🔥 #BoltUp
"He's a special arm talent," Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes told Thiry. "He throws some passes that I don't think anyone can throw in this league, and that includes myself. He has a cannon for an arm, you watch—I watch on film every week because we play similar opponents—there's some throws that you just kind of shake your head because they are just that special."
Conversely, Tagovailoa is a rhythm passer. His anticipation and touch are special, though neither trait has been nearly effective the last two weeks against more aggressive defenses.
Prior to Sunday's contest, the former fifth overall draft pick led the NFL in QB rating and Football Outsider's defense-adjusted value over average metric. His timing and accuracy have been thrown off, and it's shown in his performance.
Tagovailoa completed a paltry 35.7 percent of his passes against the Chargers. The passing game never looked in sync. A week earlier, the San Francisco 49ers held the Dolphins' quarterback to a 54.6 completion percentage.
The difference lies in how those units are handling Miami's dynamic wide receivers.
The Chargers used press coverage for a season-high of 35 percent on detached routes, per NFL Next Gen Stats. Los Angeles' defensive backs jammed at the line of scrimmage and rerouted their targets to throw off the passing game's timing.
Opponents must account for Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle's speed, but the advantage can be negated to a degree when they're not in the right spots once Tagovailoa expects to throw.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa
"A lot of us had an off night," Hill told reporters after the game. "I have to take responsibility, too."
If not for Hill, the Chargers would have posted a blowout victory. A flukish 57-yard scoop-and-score by the speedy wide receiver after Dolphins running back Jeff Wilson Jr. fumbled the ball was Miami's only offensive output during the first half.
Midway through the third quarter, Chargers defensive back Michael Davis tripped over Hill's feet and fell down to leave the league's fastest man wide open for a 60-yard score.
Beyond that, the Dolphins got very little going. They must adapt to teams being far more physical, thus forcing Tagovailoa to readjust on the fly.
While Miami's quarterback accounts for how opponents are now playing him and his talented surrounding cast, Herbert can go about his business being the mightier of the two. He's the option teams take 10 times out of 10 if they're starting a franchise. He's the limitless one.
Fortunately, everyone can put to rest any conversation of these two being of the same caliber after seeing both on the field during the same contest, with Herbert clearly emerging as the victor in both outcome and individual performance.
Brent Sobleski covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter, @brentsobleski.
Tua Tagovailoa Criticized for 'Horrible' Performance in Dolphins' Loss to Chargers
Dec 12, 2022
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 11: Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins passes during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has largely excelled during his breakout third-year NFL campaign, but Sunday evening was a night to forget.
The former Alabama star completed just 10 of 28 passes for 145 yards and one touchdown in a 23-17 road loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Sixty of those yards came on a TD throw to Tyreek Hill, who scored after Bolts defensive back Michael Davis tripped in coverage.
Tagovailoa also had some garbage time yards to pad the stats on a night where he had just 25 yards at halftime against a Chargers defense missing key personnel such as Derwin James Jr. and Joey Bosa.
The 24-year-old entered Sunday completing 68.1 percent of his passes for 21 touchdowns (five interceptions), 9.0 yards per attempt and an NFL-high 112.0 quarterback rating.
But the Chargers stymied Tagovailoa, and Twitter criticized the performance.
Judge a QB when things aren’t perfect. Anyone looks pretty good when comfortable. Herbert, under duress on every throw, is 24 of 29 for 222 yards. Tua is 3 of 15 for 25 yards.
Miami fell to 8-5 with its second straight defeat but remains squarely in the playoff hunt. However, the Dolphins now have another tough test ahead Saturday evening when they visit the AFC-leading Buffalo Bills.
'Incredible' Justin Herbert Draws Rave Reviews from Twitter as Chargers Beat Dolphins
Dec 12, 2022
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws a pass during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert established himself as one of the best young signal callers in the NFL long ago, and he proved that yet again with a stellar performance in a primetime matchup against the Miami Dolphins.
Herbert powered the Chargers to a 23-17 victory on Sunday Night Football to help the team improve to 7-6. The 24-year-old threw for 367 yards and a touchdown on 39-of-51 passing with no turnovers to lead the way.
Sunday's game looked more like a showcase of Herbert's skills, as he dazzled with tight-window throws as well as deep passes that dropped right into Chargers receivers' hands. He spread the ball around, too, as nine players registered at least one catch.
NFL Twitter heaped praise on Herbert for another impressive showing, with many touting him as a bonafide superstar:
Justin Herbert is incredible. And for anyone to call him a “social media” QB is laugh out loud funny and just flat out wrong analysis.
The Chargers are fighting to get into the postseason picture. Sunday's win moved Los Angeles into the seventh seed, but a victory by the New England Patriots on Monday Night Football would put the team on the outside looking in.
With Herbert under center, the Chargers have the ability to compete against any team in the NFL. He's a quarterback that makes players around him better, and he will continue to do so if he stays healthy for the rest of the year.
The Chargers will face another tough matchup next Sunday when they host the Tennessee Titans (7-6), who are in first place in the AFC South. Herbert will have to be at his best once again for the team to earn a second successive win.
J.J. Watt, Twitter Rip 'Absurd' Roughing the Passer Penalty on Dolphins vs. Chargers
Dec 12, 2022
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) is chased by -Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips (15) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The NFL has taken great strides in recent years to protect quarterbacks, but questionable roughing the passer penalties have ignited a wave of scrutiny throughout the 2022 season.
Another such occurrence took place in the third quarter of Sunday night's game between the Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Chargers when Dolphins defensive end Jaelan Phillips laid a hit on Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert that appeared to be a routine tackle, but he was called for a penalty. A sack would've caused the Los Angeles offense to go three-and-out, but the flag extended the drive.
Part of the issue is that roughing the passer penalties cannot be reviewed to amend any real-time mistakes. However, when referees make these calls that can affect the outcome of a game, criticism is warranted.
NFL Twitter lit up with reactions to the penalty, as many were unhappy that Phillips was the subject of what was perceived to be an unnecessary call:
At the time of the penalty, the Dolphins were trailing 17-7. The Chargers' drive ended with a punt, but things obviously could've been worse.
Miami is hoping to maintain its playoff position, while Los Angeles is fighting to make its way into the postseason picture.
Tom Brady Discusses Buccaneers' Blowout Loss to 49ers: 'They Kicked Our Ass'
Dec 12, 2022
SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 11: Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on from the sideline before kickoff against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers suffered a disappointing 35-7 loss against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. After the game, Bucs quarterback Tom Brady didn't mince words when assessing Tampa Bay's performance.
"They kicked our ass," Brady told reporters. "That's just the reality of this sport. Every time you take the field, you have the opportunity to get your ass kicked or to kick ass. Obviously we were on the wrong end of it today."
The Buccaneers failed to put up any points in the first half of Sunday's game. The team's lone touchdown came on a deflected pass that landed in the hands of receiver Russell Gage.
Brady wasn't effective at all against the stout 49ers defense. He finished with 253 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions, which came on back-to-back possessions at the beginning of the third quarter. The 45-year-old completed 34 passes on 55 attempts, his second successive game attempting 50 or more passes and fifth this season.
Even more concerning for Tampa Bay was the defensive performance, as the team's once-well-respected unit was dominated by a San Francisco offense led by rookie quarterback Brock Purdy. The 2022 seventh-round pick threw for 185 yards and two touchdowns with no turnovers. The Bucs also surrendered a total of 203 yards on the ground.
Despite being just 2-2 in their past four games, the Bucs maintain a one-game lead for first place in the NFC South with a 6-7 record. The Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons (both 5-8) are not far behind. The Bucs will play both teams one more time this season.
If Tampa Bay can maintain its position, it will be in line for a home game in the postseason. The Bucs will look to put forth a better effort when they host the Cincinnati Bengals (9-4) next Sunday.
In Week 14,
we saw the first NFL team punch its ticket to the playoffs, and that squad looks
like its peaked at the right time. Bleacher Report's Gary...
Eagles Leaving Their Doubters with Little Ammo After Dominant Victory over Giants
Dec 12, 2022
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 11: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles carries the ball during the first half of the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 11, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
It wasn't a stretch entering Week 14 to call the Philadelphia
Eagles the best team in the NFC East. Or the best team in the NFC. Or the best
team in the NFL. After all, the Eagles opened the season with eight straight
wins—the best start in franchise history. At 11-1 heading into this week's
matchup with the New York Giants, the Eagles were in the driver's seat for the
top seed in the NFC.
However, in recent weeks, whispers of doubt started to creep
around the Eagles. There was the double-digit loss to Washington in Week 10. A
listless comeback win over a bad Colts team the following the week. A win over
the Packers the week after that in which Philly allowed 33 points. Maybe the Eagles
were mortal, after all.
Then again, maybe not.
Sunday's blowout victory over the G-Men marked the second
successive week in which the Eagles trounced a team with a winning record. Jalen
Hurts and the Eagles offense did whatever they pleased. The Philadelphia
defense shut the Giants down until the game was out of hand.
And as the Eagles head into the final month of the regular
season, the NFC is their conference. Everyone else is just living in it.
Earlier this week, Bleacher
Report's own Brad Gagnon wrote that these next few weeks are critical for
the Eagles. It is a chance to make a statement that the NFC East belongs to
them—or squander their lead in the division.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 11: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs the ball for a touchdown during the third quarter against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 11, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
"Philly was outplayed in back-to-back ugly performances
against the Washington Commanders and Indianapolis Colts in November,"
Gagnon wrote. "It has rebounded in the win column but is about to launch a
three-game road trip that includes matchups with the tough New York Giants and
tougher Dallas Cowboys. The Eagles could blow their two-game lead in the NFC
East, especially if they lose in Dallas on Christmas Eve."
Maybe the Eagles read Gagnon's column, because they spent
most of Sunday's game demonstrating quite clearly how not wide open their
division is.
The engine that has been driving the Eagles all season long
is quarterback Jalen Hurts, who is one of the leading candidates to be named
the NFL's MVP. As Zach
Berman wrote for The Athletic, after coaching Hurts collegiately at
Alabama, Giants head coach Brian Daboll said he fully expected to have his
hands full with the third-year signal-caller.
"I think one word that defines Jalen is 'consistency,'" Daboll said. "He's always hungry. He's one of the best leaders I've ever been around, and he was young at that particular time. But he had leadership. He had toughness. He was all day football. He knew how to relate to everyone in his unit. I would just say the mental toughness that he has—and his ability just to focus on the next thing, not worry about what happened last game, the last play—comes from a football family. And he really means a lot to me."
Hurts didn't disappoint.
As has been the case so many times this season, Hurts did just
about whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted. On the ground, he picked up 77
yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. Through the air, he threw for 217 yards
and two scores on 21-of-31 passing with a passer rating of 109.2.
Not bad for a quarterback who supposedly can't throw the ball. And
after another stellar effort, Hurts told reporters he hasn't forgotten the
skeptics who doubted his viability as a passer.
"I carry my scars everywhere I go. I don't forget," Hurts said.
It's a continuation of a tear that Hurts has been on dating
back to the game against Green Bay.
As great as Hurts has been, he has benefited from all the
talent around him. Leading into Sunday's game, Giants defensive coordinator Don
Martindale admitted
to reporters that his team would be hard-pressed to slow down wide receiver
A.J. Brown, who has been outstanding since joining the Eagles in a trade during
the 2022 draft.
"He is a…it's like they got T.O. [Terrell Owens] back there playing again," Martindale said. "He is a problem. We went against him when he was with Tennessee. He is a big, physical receiver, that you have to fight every play. I told [Giants defensive backs coach] Jerome Henderson if he was a defensive player, he'd be an outside 'backer. That's how physical he plays at wide receiver."
Sure enough, Brown caught four passes for 70 yards and a
score, becoming the first Eagles wideout since Jeremy Maclin in 2014 to surpass
1,000 yards in a season. DeVonta Smith added five receptions for 64 yards and a
score. Running back Miles Sanders exploded for 144 yards and two touchdowns on
17 carries, becoming the first Eagles running back since that same 2014 season
to surpass 1,000 yards.
It's not just a matter of an offense full of firepower
and an MVP-caliber quarterback. Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus ranks the Eagles'
offensive line as the best
in the NFL. The Eagles defense is allowing less than 300 yards per game and just 19.1 points per contest. The team leads the league in takeaways, sacks
and turnover differential, too.
The Eagles are loaded. There are no glaring weaknesses—something that cannot be said about
many of the NFC's other contenders.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 11: A.J. Brown #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 11, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
The Dallas Cowboys are essentially "Eagles Lite."
Dallas is a good team (Sunday's ugly win over the hapless Texans
notwithstanding), but its offense isn't as explosive nor its defense as stifling
as Philly's. After losing to the Lions in Detroit, the Minnesota Vikings (who
the Eagles pummeled in Week 2) have allowed 400-plus yards in five straight
games. The San Francisco 49ers dominated the Buccaneers on Sunday, but the Niners
are still on their third-string quarterback and lost top wideout Deebo Samuel on Sunday.
The Seahawks, Giants and Commanders are all nice stories, but the odds of any of those teams
going into Philly and winning a playoff game are slim to none.
Does this mean Eagles fans should start pricing airfare
to Arizona in February? No, that's not how the NFL works. All it takes is one
bad game, one injury to a key player to derail a season.
But what it does mean is that 14 weeks into the 2022
NFL season, the Eagles are head and shoulders better than any other team in the
NFC. Maybe in the NFL. We can try all day to poke holes in their seemingly
impenetrable armor, but after watching them steamroll the Giants, a compelling
case can be made that the only team with a real shot of preventing the Eagles
from representing the NFC in Super Bowl LVII is the Eagles.
Brock Purdy 'Absolutely Fearless' in 49ers' Blowout Win over Tom Brady, Buccaneers
Dec 12, 2022
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) throws a touchdown pass to running back Christian McCaffrey during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
In his first NFL start, San Francisco 49ers rookie quarterback Brock Purdy completed 16 of 21 passes for 185 yards and two touchdowns to lead his team to a 35-7 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.
The former Iowa State star, who was the last pick of April's NFL draft, added a rushing touchdown as well.
Purdy is calling signals for Jimmy Garoppolo, who suffered a broken left foot early in the 49ers' 33-17 win over the Miami Dolphins last Sunday. The rookie walked onto the field in relief and completed 25 of 37 passes for 210 yards, two touchdowns and one pick.
He now leads a 9-4 49ers team with a two-game edge (plus the head-to-head tiebreaker) over the Seattle Seahawks for the NFC West lead. With Garoppolo likely out for the season, it appears Purdy will be leading San Francisco into the playoffs in hopes of earning the franchise's first Super Bowl since 1995.
His performance Sunday provides hope that he will be up to the task. Purdy made some big plays, including a two-yard touchdown run for a 13-0 edge, an impressive toss to Deebo Samuel after evading pressure and a 27-yard TD lob to Christian McCaffrey.
The 49ers were on cruise control in the second half, so much so that starters got to rest in the fourth quarter.
But the story of the day was Purdy, who soundly defeated 45-year-old and seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady and the Bucs. San Francisco is now on a six-game win streak, and Twitter was elated over the rookie's performance.
San Francisco can clinch the NFC West title Thursday evening with a road win over the Seattle Seahawks.
Twitter Clowns Tom Brady for Being Outplayed by Brock Purdy in Bucs' Loss to 49ers
Dec 12, 2022
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 11: Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts prior to an NFL football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Levi's Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were torn up by Mr. Irrelevant and the San Francisco 49ers 35-7 on Sunday at Levi's Stadium.
Brock Purdy, the final pick in the 2022 NFL draft, was stellar in a beatdown of the Buccaneers, completing 16 of 21 passes for 185 yards and two touchdowns, in addition to rushing for three yards and a score in his first NFL start.
Brady, meanwhile, had one of his worst games of the season, and arguably his career, completing 34 of 55 passes for 253 yards and one touchdown against two interceptions.
The 45-year-old appears to finally be hearing the footsteps of Father Time, and he was ripped by NFL Twitter for yet another underwhelming performance in which he looked washed up:
Tom Brady is about suffer a seventh regular-season loss for the first time in 20 years. Since becoming a starter in 2001, he's never had eight.
Wow, Fox pulls out of bucs vs san fran game. Brady got 100 tickets for family and friends to watch him get blown out by a rookie QB making his first start.
Brady and the Buccaneers drop to 6-7 on the season with Sunday's loss, and they're in danger of not making the postseason.
With Brady looking as washed up as he did against the Niners, it might be wise for the Buccaneers to give Kyle Trask a shot, especially considering Brady is in the final year of his contract and probably won't return to Tampa Bay in 2023.
The Buccaneers will host the Cincinnati Bengals next weekend looking to get back to .500.
