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Aaron Rodgers Says He's Best Packers QB of All Time: Who Wouldn't Say Themselves?

Dec 19, 2022
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 04: Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) looks on in action during a game between the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears on December 04, 2022, at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 04: Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) looks on in action during a game between the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears on December 04, 2022, at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Aaron Rodgers appeared on Serge Ibaka's show How Hungry Are You? and was asked who the best quarterback was in Green Bay Packers history, himself or Brett Favre.

Rodgers initially said Bart Starr but was pressed by Ibaka to answer the original question. After thinking it over, Rodgers said, "Me. Who's not going to say yourself?" (3:00 mark)

From a statistical perspective, it's certainly up for debate.

Favre's 61,655 passing yards with the Packers are the most in franchise history. Rodgers is No. 2, with 58,224. Meanwhile, Rodgers is the franchise leader in touchdown passes (471), with Favre in second (442). Rodgers also has a superior completion percentage (65.3 percent) compared to Favre (61.4 percent).

They are equal in Super Bowl wins, with one apiece. Favre has more regular-season wins as a Packer (160) than Rodgers (144), but the latter has a higher winning percentage (66.0 percent to 62.3 percent). Favre also has 12 playoff wins, compared to Rodgers' 11.

Rodgers has the slightest of edges in the accolades department, however, as a four-time MVP, 10-time Pro Bowler and four-time first-team All-Pro selection. Favre was a three-time MVP, 11-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro selection.

Favre is a current Hall of Famer. Rodgers will be a first-ballot selection upon his retirement.

Rodgers has spent 18 seasons in Green Bay, though the first three were as Favre's backup. Favre was a Packer for 16 seasons before stints with the New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings.

The answer, for some, may come down to play style. Favre was exciting as a gunslinger, but he was also loose with the ball, throwing for the most interceptions (286) in Packers history by an enormous margin (Lynn Dickey is second, with 151).

Rodgers doesn't have the same swashbuckling aura about his play, but he rarely beats himself, with only 102 career picks and just two seasons with double-digit interception totals. His nine interceptions this season are equivalent to his totals from the 2020 and 2021 seasons combined and the most he's thrown since 2010.

So it comes down to a matter of opinion. It's tough to blame Rodgers for choosing himself.

Chargers CB J.C. Jackson Arrested in Connection to 'Family Issue'

Dec 19, 2022
INGLEWOOD, CA - OCTOBER 23: Los Angeles Chargers cornerback J.C. Jackson (27) during the Seattle Seahawks vs Los Angeles Chargers on October 23, 2022, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CA - OCTOBER 23: Los Angeles Chargers cornerback J.C. Jackson (27) during the Seattle Seahawks vs Los Angeles Chargers on October 23, 2022, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Los Angeles Chargers cornerback J.C. Jackson reportedly was arrested on Monday afternoon.

According to Julianna Lima of Boston 25 News, Jackson was booked at the Bristol County Jail and House of Correction in connection to what was described as a "family issue."

Lima reported Jackson had been making an appearance at probate court before he was detained by Fall River police.

The Chargers released a statement to reporters addressing the matter, saying, "We are aware of media reports this afternoon pertaining to J.C. Jackson. We will continue to gather information on the matter and will refrain from further comment at this time."

Jackson was placed on injured reserve after suffering a dislocated kneecap against the Seattle Seahawks on Oct. 23, ruling him out for the remainder of the season. He totaled 15 tackles and two passes defended in five games. The 27-year-old signed a five-year, $82.5 million contract with Los Angeles this past offseason after playing the first four years of his career with the New England Patriots.

In 2021, Jackson established himself as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL when he led the league with 23 passes defended while adding 58 total tackles and eight interceptions. He earned his first career Pro Bowl selection and was named second-team All-Pro.

During his redshirt freshman season at Florida in 2015, Jackson was arrested in connection with an armed robbery and faced multiple charges. He was eventually found not guilty on all counts. After his acquittal, he transferred to a local community college for a year before transferring to Maryland in 2016.

Report: Jalen Hurts' Status TBD for Eagles vs. Cowboys Because of Shoulder Injury

Dec 19, 2022
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts plays during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts plays during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is dealing with a sprained shoulder that could jeopardize his status for a Week 16 clash against the Dallas Cowboys, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Schefter added the team doesn't expect this to be a long-term issue for its starting signal-caller, though Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported he could be out for Philly's next two games.

John Clark of NBC Sports Philadelphia added that the injury is "not serious" and that Hurts is expected to be ready for the playoffs.

PhillyVoice.com's Jimmy Kempski initially reported Hurts underwent X-rays for an undisclosed injury following Sunday's 25-20 win over the Chicago Bears.

The Eagles handed Hurts the keys to the offense when they traded Carson Wentz to the Indianapolis Colts. Hurts proceeded to guide Philadelphia into the playoffs, while Wentz's Week 18 performance helped cost Indianapolis a postseason berth.

In his first full season as the starter, Hurts threw for 3,144 yards, 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions and ran for 784 yards and 10 scores.

The 2020 second-round pick proved Philadelphia right in moving on from Wentz and looked like he might be a long-term solution at quarterback.

Hurts' performance in the Wild Card Round (23-of-43 for 258 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions) showed he still has some improvements to make, though, in order to take the next step up.

He appears to have done just that with 3,472 passing yards and 747 rushing yards through 14 games.

The Eagles acquired Gardner Minshew from the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021 to serve as Hurts' backup, and he was pressed into duty twice a season ago.

Minshew has a clear ceiling, hence Jacksonville's decision to select Trevor Lawrence with the No. 1 overall pick in 2021, but the fourth-year signal-caller if needed is a solid stopgap who has performed well enough when given starting opportunities.

NFL Playoff Picture 2022: Official AFC, NFC Clinching Scenarios for Week 16 Released

Dec 19, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 16: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs the ball against Micah Parsons #11 of the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on October 16, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 16: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs the ball against Micah Parsons #11 of the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on October 16, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Playoff spots will be on the line during Week 16 of the NFL season.

The league released the various playoff-clinching scenarios for the upcoming slate Monday:


AFC

  • Buffalo Bills: Clinch AFC East with win over Chicago Bears OR Miami Dolphins loss (to Green Bay Packers)
  • Cincinnati Bengals: Clinch playoff berth with win over New England Patriots OR New York Jets loss (to Jacksonville Jaguars)
  • Baltimore Ravens: Clinch playoff berth with either 1. win over Atlanta Falcons paired with losses by the Jets and Patriots OR 2. win over Falcons paired with losses by the Jets and Dolphins OR 3. win over Falcons paired with losses by the Patriots and Dolphins
  • Los Angeles Chargers: Clinch playoff berth with win over Indianapolis Colts paired with losses by the Jets, Patriots and Las Vegas Raiders (to Pittsburgh Steelers)

NFC

  • Philadelphia Eagles: Clinch NFC East and NFC's No. 1 seed with win over Dallas Cowboys
  • New York Giants: Clinch playoff berth with either 1. win over Minnesota Vikings paired with losses by the Detroit Lions (to the Carolina Panthers) and Seattle Seahawks (to Kansas City Chiefs) OR 2. win over Vikings paired with losses by Lions and Washington Commanders (to San Francisco 49ers) OR 3. win over Vikings paired with losses by Seahawks and Commanders

There are a number of games with playoff implications that stand out, but the headliner is the showdown between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys.

It is a marquee matchup whenever these two rivals square off, and Philadelphia can send a message by clinching the top seed with a head-to-head victory. Fortunately for the Eagles, they will likely end up with the No. 1 seed even with a loss since they would still be two games ahead of the Cowboys and at least one game ahead of the Minnesota Vikings.

As if the rivalry and playoff stakes weren't enough, Cowboys pass-rusher Micah Parsons added another layer to this contest with comments he made during a discussion with Von Miller on The Voncast:

Parsons suggested Philadelphia's "system and team" is more responsible for Jalen Hurts' MVP candidacy than the quarterback's individual talents.

There is something to be said about Hurts benefiting from a strong offensive line while throwing to the likes of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, but the comments will be framed as bulletin-board material for Hurts and the Eagles as they look to clinch a division crown.

And Parsons will be under plenty of pressure to perform well for a Cowboys team looking to bounce back from a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Vikings' Kevin O'Connell: Illegal Hits on Justin Jefferson Don't Seem Like 'Accident'

Dec 19, 2022
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 16: Head coach Kevin O'Connell of the Minnesota Vikings slaps hands with Justin Jefferson #18 before the start of a game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 16: Head coach Kevin O'Connell of the Minnesota Vikings slaps hands with Justin Jefferson #18 before the start of a game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell wonders whether star receiver Justin Jefferson is being targeted by opposing teams.

"I think it's about the fifth or sixth week in a row he took a type of hit that drew a flag," he told reporters Monday. "Clearly, there's an emphasis on the teams we're playing that some of those hits, they don't just seem to be by accident at times."

In the fourth quarter of the Vikings' 39-36 overtime win over the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday, referees flagged Colts safety Rodney Thomas II for unnecessary roughness for a hit on Jefferson. On the Vikings' next drive, Colts cornerback Stephon Gilmore was flagged for unnecessary roughness against Jefferson as well.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero noted the Minnesota staff took exception to the latter sequence:

The two-time Pro Bowler leads the NFL in receptions (111) and receiving yards (1,623), and he has eclipsed 150 yards on four occasions. Calvin Johnson's single-season record (1,964 yards) is within reach over the final three weeks.

Because of his consistency, Jefferson will always be a focal point of a team's defensive game plan. O'Connell seems to believe the Vikings' opponents are crossing a line when it comes to covering the dynamic wideout.

Taylor Heinicke Won't Lose Starting Job to Carson Wentz, Commanders' Ron Rivera Says

Dec 19, 2022
LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 18:Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) on the field during the second quarter of the game at FedEx Field on December 18, 2022 in Landover, MD.  (Photo by Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 18:Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) on the field during the second quarter of the game at FedEx Field on December 18, 2022 in Landover, MD. (Photo by Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera said Monday the team will not bench Taylor Heinicke after Sunday's 20-12 loss to the New York Giants.

"The biggest thing more than anything else is sticking with Taylor and what we're trying to accomplish," Rivera told reporters.

The coach indicated a quarterback change could still come if things don't improve for the 7-6-1 squad.

"It is something to be quite frank, I do have to think about at some point," Rivera added. "But if we get back on track and play the way we've played and do the things we've done, then we'll stick where we are."

Carson Wentz, who started the first six games of the season, was activated from injured reserve last week after dealing with a finger injury.

The Commanders acquired Wentz in an offseason trade with the Indianapolis Colts, although he struggled in the new location with 10 passing touchdowns and six interceptions in six games, producing an 84.1 passer rating.

Washington was just 2-4 in his starts.

The team has fared better with Heinicke under center, going 5-2-1 in his eight eight games, although the last two starts resulted in a tie and loss to the New York Giants.

Heinicke also hasn't been much better on an individual level, totaling 10 touchdowns with five interceptions and an 87.7 rating.

He ranks 27th in the NFL in Total QBR, while Wentz is 31st of 33 qualified players.

The Commanders have been good enough to overcome mediocre quarterback play this year, ranking fourth in the NFL in total yards allowed and ninth in points allowed. It's kept them in playoff position entering Week 16, half a game ahead of the Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions for the last wild-card spot.

Heinicke will keep his starting job ahead of next Saturday's game against the San Francisco 49ers, but he might have a short leash if he continues to struggle.

Bijan Robinson's Ideal Landing Spots After Declaring for 2023 NFL Draft

Dec 19, 2022
AUSTIN, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 25: Bijan Robinson #5 of the Texas Longhorns rushes for a touchdown in the first half against the Baylor Bears at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 25, 2022 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 25: Bijan Robinson #5 of the Texas Longhorns rushes for a touchdown in the first half against the Baylor Bears at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 25, 2022 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

The positional value of running backs in the NFL draft may have fallen in recent years, but that's unlikely to stop Texas star Bijan Robinson from being a Day 1 selection.

Robinson announced Monday he's entering the 2023 NFL draft and skipping the Longhorns' Alamo Bowl matchup against No. 12 Washington on Dec. 29.

The junior ran for 1,580 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2022. He's the No. 4 overall player on Bleacher Report's big board and was projected to be the 19th pick in B/R's most recent 2023 mock draft.

Robinson is as sure a thing as you'll get out of the backfield this spring, and he should provide immediate help to whatever team takes him.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers rank last in rushing yards per game (74.3) and yards per carry (3.3). Leonard Fournette is only one year into his three-year, $21 million contract, though, and the Bucs used third-round picks on Rachaad White and Ke'Shawn Vaughn in 2022 and 2020, respectively.

Even if it means getting an upgrade, would Tampa Bay be willing to use a first-round selection on Robinson?

The Miami Dolphins, on the other hand, have all four of their running backs (Salvon Ahmed, Myles Gaskin, Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr.) hitting free agency in 2023. Targeting Robinson would fill an immediate need and give Miami a cost-effective solution that frees up some salary cap space for the rest of the offense.

There's only one small problem. The Dolphins forfeited their 2023 first-rounder following a tampering investigation, and they dealt the first-round pick they got from the San Francisco 49ers as part of the Bradley Chubb trade.

Absent moving back into the first round, Miami might not have a path to landing Robinson.

Using a first-round pick on Clyde Edwards-Helaire hasn't worked out for the Kansas City Chiefs so far. Edwards-Helaire ran for 302 yards and three touchdowns before losing his starting job and landing on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain.

It's difficult to see the former LSU star coming back from this, so the Chiefs might be looking for a long-term replacement. Robinson would offer just that if he's still available when Kansas City is on the board.

One team could catapult to the top of the list of Robinson's best suitors: the New York Giants.

Saquon Barkley is on a path to his second Pro Bowl with 1,464 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns in 14 games. Re-signing the 25-year-old could nevertheless be a tricky proposition depending on what kind of demands he'll have.

The Giants saw the limits even an elite running back can have on wins and losses when they posted nine combined victories through Barkley's first two years. Letting him walk will be the more sensible decision if push comes to shove.

In Robinson, New York could have a ready-made replacement in the event it lets Barkley walk as a free agent.

Tua Tagovailoa, Justin Jefferson Headline 2023 Pro Bowl Fan Voting After Final Tally

Dec 19, 2022
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 17: Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins warms up prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on December 17, 2022 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 17: Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins warms up prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on December 17, 2022 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)

Tua Tagovailoa's Miami Dolphins are trending in the wrong direction with three straight losses, but he can at least take solace in the fact he has plenty of fan support.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport shared the final AFC and NFC vote-getters for each position for the Pro Bowl, and the Dolphins signal-caller leads all players. He is joined by teammate Tyreek Hill, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs, and Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings in the top five:

The full rosters will be announced Wednesday, but these players have the inside track on landing roster spots.

As Rapoport noted, the fan vote accounts for one-third of the decision-making formula. Coaches and players account for the other two-thirds, but players such as Mahomes, Jefferson and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who are all in starting position after the fan votes were tallied, will surely be named to the rosters.

Tagovailoa is primed to make the first Pro Bowl of his career during a season in which he has led the Dolphins into playoff position at 8-6. He has completed 64.8 percent of his passes for 3,238 yards, 24 touchdowns and five interceptions this season.

Throwing to the likes of Hill and Jaylen Waddle has certainly helped. The former is looking to make the seventh Pro Bowl of his career.

Yet it is a credit to Mahomes, Kelce and the infrastructure in place with the Chiefs that Hill's former team hasn't lost much of a step even without arguably the most dynamic wide receiver in the league.

Kansas City is 11-3 and tied with the Buffalo Bills in the race for the AFC's No. 1 seed and first-round playoff bye. Kelce has 91 catches for 1,144 yards and a league-best 12 touchdowns as a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.

While the idea of Hurts throwing to Jefferson on the NFC side and Mahomes reuniting with Hill and still finding Kelce on the AFC side is surely enticing, there will not be the traditional Pro Bowl game that fans are so accustomed to this season.

Instead, the NFL changed the format for the "Pro Bowl Games" that will feature three flag football games and a series of competitions that will include a relay race.

Robert Saleh Supports Jets QB Zach Wilson, Blasts 'Instant-Coffee' World in NFL

Dec 19, 2022
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 25: Zach Wilson #2 and head coach Robert Saleh of the New York Jets talk during warmups before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at MetLife Stadium on September 25, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 25: Zach Wilson #2 and head coach Robert Saleh of the New York Jets talk during warmups before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at MetLife Stadium on September 25, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Perhaps there was a time in the NFL when quarterbacks were given more time before they were expected to be franchise cornerstones, but New York Jets signal-caller Zach Wilson was thrown into the big-market spotlight as soon as the AFC East team selected him with the No. 2 overall pick of the 2021 draft.

Head coach Robert Saleh wishes that wasn't the case.

"The frustrating thing is that this kid is going to be a good quarterback, but the NFL and this new instant-coffee world that we're in just doesn't want to give people time," Saleh said of Wilson, per Rich Cimini of ESPN. "So, we look at him and he's just nitpicked with a fine-tooth comb."

Saleh benched Wilson this season, although the BYU product was back under center for Sunday's loss to the Detroit Lions because Mike White was sidelined with fractured ribs. It remains to be seen whether White will return for Thursday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Wilson went 18-for-35 for 317 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in the loss to Detroit.

Saleh said he was "pumped" for the quarterback because he took the "big step" of overcoming some adversity during the game and leading a touchdown drive in the fourth quarter.

Whichever quarterback is under center for the 7-7 Jets will need to get them back on track after three straight losses if they are going to make the postseason. New York is one game behind the Los Angeles Chargers and Miami Dolphins for the final two AFC wild-card spots.

Former Patriots LB Willie McGinest Arrested for Alleged Assault over Nightclub Fight

Dec 19, 2022
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 30:  Willie McGinestattends 2022 Huncho Day Celebrity Football Game during Fan Controlled Football Season v2.0 - Week Three at Pullman Yards on April 30, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 30: Willie McGinestattends 2022 Huncho Day Celebrity Football Game during Fan Controlled Football Season v2.0 - Week Three at Pullman Yards on April 30, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

Former New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns linebacker Willie McGinest was arrested in Los Angeles on Monday morning.

TMZ Sports obtained a video that showed McGinest approaching a man who was sitting at a table at a lounge in West Hollywood, California. They exchanged words with each other before the former linebacker punched the man in the face.

Others who seemed to be in McGinest's group also hit the unidentified man for a sustained period of time.

McGinest also appeared to pick up a bottle before hitting the man in the head with it multiple times.

He was arrested on a charge of assault with a deadly weapon and then released after posting bail that was set at $30,000.

Safid Deen of USA Today reported that McGinest turned himself in to police.

McGinest played 15 seasons in the NFL from 1994 through 2008. He spent the first 12 on the Patriots, where he won three Super Bowls, and the final three for the Browns.

He joined the media during his retirement and is currently an analyst for NFL Network. However, he will not appear on the network while the situation is under review.

"We are aware of the incident and the video, which is disturbing. Willie McGinest will not appear on NFL Network while we review the matter," an NFL Network spokesperson told Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio.