Malik Willis' Titans Debut Overshadowed by Derrick Henry's Dominance of Texans in Win
Oct 30, 2022
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 30: Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans reacts during the first half against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on October 30, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
The Malik Willis era didn't get off to a rousing start. Luckily for the Tennessee Titans, they still have Derrick Henry.
Many expected Willis to be a long-term project at quarterback, and those concerns were borne out Sunday in a 17-10 win over the Houston Texans. Starting in place of an injured Ryan Tannehill, he went 6-of-10 for 55 yards and one interception.
QBs I’d play over Malik Willis in fantasy this week:
Literally anybody else please for the love of god anyone else this is an infinite amount of pain that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy when will it end? Please help me Malik PLEASE do something positive, PLEASE
Davis Mills is playing like a rookie third-round pick making his first start. He's 5 of 11 for 17 yards and a 14.6 rating. Malik Willis is 43.5. @gallerysports
Willis attempted just one pass in the second half, which summed up both his struggles and how much Henry dominated the proceedings. The two-time Pro Bowler was a one-man offense, going for 219 yards and two touchdowns on 32 carries.
Derrick Henry is the best running back in the game and it’s not even close. The Titans have no O-Line, no WR’s and no QB today and he’s got over 100 yards well before halftime. It’s not like the Texans didn’t spend all week talking about not letting that happen.
The Texans would probably prefer if Henry played in an entirely different division because he has carved Houston's defense open over the last few years.
The bad news for the Texans is they still have to play the Titans again in Week 16. But at least they've successfully managed expectations to the point where allowing only 150 yards to Henry would be qualified as a success.
Jaguars' Shad Khan Condemns Antisemitism Displayed During Florida vs. Georgia Game
Oct 30, 2022
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 30: Owner of Fulham FC Shahid Khan tours the stadium ahead of the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Brighton & Hove Albion at Craven Cottage on August 30, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Saturday's game between the Florida Gators and Georgia Bulldogs in Jacksonville was marred by an antisemitic message displayed on the exterior of TIAA Bank Field after the game.
Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan issued a statement condemning the message, calling it "hurtful and wrong" and "asking everyone to make it their mission to end the ignorance and hatred."
Per Vic Micolucci of WJXT 4 in Jacksonville, a projected message reading "Kanye was right about the Jews" was displayed on the bottom of a scoreboard outside of the stadium.
The Gators and Bulldogs issued a joint statement after the game condemning the message displayed at TIAA Bank Field and "the other anti-Semitic messages that have appeared around Jacksonville."
Per Brie Isom of News4JAX, there have been several appearances of antisemitic rhetoric in the Jacksonville area in the wake of Ye's comments.
"Another antisemitic message displayed on banners that read 'End Jewish Supremacy in America' and 'Honk if you know it’s the Jews' hung from an overpass on the Westside, just off Chaffee Road and Interstate 10," Isom wrote.
Recently, Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving has been roundly criticized for sharing a link on Twitter to a documentary called Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America.
Per Jon Blistein of Rolling Stone, the movie and book it's based on are "stuffed with antisemitic tropes."
Nets governor Joe Tsai condemned Irving's apparent support of the film and book.
"I want to sit down and make sure he understands this is hurtful to all of us, and as a man of faith, it is wrong to promote hate based on race, ethnicity or religion," Tsai wrote.
The NBA issued a vague statement without mentioning Irving specifically, calling hate speech of any kind "unacceptable" and "counter to the NBA's values of equality, inclusion and respect."
Irving issued an apology on Twitter but reacted in a hostile manner during a postgame press conference Saturday when he was questioned about using his platform to highlight a book and documentary that uses antisemitic tropes and his previous sharing of videos of Alex Jones conspiracy theories.
Florida and Georgia have played 101 games against each other dating back to 1904. The rivalry has been played on a neutral field in Jacksonville since 1933, with the exception of one game in 1995.
NFL Trade Rumors: Latest on Bradley Chubb, Roquan Smith and More Defensive Stars
Oct 30, 2022
DENVER, COLORADO - OCTOBER 23: Bradley Chubb #55 of the Denver Broncos gestures during warmups before the game against the New York Jets at Empower Field At Mile High on October 23, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Two days away from the NFL trade deadline, a number of difference-making defensive players could find themselves on new teams soon.
Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, multiple teams have called the Denver Broncos about linebacker Bradley Chubb, including one that is willing to trade its first-round pick and additional compensation.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo added that opposing teams believe Chubb is the "most likely" Broncos player to be dealt before the deadline, but Denver won't do it unless it gets "the perfect offer."
Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns was another marquee name Rapoport, Pelissero and Garafolo cited. Schefter reported last week the Panthers had already turned down an offer of two first-round picks for the 24-year-old.
According to the NFL Network report, the Panthers intend to keep Burns with the goal of extending him "in part to make sure the next head coach has plenty of talent to work with." They did note that general manager Scott Fitterer will always take calls, but a team would have to increase the offer from two first-round draft picks to entice him to make the move.
After Robert Quinn's trade to the Philadelphia Eagles on Wednesday, linebacker Roquan Smith's future with the Chicago Bears became a hot topic of discussion. The 25-year-old requested a trade during the offseason because of his unhappiness with how the Bears were handling extension talks.
According to Rapoport, Pelissero and Garafolo, there are a select group of teams with a need at inside linebacker that could pursue Smith. But the Bears could be inclined to franchise-tag him for at least one more season as they try to negotiate a long-term deal.
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Josh Allen has also been discussed, but it doesn't sound like a deal will happen before the deadline.
"Allen remains a key and valued piece of their future," Rapoport, Pelissero and Garafolo wrote. "He's a player Jacksonville wants to keep rather than trade and then attempt to replace. He would be due just $10.892 million in 2023 on his fifth-year option and in line for a big extension sooner than later."
Based on their positional value and production, Burns, Chubb and Allen would likely be the most impactful players moved if any of them were to get dealt.
Burns has one year remaining on his rookie deal that will pay him $16 million in 2023. He has eight tackles for loss and five sacks for the Panthers.
Chubb has eight quarterback hits and 5.5 sacks in seven starts this season.
Allen has 11 quarterback hits, five tackles for loss and three sacks in seven games. He would likely bring back more in a trade than Chubb by virtue of having one year remaining on his rookie contract.
Often, the NFL trade deadline ends up being a lot more smoke than fire. But with Christian McCaffrey and Quinn having already been dealt, teams vying for a playoff spot could be more aggressive in a season with so much parity around the league.
The trade deadline is Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET.
NFL Rumors: Texans Open to Brandin Cooks Trade; WR Linked to Giants, Rams and Vikings
Oct 30, 2022
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 23: Wide receiver Brandin Cooks #13 of the Houston Texans warms up before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on October 23, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)
The Houston Texans are reportedly open to trading wide receiver Brandin Cooks before the Nov. 1 deadline.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Rams and New York Giants are among the potential destinations for the veteran wideout, who is off to a slow start to the 2022 season amid the Texans' offensive struggles.
Cooks has recorded 28 receptions for 281 yards and a touchdown through the Texans' first six games, putting him on pace to finish below 1,000 receiving yards for just the third time in his career. Despite Houston being his fourth NFL stop, Cooks has essentially been an automatic 1,000 yards and 75-plus catches regardless of his location or quarterback.
It's unclear whether more of the blame falls on Davis Mills' lack of progression in his second NFL season or Cooks' advancing age. Cooks turned 29 in September and already has eight seasons of NFL mileage, along with several injuries, on his career odometer. Pro Football Focus has given Cooks an overall grade of just 63.3 this season, which would be by far the worst mark of his career.
Teams interested in trading for Cooks aren't likely to know how far he's regressed until they make a deal. Mills has been a middling checkdown machine all season despite a robust running game led by Damian Pierce. There's a real chance the 1,000-yard talent still exists in Cooks, but it's worth noting Mills was the Texans' quarterback for most of last season as well.
Houston signed Cooks to a two-year contract extension that includes a fully guaranteed $18 million base salary for next season. Given his struggles over the first half of 2022, Cooks' contract could significantly complicate matters.
That said, if history tells us anything, it's that Cooks is probably getting traded at some point. Eric Dickerson (four times) is the only player since 1980 to be traded more often than Cooks (three times).
Colts' Jim Irsay Says NFL Owners Should Determine Daniel Snyder's Fate amid Probe
Oct 29, 2022
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay speaks during a Pro Football Hall of Fame commemorative ring during an NFL football game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay recently said he believes there should be consideration given to removing Washington Commanders owner Daniel Snyder, and he's reportedly hoping to get more involved in the process along with other owners around the NFL.
According to Mark Maske and Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post, on Friday Irsay "called the owners the NFL’s stakeholders and said that they, in his view, must take control of the process, rather than allow it to be directed by Commissioner Roger Goodell or the league."
Snyder is under investigation by the NFL regarding sexual assault allegations that surfaced against him in February, and Irsay said he believes it's warranted to discuss the consequences that should face Snyder.
He told the Post:
"I’m not sure how that report’s going to come out. But what already has come out is extremely disturbing, and I disagree with the process. And I most likely disagree that we haven’t discussed something more severe such as him being removed as owner. As I said, it’s not something that I’m saying we should do. I’m saying it’s something that has to be given serious consideration."
The last time Snyder and his regime came under investigation, the NFL fined the Commanders $10 million for "fostering a workplace culture where sexual harassment, bullying and intimidation were commonplace," per Will Hobson, Maske, Liz Clarke, Beth Reinhard of the Washington Post. It also resulted in Tanya Snyder, his wife and the team's co-CEO, assuming control of the franchise's daily operations.
However, Irsay said he wasn't happy with the lack of input the other owners had in the NFL's punishment at the time.
"It’s not just what was handed down, the $10 million fine and this so-called suspension that I still don’t really understand, because I told Roger and spoke about it at our meeting, that: 'Look, I’ve been in the league 52 years. I wasn’t even asked about this, not consulted one time,'" Irsay said.
His comments echo his previous declaration on Oct. 18 that he believes "there is merit" to removing Snyder as Commanders owner. The NFL requires a vote from at least 24 out of 32 owners to agree to remove an owner, and Irsay said that number "potentially" has been reached already.
The timing of Irsay's most recent comments is interesting, considering the Colts will face the Commanders this week.
"It’s unfortunate that Mr. Irsay continues to behave in a way that clearly is in violation of the constitution of the NFL," a Commanders spokesperson said in a statement to the Washington Post. "We look forward to playing his team on Sunday."
Malik Willis, Titans' Fantasy Outlook in QB's 1st Career Start vs. Texans
Oct 29, 2022
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 09: Malik Willis #7 of the Tennessee Titans watches the game against the Washington Commanders at FedExField on October 09, 2022 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
Tennessee Titans fans who were begging for Malik Willis to replace Ryan Tannehill at quarterback will get their wish Sunday.
Tannehill has been officially ruled out because of an illness and sprained ankle.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero noted Willis took all of the starter's reps at quarterback in practice this week.
Fantasy managers intrigued by the possibility of Willis may not get a better matchup than the Texans. Houston's defense ranks 31st in total yards allowed (411.8 per game) and, perhaps more relevant to Willis, last in rushing yards allowed (164.7).
Prior to the NFL draft, most scouting reports for Willis emphasized the scheme he played in at Liberty was rudimentary and included basic concepts and run-pass options.
Writing for B/R, Nate Tice called Willis' process in the passing game "inconsistent" and said the QB will be "all-in on a singular route on a play" rather than going through progressions. The 23-year-old does have a strong arm, but the Titans don't have speed options to take full advantage of it.
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine is the only Tennessee wideout with at least five catches who's averaging at least 13 yards per reception.
Titans head coach Mike Vrabel has limited Willis to 20 snaps in two games, with 17 of them coming in a 41-7 blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 2. He only went 1-of-4 passing at a time when the Bills were likely playing soft coverage just to run out the clock.
Willis did impress at times in the preseason. He went 28-of-51 for 318 yards and two touchdowns through the air, with 159 yards and one touchdown on 14 carries as a runner.
The Titans have been a run-heavy offense with Tannehill under center. Vrabel and offensive coordinator Todd Downing will almost certainly double down on that approach with Willis starting.
This will be good news for fantasy managers with Derrick Henry. The two-time Pro Bowler isn't as explosive as he once was, but he remains remarkably consistent. He has run for at least 80 yards in five of six games he's played, including three straight games with at least 100 yards.
Henry's usage has increased in every game since Week 3, going from 20 carries to 22 to 28 to 30 in last week's win over the Indianapolis Colts. He's averaged 23.3 fantasy points per game in PPR scoring leagues in his past four games, per FantasyPros.
Tannehill ranks second on the Titans with 19 rushing attempts. Willis should have at least five to seven designed runs in this game, plus several more on scrambles when he feels any pressure coming or his first and second read are covered.
There's certainly a high risk of Willis committing multiple turnovers, especially if he gets put in obvious passing situations, but his upside as a runner gives the rookie intriguing fantasy potential this week.
If your regular quarterback is on a bye and you are searching for a late streamer, Willis could be worth adding because of a favorable matchup.
Report: Malik Willis to Make 1st Career Start at QB for Titans vs. Texans
Oct 29, 2022
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 09: Malik Willis #7 of the Tennessee Titans warms up before his game against the Washington Commanders at FedExField on October 09, 2022 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Malik Willis is reportedly set to make his first career start Sunday against the Houston Texans.
According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Willis took all the starter reps in practice this week as Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill has been dealing with an illness as well as an ankle sprain.
The illness caused him to miss the team's walkthrough Saturday, solidifying Willis as this week's starter. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport added that Tannehill has been downgraded to out and will not travel with the team to Houston.
Willis appeared in two games this season, with 17 of his 20 snaps coming late in a 41-7 blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills after Tannehill was benched. The 23-year-old completed one of his four passes for six yards, and he ran the ball four times for 16 yards but lost a fumble.
A third-round pick out of Liberty, Willis was originally projected to be one of the first quarterback prospects to be selected in this year's draft. But when he inexplicably tumbled down the draft board, Tennessee decided to secure its quarterback of the future.
The Titans intended to bring Willis along slowly as he developed behind Tannehill. Now that he's thrust into the starting role, Tennessee would be wise to cater to his strengths. Willis is at his best when he utilizes his dual-threat ability to challenge defenses with his powerful arm as well as his speed.
The Week 2 game against Buffalo was the last time the Titans lost. Tennessee has won four straight and has done so in gritty fashion, with each victory coming by fewer than 10 points. The team ranks fourth in the NFL in rushing defense at 96.8 yards allowed per game.
As long as Willis can limit his mistakes, the Titans will have a good chance at earning their fifth straight win Sunday against the 1-4-1 Texans.
NFL Trade Rumors: Jaguars' Josh Allen Interests Teams After Robert Quinn Deal
Oct 27, 2022
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 23: Josh Allen #41 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs out during introductions prior to a game against the New York Giants at TIAA Bank Field on October 23, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
The NFL trade market has been vibrant ahead of Tuesday's deadline, and teams continue to monitor potentially available pass-rushers.
That includes the Jacksonville Jaguars' Josh Allen, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler:
The Robert Quinn trade brings pass-rusher into focus entering NFL trade deadline. Teams are assuming Panthers keep Brian Burns but are watching Bradley Chubb situation in Denver closely. Another name that has garnered interest from teams: Jacksonville's Josh Allen.
Allen, 25, has had a solid season, registering 19 tackles (five for loss), three sacks, 11 quarterback hits and two forced fumbles. The No. 7 pick in the 2019 draft has never quite matched the impact of his rookie season, when he posted 10.5 sacks, though he's still a dangerous presence off the edge.
The Jaguars picked up the fifth-year option on his rookie deal, so he's under contract through next season, which carries an $11.5 million salary.
While the Jaguars have started 2-5, they've shown real promise. Trading running back James Robinson may have put up a smoke signal around the NFL that the team was open for business, though that felt like dealing from a position of strength, with young talent Travis Etienne Jr. available at running back.
Trading Allen would come as a much bigger surprise. Pass-rusher is a far more premium position than running back, and the Jaguars have him under contract for one more season and seemingly could still come to terms on a long-term extension with the three-time defensive captain.
You’re just creating a bigger need if you trade him. That’s probably the team’s least depth-filled position. Again, makes no sense to me.
They have an injury there too with Chaisson on IR. They’re last in sack % and would become a black hole in that metric if they did the trade
For a team that has struggled getting to the quarterback—the Jags are tied for 27th in the NFL with just 11 sacks—getting rid of an edge-rusher doesn't make a ton of sense unless they are punting on the season or the return is so great it's a deal they can't refuse.
Perhaps they will be blown away by an offer. But if not, keeping Allen makes more sense for the Jaguars.
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 09: Brandin Cooks #13 of the Houston Texans runs for yardage during the first half of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on October 09, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Courtney Culbreath/Getty Images)
Veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks' days as a member of the Houston Texans could be numbered.
According to The Score's Jordan Schultz, Houston is "willing" to trade Cooks prior to the Nov. 1 deadline and several teams are "expressing real interest." The Texans are reportedly seeking draft compensation in return.
NFL reporter Dov Kleiman revealed Wednesday that the Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Rams are among the teams that have been in contact with the Texans about a potential deal for Cooks. However, he added that "nothing has yet developed into a serious trade offer" so far.
Cooks was traded to the Texans from the Rams prior to the 2020 season. In April, he signed a two-year, $39.6 million contract extension with Houston despite the trade interest he was drawing from other teams at the time.
A first-round pick by the New Orleans Saints in 2014, Cooks also spent time with the New England Patriots and has been traded three times in his career. If he is traded again, he will join Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson as the only NFL players ever to be traded four times.
Through six games, Cooks leads the Texans with 28 receptions and 47 targets, but he ranks second on the team with 281 receiving yards behind Nico Collins' 305. Cooks has reached the end zone just once this season.
Cooks has surpassed the 1,000-yard mark six times in his nine-year career, so he undoubtedly can boost the passing attack of a team in need of an upgrade. It remains to be seen which franchise will pull the trigger on a trade for the 29-year-old, but it will certainly be one that views him as the missing piece in its quest for a playoff berth.
Matt Ryan 'Disappointed' but Supports Colts After Being Benched for Sam Ehlinger
Oct 26, 2022
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 23: Matt Ryan #2 of the Indianapolis Colts warms up before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on October 23, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Ryan spoke with reporters two days after the team revealed he would be benched in favor of Sam Ehlinger, noting that he was "disappointed" on a personal level but that he would "move forward" and would be "here for the team."
Matt Ryan: “Part of the deal in this league is we gotta produce and you gotta go out there and play. Frustrated that we weren't able to do that. But, you know, you move forward in life, in this league. It’s week to week and the production has to be there.”
Ryan also told reporters that he has no plans to request a trade.
Ryan is currently dealing with a Grade 2 shoulder sprain, per head coach Frank Reich to reporters. Nick Foles will be the team's backup quarterback Sunday against the Washington Commanders. Ehlinger previously jumped over Foles to QB2 on the depth chart earlier this year.
Despite the Ryan injury, though, Reich said that "right now the move is for Sam to be the starter for the rest of the season."
The Colts acquired Ryan via trade from the Atlanta Falcons during the offseason to replace outgoing starter Carson Wentz, who was dealt to the Washington Commanders.
The 2016 NFL MVP and four-time Pro Bowler enjoyed a great 14-year career in Atlanta, but the magic didn't translate to Indianapolis.
For the season, Ryan completed 68.4 percent of his passes for 2,008 yards, nine touchdowns and a league-high nine interceptions.
Now it is the 24-year-old Ehlinger's turn to take the reins. The former Texas star notably dominated during the preseason as he completed 24-of-29 passes for 289 yards and four touchdowns (no interceptions). He rushed for 71 yards and a touchdown on six carries as well.
Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium.
