Broncos' Jerry Jeudy Reportedly Fined $23,030 for Making Contact with Ref vs. Chiefs
Dec 16, 2022
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 02: Jerry Jeudy #10 of the Denver Broncos looks on during an NFL football game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium on October 02, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy has reportedly incurred a sizable fine for his actions during Sunday's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Friday that Jeudy has been fined $23,030 for making contact with an official:
League source: NFL fined Broncos’ WR Jerry Jeudy $23,030 for making contact with an official during Sunday’s game vs. the Chiefs. pic.twitter.com/8sKZO28nb0
Although he wasn't penalized or ejected, Jeudy broke the rules on multiple fronts by removing his helmet on the field of play and bumping into an official while shouting at him.
He enjoyed his best game of the season with 73 yards and three touchdowns on eight receptions, but the Broncos' comeback attempt fell short as they lost 34-28 to the Chiefs.
It has been a frustrating season for the Broncos, who are 3-10 and out of the playoff race despite being viewed as postseason contenders entering the 2022 campaign.
Denver acquired likely future Hall of Fame quarterback Russell Wilson in a blockbuster trade with the Seattle Seahawks, but the deal has backfired, as Wilson has struggled with 2,805 yards, 11 touchdowns and six interceptions in 12 games.
The Broncos are also last in the NFL in scoring at 14.9 points per game, which few would have predicted.
Wilson's arrival was supposed to help take Jeudy to the next level, but even with last week's effort, he has just 42 catches for 587 yards and six touchdowns in 11 games.
Jeudy was the No. 15 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft out of Alabama. While the expectation was that he would establish himself as a No. 1 wideout and Pro Bowler, that hasn't happened.
His rookie season of 52 receptions for 856 yards and three touchdowns remains his best overall production.
To make matters worse for Jeudy and the Broncos, the Seahawks own their first-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft, so losing has been of no benefit to them.
Denver will attempt to build some positive vibes ahead of the 2023 season when it hosts the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.
The Las Vegas Raiders are probably better off losing to the New England Patriots on Sunday to further improve their draft stock. The Raiders are technically...
Broncos Announce Plan for $100M-Plus Renovations for Empower Field at Mile High
Dec 14, 2022
DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 11: Russell Wilson #3 of the Denver Broncos avoids the rush against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field At Mile High on December 11, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)
The Denver Broncos announced plans to spend more than $100 million renovating Empower Field at Mile High ahead of the 2023 season.
With a record $100M in upgrades, a new & improved @EmpowerField coming 🔜
“This demonstrates the deep commitment by the Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group to immediately and continually provide the best possible experience for our fans."
"This significant investment in Empower Field at Mile High — the largest in the stadium's history — demonstrates the deep commitment by the Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group to immediately and continually provide the best possible experience for our fans," president Damani Leech said. "As we look toward the future with the long-term plans for our stadium, we are equally focused on the present to ensure Empower Field at Mile High remains a premier sports and entertainment venue.
"We are excited to announce these upgrades to Empower Field at Mile High and are grateful for the support of our ownership group, the Metropolitan Football Stadium District and the National Football League."
The most noticeable improvement will be a massively expanded scoreboard. The Broncos will install a 72-by-225-foot scoreboard, which will rank as the fourth largest in the NFL, at their south end zone. The new board is a 31-foot expansion over its predecessor.
In addition, the team will be making improvements to its video board, two other in-bowl videoboards and the ribbon board.
Suites, concessions and the Broncos team store will also be receiving significant upgrades as part of the revamp.
Tyreek Hill Says He Gave Chiefs Chance to Match Dolphins' Contract Offer Before Trade
Dec 13, 2022
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 11: Tyreek Hill #10 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates a touchdown in the third quarter during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Tyreek Hill has offered new insight into the discussions that led to his trade from the Kansas City Chiefs to the Miami Dolphins during the offseason.
Appearing on the Club Shay Shay YouTube show with Shannon Sharpe (starts at 3:40 mark), Hill said he approached the Chiefs about what the Dolphins were offering him for a contract extension and they decided to trade him rather than try to match the proposal.
Hill previously said on his own podcast he told Chiefs head coach Andy Reid they didn't need to give him the same deal as Miami was willing to in order to re-sign him.
"I'm like, 'Hey Coach, yo like, I ain't even gotta be the highest-paid, for real. I just want to be put in like a realistic position that's like realistic for me and my family,'" Hill said. "I don't gotta get $30 million. At least get me 25, 26. ... Numbers wasn't even close to that."
Despite expressing some desire to remain in Kansas City, Hill told Sharpe he started to realize around "mid-last season" he might not finish his career with the team and he felt like the Chiefs weren't getting him involved in the offense enough.
"I'm the type of guy, like, I love playing ball and I love being about the team, because football is a team sport, right? And it would be some games where, like, I'd get two targets; I'd get three targets," he explained. "And we'd go into meetings and my coach would be like, 'Hey, 'Reek. We've got to get you involved, we've got to get you involved.'"
Hill was traded to the Dolphins in March and signed a four-year, $120 million extension. The deal made him the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL by average annual salary ($30 million) and total guaranteed money ($72.2 million).
The Chiefs already had several veteran players on expensive contracts that limited their cap flexibility. Patrick Mahomes, Chris Jones, Orlando Brown Jr. and Frank Clark all have cap hits of more than $13 million, per Over the Cap.
Hill was still very productive in Kansas City last season. The six-time Pro Bowler led the team in targets (159), receptions (111), receiving yards (1,239) and tied for the team lead in touchdown receptions (nine).
Things have worked out well for both parties since the trade. The Chiefs offense remains one of the most dominant units in the NFL, ranking first in yards per game (423.8) and second in points per game (29.5).
Despite the Dolphins' dip in performance over the past two games, they are still on track to make the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Hill leads the league with 100 catches and ranks second with 1,460 receiving yards.
Odell Beckham Jr.'s Top Landing Spots After T.Y. Hilton's Cowboys Contract
Dec 12, 2022
NFL player Odell Beckham Jr. watches action during the first half of an NBA basketball game between the Phoenix Suns and the Boston Celtics, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
The ongoing courtship between the Dallas Cowboys and free-agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. appears to have reached its end, as the Cowboys are reportedly bringing in a veteran pass-catcher.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Jane Slater reported that Dallas reached an agreement with receiver T.Y. Hilton on Monday. The 33-year-old had played 10 years with the Indianapolis Colts and was a four-time Pro Bowl selection.
The addition of Hilton gives the Cowboys the extra offensive weapon they need as the playoffs approach. But where does that leave Beckham?
Here are the top remaining landing spots for the 30-year-old now that Dallas is likely no longer in the running.
Buffalo Bills
Beckham undoubtedly wants to join a contender to win another championship as he did with the Los Angeles Rams last season in Super Bowl LVI. He should look no further than the top team in the AFC.
The Buffalo Bills remained in the No. 1 spot after Sunday's gritty win over the New York Jets. At 10-3, Buffalo is one of the favorites to compete for a Super Bowl title this year, but the team could still use another target for star quarterback Josh Allen.
The Bills have one of the best receivers in the league in Stefon Diggs, who leads the team with 94 receptions, 1,239 yards and 10 touchdowns. However, no other player on the team has 40 catches. Allen's over-reliance on Diggs can come back to haunt Buffalo if teams focus their defense on him.
Adding Beckham to the mix would help take some attention off Diggs. For what it's worth, last month Beckham named the Bills as one of four teams he'd be interested in joining after he completed his recovery from a torn ACL.
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are the hottest team in the NFL, earning their sixth straight victory on Sunday with a blowout over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, star receiver Deebo Samuel went down with an ankle injury during the game, putting his status in question for the next few weeks.
Beckham could be the perfect option to fill in for Samuel if he misses extended time. If both are able to be on the field together, it would add a different dimension to an already dynamic 49ers offense.
San Francisco lost veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo for at least the remainder of the regular season because of a broken foot. Rookie signal-caller Brock Purdy proved he can steer the ship in the interim with a three-touchdown performance (two passing, one rushing) against the Bucs.
The 49ers could look to add Beckham as another reliable target for the seventh-round pick as they charge toward the postseason.
Kansas City Chiefs
After losing star wide receiver Tyreek Hill this offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs have had to adjust on offense. However, perennial MVP candidate Patrick Mahomes still has the Chiefs on the cusp of a seventh straight AFC West title.
While Mahomes has been able to make up for Kansas City's deficiencies throughout the regular season, cracks have begun to show. In Sunday's win over the Denver Broncos, he threw three touchdown passes but also had a season-high three interceptions.
The Chiefs had been hoping free-agent additions JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling would be able to make up for the absence of Hill. They've combined to reach the end zone just four times through 13 games. All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce remains the top target in Kansas City's passing attack.
Beckham would provide Mahomes with another option in the explosive Chiefs offense. He could also open things up for Smith-Schuster and Valdes-Scantling. The three-time Pro Bowler would likely have a ton of fun playing in Andy Reid's scheme.
New York Giants
It's never too late to come home. In Beckham's case, a reunion with the team he started his NFL career with would come at a perfect time.
At 7-5-1, the New York Giants are clinging to the seventh seed in the NFC and could surely use a boost as the regular season winds down. New York is 0-3-1 in its last four games and has dealt with injuries to multiple receivers throughout the year.
Darius Slayton leads the Giants with 608 receiving yards, while Richie James leads the team's wide receivers with 38 receptions and three touchdowns. Quarterback Daniel Jones ranks near the bottom of the league with 194.9 passing yards per game. Clearly, New York's air attack could use an injection of energy.
Beckham has appeared to be open to rejoining the Giants, and he had a "good dinner" with head coach Brian Daboll earlier this month. A return to New York would give him the opportunity to be a key contributor to the team's push for the playoffs.
Report: Broncos' Jerry Jeudy Not Expected to Be Suspended for Bumping Ref vs. Chiefs
Dec 12, 2022
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 11: Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (10) celebrates after catching a pass for a secoind quartert touchdown during a game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on December 11, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy is reportedly expected to receive a "big" fine but is unlikely to be suspended for bumping into an official during Sunday's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported the league could change its mind about a suspension, but it is not under consideration at this time. Jeudy was not flagged or ejected despite removing his helmet, screaming and bumping into an official in the second quarter.
Florio noted people within the NFL were "stunned" Jeudy did not face punishment. In October, Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Will Hernandez was ejected for merely bumping into an official during a fracas.
Jeudy's actions were far more objectionable, as he was not engaged in any altercation with an opposing player and actively sought out the official to express his dismay.
"On that certain play, I got held, so I was just frustrated," Jeudy told reporters. "We didn't have things going, so I was just out there playing with frustration and wanted to make a play for my team. I've got to know how to control my anger and go on from there."
The third-year wideout would move on to have the most productive game of his NFL career, catching eight passes for 73 yards and three touchdowns.
It's very possible Jeudy won't be able to keep the momentum going next week against the Arizona Cardinals if the NFL decides it wants to set an example. That said, for now, it appears he's escaped major punishment.
'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.
Josh McDaniels, Penalties Sink Raiders' Season in Stunning Fashion vs. Baker Mayfield
Dec 9, 2022
Raiders coach Josh McDaniels
In something out of a Hollywood script, Baker Mayfield joined the Los Angeles Rams on Tuesday and delivered an epic comeback win on Thursday. That's going to be the topic of conversation heading into the weekend, and rightfully so. However, Mayfield's signature drive overshadows the fact that the Las Vegas Raiders blew a game they should have won.
Poor decision-making by head coach Josh McDaniels gave Mayfield and the Rams one last chance. Dumb penalties extended their opportunity. Las Vegas' three-game winning streak is over as is, most likely, its playoff chances.
The Raiders have no one but themselves to blame.
What Mayfield did on Thursday was incredible, and perhaps unprecedented.
Baker Mayfield playing Quarterback for the Rams tonight, 2 days after joining the team, is the shortest amount of time spent with a new team before playing QB (since at least 1995)
The 2018 No. 1 overall pick had some understandably shaky moments, but he played extremely well considering the short amount of time he's been a Ram. He finished 22-of-35 for 230 yards and a game-winning touchdown.
That score came after engineering a 98-yard drive with less than two minutes remaining and no timeouts. He capped it with a laser strike to Van Jefferson in the end zone.
Do the Rams have any giant flags lying around? Asking for a friend…@bakermayfield | #OUDNA
That's incredible stuff, but realistically, Mayfield and the Rams should have never had a chance in this one. Las Vegas took a 13-point lead with just over 12 minutes remaining. The lead probably should have been larger.
McDaniels called an extremely conservative game against the Rams, opting to ride the running game and settle for field goals. Quarterback Derek Carr attempted just 20 passes, while the Raiders rushed 38 times as a team.
Perhaps McDaniels didn't trust Carr, who did toss a pair of interceptions, or perhaps he didn't respect L.A.'s ability to put points on the board. Either way, going conservative was the wrong call.
The Raiders scored a touchdown on their opening drive and didn't find the end zone again.
McDaniels was especially timid late in the game. He opted to kick a field goal on 4th-and-3 from the Rams 18-yard line in the fourth quarter. After L.A. scored on the ensuing drive, McDaniels chose to punt on 4th-and-1 when a first down would have sealed it.
Of course, the loss wasn't entirely on McDaniels. Penalties—the Raiders had seven of them for 94 yards—absolutely doomed Las Vegas. The Rams' final drive was kept alive by an Amik Robinson pass interference penalty and a Jerry Tillery unsportsmanlike conduct call.
And Las Vegas' defense on that final 98-yard drive was simply atrocious. Los Angeles didn't have its top weapon in Cooper Kupp (injured reserve, ankle) and still drove nearly the length of the field.
#Raiders let the Rams go 98 yards in two minutes to win the game with:
* A QB cut by the Panthers * A QB only one team put a claim in on * A QB who joined the Rams 48 hours ago * Tutu Atwell, Van Jefferson, Ben Skowronek as weapons * The NFL’s worst offensive line
Raiders defenders failed to execute, but defensive coordinator Patrick Graham doesn't get off the hook. His decision to play press coverage at the end of the drive instead of protecting the end zone surprised even Mayfield.
"To be honest with you I was completely shocked they would line up in press coverage with 15 seconds left," Mayfield said on the Amazon postgame segment.
The offense deserves some blame too. Carr didn't have a great game, or even a good game, and his interception in the end zone on a badly floated ball was a backbreaker.
Carr's second interception came on Las Vegas' desperation drive at the end of the game and was largely inconsequential.
If Carr doesn't throw the first pick, if the Raiders don't play not to lose late, if their defense doesn't draw multiple flags on the game-winning drive, Las Vegas wins this game.
However, this wasn't a game decided by bad fortune. It was another sign of what has become a problematic trend in Las Vegas this season. The Raiders have repeatedly blown big leads under McDaniels.
According to ESPN Stats and Information, Las Vegas is only the fourth team to blow four leads of 13 or more points in the same season.
The Raiders are the fourth team to lose 4 games in a season after leading by 13 or more points, joining the 1998 Colts, 1996 Jets and 1982 Rams. pic.twitter.com/8a2bbblLwu
According to Josh Dubow of the Associated Press, the Raiders are the first team "since at least 1930" to lose four games when leading by at least 10 points at halftime.
Oh, and Las Vegas' previous loss came against the Indianapolis Colts and head coach Jeff Saturday—who debuted in that game with no previous NFL coaching experience.
What's likely most frustrating for Raiders fans is that this isn't a bad football team. From Carr, Josh Jacobs and Davante Adams to Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones, it's loaded with Pro Bowl-caliber talent.
Talent alone doesn't win games, though, which is why McDaniels has come under fire in his first season as the Raiders' head coach.
Franchise owner Mark Davis offered up his support for McDaniels after Las Vegas started the season 2-7.
"I like Josh. I think he’s doing a fantastic job," Davis said, per Ed Graney of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "You have to look at where we came from and where we’re going."
After 2-7 became 5-7, it felt like Davis' faith in McDaniels was justified. It feels less so after Thursday's loss. The Raiders had a sloppy, uninspired performance against a team with little to play for, and it likely cost them any chance at the postseason.
Their final four games won't be easy. They host the New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs with a road trip to face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 16.
Yet, a 4-0 run to finish the season isn't entirely unrealistic. The Patriots and Steelers are average teams, the 49ers have lost starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, and the Chiefs may have no reason to play their starters in the finale.
Due to Thursday's loss, though—and due to Las Vegas' other baffling losses this season—4-0 probably won't matter. The Raiders can now finish, at best, 9-8. That's just not going to be good enough in a deep AFC.
Credit Mayfield for ripping the Raiders' hearts out on a national stage, but he's not the reason Las Vegas isn't a playoff team. The Raiders simply aren't disciplined enough, aggressive enough or well-coached enough to make a run this season.
NFL Twitter Rips Raiders for Late-Game Collapse in Loss vs. Baker Mayfield, Rams
Dec 9, 2022
INGLEWOOD, CA - DECEMBER 08: Oakland Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates a tackle with safety Duron Harmon (30) during the NFL game between the Oakland Raiders and the Los Angeles Rams on December 8, 2022, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Las Vegas Raiders fell to the Los Angeles Rams 17-16 on Thursday night at SoFi Stadium thanks to a late fourth-quarter collapse by Josh McDaniels' squad.
A series of defensive penalties and a perfectly-executed drive by Sean McVay's offense in the final moments of the game helped the Rams seal the victory.
A defensive pass interference penalty by Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson followed by an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty by defensive tackle Jerry Tillery helped Baker Mayfield and the Rams move the ball down the field on their game-winning drive.
Mayfield found Van Jefferson for a 23-yard touchdown with just 10 seconds remaining for the comeback victory. The Raiders held a 16-3 lead with under four minutes to go.
The Las Vegas defense allowed just 282 total yards to the Rams, but they were moreso ripped by NFL Twitter for their late-game collapse:
#Raiders has to be the first team to lose to a HC who arrives week of the game and then lose to a QB whose been there for 30 hrs…in the same season. Unreal.
#Raiders have now lost to an interim head coach who had just days to prepare for the game (Colts) and a QB who didn't know the playbook or many of his teammates (Rams).
They had so many chances to put the Rams away. They have now lost to a head coach who isn’t actually a coach and a QB in his second day with his new team.
I seriously can’t get over what an awful franchise the Raiders are
You’re paying Jon Gruden for another seven years, firing McDaniels would double the figure for three years – and you’d have to hire another coach you’ll need to fire immediately
The Rams would have been eliminated from playoff contention with a loss, but their playoff hopes are still alive—for now.
With the loss, the Raiders dropped to 5-8 on the season. If they won, they would have been right on the bubble and in the thick of the playoff race in the AFC, but now the team's chances of making the postseason are pretty slim.
