By Brandon Simmons
Trade Deadline Updates
- Chicago Bears traded Roquan Smith to the Baltimore Ravens for a 2nd and 5th round pick
- Detroit Lions tight end Hockenson traded to the Vikings for a 2023 2nd round pick and 2024 third round pick; Vikings also receive 2023 4th round pick and a conditional 2024 4th round pick.
- Chase Claypool traded to the Bears in exchange for a 2nd round pick
- Bradley Chubb traded to the Dolphins
- Atlanta Falcons traded Calvin Ridley to the Jaguars for a 2023 5th round pick and 2024 2nd round pick
- Houston Texans did not trade Brandin Cooks even though discussions were had
- Indianapolis Colts traded running back Nyheim Hines to the Buffalo Bills.
- Kansas City Chiefs are trading cornerback Rashad Fenton to the Atlanta Falcons.
The Ridley and Cooks trades were notable for how they happened or didn’t. Ridley is currently suspended for the entire season for getting caught gambling, so his tenure with the Falcons ended. The Texans reportedly had the discussions with the Dallas Cowboys about trading Cooks but, the Cowboys were not on board with Cooks’ $19 million owed for this season and next.
The trade deadline was nothing short of exciting with a record 10 trades happening on the day. The Vikings made a smart move in the wake of announcing tight end Irv Smith would be out the next 8-10 weeks. The Dolphins equipped their defense by acquiring Bradley Chubb from the Broncos in exchange for a first round pick and running back Chase Edmunds. Chubb and Miami are already working on a new deal for the pass rusher. Roquan Smith had previously asked for a trade from the Bears in the preseason but nothing was moving at the time. Now they send him to a Ravens team that could use a boost in their defense. Speaking of Chicago, they brought in wide receiver Chase Claypool as a weapon for 2nd year QB Justin Fields. Claypool had a great rookie campaign a couple of years ago but this season he was losing ground to Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers Diontae Johnson and rookie George Pickens. Claypool is now in tow for a fresh start.
Pack Can’t Relax
The Green Bay Packers are on a 4 game losing streak and this is usually the time Aaron Rodgers – along with a few analysts – make their “relax” jokes, but this time they might have to do the opposite. The Packers are down bad and they are running out of time to fix they’re problems. One particular issue they appear to have is their approach to the run game on both sides of the ball. This losing streak has highlighted Green Bay’s inability to defend the run. They gave up 100 yards in 4 straight games on that streak. But on the offensive side, they’re not doing much better. Last week, they only managed 38 yards on the ground.
The Packers need playmakers and it seems to have to come from the running game. The receivers are okay but have not been dependable enough for Green Bay to have sustainable success. Two of their best players – outside of Aaron Rodgers – are running backs Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon. In the past, when the Packers have ran the ball efficiently, they have gotten much success, even with a strong aerial attack. They can start with the run game then build into a passing attack where Rodgers is his best self, which would make the Packers their most dangerous selves.
Tua vs. Herbert
The question that seems to be pondering the NFL world right now is who is the better QB: Miami Dolphins Tua Tagavaloa or Los Angeles Chargers Justin Herbert. It started as debate between Fox Sports analyst Emmanuel Acho and ESPN’s Mina Kimes. Both made some astounding points – especially Acho arguing a lot of details for Tua – but away from both of their arguments there is only one answer right now.
At this point, Herbert would be the best choice. He has more games in addition to averaging more in completions and yards per game. Tua does have a better completion percentage and a better record but there’s a small caviat to the latter stat. Tua took his starting job much later than Herbert stepped into his role, but within his short time as a starting QB has dealt with injuries, including the infamous concussion a few weeks back. What makes this even crazier is Acho grades Tua as the better decision maker while saying Herbert has the better arm and athleticism. Now as a QB, decision making should be a heavy-weighted factor but it shouldn’t be bigger than throwing the football. Arm talent will get you paid in this league. Herbert is going through his own struggles right now, in addition to the many injuries of the team, so his stock is going to dip. The good thing for Tua is he could possibly be past his injury phase and really dig into developing his game more, so if he’s not on Herbert’s level now, then he still has time to catch him.
Shoutouts/Shutouts
Shout out to the NFL trade deadline. It held a record 10 trades on the day and some big moves were made. Big ups to everybody that got some new teammates over these past couple of weeks.
Shut out to the Las Vegas Raiders, who were shut out by the New Orleans Saints. Disappointing performance all around, especially for Raiders QB Derek Carr who threw a pick and had 3 sacks.
Week 9 is the midpoint of the season, and a lot of teams’ seasons are hanging in the balance. The Tennessee Titans are visiting the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday night. Titans started off 0-2 but are hot right now winning 5 in a row. However, the Chiefs are coming off their bye week well rested. The New York Jets are hosting the Buffalo Bills, as the young Jets team look to stand up to the big AFC East bully. Buffalo is coming off a win where some say they might not have played their best game, so they will certainly look to regain their form facing a division rival, but until then…I’ll holla.