NFL news: Around the league in 32 plays
By Ben Almquist
Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs appear to have avoided a huge scare with wide receiver Jeremy Maclin. Maclin left last week’s game with what everyone thought was a torn ACL. However it appears to only be a mild high ankle sprain, and there is a chance that Maclin will be playing as soon as this week.
- Author’s take: I mean, it was “obvious” that Maclin had torn his ACL. The replay, the way he left the field, the tears in his eyes…we all knew what it meant. And then it turns out we had no idea what we were talking about.
Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins have hired former Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase as their new head coach. Gase was considered by many to be the top coaching candidate this offseason.
- Author’s take: This was the right hire for the talent on this team. The question is now whether anyone in the organization has figured out that the offensive line is (and has been) their biggest problem.
New England Patriots: In the oddest story of the week, defensive star Chandler Jones was found outside of a Foxborough police station, shirtless and praying. He reportedly had a bad reaction to synthetic marijuana.
Chiefs’ take
: Jones has not missed any practice this week, and there have not been any reports that he might miss the game Saturday.
New York Giants: The Giants have promoted offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo to the head coaching position. This move, combined with retaining Steve Spagnoulo as defensive coordinator and Jerry Reese as General Manager, has gotten a lot of criticism from some in the media because of how the team forced Tom Coughlin out.
- Author’s take: I get the move completely. The Giants clearly felt they had the right leadership in place…except for one guy. Coughlin will be turning 70 this year, so it is not a far-fetched conclusion that the ownership simply felt he was too old to continue on in his role as head coach.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Superstar wide receiver Antonio Brown was on the receiving end of one of the scariest hits in recent memory. Brown suffered a concussion, and was laying motionless on the field for several minutes.
San Diego Chargers: In an effort to revive their offense, the Chargers have re-hired Ken Whisenhunt as their offensive coordinator.
San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers have reportedly hired Chip Kelly to be their new head coach. The move is a bit surprising as it was reported that General Manager Trent Baalke didn’t want anyone who would challenge him on personnel decisions.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: While no official word has come down, Tampa Bay offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter is apparently telling staff with the team that he will be the next head coach for the organization. This is the expected move, but has not been finalized.
Tennessee Titans: The Titans have hired former Buccaneers executive Jon Robinson as their new General Manager. The move appears to be a popular one with those familiar with Robinson.
Washington Redskins: Former starting quarterback, Robert Griffin III, left an interesting note in his locker when he cleaned it out for the end of the year. There is a lot of speculation on his future, most of it suggesting that he will be in a different uniform in 2016. The Redskins are expected to re-sign or franchise tag Kirk Cousins.
Well, that will do it for me Addicts. Time to start getting ready for tomorrow’s show down with the Pats. But before I go, I would like to welcome any Rams fans that have made the jump to KC. While I’m critical of how things happened leading up to the departure, I do feel for those who have been loyal fans the whole time. To all the Addicts reading, take some time to welcome Rams fans into the fold, or invite some that haven’t made the jump yet.