Big Blue Huddle

https://x.com/NFL_DovKleiman/status/1786447501349863571

Old networks never die, they just fade away.

NFL Network, launched by the league on November 1, 2003, is fading fast.

First came the bizarre decision to take a popular morning show off the air for months (at a minimum) and relocate it from one coast to the other. Now comes a round of post-draft layoffs that apparently will end Total Access, the nightly studio show devoted to all things NFL.

Ben Axelrod of AwfulAnnouncing.com reports that "the majority of the show's staff" was laid off on Friday.

The show remains on NFLN's online schedule.

"Like any successful organization, the NFL regularly evaluates its workforce to ensure the proper support of strategic priorities including international expansion, the growth of flag football, and the evolution of digital and media platforms," the league told Axelrod in a statement. "We have made the difficult decision to part ways with some employees to allow us to further invest in these growth areas and ensure the continued strength of our game and the business."

A.J. Perez of FrontOfficeSports.com separately reported that the league concluded a round of layoffs over the past 24 hours, with "some NFL Network employees" included.

It's not uncommon for the league to tighten the belt after the draft. That's when the work flow dips, making it easier to part ways with employees and regroup. It is uncommon for the league to systematically dismantle a cable channel that is becoming a YouTube channel of old games and NFL Films shows. Really, what's left on NFL Network if/when Total Access goes?

The move comes at a time when some expect ESPN to acquire NFL Media as part of a broader deal that would give the league equity in ESPN. If that's what will be happening, ESPN will basically be buying a skeleton.

https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/nfl-network-apparently-pulls-plug-on-total-access

Quote from: Jolly Blue Giant on Today at 01:03:01 PMPearls before Swine is one of favorite comic strips, Steve Pastis is hilarious

I love reading a real newspaper, but I can't afford them. The Binghamton Press used to be 3 or 4 sections with about 30 pages of news for 50 cents. Now it's 2.50, 1 section, 8 pages (3 are obits) and the rest basically taken from the USA Today. Awful

Syracuse Post only prints a paper a couple of times a week, plus weekends, and the Cortland Standard (1.75) every other day, not including Sunday

I now get my news off the internet Binghamton Press, Syracuse Post, NJ.com and NY Post. A lot cheaper and more content. I particularly miss "local news" that used to be the bulk of local newspapers. I suspect the day will come when there are no more printed newspapers 

I read the Newark Star-Ledger.   I think my days of getting an actual paper are numbered (I will admit it's expensive).   They have already done away with their print Saturday edition (I have to read the digital copy online) and they have been bugging me to save money and go all digital.

In case anyone is interested, here are all the PFF grades (for 2023) of the Giants offensive linemen


36th of 36
John Michael Schmitz Jr.
C
# 61
41.4

Aaron Stinnie
G
# 64


Austin Schlottmann
C
# 65

Jon Runyan
G
# 76
56.5

Marcus McKethan
G
# 60
45.4

Jimmy Morrissey
G
# 67
60.1

Yodny Cajuste
T
# 70

Jalen Mayfield
T
# 62
26.1

Joshua Miles
T
# 77

Matt Nelson
T
# 68
58.0

Jermaine Eluemunor
T
# 72
68.5

Joshua Ezeudu
T
# 75
42.4

Evan Neal
T
# 73
39.8

Andrew Thomas
T
# 78
76.1

So to reward the hard-working men and women that help make it possible


https://x.com/byajperez/status/1786411918111973738


    

I started watching it while I worked out.  I considered it some raunchy fluff when I started.  However, over time I found the show was quite good (and irreverent, my favorite).  It really offers a chance to see life from a different perspective.

The show is called Shameless and it's on Netflix

I thought this one was pretty good

Quote from: katkavage on Today at 12:06:07 PMThere's no conspiracy. Mara hires the GMs and has a voice in the hiring of the coach and also the major money moves, including top draft picks. So in hiring the GMs he is finding someone who aligns with his sensibilities. That's not bad or uncommon. The problem is, Mara's sensibilities when it comes to football and team development, and player personnel are usually very conservative, predictable, and behind the times. His father was the same way. As a result, the GM, because he has similar ideas and thoughts on team building as the owner, won't waver too much from that conservative, safe, sensibility. The result is mediocrity...at best. Could you ever see a maverick or radical (in terms of how he looks at the game) working for Mara? So that is where his influence comes into play.

How did John and his father manage to go to 5 Super Bowls and bring home four trophies? 

Quote from: EDjohnst1981 on Today at 11:48:21 AMBe interesting to see how the ball is spread about. There's only one of them and a lot of egos to feed.

The Dolphins lost quite a few players in free agency.  Seems a bit odd that they opted to spend money to add another WR to an already impressive WR corps.

Quote from: Jolly Blue Giant on Today at 11:45:29 AMI'm finding a certain amount of joy watching the drama unfold between CeeDee Lamb, Micah Parsons and the Cowboys; although, neither has been declined a 5th year option (so it doesn't really address this thread), but a good story anyway. They both want an extension and more than double what they're being paid, and looking at 30+ million per year. Jerry's in a pickle because there's nothing they can do about Dak's huge contract, who flat-out refuses to have it altered or restructured in any way in order to help out the team

Minnesota has the same problem with Jefferson, who says he won't play this year unless he's paid a salary commensurate with top WRs (30+ million per). Will probably be our problem in a few years with Nabers, LOL

The Cowboys are a good example of contradictions.   The Cowboys scouting and player development is among or is the best in the NFL

On the other side, their team management outside that area, is at best sub-par

Quote from: kingm56 on Today at 11:31:08 AMI fundamentally disagree with you.  We have discussed this premise ad nauseam over the last 2 years; when said subject arises, I ask posters to cite just three veteran QBs over the last 3 decades that significantly improved with an elite QB and/or OL.   For DJs situation, in the last 40 years, I cannot think of a single example of a player who played 60+ games that meets your description. 

Quarterbacks who have been either dumped by their team (and thrived elsewhere, which assumes better support) or just got a lot better

Geno Smith
Baker Mayfield
Kerry Collins
Rich Gannon
Matt Schaub
Jimmy Garoppolo
Doug Flutie

Quote from: AZGiantFan on Today at 11:31:30 AMAnother point I heard from some talking head is that with so many QBs taken high in the draft this year there may be less competition for QBs in next year's draft, if the Giants go looking.

6 QB needy teams were taken off the board

Likely needy teams (that the Giants would be in competition for) next year:

Raiders
Jets
Maybe the Titans
Maybe the Saints
Maybe the Seahawks

Quote from: AZGiantFan on Today at 11:35:25 AMIs Odell still fast?

I don't think so.  I don't think he is slow, but he is slower than when he was a star.   He's a solid number 2 or 3 receiver (these days) in my opinion.

https://x.com/TomPelissero/status/1786415721834045589


https://x.com/NFL_DovKleiman/status/1786417118797238746


https://x.com/RapSheet/status/1786416185115922647