You have to be careful and diligent about putting too much stock in what’s being said in press conferences at this time of year. But I spent some time with Eagles coach Nick Sirianni during his media session at the just-concluded NFL owners’ meetings, and was confident that he would do whatever it takes to see if Jalen Hurts can be the team’s long-term solution as quarterback.
It’s already been a very revealing offseason for the Eagles. They’re packed with three first-round picks, and the overly aggressive front office, led by general manager Howie Roseman, has never really interfered in any of the myriad QB activity that’s dominated the league this offseason. Deshaun Watson was never in the game due to the extensive allegations of sexual assault or misconduct against him, and many others were not considered a significant improvement. In general, the mood around the team — which led a fearsome defensive line and dominant running game to a surprise playoff spot in Sirianni’s rookie season as head coach — was that 2022 would be spent building around hurts and giving him that to be successful as much as possible and then weighing her options later if necessary.
“I couldn’t be more excited about Jalen Hurts,” Sirianni said, gushing but coming across as extremely genuine, “the kind of player he is and the kind of person he is. … He knows he’s our type and we show him that with our daily actions.”
Pretty strong stuff.
The best I could ever say was that they were very inclined to lean on the young quarterback, add talent and best gauge him over the long term by the end of this season. And that looks very much like it will. He’s not the most conventional quarterback, but he’s driven, dedicated, and his teammates love him, and his leadership and love of the game shines through. If for whatever reason it doesn’t work out, the 2023 quarterback draft class is already drawing rave reviews. But I certainly wouldn’t rule out Hurts showing enough promise to stay here as this coaching staff continues to learn about him and put him in the best position to shine.
Arian went out on his terms
Congratulations to former Bucs coach Bruce Arians who made the transition to a far less stressful and demanding front office role this week. Arians overcame significant health challenges to return to the sidelines, underscoring his unique and distinguished coaching career with a Lombardi Trophy in Tom Brady’s first year with the team.
Even heading into that Super Bowl after the 2020 season, there was heavy whispering among those in the coaching community who know Arian best that he could decide to step down sometime before 2021, with defensive coordinator Todd Bowles taking over. It would have surprised few if BA had decided on a new role back then. He ended up trying to win back-to-back trophies before announcing his decision to his players and the world on Wednesday night.
The Bucs are in great hands with Bowles at the helm – it’s honestly a shame he hasn’t been hired as head coach elsewhere in recent years – with Byron Leftwich and Brady still on offense. Arians’ indelible marks remain throughout the roster, coaching staff and style of play. I don’t expect a ton to change as Arians is better able to enjoy his afternoons now but is still a fixture in the team setup. The coach who lives life to the fullest and knows how to have a good time will now have more time for it.
The Glazer family could not have hoped for more than his tenure. The Bucs remain one of the leading teams in the NFC. Brady will most likely be fighting for another MVP. Arians might end up with a different ring anyway.
Arthur Smith awaited Brady’s return
At least one of the Buccaneers’ NFC South foes never thought he would face this team without Tom Brady on the roster. Falcons coach Arthur Smith insisted THE GOAT was going nowhere – no matter how many comments were made on social media etc about the retirement.
Smith adopted that approach when he went into the NFL Scouting Combine — when Brady was traveling with his family and the Bucs were evaluating potential quarterbacks in that draft and free agent and trade options to potentially replace him — and says he’s never wavered . Never passed his sniff test. He knew Brady would be back (much to the chagrin of the rest of the NFC).
“I never thought he would retire,” Smith said. “He played at a high level. … Tom is playing as well as anyone in the league. I think I said that at the combine.”
So at least the Falcons never considered a Brady-less 2022 season project. And as someone who appreciates the quarterback game at the highest level, Smith said he thinks it’s to everyone’s betterment that Brady doesn’t leave the game while he’s still producing at such an elite level.
“You want to compete with the best,” Smith said. “You want the best players out there. That’s good for the game.”
Agreed, but be careful what you wish for. Tampa will target this top seed and be able to stack wins against much of the rest of this division. Maybe not with Kyle Trask; definitely with Brady.
McVay sees the Dolphins’ offense take off under McDaniel
The Sean McVay/Kyle Shanahan coaching pedigree continues to find new roots as former assistants join the ranks of head coaches at a rapid pace. I’ve been very impressed with every meeting I’ve had with new Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, who has a chance to win outright in a watered-down NFC and while Mike McDaniel faces a more daunting gauntlet run in the loaded AFC, I like the additions that the dolphins have made and believe they can improve quickly.
McDaniel has spent much of his career under Shanahan, but early in his tenure he worked alongside McVay and Shanahan in Washington, and the Super Bowl-winning head coach has observed what Miami has been up to (particularly moves that have endured a long lethargic Running immediately should stimulate play) very tight.
“There’s a really clear vision there,” McVay said of the steps Miami has taken to improve the offensive line and increase top speed in ability position groups. Consider him optimistic about the transformation of dolphins in 2022.
“It’s going to be fun watching the Dolphins go on offense with him,” McVay said.
More insider notes
- Kirk Cousins will be a fantasy football monster this season. The Vikings have many key players on offense, an improving offensive line, and a potentially fearsome pass-rushing duo on defense. That is more than a good starting point for this conference. Former coach Mike Zimmer has become an object of scorn in this building and Kevin O’Connell’s energetic and overly positive mentality will make a big impression there. And again, unlike many NFC, they have players. “There’s no question that there are some really good pieces,” said O’Connell. Looks like a playoff team to me.
- Was another turbulent off-season for the Washington Commanders, with off-field troubles and ugly allegations against owner Daniel Snyder that continued to tarnish the franchise. Convincing top free-market talent to join this long-dysfunctional team isn’t easy — even under new management — and the days Snyder snuffed out other offers to coax free agents into going there come, it’s been a long time. “We try to make people understand, why don’t you come to us?” said coach Ron Rivera. “We have a solid offensive line, a 1,000-yard running back, a 1,000-yard wide receiver. We’re trying to get people to understand that there’s an opportunity here to be successful.” They’ll need to re-recruit dominant receiver Terry McLaurin to stay there and eventually woo others, and since receiver salaries are crazy this month this challenge has only intensified. This negotiation is huge for the organization.
- The Steelers clearly don’t have a quarterback equipped to compete with the plethora of transformation QBs now stacked in the AFC. But as it should be, coach Mike Tomlin isn’t blinking. “I love a challenge, to be honest with you,” said Tomlin. “That’s what makes this game great.”
- Was super impressed when new Giants coach Brian Daboll spoke about the human component of his game, how he made sure to put himself in the young players’ position in the game and his development as a leader after his time spent as a coach in Alabama. For all the X’s and O’s, Daboll believes “empathy” is as important as any coaching trait. Giants may have finally found the guy to lead them out of the doldrums.