NFL

Where will Tom Brady Land? Bucs are Faves and Front-Runners

Published

4 years ago

March 17, 2020

FILE - In this Oct. 6, 2019, file photo, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) reacts to a touchdown against the Washington Redskins during the second half of an NFL football game in Washington. Brady, the centerpiece of the New England Patriots’ championship dynasty over the past two decades, appears poised to leave the only football home he has ever had. The 42-year-old six-time Super Bowl winner posted Tuesday, March 17, 2020, on social media “my football journey will take place elsewhere.” The comments were the first to indicate the most-decorated player in NFL history would leave New England. (AP Photo/Mark Tenally, File)

BOSTON, Mass. (AP) – Tom Brady made it clear to the world Tuesday that he’s leaving New England after two decades, three league MVPs and six Super Bowl rings.

Left unsaid: where he’s headed.

What team wouldn’t want the four-time Super Bowl MVP? Only one will get arguably the best quarterback in NFL history, the man dubbed TB12.

Here’s a look at six teams that should be interested in the 42-year-old signal caller. Call them the Brady Bunch (listed by best odds of landing him, according to BetOnline):

TAMPA BAY (2/3)

The Buccaneers are the clear front-runners to land Brady and among the teams with the most salary cap space.

Tampa Bay led the league in passing despite Jameis Winston becoming the first player in NFL history to throw for at least 30 touchdowns and 30 interceptions in the same season. The Bucs have two dynamic receivers, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, as well as two capable tight ends, Cameron Brate and O.J. Howard. Winston’s contract has expired.

Coach Bruce Arians has also worked with Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger and Carson Palmer, creating a reputation as a QB whisperer. His offense places high emphasis on pushing the ball down the field, something some believe would make Brady less than an ideal fit.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (3/2)

The Chargers moved on from Philip Rivers and are going into their new stadium with the Rams in Inglewood, California. Since moving to Los Angeles, the Chargers have struggled to make a footprint in Los Angeles and need a big splash in order to sell seats, especially when visiting teams had a huge advantage because LA played in a tiny soccer stadium.

Los Angeles might have the most attractive set of skill players of the teams vying for Brady. Keenan Allen and Mike Williams each topped 1,000 yards receiving, while Austin Ekeler is one of the more versatile running backs in the league. Tight end Hunter Henry also was a dependable safety net for Rivers. The biggest question is the offensive line, which isn’t conducive to a not-so-mobile quarterback.

SAN FRANCISCO (8/1)

Joining the 49ers would be a homecoming for Brady, who grew up in the Bay Area and was in attendance at Candlestick Park for “The Catch” that led to the Niners’ first Super Bowl title in January 1982. But it seems like a long shot with Brady’s former backup Jimmy Garoppolo entrenched as the starter.

Garoppolo did struggle in the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl loss to Kansas City and wasn’t asked to do much besides hand off in the first two playoff games — a sign that coach Kyle Shanahan might not have complete trust in his quarterback.

But Shanahan and general manager John Lynch have been public in their support of Garoppolo and are unlikely to backtrack to sign a short-term solution.

MIAMI (14/1)

The Dolphins have the No. 5 pick in the draft and hope to land a franchise quarterback. Ryan Fitzpatrick plans to return and provide a veteran bridge to a young QB, but Brady would be a more glamorous option for that role. Brady also would make the Dolphins instantly relevant after many years of mediocrity.

Owner Stephen Ross, like Brady, is a Michigan man. But a year ago Ross said the Dolphins were going to quit chasing stopgap solutions and build for the long term, which was what their painful 2019 roster dismantling was all about.

The Dolphins lead the NFL in salary cap space and have five picks in the first two rounds of the draft, so they could improve quickly after going 5-11 last year. But they’re likely at least another year from playoff contention, and at the moment the offensive line is awful, raising doubts about how much appeal Miami would have for Brady.

Ross addressed speculation about Brady to Miami in late January.

“We’re a team now that’s building,” Ross said. “I don’t know why he’d really want to come to the Dolphins. He’s probably one of the fiercest competitors there is, and we’re at the stage with the Dolphins where we’re trying to build a team for the future.”

CHICAGO (16/1)

Bears general manager Ryan Pace has said he is committed to Mitchell Trubisky, though he didn’t rule out bringing in an experienced veteran to push him. Brady figures to command a higher price tag than Chicago is able to pay. A more likely acquisition for Chicago would be someone like Andy Dalton.

Plus, the Bears had one of the NFL’s worst offenses in 2019 and have few pieces outside receiver Allen Robinson. That makes many believe there’s little chance Brady would want to play out the twilight of his illustrious career in the Windy City.

DALLAS (20/1)

The Cowboys are last on this list because owner Jerry Jones compared Dak Prescott to a family member when asked the ever-present question about a new contract for his star quarterback at the combine. Executive vice president of personnel Stephen Jones said recently the pursuit of Brady wasn’t even a thought because of the club’s commitment to Prescott.

While it’s fathomable to think the Cowboys would rescind the franchise tag to pursue Brady, there’s no reason to believe Dallas doesn’t want to give Prescott a long-term deal. Jerry Jones has often said it’s just a matter of time on finding that common ground.

When coach Mike McCarthy was hired to replace Jason Garrett in January, it didn’t take him long to say he believes Prescott is capable of winning a championship. While he doesn’t have quite the skill set McCarthy utilized in Green Bay with Aaron Rodgers, Prescott was the 2016 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and is a two-time Pro Bowler who broke through with his first playoff win during the 2018 season.

Prescott is also coming off his best season statistically, with career highs of 4,902 yards passing (second in NFL) and 30 touchdowns (fourth).

Up Next

Tom Brady Spurs Buccaneers Ticket Sellout

Don't Miss

NHL Pushes Back Timeline on Potential Resumption of Season

Click to comment

Jacksonville

Jaguars Shutout Panthers Without QB Lawrence

Published

4 months ago

December 31, 2023

Mike Brodsky

Photo credit: Mike Brodsky (Florida National News)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Florida National News) – The Jacksonville Jaguars (9-7) shutout the Carolina Panthers (2-14) 26-0 in their final home game at EverBank Stadium today. The Jaguars had lost four games in a row prior to today’s victory. But with today’s win, the Jaguars secured their second consecutive winning season for the first time since 2004-05. QB Trevor Lawrence missed his first NFL game after starting 51 in a row before today, because of a sprained throwing shoulder. Lawrence left early in three of his last four games with injuries. C.J Beathard made his first start at quarterback in three years.

QB C.J. Beathard. Photo credit: Mike Brodsky (Florida National News)

Beathard looked comfortable leading the Jaguars downfield on the first drive of the game, which ended in a 35 yard K Brandon McManus field goal to put the Jags up 3-0, which remained the score of the end of the first quarter.

Midway through the second quarter, McManus added a 26 yard field goal, extending the Jags lead to 6-0. Soon after, LB Josh Allen sacked Panthers QB Bryce Young to tie Calais Campbell for the Jaguars’ franchise single season record of 14.5 sacks. Late in the second quarter, McManus kicked a 24 yard field goal, to put the Jags ahead 9-0. Shortly afterwards, Allen added another sack of Bryce Young, to claim sole possession of the team record at 15.5 sacks. The Jaguars defense continued to hold the Panthers scoreless, limiting the team to 34 yards in total for the first two quarters, as the score remained 9-0 at halftime.

LB Josh Allen sets Jags’ single season sacks record. Photo credit: Mike Brodsky (Florida National News)

In the third quarter, RB Travis Etienne Jr. ran for a 62 yard touchdown, his tenth of the year. McManus added the extra point, as the Jags led 16-0. Beathard had an impressive 19 yard run midway through the third, but was taken out of the game by officials because he looked a little wobbly getting up, and went to the medical tent for evaluation. 33 year old QB Matt Barkley, who was signed earlier this week, warmed up for the Jaguars. Panthers LB Marquis Haynes Sr., who tackled Beathard, was badly injured on the play, and had to be taken off the field on a golf cart. Barkley led the Jaguars for one play, but Beathard was able to return to the field on the next down. That drive ended with a 34 yard McManus field goal, extending the lead to 19-0, which remained the score at the end of the third quarter.

Early in the fourth quarter, Allen added his third sack of the game, taking down Young, and extending his single season record to 16.5 sacks. Etienne added a one yard run for a touchdown on a play that was initially called a fumble, but was reversed on review and ruled a TD. With the XP from McManus, the Jaguars were up 26-0. Jaguars rookie S Antonio Johnson had an impressive interception of a Bryce Young pass late in the game. On the next drive, the Jaguars put in QB Matt Barkley to finish the game, and avoid any risk to C.J. Beathard’s health.

C.J. Beathard finished with 178 yards. Travis Etienne Jr. led the Jaguars’ rushing with 102 yards and 2 touchdowns. Evan Engram was the leading receiver with 60 yards.

The Jaguars head to Tennessee to face the Titans on Sunday, 1/7, for their final game of the regular season. Kickoff time has not yet been scheduled. The Jaguars are trying to make the playoffs in consecutive years for the first time since 1998-99. A victory against the Titans will give the Jaguars the AFC South division title. Be sure to follow www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.

Jacksonville

Ravens Soar To Victory Over Jaguars 23-7

Published

4 months ago

December 17, 2023

Mike Brodsky

Photo credit: Mike Brodsky (Florida National News)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Florida National News) – The Baltimore Ravens (11-3) beat the Jacksonville Jaguars (8-6) 23-7 to remain at the top of the AFC. With tonight’s loss, the Jags are now tied for first in the AFC South with the Colts and the Texans. This was the Jaguars’ first Sunday Night Football game in 15 years. The Jags’ last SNF game was 10/5/2008 when they lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 26-21.

The Ravens were the first to score on a 43 yard K Justin Tucker field goal. The Jaguars had a chance to tie it up on the next drive, but K Brandon McManus hit the right upright on a 50 yard field goal attempt. The score remained 3-0 at the end of the first quarter.

McManus had an opportunity to redeem himself, but missed a 55 yard field goal wide left on the Jags’ first drive of the second quarter. Late in the second, Ravens’ QB Lamar Jackson completed a 16 yard touchdown pass to TE Isaiah Likely, followed by Tucker’s extra point, to put the Ravens ahead 10-0. The Jaguars came close to scoring, but ran out of time at the half.

Midway through the third quarter, the Jaguars put their first points on the board on a 65 yard QB Trevor Lawrence to WR Jamal Agnew touchdown pass, followed by MacManus’ extra point. The score remained 10-7 at the end of the third quarter.

The Ravens started the fourth quarter with a one yard RB Gus Edwards touchdown run, while Tucker added the XP. Tucker kicked a 26 yard field goal, and later a 34 yarder to put the Ravens ahead 23-7.

Trevor Lawrence finished with 264 yards and 1 touchdown. Lawrence also led the Jaguars’ rushing with 41 yards. Jamal Agnew was the leading receiver with 70 yards and 1 touchdown.

Tonight’s attendance was 68,021. The Jaguars head to Tampa Bay to face the Buccaneers on Sunday, 12/24. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. The Jaguars return to “The Bank” to face the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, 12/31 at 1:00 p.m. for their final home game of the regular season. Be sure to follow www.FloridaSportsChannel.com and www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.

Jacksonville

Jaguars Mauled by Bengals 34-31 in OT

Published

5 months ago

December 4, 2023

Mike Brodsky

Photo by Roman Garay / Florida National News

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (FNN) – The Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4) lost to the Cincinnati Bengals (6-6) 34-31 in the Jags’ first Monday Night Football game in 12 years. The Jaguars created a “Light Up The Bank” light show during player introductions to hype up the crowd for this prime time game watched by a national audience, but several injuries proved to be too much for the team to overcome.

On the second play of the game, the Jaguars’ CB Tre Herndon left the game for concussion protocol. Just minutes later, the Jaguars’ WR Christian Kirk suffered a groin injury which kept him out of the rest of the game. Despite these injuries, the Jags were the first to score tonight, as RB Travis Etienne Jr. ran 4 yards for a touchdown, followed by the extra point from K Brandon McManus. The Bengals’ K Evan McPherson (University of Florida alum) attempted a 57 yard field goal, but hit the crossbar and missed. At the end of the first quarter, the Jaguars were ahead 7-0.

Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence completed a 22 yard touchdown pass to TE Evan Engram, for his first TD of the season. Photo by Roman Garay / Florida National News

In the second quarter, the Jaguars’ FS Andre Cisco left the game with a shoulder injury. Two plays later, the Bengals’ HB Joe Mixon ran 6 yards for a touchdown, and McPherson added the extra point, tying the game 7-7. Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence later completed a 22 yard touchdown pass to TE Evan Engram, for his first TD of the season. McManus added the XP, to put the Jags ahead 14-7. Andre Cisco was able to return to the game, but Mixon scored a touchdown soon after for the Bengals, running 2 yards into the end zone, followed by McPherson’s extra point, tying the game 14-14 heading into halftime.

In the third quarter, Bengals QB Jake Browning completed a 76 yard touchdown pass to WR Ja’Marr Chase, and McPherson added the XP to put the Bengals up 21-14. The Jaguars responded with a 14 yard Lawrence to WR Parker Washington touchdown pass, and XP by McManus, tying the game 21-21. The Jaguars’ LB Josh Allen intercepted a Bengals’ WR Tyler Boyd pass intended for Joe Mixon. The Jaguars capitalized on that interception with a touchdown run by Trevor Lawrence to end that scoring drive, and with McManus’ extra point, the Jags were ahead 28-21 at the end of the third quarter.

The Bengals scored on a 1 yard Jake Browning touchdown run, and McPherson added the XP, to tie the game 28-28. Another injury followed for the Jaguars soon after, as Trevor Lawrence had to be helped off the field after what looked like a painful ankle injury that kept him out for the remainder of the game, as he was replaced with QB C.J. Beathard. McManus attempted a 48 yard field goal, which went wide to the right. Soon after, McPherson kicked a 54 yard field goal to put the Bengals ahead 31-28. The Jaguars’ next scoring drive ended with a 40 yard McManus field goal, tying the game 31-31, with just 26 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. The Bengals were unable to score before the clock ran out, and the game went into overtime.

The Jaguars won the coin toss and elected to receive. A holding call against the Jaguars reversed what could have been a 43 yard Beathard pass to WR Calvin Ridley. P Logan Cooke punted two plays later. The Bengals scoring drive ended with a 48 yard McPherson field goal, as the Bengals defeated the Jaguars 34-31.

The Jaguars’ last Monday night game was 12/5/2011 when they lost to the San Diego Chargers 38-14. The Jaguars now have an all-time record of 8-8 on Monday nights. Cincinnati is now 4-20 in road Monday Night Football games. Before tonight’s win, their last victory in a MNF road game was in 1990.

Trevor Lawrence finished with 258 yards and 2 touchdowns. Travis Etienne Jr. led the Jaguars’ rushing with 45 yards and 1 touchdown. Evan Engram was the leading receiver with 82 yards and 1 touchdown.

Tonight’s attendance was 67,951. The Jaguars head to Cleveland to face the Browns on Sunday, 12/10. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. The Jaguars return to “The Bank” to face the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night, 12/17 at 8:15 p.m. Be sure to follow www.FloridaSportsChannel.com and www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.