Vikings, Jets, Patriots, Browns, Marshall

Vikings appear ready to move on from Dalvin Cook + latest on Aaron Rodgers and Breece Hall  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ June 1, 2023 [Sign up]( [Legit Football]( Together With: Stathead [Stathead](  Vikings [Cook and Mattison] Kevin O’Connell refers to Alexander Mattison as a three-down back Details: After the Vikings’ OTA on Tuesday, O’Connell said that Mattison is [capable]( of being a three-down back. - The head coach also took time to praise reserve backs Kene Nwangu and Ty Chandler. Significance: The comments signal that the Vikings are comfortable moving on from Dalvin Cook, who appears likely to be traded or released within the week. - On Friday, the Vikings can make Cook a post-June 1 cut, which offers salary cap benefits. Impressive: In six starts filling in for Cook, Mattison has averaged 23.3 touches, 115.5 scrimmage yards, and 0.83 touchdowns per game. DC to MIA? If Cook is released, the [Dolphins]( are considered his most likely landing spot. Image: Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire Jets [Aaron Rodgers] Jets OTAs: Rodgers/Hall injury updates, TE Jeremey Ruckert stands out Rodgers: Rodgers did not practice much on Wednesday due to his calf strain injury, though the team expects him to gain [clearance]( on Friday and participate fully next week. Hall: Coach Robert Saleh believes Breece Hall — who tore his ACL last October — will be ready for Week 1. The talented running back is already hitting 22 mph when running. - Before the injury, Hall was on pace to finish the 2022 season with 240 touches (194 carries, 46 catches), 1,653 scrimmage yards (1,124 rushing, 529 rushing), and 12 touchdowns. Ruckert: The Athletic’s Zach Rosenblatt wrote that tight end Jeremy Ruckert looks “ready to take on a bigger role.” The 2022 third-rounder has apparently stood out throughout the offseason. No Hopkins: Saleh confirmed that the Jets are not interested in signing DeAndre Hopkins. Image: @Jets Patriots [Mac Jones] Patriots OTAs: Mac Jones sharp, WR Tyquan Thornton flashes Details: Jones took first reps in every drill and completed all 13 of his passes (to nine different pass-catchers) during the 11-on-11 period. - Zack Cox (NESN) [wrote]( that the offense moved “fluidly under the direction of new coordinator Bill O’Brien.” Thornton: Thornton — a 2022 second rounder — was described by multiple reporters as the “player of the day.” Evan Lazar (Patriots.com) wrote, “Tyquan Thornton looked [phenomenal](. Explosiveness on full display off the line of scrimmage and through route breaks.” 2022 Review: Thornton (6-2, 182) caught 22 passes for 247 yards and 2 touchdowns across 13 games as a rookie. He ran a 4.28 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, which is one of the fastest receiver times in league history. More Patriots News: - Undrafted rookie Malik Cunningham, who played quarterback in college, got reps at receiver. - O’Brien is expected to make heavy use of two tight end sets — to keep Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki on the field together. Image: Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire Browns [Deshaun Watson] Browns building offense around the passing game Details: Multiple reports have implied that the Browns are building a pass-first offense ahead of the 2023 season — which is a departure from the run-focused schemes of the past. - The organization wants to get the most out of Deshaun Watson, who is getting paid an average of $46 million per season. Explosive Intent: According to offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, the [new scheme]( will prioritize “explosive” pass plays, brought on by vertical attempts and creative route combinations. - The team added three speedy receivers — Elijah Moore, Marquise Goodwin, and rookie Cedric Tillman — this offseason. Improvement Needed: Watson was among the league's least efficient deep passers last season, completing just 23.1% of his passes that traveled more than 20 yards in the air. Image: Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire Marshall [Marshall] Panthers WR Terrace Marshall seen as a breakout candidate Details: Mike Kaye (Charlotte Observer) thinks that Marshall is “seemingly on the cusp of a [breakout]( campaign.” - Other team reporters have expressed similar sentiments. Profile: The Panthers drafted Marshall (out of LSU) in the second round of the 2021 draft. He was regarded as a high-upside prospect given his size and athletic ability. - The 6-3, 205-pounder was sparsely used as a rookie, reeling in 17 of 30 targets for 178 yards. Emergence: Marshall emerged as an offensive contributor in the second half of last season, leading the league with a 19.2 yards per catch average over the final 12 weeks of the season. Upside: Marshall — who caught passes from a dysfunctional group of quarterbacks in 2022 — should mesh well with top pick Bryce Young. Image: John Byrum/Icon Sportswire More News - [Saints]( signed TE Jesse James - [49ers]( QB Brock Purdy (elbow) resumed throwing program - [Chargers]( LT Rashawn Slater 100% recovered from ruptured biceps Together with Stathead Question of the Day Who holds the record for single-game receiving yards (214) by a tight end? - Geroge Kittle (2018) - Shannon Sharpe (2002) - Rich Caster (1972) - Jackie Smith (1963) Sign up for a monthly subscription and get your first month free, or use “[LEGIT20](” to save $20 off one year of Stathead Football. [See Answer]( Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up [here](. [Unsubscribe]( Copyright © 2022 Legit Football. All rights reserved. 710 Main Street South #572, Southbury CT 06488