What better day for the tight ends around the league to go off than National TE Day? It can’t be a coincidence; the offensive coordinators around the league had to get together, didn’t they?
Arizona Cardinals-Trey McBride:
After Kelce, many in the league feel McBride is the second-best TE in the league. Although I don’t think he’s quite there yet, he’s definitely in the top 7 and possibly top five. On Sunday, he caught nine passes for 124 yards.
Detroit Lions-Sam LaPorta:
LaPorta has had a down year but has the talent to be the heir apparent as the next great TE. On Sunday, he caught six passes for 48 yards and a TD.
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 19: Kyle Pitts #8 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on December 19, 2021 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Atlanta Falcons-Kyle Pitts:
Pitts was the former heir apparent but has never quite lived up to the hype or talent. But he’s still young and has a great QB getting him the ball. He caught four passes for 91 yards and two TDs on Sunday.
Kansas City Chiefs-Travis Kelce:
When I see Kelce, I think of the late great Toby Keith’s song, “I may not be as good as I once was, but I’m as good once as I’ve ever been.” He looked like the “old” Kelce (not old Kelce), catching ten passes for 90 yards and a TD.
DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 29: Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates a third quarter touchdown during the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on September 29, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Kansas City defeated Detroit 34-30. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
San Fransisco 49ers-George Kittle:
And now the Godfather of TE DAY, George Kittle, it wouldn’t be TE Day unless Kittle went off. He caught six passes for 128 yards and a TD.
“I’M A LOSER BABY, SO WHY DON’T YOU KILL ME”: Beck
One game is a blip, and two is a trend:
The Vikings have now lost two in a row, and the Vikings are looking mortal…and QB Sam Darnold is looking like he did when he saw ghosts with the Jets.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 14: Aaron Rodgers #8 of the New York Jets throws a pass during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on October 14, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
I’m in a New York Frame of Mind:
Speaking of the Jets, QB Aaron Rodgers is beginning to look like Darnold and Zach Wilson circa their NYJ years. Put a cork in the team this season, and quite possibly Rodgers for his career. He got his HC fired, and that didn’t help, and he lobbied to get Davante Adams, and that hasn’t helped either. The team is now 2-6 and in the hunt for the No. 1 draft pick in the 2025 draft.
Tapping Out:
In something Boomer Esiason has said he’s never seen before, QB Anthony Richardson tapped his helmet, a move often seen by RBs to leave the field for a breather. Maybe he was gassed, but maybe losing and only completing 10 out of 32 passes contributed to his exhaustion.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – OCTOBER 01: Anthony Richardson #5 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 01, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
No Metcalf, No Good:
Without DK Metcalf on the field, QB Geno Smith looked lost at times, and no other WR stepped up. The result was a 31-10 drubbing by the Buffalo Bills. This is the spot where Tyler Lockett normally rises to the occasion, but he could only muster one catch for nine yards.
Pull the Trigger, Cowboy:
Owner Jerry Jones has threatened the jobs and livelihoods of radio hosts he’s had weekly interviews with. It’s time for him to actually take the job of someone: his HC, Mike McCarthy. There is still time to salvage the season, but time is running out fast. They are now 3-4 on the year and in desperate need of some spark. Before it’s too late, Jones has to wake his team up…and although it may not be all McCarthy, there is an old adage that says you can’t fire the whole team. Does anyone have Bill Belichick’s phone number?