Kristopher Thomas’ Football Q&A
Doug Pederson says Nate Sudfeld is currently the #2 QB on the Eagles Depth Chart. What does that mean for Hurts?
Don’t make too much out of this. With the pandemic still going on, Doug Pederson expressed that he’ll be leaning more toward the vets on the team. Sudfeld has been on the team for 4 years, knows the playbook, and has in-game experience with the starters which is why Pederson said he’s the #2 guy for now. Once the facilities and camps open up, Jalen Hurts will be able to showcase himself better for Pederson and the staff to help change their opinions on the matter. Calm down on the “waste of a 2nd round pick” talk.
Thoughts on the NFL Updating the Rooney Rule?
A waste of time, honestly. I understand the motive behind it is trying to increase the chances for more minorities in head coaching and GM positions. But basically bribing teams to hire coaches is a terrible idea. NFL Owners and management already have an idea on what they envision what is best for the team. I doubt enticing them with a 3rd-round pick will change anything. Especially when you consider DC Robert Salah of the 49ers and OC Eric Bieniemy of the Chiefs got zero consideration for any open HC vacancies this offseason.
Which AFC/NFC Teams that didn’t make the playoffs a year ago will make it this year?
For the AFC side, I have to go with the Cleveland Browns. With an improved offense and play calling that isn’t downfield-heavy, Baker should have a bounce-back season. Between him, Odell, and Myles Garrett, they all have a chip on their shoulders to finally give the city of Cleveland their first playoff game in over 20 years.
For the NFC, I know the safe pick would pick the Buccaneers, but I’m going to be bold and hop on the Cardinals train. For the last 3 seasons, there has been a young QB going into their second season who takes off to MVP-level of play. In 2017 it was Carson Wentz, in 2018 it was Patrick Mahomes and last season it was Jackson. With 48 sacks last season, Kyler Murray still threw for over 3700 yards, 20 TDs, and ran for over 500 yards. With the offseason camps potentially limited due to the pandemic, continuity between players who already have established chemistry is a major factor. Murray already had a rapport with receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk, and he will be going into year two in Kingsbury’s system. The defense was very bad last season, but with a draft that was mainly used to improve the front seven, I expect a bump up in production. With the playoff format changing from 6 to 7 teams, I believe Arizona can squeeze in.
What are your thoughts on the Michael Thomas/Devante Parker dispute on a poll?
Parker said nothing wrong, and Michael Thomas is making a big deal out of nothing. Parker goes up against Stephon Gilmore twice a year, who recently became the first DB to win the DPOY of the Year award since Troy Polamalu back in 2010. So of course with first-hand experience he would pick that it’s tougher to make a catch on Gilmore as opposed to stopping a Michael Thomas catch.
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