2025-2026 NFL Season Thread

[returnofthemack]

Originally Posted by filmnut5

Hoyer beat the Vikes in Minnesota in week 3 and the Bungles at home in week 4. Then he got hurt in week 5. This guy (a hometown boy) had the city and Browns Backers, everywhere, seriously thinking of the playoffs. I WANT HOYER AS THE STARTER. Johnny "Finger Rubber" can wait.

I want whoever earns the starting QB position to start. It seems like 3 or 4 QBs start for the browns every year due to injuries and starters not performing. If Hoyer is the real deal then he will prove it in training camp and preseason. I honestly think he will have the opportunity to do so. He still has a lot to prove. 2 good games does not make a QB proven. He's coming off a major injury and coming into a new system so I don't think he will have any heads up in those regards.

[sycro]

About a week too late for the Browns....

ESPN reports that the NFL will re-examine and likely alter its out-dated marijuana policy after a rash of off-season incidents, suspensions, and increasing pressure to make a much needed change. The announcement comes just days after Josh Gordon's alleged season-long suspension for testing positive for weed.

According to ESPN's source, the league will finally admit its antiquated policy needs to evolve with the times, as even the "WADA (Wold Anti-Doping Agency) has a higher threshold for a positive test than the NFL currently does."

So the NFL will increase the threshold for a positive cannabis test (no exact number just yet)—meaning if you smoked weed a month ago, you're unlikely to have enough THC in your system to fail a test.

The other major change means that in the future, should a player test positive, he won't face a season-long ban for weed. The report does not state what the reduced bans (if any) and scales of punishment would be.

Unfortunately, the policy won't be a retroactive one, meaning Gordon still likely faces an (absurd) 8-16 game ban, as does Will Hill of the New York Giants. And it won't reimburse players like Von Miller, Brandon Browner, and countless others who've lost paychecks for smoking pot over the years.

While a modest compromise—and one that won't offer any solace to Browns fans—it's a significant step for both the NFL and professional sports. The media whirlwind and pressure from activists around the country are forcing the NFL to look in a mirror and utilize some form of common sense.

Hopefully—and certainly one day—that common sense will lead the NFL to allowing medical marijuana, and completely stop testing for weed.

If a player wants to medicate his aches and pains with a high CBD strain (like Harlequin) opposed to Oxycontin, that's his choice—not the NFL's. It just also happens to be the far safer, healthier, and logical choice.

[ChadFL]

Originally Posted by sycro

About a week too late for the Browns....

Oxy is the absolute worst. Literally everyone I know whose used it (for medical reasons or not) became highly addicted to it. They definately need alternatives for that IMO.

[TitansFan4Life]

So who do you guys think had the best and worst drafts?

Best drafts:
49ers - I would expect nothing less of this team. They seem to take players I want in recent years.
Rams - That DL is just not fair. Donald was one of my favorites in the draft, and if we weren't switching to a 3-4 I would have wanted us to take him at #11.
Jags - At least they're trying... If Bortles is as good as they think, they'll be in good shape. He seems like a Locker clone to me though... at least he's durable.
Falcons - Between Matthews, Hageman, Southward, and Freeman... that's one beast of a draft.
Steelers - This is rare for me to say because they have had pretty garbage drafts under Tomlin. I thought Shazier was a reach, but if he puts on some more weight he'll be a beast.

There were several other teams such as the Vikings, Bucs, Jets, Raiders, Panthers, etc. that had made a couple of very good picks as well. Titans were pretty average as usual. QB in the 1st next year no doubt.

Worst drafts:
Cardinals - Buchanon is a good player, but a huge reach. And Logan Thomas?! LOLOLOLOLOLOL
Bills - Gave up way too much to move up for Watkins, and Kouandijo is terrible. Should have just stayed put and taken Lewan or Ebron.
Seahawks - Pete and co. are a little unorthodox and maybe I should have more faith, but some of their picks left me smh.
Patriots - Again, I should probably put more faith in such a successful team, but Easley has been injured far too often to be worth a risk in the 1st. I understand the logic behind the Garoppollo pick, but they really needed some immediate impact guys to win now while they still have Brady.

The Browns avoid getting a bad draft grade from me because they have been absolutely hustling teams as of late with trades. And the reason I would consider it bad is because they failed to draft a WR. That is pathetic. I would put the Chiefs in the same boat, but they did take my guy Murray in the 5th.

Biggest steals: Teddy Bridgewater, Derek Carr, Marqise Lee, Jordan Matthews, Billy Turner, Chris Borland, Louis Nix, Devonta Freeman, David Yankey, Aaron Murray,


In regards to our draft, I am so excited about the Bishop Sankey pick. I can't believe we were able to trade back in the 2nd and still take the first RB in the draft. It was a little questionable we went with Sankey over Hyde, but Sankey is more versatile. Hyde also had some work ethic issues. Sankey should be the #1 rookie RB this season. I would be disappointed if he wasn't.

I was very disappointed we weren't able to get Aaron Murray in either the 4th or 5th. He's a total steal. I really think he could be this year's Russell Wilson. Obviously he won't make the immediate impact, but I think he was overlooked because he was "too small" and the ACL injury, of course. Mettenberger was worth a shot in the 6th round though.

[R3P0]

Originally Posted by TitansFan4Life

So who do you guys think had the best and worst drafts?

Best drafts:
49ers - I would expect nothing less of this team. They seem to take players I want in recent years.
Rams - That DL is just not fair. Donald was one of my favorites in the draft, and if we weren't switching to a 3-4 I would have wanted us to take him at #11.
Jags - At least they're trying... If Bortles is as good as they think, they'll be in good shape. He seems like a Locker clone to me though... at least he's durable.
Falcons - Between Matthews, Hageman, Southward, and Freeman... that's one beast of a draft.
Steelers - This is rare for me to say because they have had pretty garbage drafts under Tomlin. I thought Shazier was a reach, but if he puts on some more weight he'll be a beast.

There were several other teams such as the Vikings, Bucs, Jets, Raiders, Panthers, etc. that had made a couple of very good picks as well. Titans were pretty average as usual. QB in the 1st next year no doubt.

Worst drafts:
Cardinals - Buchanon is a good player, but a huge reach. And Logan Thomas?! LOLOLOLOLOLOL
Bills - Gave up way too much to move up for Watkins, and Kouandijo is terrible. Should have just stayed put and taken Lewan or Ebron.
Seahawks - Pete and co. are a little unorthodox and maybe I should have more faith, but some of their picks left me smh.
Patriots - Again, I should probably put more faith in such a successful team, but Easley has been injured far too often to be worth a risk in the 1st. I understand the logic behind the Garoppollo pick, but they really needed some immediate impact guys to win now while they still have Brady.

The Browns avoid getting a bad draft grade from me because they have been absolutely hustling teams as of late with trades. And the reason I would consider it bad is because they failed to draft a WR. That is pathetic. I would put the Chiefs in the same boat, but they did take my guy Murray in the 5th.

Biggest steals: Teddy Bridgewater, Derek Carr, Marqise Lee, Jordan Matthews, Billy Turner, Chris Borland, Louis Nix, Devonta Freeman, David Yankey, Aaron Murray,


In regards to our draft, I am so excited about the Bishop Sankey pick. I can't believe we were able to trade back in the 2nd and still take the first RB in the draft. It was a little questionable we went with Sankey over Hyde, but Sankey is more versatile. Hyde also had some work ethic issues. Sankey should be the #1 rookie RB this season. I would be disappointed if he wasn't.

I was very disappointed we weren't able to get Aaron Murray in either the 4th or 5th. He's a total steal. I really think he could be this year's Russell Wilson. Obviously he won't make the immediate impact, but I think he was overlooked because he was "too small" and the ACL injury, of course. Mettenberger was worth a shot in the 6th round though.

You forgot Lions under worst draft, using the number 10 overall on a TE WTF! Only 5 TE have ever gone in the top 20 and the Lions have taken 2 of them in the past 5 years just wow.

[burner xxx]

Titans got GREAT value for Lewan but where is he going to play? Your guys' o-line is STACKED

Sadly one more bad year for the Titans under Locker, until they draft a shot-caller in the first round

[R3P0]

Originally Posted by burner xxx

Titans got GREAT value for Lewan but where is he going to play? Your guys' o-line in STACKED

Sadly one more bad year for the Titans under Locker, until they draft a shot-caller in the first round

Burner if there wasn't a QB they were thrilled with why waste the pick. As I have said before to me Bridgewater was the best QB in the draft. You also don't need a QB in the 1st round to be successful.

Brees
Dalton
Kapernick
Farve

All 2nd rounders granted the success rate is not as high as a 1st rounder it can be done

Brady was a 6th rounder, it all depends on the person.

[burner xxx]

Some nice points made there..I also believe Bridgewater is the best QB prospect even after watching a couple Bortles games

There's also the possibility that they have their eye on Mariota or Winston

--

The Oprah Winfrey Network announced Wednesday that it is working with Rams seventh-round DE Michael Sam on a documentary series that will show his life as the first openly gay player in the NFL.

"Like every player out there working to make a team right now, my focus is on playing football to the very best of my ability," said Sam. "I am determined. And if seeing my story helps somebody else accept who they are and to go for their dreams too, that’s great. I am thankful to Oprah for her support and excited to work together." The Rams have a reality star on their hands. The OWN cameras may not be the only ones looking to get access to the Rams this season. HBO's Hard Knocks is also said to be interested in following the Rams this summer.

It's his own choice obviously but to me it seems like a bad idea. Learning NFL football is hard enough, especially if you're doing a documentary.

[R3P0]

Originally Posted by burner xxx

Some nice points made there..I also believe Bridgewater is the best QB prospect even after watching a couple Bortles games

There's also the possibility that they have their eye on Mariota or Winston

Titans could be doing it a different way to, build the line and let them learn with locker in there and if he gets hurt so what your cutting him anyways when you draft someone or keep him as a backup.

[TitansFan4Life]

Originally Posted by R3P0

You forgot Lions under worst draft, using the number 10 overall on a TE WTF! Only 5 TE have ever gone in the top 20 and the Lions have taken 2 of them in the past 5 years just wow.

Yea... if it were me I would have either taken Dennard or traded back, but when they were on the clock I actually predicted Ebron. If Ebron is as good as advertised that offense will be scary good.

[TitansFan4Life]

Originally Posted by burner xxx

Titans got GREAT value for Lewan but where is he going to play? Your guys' o-line is STACKED

Sadly one more bad year for the Titans under Locker, until they draft a shot-caller in the first round

I screamed at the TV when it happened. I either wanted us to get Bridgewater or trade back. There's no doubt it my mind Barr would've been the pick if he was available. The draft clearly didn't go the way we planned. We tried to trade back, but the trade fell through at the last minute, so we sort of panicked and went with the highest rated player on the board. Some of Lewan's off-field concerns are a bit alarming. I hope some of the stuff isn't true. I have warmed up to the pick a bit since we were thinking of the future.

About Lewan... everyone seems to think he will be forced into playing another position on the OL. No chance. Way too much invested in the interior OL for him to make a switch. I expect him to win the RT job. Oher is average at best. We signed him to a 4 year/$20mil deal this offseason, but we can get out of it next year after paying him $6mil this season. It's also possible he could win the LT job because Roos is getting up there in age and only has one year left under contract. He could be cut or traded.

[R3P0]

Originally Posted by TitansFan4Life

I screamed at the TV when it happened. I either wanted us to get Bridgewater or trade back. There's no doubt it my mind Barr would've been the pick if he was available. The draft clearly didn't go the way we planned. We tried to trade back, but the trade fell through at the last minute, so we sort of panicked and went with the highest rated player on the board. Some of Lewan's off-field concerns are a bit alarming. I hope some of the stuff isn't true. I have warmed up to the pick a bit since we were thinking of the future.

About Lewan... everyone seems to think he will be forced into playing another position on the OL. No chance. Way too much invested in the interior OL for him to make a switch. I expect him to win the RT job. Oher is average at best. We signed him to a 4 year/$20mil deal this offseason, but we can get out of it next year after paying him $6mil this season. It's also possible he could win the LT job because Roos is getting up there in age and only has one year left under contract. He could be cut or traded.

Oher will be your starting RT and Lewan will slide in at LT after being in for a year as backup

[R3P0]

Hernandez charged in 2012 double murder

Aaron Hernandez Indicted for Double Murder in Boston

Former New England Patriot Aaron Hernandez, already jailed in connection with the murder of a friend, has been indicted for first-degree murder in connection with a fatal double shooting in Boston, prosecutors said Thursday.

Daniel Jorge Correia de Abreu and Safiro Teixeira Furtado were gunned down in a drive-by attack after leaving the Cure Lounge on July 16, 2012. No arrests were made at the time.

Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel Conley said Hernandez — who faces a separate first-degree murder charge in another county for the June 2013 slaying of semipro football player Odin Lloyd — was the triggerman in the double homicide.

He allegedly followed the men's vehicle from the club, pulled up alongside them at a red light and opened fire with a .38 caliber pistol. De Abreu and Furtado were fatally wounded; a third man was shot in the arm and two others in the car fled unharmed.

[supersix4]

I wasn't happy with the skins draft... But I am happy with there undrafted signings I know most of those guys won't make it but they've got a lot of guys who are hard workers.

[emac213]

Damn, Aaron Hernandez is a real life Dexter Morgan. Dude was killing people off the field allegedly, then going to work like nothing happen. Does Massachusetts have the death penalty?

[Moviefan1203]

Originally Posted by emac213

Damn, Aaron Hernandez is a real life Dexter Morgan. Dude was killing people off the field allegedly, then going to work like nothing happen. Does Massachusetts have the death penalty?

They can always unleash him to the general population too. Those convicts would love to have their way with a celebrity inmate like that.

[TitansFan4Life]

Originally Posted by R3P0

Oher will be your starting RT and Lewan will slide in at LT after being in for a year as backup

That's definitely more plausible than switching him to the interior OL, but I think you're putting too much faith in Oher. He's not that good.

If Lewan can't beat out Oher for the RT job, I would be very worried and it would likely mean we made a bad pick. The team has said Lewan will have every opportunity to compete for a starting job, and I believe them.

[TitansFan4Life]

Originally Posted by emac213

Damn, Aaron Hernandez is a real life Dexter Morgan. Dude was killing people off the field allegedly, then going to work like nothing happen. Does Massachusetts have the death penalty?

Except for the fact that Dexter took the trash out. Hernandez is just killing whoever he feels like... innocents and all.

I would love a vigilante like Dexter in this country. Hernandez? No way.

[burner xxx]

Originally Posted by Moviefan1203

They can always unleash him to the general population too. Those convicts would love to have their way with a celebrity inmate like that.

With his money? He'll never see general population

[Moviefan1203]

Originally Posted by burner xxx

With his money? He'll never see general population

I'm aware of that. I'm just saying that would be some nice justice without the citizens of Massachusetts paying for this scumbag for decades on end.