Take a look at some of the top National Football League news and notes from August 10, 2018:
Browns a Possible Suitor for Dez Bryant
The Cleveland Browns may be looking to add even more depth to their receiving core. Between Jarvis Landry and Antonio Callaway, the Browns showed in their preseason opener on Thursday that they already are pretty solid. Throw Josh Gordon into that mix and they could be special. The problem, though, is Josh Gordon has still not reported to camp and Callaway was cited for marijuana possession. Thus, it is unclear what the status of their wide receiving core will be come the regular season. This is where Dez Bryant could help. The 29-year old former Dallas Cowboy will be meeting with GM John Dorsey on Thursday to see if they are a fit for the veteran receiver. Last season, Bryant had 69 receptions for 838 yards and 6 touchdowns over 16 games for the Cowboys. It is unclear whether Bryant can still be a significant difference maker at this point in his career but at the very least, he will make Hard Knocks even more interesting.
Top Two Picks Have Good Showings In Week One
It is important to note that it is only the preseason, and it is important to not overblow preseason week one results, or any week for that matter. Nothing exemplifies this point more than the fact that the Cleveland Browns went 4-0 last preseason before going 0-16 during the regular season. Still, for the first two picks of the draft, Thursday night was awfully encouraging. For Baker Mayfield, he went 11 for 20 with 212 yards passing and threw two touchdowns. It is important to note that, barring injury, Tyrod Taylor will be the Browns’ quarterback in week one, but if Mayfield continues to progress, he may force coach Hue Jackson’s hand before the season is over.
For Saquon Barkley, he showed the skills that made him a star at Penn State. In just 5 carries, Barkley managed 43 yards. Most impressive, though, was his first touch, which resulted in a 39-yard gain. Barkley definitely has the goods, but one question that will be echoed throughout the season is whether the offensive line will consistently be able to open holes for him.
Derrius Guice Out For Season With Torn ACL
The Washington Redskins took a blow on Friday. Second round pick, Derrius Guice, who was considered by many to be a first round talent, suffered a torn ACL and is out for the season. While there was some controversy surrounding Guice in the draft, ranging from concerns over his work ethic to those of his maturity level to even a report that a bombshell news story might be broke if he was drafted (which still hasn’t come to fruition yet), Guice was hoping to leave his mark with the Redskins. The running back will not turn his focus on being ready to leave that mark in the 2019 season as opposed to this one.
LeSean McCoy’s Ex-Girlfriend Wants Justice
LeSean McCoy may not be suspended but his investigation isn’t going anywhere. The veteran running back is still being investigated as to whether he had any role in the attack of his former girlfriend, Delicia Cordon. Cordon came out and indicated she believed McCoy had a role in the assault, one that took place at a house that he owns. While he has stated that he was not in the vicinity, the investigation is looking into whether he had any role in the attack, which included demands for items of jewelry that had been given to Cordon by McCoy.
Even though McCoy did not partake in the first preseason game, this had nothing to do with the investigation; rather, it was simply precaution to ensure that the veteran could avoid possible injuries. Last year, the running back had 1,138 yards and 6 touchdowns on 287 rushes. He also had 448 yards receiving with an additional 2 touchdowns. It is unclear how long the investigation will last, but it is something to keep an eye on as the season progresses.
National Anthem Controversy Comes To Forefront Again
The controversy over the national anthem protests is not going anywhere for a while. President Trump is entrenched with his stance and is letting people know about it via his Twitter account. Friday morning, Trump tweeted, “….Be happy, be cool! A football game, that fans are paying soooo much money to watch and enjoy, is not place to protest. Most of that money goes to the players anyway. Find another way to protest. Stand proudly for your National Anthem or be Suspended Without Pay!” While Trump is adamantly against the protests, some players are ignoring the President’s words.
On Thursday, Miami Dolphins wide receivers Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson protested during the anthem. Others, including defensive end Robert Quinn, Eagles’ safety Malcolm Jenkins and cornerback DeVante Bausby all raised fists during it.
In regards to the NFL, their initial rule that called for players to have to stand or face possible suspensions is currently on pause while they negotiate with the players’ union. One thing that is clear is that this is a topic that is not going away anytime soon.
