I mean seriously, is it time to fire Kuper? Players get better when they leave here and get worse when they arrive. From today's ESPN;

Five additions that are not working

Will Fries, RG, Minnesota Vikings
How he got there: Signed a five-year, $88 million contract ($44 million guaranteed)
2025 stat to know: 88.5% pass block win rate (57th out of 66)
Comparable 2024 stat: 92.4% pass block win rate (unranked, played only five games)

The free agent excitement about Fries was interesting because he wasn't considered top-notch as the Colts' starting right guard in 2023. But he leaped off the tape in the five games he played in 2024 before a broken tibia ended his season. Minnesota won the battle to sign Fries, and what they've gotten is ... not really anything special.

So far this season, Fries' win rates are not only below what he did last season but also below what he did in a full season in 2023. His pass block win rate has gone from 90.9% in 2023 to 92.4% to 88.5%. His run block win rate has gone from 70.3% in 2023 to 74.3% to 66.3%, which is currently 55th out of 65 qualifying guards.

Will Fries' 88.5% pass block win rate ranks 57th. Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire
He had a setback in his recovery from the injury over the offseason, which might still be affecting him. He has also had to deal with some shuffling of the players on either side of him, which isn't good for offensive line continuity.

For Sunday.  That sucks!

I think the Patriots uniforms Thursday Night (against the Jets) may be the best alternate uniforms I have ever seen.  Anyone else feel the same?


I still like the Vikings alternative uniforms as well, but wowsa, those Patriots ones were super cool.  So much so, if I were in the organization, I would advocate to change those to the permanent uniforms.


https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-u...me-vs-jets

There's a bizarro fact in the NFL that I always found incredibly hard to believe. Kirk Cousins worst statistical season as an NFL starting QB was better than the best ever season by any Bears QB in their 106 year history. 

That may change this year, as Caleb Williams is on track to be the first Bears QB to throw for over 4,000 yards. 

https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/nfl/chica...rcna243310

Oh my goodness....

Looks like Vrabel finally pulled his head out of his ass and is getting him the ball. I know he was a favorite of many on this board heading into the draft including myself. It really is amazing to me how long it takes for some coaches to get talented players involved in the game plan when they are clearly the better option than the starter in front of them. Zimmer was another great example of this

On another note, I've had Henderson on my fantasy roster all year waiting for the breakout because you knew it was coming. I've literally wanted to strangle Vrabel when Henderson was getting five touches a game in contrast to Stevensons 15 carries for 53 yards and a cheap TD.

I'm not holding out for post-season play this year, dont think its in the cards. So for me? Its all about JJM development, beating GB and hoping to pull out some wins here or there overall till new years. 

The players arent (cant) think like that and shouldn't..

But thats not my point...

My point is (finally) that I think this weeks game vs Bears is really important in terms of keeping that locker room engaged..Lots of vets in there who are used to winning and this season has got to be taxing. 

Jefferson was just the brightest symptom bubbling to the surface publicly.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6802316...-pick-six/


Van Ginkel became one of the primary ingredients in last year's defensive transformation. This year, the difference between Flores' defense when Van Ginkel is on the field and when he isn't is drastic. Minnesota's defense rises from 20th in the league in success rate to eighth when Van Ginkel is on the field.