Category: American Style Football

American Style Football News

Posted on

Former Wallabies star Jordan Petaia signs NFL deal with LA Chargers

  • Ex-rugby union player impresses Chargers at IPP trial in US
  • ‘A great career move for him,’ says Super Bowl winner Jordan Mailata

Former rugby union international Jordan Petaia is a step closer to realising a long-held dream of playing in the NFL after signing with the Los Angeles Chargers as a tight end.

Petaia, who earned 31 caps for the Wallabies, turned his back on union late last year after being handed a prized spot on the league’s international player pathway (IPP) programme.

Continue reading...
Posted on

7 takeaways from the NFL owners meetings

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

The NFL owners meeting wrapped up Tuesday. Here are seven takeaways, as discussed by Jason Fitz, Frank Schwab and Charles Robinson on the latest episode of the "Inside Coverage" podcast:

The Dallas Cowboys are handling negotiations directly with Micah Parsons rather than his agent. This approach is typical for them, but it frustrates agents who prefer traditional negotiations. Jerry Jones is reportedly offering Parsons the largest non-quarterback deal in NFL history.

The hosts discussed how Jerry Jones has built the Cowboys into the most valuable sports franchise globally. Despite not winning a Super Bowl since 1995, the Cowboys brand remains incredibly strong because of Jones' business acumen and strategic deals.

Jimmy Haslam, owner of the Cleveland Browns, candidly admitted to making a mistake with the Deshaun Watson contract, calling it a "big swing and a miss." This public acknowledgment might help the team move forward and focus on rebuilding.

Woody Johnson, owner of the Jets, dismissed the NFL Players Association report cards, calling them "totally bogus." This response contrasts with other owners who have used the feedback to improve their organizations, reflecting poorly on the Jets' adaptability.

The vote on the controversial "tush push" play was pushed back to May. The play is criticized by some for its potential danger and fairness issues, yet no evidence supports it being more dangerous than other plays.

The NFL adopted the playoff overtime format for the regular season — each team will get a chance to touch the ball, regardless of if a team scores a touchdown on the opening possession — but with a compressed 10-minute period. This change could lead to more ties and raises questions about the fairness of possessions.

The NFL announced a triple-header for Christmas Day, intensifying competition with the NBA for viewership. The move marks a significant shift as the NFL aims to dominate holiday sports broadcasting.

To hear more NFL discussions, tune into Inside Coverage on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

Posted on

NFL Draft: Who should the Panthers consider at No. 8? How about a fantasy football-friendly tight end?

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

The Carolina Panthers are embarking on a journey to elevate their offensive game, and there's a particular gem in this year's draft that could help them achieve just that: Penn State tight end prospect, Tyler Warren. As highlighted in a recent discussion between Matt Harmon and Dan Pizzuta (of the 33rd Team) on the Yahoo Fantasy Forecast podcast, Warren seems to be an ideal fit for the Panthers. So, why should the Panthers consider Warren with the eighth overall pick? Let's delve into the compelling reasons discussed on the show.

Subscribe to Yahoo Fantasy Forecast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you listen.

First and foremost, Warren offers a versatility that is simply hard to overlook. Operating as a dynamic piece in any offensive formation, Warren's ability to move around — from tight end to even quarterback roles — can open up a myriad of strategic possibilities. The Panthers, who already have solid yet upgradeable wide receiver and tight end rooms, could greatly benefit from Warren's flexibility, allowing them to switch things up and keep defenses guessing.

Moreover, Warren's proficiency in multiple roles could be particularly crucial for quarterback Bryce Young. The podcast highlighted how Young improved in the latter half of the past season once he became more confident in the downfield options available to him. With Warren's capacity to create plays up the seams and even engage in screens and runs, Young would have a consistent and reliable target to help maintain and escalate his impressive midseason surge.

Considering the makeup of the Panthers' current roster — a blend of experience in players like Adam Thielen and untapped potential in younger talents such as Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker — adding a player of Warren's caliber could bridge gaps and enhance the overall effectiveness of their passing game.

Additionally, with renowned blocking ability mixed with his offensive prowess, Warren aligns perfectly with Carolina’s ambition to bolster its run game. Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle, ready to shoulder the rushing responsibilities, would benefit from having a tight end who can work with the offensive line.

While it might seem bold to consider Warren at the eighth overall pick, he fits the mold of a player who can make a difference immediately. As the Panthers try to not only improve their offense but transform the unit heading into next season, Warren stands as a compelling prospect who aligns with their goals effectively.

For fantasy purposes, we've seen rookie tight ends pay immediate dividends for managers the past two seasons. Sam LaPorta was the overall TE1 as a rookie in 2023 and Brock Bowers accomplished the same feat en route to rewriting the record book last season. Could Warren be the next tight end to make a splash as a rookie in both fantasy and reality?