AUGUST 31 SURPRISE? The Bucs like to talk about how they go “under the radar” in terms of national attention. But Washington, which faces Tampa Bay in Week 1, knows all too well who’s who out there … a good roster that includes Rachaad White. But what if there is a surprise in store? In a recent article, ESPN’s Dan Graziano predicted potential woes for every NFL team. And for the Bucs, the defending NFC South champions, he’s proposing a different name. “Rachaad White is still the starter in Tampa Bay, but the Bucs really want to see him improve on his 3.6 yards per carry average,” Graziano wrote. “(Bucky) Irving, their fourth-round pick this year, has impressed the coaches on the field and during the preseason, and is a candidate to win more work if White and the running game don’t no. ineffectiveness.” So the commanders focus on white? of course. Will they find out about Bucky? This also seems reasonable. AUGUST 30 KIDS DOWN The Commanders start their starting QB in Week 1. The New England Patriots are going in a different direction – and it’s an old Washington direction. The Pats announced that veteran Jacoby Brissett — a former quarterback — will be the team’s starting quarterback in Week 1. Despite the fact that Drake Maye was selected at the top of the 2024 Draft, New England obviously has more confidence in Brissett as the starter to start the season, with the Pats facing the Bengals.
So Maye sits down. Brissett plays. And Jayden too. AUGUST 9 THOMAS CUT The 49ers released Logan Thomas on Friday, perhaps in part because the former quarterback is dealing with a hamstring problem. Thomas, 33, signed a one-year deal with San Francisco in June, and the plan was for him to provide the Niners with veteran depth behind star tight end George Kittle. The move has been called a “surprise” by some, but a hip injury, age and possibly other roster needs are obvious ways to explain it. AUGUST 8 DQ VS. ZIM Dan Quinn tries to make a bad thing a good thing. Mike Zimmer is trying to make a good thing better. What does that mean for those trying to compare two of the best defensive minds in the NFL? This means… There is a difference between “different” and “better”. Dallas legend Darren Woodson believes the hiring of Mike Zimmer to replace Dan Quinn as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator is just “the kick this team needs.”