Chiefs News 8/10: JuJu Smith-Schuster is now a free agent

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How Chiefs’ Louis Rees-Zammit is making the transition from rugby to the NFL | The Athletic (nytimes.com)

“I can’t wait to see the difference,” said Rees-Zammit.

His true “welcome to the NFL” moment, when the intensity caught him off guard, came on the morning of July 28, when the Chiefs conducted their third consecutive practice in protective gear. Rees-Zammit’s one-on-one drill that day was one that every running back in the NFL has endured: Whether it’s a blitzing linebacker or a safety charging into the backfield, the running back’s sole job is to prevent the defender from reaching the quarterback.

Across the field from Rees-Zammit was linebacker Cole Christiansen, who like Rees-Zammit is trying to grab one of the last spots on the Chiefs’ initial 53-man roster. With quarterback Patrick Mahomes holding the ball in the pocket, Christiansen attacked from the B-gap. At impact, Rees-Zammit lost his advantage and learned just how much he could lose a pass blocking rep. Christiansen stomped off Rees-Zammit’s cleats.

“It is very physical,” said Rees-Zammit after training on Wednesday. “I had to learn to adapt and reduce my height. In rugby, that’s not a big deal. The hits you take here are pretty heavy. It’s a totally different sport to be honest.

Louis Rees-Zammit: Which Welshman will make his NFL debut for the Kansas City Chiefs? | BBC News

Why did Louis Rees-Zammit join the NFL?

Rees-Zammit hinted at his future ambitions in a BBC documentary which aired last September.

“Rugby has been incredible for me and has given me everything I ever wanted. But I want more than that. I want more than rugby,” he said.

To prepare for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, he traveled to the US city of Atlanta, where he worked with Chip Smith, a performance coach who trains professional athletes – including thousands of NFL players.

Months later, in January 2024, he said that after “careful consideration,” he would attend the NFL’s IPP, a 10-week crash course designed to teach him the skills needed to succeed in the league.

“I would like to stress again that this does not necessarily mean that I am retiring from rugby,” he said at the time.

32 thoughts on the most important talking points for the 2024 NFL season | Bleacher Report

Kansas City Chiefs: I know we sing this song every year now, but I’m concerned about the support the Chiefs are currently giving Patrick Mahomes. Justin Watson, Xavier Worthy and Kadarius Toney have already missed some time, and it’s never nice to see the elite Chris Jones injured. The Chiefs face some obvious obstacles as they try to earn their third straight win.

Patriots release JuJu Smith-Schuster after disappointing year | USA Today

The move comes a day after Smith-Schuster played 11 snaps in the team’s season opener against the Carolina Panthers and was not targeted once.

Smith-Schuster, 27, signed a three-year, $25 million contract with the Patriots last offseason. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound former Pro Bowl selection was set to join a receiver team that lost Jakobi Meyers, who led New England in both catches and receiving yards in 2022, to the Las Vegas Raiders.

But Smith-Schuster posted career lows of 29 catches and 260 yards while appearing in just 11 games for the Patriots. At organized team activities, he told reporters that he never fully recovered from offseason knee surgery last year after leading the Kansas City Chiefs to the Super Bowl.

NFL 2024 All-Under-25 Defensive Team: Super Bowl champion Chiefs and rising Lions lead by two players | CBS Sports

CB: Trent McDuffie (23)

McDuffie was one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks last season, earning First Team All-Pro honors after recording 80 total tackles, three sacks, seven passes defensed and a whopping five forced fumbles. He also recorded the most QB hits by a cornerback with nine since that stat was first collected in 2006. Additionally, quarterbacks completed 46% of passes for zero touchdowns and two interceptions when McDuffie was fired off the sidelines by defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

All about the NFL

Falcons HC Raheem Morris: Michael Penix “had a really good night” in his preseason debut | NFL.com

The veteran college star took the field and proved that his greatest strengths allowed him to make the jump from Washington to the NFL. Penix seemed comfortable in the pocket, completing most of his passes on time and, not surprisingly, relying on his strong arm to get the job done. He threw accurate throws and completed 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards in Atlanta’s 20-13 loss to the Miami Dolphins.

“It was a great feeling to go out there and compete with my brothers,” said Penix, who the Falcons selected eighth overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. “I was just having fun out there, playing the game I’ve been playing since I was five years old. So no nerves, no jitters, just ready to go.”

Ravens rookie QB Emory Jones loses game on only snap due to fumble | NBC Sports

Jones spent the entire game on the bench – until with 16 seconds left, the Ravens got the ball at their own 40-yard line with the score tied, and coach John Harbaugh decided to see what Jones could do. Jones came in for his first snap, dropped back to pass, got hit, dropped the ball, the Eagles recovered the ball in field goal range, and kicked the game-winning field goal as time expired.

After the game, Harbaugh said he hoped it was a learning experience for Jones.

“He feels bad about it, but he’s just getting started,” Harbaugh said. “It’s a learning experience for him. The tempo of this game is a little different. The first snap is a tough situation. He’ll learn from it. It’s preseason, you try to learn as much as you can from those situations. He’ll get better because of it. He’s a conscientious guy, wants to do well, he’s a good guy. He works really hard. One of those guys who takes responsibility for these things. He’ll be fine.”

In case you missed it at Arrowhead Pride

Chiefs squad: Ups and downs before the duel against the Jaguars

Bulls

Left tackle Kingsley Suamataia: I’m willing to predict this. The Chiefs will use the rookie as their left tackle this season. Yes, that’s a prediction, but it’s backed up by almost everything we’ve seen coming out of training camp. Kingsley Suamataia seems to have earned the starting position as he’s showing his athleticism and progress. He’s getting the bulk of the first-team action ahead of Wayna Morris (who is both a backup left tackle and learning other positions).

Linebacker Drue Tranquill: Maybe that energetic and passionate presence In the Chiefs’ camp is veteran linebacker, who returns to Kansas City for his second season. Tranquill was a key addition last year and helped improve the defense enough to put the team in a position to make the postseason. The loss of Willie Gay Jr. to free agents means more is expected from Tranquill and Leo Chenal. According to recent reports from St. Joseph, Drue Tranquill may be looking forward to playing with his opponents instead of his teammates. He seems poised for a great season.

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