Tag: Allen

Oct 6, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) celebrates after a tackle during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at NorthWest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Commanders open practice window for DT Jonathan Allen

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Washington Commanders opened the 21-day practice window for star defensive tackle Jonathan Allen on Wednesday.

Allen, 29, was placed on injured reserve on Oct. 16 with what was feared to be a season-ending pectoral injury.

The two-time Pro Bowl selection recorded two sacks, six quarterback hits and 15 tackles in six starts before getting hurt in a Week 6 loss at Baltimore.

Allen has totaled 41 sacks, 117 QB hits, 397 tackles, two fumble recoveries and one interception in 107 games (all starts) since being drafted in the first round (17th overall) by Washington in 2017.

The Commanders (9-5) are three games behind Philadelphia in the NFC East with three games remaining, starting with Sunday’s clash against the visiting Eagles (12-2).

–Field Level Media

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson watches a play against Tennessee Titans during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024.

Take 5: Early candidates to be Saints’ next head coach

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The New Orleans Saints became the second team to get a head start on the NFL coaching carousel by firing Dennis Allen on Monday.

He follows Robert Saleh, who was let go by the New York Jets last month. Allen’s departure appeared imminent as the Saints dropped their seventh consecutive game on Sunday following two wins to begin the season.

Special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi will serve as the team’s interim head coach for the remainder of the season, and here are five early candidates to become the Saints’ next head coach in the offseason.

5. Mike Vrabel, Browns Consultant
Vrabel, 49, is spending this season as a consultant for Cleveland after parting ways with Tennessee last offseason. The NFL’s Coach of the Year in 2021, Vrabel spent six years at the helm of the Titans. He is highly respected in league circles and is expected to be on the short list for several vacancies this offseason.

4. Aaron Glenn, Detroit Lions Defensive Coordinator
As impressive as the Lions’ offense is, Glenn has been doing an outstanding job leading the defense, which has continued to befuddle opponents following the devastating injury to pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson. Detroit is allowing an average of 357.1 yards per game, but a solid portion of that is coming in garbage time of blowout victories. The Lions are allowing only 18.5 points per game, good for sixth in the NFL entering Monday night.

Glenn, 52, has ties to the Saints’ franchise. After closing his playing career with a season in New Orleans in 2008, he returned to serve as the team’s defensive backs coach from 2016-20 before taking the reins of the Lions’ defense. The big hurdle in a potential third stint in New Orleans could be the team’s interest in an offensive-minded head coach following the failed Allen tenure.

3. Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills Offensive Coordinator
Brady has been lauded for his work with Josh Allen & Co. since taking over midseason in 2023. Despite deal away Stefon Diggs last offseason and Allen working with a mediocre group of wide receivers, Buffalo is fifth in the NFL averaging 28.9 points per game.

Brady also has strong ties to New Orleans, working as an offensive assistant for the Saints from 2017-18 before moving on to become the passing game coordinator for LSU the following season. After two years as the Carolina Panthers’ offensive coordinator, Brady moved on to Buffalo in 2022. He would potentially become the youngest head coach in the NFL, having just turned 35 in September.

2. Todd Monken, Baltimore Ravens Offensive Coordinator
Sticking with the offensive-minded theme, Monken currently oversees the NFL’s fourth-ranked offense in terms of total yards and No. 2 scoring offense at 31.4 points per game. Monken, 58, is a longtime offensive coordinator at the pro and college levels. He came to Baltimore last season after running Georgia’s offense for three years, winning a pair of national titles in the process.

Monken began his coaching career at Division II Grand Valley State in 1989 and has served stints at Notre Dame, Oklahoma State and LSU in addition to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Bucs and Cleveland Browns.

1. Ben Johnson, Lions Offensive Coordinator
Yes, Bill Belichick might be the biggest name available this offseason but no one is shaping up to be more sought after than Johnson. The Lions “only” have the seventh-ranked total offense in the league but Detroit is regularly blowing opponents out on the strength of an offense that leads the NFL with an average of 32.3 points per game.

How interested Johnson is in the Saints’ job could depend upon where New Orleans stacks up at the end of the season in terms of landing one of the top QBs in the draft and which other vacancies become available.

–Field Level Media

Oct 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen reacts to a play call against the Denver Broncos during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Saints fire Dennis Allen with losing streak at seven games

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Dennis Allen was fired as head coach of the New Orleans Saints on Monday following the team’s seventh consecutive loss.

Allen was 18-25 with the Saints, who won their first two games this season in dominant fashion over the Carolina Panthers and Dallas Cowboys before their current nosedive began.

The Saints named special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

In a team release, Saints owner Gayle Benson said the decision to fire Allen was “very tough for me and our organization” but one “I felt we needed to make at this time.”

New Orleans (2-7) lost 23-22 at Carolina on Sunday, blowing a lead and becoming the first team in 20 seasons to lose despite an advantage of 150-plus yards total offense, rushing for 150-plus yards and winning the turnover margin.

Allen, 52, was promoted from his post as defensive coordinator to replace Sean Payton in 2022, when general manager Mickey Loomis cited his familiarity with the culture and roster as a key factor in the decision.

“This season we have had an avalanche of injuries,” Loomis said in the release. “It took its toll. DA has never offered excuses, he fought each day for this organization and this team and that is what makes today disappointing. Dennis has been an integral part of this team’s success for the better part of 20 years. He will be missed.”

Allen was fired as head coach of the then-Oakland Raiders after an 0-4 start in 2014 and then spent seven seasons as Payton’s defensive coordinator in New Orleans.

In two stints covering parts of six seasons as a head coach, Allen has never taken a team to the playoffs.

Allen is the second NFL coach to be fired this season, joining the New York Jets’ Robert Saleh (Oct. 8).

–Field Level Media

Sep 8, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) attempts to make a catch against Tennessee Titans safety Amani Hooker (37) during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images

Keenan Allen out, Rome Odunze in for Bears vs. Texans

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Chicago Bears receiver Keenan Allen is one of the team’s inactives and will miss Sunday night’s road game against the Houston Texans.

Fellow wideout Rome Odunze is set to play in the contest.

Allen didn’t practice all week after aggravating a heel injury in last week’s season-opening victory over the Tennessee Titans. Odunze sustained a sprained knee against the Titans and returned to practice Friday on a limited basis.

Bears coach Matt Eberflus had said both players were game-time decisions. Allen (908 career receptions) and Odunze (the ninth overall choice of the 2024 draft) are both in their first season with Chicago.

The other inactives for the Bears are offensive lineman Kiran Amegadjie, fullback Khari Blasingame, receiver Velus Jones Jr., defensive lineman Dominique Robinson and linebacker Noah Sewell.

Texans running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) is inactive. The other Houston inactives are linebackers Jamal Hill and Rashad Weaver, safety M.J. Stewart, receiver John Metchie III and offensive lineman Juice Scruggs.

–Field Level Allen

Sep 8, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) leaps for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Bills QB Josh Allen (hand) cleared for TNF vs. Dolphins

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Bills quarterback Josh Allen received medical clearance to start Thursday’s away game against the Miami Dolphins and is not expected to be limited this week in practice.

Allen received the green light after tests on his injured left hand, Bills coach Sean McDermott said Monday afternoon.

Asked if Allen could be limited later in the week because of his grip or any challenges with handing the ball off, McDermott said, “I don’t think so, he was able to do it.”

Allen accounted for four touchdowns to lead Buffalo to a 34-28 win in Week 1. He injured his left hand on a fourth-quarter leap into the end zone over Cardinals safety Budda Baker. Allen landed on his left hand with his right elbow and returned to the game with the hand taped.

The Dolphins (1-0) also rallied for a win on Sunday, beating Jacksonville 20-17 on a last-second field goal from Jason Sanders.

Allen was stellar against Miami last season with six touchdown passes, one rushing touchdown and 679 total passing yards.

Buffalo swept the series in 2023 to claim the AFC East division title with a 48-20 win at home and 21-14 victory in Week 18 at Miami.

Bills safety Taron Johnson is out Thursday night against Miami with a forearm injury. The team did not offer a timeline for his return because his injury requires “more research,” McDermott said.

–Field Level Media

Sep 8, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) leaps for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Bills QB Josh Allen to have X-rays on left hand

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Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen said his heavily taped left hand is “fine,” but expects to have X-rays to confirm his plans to not miss any time.

Allen passed for 232 yards and accounted for four touchdowns for the Bills in a 34-28 comeback win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. He scored two rushing touchdowns that involved heavy contact and hurt his hand on the second one.

“The first one, I kind of lowered the shoulder knowing it was a corner. The second one, I knew it was (safety) Budda (Baker), and he’ll lower the boom on you,” Allen said. “So I decided to go up and over. Probably can’t make a living doing that.”

Bills head coach Sean McDemott said he would have more information on Allen on Monday after speaking with team medical personnel.

While cradling the ball to protect it from closing Cardinals defensive lineman Justin Jones and Baker, Allen went airborne over Baker to complete a 6-yard touchdown run with 8:44 left in the fourth quarter.

As he cleared the goal line, Allen went to the ground and landed on his left hand under the full force of his own right elbow and body weight.

Athletic trainers on the sideline tended to Allen, who returned the next possession with tape on the hand.

–Field Level Media

Feb 8, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen on the Pac McAfee show on radio row at the Super Bowl 58 media center at the Mandalay Bay resort and casino. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Bills QB Josh Allen celebrates 28th birthday with WR intros

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Bills quarterback Josh Allen celebrated his 28th birthday on Tuesday by slinging passes to supporting cast members and introducing himself to new wide receivers.

Buffalo enters the seventh season with Allen under center with a number of changes in the program, specifically the wide receiver depth chart. Gabe Davis left in free agency and Stefon Diggs was traded to the Houston Texans.

Allen has passed for 22,703 yards with 167 touchdowns in his career while embracing becoming the face of the franchise. When the Bills flipped a considerable portion of the roster in the offseason — in part due to Allen’s market-aligned pay consuming 22.4 percent of the salary cap — head coach Sean McDermott challenged Allen to dig further into a leadership role.

“Tremendously impressed, proud,” McDermott said of Allen’s growth. “The type of person he is. The type of character he possesses. The things that he is — like most franchise quarterbacks probably — has to do, beyond the field. And how he handles those things, to me, that’s what I’m most proud of.”

Signed as a free agent after winning two Super Bowls with the Chiefs, Marquez Valdes-Scantling is still getting to know Allen. But his initial takeaway had nothing to do with Allen’s rocket launcher for a throwing arm.

“Josh is normal,” Valdes-Scantling said. “One of the best quarterbacks in the league might have an ego. But the best thing is, Josh is a normal dude.”

The Bills also added Keon Coleman with the No. 33 pick in the draft, giving Allen a pair of 6-foot-4 targets to help ease the loss of the reliable Diggs. Allen said he can sense Coleman has plenty of tools to work with before he ever takes the field.

“He can move and he can jump,” Allen said.

Allen said the 29-year-old Valdes-Scantling and fellow veteran newcomer Curtis Samuel are very good leaders in the wide receiver room and Coleman has shown the willingness to study and learn.

“It’s a fun process to get to know some of these guys on and off the field. Get to know their body language, where and how to throw the football. That’s the fun part,” Allen said.

–Field Level Media

Nov 26, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) and wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) celebrate a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Bills, QB Josh Allen search for answers without WR Stefon Diggs

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With no true No. 1 wide receiver on the roster, some might have anticipated a more abrasive posture from quarterback Josh Allen as the Bills open offseason workouts.

But as the Bills transform the roster, Allen said he’s accepting the unspoken challenge of becoming a better leader.

“It’s definitely hard to part ways with a guy that’s been very instrumental in our success the last four years,” Allen said Thursday of reporting to work without wide receiver Stefon Diggs in tow.

“We made a lot of changes this offseason. We lost a lot of veteran leadership — Stef being one of them. Going into Year 7 now, it just kind of is what it is. I don’t get paid to make changes on the team. I get paid to be the best quarterback I can be and try to lead the guys on this team.”

Diggs was traded to the Houston Texans and exchanged text messages with Allen, who said he’ll “always love him like a brother.” Buffalo also moved on from No. 2 wide receiver Gabe Davis, who landed in Jacksonville as a free agent.

Bills general manager Brandon Beane is tasked with making roster changes. He said there’s no truth to the idea Buffalo needs a No. 1 wide receiver on the roster or has to zero in on that position in the draft.

“We’d love to have two guys out there who are No. 1s,” Beane said. “What you need are guys that are smart, versatile, selfless and can make the plays that their skill set allows them to make. If it’s a tall guy that Josh is going to throw him a 50-50 ball he’s got to come down with it. If it’s a guy that we’re going to get the ball in his hands and we need some (yards after the catch) he’s going to do that. … If there’s a (No.) 1 (receiver) that pops up in free agency or draft that makes sense for us, we’ll do it.

“I don’t think not having a 1 means we cannot have success either as an offense or as a team.”

Buffalo’s current depth chart at the position features 2023 fifth-round pick Justin Shorter, 2022 fifth-round pick Khalil Shakir and free agent signee Curtis Samuel.

The Bills feature tight ends Dawson Knox and 2023 first-round pick Dalton Kincaid but no outside receiver with Diggs’ resume.

“We’ll miss him. You never replace a player like Stef Diggs,” head coach Sean McDermott said Thursday. “… Hard to move on from a player like that.”

McDermott called the trade an “opportunity to step up” for returning receivers.

He said he discussed the trade of Diggs with Allen and they communicated “multiple times” because of the gravity of the decision. In exchange for a 2025 second-round pick, the Bills are forced to swallow $31 million in dead money on the current payroll and take a $4 million cap hit.

“Just trying to do what’s best for the team, both in the near-term and the long-term,” McDermott said.

–Field Level Media

Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Josh Allen (41) celebrates with teammates after setting the Jaguars single season record for sacks during second quarter action. The Jacksonville Jaguars hosted the Carolina Panthers at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, FL Sunday, December 31, 2023. The Jaguars went in at the half with a 9 to 0 lead.

Reports: Jaguars, pass rusher Josh Allen agree to $150M deal

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Jacksonville Jaguars Pro Bowl pass rusher Josh Allen agreed to a five-year, $150 million contract, according to multiple reports on Wednesday.

The Jaguars put the franchise tag on the 26-year-old Allen in March, blocking him from free agency as head coach Doug Pederson said the two sides were fully committed to working together on a long-term agreement. Allen has played only with the Jaguars since he was selected seventh overall in 2019.

Allen set a franchise record with 17.5 sacks in 2023 and his 45 career sacks are just 10 away from the team record (55, Tony Brackens). He was selected to the Pro Bowl twice in his first five seasons.

Under the terms of the franchise tag, Allen was guaranteed $24 million in 2024. Instead, he’ll reportedly received $88 million guaranteed.

The next order of business for the Jaguars could be the contract of quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The No. 1 pick in 2021 is in the final season of his four-year, $36.8 million deal with a fifth-year option, a virtual guarantee to be picked up by the Jaguars, for 2025.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, the No. 1 pick in 2020, signed a five-year, $275 million extension before Week 1 of the 2023 season not long after the Los Angeles Chargers signed quarterback Justin Herbert, selected No. 6 overall in 2020, to a five-year deal worth a reported $262.5 million.

–Field Level Media

Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Josh Allen (41) celebrates with teammates after setting the Jaguars single season record for sacks during second quarter action. The Jacksonville Jaguars hosted the Carolina Panthers at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, FL Sunday, December 31, 2023. The Jaguars went in at the half with a 9 to 0 lead.

Jaguars apply franchise tag, retain pass rusher Josh Allen

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The Jaguars placed the franchise tag on pass rusher Josh Allen, who would make $24 million next season unless he works out on a long-term contract with Jacksonville before the NFL deadline on July 17.

Allen, the No. 7 overall selection in 2019, played the 2023 season on his fifth-year option and posted career highs with 17.5 sacks and 33 quarterback hits in 17 games.

The 26-year-old was voted to his second Pro Bowl and head coach Doug Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke let him know before the end of last season they were committed to keeping him in Jacksonville.

“Yeah, Josh will be a Jaguar,” Baalke said in January. “I know Josh wants to be here, and I know we want him here. Can we come to a number that works for everybody? That’s the key.”

Two edge rushers — Panthers outside linebacker Brian Burns is the other — were tagged on Tuesday.

A long-term deal didn’t happen despite a meeting with Allen’s representatives in Indianapolis last week.

Only five “edge rushers,” comprised of defensive ends and pass-rushing outside linebackers, are scheduled to make more than Allen’s franchise tender in 2024.

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa is the highest-paid player at the position group next season with an annual average salary of $34 million on a $170 million contract that raised the bar significantly last summer.

Montez Sweat, acquired by the Bears in October, is scheduled to make $24.5 million per year on a new $98 million agreement with Chicago. Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns ($25 million), Joey Bosa of the Los Angeles Chargers ($27 million) and Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt ($28 million) are the only other players in the same range.

–Field Level Media