The 7th Report Weekly Recap: NFL Preseason Week 3

NFL preseason
As a group, members of the Cleveland Browns support each other during an NFL preseason game (Ken Blaze/USA TODAY Sports)

As week three comes to an end and we begin the final week of the NFL preseason, one thing is crystal clear. All of us – and I mean all of us, are ready for the NFL regular season. Welcome to the third edition of “The 7th Report Weekly Recap”.

In addition to the latest news and observations, at the end of each recap, I include a Def Pen Sports “mini-mailbag”. If you want your questions answered in the “mini-mailbag”, tweet them to @the7threport. I select a few questions each week to answer and provide thoughtful analysis and insight on.

So, what did you miss?

The Cleveland Browns Group Protest

NFL preseason
For the second consecutive week, the Cleveland Browns, as a team, silently protest the National Anthem in the NFL preseason (Joshua Gunter/Cleveland.com)

Hue Jackson, head coach of the Cleveland Browns, initially discussed how he did not want his players protesting the anthem on the football field. After receiving an insane amount of scrutiny, Jackson released another statement, this time he read his notes from a sheet of paper. Jackson was quoted saying,

“I’d like to share a couple of thoughts on my recent post-practice comments when I was asked about how I’d feel about the Browns players protesting during the national anthem. First off, our players know that I have great appreciation for every single one of them. I respect and support their right for peaceful protest, a right afforded to every American. We’ve always made it clear to our players that they should embrace the platform they have as an NFL player to improve our community and use their platform in a positive, thoughtful, respectful manner.

“Our team along with every other team in the NFL and every other sport at every level should reflect what is good about America — our diversity, our race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, as well as equal opportunity. There are issues in our country right now that are far bigger than football, and I understand that. I respect that as well. The issues do impact our players and will compel them to react in many different ways.”

“My personal feelings (are) that over the last season we have seen players come under unfair scrutiny for protesting during the anthem, mainly because the focus has become on whether or not a player is being disrespectful to the flag or military and not on the issue and cause attempting to be addressed by the protest. The intent of my comments was not to discourage individual expression from our players in light of a cause that moves them to personal expression. I’m disheartened that I gave anyone that impression because I did not speak with enough clarity. However, my words did reflect my concern that I would express to any player about protesting during the anthem.”

“There are many effective ways athletes can utilize their platform if they so desire. But I would respect any individual decision as hopefully, it would be the player’s choice after much thoughtful dialogue. As an American, I am (of) the belief that our unique strength (is) in the diversity of our nation. As an NFL head coach, I strive to have this same belief reflected in how I lead and value every player on our football team as well as every individual within our organization. My actions will continue to mirror those beliefs both personally and professionally in a manner that serves to better people in this country.”

Last preseason game, multiple Browns players protested by kneeling together during the anthem. In week three, more players got involved and stood arm-in-arm along the Browns sideline.

One of the best Browns’ players ever, Jim Brown, commented earlier in the week about how the Browns protested. He told The Post Game

“I’m going to give you the real deal: I’m an American, I don’t desecrate my flag and my national anthem. I’m not gonna do anything against the flag and national anthem. I’m going to work within those situations, but this is my country, and I’ll work out the problems, but I’ll do it in an intelligent manner.”

Keep your eyes peeled for how the Browns choose to protest in the final NFL preseason game later this week. One thing is clear in the Browns locker room: they want unity.

NFL Preseason Injuries Continue

Usually, the week three preseason game is the last preseason game that most starters play. Sadly, there were a series of unfortunate injuries that occurred this weekend. The first to go down was Patriots wide receiver, Julian Edelman. He officially tore his ACL and is out for the remainder of the season.

The New England Patriots confirmed what we already thought while watching the injury.

But the injuries didn’t stop there. Add Chiefs starting running back Spencer Ware, Bears starting wide receiver Cameron Meredith, and Bills starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor to that list.

They continue to drop like flys.

Is there a simple solution? Why not do away with two preseason games and add one regular season game? Players receive additional pay, owners make more money, fans get more football.

Who’s not to benefit?

Tom Savage, Blake Bortles, and DeShone Kizer Officially Named Starters

Despite having one week left in the NFL preseason, three quarterbacks were named the starters for their respective franchises. Tom Savage is officially named the Houston Texans week one starter.

Doug Marrone and the Jacksonville Jaguars officially name Blake Bortles the week one starter over Chad Henne.

And finally, Hue Jackson and the Cleveland Browns officially name rookie DeShone Kizer the starting quarterback.

Hue Jackson also commented on revealing that Kizer will start for the Browns.

Which team will have more success with their new starting quarterback?

The 7th Report: Mini-Mailbag

Let’s get into it! What questions did you have for me this week?

HH: Thanks for your question, Ben. I think the SEC East now has a clear “top dawg” (pun intended). I originally picked Florida, however, after the mass of suspensions I re-evaluated my decision. Heading into the season, I think the Georgia Bulldogs have the best roster in the SEC East. Kirby Smart is in his second year now and needs to show coaching improvement if the Dawgs want to “get back on top”. I think Tennessee regresses without Dobbs and Kamara. South Carolina, Vanderbilt, and Kentucky are all trending upward, however.

HH: Great question, Chase. Even before the Patriots lost Edelman, I didn’t think they would repeat. The passion, experience, and savvy of Edelman will be missed tremendously, but the Patriots are known for finding someone else to step up. The addition of Brandin Cooks will absolutely help Brady as well as a healthy Gronk. I think it does hurt them, but Brady and Belichick will find others to somewhat replace him while he recovers from his injury.

“What do you think the Titans record will be this year?” – @AustinMesser

HH: Thank you, Austin. I have the Tennessee Titans winning the AFC South. Especially now with the Texans naming Tom Savage and the Jaguars naming Blake Bortles their starting quarterbacks. This division somehow got easier. It’s the second easiest division behind the AFC East (Patriots, Bills, Dolphins, and Jets) in my opinion. Additionally, Andrew Luck doesn’t seem to be healthy enough to play. If he doesn’t start, the division is clearly the Titans to lose. I envision the Titans going 10-6 and making the playoffs for the first time since 2008.

Thank you all for your questions. If you want your NFL preseason questions answered in the “mini-mailbag”, tweet them to @the7threport. See you for the final week of the NFL preseason!

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