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znModerator— MC Squared (@mcsquared34) June 20, 2025
znModeratorHall of Fame quarterback Steve Young completed an interview with Rich Eisen last week
This is a good one. It has a bit about Stafford, but the interesting part is where Young talks about how older qbs benefit from rules changes.
Yeah, Steve Young is always talking about the idea that QBs who can run are the new prototype, etc. And i agree with him in general, but then the running-QB-advocates ALWAYS neglect to mention the Stafford super bowl win. I always listen close to these guys and they NEVER mention the Stafford win. Its always Hertz, Mahommes, Josh Allan, Lamar, etc, blah blah.
Fact is a Brady or a Stafford can still win a Ring in this new NFL.
Maybe even a Flacco.
I wonder what Dan Marino would look like in todays NFL.
w
vI liked the bit about how rules changes on defense have made the spacing on the field different (and better) for more experienced qbs. They learned how to play in a tighter game and now the game is easier for them.
And WV, I put a message up for you on the Public House forum.
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znModeratorHall of Fame quarterback Steve Young completed an interview with Rich Eisen last week
This is a good one. It has a bit about Stafford, but the interesting part is where Young talks about how older qbs benefit from rules changes.
znModerator…
Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young completed an interview with Rich Eisen last week, and something he said about Matthew Stafford and Aaron Rodgers has been sticking with me. Young explained to Eisen that Stafford and Rodgers are arguably the last of their kind at the quarterback position, and both players can continue to leverage that experience into interest and ultimately money.
Said Young,
“For people who learned in a sophisticated era, it just makes it that much more profitable, and that’s why those guys and Aaron’s the last one…I mean Matthew Stafford. Matthew and Aaron are the last ones…that have learned in more sophisticated era and are taking advantage of it.
znModeratorAll it takes is better early down defense. Rams need to win more on 1st and 2nd down. They kill it on 3rd and long.
Poona and Landman brought in for that. We will see.
"They are npot booing, they are saying "Pooooona" https://t.co/VlspvhI3mQ
— Jim Youngblood 53 (@53_jim70721) June 21, 2025
June 21, 2025 at 4:35 am in reply to: a late start…time for the thread on Trump atrocities, or “Trumpocities” #156871znModeratorAdam Cochran (adamscochran.eth)@adamscochran
Meet the Russian spy that Elon Musk accidentally helped reveal:
Sergey Goryachev
Working in the White House with Trump as the director of personnel, using the name “Sergio Gor” (not very inventive)
Sergio claims to be from Malta, but has not had a background check.
With almost no career history he started working for major RNC candidates and then helped lead fundraising for the “Right for America” SuperPAC which raised millions for Trump – and had him appointed to the administration.
We learned about him after Musk started complaining about him publicly, apparently Musk wasn’t getting to influence hiring in the way he wanted because it all ran through “Sergio” and they frequently fought.
Which led to Sergio escalating complaints about Musk to Trump.
When reporters did digging on him they found:
-Malta has no record of the man, despite him claiming to be born there.
-The White House claims he is following all security regulations but has not had a background check.
-Sergio Gor’s personal gmail once used a unique long string numerical password “961649507273”
-This same password in data leaks was seen on multiple Russian emails for a Sergey Goryachev:•sgoryachev999@rambler.ru
•goryachev-sergey@yandex.ru
•sergio-gor@yandex.ru
•sergio-gor@qip.ru
•goryachev-sergey@ya.ru
•goryachev-sergey@list.ru
•goryachev-sergey@gmail.comSergey Goryachev shows up in Russian databases as “Sergey Anatolyevich Goryachev” of Saratov, Russia. Having a state tax ID that lists the date of birth as Nov 20th 1980, while Sergio Gor claims to be born Nov 30th 1986 (although personally I think he looks a bit weather for claiming to be 38..)
He has also failed to produce any school records despite the fact that his supposed Alma Matter (George Washington University) has a diploma certification service allowing you to prove authenticity.
Under oath, he refused to comment on where he was born simply saying “he was not from Russia” which of course doesn’t rule out the USSR or society bloc countries which it would have been in the 1980s.
Even if this was above board, and he was born in Malta, we need to be asking why the person in charge of ALL personnel hiring, has a Russian tax ID and can’t clear a background check.
And why Rubio, Vance, Trump, Matt Gaetz and Rand Paul have all hired him for key roles and defended him whilst knowing he can’t pass the background check!
znModeratorShort version.
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Andrew Whitworth explains what the Rams are getting out of Davante Adams! 😤 pic.twitter.com/VvJMoj0V5C
— RamsNation (@LARamsey46) June 20, 2025
znModeratorAlbert Breer: The Rams’ approach to filling the position in recent years has been interesting. The projected starters right now are a couple guys that came in as reclamation projects, in Ahkello Witherspoon and Darious Williams (who returned after starting his career in Los Angeles).
znModeratorEntering the 2025 NFL season, @FourVerts gives his top 10 QBs 👀 pic.twitter.com/aNytKuDo0v
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) June 19, 2025
znModeratorfrom NFL All Quarter Century team: Best 53-man roster, coaches: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45042048/nfl-best-all-quarter-century-team-25-years-tom-brady-randy-moss-ray-lewis
This team includes 25 offensive players, 23 defensive players and five special teams players. For another wrinkle, we filled out a full “practice squad” with the players who just missed the cut and listed them in their respective position groups. We followed current NFL practice squad rules, which includes 17 players if one was brought in from the International Player Pathway Program. Finally, we also needed an elite coaching staff to get the most out of this quarter-century team, so we picked a head coach and three coordinators.
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Aaron Donald
Teams: Rams (2014-23)
Résumé since 2000: 111 sacks, 24 forced fumbles, one-time Super Bowl champion, three-time DPOY, eight-time All-ProDonald is certainly the greatest defensive tackle of the past 25 years and possibly the greatest in NFL history. His 20.5 sacks in 2018 set a single-season record for a primary defensive tackle, while his career total is second among defensive tackles (since 1982) behind John Randle’s 137.5.
Bobby Wagner
Teams: Seahawks (2012-21, 2023), Rams (2022), Commanders (2024-present)
Résumé since 2000: 35 sacks, 7 forced fumbles, 13 interceptions, one-time Super Bowl champion, 11-time All-ProWagner has the same number of first-team All-Pro selections as Lewis (seven), which is more than any other linebacker since 2000. His 10 Pro Bowl selections don’t even include the year he finished second in the Defensive Rookie of the Year balloting (2012) or the year he helped lead the Seahawks to a Super Bowl win (2013). Wagner also led the NFL in tackles three times. Since 2000, only London Fletcher has more tackles than Wagner’s 1,838. — Schatz
Wade Phillips, defensive coordinator
Phillips not only has a record of coordinating strong defenses at multiple stops; he also has a great record of improving those defenses. He took the Falcons’ defense from 24th in DVOA in 2001 to 10th in 2002. He took the Chargers’ defense from 28th in 2003 to ninth in 2004. He took the Texans’ defense — with some help from rookie J.J. Watt, of course — from 30th in 2010 to eighth in 2011. Then he took the Broncos to No. 1 in defensive DVOA in both 2015 and 2016, with a Super Bowl championship.
Including Phillips’ stops as a head coach (Bills and Cowboys), his defenses have ranked in the top half of the league in 15 of 18 seasons since 2000. — Schatz
znModeratorRanking the NFC West’s starting QBs: Where does Matthew Stafford stand in 2025?
Experience, upside, and system fit all play a role in this year’s NFC West QB rankings.The NFC West has an intriguing group of starting quarterbacks. On one end, you’ve got a Super Bowl champ still slinging it at age 37. On the other, a former No. 1 pick is trying to reclaim his spark. Adding to the mix is a former Mr. Irrelevant who just signed a five-year, $265 million contract extension and a one-time top prospect, now a journeyman coming off a career year, who is looking to prove that last season was no fluke.
As we head into the 2025 season, the division offers a mix of battle-tested veterans, rising stars, and question marks. So how do these four quarterbacks stack up? Let’s break it down and rank the four starters leading their respective clubs.
4. Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks
Why: Darnold steps in as a placeholder in Seattle after Geno Smith’s departure. At 28, the former No. 3 overall pick in 2018 was finally able to put all the pieces together in 2024 having led the Minnesota Vikings, his fourth team in seven years, to a 14-3 finish while recording career-highs in passing yards (4,319), completions (361), completion percentage (66.2), and touchdown passes (35). While the playoffs told a different story, and the Vikings are now ready to go all in with J.J. McCarthy, Darnold has earned himself a more than fair chance to try and show that last season was not a one-year wonder-type deal.
2025 outlook: Seattle, who added Cooper Kupp in the offseason but will now be without DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, will likely lean on its run game and defense. Darnold could surprise Klint Kubiak’s offense, but consistency from one good year to another is key here until he shows it; he’s the most unproven starter in this division.
3. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
Why: Murray might still have the highest ceiling of any QB in this division, and for the first time in a while, he’s entering a season with real momentum. After returning from his ACL injury midway through 2023, Murray finally played a full season in 2024, his first since 2020, and reminded everyone of his dual-threat ability. Despite Arizona’s 8-9 finish, Murray had the Cardinals in playoff contention through the first 10 weeks with a 6-4 record. He threw for 3,851 yards and 21 touchdowns and added 572 rushing yards, his most since his Pro Bowl year in 2020, plus five scores on the ground.
2025 outlook: Now, with a full offseason healthy, year three in Drew Petzing’s system, and a core that features second-year WR Marvin Harrison Jr., a consecutive 1,000-yard back in James Conner, and last season’s breakout tight end Trey McBride, the table is set. He’s a wild card, but if the former 2019 No. 1 overall pick stays healthy and consistent, he could vault up this list fast.
2. Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers
Why: It’s been a remarkable rise for Purdy, from the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft to now one of the league’s highest-paid quarterbacks. While he may not have the biggest arm or the flashiest skill set, Purdy has consistently done what many quarterbacks with better tools can’t: win. He’s already led the 49ers to the playoffs twice, including a Super Bowl appearance in 2023. And while San Francisco’s talent-rich roster and Kyle Shanahan’s scheme deserve credit, Purdy’s efficiency, toughness, and poise under pressure are undeniable. The results last season may not have been the same, but there’s no doubt he’s shown he can handle the moment and lead his team on any given Sunday.
2025 outlook: Despite the loss of Deebo Samuel, if his supporting cast can stay healthy and he can cut back on turnovers and reclaim his 2023 form, when he led the league in yards per attempt and passer rating while taking advantage of a division that did not have a clear-cut runaway team last year. In that case, there’s no reason he can’t elevate the 49ers back to playoff contention as well as be viewed as a top-12 QB league-wide. Now with a hefty new deal, the pressure is on to deliver.
1. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
Why: Even at 37, Stafford is still the most proven and complete quarterback in this division. He played in 16 games in 2024 and has missed just three games over the last two seasons while leading the Rams back into contention. He has thrown for over 3,700 yards in each of the past two years and 20-plus touchdowns while cutting back on turnovers despite a young supporting cast. While Cooper Kupp is gone, Puka Nacua continues to break out, Kyren Williams is blossoming, and now Davante Adams is joining the mix, so Stafford is positioned to thrive. His arm talent, experience, and clutch playmaking still separate him from the rest.
2025 outlook: While his 40-plus touchdown passing days might be over, if his arm holds up and Sean McVay keeps dialing it up with a now reloaded offense, Stafford could flirt with a top-10 QB season.
znModeratorfrom https://www.si.com/nfl/nfl-mailbag-why-joe-burrow-is-an-early-mvp-favorite
Zach Fogelman (@FogelmanZach): Will the Rams address the cornerback position? How likely is it that Ramsey will be traded back or the Jaire Alexander route?
Albert Breer: The Rams’ approach to filling the position in recent years has been interesting. The projected starters right now are a couple guys that came in as reclamation projects, in Ahkello Witherspoon and Darious Williams (who returned after starting his career in Los Angeles). Former first-rounder Emmanuel Forbes Jr. is in that mix too. And so taking a swing on Alexander or getting Jalen Ramsey back would kind of fit.
But I do think this is also a larger philosophical thing for the Rams, with much of their recent focus on building up the offensive skill spots and defensive front—areas they believe are truly impactful on wins and losses. I heard someone say that in today’s NFL, corners are more speed bumps than stop signs, and I think that might be how L.A. has come to view the position. Or at least that’s how it looks.
znModeratorPuka Nacua's rapid ascent an inspiration to Polynesian athletes and Hawaiian fans https://t.co/EvVk0IhFV4
— Gary Klein (@LATimesklein) June 19, 2025
znModeratorPro Football Hall of Fame Ambassador@PFHOFAmbassador
KOBIE TURNER, @RamsNFL DT – In 2024 was double teamed on 52.4% of his pass rush plays – the Highest figure for any NFL interior defensive lineman (Per NFL)znModeratorfrom PFF, Fantasy Football Rankings 2025: Running back tiers: https://www.pff.com/news/fantasy-football-rankings-2025-running-back-tiers-2?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=dhtwitter&utm_content=null
TIER 3: High-end workloads to consider for RB1
He’s been the most effective runner from a fantasy perspective over the last two seasons combined. He ranks first in fantasy points per game from rushing at 14. He also ranks in the top five on a per-game basis in rushing yards (87.3), yards after contact (57.9), rushing touchdowns (0.93), rushing avoided tackles (3.8) and PPR fantasy points (18.8).
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With less efficient play, his fantasy points per game dropped from 21.3 in 2023 to 17.0 in 2024. His PFF rushing grade dropped from 90.6 to 74.0.
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Since McVay became head coach, the Rams have ranked fourth in rushing attempts differential between the starter and the backups. The other four teams are the Tennessee Titans, Dallas Cowboys, Las Vegas Raiders and Cincinnati Bengals. For most of that time, those teams had Derrick Henry, Ezekiel Elliott, Josh Jacobs and Joe Mixon, who are the four running backs with 1,600 or more carries. None of the Rams’ running backs have over 1,000 carries in that time, making this a coach’s philosophy more so than a particular running back’s philosophy.znModeratorRanking all 32 Receiving Corps in the NFL 📊 pic.twitter.com/WgxcUlA2uN
— PFF (@PFF) June 18, 2025
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June 18, 2025 at 12:21 pm in reply to: alaric jackson … blood clots? DJ Humphries … any good? #156852znModerator1.
Rams taking things “a day at a time” with Alaric Jackson
McVay confirmed Los Angeles’ starting left tackle is dealing with blood clots and did not travel with the team to Maui for minicamp. He did not provide a timetable for Jackson’s return, other than saying they were taking things day-by-day with him.
“You pray for him to be able to have a healthy, safe recovery,” McVay said. “And we’re really just taking it a day at a time with him. There’s a lot of examples of people that have had situations like this, but they’re all still so uniquely independent in their own right. And so we’re gathering information.”
Jackson has faced a similar situation before, missing the final nine games of the 2022 season because of blood clots. When asked about what they can apply from Jackson’s first time dealing with this scenario as they form a plan this time around, McVay reiterated they’re still in the process of gathering information.
“There needs to be a lot of discussion and dialogue with (Jackson) and with the doctors about, most importantly, what’s best for him as a human being,” McVay said. “And then you talk about football after that. But what we are grateful for is that we were able to identify this based on his communication and get him on the appropriate medicine to make sure that he’s as healthy as possible.”
McVay said they signed veteran offensive lineman D.J. Humphries to a one-year deal last week to be “proactive about a contingency plan.”
2.
from https://www.lafbnetwork.com/nfl/la-rams/la-rams-news/los-angeles-rams-alaric-jackson-timeline/
McVay also praised Jackson’s transparency, noting that the player’s communication helped detect the issue early, allowing for timely medical intervention. “You pray for him to be able to have a healthy, safe recovery,” McVay said, acknowledging the unique and unpredictable nature of blood clot cases. His guarded tone reflects the reality that while Jackson’s recovery is the top priority, the timeline—and perhaps even his long-term playing future—remains unsettled. As the Rams gather more information and consult closely with medical professionals, the hope is for a positive outcome, but patience and caution will define the path forward.
znModeratortop 10 offenses. 49ers in the top ten. Rams at no. 10
Mina has concerns about Aleric.She also saw the Rams as being inconsistent in 2024. But then doesn’t account for the fact that in the first few games there were OL issues (injuries + Jackson out) and in the last few games Stafford was playing with a shoulder issue. All teams can stumble if they have injury issues at qb and on the OL.
I think it’s her Bartleby moment. She could have really studied the Rams season, but preferred not to.
znModeratorKobie Turner remains the best.
Previewing his Year 3, how the Rams defense is focused on stuffing the run, and how this trip to Maui will pay dividends down the road.
— J.B. Long (@JB_Long) June 18, 2025
znModeratorPrisco’s NFL Top 100 players of 2025: https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/priscos-nfl-top-100-players-of-2025-saquon-barkley-cracks-top-5-five-other-rbs-make-top-50-4-qbs-in-top-10/
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Jared Verse
Los Angeles Rams LB
Verse had 4.5 sacks as a rookie, but the pressure numbers show how dominant he can be as an edger player. He did rack up a lot of them on his way to winning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. He’s also good in the run game. This could be his breakout sack season.63
Puka Nacua
Los Angeles Rams WR
He was limited to 12 games because of injury, yet Nacua still managed to catch 79 passes with three touchdowns. That number was down from the 105 he had as a rookie, but he did average more catches per game.91
Davante Adams
Los Angeles Rams WR
Adams turns 33 in December, so age is starting to become a factor. He was never a burner, so that’s a concern. But the Rams offense would seem to be perfect for how he plays. Playing for the Raiders and Jets, he still had 85 catches and eight touchdown receptions.znModeratorFirst minicamp practice in Maui coming up! 📍🌴 pic.twitter.com/N9opsBx5TP
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) June 17, 2025
znModeratorRams wide receiver target share ranks since Sean McVay got to LA: 8th, 5th, 6th, 8th, 1st, 4th, 1st, and 1st.
Rams wide receiver fantasy points scored (PPR) during this time: 5th, 4th, 4th, 12th, 1st, 15th, 3rd, and 2nd
— JJ Zachariason (@LateRoundQB) June 16, 2025
znModerator“I LOVED watching Hoecht with the Rams, but I said to myself, ‘what is he actually going to be for the Bills?’”@GregCosell has a question about the Bills newest signing: pic.twitter.com/p4jsBvQcPV
— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) June 14, 2025
znModeratorfrom the wiki
Considered a ballhawk, Forbes holds the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) record for most career interceptions returned for a touchdown with six and is fourth in Mississippi State history with 14 interceptions. He also holds school records for the longest interception return at 90 yards, doing so at the 2020 Armed Forces Bowl, and the most interception yards in a season with 183, doing so as a freshman.
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Washington Commanders
Forbes was selected by the Washington Commanders in the first round (16th overall) of the 2023 NFL draft. His slim weight is a common point of discussion, with him being the only cornerback drafted since 2000 to weigh under 170 pounds at the NFL Combine. He signed a fully guaranteed four-year $15.4 million contract on July 22, 2023.
Forbes recorded his first career interception in his second game, a 35–33 win over the Denver Broncos.] In the week 4 loss against the Philadelphia Eagles, he was criticized for his performance covering wide receiver A. J. Brown. The following week, he was benched after multiple blown coverages against Chicago Bears wide receiver D. J. Moore. In the first quarter of the week 10 game, Forbes was ejected after a helmet-to-helmet hit against Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett. The NFL fined him for $15,563 for his week 10 ejection.
Following the opening game of the 2024 season, Forbes underwent surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right thumb. In the week 6 win over the Carolina Panthers, he recorded his second career interception against quarterback Andy Dalton. Forbes was waived by the team on November 30, 2024.
Los Angeles Rams
On December 2, 2024, Forbes was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Rams.
znModeratorfrom 2023
By Lance Zierlein: https://www.nfl.com/prospects/emmanuel-forbes/3200464f-5201-3942-ca3a-fc490c35893e
Draft Projection
Rounds 1-2Overview
Forbes is long, can run and has a talent for taking the ball away, which means he has a chance to become a coveted cornerback. However, his wire-thin frame does not work in his favor. Forbes’ instincts and recognition are fun to watch. He pounces on quick-game throws and has the ball skills to take the ball away. He’s highly capable in all forms of zone coverage and operates out of press-man, but is inconsistent matching the release and staying in phase with routes through sharp cuts. His slender build and lack of tackle strength will make him a target for opposing running games. Forbes could become an early starter with quality ball production, but teams might need to expect some up-and-down performances.
Strengths
Two-hand jabs keep receivers occupied in press.
Plays with smooth side-shuffle technique in deep zone.
Above average pre-snap play recognition.
Instincts allow for quick read-and-react jumps on the throw.
Swings arm through catch point to separate the football.
Soft hands with the ability to leap and win at the high point.
Uses his length as an effective recovery tool.
Can be hard to throw over the top of him.
Posted 14 career interceptions with six returned for touchdowns.Weaknesses
Below average foot slide to match the release.
Has issues staying in phase at break points.
Aggressiveness makes him a double-move target.
Needs to become more disciplined playing high to low in zone.
Plays out past his toes, leading to transition imbalance.
Grab-and-drag tackler lacking play strength.June 16, 2025 at 10:34 am in reply to: alaric jackson … blood clots? DJ Humphries … any good? #156835znModeratorRams’ Alaric Jackson being treated for blood clots; team signs D.J. Humphries
Gary Klein
https://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/story/2025-06-12/rams-bolster-offensive-line-dj-humphries
Alaric Jackson established himself as the Rams’ starting left tackle the last two seasons, and in February signed a three-year contract that included $35 million in guarantees.
But the fifth-year pro, who began his career as an undrafted free agent, is being treated for blood clot issues, a person with knowledge of the situation said Friday. The person requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the situation.
Jackson, 26, also dealt with blood clot issues in 2022, which caused him to sit out eight games.
The Rams began organized team activities in May with an established line that included Jackson, left guard Steve Avila, center Coleman Shelton, right guard Kevin Dotson and right tackle Rob Havenstein, who is recovering from shoulder surgeries.
Havenstein’s and Jackson’s conditions have prompted the Rams to add depth at tackle.
After signing veteran free agent David Quessenberry in May, on Thursday they agreed to terms with veteran D.J. Humphries on a one-year contract.
Humphries, a 2015 first-round draft pick by the Arizona Cardinals, joins a line that also includes swing tackle Warren McClendon Jr.
Humphries, 31, played eight seasons for the Cardinals before sustaining a major knee injury near the end of the 2023 season.
Last season, he played for the Kansas City Chiefs, but he sustained a hamstring injury in his first game back in Week 14 and played in only two regular-season games.
The Rams will conclude their offseason program next week with a minicamp in Maui.
znModeratorRams! Loved Az Zahir Hakim’s quickness, elusiveness, speed #RamsHouse pic.twitter.com/XPzYQeathe
— RAMZILLA (@elitster) June 16, 2025
June 16, 2025 at 8:05 am in reply to: alaric jackson … blood clots? DJ Humphries … any good? #156833znModeratorJourdan Rodrigue @jourdanrodrigue.bsky.social
Tough situation for Jackson, though he has navigated this before. Also worth noting that Rams did not draft tackle depth and that RT Rob Havenstein is recovering this offseason from cleanout procedures on both shoulders. Key positions to watch coming out of the break.znModeratorHIGHLIGHTS: Braden Fiske’s Top Plays From 2024 Rookie Season
June 15, 2025 at 8:14 pm in reply to: alaric jackson … blood clots? DJ Humphries … any good? #156828znModerator“…A shape with lion body and the head of a man,
A gaze blank and pitiless as the sun,
Is moving its slow thighs, while all about it
Reel shadows of the indignant desert birds.. “Well, I appreciate your portrait of Alaric Jackson there. Playing the Cardinals, no less (“desert birds”).
Though I think you over mythify him a bit.
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