Welcome to the Friday edition of the Pick Six newsletter!
This is it, everyone. This is not a drill: This is your final Friday of the year without NFL football. Here’s a look at everything happening over the next few days:
- July 12: Chargers rookies report to training camp
- July 15: Dolphins, 49ers, Giants, Seahawks, Bills, Ravens rookies report to training camp
- July 16: Chargers veterans and Lions rookies report to training camp
1. Ranking the 25 worst coaching hires of the past 25 years
We are 25% of the way through the century and we’ve been celebrating that fact all summer long here at CBS Sports. Let’s take a look at the three worst hires on the list:
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Jaguars hire Urban Meyer (2021). “Despite inheriting No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence, he made it just 13 games before ownership pulled the plug. The worst part wasn’t the losses but the scandals sandwiched between them, none greater than a seemingly flirtatious trip to the bar – captured in viral video – while the rest of the team flew home from a defeat.”
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Jets hire Bill Belichick (2000). “Belichick never coached a single game for the Jets. But it’s not like he was just negotiating to become New York’s head man in 2000. He agreed to the deal. He was announced as Bill Parcells’ successor. And then, one day later, hours before his introductory news conference, Belichick delivered his infamous resignation ’letter’ – barely seven words, scribbled on a napkin.”
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Falcons hire Bobby Petrino (2007). “Petrino found himself in an unexpectedly dire situation when Michael Vick went to prison for dogfighting. However, he resigned after just 13 games, informing the Falcons of his decision via notes left in the locker room.”
For the full list, check it out here.
2. Biggest remaining need for every NFC team
In the previous newsletter, we discussed the biggest roster needs for every AFC team, and now we turn to the NFC. With training camp around the corner, here’s a quick breakdown of key needs:
- Lions: EDGE rusher.
- Buccaneers: Offensive tackle.
- Cowboys: Secondary support.
- Rams: Cornerback.
For the complete list, read more here.
3. AFC North breakdown
- Ravens: Upside on defense with young talent.
- Bengals: Improvement from last year’s defensive unit.
- Browns: Strong defensive support.
- Steelers: Need for a clean pocket for Aaron Rodgers.
Here’s the complete breakdown.
4. Jared Goff’s beer bet
Jared Goff has to buy a teammate beer for a year after losing a bet with punter Jack Fox on his punting performance.
5. NFL’s All-Quarter Century Defensive Team
- DE: JJ Watt
- DT: Aaron Donald
- …[more positions in the article].
6. Najee Harris eye injury and updates
Najee Harris is dealing with an eye injury from a fireworks accident, but he’s expected to recover for the season.
Keep watching for more updates, and enjoy the upcoming NFL season!
