2024 Season

Amon: “I think we’re really predictable to each other”

18/06/2024 Raymond 0

Hawthorn defender Karl Amon credits the Hawks’ mid-season turnaround to a more predictable brand of football. In his second year with the club, Amon has played all 14 games in 2024, averaging 23 disposals and 557.6 meters gained per game at an 82.4% disposal efficiency.

Speaking to ABC Sport Sunday, Amon discussed the team’s simplified game style and collective effort, which have led to a balanced record of seven wins and seven losses after a challenging 0-5 start. “The coaches have simplified our game plan really well, focusing on pressure and predictability,” Amon said. “As a young group, keeping things straightforward makes it easier to follow.”

He also noted the shift from relying on individual brilliance to a more collaborative approach. “We focus on everyone playing their role, which contributes significantly to our success.”

Looking forward to a five-day break, Amon emphasized the importance of a mental refresh, adding that while some players might travel, many are staying to play golf in Tasmania. He highlighted the group’s hunger to play finals football and the need for consistent performance to achieve that goal. “It’s going to be challenging, but the group is certainly up for it,” Amon concluded.

2024 Opponent Preview: New York Giants, Week 12

17/06/2024 Raymond 0

Following a 2022 playoff campaign, the Giants faltered in 2023 but will see QB Daniel Jones return from injury and have strengthened their edge rush, offensive line, and receiving corps. With 12 weeks until the first airing of Monday Night Football in 2024, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have already started their regular season. As those dates approach, we examine each team the Buccaneers will face, focusing today on the Giants, whom Tampa Bay will play after their Week 11 bye.

In 2023, the Giants regressed to a 6-11 record, tying for the sixth worst in the NFL. Their season began poorly, highlighted by a 40-0 loss to the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football in Week One. The Giants’ struggles continued with a 1-5 start, punctuated by multiple significant losses. Despite some wins, including a game led by backup QB Tyrod Taylor, the Giants’ season was marred by injuries, including a torn ACL for Daniel Jones.

The Giants made significant moves in the offseason, securing the sixth pick in the 2024 draft and adding notable players like LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers and Pro Bowl outside linebacker Brian Burns. They also revamped their offensive line, signing former Packers guard Jon Runyan and former Raiders tackle Jermaine Eluemunor. Running back Devin Singletary joined the Giants, replacing Saquon Barkley, who signed with the Eagles. Additionally, the Giants fortified their defense with former Bills defensive tackle Jordan Phillips and several rookies, including Minnesota safety Tyler Nubin.

Significant departures included Barkley and safety Xavier McKinney, who joined the Eagles and Packers, respectively. Tyrod Taylor moved to the Jets, while other players found new homes across the league. The Giants also saw coaching changes, bringing in Shane Bowen as the new defensive coordinator and promoting Mike Kafka to assistant head coach.

Key questions for the Giants include whether Daniel Jones can solidify his role as the long-term franchise quarterback and how the defense will perform with new additions and a new coordinator. Jones, who signed a four-year, $160 million contract, faces a crucial season to prove his worth. The defense, bolstered by Burns and other key players, aims to improve significantly under Bowen’s direction, moving away from the blitz-heavy schemes of former coordinator Wink Martindale.

Green Bay Packers: Jordan Love’s Weapon Injured On Bench Press (Report)

29/05/2024 Raymond 0

The Green Bay Packers are aiming to advance further in 2024, building on Jordan Love’s impressive first full season as starting quarterback. Love threw for over 4,000 yards and more than 30 touchdowns, bringing the team within three points of the NFC Championship game. For the Packers to become serious Super Bowl contenders this season, maintaining player health will be crucial. One of Love’s key targets from last year has some work ahead to be ready for the new season.

Packers tight end Tucker Kraft tore his pectoral muscle while bench pressing this offseason. The injury will keep him out of training camp as he recovers from surgery. Kraft explained to Bill Huber of Packers Central, “It was my last rep of the day on bench. Nothing crazy, not heavy weight. We were speed-benching and it just popped right off the bone.” This type of injury is commonly caused by bench pressing.

For the 2024 Atlanta Braves’ offense it is deja vu all over again

06/05/2024 Raymond 0

Despite being swept by the Dodgers in Los Angeles, the Atlanta Braves hold a respectable 20-12 record, marking a significant portion of the 2024 season completed. Setting aside the NL East division standings momentarily, there are striking parallels between where the 2023 Braves found themselves after a Cinco de Mayo loss last year and the current position of the 2024 Braves after a similar defeat this year. Last year, Max Fried endured a loss against the Baltimore Orioles, and a year later, he faced a similar outcome, albeit under different circumstances. The starting lineup from both seasons reveals notable changes in performance and roster composition. Reflecting on the offensive lineup from both seasons, there are evident differences in individual performances and roster dynamics. However, comparisons reveal areas of improvement and challenges faced by the team.

2023 Minor League player review: Luke Waddell

26/12/2023 Raymond 0

A promising talent in the Braves’ farm system, Waddell stands on the cusp of making his mark in the major leagues. Drafted as the second position player by the Braves in 2021, this middle infielder has consistently delivered impressive performances, positioning himself as a potential asset for the major league squad in the upcoming season.