Zimmer just can’t let go ...
Minnesota’s Mike Zimmer is a rarity as a head coach who continues to call plays for the defense. He has often considered relinquishing the responsibility to defensive coordinator George Edwards, as a way to lessen the load on an already stressful game day, but Zimmer has yet to do so.
“I have a style of how I call a game,” Zimmer says. “George, even though he tries to do it like I do it, I don’t want to tell him, ‘I hate that call,’ or ‘You should’ve called this.’ I don’t think that’s fair to him. If I want something called, I should call it.”
MILLION DOLLAR PLEDGE
Falcons owner Arthur Blank, along with the team and his MLS club, the Atlanta United, made a $1 million pledge toward storm relief efforts. The grant will be split between the American Red Cross of Georgia and Greater Carolinas Region, as well as the United Way, to assist rebuilding and recovery efforts during hurricane season.
“These types of storms bring devastation that is almost unimaginable,” says Blank. “No matter the region, they disrupt the lives of kids, families, social services, schools, houses of worship and businesses in so many ways, and it’s heartbreaking. So many resources, financial and otherwise, are going to be needed to help people rebuild their lives this season, and we feel a strong responsibility to help. I encourage our fans to join us in supporting this cause in any way they can.”
The teams plan to launch a public service announcement featuring Blank, Falcons and United players. It will be available on digital and social media platforms and will also be shown at Mercedes-Benz Stadium during upcoming games and matches.
The Falcons host the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.
PHILLY SOUTH
Three former Eagles are set to face their ex-team: wide receiver DeSean Jackson, defensive end Vinny Curry, and defensive tackle Beau Allen.
Jackson was released by Chip Kelly in 2014 after having his best season and going to his third Pro Bowl in 2013. He has 20 catches for 440 yards and two touchdowns in five games vs. Philadelphia. He’s been on the winning side four times.
Curry and Allen played key roles for the Super Bowl champions last season.
“I love those guys to death, but they’re just an opponent to me,” Eagles right guard Brandon Brooks said. “This week, I’m not thinking about the Super Bowl or nothing like that. That’s my opponent, the guy across from me.”
There will be plenty of Eagles fans from the Philadelphia area at the road game and there’s a fan club called Tampadelphia that could help make it feel like a home game for the defending champs.
FAMILIAR FACES
It was about two weeks before the regular season arrived that Brandon Marshall took a closer look at the Seattle Seahawks schedule.
The opener: at Denver, his first NFL stop.
Week 2: at Chicago, another of his NFL stops.
“Back to back, that’s pretty cool,” Marshall said. “The biggest one was Denver. Since I’ve left (Denver) in 2010, (I’ve) never got a chance to go back, so it was pretty cool going back. A lot of memories, so it felt good.”
Marshall’s debut with his sixth team went well in Week 1, even though Seattle ended up losing 27-24 to the Broncos. The 34-year-old receiver had three receptions for 46 yards and a touchdown in his Seattle debut.