1 - Frank Reich inks five-year deal with Colts
Exactly one week after winning his first career Super Bowl, former Bills quarterback Frank Reich agreed to become the next Indianapolis Colts head coach. It's safe to say that February has treated Reich quite well.
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On Sunday afternoon, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Reich was the favorite to land the Colts HC job. A couple hours later, the NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that the two sides agreed to a five-year deal.
Here's what NFL.com had to say immediately following Reich's hiring.
Eagles offensive coordinator Frank Reich agreed to a five-year deal Sunday to become the Colts' head coach, a source informed of the talks between the sides told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. Indy's decision wraps a whirlwind coaching search for the Colts after New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels withdrew from an announced agreement to become the team's head coach on Tuesday.
Taking over as the Colts HC will be uncharted territory for Reich. He just capped off his 12th year coaching in the league by hoisting the Lombardi Trophy, but never is those years were he the head man on the sidelines.
Reich's first six seasons (2006-2011) coaching in the league were coincidentally with the Colts. He served as an intern for two years (2006-2007) and then as an offensive assistant for the next four (2008-2011). His next pit stop was in 2012 as the Arizona Cardinals wide receivers coach. He then went out to San Diego and spent one season (2013) as the team's quarterbacks coach and two seasons (2014-2015) as their offensive coordinator. Reich most recently wrapped up a two-year stint (2016-2017) as the Philadelphia Eagles OC.
The hiring of Reich concludes an extensive weekend of interviews for Colts general manager Chris Ballard. On Thursday, he interviewed New Orleans Saints assistant HC Dan Campbell. On Friday, that's when Reich was brought in. And on Saturday, the final interviewee was Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier.
2 - Why Buffalo holds special place in Bryan Scott's heart
He spent six of his 10 seasons in the NFL as a member of the Buffalo Bills. For Bryan Scott, that's why the Bills are at the top of the list for being his favorite team in the league.
"When people ask me, 'Who do I follow?' I always give it in this order. The Bills, the Falcons, and the Saints. Those are my teams. They have special places in my heart," said Scott on WGR 550. "I'll tell you what, this year, I think I watched the video of us making the playoffs when we were in the locker room probably like 50 times. I would be lying if I said I didn't tear up."
"I was so happy for the organization, the fans, Kyle [Williams], and E-Wood [Eric Wood]. They just deserved it, man. A special moment. I'm glad they had a chance to experience that."
Scott spent 10 seasons in the league, with a majority of his time being in Western New York. His first three years (2003-2005) were with the Atlanta Falcons. After his time in Atlanta, he played one season (2006) in New Orleans with the Saints. Scott's final stint in the league was his longest, as he was in Buffalo for six seasons (2007-2012).
In 143 career games, Scott racked up impressive numbers across the board. He tallied 591 total tackles, 44 passes defended, 11 interceptions, over 10 sacks, 10 forced fumbles, and nine fumble recoveries. A majority of those stats he secured while in Buffalo.
In Scott's years with the Bills, he formed some lifelong friendships with his teammates. One of those players was Fred Jackson. They were teammates for all of Scott's six seasons in Buffalo. He'll be one of the five roasters for WGR’s Roast of Fred Jackson on Feb. 15. The roasters include: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Patrick Jackson, Scott, Aaron Williams, and Eric Wood.
"This will actually be the first roast. I've been saving some things for Fred over the years," said Scott. "I'm so glad I'm a part of it. I'm going to let him have it."
Scott's ready for the Bills to take the next step after tasting the playoffs this past season. His hometown team just hoisted the Vince Lombardi Trophy, so now it's time he checks Buffalo off of that list.
"Just continue to grow and get better. It's the Bills turn," he said. "I grew up an Eagles fan. I'm from the Philadelphia area. Even though I never played for the Birds, I was very happy for that city for getting its first Super Bowl. But the Bills have got to be next. Gotta be."
3 - Notable non-invitees to the 2018 NFL combine
Beginning on Feb. 27, the NFL Scouting Combine will take place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. Over 300 of the nation's best were just invited to the combine, but which players weren't invited to this year's pre-draft festivities?
Texas defensive tackle Poona Ford headlined the combine snubs, according to CBS Sports. CBS' other non-invitees included: Bradley Bozeman (Alabama), Ito Smith (Southern Miss), Daurice Fountain (Northern Iowa), Jeremy Reaves (South Alabama), Joe Ostman (Central Michigan), Ricky Jeune (Georgia Tech), Justin Lawler (SMU), Arrion Springs (Oregon), Travin Howard (TCU), and Jaylen Smith (Louisville).
Ford was a four-year starter at Texas and was named Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2017. Buffalobills.com mentioned the prospect prior to the Senior Bowl and even spoke with him down in Mobile, Alabama.
Here's CBS' take on this year's most surprising snub.
Ford is the headliner combine snub on defense, and it's mainly due to his lack of prototypical size and the responsibilities he handled at Texas in his final season in Austin. At the East-West Shrine game, Ford was a fraction of an inch shorter than 6-foot, which clearly raised a red flag for evaluators. In his senior campaign, he played heads up on the center often and two-gapped frequently, which kept second-level defenders like Malik Jefferson clean. At his stature, Ford needs to be a penetrator in the NFL, and he has the athleticism and refinement with his hands to be that type of player, as evidence by his solid week of practice at the Senior Bowl.
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