Expandable, Dallas Star's new season

It's a new season for Dallas stars and for us who protect Big D. Fortunately, a number of previews, summaries, daily links, starry sky podcasts, and hot take are back.

The situation of Dallas Hockey Media has changed significantly since last year. In the Dallas Morning News, Leah Assimako Pros is almost ful l-time (if SMU news does not matter). In D Magazine, David Castilo, Robert Tefin and Sean Shadyiro are replaced, providing hig h-quality ideas, including not only magazines but also personal things, and continuing to provide thoughtful content. There is. Mike Hika and Josh Clark provide internal scoops, and new members of DLLS provide content every day following the expansion of the All City Network to Metroplics.

There are other people who are sending good content, but what I want to say here is that Dallas's star players have arrived. The team does such a hockey report, especially in Dallas, unless there is a story there. It is not only the ability to be in the top 10, but a candidate for the stun Lakup, and may be a winning candidate. Perhaps if the team keeps this for another few years, the bet reporter in charge of sports may come back.

Nevertheless, next year's Dallas Stars team has a new movement. Logan Stankoben joins ful l-time, and Colin Blackwood is on behalf of Craig Smith. Mavrick Book has also joined the team, but he has been seriously injured, so his seasonal debut is entrusted. As a result, he has been active in Texas Stars, a subsidiary of AHL, and has a space for Oscar Beck, who has gained position in Dallas. Beck is a player who fills Radec Faxa's roaster frame, and can be expected to play similarly: Defense is responsible and offense is limited (but the pass after winning the battle with the wall is historically good. ), Monster in fac e-off dots.

Dallas Stars lineup

Jason Robertson (21) -Loupe Hinz (24) -Logan Stankoben (11) Mason Martication (27) -Mat Dushen (95) -Tyler Segin (91) Jamie Ben (14) - Wyatt Johnston (53) --Fugenai Dadnov (63 (63) Sam Steel (18) - Oscar Beck (21) --Colin Blackwell (15)

Miro Haiscanen (4) -Matt Dunba (3) Thomas Harley (55) - Ilya Lubskin (46) Esa Lindel (23) --Nirus Lund Cuvist (5)

Jake Otinger (29) -Cayisie Deathmith (1)

Head coach Pete DeBoer wants the lines to roll, and with Johnston at center with Benn and Dadonov, the top line is lopsided. The top three lines all have offensive weapons and at least a minimum amount of defensive responsibility.

The fourth line is a bit of a patchwork, but Steele has proven he can be effective across the lineup, and Beck and Blackwell can chase both mice on the forecheck. Above all, it's a tough trio to play against.

Nashville Predators lineup: Filip Forsberg (9) - Ryan O'Reilly (90) - Gustav Nyquist (14) Steven Stamkos (91) - Thomas Novak (82) - Jonathan Marchessault (81) Luke Evangelista (77) (26) Mark Jankowski (17) - Michael McCarron (47) - Cole Smith (36) Roman Josi (59) - Dante Fabbro (57) - Brady Skjei (76) - Luke Schenn (2) - Jeremy Lauzon (3) - Carrier Alexandre (45) JusГ© Saros (74) Scott Wedgewood (41) Matt Murray (32) Nashville is doing everything in its power to make Dallas feel comfortable in the opening game. With Saros potentially out, the nets could be in the hands of Wedgewood. The Predators also signed Matt Murray (former Texas star) from Milwaukee.

The Predators have two veteran-heavy and dangerous top lines. The second line with newcomers Stamkos and Marchesso joining Novak has the potential to work, but the third line is meager and the fourth line is depleted by excessively long losses.

The aging curve probably won't be kind to Nashville. The team is betting big on multiple long-term contracts with players approaching 30. The AHL team has been competitive for the past few seasons, so there may be some help down the road, but they're not NHL ready yet, and unless the top six delivers in the meantime (and Saros turns heads), this team is an average team that's likely to be in playoff contention.

Keys to the Game

For now, get Jason Robertson up to speed and 4 Lay down the line, settle the new defensive pairing, and get Jake Oettinger to see the puck.

Otherwise, sit back and enjoy the start to a great #Texashockey season.

And tune in to this game on ESPN+/Hulu, as it's nationally broadcast.

Bang for Back RB Index: How does Seattle Seahawks' Ken Walker rank in the NFL?

As teams continue to devalue uniform numbers, veterans have a harder time earning new contracts while talents like the Seahawks' Ken Walker thrive on rookie deals.

Corbin K. Smith | July 2, 2024

December 18, 2023? Seattle, Washington, USA Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) dives during the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lumen Field. Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA Today Sports / Joe Nicholson-USA Today Sports

In this article

Not long ago, running backs like former Seattle Seahawks star Shaun Alexander stood out as the face of the NFL. Indeed, for decades, ball carriers were regularly drafted in the top 10 and regularly tossed the stone more than 300 times a season as the centerpieces of their respective offenses.

However, coupled with the rise of the modern game, the Bucks have become dime adders, preferring players on cheaper contracts, with most teams choosing to use an engagement-from-play approach rather than running a working noise on the ground. In terms of second contracts, some runners are lucky enough to earn second contracts, but their contracts pale in comparison to all other positions in terms of compensation, as evidenced by the minimum franchise tag value for non-professionals ($11, 951 million).

Do the statistics support this latest trend of big Bucks avoiding investing in active Bucks after contracts? And do Bucks with flexibility as receivers and pass protectors justify significantly higher salaries?

To answer these two questions, I have devised the "Bang for Buck RB Index." Unlike the quarterback model, because of the low overall salary, players on championship contracts, such as Seahawks starter Ken Walker III, are eligible for this evaluation if they have recorded 100+ carries or 50+ receptions in the past two seasons.

The Back RB Index Bump is comprised of nine different statistical metrics, including traditional data such as rushing yardage, touchdowns, receptions, receiving yardage, and forced tackles for loss. For backs who meet the carry/need threshold and have an annual salary (APY) of $2 million or more, we also prioritize and calculate several recently developed advanced metrics, such as success rate, route percentage to loaded box, and yards after contact per carry.

For the 30 eligible players who meet this criteria, the running back who ranks first in each of these nine statistics will be awarded 150 points. The rest of the rankings are scored in increments of 5 points, with only 5 points for the final ranking. In the event of a tie, players with the same number will be awarded the same points.

Looking back at the past two seasons, who is the best "bargain" running back in the NFL? And where does Walker rank compared to his contemporaries? Let's dig deep into all 9 stats:

1.

Total yardage is only part of the picture, but at the same time, the 1. 000 yard mark event remains a milestone that all backs row for a season for a reason. Backs who can stay healthy and consistently produce 1. 000+ yards provide great value to their team, especially if they can do so with a good percentage of explosive routes mixed in. Derrick Henry, a runner with rare size at 245 pounds, has built a Hall of Fame career in eight NFL seasons and is set to be a 2022 All-Star. 2. McCaffrey helped spark the 49ers' NFC West domination, averaging over 2. 500 rushing yards in the past two seasons, while Josh Jacobs, Saquan Barkley and Travis Etienne all averaged over 1. 000 yards per season. Walker, who was unable to repeat his championship 1, 000 yards, finished eighth with 1, 955 total yards.

2.

Nothing carries the weight of putting points on the scoreboard, and for a back, it plays a key role in negotiating a rare second contract at a position that regularly finds pay dirt. Case in point? Three players at the position making more than $12 million a year have scored at least 16 touchdowns in the past two seasons.

Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, October 15, 2023. Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) scores a touchdown in the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Pacor Stadium. Commission Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA Today Sports / Joseph Maiorana-USA Today Sports

It is not surprising that Henry, one of the toughest runners in the NFL history, recorded 25 times since 2022 and surpassed other backs. Dolphin's veteran Rahom Mostart, who recorded 22 times of touchdown, recorded 21 touchdowns in the meantime and maximized his chances. At the end of the top five are the four players who have recorded 18 rashing touchdowns in the past two years, including the former chargers Austin Echerer and Jacobs. Walker missed the top 5 in 17 times of touchdown, but this is the most among the most players currently contracted.

3. Reception

With the current NFL, Bucks cannot see the field unless the football can catch. Especially for the defense of the mana chara, the line backer is trying to cover them in space, and as a result, the playbook is often narrowed.

McFrey, one of the few Bucks who can become a superstar even if he turned to a receiver with NFL, caught 152 passes in the past two seasons and revolutionized the game with his capacity. Interestingly, the number of receives in the two seasons was 158 times more than Echeler, and Albin Camala in Saints was 132 times in the third place. Except for the former Bengals starter Joe Mixon, only Berkeley's 98 receives have recorded more than 100 catches in the past two years. Walkers, far from the volume target, ranked 20th in Seattle with 56 catches.

4. Touch down

As the value of receiving from the backs continues to increase, the increase in targets has led to an increase in the number of touchdowns in pass games from Bucks. The excellent coordinator finds a creative way to apply a bag as a red zone weapon, such as swinging a swing pass or a Texas route from the backfield or running a wheel route to an inferior line backer or safety. Continued. It is not surprising that Henry, one of the toughest runners in the history of

McCaffrey has 12 touchdowns over the past two years, double the number of any other running back. Ekeler and former Packers captain Aaron Jones have six through the air, while Jets stars Breece Hall, Mixon and Mostert have five each. Walker ranks in the middle of the pack in receiving touchdowns, but has only one touchdown as a receiver.

5. Rushing percentage vs. road window

At a position where blocking up front is a major factor in success, the best running backs often face boxes with at least seven defenders bogged down near the line of scrimmage. It also takes a special talent for a ball carrier to consistently gain yardage against heavily stacked boxes.

Detroit Lions safety C. J. Gardner-Johnson (2) tackles Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III during the first half at Ford Field, Sunday, September 17, 2023 / Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA Today Network

As a sign of respect from opponents and another example of Henry's immense talent, Henry ran the ball into a box with eight or more defenders 36 times over the past two years, a league-high 74 percent of the time. Interestingly, despite having more support around him in San Francisco, McCaffrey was second with 35 times and 44 percent. Outside of the top five backs who faced the most loaded boxes, Baltimore's Gus Edwards, New Orleans' Jamaal Williams and Cleveland's Nick Chubb all ran the ball into a box with eight or more defenders 28 times and 8 percent of the time. Walker is in the middle of the pack with 20 and 56% success rates.

6. Success Rate

According to Football Pro Report, a recent addition to evaluate run performance, success rate is calculated by adding runs that gained 40% or more of the required yardage on first down, runs that gained 60% or more of the required yardage on second down, and runs that gained a first down on third or forward down, and dividing the total by the number of rushing attempts. Players who score high in this category tend to move the chains frequently and keep their team's offense on schedule, rather than limiting themselves to minimal gains on early downs.

Although limited by injuries last season, Jones made the most of his opportunities while completing 57. 7%, his highest percentage in the past two years, and collecting 88 first downs. Edwards' ability to push in small yardage contributed greatly to his 55. 8% success rate, while Mostert was third at 55. 1%. The Packers had two of the most efficient runners in AJ Dillon, who was fourth in success rate, and Jacobs, who was 52. 7%. Struggled by an inconsistent offensive line and his own issues with sometimes-decisive runs, Walker was 28th at 43. 2%.

7. Missed Tackles

Quality blocking is always necessary for a running back, but the best ball carriers have the innate ability to create their own tools, which starts with making defenders miss in space or slipping through tackles with their hands. While practice is partly subjective, Pro Football Focus offers a forced missed tackle count to highlight the backs who are most adept at making defenders grab air on plays.

Coming in at the top again, Henry intimidates defenders with his raw power, creating 126 forced missed tackles over the past two seasons with the Titans. Etienne, who gets the job done with elusiveness and speed, was second with 126 missed tackles, while Najee Harris, who stood out against Jacobs and the Steelers, was third and fourth. Walker, who showed the ability to make something out of nothing behind a questionable line, forced 104 missed tackles for the Seahawks, finishing fifth during that stretch.

8. Yards after contact per carry

Another stat that evaluates backs who gained yardage regardless of the offensive line, PFF also tracks yards after contact. This counts runs where the ball carrier breaks through a tackle and records the distance gained after the first contact. Players who rank high in this category always find a way to advance the pile, increase parking and further boost their team's rushing attack.

Although a torn ACL cost him part of the season, Hall has done a great job of hitting his own yardage in two seasons with the Jets behind one of the worst offensive lines in football, averaging 3. 78 yards per carry after contact. When healthy, Chubb averaged 3. 76 yards per carry after contact and remains a wrecking ball for defenses that often make business decisions. Henry, Mostert and Arizona's James-Conner, who finished in the top five, produced at least 3. 37 yards per carry. Thanks to a regression in this category last season, Walker averaged 3. 04 yards after contact on 14 completions.

9. Pass Protection Efficiency.

Unlike other categories, including a running back's "Bang for Buck" metric, there is no universal stat to evaluate a running back's protection performance. However, the ability to accelerate and defend against a blitzing linebacker or cut block is crucial for backs in passing situations, and the importance of this ability is why PFF's subjective blocking grade is.

Just like at the collegiate level at Penn State, Barkley has consistently shined in pass protection, earning the highest grade average (76. 0) of the 30 backs included in this data set. Henry owns the general's protection, albeit on a lesser occasion, averaging 73. 0 over the past two years. Former Cowboys running back Tony Pollard, Conner and Dillon round out the top five, while Walker has struggled when tasked with protection, averaging 36. 4.

Final Rating

Statistically, Henry and McCaffrey occupy the top three in each category, seemingly justifying their high salaries. McCaffrey just received a $19 million contract extension from the 49ers, and Henry stayed with the Ravens for $8 million after the Titans passed on him re-signing.

Bang for Back RB Index for 30 NFL Carries in 2022-2023 / Corbin Smith / All Seahawks

But for those who argue they don't deserve their huge contracts, the data doesn't lie. Despite their success, Henry and McCaffrey rank 16th and 28th in the Bang For Buck rankings. After all, even if they had the best overall stats, a strong argument can be made that the difference between them and the other players on this list is not enough to justify paying them their current salaries. If they were so much better than the others, as is generally the case, the high salary wouldn't mean as much.

To further illustrate this unfortunate fact, Walker was inferior to his peers in many categories, including near the bottom in success rate and pass-blocking proficiency. However, when you combine his rookie contract, which only paid him $2 million per year, with his outstanding speed, touchdowns and missed tackles, he has the third-highest Bang For Buck rating of 3, 3169. Of the top five, four are former first- or second-round picks who are signing their rookie contracts.

Ultimately, Henry's new contract in Baltimore should be a solid investment if he doesn't hit a wall in his ninth season. But for teams debating whether to open their checkbooks to re-sign the veteran back, it's evidence that few, if any, teams will compare his performance to new rookies or cheaper players like Walker and fellow current teammate Zach Charbonnet to justify a big increase. Rookie Offers

Published on July 2, 2024 | Revised on July 2, 2024

A 2012 graduate of Manchester College, Smith began his professional career as a high school economics teacher in Indianapolis and started his own NFL website covering the Seahawks as a hobby. After five years of coaching and directing high school football, he transitioned to full-time sports journalism in 2017 and continues to produce the podcast "Legion of 12" while contributing to USA Today's "Seahawks Wire." He joined Arena Group in August 2018 and is also the host of the daily podcast "Locked On Seahawks" with Rob Lunn and Nick Lee. In addition to covering the Seahawks and the NFL, he has dabbled in stand-up comedy and is a fan of heavy metal, having previously performed as a vocalist in a metal band. A commuter by trade, he lives in Colorado with his wife, Natalia, but often reports from his second home in the Pacific Northwest.