Guest of the League
The Big League 3 (est. 2011) Est. 2010
FFL: Week 2 | NFL: Week 2

Monte Kiffin, architect of ‘Tampa 2’ Super Bowl-winning defense, dies at 84

Thu Jul 11 8:51pm ET
Field Level Media

Super Bowl champion Monte Kiffin, 84, has died, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Ole Miss Football announced on Thursday.

He passed in Oxford, Miss., surrounded by family and friends.

Kiffin was the defensive coordinator and architect of the Buccaneers' famed "Tampa 2" defense that gained popularity at all levels of football following its success in Tampa over a 13-year run under head coaches Tony Dungy and Jon Gruden that resulted in the franchise's first NFL championship in Super Bowl XXXVII in 2003.

He coordinated Hall of Fame defenders Warren Sapp, Darrick Brooks, John Lynch and Ronde Barber over that run.

Kiffin was inducted into the Buccaneers' Ring of Honor in 2021.

In a statement issued by the Buccaneers, team ownership said:

"Monte Kiffin was a beloved and iconic member of the Buccaneers family, and our entire organization mourns his loss today. As a coach, Monte was a true innovator who got the best out of his players and helped create one of the signature defenses of the early 2000s. His passionate and energetic leadership style resonated with all his players, and he was instrumental in our first Super Bowl win and the success of Hall of Famers such as Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, John Lynch and Ronde Barber. Off the field, Monte was kind, genuine, gracious and always had a positive attitude. He was very special to the Buccaneers organization and our family. We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Robin, son, Lane, daughter, Heidi, and the entire Kiffin family."

Kiffin's tenure in Tampa Bay ended when he departed to coach under his son, Lane, at the University of Tennessee in 2009. The pair moved to the University of Southern California the following year.

The elder Kiffin eventually returned to the NFL for stints with the Cowboys and Jaguars before once again joining his son at Florida Atlantic and Ole Miss in assistant/analyst roles.

A Nebraska collegian and professional football player for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Toronto Rifles, Kiffin quickly transitioned to coaching, taking a grad assistant job with his alma mater in 1966. He was eventually elevated to defensive coordinator and then left for the same job at Arkansas before being hired as the head coach at North Carolina State in 1980.

That position lasted just three years. He caught on with the Green Bay Packers as an assistant in 1983 and his career took off from there.

Stints with the Buffalo Bills, Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets and New Orleans Saints led him to Tampa Bay, where he would enjoy his greatest successes.

"I love that man and am so indebted to him," Lynch told the Tampa Bay Times. "Monte had a unique enthusiasm for life, football and family. He also had a passion for coaching -- and helping people like myself become the best version of themselves."

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 2

Player Notes
Tank Bigsby Sep 15 2:20pm ET
Tank Bigsby

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby (shoulder) is questionable to return to Sunday's matchup with the Cleveland Browns. The 23-year-old took a hard shot while returning a kick, with many assuming he suffered a concussion. However, it appears a shoulder injury is jeopardizing his availability for the remainder of Week 2. Bigsby had 12 carries for 73 yards in Week 1 versus the Dolphins. Yet, he has been quiet on Sunday. At any rate, fantasy managers could see D'Ernest Johnson backing up Travis Etienne Jr. for the remainder of the contest.

From RotoBaller

Rachaad White Sep 15 2:10pm ET
Rachaad White

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (groin) returned to Sunday's meeting with the Detroit Lions. He exited the contest briefly due to a groin issue and was listed as questionable to return. However, while it's good to see White back on the field, fantasy managers shouldn't be surprised to see him receive a reduced workload, with Bucky Irving potentially in line to see more work for the remainder of Week 2. There's also a good chance White appears on the injury report ahead of Tampa's Week 3 clash with the Denver Broncos, meaning fantasy managers should plan in advance.

From RotoBaller

C.J. Mosley Sep 15 2:00pm ET
C.J. Mosley

New York Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley (foot) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Titans. The veteran suffered a foot injury. But his day is likely over, considering he was transported to the locker room on a cart. He finished last season by totaling 151 tackles, one of the highest marks of his career. Unfortunately, the situation doesn't look promising regarding Mosley's availability moving ahead. Nonetheless, IDP managers will likely get an update soon.

From RotoBaller

Malik Nabers Sep 15 1:50pm ET
Malik Nabers

New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (head) cleared concussion protocol and returned to Sunday's NFC East battle with the Commanders. The rookie wideout took a shot to the head, resulting in a trip to the blue medical tent for an evaluation. Fortunately, fantasy managers can breathe a sigh of relief. He popped up on the injury report earlier in the week due to a knee injury. However, he was cleared to suit up after practicing in full on Friday. Without question, the Giants can't afford an injury, considering kicker Graham Gano (groin) left the contest with a groin injury.

From RotoBaller

Rachaad White Sep 15 1:40pm ET
Rachaad White

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (groin) is questionable to return to Sunday's matchup with the Detroit Lions. It's a tough blow for fantasy managers, considering the injury came early in the contest. He'll finish the game with three carries for 12 yards if he can't return. At any rate, there should be an update on White's condition soon. In the meantime, Bucky Irving should handle most of the snaps out of the backfield.

From RotoBaller

Graham Gano Sep 15 1:30pm ET
Graham Gano

New York Giants kicker Graham Gano (groin) is doubtful to return to Sunday's matchup with the Washington Commanders. The veteran popped up on Saturday's edition of the injury report because of a groin injury. However, he didn't have a game status, so most assumed he was healthy enough to suit up. While that was true at the time, it now appears the issue could keep him out for the remainder of Week 2. Fantasy managers also shouldn't be surprised to see Gano miss time, although it's too early to speculate. The Giants don't have an emergency replacement, meaning New York may need to be more aggressive than usual on the offensive end for the rest of the contest.

From RotoBaller

Marcus Davenport Sep 15 12:40pm ET
Marcus Davenport

Detroit Lions defensive end Marcus Davenport (groin) is officially inactive for Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was trending in the wrong direction after being listed as doubtful. The 28-year-old is coming off his debut with the team in which he registered half a sack. Look for James Houston and Josh Paschal to earn more opportunities in his absence.

From RotoBaller

George Odum Sep 15 12:40pm ET
George Odum

San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga (knee) is inactive for Week 2 versus the Minnesota Vikings. He had been listed as doubtful. Hufanga tore his ACL last season and has not yet appeared in a game in 2024. The 25-year-old had seven interceptions, two forced fumbles, and two sacks through 27 games between 2022 and 2023. George Odum will start in his place this week.

From RotoBaller

Noah Brown Sep 15 12:30pm ET
Noah Brown

Washington Commanders wide receiver Jamison Crowder (coach's decision) is a healthy scratch for Week 2 against the New York Giants. The veteran had logged just three snaps in the season opener, catching one pass for five yards. Fellow receiver Noah Brown will be active in Crowder's place. Brown had been a healthy scratch in Week 1 as he was still acclimating to the Commanders' offense. Even if this dynamic remains in place for weeks to come (Brown active, Crowder inactive), Brown isn't a reliable fantasy option.

From RotoBaller

Marshon Lattimore Sep 15 12:20pm ET
Marshon Lattimore

New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) is officially inactive for Week 2 versus the Dallas Cowboys. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the wrong direction after not practicing on Friday. By Sunday morning, reports emerged indicating that the Saints wanted to be cautious with Lattimore and might hold him out. Indeed, he'll sit out. Lattimore had been slated to cover CeeDee Lamb on Sunday, so this development is great news for the Cowboys' WR1 and fantasy managers who have him on their rosters.

From RotoBaller

A.T. Perry Sep 15 12:20pm ET
A.T. Perry

New Orleans Saints wide receiver A.T. Perry (coach's decision) is a healthy scratch for Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys. The 24-year-old missed Week 1 with a hand injury but was a full participant in practice this week. Now, he's sidelined again, but this time for non-injury reasons. The Saints will enter their second game of the season with Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed atop their depth chart, followed by undrafted rookie Mason Tipton as their No. 3 receiver.

From RotoBaller

Evan Engram Sep 15 12:11pm ET
Evan Engram

Jaguars tight end Evan Engram has been ruled out for the Week 2 game. He suffered a hamstring injury in pregame warmups.

Deshaun Watson Sep 15 12:10pm ET
Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Jack Conklin (knee), who was considered questionable for the Week 2 tilt against the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road, has officially been ruled out for Sunday's game. With offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. (knee) having already been ruled out earlier this week, Cleveland's offensive line will be missing some key pieces this weekend. The 30-year-old Conklin was limited in practice all of last week and also sat out the season-opening blowout loss to the Dallas Cowboys in which the Browns' offense looked like a disaster. With both Conklin and Wills out, expect James Hudson and Dawand Jones to see plenty of playing time on Sunday on the book ends of Cleveland's offensive line. This is more bad news for a Browns offense that has come under a lot of scrutiny already under quarterback Deshaun Watson.

From RotoBaller

Jameson Williams Sep 15 12:10pm ET
Jameson Williams

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (ankle) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity on Friday, but as the weekend progressed, it became clear that he was healthy enough to suit up. Williams is looking to build off a huge Week 1 showing in which he led the team with five catches, 121 yards, and one touchdown. We need to see this type of production on a more consistent basis before ranking Williams as a must-start fantasy weapon, but he's certainly worth consideration in most leagues with 10 or more teams. If he can produce alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta, he has league-winning upside. For Week 2, he should be deployed as a mid-to-high WR3 option.

From RotoBaller

A.J. Brown Sep 15 12:10pm ET
A.J. Brown

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (hamstring) has been downgraded to out ahead of Monday Night Football versus the Atlanta Falcons. He had already been trending in the wrong direction after missing practice on Saturday, and now we get confirmation that he won't suit up on primetime television. Fantasy managers will appreciate the timing of this announcement as it gives them roughly one hour to find a replacement for Brown in their lineups before the Sunday 1 p.m. games kick off. The Eagles will move forward with DeVonta Smith as their No. 1 receiver on Monday with additional opportunities for Saquon Barkley and Dallas Goedert. Receivers Olamide Zaccheaus and Jahan Dotson should get more looks, too, but neither of them is even worth rostering in leagues with 14 teams or fewer.

From RotoBaller

Evan Engram Sep 15 12:10pm ET
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) suffered a hamstring injury during pre-game warmups on Sunday and has been ruled out for Week 2 against the visiting Cleveland Browns. Fantasy managers that had Engram in their starting lineups for this weekend are going to have to adjust on the fly. In Jacksonville, Brenton Strange and Luke Farrell will now battle for targets in the passing game with Engram sidelined, but neither player is an acceptable starting replacement for Engram. The most likely scenario is that wide receivers Christian Kirk, rookie Brian Thomas Jr. and Gabe Davis will see more targets through the air against a tough Browns defense. The 30-year-old Engram had a rough season debut last week as well, catching only one of four targets for five yards in the loss to the Miami Dolphins. There's no guarantee he'll be able to play in Week 3 against the Buffalo Bills.

From RotoBaller

Raheem Blackshear Sep 15 12:00pm ET
Raheem Blackshear

Carolina Panthers running back Raheem Blackshear (personal) and tight end Tommy Tremble (hamstring, back) are both active for Week 2 against the Los Angeles Chargers. They had been listed as questionable entering the weekend. Blackshear was absent from practice this week for personal matters, but it appears he's good to go for Sunday's home game. Although he remains a depth option in Carolina's backfield, he offers plenty of value on special teams as the Panthers' primary kick returner. With the Panthers susceptible to surrendering plenty of scores, Blackshear could be busy returning kickoffs this season. He's only a worthwhile fantasy option in leagues that award points for return yards. Meanwhile, Tremble is suiting up after being limited on Friday. He was inactive in Week 1 and figures to poach snaps from rookie Ja'Tavion Sanders. Even without a clear top tight end in Carolina, there's no real path to fantasy relevance for Tremble.

From RotoBaller

Derek Carr Sep 15 12:00pm ET
Derek Carr

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (illness) was ill on Sunday morning but will play against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, according to a note on NFL.com's official injury report tracker. Carr was added to the injury report Sunday but did not have any designation, which is a good sign that he won't have any limitations in Week 2. The quarterback faces a tough matchup in the form of the Dallas Cowboys, but he's coming off a big performance against the Panthers and figures to maintain some QB2 appeal this weekend. He's a fine option in deeper two-quarterback leagues.

From RotoBaller

Kayshon Boutte Sep 15 12:00pm ET
Kayshon Boutte

New England Patriots running back JaMycal Hasty (knee) is officially active on Sunday for the Week 2 game against the Seattle Seahawks, while wide receiver Kayshon Boutte is a healthy inactive. Hasty popped up on the team's injury report on Thursday after putting in a limited practice, but his knee injury wasn't serious enough to sideline him this weekend. The 28-year-old is well off the fantasy radar in the vast majority of fantasy leagues as the No. 3 RB behind Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson in one of the weaker offenses in the NFL. In the surprising Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, Hasty had didn't touch the ball at all on offense. Boutte didn't play a single offensive snap last weekend and will now take a seat so that rookie Javon Baker can make his NFL debut after he was a healthy scratch in Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Genard Avery Sep 15 11:53am ET
Genard Avery

The Indianapolis Colts have declared C Tanor Bortolini, WR Josh Downs, S Julian Blackmon, LB Genard Avery, OT Blake Freeland, TE Will Mallory and QB Sam Ehlinger inactive for Week 2.

From TheHuddle