In Jacksonville, Ryan O’Halloran profiled Jaguars Senior VP/Football Technology & Analytics Tony Khan, the son of Jaguars Owner Shad Khan. Tony Khan's job includes “compiling detailed reports” for coach Gus Bradley, and he “also dabbles in personnel evaluations.” While he is part of the team's ownership, sources said that Khan “doesn’t flex those figurative muscles.” Khan said, “I couldn’t have walked in and started a department like this had I not been my father’s son. But I think we have one of the best analytics departments in the NFL and we utilize it from top to bottom as well as anybody” (FLORIDA TIMES-UNION, 9/13).
BLACK IS THE NEW...BLACK: In Sacramento, Matt Barrows wrote the 49ers “hope an all-black theme -- not just for the players' uniforms but also Levi's Stadium itself -- will pump energy into a building criticized for being a bit lifeless in its inaugural season last year.” The end zones and walls around the stadium “have been painted black” for tonight’s game against the Vikings. Fans will “find black t-shirts waiting on their seats when they arrive.” The team also “will wear its new, alternate uniform that features black pants, black jerseys and red stripes and numbering” (SACBEE.com, 9/12).
NOW & FOREVER: In Buffalo, Stephen Watson noted the Bills on Saturday unveiled a statue of Ralph Wilson Jr. at the stadium that bears his name, showing "a smiling Wilson forever waiting with outstretched hands to meet the grasp of another fan." The late team owner's widow, Mary Wilson, said, "The fans are going to really enjoy it, and that’s the idea." Pegula Sports & Entertainment Exec VP/Creative Services Frank Cravotta "oversaw its design." Sculptor Jerry McKenna said that he "looked at about 200 photos" of Wilson while crafting the sculpture (BUFFALO NEWS, 9/13).
TOO SOON TO OVERREACT? In Tampa, Tom Jones writes the Buccaneers’ 42-14 loss to the Titans yesterday “will go down as one of the most embarrassing performances for a franchise full of humiliating moments.” It is “just one game, but already you can't help but doubt the capabilities of those running this organization.” That “starts with the man who put this roster together” -- GM Jason Licht -- and “ends with the man who is supposed to prepare that team to play” -- coach Lovie Smith. Let us “not let the owners who keep making questionable hires off the hook” (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 9/14).
