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The Tennessee Titans were much improved on Sunday, but still lost to the Rams 33-19 in their home opener at Nissan Stadium. Cam Ward showed some promising glimpses, throwing his first career touchdown on Sunday to Elic Ayomanor. This gives a vision of what could be a possible one-two punch for the Titans for the next three-to-five years. The Titans even led at halftime, 13-10, before the wheels came off. The Titans found ways to score once again this week, but still struggle to find the end zone. They kicked four field goals for the second straight week, as Joey Slye has been the kicker of the year thus far in the NFL. He is 8-8 on the season and 3-3 from 50+ yards out. Tennessee had a great opportunity to retake the lead in the fourth quarter while trailing 20-16, but Ward fumbled on his 25 and the Rams immediately cashed in, going up 27-16. The Titans never found their same rhythm offensively, and their constant mistakes hampered them again. Although the team looked much better, the same issues kept arising. Ward will make a mistake here and there, but that will be the growing pains of a rookie quarterback. However, the offensive line continues to struggle, and the Titans have committed 23 penalties in two games. That leads the NFL thus far, as well as 193 penalty yards to go with it, which also leads the NFL. The Titans were a team that was rarely penalized with Mike Vrabel, but the same can’t be said under Brian Callahan, who now has a 3-16 record as coach of the Titans. With the defensive talent that this team possesses, it is unacceptable to see these results. Tennessee also leads the league in sacks given up, as Ward has been sacked 11 times this season for an average of 5.5 per game. They've also lost a total of 82 yards from those sacks. The problems Tennessee had in Week 1 played a major role in the loss in Week 2. There is only so much that can be said if the same mistakes are made again in Week 3. Callahan doesn’t seem like the motivator that the Titans need going forward, and against a tough Colts team this week, there can’t be any mistakes. Daniel Jones has revamped the offense in Indianapolis, and the Colts have yet to punt the ball this season. This Colts team could win the AFC South if it stays healthy, and this was one of the games I had the Titans winning in their first seven games before the season started. Now, I'm not so sure. One team has gotten better, while the other is slowly improving but still making the same mistakes. The Titans need to come out and show grit this week, as starting 0-3 could take any confidence away that this team has moving forward.

Sure, it was closer than we’d have liked. Sure, some things didn’t go to plan. But at some point, you just have to enjoy the journey. With yet another ground-out close win on Sunday, the 49ers are 2-0. The fact that it came without two of the team’s best offensive players (including their starting quarterback , for goodness sake) seemed to bypass those shrieking on my timeline. In fact, to read some of them, you’d think we hadn’t won at all, with so many complaints about ‘letting teams hang around’, and so on. I’m lucky to get to write this mostly on a Monday evening or Tuesday morning, due to the time difference, which allows me some time to avoid the hot takes and instant reactions that plague a lot of fan discourse, so let’s examine the facts. Despite supposedly having one of the NFL’s easiest schedules, that’s two road games to open the season, in tough environments. In fact, Seattle and New Orleans likely represent two of the toughest in the NFL. Despite that, and a battery of injuries, the team’s played well-rounded, complimentary football, and come up with clutch plays to win both in crunch time. That’s already put the 2025 49ers above the 2024 49ers in my mind. The Niners have already matched their one-score win total from last season (they were 2-6 in one-score games last season), and while I hope we don’t continue to test my blood pressure, learning to win in close situations is what makes a good team. So stay calm. This team is young and learning its way, but it's pretty exciting to watch, too. Youth on Defense Helps Win the Day To that end, let's once again talk about that young defense. Yes, Fred Warner continued to play at his best (and is probably now on the verge of a Hall of Fame career), but it was the actions of younger players that suggested more long-term success for this team. Dee Winters again impressed–he was every bit the Dre Greenlaw replacement, right down to the inexplicable late-hit penalty. He seems to have had GPS ball-tracking added to his missile-like play, and he’s been the standout of a vibrant defense. I would complain about the penalty, but his ability to play fast, hard, and on the edge is exactly what the 49ers need from the player next to Fred Warner, so you’ll take those lumps. In rookie watch, Upton Stout continued his growth (and got a ludicrous penalty to boot), but perhaps the biggest word of the day should go to Mykel Williams. In accordance with the "relax" theme of this piece, it should be noted there were minor points of whinging over Williams following the Week 1 win in Seattle–it seems to some, if you’re not showing up on the box score, you’re not making an impact. Well, Week 2 rolled around, and as well as his hard work moving men and setting the edge, Williams also flashed a couple of big plays to boot, with five tackles, two of which resulted in losses. Williams looked every inch the big man edge-setter he was purported to be, and in a late-game pass-rush that resulted in a sack for Nick Bosa, manhandled a Saints guard so far back into the pocket he almost ended up in the quarterback’s lap. The arrow is up on the first-round pick, I’d say. Finally, and of note, according to Matt Barrows’ snap counts , Alfred Collins got himself a fair bit of playing time, while CJ West remained about the same. Collins looks to be figuring out how to use his massive frame at the NFL level, and did some nice work against the run. Robert Saleh has Returned ... with Extra Weaponry Just a further note on the defense: While it might destroy some of my credibility with you new readers, I wasn’t exactly all-in on rehiring Robert Saleh. While I respected what he was able to do in his first stint with the team, I did largely believe that he mostly profited off a very good roster and a ferocious front four, particularly in the days where DeForest Buckner and Arik Armstead held the middle of the defense. That worried me going into this season, as only one of the front four could be reasonably said to be a dominant player (in Bosa), while the rest remain developmental pieces. Thankfully, in spite of, or perhaps because of, that, Saleh has upped his game considerably. His schemes have been excellent throughout the two-game sample we’ve seen so far, with some exotic blitz packages and interesting wrinkles. His deployment of a 'big' 4-2-5 defense yesterday in the early going, largely to pit a bigger defensive back in safety Ji’Ayir Brown against Saints tight end Juwan Johnson, was also a clever move and paid some nice dividends. Some would say Saleh has earned the two wins for the 49ers so far. I’d not go that far, and in keeping with the overall ‘relax’ theme of this piece, I’d say the team’s back to playing complementary football, which is the biggest part of their early success. But Saleh’s role in it can’t be denied, and it certainly feels good to have competence back there after Nick Sorensen’s Beavis and Butthead year as defensive coordinator. The Offense Defies Attrition An offense led by Mac Jones–down Brock Purdy, George Kittle, and Brandon Aiyuk–with Trent Williams and Dominick Puni limping, and losing starting left guard Ben Bartch and erstwhile fullback Kyle Juszczyk, somehow ended up winning the game. How? Well, Jones played an excellent game (possibly the best of his NFL career), delivering the ball on time and accurately for the most part, throwing three touchdowns, but perhaps more importantly, the offensive line pass-protected well throughout, and Kyle Shanahan schemed up an excellent game. This offensive unit can put up points, and with some players like Demarcus Robinson expected back soon, it may only get better. Christian McCaffrey is himself again, too, which seems vitally important in winning the chess matches on NFL fields. There should be no more doubt about Kyle Shanahan; this man knows offense. Criticise his game management or head-coaching skills if you must (although, I personally think he’s Andy Reid with the Eagles, I just hope we hang on long enough for him to win a Super Bowl with us, not elsewhere), but he can scheme. The oft-repeated ‘9-32 without Purdy or Garoppolo ’ meme is disingenuous when you consider his backup options have been the likes of Nick Mullens and Brandon Allen. Also, no one can seem to decide if Purdy is a product of Shanahan’s scheme, or the player who makes him look good. Twas ever thus, and the narrative is tiring. The best answer, honestly, is that Shanahan’s scheme elevates talent, not that it makes or breaks it. Matt Ryan went from an average player to an MVP. Garoppolo never looked like a starter outside of San Francisco. Mullens shouldn’t have even been an NFL quarterback, but carved out a journeyman career off the back of Shanahan. Sam Darnold got paid twice after spending a year here. That’s now run to Jones, who finally looked like the young phenom he was once reputed to be on Sunday. It wasn’t virtuoso stuff, there’s things to clean up, but scoring enough points to win is always going to be fine, and given he’ll likely continue into next week against an inconsistent Arizona Cardinals team, it’ll need to be. Take a long breath. Relax. Enjoy it. This team is young, fun, and producing. Let’s hope it continues next week. Go Niners!

For the second straight week, the Pittsburgh Steelers have given up more than 30 points. Unfortunately, the offense couldn’t oblige the Seahawks a shootout the same way they did the Jets last week. For the Steelers to have a fighting chance this season, the team needs to figure out how to stop the run more effectively. Linebacker Payton Wilson spoke on the team's failure to reach their potential through two weeks after Sunday’s loss, saying that "We have some of the most talented guys to ever play their positions in here. For it to happen to them, for me to miss an assignment, and some of these guys, they're the best in the world. You don't want that to happen " Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin has no shortage of star power to work with, and he’ll need to figure out the best way to use it; Pittsburgh has a number of dangerous running threats on the schedule coming up. Here are three potential adjustments that we could see from Austin and company in the coming weeks. Move T.J. Watt Around Watt’s ability to take over a game is well documented, but he has yet to record a sack this year. It’s not that he’s necessarily playing poorly ... he’s simply being avoided at all costs by offensive coordinators. Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III went for 105 yards on Sunday without going anywhere near Watt , opting instead to attack the opposite side of the Steelers defense to great effect. If the Steelers want to properly utilize their superstar, he has to be more than an expensive roadblock. Bringing him over to the other side of the line, designing plays for him to move towards the middle of the line, and disguising the rush in different schemes will prevent opposing offenses from getting too comfortable and allow Watt to get more involved in the action. Especially with the ankle injury to co-star Alex Highsmith on Sunday, there will be plenty of opportunity for Watt to take snaps on the opposite side as Highsmith recovers. We could also see more looks from a 4-3 set (as opposed to Austin’s usual 3-4) in order to focus on challenging the run. Play the Waiting Game No small part of the Steelers’ defensive woes are due to the injury bug. The debut of DT Derrick Harmon becomes more highly anticipated with each passing game, as the rookie’s addition to the lineup will be a key part of this unit’s improvement going forward. The aforementioned Highsmith injury, along with another injury to Isaiahh Loudermilk, only adds to issues among the Steelers front seven. Pittsburgh is also missing key support from the secondary in Joey Porter Jr. and DeShon Eliott. Will the return of all of these players provide a miraculous fix for the run defense? Probably not, but it certainly won’t hurt to have a talented unit back to full strength. Send for Reinforcements If the Steelers don’t believe in their current squad to get the job done (or they have more complications with injuries), it might be time for GM Omar Khan to go shopping. While the Steelers have all of their 2026 draft picks and a modest amount of cap space to play with, we don’t know how aggressive Khan is willing to be, especially in the middle of the season. Cardinals DT PJ Mustipher is a possible target for the front four. If Tomlin likes his chances with a flier on Packers linebacker Isaiah Simmons, he shouldn’t demand too steep a price either. In either case, Pittsburgh will look for cheap additions to one of the most expensive defenses in the league, as it would be hard to justify throwing even more money at their issues without seeing any result.

The New York Knicks added veteran guard Malcolm Brogdon to round out their roster and re-signed Landry Shamet in a subsequent decision. Both players were given one-year contracts to add more depth to the team's backcourt, which now consists of Jalen Brunson, Jordan Clarkson, Tyler Kolek and Miles McBride. Brogdon, 32, is heading into his 10th year in the league. He is looking for a fresh start in the Big Apple after having last season cut short by a left ankle sprain. In 24 games, he averaged 12.7 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game. Brogdon was the 2016-17 NBA Rookie of the Year and the league’s Six-Man of the Year in 2022-23. Despite the success, his injury history has raised some concerns. He's had four seasons where he appeared in fewer than 50 games. If injuries continue to hold Brogdon back, it can hinder the Knicks' chances of having their rotation at full strength. Shamet, 28, is entering his second season in New York. Last year, he played a key role in reigniting his team’s offense during the postseason. That spark came from his three-point shooting where he made 39.7 % of his three-point shot attempts. Even though he is a talented shooter, his defensive skills aren’t the greatest. He has struggled with applying pressure on larger and quicker players, who can slip past him. Knicks Will Need to Move on From Pacome Dadiet Initially, the plan was to have Brogdon and Shamet compete for the final roster spot, but a recent report found the Knicks' front office wants to keep them both. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer , New York is weighing its options to avoid entering the second apron of the league’s luxury tax if it keeps both players. In this instance moving on from Dadiet is the logical choice. The Knicks drafted him with the No. 25 overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft. At 6-foot-8 and 210 pounds, Dadiet has a good chance of developing into a talented, defensive-oriented wing. Losing out on a player with a fair amount of raw potential is not ideal, especially since the Knicks have only four first-round picks in the next eight years. If they need to move on from Dadiet, they should make a trade to get two draft picks back because he has too much potential to be released.

The Arizona Cardinals improved to 2-0 with a 27-22 victory over the Carolina Panthers. While it has to feel nice for fans that the Cardinals have taken care of business, we’ve now seen them take their foot completely off the gas pedal two weeks in a row, to the point of needing a goal-line stand in the closing seconds against the New Orleans Saints, and a fourth-down stop against the Panthers on a potential game-winning drive. It’s an incredibly frustrating development for a team that has playoff aspirations, so let's take a full look at the mess that was week two. The Cardinals came out with impressive intensity on defense, forcing two turnovers on Carolina’s first two drives of the day, both thanks to awesome pressure designs by Jonathan Gannon and Nick Rallis. The first was a stunt that freed up Josh Sweat for a sack on Carolina QB Bryce Young, causing a fumble and a defensive touchdown. The second was a blitz that saw Akeem Davis-Gaither run through untouched and hit Young’s arm just in time to cause the ball to lollipop into the air, right into the arms of Baron Browning. Those turnovers turned into ten points for Arizona, giving them an immediate leg up. The Panthers attempted to establish a run game even while facing the early deficit, but the Cardinals' run defense limited Chuba Hubbard and co. to just 2.6 yards per carry, and Arizona ended the first half allowing only three points. The second half was almost entirely soft zone coverage and four-man rushes for Arizona, which is where the concerns start to mount. The Cardinals' secondary allowed for too many easy access throws to be completed, while it's one thing to give up checkdowns in the flat playing so far off, Arizona routinely gave up chunks of 7-10 yards on the sideline and failed to cover Chuba Hubbard on a swing route in the red zone. The defensive staff effectively abandoned the pressure packages that got them their lead in the first place, and it shed light on just how disappointing this pass rush has been through two weeks. Josh Sweat deserves omission for being the most impactful defender in the league on an EPA basis. EPA is simply tracking an individual player's impact on the game based on how many points they saved for a defense or gained for an offense. Calais Campbell also turned back the clock in the fourth quarter, with two sacks on Carolina’s attempted game-winning drive, but overall, this pass rush is lacking return on investment, and the stats back it up. The interior of the defensive line seems to be where the problems lie, especially with Dante Stills and Darius Robinson. Both had PFF pass rush grades under 60.0 , and in Robinson's case, he didn’t win a single pass rush rep out of the 33 he was on the field for. It’s only year two for Robinson, and he barely played last year, but numbers like that are frankly unacceptable, and if they continue, he needs to see a reduction in snaps. Whether it’s the coaching staff having too much trust in defensive line investments or a schematic discomfort with blitzing, the Cardinals absolutely cannot continue to rank dead last in the NFL in blitz rate, especially while they wait for the debut of Walter Nolen, because the Panthers went on drives of 14, 14 and 12 plays in the second half, and you aren’t going to beat good teams with this conservative style. The offense isn’t free of blame for what unfolded on Sunday either. It’s now been multiple weeks of lackluster results in the run game for Arizona, with James Conner and Trey Benson combining for 48 yards on 14 carries, a measly 3.4 per touch, and Conner’s day could have been much worse had he not produced 24 of those yards after contact. The stats reflect what was shown on TV, as the offensive line struggled to generate any push up front, with only two starters having blocking grades over 60.0 . Isaiah Adams is the big issue at right guard, with a 41.2 run blocking grade through two weeks, and it’s uncertain if the ground game will be able to get up and running with him routinely losing at the point of attack. Despite these issues, the offense was still able to put up 20 points in the first half and open the second half with a touchdown, but Cardinals' QB Kyler Murray’s brutal interception in the red zone ended a drive that could have sealed things. It also appears that Marvin Harrison Jr. is still going to be a week-to-week mystery for this offense, after what was a very strong opening game in week one. The chemistry shared by Trey McBride and Murray means he will almost always be the offense's first read, but this is a league where good teams have wideouts that routinely get the football, and five targets for a player you took fourth overall a year ago is nonsense. Harrison Jr. needs to be used underneath and over the middle more. He has real speed that doesn’t need to be isolated on pure go routes, and the fade routes in the red zone have to stop. The appeal is understandable, but it’s already a low percentage throw, and Harrison Jr. just doesn’t seem to have a rhythm with Murray on them. One final point about the offense is that they aren’t able to bleed the clock and get a first down late in the game. The sample is small, but in both games so far, Arizona has gotten the ball in a scenario where a first down or two seals it, and they’ve run 6 total plays while wasting a whopping one minute and 27 seconds. Against New Orleans, the Cardinals received the ball leading by seven with 2:35 to play, meaning a first down ended the game, and they ran three plays that resulted in a loss of nine yards and punted. Against Carolina, they received the ball leading by 12 with 5:01 to play, a scenario where any first down would shrink an already small win percentage for Carolina to almost nothing, so Arizona runs the ball twice for four yards, then Murray and Michael Wilson aren’t on the same page on a throw that would have been extremely low percentage if they had been, meaning Carolina got the ball back 34 seconds later. Again, it’s fantastic that Arizona has played well enough in spurts to be undefeated so far, but second-half adjustments have to be made on both sides of the ball with upcoming divisional games against the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks.

Charlotte has been busy this offseason drafting four new additions to the roster along with making veteran signings to bring experience to a young core. In the 2025 offseason, the Hornets have added: Kon Knueppel (4 th  overall draft pick) Liam McNeeley (29 th  overall draft pick) Sion James (33 rd  overall draft pick) Ryan Kalkbrenner (34 th  overall draft pick) Collin Sexton (via trade) Spencer Dinwiddie (Free Agency) Mason Plumlee (Free Agency)  Pat Connaughton (via trade) Head coach Charles Lee is banking on Charlotte’s mix of youth and veterans to shake up the Eastern Conference. But the real question is, who cracks the starting lineup ? The starting five should be the most cohesive unit and one that can provide shooting, defense, and players who fit different roles. On paper, the most cohesive starting five to start the season would be: Point Guard – LaMelo Ball Shooting Guard - Kon Knuppel Small Forward – Brandon Miller Power Forward – Miles Bridges  Center – Ryan Kalkbrenner The obvious starters are the core duo of Ball and Miller, the building blocks for Charlotte's success. Kon Knuppel showcased his entire arsenal of skills in the summer league including an elite shooting potential, decision-making, and willingness to take on the toughest perimeter defensive assignments. Miles Bridges provides flashy athleticism and slashing to create at the rim, and if he shoots the three-ball at a high clip, it will cause a lot of matchup problems. Ryan Kalkbrenner is a solid shot blocker and his ability to make threes will stretch the floor for Ball and Miller to create. Collin Sexton should be the sixth man and offensive spark for the Hornets, a player who can come in and provide instant offense for the second unit and even close games in certain nights.  Head coach Charles Lee will likely experiment with different starting lineups to see what combinations work the best together, but this starting five should be the most complete and complementary unit that Charlotte can put on the floor.

During his postgame media availability after the Detroit Lions' 52-21 dominant win over the Chicago Bears, defensive back Brian Branch mentioned something that some in the fan base have been thinking for months regarding former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Branch said that the game vs. the Bears was personal  because he felt betrayed by Johnson. Extra Energy in Ford Field Lions All-Pro wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown mentioned on the St. Brown Podcast, a digital show he does with his brother, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown, that Detroit was going to boo Johnson, and boy, did they. As soon as Johnson came out of the tunnel for pregame warmups, the crowd at Ford Field let him have it. The chorus of boos was even louder when he led the team onto the field for the game. There was even a vulgar "F--k Ben Johnson" chant during the game that some felt went too far, including starting Lions QB Jared Goff . During his postgame press conference, he mentioned, "I didn't like that," Goff said. "He did a lot for us here. I don't know if he deserved that." Strong Feelings About Johnson's Departure It was not surprising that the Lions coaching staff was losing both coordinators for head coaching positions after the 2024 season. However, the day after the Lions lost their divisional playoff game to the Washington Commanders, Ben Johnson was in Chicago accepting the Bears' head coaching position, sending shockwaves through the Lions fan base. Some blamed Johnson for the postseason loss because of questionable play calls during the game or lack of focus by Johnson. There was a sentiment that Johnson was more focused on building his coaching staff because he knew he was leaving for Chicago before the game. The franchises have faced off 190 times. The rivalry dates back to 1930 during the Portsmouth Spartans' era, before the team relocated to Detroit and became the Lions in 1934. So, when Johnson left for Chicago, one of Detroit's biggest rivals, it was understandable that fans would be upset and feel betrayed. Johnson Comments About Detroit Lions QB Ben Johnson has taken a few shots at the Lions since being hired by the Bears. At this year's NFL combine, J ohnson suggested that Lions RT Penei Sewell  threw better passes than Goff. He also took an unwarranted backhanded shot at Goff, saying, "To have an athlete like Caleb [who can] extend the play and potentially find an explosive down the field, that's what gets me going a little bit. I get excited thinking about that because I haven't really been around that since I've been in the league." Those comments increased the hatred for Johnson by some in the Lions fan base. Many Lions players and fans are distraught with Johnson at the moment. His decision to leave the Lions to coach one of their biggest rivals is perceived as a significant betrayal. When the Lions face the Bears with Johnson as their head coach, the competition will likely feel much more intense than it has in the past.

The New York Giants had a far better performance on offense this week, but their lack of discipline resulted in a 40-37 overtime loss to their division rival Dallas Cowboys. There were penalties all over the place, bad decision-making by the offense and defense, and all-around sloppy play by the team. So many things were done incorrectly in their performance, it’s easy to assume the team punted the game away. Don’t get it wrong, the team performed far better in many areas than last week against the Washington Commanders. This is a game they should have won when they took the lead with just over 30 seconds remaining. A breakdown of the most glaring issues could paint a picture of not just issues on the field, but also brewing chaos in the locker room. James Hudson Should Not See the Field Again It’s one thing to be jumpy on the line, and it’s another thing to have a fire brewing when you play. It’s a completely different thing to commit four penalties on the opening drive of the game. James Hudson somehow managed to accomplish all of the above and look completely foolish doing so in the process. Hudson accomplished the feat during the team’s first drive of the game, becoming the first player since 2000 to earn the dubious honor, according to CBS Sports . The first penalty, being a 15-yard unnecessary roughness foul, came when he attempted to slap edge rusher James Houston in the back of the head. Then he committed another 15-yard foul a few plays later, trying to pin defensive end Sam Williams on the ground after a 51-yard pass play to Wan’Dale Robinson. To make it worse, Hudson inexplicably jumped off the line twice and backed the Giants up even further. A drive that took up half the quarter ended with only a field goal, in part due to the veteran’s antics. To top it all off, Hudson was pulled from the game after that and benched for rookie offensive lineman Marcus Mbow. The veteran was not only upset, but he appeared to try and get in a coach’s face. He had to be calmed down by his teammates before finally accepting a spot on the bench. Hudson wasn’t available for reporters after the game, but it shouldn’t be a surprise if he either loses significant playing time or is cut outright after that. He’s only filling in for the injured Andrew Thomas now, but the team needs him more than ever after the veteran’s questionable display. Where Is The Discipline? There’s one big number to take away from the Giants’ game against the Cowboys: 14 penalties for 160 yards. Six of those came from the aforementioned first drive, including holdings against Swayze Bozeman and Darius Slayton. Then they had a delay of game to top it off on the offensive side. A lack of discipline was apparent on the defensive side of the ball Sunday. Abdul Carter jumped offside twice, Andu Phillips contributed another unnecessary roughness penalty, and the team committed three roughing the passer penalties in the span of three quarters. Four more penalties for defensive pass interference and then they couldn’t get all the men off the field in time at the end of the second quarter. Forget the fact that Russell Wilson had a good game , throwing for over 450 yards and three touchdowns. He also made a costly mistake in overtime by throwing an airball 40 yards deep that led to an interception and a game-ending field goal. It’s a shame, because it overshadows Malik Nabers’ great day , going for 167 yards and two touchdowns. It also overshadows Cam Skattebo’s first career touchdown. The question is no longer what good did the team do, it’s now whether coach Brian Daboll is already losing the locker room. Is Daboll Already Losing The Team? It goes without saying that Daboll’s job is on the line this season after two disastrous seasons following their surprise 2022 performance. If the team’s morale and discipline is already spiraling this early in the season, there’s a chance Daboll will be gone before the season is over. It’s a shame, given that Daboll is one of their more fiery and successful coaches over the last decade, aside from Ben McAdoo. But the team’s current strategy isn’t working. There is time to change it, but the lack of camaraderie in the locker room and the clear deficit of a vocal leader on the roster make it an uphill battle for Daboll to form a case to stay.

The Phillies continued their September surge last week with a four-game sweep of the rival New York Mets, riding strong pitching, opportunistic hitting, and a few breakout performances that could loom large down the stretch. Since being swept by the Mets in mid-August, Philadelphia had won 11 of their last 14 games and cut its magic number to clinch the division to five. The sweep didn’t just add to Philadelphia’s win column it reshaped the National League landscape. By taking four straight from the Mets, the Phillies widened their division lead to 11 games and now hold a 12.5-game commanding lead in the NL. With just a handful of series left on the schedule, the gap provides both breathing room and momentum as October approaches. With Trea Turner sidelined, Harrison Bader has picked up much of the slack at the top of the order. Slotted into the leadoff spot, Bader has provided a steady spark, reaching base consistently and setting the tone for the lineup. He scored four runs in the Mets series and is hitting .342 with a .403 on-base percentage and .542 slugging percentage since joining Philadelphia, according to CBS Sports . “You know the addition of Bader has really helped and he’s doing a couple of things,” manager Rob Thomson said in a video released by the team . “I mean he’s hot right now, and so he’s getting on base, he’s swinging the bat, and he’s playing good defense and he’s giving other guys days off.” The outfield, once considered a weakness, has become a strength with Bader’s emergence. His ability to grind out at-bats has given the Phillies’ stars more chances to deliver in run-scoring spots, while his defense has steadied center field. That balance has allowed the pitching staff to go to work with confidence especially at the back end of games. That resurgence has been paired with Max Kepler’s breakthrough. After struggling to find a rhythm earlier in the season, Kepler came alive against the Mets, collecting four hits, including a home run, and driving in five runs during the sweep. His presence in the middle of the order gives Philadelphia another dangerous option behind its stars. With Zack Wheeler sidelined, Jesús Luzardo gave the Phillies a much needed boost in the series. The left-hander was rocked for four runs in the first inning, but settled in and retired 22 consecutive batters to keep the Mets in check . He finished with 10 strikeouts over seven innings, allowing five hits and no walks. The rough start could have unraveled the outing, but Luzardo’s ability to rebound showed the kind of toughness the Phillies need from their rotation without their ace. His dominance after the first frame steadied the game and eased pressure on the bullpen. Closer Jhoan Duran punctuated the sweep with his third save of the week, striking out the side in the ninth to silence the Mets. Long known for his triple-digit fastball, Duran has added a curveball that gives him another weapon and a new level of unpredictability. Mets hitters flailed at the breaking ball, which he mixed in to keep them off balance. For a Phillies bullpen that has battled inconsistency, Duran’s ability to pair raw power with a sharp curve is a potential difference-maker. The sweep left the Phillies firmly in control of the NL East, their 11-game cushion the largest of the season. With contributions from Bader and Kepler in the outfield, Luzardo’s ability to rebound on the mound, and Duran’s new weapon at the back end, Philadelphia showed depth in areas once viewed as question marks. With October approaching, the Phillies are not only closing in on a division title they are beginning to look like a team built to make a long run in the playoffs.

After a second straight play-in exit, Atlanta promoted Onsi Saleh to be their new general manager, and he quickly got to work, trading for Kristaps Porzingis at the Boston Celtics' fire sale and acquiring both Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard in free agency. These moves, combined with a savvy draft night swap with the New Orleans Pelicans that could net Atlanta a high lottery pick next year, had many declaring the Hawks as one of the big winners of the NBA summer. However, that doesn't mean that Atlanta isn't setting its sights even higher moving forward. Recently, Celtics wing Jaylen Brown, who figures to do a lot of the heavy lifting for Boston this year with Jayson Tatum out of the lineup, stopped by Atlanta's V-103 radio station and was asked by host Big Tigger, also the Hawks' in-arena public address announcer, whether or not Brown may eventually suit up for his native Atlanta one day . "You never know," said Brown, via Zach Langley on X, formerly Twitter. "...I think my grandma would (like to see me play for the Hawks). You never know, we'll see." Brown grew up just north of Atlanta and attended Wheeler High School, where he established himself as one of the best young players in the country in the mid-2010s. Since then, he has gone on to become an NBA champion and Finals MVP for the Celtics, who not too long ago looked to be on the cusp of a potential dynasty. However, in the last five months, the Celtics have watched their ultra-talented roster disintegrate in the wake of their shocking second round playoff loss to the New York Knicks. This change was spurred on by the fact that Tatum will likely miss all of this upcoming season, likely removing the Celtics from real contention in 2025-2026. This being the case, it's not outside the realm of possibility that an upcoming team like the Hawks could come in and try to put together a trade package for Brown, who may not be thrilled about the prospect of a retooling year in Boston. Brown's connections to the city of Atlanta could only strengthen Saleh's case for the Hawks as a potential landing spot. Still, for now, the Hawks' attention is likely on the roster they already have assembled, which figures to be the best of point guard Trae Young's career. Fans have long pined for Atlanta to surround Young with lengthy wing defenders who can knock down open shots, as well as a rim protector who can wall off the paint. The Hawks now have both of those things after their summer additions, and figure to see additional offensive improvement from young players like Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, and former number one overall pick Zaccharie Risacher heading into next season. This, combined with the fact that the Eastern Conference is severely weakened due to injuries, could make 2025-26 the year that the Hawks finally break their play-in game curse and win a playoff series for the first time since 2021's shocking run to the Eastern Conference Finals.

With just more than 11 minutes left in the third quarter on Sunday, J.K. Dobbins took the ball up the middle for a touchdown. The Denver Broncos were fighting off the Indianapolis Colts and then led 28-20, but it felt like they always had the momentum. As the game progressed, however, it was Indianapolis that made the big plays, while Denver struggled to generate much offense. The Colts had three more scoring drives, all resulting in field goals throughout the rest of the game, while the Broncos didn’t score another point. It’s easy to make excuses for losing this game. If not for the missed field goal by Wil Lutz with 3:19 left in the game, the Colts would have needed a touchdown to win. If the Broncos weren’t penalized for a personal foul on Indianapolis’ game-winning field goal attempt, Denver would have won the game. While late-game execution was an issue, the Broncos’ struggles stemmed from the battle in the trenches. Before the season started, Denver was viewed as a defensive powerhouse. After week one, that title seemed fitting. The Colts’ 29-point day was much worse than the season-opening 12-point day rookie quarterback Cam Ward and the Tennessee Titans had. The Broncos’ defensive line lived in the backfield in week one; the same couldn’t be said about the loss to the Colts in week two. Denver sacked Indy quarterback Daniel Jones just once, and the Broncos had five quarterback hits. That was partially due to the work the Colts’ offensive line was doing. Denver’s pass rush was just a step slow all day despite getting 23 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus . That, paired with Jones’ play on Sunday, made the Colts challenging to stop. Jones wasn’t afraid of the Broncos’ reputation. The Colts didn’t shy from passing. In fact, they went after reigning Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II quite a bit. On the nine throws to Surtain II’s man, the Colts found seven completions for 63 yards and five first downs, according to PFF . The reason Indianapolis was able to disregard Denver’s talent was because of how effectively and quickly the Colts were operating their offense. The offensive line bought Jones enough time to see the field and hit his receivers on time. Jones' 2.76-second time-to-throw average was 15th in the league through Sunday’s slate, according to NFL Next Gen Stats . He found most of his production in the short areas of the field, which opened the whole offense up. Jones was throwing into tight windows within 10 yards all game long. He was the most aggressive quarterback in Sunday’s games, throwing into tight windows, as proven by his 29.4% aggressiveness, according to NFL Next Gen Stats . Despite the tight coverage, Indianapolis won the short game. Jones went 18/23 for 189 yards and a touchdown when throwing within 10 yards or behind the line of scrimmage, according to PFF . The first-year Colts quarterback’s efficiency became so dangerous that Denver couldn’t just focus on former All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor. When Denver is containing passing offenses, it makes it easier for them to slow the run game, but this group isn’t particularly suited to stop the run. The Broncos pride themselves on a high blitz percentage and their ability to get to the quarterback. The Colts proved too versatile of an offense for Denver, though. The Colts’ interior offensive line paved a path for Taylor, and he’s too skilled of a back not to take advantage of those opportunities. Of his 165 rushing yards, 139 of them came from inside runs, according to NFL Next Gen Stats . The Broncos couldn’t commit to stopping just one facet of Indianapolis’ offense. While the Colts’ offense outperformed the Broncos’ defense on Sunday, that doesn’t mean all is falling apart in Denver, though. The offense was much more competent than it was in week one, and the defense had an uncharacteristically bad day. Taylor’s 215 all-purpose yards were bad, but 111 came from two plays alone, and Jones had the passing game efficient and prolific, but Denver wasn’t completely walked all over. Jones completed 67.6% of his passes Sunday, but his 14.5 completion percentage above expected, 53.1%, was the second-highest mark on Sunday, according to NFL Next Gen Stats . The Colts were the better team on Sunday, but there’s reason to believe Denver’s defense can get more stops throughout the rest of the season. The trenches and catchpoint just didn’t go the Broncos’ way this time.

Another week, another primetime divisional matchup for the Bolts as they travel to Vegas to take on the Las Vegas Raiders in an early but crucial matchup on Monday Night Football at 10 PM EST/7 PM PST! Week 1 For Both Squads: The Chargers took care of business against the AFC West kings, the Kansas City Chiefs, while Geno Smith and the new-look Raiders took home a win despite Ashton Jeanty’s rough debut. The Chargers unveiled a revolutionary concept of letting their generational talent quarterback sling the ball 34 times en route to their 20-13 win, while the Raiders rode their own generational talent in Brock Bowers to a successful day through the air. Geno Smith had a big day where he posted an 83.8 PFF grade against a Patriots defense that was expected to be a stingy unit, even without All-Pro Christian Gonzalez on the field. Both teams followed a very similar script: strong air attacks, an inefficient run game, and a defense that was able to limit the big play and draw out long drives, eventually working to find a mistake to exploit. Bitten by an Early Injury Bug? Both teams are expected to either miss either some of their regular starters or even their game changers. On the Bolts side, as we know by now they are without All-Pro Tackle Rashawn Slater for the season, but adding on is the loss of veteran linebacker Denzel Perryman, who is expected to miss some time with a high ankle sprain. This thins an already scarce position linebacker core outside of Daiyan Henley, an issue that is compounded by the questionable designation placed on Del’Shawn Phillps, leaving just Troy Dye and Marlowe Wax and the lone healthy inside backers next to Henley. Safety Elijah Molden is out with an injured hamstring. This loss opens the door for RJ Mickens to prove his case for more playing time after a very strong offseason and preseason, or the potential elevation of preseason darling and fan favorite Tony Jefferson. It’s very possible that the Silver-and-Black are dealing with a much worse case of the injury bug after Week 1, as they will be missing standout interior lineman and former Oregon Duck, Jackson Powers-Johnson with a concussion. They're also dealing with the uncertainty of a questionable designation on their superstar tight end–and easily their best offensive player–Brock Bowers who exited last weeks contest with a knee injury. Bowers registered his first limited practice action on Saturday, but is expected to suit up for the Raiders on Monday Night. The question of how effective he will be is obviously to be determined. Former second-round pick Michael Mayer may be expected to take more of the load than usual from the tight end spot if Bowers isn’t his usual game-breaking self. Chargers-Raiders: By the Numbers The Chargers and Raiders are both looking to improve their run game, as both offenses recorded 3.6 and 3.3 yards per carry, respectively. The last time Chargers WR Quentin Johnston played the Raiders, he put up a career high 186 yards. Justin Herbert is 6-3 vs. the Raiders, with an astounding 2,170 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and only 2 INTs. Coaches Jim Harbaugh and Pete Carroll have a long, storied rivalry, as this game will break a 10 -year-long tie, with a head-to-head record of 6-6 between the two. Both teams are looking to separate themselves and take advantage of the first-ever 0-2 start in the Patrick Mahomes era in KC. My Prediction Ok, I’m riding the high of calling the Bolts' upset win in Brazil, and I’m fully aware it’s rare that two good things happen to the Chargers in a row ... but I’m buying in anyways. This Chargers offense looks like an entirely new unit: the re-addition of Keenan Allen, the use of Quentin Johnston’s athleticism and RAC ability, Mehki Becton looking like an All-Pro out of the gate ... all of these things make me think that this Chargers team should handle a much less talented Raiders team just like they did last year when they swept the season series by a total score of 56-30. The addition of Geno Smith makes this Raiders team different than previous years, and Pete Carroll is going to build a winning culture in Vegas, but talent matters, and it feels like this Chargers team simply has more of it. I see the Chargers' offense picking up where they left off, and Khalil Mack having his yearly demolition of the Raiders in primetime. The Chargers get off to a 2-0 start and take sole possession at the top of the AFC West with a late-night 31-20 victory over their most hated rivals.

The Dallas Cowboys are set to clash with their divisional rivals, the New York Giants, in a Noon home opener at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. A lot has happened since last Thursday, including the recent injury of star cornerback DaRon Bland, who suffered a foot injury on Monday and will be sidelined for several weeks. In response, the team brought in former 2014 first-round pick, edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney, for a visit on Wednesday afternoon to explore potential pass rush assistance. However, he left without signing a contract, and there are currently no updates on whether he will join the Cowboys. His experience would certainly be a valuable addition to the team. Amidst all this activity in the Cowboys' world, they still have a game to prepare for on Sunday. Here are two Cowboys players to keep an eye on during the matchup against the New York Giants. WR CeeDee Lamb After a rough opener vs. the Eagles (where he had four drops), Lamb still managed good yardage (110 yards on seven catches) and remained heavily targeted. Literally the next day in Dallas–on their off-day at the Star–Lamb was working on the Jugs machine to make sure his hands were right for the next game. Watch for how the Cowboys use him in motion or across the field to force the Giants’ linebackers or safeties to adjust, or possibly miscommunicate. Also, look out for whether Lamb can win 1‑on‑1 matchups or exploit soft spots in zone coverage, particularly over the middle or on dig or crossing routes. CB Reddy Steward Bland is out for multiple weeks due to a foot injury. With that being said the next man up at the nickelback position is Steward. Who got some reps last week on special teams vs the Eagles. The Star Telegram's Nick Harris talked to Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus about Steward and what brings to the team. He said "He knows the position ... He's got really good quickness and ball-hawking ability ... He's got tremendous ball skills." These are good qualities for a nickel, and hopefully those skills can transition to Sunday against the Giants. Be on the lookout for Steward’s matchups in the slot versus quick, shifty receivers or tight ends crossing the formation. The Giants may try to attack with crossing routes or use motion to create mismatches inside. Also, watch how well he communicates or matches up in zone vs. man, especially under pressure. Being newer in the Cowboys’ scheme, his understanding or reaction under duress could be tested. Final Thoughts With injuries forcing young players into bigger roles and offensive stars like Lamb needing to bounce back, Sunday’s game against the Giants is more than just a rivalry matchup—it’s a chance for the Cowboys to show their depth, focus, and resilience early in the season.

The Lions must go back to Dan Campbell's aggressive style  in all three phases of the game to beat the Chicago Bears on Sunday. There are simple scheme adjustments needed for Detroit to be successful against their former offensive coordinator, now Chicago head coach, Ben Johnson .  Offensive Scheme Adjustments This Lions team is fortunate not to face the challenge of using silent counts at Ford Field, which can create significant communication issues in a loud environment. Left guard Christian Mahogany highlighted this problem during the second half of the match against Green Bay, where it hindered their offensive rhythm. However, veteran left tackle Taylor Decker disputed that claim. As they prepare to take on the Bears, it's vital to adopt a balanced game plan. The Bears defense has shown vulnerabilities against the run, particularly during their game against the Vikings, who exploited this weakness effectively. This provides an excellent opportunity for the team to diversify their offensive strategy and incorporate play-action passes, which can capitalize on the Bears defensive tendencies and keep them off balance. By mixing in these plays, the team can create more opportunities for big gains and maintain control of the game. Offensive coordinator John Morton should design plays that make quarterback Jared Goff comfortable, particularly focusing on choice routes and dagger routes that the Lions' receivers excel at. Simply relying on a series of vertical routes won’t be effective; the route trees for the wide receivers need to remain varied.  Goff must also communicate  the correct pass protections and run schemes until the younger guards find their rhythm. While Johnnie-Mo can certainly add his influence to the offense, it’s crucial to run plays that align with the players’ strengths for now. Defensive Adjustments To effectively exert pressure on the opposing team, it is vital to leverage the strengths of the linebackers and safeties. Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard demonstrated increased aggression in the second half of the game on Sunday, but the base defense still struggled to generate sufficient pressure along the defensive line. It is essential to focus on setting the edge and keeping quarterback Caleb Williams confined within the pocket. Williams excelled against Minnesota when he had the opportunity to extend plays with his legs, which often led to big gains for his offense. Furthermore, improved communication among the secondary players is critical. The defensive backs and linebackers need to develop a clear understanding of when to pass off routes to one another, ensuring that coverage responsibilities are correct. Doing this will help eliminate any potential breakdowns in coverage that can result in big plays for the offense. Overall, the defense showed commendable improvement after halftime, displaying resilience and adaptability. Sheppard can build on the successful adjustments made during that period, and with continued emphasis on pressure techniques and communication, the defense can enhance its performance in future games. Special Teams Adjustments Improving special teams performance is crucial for overall team success. Additionally, they need to aim to reduce penalties by emphasizing discipline during practice sessions and establishing clear guidelines on what constitutes a penalty. Punter Jack Fox  did not have a good game kicking the ball, which is rare for him. By refining these areas, the Lions can create a more efficient and effective special teams unit. The Lions can return to form if they make these adjustments, and the players can execute their game plan on Sunday against the Bears at Ford Field.

It’s time for another Super Bowl rematch. The Eagles will travel to Kansas City, Missouri to take on the Chiefs for the first time since the Super Bowl LIX domination in which Philadelphia won 40-22. Although the final score may indicate the game being somewhat close, the Eagles were in control from start to finish as they scored 34 unanswered points through the first three quarters. (Kansas City scored their first points with 34 seconds remaining in the third quarter.) However, it’s a new year and the two teams do not have the same rosters as the Super Bowl matchup. The Eagles are coming off of a 24-20 victory against the Cowboys in Week 1, while the Chiefs fell to the Chargers 27-21 in Brazil to open their season. While it is easy to want to focus on the starpower in this game on offense with the likes of Saquon Barkley, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, A.J. Brown and more–the biggest factors of determining this game will come on the defensive side of the ball. How the Chiefs handle Barkley this time around will help determine if this game will turn into a shootout or not. In their Super Bowl LIX meeting, Kansas City went all out on stopping the 2024 Offensive Player of the Year. Barkley was held to just 57 yards on 25 carries in that game (2.3 ypc), while Jalen Hurts shined as the MVP throwing for 221 yards and two touchdowns. The Chiefs simply dared Hurts to beat them in that game and he did with not only his arm but his legs too, as he ran for 72 yards and a score in the game. Ultimately, the dilemma Kansas City faces in this game is one the whole league has to face when it comes to Philadelphia. If you don’t watch Barkley, he will make you pay. But the same goes for Hurts and his talented receiving corps featuring Brown and DeVonta Smith. The Chiefs showed their run defense is still a primary focus after they allowed 90 yards rushing to the Chargers in Week 1, while Justin Herbert threw for 318 yards and three touchdowns. In that matchup, eight different receivers caught a pass from Herbert. The Chiefs struggled to get into a rhythm offensively in their opening game and didn’t find the end zone until the second half. If the Eagles defense from the second half of the Dallas game (0 points allowed in second half) shows up, Kansas City could be in for a long, long day. (And that was without defensive tackle Jalen Carter.) The Chiefs will also be without wide receiver Xavier Worthy , who injured his shoulder after colliding with Kelce early in Week 1. Without Rashee Rice and Worthy, this is a completely different Kansas City team that may not have enough firepower to hang with the Eagles once again. Prediction: Eagles 27, Chiefs 17 This game could go any number of ways. Right now, it feels like the Eagles may be too much to handle for the Chiefs on paper. But if there’s one thing NFL fans have come to learn, it’s that Mahomes should never be counted out. This game may be a defensive battle that starts slow as both teams find their footing, get over the emotional aspect of the Super Bowl rematch, and get going. If Mahomes can make some magic and keep the Chiefs within striking distance–it’s anyone’s ball game. However, the Philadelphia defense paired with its dynamic playermakers on offense will be too much for Kansas City to keep up with for four quarters despite the home field advantage. This time, Barkley will find a way through the defense and break one off late to put the game away and move the Eagles to 2-0.

When you think of the most impactful players in Golden State Warriors history, there are many above Draymond Green. Often labeled as the team’s heart and soul, Green has remained a key piece to their puzzle and an engine behind their championship success. Despite this, his complex and polarizing nature on the court, along with his fiery intensity, has frequently threatened to compromise that success over the years. A four-time NBA champion, former Defensive Player of the Year, and four-time All-Star, Green’s legacy is mixed with a combination of on-court brilliance and controversial and sometimes questionable behavior. The Non-Traditional Superstar Since coming into the league, Green’s value has always transcended the box score and statistical averages. While for his career he averages about nine points, seven rebounds, and six assists per game, this doesn’t speak to how essential he is to his team. His greatness is defined by: Elite defensive versatility : He is an all-time great defender, especially at his size and being smaller than most of his individual matchups on a nightly basis. He can guard all five positions, move his feet well, and anticipate plays before they happen. Partnering that with his 7’1” wingspan and high basketball IQ, he is a nightmare for offenses to deal with and can control the defensive end like a maestro. Exceptional Playmaking: With the Warriors’ style of play, reading and reacting, Green serves as the secondary and sometimes primary playmaker. Having shooters like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson allowed them to pick apart defenses, making quick passes to cutting teammates or finding open shooters. An Emotional Leader Outside of setting up the Warriors’ offense and controlling their defense, arguably Green’s most important role is remaining their emotional leader. His vocal intensity, willingness to compete at a high level, and crossing lines that his teammates won’t have given them life on many occasions, even if the masses didn’t agree with his actions. Some of this passion can be seen in this video on X as Green appears to have finished working out alongside Jimmy Butler: He is the ultimate tone-setter, and in many instances when the Warriors needed a spark, especially in high-pressure moments, Green has provided it. This includes the 2022 NBA Finals, when, according to ESPN’s Tim Keown , “Green's stat line was pedestrian–nine points, five rebounds, seven assists–but he chewed up the scenery all night. He hounded and engulfed Brown into submission. He stripped Al Horford  of the ball in the first quarter on a drive to the lane so forcefully that it appeared to break Horford's spirit.” Whether through his defensive prowess, a passionate speech in a huddle, or a defiant moment toward the opponent, he delivers what they need. For example, in the 2025 playoffs, his emotional reset after losing Game 6 proved to be necessary in their decisive Game 7 victory. We all have good and bad moments, which Green is no stranger to. His willingness to cross the line has had both positive and negative effects within the organization. This includes his 2016 NBA Finals suspension, which some believe cost the Warriors a championship. The likes of Stephen A. Smith claimed the NBA granted LeBron James a “stimulus package” for suspending him on an episode of First Take earlier this year, according to Ayomide Adeduyite of Yahoo Sports . The Complex Legacy of a Legend Draymond Green’s legacy is complex, especially being an unconventional superstar. Despite this, his presence, high IQ, and knack for making the right plays, at the right times, on the biggest stages contributed and continue to contribute significantly to the Warriors' organization. Some will remember him as the glue that held the team together while being an unselfish playmaker and lockdown defender. Others will view him as a short-tempered player whose questionable actions overshadowed his brilliance. Regardless of which side you fall on, it is undeniable how indispensable he is to the Warriors’ culture. He is a rare breed who broke the mold by combining his smarts with a will to win that is unmatched by most, which will certainly be needed for the upcoming season.

The Kansas City Chiefs face a difficult situation after Xavier Worthy, who would be their WR1 while Rashee Rice served a six-game suspension, went down with a shoulder injury in Week 1. What is next for the Chiefs amid this injury? The Chiefs can't catch a break since last season. They lost multiple players, especially wide receivers, to injuries in 2024. Andy Reid's team managed to navigate through the season without important pieces such as Rashee Rice, Marquis Brown, Skyy Moore and Mecole Hardman.  At the same time, Worthy showed off his abilities week-by-week during his rookie season until he became the team's WR1. After Rashee Rice received a six-game suspension by the NFL, Worthy entered the season as the WR1 again. Unfortunately, he caught friendly fire in the first scrimmage play of the Chiefs' season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers on Friday. He ran into Travis Kelce and went down after hurting his shoulder, ending his night and raising a lot of eyebrows among the fanbase. Reid gave an update on Worthy on Monday, revealing the team is taking the injury "day by day," meaning he will eventually return to the field. The possibility of Worthy playing with a brace has gotten buzz since that update, but that might not be enough for the Chiefs.  The defending AFC champions face three scenarios ahead of Week 2. They need to act quickly on this or the season might go south when they are expected to at least compete to return to the Super Bowl.  Make Travis Kelce or Marquis Brown the No. 1 Target The 2025 season is considered the final one for Travis Kelce after he decided to run it back with the Chiefs and challenge for the Super Bowl again. Kelce isn't as explosive or fast as before, but he showed that he doesn't need to be that to produce for his team in Week 1. He caught two passes for 47 yards and one touchdown in the 27-21 loss to Los Angeles. Kelce was in the right place at the right time, which helped Patrick Mahomes connect for a touchdown to keep the team's chances alive.  Per Football Insights  on X, the Chiefs were nowhere to be found on the best quarterback-receiver duos in target EPA (expected points added) in Week 1. In contrast, Justin Herbert featured three times (6.3 EPA with Keenan Allen, 5.6 with Quentin Johnston and 5.2 with Ladd McConkey).  Mahomes did connect with one receiver, who could also be a solution for this issue.  With Worthy out of the picture, the Chiefs turned to "Hollywood" Brown to carry their aerial game. The speedster was targeted a game-high 16 times, catching 10 passes for 99 yards.  While he didn't score, Brown was Mahomes' favorite target that night, which could open the door for him to lead the offense until Worthy or Rice are back.  Trade for a New Wide Receiver  There might not be many players available for trade this early in the season, but the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Philadelphia Eagles showed that if the right offer comes along, you can do business at any time.  New Orleans Saints' Rashid Shaheed, Indianapolis Colts' Josh Downs, Buffalo Bills' Joshua Palmer or Minnesota Vikings' Jalen Nailor could be intriguing pieces for the Chiefs. More than that, speculation about a potential reunion with Tyreek Hill  sparked after the Miami Dolphins were humbled by the Colts, 33-8, on Sunday.  Hill caught four passes for 40 yards and no touchdowns. A potential exit from the Dolphins has been in the cards for Hill since last season. He has been a shell of himself since the remarkable 2023 season (119 receptions for 1,799 yards and 13 touchdowns) and many think a change of air could revitalize his career.  The Chiefs can use a speedster during Worthy and Rice's absence, and Hill already knows the organization, making him a fitting candidate.  Time to Establish the Running Game  Ahead of the 2025 season, the Chiefs were thought to favor the running game, more so after the league suspended Rice. They had different plans for the Chargers game, as only 98 of 347 total yards  came from rushing the ball.  Mahomes led the team's rushing game with 57 yards on six carries, while Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt ran the ball five times each, recording 25 and 16 yards, respectively.  They have two solid running backs in Pacheco and Hunt and using them in a committee would bring a lot of benefits to Kansas City. The Eagles allowed  119 rushing yards (5.4 per rush) to the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, with Javonte Williams gaining 54 in 15 carries and scoring twice.  Week 3 should be positive for the Chiefs' running game, as they go against the New York Giants, who allowed 2,319 rushing yards last season . Then, they'll go against the Ravens, the number one defense against rushing (1,361 yards allowed). Week 5 will see them clash against the Jaguars (2,254 yards allowed), before the Lions (1,672 yards allowed) visit them in Week 6. The last game before Rice returns to the field will be a divisional duel against the Las Vegas Raiders, another team that allowed less than 2,000 rushing yards in 2024 (1,987).  It may be a tricky path for the Chiefs, but one or two of these situations can put them in a good position to compete until their wide receiver room is healthy.

The Pittsburgh Steelers started the 2025 campaign in the win column, winning an action-packed showdown in MetLife Stadium against the New York Jets on Sunday. While Mike Tomlin will have plenty of notes for his squad before they host the Seahawks next weekend, there’s plenty for Steelers fans to be optimistic about. Most importantly, we’ve seen every team play four quarters of meaningful football (aside from the Vikings and Bears, who will play Monday night), which means we can finally start to figure out how Pittsburgh matches up with their opponents going into the rest of the season. Granted, our sample size of one game per team certainly isn’t enough to be totally accurate, but it’s certainly better than the preseason results we’ve been trying to make sense of for the last few weeks. Taking a look at the Steelers’ performance against the Jets, let’s see where this team’s strengths and weaknesses are after their first real game.  Passing Offense Aaron Rodgers’ critics spent much of last season asking if he was the problem for the New York Jets. While his responsibility in last year’s 5-12 record is still up for debate, there was no doubt regarding his role in the Jets’ demise on Sunday. Rodgers looked remarkably comfortable in Arthur Smith’s scheme, making it a point to compliment the offensive playcalling during his postgame interview . Rodgers connected with seven of his new teammates for a total of 244 yards and four touchdowns. DK Metcalf also had a solid debut with four receptions for a team-high 83 yards. The Steelers were largely unaffected by a quality performance by Jets’ corner Sauce Gardner, opting instead to pick apart his teammates throughout the game. Only four of the Steelers’ remaining opponents fared better than the Jets in terms of passing yards allowed through their first week (not including the Vikings and the Bears, who play each other Monday night). As Rodgers and Smith continue to grow more comfortable over the course of the season, expect the aerial attack to grow even more lethal, especially if Calvin Austin (4/70/1) builds on his performance. However, the offensive line will have to improve their pass protection going forward. For all of his arm talent, the 41 year-old Rodgers can’t take four sacks a game like he did on Sunday. With the likes of Myles Garrett, Micah Parsons, Trey Hendrickson, and more on the schedule, the Steelers need to keep the pocket clean for this passing game to continue to flourish.  Rushing Offense It’s no secret that Smith places great value in the running game. With that being said, he can’t have been pleased with what he saw on the ground Sunday. Of Pittsburgh’s three running backs, Jaylen Warren was the leader in the clubhouse with 37 yards on 11 carries. Heralded rookie Kaleb Johnson only touched the ball once for a loss of yards. Kenneth Gainwell added just 19 yards to round out a tough outing against a bloodthirsty Jets defensive line, anchored by the disruptive Quinnen Williams. The Jets’ D-line wasn’t projected to be a standout unit coming into the season, so unless New York is much better than anticipated, this unit might be in trouble. A few more strong showings from the passing game will hopefully lead some defenses to disregard the run and create some more chances on the ground for Pittsburgh, and there’s still plenty of time for Johnson to develop. But if this unit continues to perform like it did against New York, teams like Green Bay and Cleveland are going to wreak havoc in the coming weeks.  Passing Defense Pittsburgh’s secondary ultimately saved the day, with new addition Jalen Ramsey lighting up Garrett Wilson on fourth down to seal the game for the Steelers. While Ramsey came out the victor in his contentious matchup with Wilson, it wasn’t exactly a strong showing from the Steelers pass defense. Former Steeler Justin Fields looked sharp for the Jets, completing 16 passes for 218 yards, including a beautiful 33-yard passing touchdown to Wilson. Fields never looked genuinely unsettled, with the Steelers pass-rush only getting home for one sack on Sunday. The schedule ahead includes some lethal quarterbacks: Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Justin Herbert, and Daniel Jones (?!) all had impressive week one performances, and Joe Burrow and Jared Goff will more than likely rebound after shaky starts to the season. The Steelers proved they can deliver in the clutch, but they’ll need to be more consistent going forward.  Rushing Defense Pittsburgh certainly missed the presence of injured rookie Derrick Harmon in the interior on Sunday. The Jets steamrolled the Steelers’ front four all game, racking up 182 rushing yards and scoring three times on the ground. Both Fields and running back Breece Hall rebounded from down years in 2024- Fields had two rushing touchdowns, and Hall eclipsed the 100-yard mark in his first game after only seeing triple digit rushing yards once last year. “We got punched in the mouth to come out the gate, and that’s not the standard for us,” Steelers edge rusher Alex Highsmith told reporters in his press conference  after the game. Linebacker Patrick Queen echoed the sentiment , albeit with a bit more color. Harmon’s eventual return should help to stop the bleeding, but the unit as a whole will need to show significant improvement if this team wants to contain the likes of Derrick Henry, Jonathan Taylor and Jahmyr Gibbs later this season.

The Arizona Cardinals are 1-0 for the first time since 2021 after a solid (albeit tense) 20-13 victory over the New Orleans Saints. Multiple aspects of the team looked ready for a playoff push, while one or two need genuine revision before the Carolina Panthers head to town, and today, we’ll review all of it. What Looked Good: Kyler Murray Murray played a rock-solid game on Sunday, especially for someone playing with an illness . He completed 21 of 29 passes for 163 yards and two touchdowns, while being charted with one big-time throw, per PFF , this beautiful  sideline shot to Marvin Harrison Jr., and zero turnover-worthy plays. Murray also used his legs when needed, rushing seven times for 38 yards and routinely escaping pressure during a very inconsistent day for the offensive line (more on that later). Consistency has always been the issue for Murray, so taking care of the football and routinely delivering accurate passes was a great sign for the season ahead, because Arizona has the roster to win games without Murray being Superman; he just can’t be gifting the opponent the ball two or three times per game. What Looked Good: Trey McBride and Marvin Harrison Jr. As previously stated, Murray completed 21 passes on Sunday for 163 yards. Of those 21 completions, 11 went to McBride and Harrison Jr., and they accounted for a whopping 132 of Murray’s 163 yards. The production speaks to the talent of both McBride and Harrison Jr. and their ability to consistently win, even when the defense is focused on them. Starting with McBride, he got his usual diet of dump-offs in the flat and over the middle, along with a few tight end screens. 42 of his 61 receiving yards were after  the catch, as he continues to show untapped potential that could easily see him finish as an All-Pro in 2025. As for Harrison, this is exactly what fans were hoping to see coming off a productive rookie season, but one where, at times, it felt like the offensive staff was still searching for the correct way to utilize his skillset. His previously mentioned deep catch along the sideline showed his ability to stack corners even at his size, and he spent the rest of his day showcasing his ability to win underneath and in the redzone . Marv’s day could have been special, but Kyler missed  him on a potential 98-yard touchdown. While the touchdown would have been fantastic both for Harrison’s stats and the Cardinals' offense, which went stale in the second half, this game gives quite a bit of optimism about how high Marv could fly in just his second season. What Looked Good: Will Johnson and the Secondary The Cardinals' defense employed a bend but don’t break strategy in week one, opting for a zone coverage heavy approach and daring the Saints to beat them with play-to-play consistency. This strategy paid off, with only 13 points allowed and only 4.1%  of the Saints' offensive plays going for 15 yards or more, good for third best in the entire league during the opening weekend. A big reason for the defensive success was the standout performance of the Cardinals secondary, especially rookie Will Johnson. One week isn’t enough to define what a player’s career will look like, but man, Johnson looks just as special as he did at Michigan. He was targeted seven times, giving up four catches for 32 yards, with zero of those yards coming after the catch, and three pass breakups. Johnson also laid this hit  on Chris Olave and had a beautiful interception that was waived off due to a penalty away from the play. His overall day resulted in a 90.3 PFF coverage grade , which was good for second in the entire league, behind only Sauce Gardner. Outside of Johnson was second-year corner Max Melton, who was certainly the busiest secondary player throughout the day, with 10 targets coming his way. Melton did a solid job despite the heavy workload, allowing only five of the targets to be caught, and while the 60 yards he gave up is a bit steep, he did a good job limiting yards after catch with just five. The overarching theme of the day was the secondary's ability to limit yardage after the catch, with 89 of Spencer Rattler’s 214 passing yards coming after the catch, but the added context that 32 of those YAC came against defensive end Baron Browning dropping in coverage shows how well the defensive backs rallied. One wrinkle that’s worth mentioning is the Cardinals' deployment of three safeties on the field for passing situations, vs having a second linebacker on the field. Second-year safety Dadrian Taylor-Demerson replaced Akeem Davis-Gaither (15 coverage snaps) for 41 coverage snaps . Taylor-Demerson was the Cardinals' second-highest graded coverage defender (78.4), so this personnel grouping is likely here to stay. What Needs Improvement: Consistency in pass protection  The Saints deploy a defensive line that I highlighted as one of the weaker groups in the NFL in my Week 1 preview, so it was tough to see Kyler Murray sacked five times on Sunday. That number deserves a deeper look, though, as it wasn’t a case of the line getting dominated one-on-one for 60 minutes, but rather a good defensive plan from New Orleans that Arizona had trouble adjusting to. Let’s start on the first drive with sack  number one. The Saints line up with a five-man defensive front and end up dropping the end lined up over Jonah Williams into coverage, but this pass protection scheme involved pulling left guard Evan Brown. Brown ends up in no man's land with nobody to block on the right side, meanwhile on the left side, Paris Johnson slides inside to cover for the gap left by Brown, leaving Trey McBride all alone to block Cam Jordan, yet all he gives is a half-hearted chip and release, letting Jordan run free right into Kyler Murray, who had his back turned the entire time. Who exactly is to blame for this mistake in protection isn’t clear, but it wasn’t the only time the line failed to communicate. Heading to the fourth quarter now, and this Alontae Taylor sack  on 3rd-and-4 set the stage for New Orleans' late attempt to tie this game. The Saints call a form of simulated pressure here, which is essentially bluffing a blitz of five+ defenders, but having defenders drop into coverage at the snap, disguising who is rushing and ruining communication like an all-out blitz, but while still having seven defenders in coverage. Arizona has five on the line and James Connor in the backfield, while the Saints show seven men on the line of scrimmage, immediately giving the Cardinals a disadvantage. A general rule in pass protection at all levels of football is blocking the biggest inside threats and then working outside, so the line will either slide all five players a gap over and have Connor block the first free rusher on the outside, or Connor will be responsible for one of the two defenders lined up in the A gap over the center, whichever one comes free. The Cardinals look to be operating with the latter strategy, but at the snap, both A gap players immediately bail out into coverage, with Demario Davis engaging center Hjalte Froholdt for a half second before bailing himself, leaving the Cardinals' interior three linemen and running back with nobody to block. Evan Brown quickly peeled off to help Paris Johnson, but Johnson had no chance to slide out and reach Taylor, who had already closed in on Kyler for the sack. Taylor was on Murray in just about two seconds during a play that finished with the Saints only rushing a standard four players, showcasing the effectiveness of simulated pressures when used correctly. This style of rushing the QB is the new wave for NFL defenses and isn’t going away anytime soon, so it’s the hope that Arizona really attacks the tape this week and works on pressure protection structures and communication, or it will continue to burn them. Players or position groups that weren’t highlighted don’t mean they had a horrible day, just that these four groups really stood out throughout the course of my rewatch. Trey Benson deserves a shout for this  sparkling 52-yard run, and Josh Sweat had a real impact rushing the passer in his first game for Arizona. With an opportunity to go 2-0 against a Panthers team that had a nightmarish start to their season, it should be fun to monitor how much growth this team can showcase in just one week.

The Titans suffered their first loss of the season this past Sunday as they fell to the Broncos 20-12 at Empower Field. The Titans were more competitive than people expected in this game, as they actually had plenty of opportunities to pull off a massive upset.  The Titans played extremely well on defense, but were subpar on offense. Cam Ward had a hard time consistently throwing the ball as he was sacked six times, losing a total of 50 yards. The Titans are accustomed to this kind of football over the last few seasons, as their defense plays well, but they have no offense to back it up.  The Titans' defense forced four turnovers, including multiple interceptions of Bo Nix. The Titans forced just 18 turnovers last season. Seeing the defense get off to a hot start is great to see.  However, Titans fans were displeased with the coaching actions of Brian Callahan on Sunday. With the Titans up 6-3, and just 30 seconds left in the first half, the Titans controlled the ball on their own seven-yard line.  Callahan decided to try to score, which resulted in a three-and-out.  Denver got the ball with minimal time remaining in Titans territory, and the Broncos immediately scored a touchdown. Slashing any momentum Tennessee created in that first half.  Callahan also made the mistake of not challenging a catch by Elic Ayomanor. The Titans trailed 13-12 in the third quarter when Ayomanor made a massive catch to keep the Titans rolling. Callahan didn’t see enough evidence to challenge the play, according to this quote from an NBC Sports article.  "We didn’t have a clean look at whether his foot was down as well. An elbow doesn’t equal two feet, so his foot would’ve had to come down as well. The call from upstairs was that it wasn’t worth challenging." The confusing thing about it is that Ayomanor had his elbow touch in bounds, and the rules state that any body part besides the hands can touch in bounds and be called a catch.  The so-called offensive guru who made Joe Burrow in Cincinnati doesn't know what a catch is? Regardless of what was going on upstairs and being relayed to him, he was able to get multiple looks at it on the Jumbotron.  It just seems like Callahan has made mistake after mistake as the Titans coach. Fans were skeptical of who would replace Mike Vrabel, and many were skeptical that Callahan would live up to the hype.  Callahan hasn’t had much talent in his tenure as Titans head coach, but this still doesn’t leave much of an excuse, as Vrabel was able to win games with less talent as well.  With the Titans' schedule getting more difficult,  changes or improvements need to be made if they want to see some sort of improvement this season. Getting rid of Callahan could be the beginning of those improvements.

The New York Giants' season got off to a seemingly familiar start: Having numerous offensive issues that sink the team, losing 21-6 against the Washington Commanders. For a team that scored more than 30 points in each preseason game, this is the third consecutive season they have not scored a touchdown in the first week. It seems as if reality came crashing in hard and unveiled the team to be far more incomplete than previously thought. There were several issues on both offense and defense, from the lack of the running game to Russell Wilson missing receivers frequently. Of course, Week 1 is usually a tune-up game and it’s far too early to hit the panic button on the season. But Sunday’s game suggests fans shouldn’t be too optimistic about the trajectory of this team just yet. Lack of Running Game Poses Significant Challenge The elephant in the room on offense isn’t so much the lack of a sturdy quarterback, but rather a running game to help elevate the playbook. In 23 rushing attempts, the team only managed 74 rushing yards, with more than half coming from the quarterback on unplanned scrambles. Tyrone Tracy Jr. proved ineffective and Cam Skattebo had issues getting out of the backfield.  It’s abundantly clear that the team misses Saquon Barkley and his dynamic rushing abilities. A running back by committee approach won’t do much damage in this league with three backs that are not able to find holes and break away tackles. But the lack of a running game not only exposes the lack of depth and skill in the field, but also continued issues on the offensive line. Will the Offensive Line Ever Get Fixed? Holes not only continue to exist on the team’s offensive line, but seem to have gotten worse with each passing season. The team was left without star left tackle Andrew Thomas, recovering from offseason foot surgery, forcing James Hudson III to start. He was awful, surrendering eight pressures on 45 different pass plays, per PFF . The others played somewhat better, but not by much. When taking into account all of the dropbacks, Wilson was pressured in nearly half of them with six total hits. It got so bad that even Malik Nabers wasn’t able to unlock his deep-threat potential, with only one 20+ yard pass being thrown the entire game. That could explain why his completion chart looked  so spotty on Sunday. Wilson was sacked twice and essentially had to run for his life on Sunday, while the running game was made worse. If there are going to be any major changes during the 2026 offseason, it’s going to have to start on the offensive line. How this has been allowed to continue season after season is baffling in its own right. Defense Offers Some Silver Linings One area of good news for the Giants after another disappointing opening: The defense is showing some areas of life. Getting the bad out of the way, the team surrendered more than 400 yards overall, including 220 yards on the ground. There is a serious concern that the 3-4 defense is lacking up front and will allow multiple triple-digit running games over the season.  The linebacker corps seems to be fine, with the Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, and Kayvon Thibodeaux trio combining for three sacks, four total QB hits, and three tackles for loss. It was enough to have Jayden Daniels run for his life in the pocket as well, but for nearly 70 yards on 11 attempts. The team also had some effectiveness in the secondary, deflecting three passes and bringing Daniels’ completion rate to 65%.  Panic or Relax? It’s easy to panic, but it’s far too early to throw any major red flags in the air just yet. It’s the first week, and it can also take some time for starters, especially those who didn’t play at all in the preseason, to get up to 100%. Plus, they’re still sixteen games this season, so who knows what will happen going forward? With that being said, there are clear concerns the team must address quickly to avoid having another lost season. Constant neglect on the offensive line and the lack of seeking out a dynamic running back in free agency or the draft could cost this team in the long run. Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen must remember that their jobs are likely on the line here, so they have to start acting like it.

For what feels like the first time in the Josh Allen era, the Buffalo Bills have won what people are calling “the game of the year.” When almost all hope was lost, the Bills secured a 41-40 win over the visiting Baltimore Ravens, which, according to ESPN analytics, said Buffalo had a 0.9% chance of winning. It was a magical night in Orchard Park as the team kicked off the farewell season at Highmark Stadium after a 52-year run. They continued their home dominance, winning their 12th straight regular-season game in the building. In the battle of the past two NFL Most Valuable Players, Bills quarterback Allen left no doubt he was deserving of the award this past season. Allen began his 2025 campaign with a total of 424 yards and four touchdowns — two each passing and rushing. His two rushing scores put him ahead of Bills legend and NFL Hall of Famer Thurman Thomas for most rushing touchdowns in franchise history. In the fourth quarter, he threw for 251 yards, which is the fourth-most passing yards in a final frame in NFL history. While we could spend the whole time discussing Allen and his performance, two other players on the Bills also had performances worth talking about. Staying on the offensive side of the ball, 2024 second-round pick Keon Coleman may have arrived. He ended the night with eight receptions for a total of 112 yards, adding a 10-yard score off a tipped ball. It was a career high in receptions and just shy of a career high in yards. He made many key catches, but possibly none bigger than his 25-yard reception to all but ice the game for the Bills. ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky had a great breakdown of the play on his show “Get Up,” showcasing the growing connection between Allen and the young wideout. With his quarterback expecting all-out pressure, Coleman was signaled to change his route. He ran his route correctly, resulting in a near touchdown, which was likely the best outcome. Now that it’s unlikely the Bills will be throwing the ball 46 times a game, I expect Coleman to continue to be a focal point in the passing offense. Pivoting to the defensive side of the ball, it’s hard to say anyone had a great game while looking at the Ravens’ offensive stats; Ed Oliver might be the exception. It’s something Bills fans have been hoping to see since he was drafted in 2019, but Oliver wreaked havoc in week one. He finished his day with six tackles, including three TFLs and a sack. His biggest play of the night, though, really ignited the Bills' unlikely comeback. On second and 10, down eight points, Oliver did the near impossible, forcing a fumble on Derrick Henry. This led to another Buffalo touchdown, cutting the Baltimore lead down to two. With three TFLs in game one, Oliver is already approaching his total from this past season, which was five. If he can finally be a consistent game wrecker, it’ll be a bright spot on what could be a subpar defense. In a game with 136 total offensive plays, a lot of people, myself included, are focused on a play that wasn’t called. On fourth and three from their own 38-yard line, the Ravens elected to punt the ball back to Allen with 1:33 on the clock. In most circumstances, this is the right choice; however, you must realize who you’re punting the ball to and who you have on your team. Granted, the offense slowed down after the 46-yard Henry rushing touchdown, but he was still averaging 9.4 yards per carry. Lamar Jackson had 70 yards rushing to go along with 209 yards passing, playing an incredibly efficient game. On the other side, Allen finished with 251 passing yards in the fourth quarter alone, the fourth most in league history. I understand the risk of not getting the first down and essentially giving Buffalo the ball in field goal range, but I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night without putting the ball in the hands of the two-time MVP. While it’s only a week one matchup, this dramatic win sets a high bar for the NFL season and signals the Bills’ ability to respond under pressure. The game provided a revealing look at both teams, raising important questions about how each will adapt ahead of a possible rematch in January. Want more on the week one game? Click here to listen to Chalk Talk Social

The Green Bay Packers entered 2025 with plenty of storylines surrounding their offensive line. Zach Tom signed a contract extension  that made him one of the highest-paid right tackles in the league. Rasheed Walker is in the final year of his rookie deal, and it’s unclear if he’ll be back next season. There’s also the question of Jordan Morgan’s long-term role, whether he stays at tackle or eventually kicks inside—a decision that could hinge on Walker’s future. That said, one of the most intriguing under-the-radar storylines on the offensive line is Sean Rhyan’s future. Like Walker, he is entering the final year of his rookie deal. Rhyan didn’t play an offensive snap as a rookie, but the following season he logged 183. He built on that in 2024, establishing himself as a reliable run blocker. Still, his pass protection was still a work in progress, as he gave up the third-most pressures  on the team. Rhyan opened 2025 with one of his best performances as a Green Bay Packer. On Sunday against the Detroit Lions, he earned the highest pass-blocking grade  on the team, according to Pro Football Focus. Among 69 qualified guards, He also ranked as a top-five guard in pass-blocking grade and was one of just 14 of 63 guards with at least 10 pass-blocking snaps to post  a perfect pass-blocking efficiency, allowing no pressures, sacks, QB hits, or hurries. Sure, there’s still a long season ahead, but the trend with Rhyan has been steady: according to PFF , his overall performance, including both pass-blocking and run-blocking grades, has improved every year since 2023. If that trajectory continues, the Packers could face one more headache next offseason—but the good kind. “I like what Sean is doing. I’m glad he’s getting some center reps as well, you know, to work on that position in case he has to go there at some point this season,” Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich said  this offseason. The Packers should be big fans of Rhyan’s versatility, which could help him earn a second contract. He’s seen time at four positions on the offensive line, mostly at guard, and even took some reps at center during the offseason. Add in more than 2,100 college snaps  at tackle, and his ability to move around in the trenches is a valuable asset as Green Bay considers his future deal. Rhyan has been a serviceable, reliable guard for Green Bay, and if the team let him hit the open market, it’s very likely he would land a multi-year deal elsewhere. According to  Over the Cap, 12 guards make at least $10 million per year, but it’s plausible Green Bay could reach a deal with Rhyan in the $8–10 million range, which would place him around the top 13 to 15 highest-paid guards in the league. That said, as I mentioned before, if he keeps improving, he could certainly surpass the $10 million mark and go even higher. Green Bay will have to carefully evaluate Rhyan’s production and how the market and salary cap shape up in the offseason. With Rasheed Walker likely to command top-of-the-market money and the Packers projected to have only about $10 million in cap space  for 2026, bringing Rhyan back could end up being the more accessible and practical option. There isn’t a clear plan of succession at right guard if Rhyan were to leave in free agency next year. Meanwhile, the Packers have drafted Jordan Morgan and Anthony Belton with first-round and second-round picks, respectively, giving them young options on the line to develop and possibly take over for Walker on the blindside. Want to hear more about the Packers? Click here to listen to what our Chalk Talk Social group has to say .

With 1:05 minutes left in Sunday’s season opener, the Denver Broncos led the Tennessee Titans 20-12 and faced a fourth-and-8 from the 36-yard line. Instead of going for a 54-yard field goal, which is kicker Wil Lutz, coach Sean Payton decided to go for the first down. In fact, he went for a touchdown. But what Payton hoped would be a big moment for quarterback Bo Nix actually is proof as to why the team asked too much of the second-year passer in Week 1. Receivers Marvin Mims Jr. and Courtland Sutton crossed over the middle of the field in opposite directions; Mims had a defender on his heel, while Sutton couldn’t have been more open. Nix tossed the ball up in the air in the direction of Mims, but it never had a chance to be an accurate pass. Nix completely missed  the wide-open Sutton for what could have been a touchdown. Nix’s last pass of a 40-attempt day was a disaster. And his struggles over the course of the afternoon were a big part of why the Broncos beat last year’s worst team by just one possession. On the day, Nix completed 62.5% of his passes for just 176 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He also lost a fumble. Not every performance from Nix will look like this, but the amount of opportunities he had on a bad day highlighted a bad plan from Payton. It was clear the third-year Broncos coach was going out of his way to try to make Nix look good. As Nix’s head coach, Payton should be confident in his quarterback’s abilities. That doesn’t mean he should blindly trust him, though. Nix made a handful of bad decisions and many of them came back to hurt the Broncos. He was accountable for three of the team’s four turnovers. Nix showed flashes last year, but he also had a fair share of questionable decisions and puzzling mistakes. He still looks to have those faults. The former 12th-overall pick also made his money in the short range against the Titans, something he showed plenty last season. He completed 22-of-27 attempts behind the line of scrimmage or within 10 yards, according to Pro Football Focus . He was just three-of-nine past 10 yards. Plus, the Broncos were always within striking distance of the Titans or in the lead. They weren’t trying to climb out of a hole. So it didn’t make sense that they would rely so much on Nix when it was clearly not his best day. Instead of establishing the run game, though, Payton just kept going to Nix. Denver tried to establish the play action game, and it looked like a main emphasis, especially early. The team called 16 play action plays on 43 drop backs. But it wasn’t working like it was supposed to. The Broncos didn’t sprinkle in nearly enough run plays for the play action plays to be effective. Denver’s running backs—J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey—ran the ball only 22 times. With how skewed the play calling was to the passing attack, it would appear the run game was ineffective. But Dobbins and Harvey combined for 133 yards, 6.05 yards per carry. Even factoring in that one of Harvey’s runs was a 50-yard chunk , that’s good efficiency. But plays like that are expected from Harvey, who was brought in as a potential big play threat. While the Titans have a good defensive line with Jeffery Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat, that’s not enough of a reason to shy away from the run. And next week, could be an even tougher matchup in the trenches. The Indianapolis Colts’ line is bolstered by DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart in the middle. The edge is held down by Kwity Paye and Laiatu Latu. Maybe the running attack can try to get outside the tackles, but positive runs up the middle could be hard to come by. This was the week to establish the run early. Nix was likely to have plenty of rust, and he certainly did. While Dobbins is in his first year with the team, and Harvey is a rookie, Dobbins is a good veteran and Harvey has the physical skills to make a big play happen simply by getting the ball. Dobbins, 68.3, and Harvey, 66.4, were two of the higher graded players on offense, according to PFF . Nix, on the other hand, ended the day with a 40.5 PFF grade, which was the lowest grade of his career. Payton treating Nix like a Pro Bowl level quarterback didn’t just hold the Broncos’ offense back in Week 1. It almost resulted in a loss to one of the worst teams in the league. If Denver wants to look closer to the playoff team it’s expected to be, it needs better play from Nix, but it also needs Payton to realize the team is more than just a Pro Bowl case for Nix.

On Saturday, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame honored Carmelo Anthony by inducting him into their exclusive institution in Springfield, Massachusetts. Anthony, nicknamed "Melo" by NBA fans, is a member of the 2025 Hall of Fame class alongside Dwight Howard, Sue Bird, Maya Moore and Billy Donovan. Anthony was enshrined a second time, as he was also inducted as a member of the 2008 USA Men’s Basketball “Redeem Team.” “So when they ask you, where does greatness come from? Tell them it starts in the dirt,” he said  during his induction speech. “It starts in the dark. Starts with a whisper that says I would not be denied.” Anthony, 41, played 19 years in the NBA, seven and a half of which were spent with the New York Knicks. Melo is considered a sports icon in the Big Apple because of the enthusiasm and passion he displayed on the court throughout every game. The Knicks showed their respect for Melo throughout this week by posting multiple videos and photos of him on their social media  accounts. But if New York really wants to make Anthony feel like the legend he is, they should retire his jersey soon. I can’t be the only fan to come up with this idea because they don’t have anyone wearing No. 7 or another all-time great player to retire. Furthermore, Anthony is a fan favorite due to leading the Knicks to three consecutive playoff appearances and making six straight All-Star games. “To the New York Knicks, the city of New York, and Mecca of basketball, you gave me more than a jersey,” Anthony stated during his speech as the crowd cheered. “You gave me an identity. From the lights of Madison Square Garden to the heartbeat of every borough, I felt that energy and carried it. I became it.” “New York is not for the heart; it’s pressure, expectations, but also pride, power, and emotion. You showed me what it means to put me on your back with grace, grit, and love.”  Due to scoring 62 points in a 2014 regular-season game against the Charlotte Bobcats, Melo also holds the record for the most points scored in a single game by a Knick. He scored 10,186 points in New York, ranking  seventh on the franchise's all-time points list. Anthony  ranks third on the Knicks' all-time three-pointer list and 10th in field goals.  “To the fans, your passion never wavers even when things get tough, your fire lit up every part of the Garden,” his speech continued. “Every chant, roar, move, and moment we felt it. I felt it. To the Knicks organization, thank you for believing in me and trusting me to lead the city that never sleeps.” After playing his final season with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2021-22, Anthony continued to support the Knicks. He sat courtside  for multiple playoff games during the past two seasons, as the Knicks attempted to do the one thing he never did: bring an NBA title back to New York. The Knicks' last championship came in 1973, and the farthest Anthony led them was the Eastern Conference semifinals. But everything he’s done for the New York sports scene speaks for itself. Now it’s up to the Knicks to hang Melo’s No. 7 up in the rafters of the world-famous Madison Square Garden. “Thank you for believing in me,” he said as he concluded his Hall of Fame speech. “Thank you for walking with me. We are in the hall now, champ, and we are just getting started. When in doubt, stay Melo.”

Everyone exhale. That was hard work, wasn't it? Week 1 brought a tough road test against the Seattle Seahawks, and in typical 49ers-Seahawks fashion, the game went down to the wire, was ultimately a slugfest, and was decided by about one or two plays. In the end, the excellent play of Robert Saleh's defense and some tough-as-teak play from quarterback Brock Purdy saw us edge to a 17-13 win, and kill some of the doubts in Ninerland. After a season of failing to win close games, and often seeing late leads evaporate, it's not easy to ascertain just how important grinding out a close win like that, even in Week 1, might be. You should never overreact in either direction to Week 1 (unless you support the Miami Dolphins, in which case, yeah, panic, your team is going down in flames), but winning in close situations spurs belief. The 2019 team had it with Dre Greenlaw's dramatic one-yard line stop, the 2023 team ground out multiple close wins in tough games, but the 2024 team learnt to do nothing but panic, and frankly, lose, in those situations. The 2025 team's off to a winning start on the road, and that's tremendous news for all concerned. It should galvanise the team, particularly the young players, and give them some belief. The Kids are Alright (and Should get Better!) Since I mentioned the team's young players, let's talk about them. I've obviously been a huge proponent of putting youngsters in starting roles, and happily, the team listened, with rookies Mykel Williams, Upton Stout and Marques Sigle all starting the game on defense. Unfortunately, at least in terms of PFF grading ( collated by Sterling Bennett of 49ers Access ), none particularly impressed, with Sigle recording the highest grade of all the rookies who played more than a single snap at 59.8. While I am something of a sceptic of PFF grading, it's fair enough in this case, as everyone could see the growing pains, but its not the be-all and end-all. Stout in particular seemed to struggle against the Seahawks' big and fast receivers, being targeted early and often by new Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. That said, he did improve as the game went on, recording a nice pass breakup in the fourth quarter. It's also worth mitigating that game with the caveat that it was his first NFL action at all, having missed the preseason. He'll be fine, and he's growing into a role with two young corners in Renardo Green and Deommodore Lenoir who can show him the path to becoming a top-class defensive back. Green in particular ought to be a role model for Stout, as he continued his upward trajectory with another fantastic game on Sunday. Behind him, Marques Sigle was pretty impressive overall. The best thing for a safety to do in Robert Saleh's system is not get the finger pointed at them for mistakes. That's something Ji'Ayir Brown was unable to avoid throughout the 2024 season in a similar scheme and even through the preseason. Thus, Sigle got the start, and on the face of it at least, seems to have done that part of his requirements effectively. The fact Sigle was able to add six tackles and a fumble recovery to that will have pleased Saleh, and shows some positive signs for his growth in the long term. The 49ers influx of defensive linemen didn't really get a chance to showcase itself on Sunday, with CJ West and Alfred Collins' snaps limited as Jordan Elliott and Kalia Davis both had solid games against the run. First-round pick Mykel Williams, meanwhile, had few standout plays, but was a solid part of a defensive unit that seemed particularly stout against the run, something that has been missing from the 49ers defense since DeMeco Ryans departed the team. Robert Saleh's Young Defense was Impressive Speaking of that defensive unit, they looked significantly further along than might have been expected. Most, including myself, thought the first few weeks of the season might be hard for such an inexperienced defense (it says a lot, for example, that Renardo Green, only a second-year player himself, found himself mentoring Upton Stout throughout the game), but in a massive credit to the former New York Jets head coach, Saleh has them playing in midseason form already. Holding that Seattle offense to 230 net yards and 3-for-10 on third down (per NFL stats), as well as 13 points, shows how good the unit was. It wasn't just the big names, either, although Nick Bosa's big play to ice the game understandably dominated the headlines. Sure tackling from the run defense led by Kalia Davis and Jordan Elliott, Sam Okuayinonu's hustle play to force a vital fumble, and a particularly explosive game by young linebacker Dee Winters, who really stood out, were all part of the story. It was mostly just nice to see a 49ers defensive unit playing as a team again, getting multiple players to the ball carrier, and hustling in coverage. The youthful energy the whole team was counting on was definitely there, while Saleh mixed in blitzes and pressures to keep the Seahawks off balance. With a time of possession of 37:58-22:02, the 49ers had the game by the scruff of the neck throughout, and it was only mistakes and issues that kept the team from winning by a wider margin. Cut Jake Moody That's all. That's it. Moody missed two field goals on Sunday, although one was blocked due to a general failure of the line to block correctly for the field goal. That led to some furious responses by Kyle Shanahan and the entire 49ers fanbase. Shanahan must end his obsession with the sunk cost of Jake Moody. Enough is enough. Whatever kickers need to be "clutch," Moody doesn't have it. With Shanahan quoted as saying the team are evaluating all options at the kicker position, perhaps the experience is over? [ Editor's Note - Yep! ] Regardless of Moody, Special Teams is Still Bad Brant Boyer has a difficult job, as he's trying to reverse about a decade of sub-par 49ers special teams play. That said, the early returns on this one aren't good. A myriad of penalties and clangers, as well as the blocked field goal, do not bode well for the future of this unit. The 49ers are powered up enough that they can afford to not have any "plus" plays from special teams, making it's primary job not to screw things up. Unfortunately, while they keep blowing coverages and costing the team field position, that's exactly what they're doing. Must do better, and soon. It's Ricky Pearsall Season, and Brock Purdy Knows It I was delighted to see Ricky Pearsall show his full potential on Sunday. Targeted seven times (something that arguably should've been more), he came up with four catches for 108 yards, including a crucial fourth-quarter deep ball that set up what proved to be the game-winning touchdown. Just quickly on Purdy: as ugly as his interceptions were, especially the second one, that deep ball was a thing of beauty and shows exactly why he's the team's franchise quarterback. I thought Purdy gritting out a road win against a defensive scheme he often struggles against showed exactly why the team paid him in the offseason. Meanwhile, on Pearsall, he looks set to take a leap and become one of the team's top two receivers. And why not? He looks to have everything needed to be a top receiver, and he beat man coverage, the biggest knock on his game, several times on Sunday. Pearsall SZN! Injuries Cloud Next Week's Prediction The 49ers move on to Week 2, where they'll go on the road (weakest schedule, my eye) to face the New Orleans Saints. There's a few worries here, not least the team's aversion to playing well in 1PM ET kickoffs that seems to have hung over them for at least two decades, but injuries to George Kittle and Jauan Jennings also hurt, albeit they may be helped along by the return of former favorite Kendrick Bourne to the roster, a signing announced on Monday. There was a point on Sunday when Brock Purdy was in the huddle and looking at Pearsall, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Russell Gage as his top targets, which feels less than ideal. And yet, talking heads will still continue telling you that Purdy is a 'system QB' helped along by his weapons. Snore. Anyway, perhaps the more troubling injury is that of Purdy himself, with Kyle Shanahan saying in his Monday press conference that he's dealing with a left shoulder and a toe injury , with the toe injury being most severe. If he can't go, former Patriots first-rounder Mac Jones will get the start, and that's where my belief evaporates. With Purdy, I think the Niners pull out another close win. With Jones...well, it'll depend on Saleh's defense again. Can they hold another offense to a limited number of points? We'll find out that, and more, next week. Until next time, Go Niners!

By God… They did it… they actually did it. The Los Angeles Chargers knocked off the reigning AFC Champion Kansas City Chiefs in Brazil with a score of 27-21, and the irrational fan in me is ready to book my flight to Santa Clara to go watch the Bolts take on Super Bowl 60. Of course, we’ve all had a couple of days to settle down and take a look at what we can actually deduce from this thriller. The AFC West is Wide Open The Chiefs have had a vice grip over the AFC West for what feels like a decade, because well ... it has been! But with Week 1 in the books, I make my declaration now! The AFC West is officially open for business. It is beyond evident that the loss of Justin Reid leaves this secondary with a massive hole and has drastically impacted the effectiveness of this Spags-led defense going forward. With an offense that cannot generate big plays (four passes of 15+ yards compared to the Bolts 8 on Friday Night ) without god-level play from Patrick Mahomes, they need their defense to continue to play at the level they have been the past couple years. If Week 1 is an indicator of the future, the Chiefs' secondary is going to have a lot of trouble enabling the vaunted Spags pressure packages that have made KC as difficult as they have been during their reign of terror. This opens the door for Justin Herbert to possibly take home his first division title. Trey Pipkins Passes the Eye Test By no means is Trey Pipkins Rashawn Slater, but it was a huge performance from the Sioux Falls product. Pipkins, statistically, had an iffy night, but when watching the four “pressures” he allowed, he drove George Karlaftis so far upfield that it allowed Justin Herbert to step up and either deliver a strike or take off, and it basically eliminated the pressure from the play. Despite the rough grade from PFF ( 46.2 pass block grade ), if you ask a Chargers fan who watched the game, I think they would give Pip a much stronger grade than that Justin Herbert: MVP Candidate Justin Herbert is a bona fide stud. On the grandest stage of Week 1 on the international kickoff against the Big Bad Patrick Mahomes, we witnessed the former President of the Sheldon HS Fishing Club provide viewers with a masterclass. With 350 total yards, three touchdowns, and zero turnovers including three of the best drives of the quarterback's career, he matched Mahomes drive-for-drive in the fourth quarter and iced the game with his legs on third and 14. Herbert has a long way to go before taking any hardware home, but if Greg Roman commits to the pass game and the trio of Ladd McConkey, Keenan Allen and Quentin Johnston all continue to build off of a strong Week 1, there’s no reason that “If Man” can’t become “MVP Man”. Take that, Ryan Clark . The Chargers' Run Game is … Bad. The answer is bad. For one reason or another, the Chargers cannot find a consistent run game. Omarion Hampton most certainly left some things to be desired, and the offensive line is still trying to find its footing. The Chargers only averaged 0.6 Yards Before Contact, with 3 TFLs allowed as well on rushing attempts. All in all, a strong run game would have been nice to have when trying to keep Mahomes and company off the field when they are clicking, and it will hopefully be something that the Chargers can eventually develop as this unit spends more time together going forward. Donte Jackson No, seriously. In my breakdown of the cornerback room, I didn’t exactly speak glowingly about the acquisition of the former Pittsburgh Steeler, but he looked pretty damn good on Friday Night. Jackson posted a 77.7 PFF grade vs Kansas City (second to only Derwin James on the Chargers' defense) and answered the bell early and often. It was clear that Andy Reid’s game plan included testing him throughout the game, but that proved to be more difficult than the Kansas City offense likely believed it would be. He was constantly tested and thrown at and made multiple plays that this secondary really needed, especially with Cam Hart struggling in the fashion he did. That does it! Look out for another piece to drop later this week previewing the second divisional matchup in as many weeks, as the Bolts travel to Vegas to take on the new-look Raiders. This should add another chapter to the Pete Carroll-Jim Harbaugh rivalry.

Before the weather interruption in the second half of the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles matchup, we witnessed an exhilarating beginning from the very first moments. With the Eagles leading 24-20 over the Cowboys, this game showcased the physicality of both teams' offenses and defenses. It had all the essential elements for a thrilling divisional rivalry clash. Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter's early ejection established the game's atmosphere. Just six seconds into the game, right after the Eagles' Super Bowl banner ceremony, Jalen Carter, the Eagles' defensive tackle, was thrown out for spitting on Cowboys' QB Dak Prescott, leading to his immediate ejection from the game. Following this, Prescott and he had a brief exchange of words. This incident appeared to lay the groundwork for a highly physical contest. The game halted in the middle of the third quarter due to thunderstorms. With the Eagles ahead 24-20 late in the third quarter, the game was interrupted because of lightning, disrupting the flow and raising questions about when or how the rest of the game would continue. This delay occurred during a much-anticipated season opener, putting fans, teams and broadcast crews in a state of uncertainty. The teams were finally allowed to return to the field at 11:15 pm EST for warm-ups, and the game resumed at 11:30 pm EST. Physicality and also... physicality served as the foundation of this game When the Cowboys' Coach, Brian Schottenheimer, stated that the Cowboys were going to run the ball with intent, he truly meant it. RB Javonte Williams spearheaded the effort with 15 carries for 54 yards and 2 touchdowns, relentlessly attacking the middle and bringing the physicality. Additionally, former Eagles RB Miles Sanders contributed with some significant outside runs, helping the Cowboys with four carries for 53 yards, averaging 13.5 yards per carry. On the Eagles' side, QB Jalen Hurts emerged as the leading rusher with 14 carries for 62 yards and 2 touchdowns. When the Cowboys employed man coverage without a QB spy, Hurts exploited a gap in the defense and took off running, resulting in numerous first downs. The Cowboys' run defense displayed slight improvements, managing to hold the 2024 Offensive Player of the Year, RB Saquon Barkley, to under 100 rushing yards. He finished with 18 carries for 60 yards, a touchdown and an average of 3.3 yards per carry. Conclusion The Cowboys appear to be more physical on both sides of the ball, though there is still room for growth. TE Jake Ferguson seems to be Prescott's go-to safety valve in the offense, while CeeDee Lamb made some impressive plays but also dropped some crucial catches. We also got a glimpse of what George Pickens can contribute to this offense. Edge rusher Marshawn Kneeland demonstrated signs of physicality and run-stopping prowess in this matchup. Once LB Marist Liufau entered the game, the defense seemed to shift into a higher gear. This team has shown potential but still has a lot of room to develop. The Eagles secured a victory on Thursday with a score of 24-20, but I believe that in the second round of this season, the Cowboys might come out on top.

Ladies and gentlemen… football. No, actually this time! We are less than 48 hours away from the Los Angeles Chargers Week 1 matchup against the Kings of the AFC, the Kansas City Chiefs. History? This matchup is another installment in the AFC West matchup that has seen the Chargers drop 7 straight since a win in Arrowhead, back when Charger fans still saw hope in a Brandon Staley-run team. The Chiefs escaped two one-possession games vs the Chargers last year, including overcoming an early 10 point deficit in their first matchup, and a game-winning doink in the second meeting. Notably, the Chargers were not even close to healthy in either matchup, missing clear WR1 Ladd McConkey in the 2nd game and an assortment of talent in the 1st matchup, add in the fact that Justin Herbert was noticeably hindered with an ankle injury in both games, it is no wonder why the Chargers were 7.5 point underdogs and 5.5 point underdogs respectively, in both matchups. Nonetheless, Coach Jim Harbaugh had his guys playing competitive football against the eventual AFC Champions. It will be very interesting to see how a healthy Chargers team stacks up against this iteration of Coach Andy Reid’s squad. What’s New? This Chargers team does not have too much roster turnover, to many Charger fans, that was the problem with this past offseason, but there were still certain pieces that the Bolts moved on from as well as some that they brought in. The Chargers moved on from Joey Bosa, Kristian Fulton (now on the other side of this rivalry), Poona Ford, Joshua Palmer, and JK Dobbins and brought in names like Donte Jackson, Mehki Becton, Najee Harris, and 1st round draft pick Omarion Hampton, as well as the greatest receiver in franchise history, Keenan Allen! Meanwhile, on the other side of the story, the Kansas City Chiefs brought in the aforementioned Kristian Fulton, left tackle Jaylon Moore, but they also lost names such as Joe Thuney, DeAndre Hopkins, and Justin Reid. Watching a Coach Steve Spagnuolo led defense is almost always intimidating, but these recent units have been at their most dangerous when they have a safety like Tyrann Mathieu or most recently, Justin Reid, so it will be interesting to see how this Chiefs defense looks when they don’t have a true game changer at either safety position.  Chargers vs. Chiefs: By the Numbers The Chiefs are 3 point favorites The KC offense scored 3 total touchdowns on 20 drives against Jesse Minter’s squad The Chiefs only allowed 1 100-yard receiver last year The Chiefs offense had the 30th ranked explosive play rate last year, with  7.6% The Chargers are looking to improve on their 18th ranked rushing offense ( -0.08  EPA per rush) The Chiefs pass defense was the weakest portion of the defense, ranked 18th in EPA allowed/pass ( 0.04 ) My Prediction Now, if anyone knows me, I am irrationally pessimistic regarding anything related to the Chargers. Which makes this upcoming prediction from me feel so odd. The Chiefs were a team that found themselves winning a multitude of games that almost felt unnatural, and not in the “Oh, they just find a way” kind of way of winning, more in the way that led to  people accusing them of devil magic ; in other words, regression to the mean is inevitable. The loss of Justin Reid and Joe Thuney has the potential to be a challenging two things to overcome throughout the season, and it feels like Week 1 is a great time to catch a team with a 40-22 Super Bowl embarrassment still on the mind. The Chiefs will be a good football team, maybe even a great one, but I am going to (probably very stupidly) plant my flag and say this Chiefs team has a lot more question marks than people are willing to admit and this Week 1 divisional matchup may bring some of them to light against a hungry, physical Chargers team looking to finally get one over Mahomes and co.  I’m going to do it, I’m going to predict a Chargers W in Brazil to break the seven-game losing streak against the Big Bad Chiefs. The Chargers finally win a close one, 27-24, to kick off their 2025-26 campaign.

Kawhi Leonard is no stranger to the phrase “load management.” But today’s headlines suggest the Clippers may have taken that concept to new, and potentially illegal, heights. Investigative reports surfaced that Leonard received $28 million dollars through a “no-show job” at a sustainability company tied to Clippers owner Steve Ballmer. The catch? Leonard apparently didn’t do a single thing for the brand, and the arrangement only existed while he was a Clipper. Now the NBA is investigating whether this was a clever loophole—or a cap-circumventing scandal straight out of the Joe Smith playbook. What To Know The Clippers called the allegations “provably false” and stressed they ended ties with Aspiration after the company defaulted in 2023. Ballmer’s team insists there’s no rule-breaking, rather bad reporting. The Big Deal? Kawhi’s on-court legacy is already complicated by missed games and a reputation for staying mute on promoting basketball. But this scandal shifts the narrative from “quiet superstar” to “quiet beneficiary.” For Ballmer—one of the NBA’s richest owners—it’s a real bad look. Fans wonder if the Clippers need to cheat to keep Kawhi happy? The NBA is about to do some digging to see if that smoke has some fire to it.

Thanasis Antetokounmpo re-signing with the Bucks means more towel twirls, sideline sprints, and chest-pounding eruptions return to Fiserv Forum. He’s more than a reserve forward—he’s the Bucks’ breathing adrenaline shot. The Ambassador of Extreme Encouragement On paper, Antetokounmpo is a fringe rotation player. In reality? He’s a vibe. The guy who turns a routine fast break into a runway show. The one who celebrates a Portis dunk like it was a championship parade. He’s not just on the roster—he’s in the bloodstream of this team. Think about any great Bucks highlight over the past few years, and you’ll probably see Antetokounmpo in the background, windmilling a towel like it owes him money. He’s not in the box score—he the box seats, the court mic, the unofficial MC of Fiserv Forum. Giannis Insurance Policy Let’s be honest: This signing isn’t just about culture, it’s about comfort. Keeping this  Antetokounmpo isn’t a sneaky good signing—it’s a strategy. When your franchise cornerstone is little brother Giannis Antetokounmpo, you do everything possible to make sure his basketball home feels like his family home. Bringing back Thanasis is a power move because a content Giannis means a more content fanbase—and that might be the single most important piece of roster management in Milwaukee right now. Fans Know What This Means Fans already get it. This isn’t a contract–it’s connective tissue. You don’t cheer for Thanasis because of his on-court impact, you cheer because when he’s hyping up the crowd. He’s you. The joy, the chaos, the noise, the “we actually believe this team” energy? Antetokounmpo carries it like a badge. If Giannis is the soul of the Bucks, Thanasis is the big, toothy smile, the inside joke, the reason the locker room never forgets that basketball, for all its pressure and payrolls, is supposed to be fun. What’s Next Will Antetokounmpo suddenly average double figures? Probably not. Will he matter in May? Not on the stat sheet. But will his presence on the bench keep Giannis smiling, the locker room loose, and Bucks fans buzzing? Absolutely, and that matters. So, welcome back, Thanasis. The towel spins, the psychotic screams of encouragement, the big brother energy—it’s all part of the package. And if it helps Giannis keep his heart (and his prime) in Milwaukee? Then this might just be the sneakiest, smartest re-signing of the offseason.

The Kansas City Chiefs are back on the field on Friday, when they face divisional rivals, the Los Angeles Chargers, to start the 2025 NFL season. The reigning AFC West champions come off a painful defeat against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, which prompted many to doubt them ahead of this campaign. As long as they have Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid, the Chiefs will have a shot against anybody. The season will start with a big test against the Chargers, one of the teams that got better in the offseason, to try to challenge Kansas City. The Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders also have intriguing projects coming into this season, but the Chargers appear to start the campaign as the Chiefs’ biggest obstacle in the division. Sao Paulo will host an NFL game for a second consecutive season, this time a divisional game that could have ramifications down the stretch. The Chiefs went 0-3 in the preseason, meaning Friday's game could be their first win since the dramatic victory over the Buffalo Bills in the 2024 AFC championship game. Jim Harbaugh’s team won’t be easy at all, but the Chiefs have the numbers in their favor ( seven straight wins over the Chargers). More than that, three keys in this game could secure a Chiefs’ win and start the campaign on the right foot. Patrick Mahomes Delivers in Season Openers Patrick Mahomes is a lock for Week 1 games. The two-time NFL MVP has played in seven season openers since becoming a full-time starter in 2018, going 162-of-234 for 2,056 yards and 21 touchdowns. If he continues playing at this high level to start this season, the Chargers will have a hard time trying to stop him. Coincidentally, the Chargers were his opponents in the first season opener of his career. He connected on 15 of 27 pass attempts for 256 yards and four touchdowns. While Mahomes had his worst individual season in 2024, he is set to bounce back and help his team return to the Super Bowl. In 12 games against the Chargers , Mahomes has gone 278-of-433, 3,270 yards passing and 27 touchdowns against seven interceptions. He has a passer rating of 101.1 against the Chargers. Los Angeles is one of Mahomes’ favorite victims, and if the trend continues, the Chiefs will add another win against the Chargers. Justin Herbert Has One Reliable Wide Receiver Justin Herbert entered the league as one of the most electrifying quarterback prospects in 2020. His deep throws and athleticism have earned him plenty of fans, but his doubters have enjoyed watching him fail when his team needs him the most. Herbert's new connection with second-year wide receiver Ladd McConkey could cause damage to the Chiefs' defense, but the lack of a solid WR2 could help the Chargers' plans. Quentin Johnston is still dropping passes and Tre Harris didn't have the best showing during training camp. Keenan Allen's return could help Herbert, but outside of that, the Chiefs might not have much trouble shutting down the Chargers' aerial game. The Chiefs’ Running Game Must Take Over Early After a tumultuous 2024 season in which multiple wide receivers suffered injuries, with some even missing the entire season, the Chiefs enter the 2025 campaign with a different approach. The offense might rely on its running game more than anything, especially after Rashee Rice received a six-game suspension. Xavier Worthy is still on the roster and ready to dominate, but outside of him, Marquis Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster are two steps behind the second-year wideout. Isaiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, Elijah Mitchell and Brashard Smith are in the running back room for this season. Pacheco and Hunt are more likely to get touches than anybody else, which could present big opportunities for Kansas City. The  Chiefs ran for 1,790 total rushing yards last season, while the Chargers' defense allowed 1,997. The Californians have a renewed defense, while the Chiefs' offensive line suffered changes in the offseason (they will start a new left guard and tackle this season), which could turn things around this time. Still, Kansas City's running game helped them many times last season, and this one doesn't seem to be any different.

The New York Yankees have entered September staring at a brutal gauntlet of contenders. But instead of focusing on player performance, the majority of the heat is now directed at manager Aaron Boone. One MLB insider has brutally exposed what he sees as Boone’s fatal flaw—an unaddressed weakness that has been dogging the franchise throughout his reign. On a recent episode of the Pinstripe Post podcast , veteran insider Joel Sherman didn’t hold back. He blasted Boone and the Yankees, accusing them of collapsing whenever they’re actually tested—citing a playoff record that defies any attempt at justification. “The Yankees like to talk about being tough-minded,” Sherman said. “I’d like to see an iota of proof that they are. In the Aaron Judge era, whenever they face a team as talented or better, they fall apart.” Sherman didn’t mince words about the damning facts. Since 2017, New York has been undefeated in playoff series against AL Central opponents, boasting a 7-0 record. But against real threats—the Astros, Red Sox, Rays, and Dodgers—they are winless: 0-7 in series, with an abysmal 10-25 game record. “You can paint it a million ways, but the record speaks for itself,” Sherman added. “They could come out of these next 12 games atop the AL East, or they could go 2-10 and be fighting off the Rangers and Royals for a Wild Card spot. Boone says it’s all about doing, not talking. But in 2025, they haven’t done it against good teams. That’s the story of his entire tenure. Don’t tell me. Show me.” Sherman’s condemnation comes as the Yankees face a make-or-break gauntlet. Their September schedule features relentless showdowns with playoff threats, including the Astros, Blue Jays, Tigers, and Red Sox. New York has already been thoroughly outclassed by Boston (2-8) and Toronto (3-7), providing more ammunition to critics who question whether Boone can handle real pressure. The Yankees remain all but guaranteed a playoff berth, with FanGraphs putting their chances at 99.6% . But their World Series probability languishes at 12.0%, far behind the Dodgers’ 17.4%—numbers that reinforce the narrative: the Yankees rack up empty regular-season wins, then collapse when challenged. Boone, who’s missed the playoffs just once since taking over in 2018, is nonetheless defined by a championship drought stretching back to 2009. Supporters may tout stability, but critics—especially in New York—see only mediocrity dressed up as consistency. Sherman left no doubt where he stands. In his eyes, Boone’s Yankees lack both tactical depth and mental toughness when it counts most. Now, as the hardest stretch looms, Boone’s credibility looks more fragile than ever. The Yankees are running out of chances to silence their critics. If Sherman’s brutal assessment is accurate, another underwhelming finish won’t just sting; it will serve as undeniable proof that Boone can’t rewrite the franchise’s narrative.

Fan expectations for the 2025 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season vary from missing the playoffs to a Super Bowl ring. Ahead of the Bucs’ first game on Sunday, here is a game-by-game analysis of their schedule to level the expectations. Week 1 @ Falcons: W (1-0) Score prediction: 31-20 While the Falcons’ young offensive core is continuing to mature, Michael Penix remains an unproven quarterback, and this will be his first Week 1 start. He will be lining up across from a Tampa defense that is much healthier and more consummate than last year, and Bucs head coach Todd Bowles will be eager to prove he can still coach a top-10 defense after an abysmal 2024. That, coupled with the fact that the Falcons’ patchy defense will struggle against Tampa’s weapons, will lead to a two-score Bucs win. Week 2 @ Texans: W (2-0) Score prediction: 24-21 The big storyline for this game will be the Texans’ inability to establish the run. Vita Vea, Lavonte David and company will attack a questionable Houston offensive line , and without Joe Mixon, the Texans will struggle to run the ball. CJ Stroud will take a step forward from last season’s sophomore slump, but Haason Reddick will prove himself in a Tampa Bay uniform in this game. Week 3 vs Jets: W (3-0) Score prediction: 39-10 The Jets have a brand-new head coach, a quarterback who has yet to show the ability to read a defense at the NFL level and a defense filled with holes. If this Bucs team is as good as its roster on paper, Tampa rolls. Week 4 vs Eagles: L (3-1) Score prediction: 27-33 This one is truly a toss-up game. The Bucs have been very successful against Philadelphia in the past couple seasons, including a relatively lopsided win against the Eagles last season. However, Philly is just a wagon — their defense remains intact, Hurts gashes Tampa with his legs and the Eagles take an offensive game. Week 5 @ Seahawks: W (4-1) Score prediction: 26-17 After suffering their first loss, the Bucs’ defense makes quarterback Sam Darnold very uncomfortable and forces multiple turnovers. The Bucs get back in the win column. Week 6 vs 49ers: W (5-1) Score prediction: 22-20 San Francisco was pretty awful last year, but that was an absolute anomaly. The 49ers’ offensive line is still star-studded, Christian McCaffrey looks like he will be back fully and Fred Warner still commands the defense. With that being said, San Francisco’s offense will be too one-dimensional with its banged-up receiving corps to make enough noise to win in Tampa. The Bucs win a close one to stay comfortably at the top of the NFC South. Week 7 @ Lions: L (5-2) Score prediction: 24-34 Detroit was a legitimate Super Bowl contender in 2024 before the team was hit with a plague of injuries. With this matchup being in Week 7 and in Detroit, the Lions’ new coordinators will have their feet under them, and the Detroit squad will likely be largely healthy. The Lions take this one at Ford Field. Week 8 @ Saints: W (6-2) Score prediction: 16-13 This matchup should not be close on paper, but as division rivalries often go, it will be closer than it should be. This will be a full-grit moment for the Tampa defense, and it will be Antoine Winfield Jr’s chance to show he’s really back against an inexperienced quarterback. Week 9 BYE The Bucs look back on great start to their season. Week 10 vs Patriots: L (6-3) Score prediction: 31-38 Unfortunately for Tampa Bay fans, the Bucs will be on the receiving end of Drake Maye’s coming out party. This will be the oddest loss on Tampa’s schedule. On the road in Tampa, Maye will shake off a mediocre start to his season by gashing the Bucs’ defense in the passing game. The Bucs’ roster could be looking ahead to a massive game the week after in Buffalo. It’s a weird shout, but if Tampa’s secondary enters this game too confident or looking past New England, it’s a definite possibility. Week 11 @ Bills: L (6-4) Score prediction: 13-40 This will be the first (and only) lopsided loss Tampa suffers all season. On the road in Buffalo, in mid-November, the Bucs will have to contend with the elements of an early cold snap. Josh Allen will exploit any injuries Tampa’s defense has suffered to this point, and it will be an ugly one for the Bucs. Week 12 @ Rams: L (6-5) Score prediction: 20-21 The Bucs defense largely rebounds from an embarrassment at the hands of the Bills, but the offense sputters with a couple poor turnovers. A three-game losing streak becomes a tough pill to swallow after a hot start to the season. Week 13 vs Cardinals: W (7-5) Score prediction: 42-7 And so it begins. With a cake walk for a final third of their schedule, the Bucs remember who their roster says they should be. Baker Mayfield finds his fully healthy weapons for five touchdowns, the defense contains Kyler Murray, and the Bucs steamroll the Cardinals as a homecoming gift to their fans. Week 14 vs Saints: W (8-5) Score prediction: 30-10 The Saints play the Bucs hard at every meeting, but at this point, New Orleans will not have anything to play for in their season. Alvin Kamara punches in one touchdown after a turnover gives the Saints a short field, but aside from that, this game is never really in question. Week 15 vs Falcons: W (9-5) Score prediction: 37-34 This will be the biggest win of Tampa’s regular season. Atlanta, at this point, will still be within striking distance of the NFC South title, and this will be a prove-it moment for Bowles and Mayfield. Mayfield will take care of the ball and the Bucs will win the battle in the trenches with their offensive line. The Falcons may make a comeback in the second half, but Tampa keeps them at arms reach to all but seal the division. Week 16 @ Panthers: L (9-6) Score prediction: 28-31 The Bucs will think they’re home free with an easy end to their schedule, but former Tampa Bay coach Dave Canales will throw a rock in that plan. Crafty play calls and solid quarterback play from breakout candidate Bryce Young will catapult division rival Carolina to a 1-0 season record against the division leader Bucs. Week 17 @ Dolphins: W (10-6) Score prediction: 44-12 This will be all the pent-up anger from the Week 16 Carolina loss. At this point, Mike McDaniel may be out as the Dolphins’ coach, Tyreek Hill could be traded and Miami’s stadium could be half empty. The Bucs make a short trip south to take care of business. Week 18 vs Panthers: W (11-6) Score prediction: 34-16 Having already mathematically missed the playoffs, the Panthers aren’t too keen to do the same thing they did in Week 16. The Bucs will be playing for playoff seeding, and with this win, they will put themselves in good position and headspace to make a solid playoff run. The team will be largely healthy, and it will use the run-up to the Wild Card round to throw wrinkles in its play calling on both sides of the ball. If the Bucs reach an 11-6 record, despite a three-game skid in the middle of the year, they will be in good position for a solid playoff push. With a weak division, they will take the NFC South crown comfortably and play a lower-half seed in the first round of the playoffs.

The Titans were one of the worst offensive teams in the NFL last season, which was ultimately their demise and reaffirmed their current rebuild. The Titans finished at the bottom in almost every offensive category last year: points, yards, total plays, pass yards ... you name it, and they struggled with it. However, with Cam Ward taking over as the QB and some good offseason acquisitions. The Titans are poised to have a bounce-back season in 2025, as we look at their depth chart for the 53-man roster. QB: Cam Ward, Brandon Allen The Titans have better quality quarterbacks than they did a year ago, as they will have Ward and Allen running the offense. Allen brings more than eight years of NFL experience, including five years of regular-season experience. He will serve as a great mentor for Ward and will help him develop throughout the season. There is no doubt that there will be growing pains for Ward, but I think Titans fans have to be excited about the future of their team, and Ward will give them that confidence. RB: Tony Pollard, Julius Chestnut, Kalel Mullings The Titans' running back room looks a little different to start the year, as Tyjae Spears will be on the IR with a high ankle sprain. Pollard totaled 1300+ yards last year and will get a heavy load of the run game to start the year. The surprise for the Titans is going to be backup running back Julius Chestnut. Chestnut has been on the Titans' roster for a few years now and has served as a reserve back. He now has the chance to make a name for himself as he will get a solid number of snaps going forward. The Titans will have some solid running backs, as they will help establish a run game for their young QB. WR: Calvin Ridley, Van Jefferson, Tyler Lockett, Bryce Oliver, Elic Ayomanor, Chimere Dike The Titans' wide receiver room has a lot of what-ifs this season as they bring on five new wideouts. Ridley is the only returner as he looks for another 1,000-yard season. The Titans bring in veteran wideouts in Lockett and Jefferson, and both will begin new chapters in their careers. The other three receivers are all questionable: Oliver, Ayomanor, and Dike are young, and two of them are unproven rookies. Although I have high hopes for both Ayomanor and Dike, the Titans may have a lot of issues at the receiver position this year, which could impact them long-term going forward. TE: Chig Okonkwo, Gunnar Helm, David Martin-Robinson The Titans improved at the tight end position as they drafted Helm in the 2025 draft. They will pair him with 3rd-year tight end Okonkwo in hopes of redefining their offense. Okonkwo has been solid in his first few seasons, but he needs more involvement. Helm will help with that, as he will block more and draw in the better defenders when he is out there. If the Titans are running two tight end sets, this will give Okonkwo a better opportunity to become a playmaker and give Ward another option on offense. OL: C Lloyd Cushenberry, LG Peter Skoronski, LT Dan Moore Jr., RG Kevin Zeitler, RT JC Latham, C/G Corey Levin, OL Blake Hance, G Jackson Slater, T Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson, T John Ojukwu, T Olisaemeka Udoh We end the preview with the Titans' offensive line, which is looking like their weakness this year. They have some solid players with Cushenberry and Skoronski, but there are still some holes to fill for the o-line. Latham has battled injuriess this preseason and will hopefully be ready for the season opener. Cushenberry is coming off an Achilles injury, and Levin has struggled the last few years with the Titans. Moore Jr. and Zeitler will be making their debut with the Titans, and this could be the pickup the Titans need. If the Titans' offensive line can hold up, they will be competitive this season and compete for a playoff spot. Time will tell whether or not the Titans will have enough firepower this season to compete, or if they will once again pick high in the 2026 draft.

Entering year six of his NBA career, it’s been up and down to say the least when it comes to LaMelo Ball, and certainly all down for the Hornets as a team, who haven’t made the playoffs since Ball was selected third overall in the 2021 NBA Draft. Now Ball has a reloaded roster, with a blend of young talent and veteran presence that he’s never had before, and it should mean the Hornets will be frisky in what looks to be a depleted Eastern Conference. But will it actually come to fruition this year? Will the roster be cohesive? Will the 2025 draft picks like Kon Knueppel and Liam McNeeley pan out? All questions that are hovering over the Hornets franchise right now, but the biggest of them all is if LaMelo Ball will take the next step and become a true #1 on a team that can win. There are a few layers when it comes to what success will look like for LaMelo Ball this upcoming season. The first is health. Throughout his career, he’s faced multiple injuries that have kept him off the court, leaving the Hornets with no one to fill his shoes from a production level. In his five seasons, Ball has only played more than 55 games just once, which was his lone All-Star appearance in the 21-22 season. Since then, Ball has only played in105 of 246 games. He has a long history of ankle injuries throughout his NBA career, which have kept him from finding a rhythm on the court and kept Charlotte irrelevant in the NBA landscape. If he can stay healthy, which is a big if, Ball could be one of the top guards in the Eastern Conference. The other layer of his and Buzz City’s success lies within Ball’s playing style as he has constantly caught criticism due to his inefficient shooting, decision-making and lack of defensive impact on the perimeter. Ball for his career hasn’t shot higher than 43.6% from the field and is coming off a career low 33.9% three-point shooting. The numbers improving will depend on Ball’s shot selection, as he’s been criticized for taking too difficult shots during games rather than moving the ball and finding the best shot available. Many fans and media members have compared Ball’s style to streetball rather than NBA basketball, with his flashy handles and high volume shooting. If Ball wants to truly become a top guard in the league, his efficiency and defense have to improve. What exactly is at stake for LaMelo Ball this season? The answer is he could end up out of Charlotte and lose value after his max rookie extension is up in 2029. If he’s dealt, it’ll be because of his lack of reliability to be there for the Hornets when they need him or if he’s healthy and the team makes no type of improvement, even though the roster on paper is much better than the last few years prior. The other side of it is that if Ball wants out of Charlotte anyway, he’s going to have to make a statement this season for a team to want to trade for him and take on his massive max contract. This is a make-or-break year for Ball. Playing winning basketball and staying on the court could lead to media members and fans looking at him in a whole new light, and take him seriously as a superstar of the future.

The defending Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles will host the Dallas Cowboys to open up the 2025 NFL season on Thursday Night Football. The Eagles, who stomped on the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in Super Bowl LIX, will unveil their second championship banner at Lincoln Financial Field ahead of the primetime showdown. While Philadelphia is returning 11 of 12 starters on offense, things will look a little bit different for defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s defense which finished first in the NFL in 2024. Cornerback Darius Slay, edge rusher Josh Sweat, and defensive tackle Milton Williams, who were starters in 2024, departed in free agency along with the retirement of Brandon Graham, which left some holes to be filled by General Manager Howie Roseman during the offseason. One of the key moves Roseman made to keep the Eagles a contender both now and for the future was drafting Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell with the 31st-overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Campbell is in line to start alongside Zack Baun Thursday night. Roseman also went out and signed cornerback Adoree’ Jackson along with outside linebackers Azeez Ojulari and Joshua Uche. “We think he’s (Jihaad Campbell) a versatile player who can do a lot of different things. So obviously, the main thing that you see is the energy that he plays with, the speed that he plays with, and relentless effort that he plays with, and that fits on defense,” head coach Nick Sirianni said. For the Cowboys, Jerry Jones made shockwaves around the league once again after trading one of the league’s top defensive players in Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. Dallas did add to its roster as well, trading for former Steelers’ wide receiver George Pickens to pair with CeeDee Lamb. The Eagles dominated the Cowboys in both 2024 meetings, but Dak Prescott missed both games with an injury. Here are five things to watch for during Thursday Night’s Week 1 matchup: Eagles Secondary vs. Cowboys Receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens will provide a challenge one way or another for Philadelphia. While Lamb had just six catches for 21 yards in his lone appearance against the Eagles in 2024, Dallas added Pickens to help take some of the burden off their star receiver. It is noteworthy that when Eagles’ cornerback Quinyon Mitchell was on Lamb in the Week 10 matchup, the receiver had only one catch for five yards. But the uncertainty comes across the field from Mitchell, where Adoree’ Jackson is the favorite to start at cornerback with Cooper DeJean still expected to line up at the nickel corner spot. At safety, will it be Sydney Brown getting the first crack alongside Reed Blankenship? And how much, if at all, will we see rookie Andrew Mukuba in Week 1? It will be a fun matchup to watch throughout the night. Dallas' Defense vs. Saquon Barkley In their last meeting in Week 17 of the 2024 season, Saquon Barkley rushed for 167 yards on 31 carries. Now the Cowboys have added defensive tackle Kenny Clark in hopes of improving their defensive line for the new season. Barkley, coming off of a 2,000+ season, will still be a huge component of this Eagles offense. But the question will be how much new offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo will rely upon him the start the season. Eagles' Defensive Line vs. Dak Prescott Dak Prescott missed both games against the Eagles in 2024 with an injury, so Jalen Carter and this Eagles’ defense will be more than hungry to get after the quarterback in this one. Moro Ojomo will be a player to watch for Philadelphia in this one, as he steps in for Milton Williams, who departed to New England during free agency. Jalyx Hunt will line up on the edge across from Nolan Smith, as the two youngsters seem to get better with each and every rep. With the Cowboys likely to double-team Carter, there will be opportunities across the line for Philadelphia’s defense to attack Prescott. Philly Starting Fast or Starting Slow (Again)? The Eagles faced scrutiny for their slow start to the 2024 season after heading in their bye week at 2-2. Despite winning in Week 1 last season, the Eagles came out slow, with Barkley even saying the team treated the first four games like preseason. How will that change this year? In a game like this, there’s not any room for a slow start and the target (if it wasn’t already) is clearly marked on Philadelphia’s back as the defending champions. After all, the Eagles were booed going into halftime during their banner ceremony night in 2018.  No Parsons … No Problems? (For the Eagles) The Cowboys traded Micah Parsons in a shocking move just ahead of the new season. For Jalen Hurts and the Eagles offense—that’s a good thing. With Parsons gone to Green Bay, the Eagles will only have to face one of the league’s top defenders once instead of twice a year. How will the Eagles exploit that? With an already loaded offensive line that is returning all but one starter (Mekhi Becton went to the Chargers in free agency), Jalen Hurts should be well protected in this matchup. A protected Hurts makes the Eagles even more dangerous, as the options increase exponentially. Hurts can take off and run himself, give it to Barkley, or find A.J. Brown or DeVonta Smith, which could make it a long night for Dallas.

It’s officially kickoff week for the NFL, and with the opening matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys just one day away, it’s time to finish up our deep dive into the Arizona Cardinals' week one matchup with the New Orleans Saints. Last week, we examined what Cards’ fans could expect from the New Orleans defense, and today, we’re going to flip the script, looking at a potentially underrated Saints offense and how it matches up with what should be a much-improved Arizona defense. The Saints' sneaky ground game The Saints' offense will undergo some changes this season, mostly in terms of schematic adjustments, while the roster talent will remain largely similar to that of 2024. Kellen Moore comes as the head coach after six years of experience as an offensive coordinator for the Cowboys, Los Angeles Chargers and Eagles. Moore will call plays , and his four top-10 scoring offenses highlight his proficiency as an offensive mind. While his results have been reasonably consistent, his run-pass tendencies have fluctuated throughout his career. While in Dallas, Moore’s offenses remained balanced, ranking between sixth to 15th in rushing attempts and second to 19th in passing attempts. When Moore left for the Chargers, his offense heavily skewed towards the pass, ranking third in passing attempts while only 24th in rushing. Interestingly enough, this tendency fully flipped this past season in Philly, with the Eagles ranking first in rush attempts and 32nd in passing attempts. It seems clear that Moore will tailor his playcalling to the personnel he has on the roster. His year in LA attempting a pass-heavy approach was a disaster that ended up 21st in points scored. With balance and a skew towards the ground game, this is likely his sweet spot. While it feels like many people around the league are sleeping on the potential of this offense to be solid, you certainly can’t blame them for being sound asleep when this QB room is brought up. The Saints recently settled their quarterback competition between second-year incumbent Spencer Rattler and rookie Tyler Shough. The job is Ra ttler's , and the former fifth-round pick brings an underwhelming skillset to the table. As a rookie, Rattler completed a paltry 57% of his passes for 1,317 yards in seven games (188 YPG) and an interception ratio of 4:5. The counting stats look rough, and his PFF passing grade of 49.4 doesn’t offer much optimism under the hood, ranking 67 out of 75 qualifying quarterbacks. Rattler has a solid arm and offers mobility that could help in the run game, but he has accuracy issues and struggles with decision-making, as evidenced by a turnover-worthy throw percentage of 4.9% , placing him among passers such as Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Drew Lock and Jameis Winston, if that helps get the point across. Some small progress isn’t far-fetched, but it’s tough to expect Rattler to be anything more than something between the 30th and 32nd-ranked quarterback in the league. When looking at the group of weapons Rattler has to work with, you can begin to see some optimism with this offense. Starting with Alvin Kamara in the backfield, he’ll once again be the focal point of the offense in 2025, and he’s certainly still got fuel left in the tank, as his 41 missed tackles forced in 2024 were the third-best mark of his career. Still a threat out of the backfield in the receiving game as well, there’s hope the Saints won’t have to rely on Kamara so much this season, but the likelihood of that happening falls on the shoulders of two talented pass catchers with questions about durability. First is Chris Olave, who has proven to be a good player since he was selected 11th overall in 2022. A solid route runner with genuine speed , he's produced when on the field, yet hasn’t ascended to that tier of game-changing wide receivers some thought he could, and that could very well be due to his unfortunate history with concussions . Olave seems healthy and ready to go this year, and he could present a real challenge if Rattler surprises. Olave’s running mate is Rashid Shaheed, a certified burner of a deep threat that will make you pay for biting on play action . Shaheed is also returning from a knee injury in 2025, which always makes you pause before making any declarations about how someone will look on the field early, but it’s safe to say Shaheed’s speed is real, and he has the opportunity to flip a game on its head in an instant. The tight end room deserves a shout as well, with veteran Juwan Johnson providing a reliable target over the middle, and it’s impossible to mention the Saints offense without the impact that Taysom Hill provides as a wildcat quarterback; however, he will miss at least the first month of the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, so Arizona does not need to gameplan for his skillset. The offensive line is the biggest reason for optimism with this team, with potentially three great starters and a position change that could raise the upside even higher. Starting with the man in the middle, Erik McCoy, which staying healthy would mean great things for this line in 2025. Limited to only five complete games in 2024, McCoy was dominant while on the field, posting a whopping 94.4 PFF blocking grade , and his week three injury was a big reason why the Saints' offense torpedoed after back-to-back 40+ point outbursts to open the season. The term “imposing run blocker” can fit multiple other players on this line, but McCoy is truly a one-man wrecking crew, and New Orleans should be ecstatic to have him back. Jumping outside to the offensive tackles, second-year right tackle Taliese Fuaga looked as advertised in his rookie year, putting up a solid 65.7 blocking grade. Another fantastic run blocker, Fuaga has work to do as a pass protector, and with rookie Kelvin Banks Jr. assuming the left tackle role, Fuaga gets to move back to the right side, where he played at Oregon State University. Speaking of Banks Jr., we won’t know what to expect out of the ninth overall pick in this year's draft until Sunday afternoon, but he started for the University of Texas the day he stepped on campus. While not a total people mover in the run game, he easily has the highest pass protection ceiling along the entire line. Moving to the guards, Cesar Ruiz remains the right guard, and he’s about the line for an average NFL starter: you aren’t thrilled with him, but you can survive with him as your weakest link. Whether or not Ruiz is the Saints' weakest link depends on how Trevor Penning looks at left guard. Drafted as a tackle out of the University of Northern Iowa in 2022, Penning is a stunning athlete who entered the league without much pass-protection technique to speak of, and through three seasons, has been an absolute liability in pass protection . A shift inside to guard will give him a chance to use his power and athleticism against slower defensive tackles, while making it easier for Moore to scheme up double-team help in pass protection. Plenty of tackle-to-guard experiments have failed in the past, but this move gives Penning a second chance to succeed, and the Saints an upside gamble on a formidable front five. How the Cardinals might respond The Saints have built a big, athletic offensive line and invested in speed on the outside. This team wants to run you over, then do it again, and 35 times after that. This offense is built to control the clock, then burn you with play-action shots if you get too aggressive in attempting to stop the run. If this were 2024, I’d say Arizona was in serious trouble with the defensive line they put on the field last year, but with an infusion of talent that goes two rotations deep, Arizona can hit the ground running. Unfortunately for the Cardinals, the injury bug has bitten hard in the last month, knocking out veteran defensive tackles Bilal Nichols and Justin Jones, along with rookie defensive tackle Walter Nolen, the team's top draft choice. With the defensive tackle depth thinned out, the roles of Calais Campbell and Dalvin Tomlinson become massive. Both are incredibly capable, but it’s imperative that the Saints aren’t able to extend many drives and tire them out. The edge room is much healthier, missing only BJ Ojulari for the opener. Josh Sweat makes his much-anticipated debut after coming over from Philadelphia, and he’s flanked by Darius Robinson, who Arizona hopes can give them a healthy and improved season. Add in contributions from Zaven Collins against the run, Baron Browning as a situational rusher and rookie Jordan Burch, and this new line should get after it on third downs. Expect this defense to dominate obvious passing situations, and the Saints to try and avoid those downs as much as possible. Game prediction: Cardinals win 27-17 Getting out to a fast start is imperative for a Saints offense that wants to grind you down, and New Orleans electing to take the ball first wouldn’t shock me in the slightest. The Saints likely give Arizona a good punch in the mouth with an early score before the Cardinals settle in on offense, allow the pass rush to pin its ears back, and cruise to a sound victory in the opening weekend.

While the Pittsburgh Steelers will have plenty of youth on offense as discussed in last week's article , their defense looks to be a different story entirely. The front seven, loaded with proven talent, looks to repeat as one of the top units in the NFL. The secondary made a splashy addition after a shaky 2024, and looks to make big strides in 2025. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin has stars everywhere on the field, as head coach Mike Tomlin will look to him and his defense to hold it down while their offense finds their footing. Even in an AFC North division loaded with firepower, Pittsburgh could have an elite unit once again in the upcoming season. Defensive Line (8): Keeanu Benton, Yahya Black, Daniel Ekuale, Derrick Harmon, Cameron Heyward, Logan Lee, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Esezi Otomewo It’s been a tumultuous offseason for this defensive front. Longtime captain Cameron Heyward has spent the offseason holding out for a new contract after making his fourth All-Pro team last year. As of Monday, it looks like he’ll suit up for Week 1, but according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter , that isn’t set in stone. His absence would be a crushing one for the Steelers, especially to begin the season with both of his fellow starters currently dealing with injuries. Derrick Harmon, Pittsburgh’s first round selection from the 2025 draft, had a stellar preseason derailed by an MCL sprain. While the Oregon product managed to avoid a more serious injury, the timeline for his return is up in the air. Meanwhile, Keeanu Benton also went down during the preseason, dealing with an upper-body injury. Benton, who’s eligible for an extension next year, will be looking to prove his worth after showing some promise in 2024. Once Harmon and Benton are healthy (and Heyward reaches an agreement with the front office), this unit will be in fine shape. Until the unit’s overall health improves, Pittsburgh will have to move some pieces around to find an effective front three. Logan Lee, an undersized yet powerful pass-rusher from Iowa, will try to replace Harmon on the right side of the line. Daniel Ekuale joins the team after enjoying the most productive season of his career in New England. Ekuale’s versatility will be invaluable as the Steelers will look to plug him in wherever necessary. Isaiahh Loudermilk would likely be the first look to replace Heyward in case he decides to escalate his holdout, while Yahya Black and Esezi Otomewo round out the group. Linebackers (9): Carson Bruener, Malik Harrison, Nick Herbig, Alex Highsmith, Cole Holecomb, Patrick Queen, T.J. Watt, Jack Sawyer, Payton Wilson The outside linebackers will be the focal point of this Steelers defense. T.J. Watt is a flat-out game wrecker, getting to the quarterback almost at will. While he’s one of the best pass-rushers in the league, he also brought home the Pro Football Focus Run Defender of the Year award last season, making him the most valuable piece for this defense by a wide margin. Often overshadowed by the sheer gravity of Watt, Alex Highsmith has proven to be a devastating rusher in his own right. After missing time last year with an ankle injury, Highsmith will look to replicate a 2022 season where he posted 14.5 sacks and five forced fumbles. Nick Herbig, who was productive in a relief role throughout his first two seasons, will look to rotate in when necessary. Rookie Jack Sawyer will join the unit after being selected in the fourth round out of Ohio State. At inside linebacker, the talented Patrick Queen will contribute to the vaunted pass rush while serving as the primary communicator in the middle of the defense. Next to him will be second-year Payton Wilson, an explosive athlete who can hold his own as a rusher, run-stopper, or in coverage. Tackling machine Cole Holcomb makes his return from a knee injury that’s kept him off the field since halfway through the 2023 season. Malik Harrison comes over from division rival Baltimore in search of a larger role, and rookie Carson Bruener will try and work his way into the rotation as the season progresses. Defensive Backs (8): Brandin Echols, DeShon Elliott, Donte Kent, Miles Killebrew, Joey Porter Jr., Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay, Juan Thornhill, Chuck Clark (Thursday) The Steelers took a big swing in the offseason by acquiring Jalen Ramsey from the Dolphins to bolster their secondary. While his days as the premier shutdown corner in the NFL are over, Ramsey is still one of the most decorated defensive backs in the game. The three-time All-Pro will be joined by 34 year-old Darius Slay Jr., another corner who’s a few years removed from their prime but still has the ability to perform at a high level. Ramsey and Slay will provide mentorship to Joey Porter Jr., who the Steelers are hoping to develop into a cornerstone of their defense. Porter Jr. has shown massive potential through his first two seasons (only one career touchdown allowed so far), and he’ll be a player to keep an eye on this year as he looks to take a huge leap forward. Brandin Echols comes over from the Jets to provide depth, as rookie Donte Kent starts the season on the injured reserve with a foot injury. Juan Thornhill gets the nod at free safety after six seasons of quality starts in Kansas City and Cleveland. An excellent athlete who can cover the slot when necessary, Thornhill gives Pittsburgh's defense the ability to shift into different packages if necessary. DeShon Elliott returns at strong safety after a solid first year with the team. Elliott is a quality run-stopper who flies into the backfield to make contact with the ballcarrier. Miles Killebrew also returns as a special teams ace and a leader in the Steelers locker room. Chuck Clark was recently added to the Steelers roster as a replacement for the injured Kent. ST: Chris Boswell, Christian Kuntz, Corliss Waitman No new faces among the specialists in Pittsburgh this year. The ever-consistent Chris Boswell is back as the Steelers’ placekicker after turning in an All-Pro campaign in his ninth year in Pittsburgh. Boswell has made a living off of his pinpoint accuracy from long range, although Mike Tomlin would like to avoid using him as often as they did last year (44 FGA, including 15 from 50 yards or longer). Corliss Waitman will also return at punter along with Christian Kuntz, his long snapper. The duo will look to continue a productive operation after going the entire 2024 season without getting a punt blocked.

Heading into this season, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic look like the frontrunners for the regular-season MVP. Alongside them, perrenial favorite Giannis Antetokounmpo might be unable to put together another strong season. If he is out of the race, another great option is Jalen Brunson. The Kia NBA regular-season MVP is given out to the best player in the league at the end of each season. From 2019 to 2025, bigs have had a firm grip on the race . Antetokounmpo won it in back-to-back years, Jokic took home the award in three of the last five seasons, and center Joel Embiid from the Philadelphia 76ers won it once. The streak was snapped this season when Gilgeous-Alexander won it after leading his team to a 68-14 record and ultimately their organization's first NBA title since relocating from Seattle in 2008. Brunson is Due to Have One of His Best Seasons The New York Knicks guard has quickly become a fan favorite because of his athleticism, shooting, and efficient scoring. Last season, he averaged 26.0 points, 7.3 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game on 48.8 % shooting from the field. He did statistically regress from the previous season, but that was due to an ankle injury that sidelined him for 15 games. If Brunson, a two-time All-Star and two-time member of the All-NBA Second Team, can stay on the court and continue to produce at a high level, he should be able to join the league MVP conversation. Furthermore, he has received a significant amount of recognition from fans since his jersey sold fifth-best in the league last season , ahead of Jokic (10) and Gilgeous-Alexander (9), but behind superstars LeBron James (3), Stephen Curry (2) and Luka Doncic (1). The First Knick to Win MVP Since Willis Reed New York hasn’t had a player receive the coveted award since the 1969-70 season, when all-time great center Willis Reed won it. Patrick Ewing came close to winning the award multiple times throughout his tenure with the Knicks, but fell short. All-time great forward Carmelo Anthony received a first-place vote in 2012-13 but was easily surpassed by James. Since then, Brunson has been New York's best chance at winning an MVP. Some believe center Karl-Anthony Towns might be able to get it done, but I’m not convinced he has what it takes. If I were to put money on the line, my best bet would be on Brunson. He has shown his ability to rise to the occasion during big moments, so I believe it should be no problem for him to do it throughout the course of this season. The NBA should be put on standby, since Brunson can bring the league’s most coveted award back to New York.

Trae Young’s camp remains “disappointed” that the Hawks haven’t extended him an offer on a new deal, per NBA insider Marc J. Spears , and at this juncture, it appears likely that Atlanta’s front office will let this season play out and let Young potentially hit free agency next summer. That by itself is interesting, but also Young was among the many sports figures to weigh in on the Dallas Cowboys’ recent trade of Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers, writing, “&&& the boy got his $!!” in the X comment section, referring to the contract extension that Parsons signed with Green Bay. This post echoes an earlier tweet from Young after Parsons initially requested a trade out of Dallas, when the star wrote, “This why you pay the man early, when someone will take less early to stay in a place he wanted to be forever, you do it… the price only goes up now! Get what you deserve bro!” Now the question that Hawks fans must be asking is, was Young sending a veiled message to the Atlanta front office with these posts? Newly-minted Hawks general manager Onsi Saleh has been busy putting together the most talented supporting cast of Young’s career this summer, adding Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Luke Kennard. ( Not to mention fleecing the Pelicans on draft day. ) However, a disgruntled Trae Young could throw a wrench in his plans. Still, it’s worth considering that even if no extension is offered, Young will have plenty of incentive to play the best basketball of his career this year in the hopes of securing a huge contract in the summer of 2027. The Hawks are slated to tip off their 2025 season on October 22 at home against the Toronto Raptors.

I feel I must have said it in almost every column so far (all two of them), but I really can’t wait for this season to begin. The San Francisco 49ers have a lot to prove, but the right pieces in place to do it. Ahead of our week one battle with Seattle, let’s take a look at some things that are going on around the 49ers, and let’s see what we make of them. 53-man roster thoughts You didn’t hear from me during last week’s roster carnage, and frankly, that was by design, because it was difficult to get heard over the thousands of hot-take merchants, and hot takes mean hot air. [Editor's Note: Hey! That's our stock in trade here at Sidelinr!] For example, there was much caterwauling as they cut punter Thomas Morestead, even though anyone with a rudimentary understanding of how NFL transactions work could’ve told you he’d be back on the roster before too long. Others gnashed their teeth over exposing guys to waivers, even though everyone ultimately came back. Quelle surprise . Here’s some snappy roster thoughts: If you’re good enough, you’re old enough… It looks as though several rookies are indeed primed to start, as I urged the team to do last week. Mykel Williams has been pencilled in to start since the moment his name was called in the NFL Draft, but it would seem, happily, that Marques Sigle might well be in line to man one of the two safety spots, too. Throw in Upton Stout, who returned to practice this week at the nickel spot, and it would seem to be a good start on getting a more youthful lineup out there. CJ West would be my other dark horse to figure into the lineup, given how solid he was against the run in preseason. We shall see, as Jordan Elliott and Kalia Davis among others should have significant roles. Is this shades of 1981? To some extent, possibly, yes; great coach Bill Walsh had reached the end of his tether with a failing defensive unit, reached heavily into the draft to build one, and it paid dividends almost immediately. Will Kyle Shanahan’s and John Lynch’s reinvigorate a similarly faltering defense in 2025? With Robert Saleh on board, it’s easy to imagine that happening. This represents a significant departure for Kyle Shanahan, with rookies on defense receiving zero snaps in Week 1 of the previous two years, according to the Associated Press. Interestingly, one of the highest years for rookies playing on defense and offense in Week 1 was 2019, and that ended in a Super Bowl run. Food for thought. The 49ers' Receivers are Back, Just in Time It turns out the death of our receiver room may have been greatly exaggerated. Having brought Russell Gage back after some 53-man roster trickery around final cuts, even more good news came to the 49ers on Monday as disgruntled pass-catcher Jauan Jennings resumed practice. What’s held him out of practice this offseason is a calf injury, but perhaps better described as contractitis. With some talk that he was looking for $20m per year(!) or more from the team, it’s not surprising there was an impasse. I love Jennings–he’s a tenacious run blocker, gritty pass-catcher, and has a knack for the big play. That said, he’s barely on the level statistically of a No. 2 wideout, let alone the top-10 player he’s looking to be paid as. Asking for that contract from a team already burnt by giving out big contracts to receivers who haven’t lived up to them was also a choice . He’s not going to get that money from the 49ers, but should he give us another fully-committed, no-nonsense year, he’ll find his way to some money next offseason. Just not in Santa Clara. Still, having him back for Week 1 is a huge boon. The team needed any competent pass-catchers, frankly ... now threatens to start a foursome of Ricky Pearsall, Jauan Jennings, Gage, and recently-acquired Marques Valdez-Scantling. Who knows how it’ll shake out on gameday, especially with former wideout Kendrick Bourne visiting on Monday (possibly reuniting with Kyle Shanahan after being useful in 2019’s Super Bowl run?), but at least it looks like there’s some players to throw to now. Add in George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey, and suddenly things look brighter for Brock Purdy and company, especially with Demarcus Robinson, Jordan Watkins and, yes, Brandon Aiyuk waiting in the wings. Quickly on Bourne: while he might not move the needle in terms of a "wow" signing, a veteran receiver that Kyle Shanahan trusts (given how much he seems to detest playing rookie or young receivers) could actually be a useful get. He's one to watch, as I know there are some doubts over his health. A Seattle Sunday in Week 1 is a Baptism of Fire Let’s move on to talk about this Sunday’s game against Seattle. While there is some advantage to playing a divisional rival so early in the year–particularly if the 49ers can gain some ground early–I think I would’ve liked an easier game to start off with. There’s plenty of veteran nous in the 49ers, but the fact is, this is a team cashing in a number of draft picks to put out an inexperienced lineup. Running into the Seahawks, in Seattle, feels like one of the most difficult ways they could start. It’s always a cauldron in Seattle (pumped-in crowd noise or not), and the team's record there is interesting at best. It’s often quasi-Gladitoral combat between these two sides, and I expect nothing different on Sunday afternoon (or, evening, if you’re me). Something that also troubles me is Purdy versus Mike Macdonald’s defense; while he has his moments against Macdonald’s scheme, his Christmas Day meltdown against them lingers in my memory. They need a fast start, and some of the spirit that led the Niners past the Seahawks in Seattle last year, aka one of the many false dawns in what ended up being a stuttering year. Of course they can win it, but the key I feel is to stay level regardless. You can’t win a championship in Week 1 of the NFL season, and you can’t lose it either. Mostly, I’m excited to see this 49ers team take the field. There’s some energy in the air this year, perhaps more akin to 2019 than 2023; we don’t know how good they are yet, but getting to find out live on the field is always good fun. It’s important that we, as fans, are patient and allow the team to grow, and that might mean some pains along the way, especially in tough road games. Alternatively, perhaps the fire of Seattle’s atmosphere will forge some iron in this new 49ers team. Seattle, meanwhile, do have a good-looking roster, although I have questioned all offseason their decision to go with Sam Darnold at quarterback. I’m always wary of quarterback "redemption runs" netting huge contracts, and given the way Darnold’s season ended–essentially picking grass out of his teeth in his Vikings’ surprise playoff loss to the Rams–I wouldn’t have been as confident as Seattle’s brass apparently were in putting up serious money to land him. Get after him early and often, and I feel the 49ers can unsettle him, particularly since he didn’t exactly light up our intolerably bad defense last year. So, having successfully straddled the fence, do the 49ers win their opener this Sunday? I’m going to say yes, but in a narrow, hard-fought, tense game. You know, just like every other Seattle-Niners game for about the last 20 years. Who’ll write themselves in this rivalry’s folklore this time? Per David Lombardi, between the roster and practice squad, the 49ers have 28 linemen on the team. You’ll get no argument from me on the soundness of this planning. As a former OL coach myself, you can’t have enough developmental pieces in the building, and it’s something the 49ers have massively failed to do over the last decade. On a similar note, Drew Moss made it, so I can safely assume our scouts are not blind. Chase Lucas made the roster, so mark me 0-1 for predictions on the year. Good for him. Darrell Luter Jr. also survived, as Shanahan continues to fail to quit his own draftees. Speaking of draftees, all of them bar Junior Bergen made it. Not necessarily surprising, but encouraging, as each of them seems to have carved out a role on the team.

The Golden State Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga have been stuck in a tense contract standoff for some time, as the 22-year-old wants more financial and career stability from the organization. This impasse between the two has dominated the NBA soundwaves while stalling the Warriors’ ability to make any significant moves to boost their roster. With negotiations at a standstill, Kuminga desires a fresh start in his young career. Still, the Warriors are unwilling to comply with his wishes with the restricted free agent leverage they have over him. Let’s look at some of the contract issue details in depth, Kuminga’s growing frustrations, and what is potentially next for both parties. A Long-Running Feud The hostility between Kuminga and the Warriors is nothing new, but it reached a boiling point during this past season. Kuminga’s role in the team diminished drastically following the trade that helped them acquire veteran star Jimmy Butler. The reduction in his playing time caused a domino effect that fueled his anger over what he views as years of fluctuating minutes and inconsistent opportunities under the authority of head coach Steve Kerr. Despite his frustrations, Kuminga displayed flashes of greatness and potential during the postseason that would speak to his ability. When the “greatest shooter God ever created” (according to Stephen A. Smith), Stephen Curry, was sidelined along with Butler, he stepped up to the plate. It seemed that he could be a valuable piece in the resurgence of the Warriors when given minutes consistently. Even though his play was impressive, it didn’t do much to repair the damaged relationship.   The Contract Stalemate Because Kuminga is a restricted free agent this year, he has limited leverage over what happens next with his career, even though he made it clear that he would prefer a fresh start playing for a different team. The Warriors reportedly offered him a two-year, $45 million deal with a team option on the second year, but not to Kuminga’s liking, as he refused to budge on signing it. He and his agents are lobbying for more long-term stability, closer to the $30-35 million annual average salary he believes his talent demands. At the same time, the Warriors have shown reluctance in facilitating a sign-and-trade with teams interested in pursuing Kuminga, such as the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns, and have undervalued their offers, despite the Kings apparently looking to go all in to acquire Kuminga: Their unwillingness, led by CEO Joe Lacob’s public admiration for Kuminga, has left both parties in limbo and has stopped the Warriors from making any roster moves. Logan Struck of Sports Illustrated discussed Lacob’s feelings toward Kuminga’s situation, stating, “I would take a lot for me not to match, for us not to match.” Lacob continued, “But again, we have to look at what makes our team best, and that’s really up to Mike (Dunleavy) to make those decisions and to recommend to ownership what to do. It’s going to play out pretty soon; you won’t have to wait too much longer.” An option for Kuminga is to accept his $7.9 million qualifying offer, which would make him an unrestricted free agent in 2026–this is a worst-case scenario for Golden State, which would risk losing him for nothing if he were to do so. Is the Public Disagreement Exposing Deeper Rifts? With some of this situation playing out in public, one may wonder if there are deeper issues in the organization tied to this particular scenario. Head coach Steve Kerr has publicly stated that he wasn’t sure of how to fit Kuminga into their current system and rotation. According to Farbod Esnaashari of CBS Sports , he specifically mentioned that averaging 38 minutes or more per night is difficult for Kuminga, given the high-usage veterans already established on the team and within the organization. Conversely, Draymond Green challenged Kerr’s comments and assessment of Kuminga, hinting at the fact that the coach hadn’t fully invested in him by giving him a real opportunity to prove his worth in that kind of role. On the Draymond Green Show, he stated , that when providing advice to Kuminga, he advised him to stay quiet to protect his trade value, but also acknowledged that he would shine regardless of which team he plays for. This back-and-forth could have potentially revealed the dilemma between Kerr’s championship-focused, veteran-heavy approach and the need to develop the up-and-coming talent that is supposed to carry the torch for the franchise in the future. Implications for the Future of Kuminga and the Warriors As the offseason continues into late August, the clock is ticking. With the Warriors failing to resolve the Kuminga drama, it is a symptom of a larger issue. The “two timelines” method of developing young players while contending has failed tremendously due to injuries, roster changes, and internal strife. The longer the stalemate drags on, the more it threatens to sabotage their efforts to construct a competitive team for the upcoming season . For Jonathan Kuminga, his future remains uncertain. But for Golden State, the outcome of this negotiation will define their path forward, potentially forcing them to choose between their fading dynasty and the next generation of talent. What will they decide?

Just 4:19 into the Denver Broncos’ first preseason game, the offseason full of hype felt like it was put into question. San Francisco 49ers running back Patrick Taylor Jr. capped a 71-yard, 8-play drive with a touchdown. The Broncos weren’t even facing a group of starters, and they had already given up a score. But Denver allowed only two more points throughout the entire game. Then the Arizona Cardinals scored only seven points in Week 2 of the preseason. Despite a less impressive Week 3—a 19-point effort by the New Orleans Saints—the Broncos’ defense left the preseason looking like a juggernaut. Just like it appeared last year. During the 2024 season, the Broncos led the league in defensive EPA per play—first against the pass (-0.14) and third against the run (-0.12)—defensive success rate (38.98%) and defensive Eckel rate (39.80%), according to SūmerSports . Top defenses have proven difficult to replicate over the past few years, but Denver has as good a shot as any team to replicate their success, in part due to the additions it made during this offseason. Two of the Broncos three big free agency acquisitions came on the defensive side of the football. They signed safety Talanoa Hufanga and linebacker Dre Greenlaw. Throw in first-round pick Jahdae Barron, and Denver has a trio of players who could improve the defense this season. But Broncos fans haven’t had much of a chance to see the players in action. Barron has played the most snaps, 40 over the course of three preseason games. In those games, he garnered a 66.2 Pro Football Focus grade , playing 28 of those snaps out of the slot. Hufanga played in two of the three games and was on the field for 24 plays, earning just a 48.6 PFF grade . While he played 10 snaps each in the box and free safety spots and showed flashes of what he can provide for the defense, 24 snaps isn’t enough to fully understand how a player will translate in the regular season. Greenlaw never even got onto the field in the preseason out of precaution due to his injury history. While it’s uncertain how everyone will look when on the field together, it’s a great defensive personnel on paper. And Denver’s Week 1 matchup is the perfect opportunity to see what the unit is capable of. The Broncos have a few easy games on the schedule, but they’re starting the season with perhaps the most favorable matchup — rookie quarterback Cam Ward. While the Tennessee Titans have a solid group of wide receivers, they don’t have much going for them. And while there are a few new players in the locker room, they’re facing off with Ward who has never taken a professional snap. Greenlaw and Hufanga both will start and should be immediate upgrades at their positions. Hufanga slots in for P.J. Locke who may still get on the field in some defensive sets. Greenlaw should be a clear upgrade over Cody Barton, who previously had the job. But they weren’t in Denver last season. Matter of fact, both missed a large chunk of games last year due to injuries. They may not look like themselves on the first snap of the season. Payton and the Denver coaching staff has been careful with Greenlaw, specifically, and that plan may extend into the regular season . But he’s still expected to be a factor Week 1. With a lackluster rushing offense, decent offensive line and rookie playcaller, Greenlaw will be in the best position possible to start his season strong. And Hufanga has the chance to take advantage of Ward more in the passing game. The true wildcard is Barron. After he was drafted, it seemed he could spend time in the slot, out wide or even at safety from time to time. But this offseason indicated he may be destined for the slot. So he might not see the field as much in the early weeks of the season. Ja”Quan McMillian already has a home in the slot, and he’s been good in the role. But that doesn’t mean Barron can’t get on the field. He can serve as a backup slot corner for McMillian, a backup outside cornerback for Riley Moss or even a player that can mix in as a safety. Outside of the preseason, this could be the best opportunity to test out Barron’s versatility. Ward was the first overall pick in this year’s draft for a reason. But that doesn’t make him perfect. If the Broncos are still unsure of where Barron fits into the defense, the Titans are likely to see him across the field, depending on how the starters are playing. In fact, Week 1 is the best time to see how all of Denver’s defensive pieces fit into the puzzle.

The New York Giants are a better team than they were in 2024 after numerous upgrades to their offense and defense. Coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen are likely on their last chances following two dismal seasons. A successful run like 2022 probably won’t happen this year, but surprises do happen. However, there are still several lingering and important questions that pose a significant challenge to the team’s success. Some of these questions have been addressed before the regular season, others will be answered during play. The questions presented here act as both benchmarks throughout the season and what additional steps the team needs to take. How Will the Giants' Offensive Line Perform? A weak offensive line leads to absolute disaster for a team’s performance, and the Giants are a prime example of what happens when the line is neglected. Between 2017 and 2023, the team’s offensive line ranked near the bottom of the league five times. That trend continued in 2024 when the line placed 28th out of 32 teams, a damning indictment against the team’s staff and roster construction. There were some key signings this offseason, including re-signing Greg Van Roten and expanding depth in James Hudson III. Only one lineman was selected by the team during the draft, being tackle Marcus Mbow. Allowing the younger guys to learn behind the veteran is a smart idea, while bumping Evan Neal to guard might save his career. So far, that strategy seems to have worked well as the team registered the second-highest yards per game across the entire preseason. In fact, they were one of only two teams to eclipse 100 points scored and the only team to top 1,000 yards passing this preseason. It’s blunted due to the fact most elite pass rushers rested, but those are numbers Giants fans have been impatiently waiting for. Don’t expect this to be easily replicated in the regular season, however. Once the elite rushers start taking the field and go up against the offensive line, then we’ll see how well the team can perform. Can a Running Back Committee Work? The loss of Saquon Barkley and his subsequent legendary performance with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024 stings. It’s going to hurt for a long time and might go down as the worst roster move in franchise history. It is even worse when the running back room is now filled with young, inexperienced talent. Tyrone Tracy Jr. has potential , rushing for 839 yards and a healthy 4.4 yards-per-carry and five touchdowns. He also has some decent ball security, losing only two fumbles in his rookie year. Again, that was with a poor offensive line that ranked near the bottom of the league. Imagine how well he could perform if the run blocking improved significantly. Outside of Tracy Jr., the team has an effective short-yardage back in Devin Singletary. At the same time, fans want to see rookie Cam Skattebo as the workhorse, but he might be better suited for short-yardage if Singletary becomes the scoring-opportunity player. It’s not Barkley, but there are three valuable players here. It could be wise for the team to use the back-by-committee strategy to run the football. Tracy Jr. as the primary feature, with Singletary and Skattebo sharing scoring and short-yardage duties. Again, this hinges on a successful offensive line, but it could work if all three backs are effective. What’s the Defensive Setup for this Year? The Giants’ defense is better than most people give credit for. Dexter Lawrence leads the front three, while the back four consist of Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Bobby Okereke, and a mix between Micah McFadden and rookie Abdul Carter. In the secondary, the additions of Paulson Adebo and Jevon Holland will be critical to improving their overall defense. They have a surprising amount of firepower on their defense, but the problem is how they’re going to use it effectively. The linebacker room is far too big to suit all five players and their secondary might need some additional help. The best strategy is to just essentially mix and match who is the most suitable for the game plan. It essentially boils down to playing mind games and switching guys out, putting guys in, and rearranging the playbook when needed. Their defense isn’t good, but they’re not the worst in the league. Given the additions in the secondary and the aforementioned Carter poised to do some damage, these numbers are expected to increase under second-year defensive coordinator Shane Bowen.

A question that has lingered for the Lions fan base continues to be, "Will the Lions bring Za'Darius Smith back?" Many Lions fans have expressed concerns about the team's depth at defensive end following Detroit's release of Smith at the end of last season. Smith was traded to the Lions at the deadline last season from the Cleveland Browns to fill in for injured defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. Smith was second on the team in 2024 with four sacks in eight games for Detroit last year. He lived in the opposing team's backfield, generating 40 quarterback pressures for the Honolulu Blue and Silver. Hutchinson led the team with seven and a half sacks in five games, leaving fans yearning to see the two paired up in 2025. General Manager Brad Holmes signed a few edge rushers this offseason, including both rookies and some returning veterans from last season. When the initial 53-man roster came out last Tuesday, none of the new defensive ends were on the list, as the team currently has only three edge rushers on the roster. Fun fact: Detroit's initial roster had 50 players instead of 53, sparking speculation about the addition of Smith in the coming days. Holmes has stated he's stayed in contact with Smith's agent this offseason. However, that was not the case, as the Lions claimed defensive end Tyrus Wheat off waivers from the Dallas Cowboys and defensive tackle Tyler Lacy from the Jacksonville Jaguars. Detroit closed out its roster by claiming safety Thomas Harper from the Jaguars as well. Neither defensive lineman has the reputation or sack numbers of Smith. There are speculations that the Lions have a handshake agreement with Smith to sign him after their week one matchup against the Green Bay Packers. This strategy is believed to save money for the franchise. Most contracts signed by players after the season begins are typically one-year minimum salary benefit deals. Smith is expected to make at least $1,255,000 in Detroit or wherever he signs in 2025. Additionally, most teams incorporate extra incentives into veteran contracts to enhance those deals. Marcus Davenport re-signed w ith the Lions in the spring and has been the healthiest he has ever been during the offseason. However, the fan base remains skeptical about his ability to stay healthy. In 2024, he only played in two games before suffering a season-ending injury against the Arizona Cardinals in week three. Since entering the league in 2018, the veteran defensive end has not completed a full season. He did, however, play a career-high 15 games in 2022 with the New Orleans Saints, which raises questions about why the Lions haven't brought in another veteran defensive end, such as Smith. Smith has connections to the city of Detroit and the Lions. He is currently dating Detroit rapper Kash Doll, who recently wore Smith's Detroit Lions jersey with the number 99 during one of her performances. Additionally, Smith's nephew, wide receiver Jackson Meeks , had an impressive training camp and preseason with the Lions after signing as an undrafted free agent in the offseason. Jackson is now on the Lions' practice squad. Both Lions fans and local Detroit sports media believe it would be a good idea for Detroit to re-sign Smith. He offers valuable veteran depth at a position of need. Additionally, since Smith is already familiar with the system, he wouldn’t require an extended ramp-up period. The key question remains: Will the Lions bring Smith back?

At the time of this being posted, the 2025 Los Angeles Chargers will officially be in their first regular season game week of what will be the second year of the duo of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh and General Manager Joe Horitz. Just as importantly, it is future head coach candidate and current Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter’s sophomore season with the Bolts, and his success is predicated on the back end of this defense! [For the previous editions of the Chargers' season preview, check out Part 1 (Skill Positions) and Part 2 (The Trenches) .] Linebacker Core The Chargers' linebackers are essentially Daiyan Henley and Friends. The groups includes long-time vet and fan-favorite Denzel Perryman (a close friend of Justin Herbert), Troy Dye (whose main role has beenon Ryan Ficken’s special teams unit), Del’Shawn Phillps (who played only 28 snaps for Demeco Ryan’s Texans last year), and UDFA darling Marlowe Wax. Wax made the 53 after a preseason where he played 68 special teams snaps and had the eighth-highest defensive grade of all Chargers players in the preseason: a 79.7 grade. Junior Colson, the former Michigan Wolverine who was hoping to put together a strong sophomore season where he made a run at the second linebacker spot alongside Daiyan Henley, was forced onto season-ending IR with a shoulder injury after a rough preseason. This was an act of roster gymnastics meant to give the Chargers a way to retain Colson while also giving a well-deserved spot on the 53 to Marlowe. The crown jewel of this room is the aforementioned Henley. Henley was one of the brightest spots on the Chargers defense last year, giving the Chargers the perfect chess piece to operate alongside All-Pro Derwin James in various blitzes and utilizing Henley’s versatility as a cover guy as well. The Ranger is poised to follow up a stellar 2024 campaign with an even better 2025 in his second year as the Chargers' defensive signal caller and first year as a captain. Cornerback Room The Chargers' cornerbacks are easily one of the most intriguing groups on the field, headlined by two rookies that took over the room in Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart. Still is in all likelihood the best of the entire room and is likely going to bounce inside and outside throughout the season, while Hart and his 6'2" frame projects as one of the most physical corners in the NFL as well as one of the best run defenders at the corner position. The Chargers replaced Kristian Fulton, now with the Kansas City Chiefs, with Donte Jackson, who the Chargers are hoping is a bounce-back candidate similar to Fulton. Jackson had a rough (putting it kindly) 2024 campaign in Pittsburgh posting a 46.3 coverage grade, but still posting five interceptions , which is impressive nonetheless. The fourth of the “four starters” that Jesse Minter has named is free agent pick-up Benjamin St-Juste, whose most notable play was being beaten vertically in off coverage by none other than 2024 Mike Williams, and had a 46.8 coverage grade (191st out of 222 qualified corners). So … yeah. This room has plenty of high-ceiling guys at the bottom of the depth chart with Nikko Reed and the currently injured Eric Rodgers, who both enjoyed some of the best preseasons in recent Chargers history and earned their spots on the roster, as well as special teams standout Ja’Sir Taylor who despite his struggles actually playing the cornerback position, earns his way on the 53 man roster due to his versatility and special teams proficiency. Special Teams Ficken’s special teams unit has been a revelation for a franchise that was historically bad in the often-forgotten third side of the ball. In 2022 and 2023, the Chargers posted the sixth- and fifth-highest DVOA (a stat that measures how above- or below-average a unit is as a whole) in the NFL. This crew was bolstered by performances by aces like Nick Neimann (now of the Green Bay Packers after a surprising cut for Houston), Ja’Sir Taylor, Deane Leonard, and many more depth pieces. Ficken's track record is why he is able to lobby for certain guys to have a roster spot like Ja’Sir Taylor, despite the ire of Chargers Twitter. As far as the field goal unit, Cameron Dicker is one of the elite kickers in the NFL; this also used to be a foreign concept to Chargers fans as a whole. JK Scott returns as the punter, who had a strong season and graded out as the fourth-highest ranked punter according to PFF. The only question mark as of this moment is long snapper Josh Harris–the highest-rated long snapper in Madden 26!–who was injured in the preseason finale. Thie led to the acquisition of 2024 Super Bowl Champion Rick Lovato to put a Band-Aid on that issue until Harris is deemed healthy enough to take his rightful spot on his long snapping throne. That’ll do it! The 2025 Los Angeles Chargers kick off their run at the AFC West crown by going straight for the kings of the Conference, as they take on the Chiefs in Brazil live on YouTube on September 5.

No team in baseball seems to be having as much fun as the Milwaukee Brewers . The team faced a bit of a rough patch after setting a franchise record with 14 consecutive wins. Then, after dropping their first in two weeks in 10 innings to the Cincinnati Reds, they lost 8 of 13 games. Now, after a seven-game road stand against the San Francisco Giants and Arizona Diamondbacks, the Brewers are 2-0 against the top team in the American League. A 7-2 win kicked things off with a bang as Jackson Chourio returned and was a key part of the team’s 4-1 win on Saturday, August 30. With one game left against the Blue Jays, the Brewers will return home for a unique Labor Day series against the Philadelphia Phillies. Most importantly, Tuesday, September 2, is their first day off since Thursday, August 14. News broke ahead of the second Blue Jays game that the Brewers' 21-year-old sensation would be returning. The team’s center fielder returned and made an immediate impact by breaking a 1-1 tie in the ninth inning. Not only did Chourio go deep, but his energy was contagious ... as Christian Yelich hit his own dinger immediately after. Other than the home run, Chourio hit a deep fly ball on the first pitch he saw. While that resulted in a flyout, he singled later on in the fourth inning. With two hits in his return, Chourio showed no signs of slowing down after a tough rehab assignment. .053 was Chourio’s batting average during his five-game tenure in Nashville. The Brewers' Triple-A affiliate hosted their $82M superstar , who picked up just one hit in 19 at-bats. That said, his one hit was a double. Chourio also drew a pair of walks with the Sounds which is impressive knowing his walk rate; his 4.6 BB% is in the bottom 6% of the league. Things have been on the rise for Chourio as he picked up three walks in a two-game span from July 27-28. The next day, he suffered a hamstring injury that kept him out of action for a month. All signs point towards the righty being back to 100% as he was a full-go in the August 30 win. Moving forward, the Brewers have their second-place HR leader back. Chourio, 18, still trails Yelich, 27, by a wide margain. Even though he missed all that time, the likes of William Contreras and Brice Turang weren’t able to pass him. Their chances of catching up to him look pretty dim if he's going to have more games like he did in his return.

Micah Parsons is a Green Bay Packer, ladies and gentlemen. It feels surreal to even write that sentence, but it’s true. Green Bay sent two first-round picks and longtime defensive cornerstone Kenny Clark to Dallas in exchange for the three-time All-Pro . It’s arguably the biggest trade in franchise history, one made with the intention of pushing the Packers into Super Bowl contention. Just seeing the fanbase and how they're all encouraging and excited – they couldn't wait to have me here," Parsons said during his introductory press conference . "I carry that on my shoulders, too. This isn't just for me. Understanding the history about (having) no owner and this is all-fan - everything is poured back into this, that means so much. I'm gonna carry that." Parsons was introduced to the fans and media just nine days before Green Bay’s regular season opener against the Detroit Lions. While he and the coaching staff will have to work quickly to get him up to speed, the four-time Pro Bowler is determined to be ready to go as soon as possible. "I think physically, you know, I'm great," Parsons said. "I think I can contribute a lot. I'm going to team up with the doctors in creating a plan. We already talked about how we can ramp things up and get me into a flow where they feel comfortable and I feel comfortable." Jeff Hafley’s defense relied heavily on the art of deception last year, largely due to an ineffective pass rush that ranked 27th in win rate and a cornerback room missing All-Pro Jaire Alexander for most of the season. Yet, they still ranked in the top ten across nearly every advanced metric. Now, with an athletic freak like Parsons—capable of both rushing the passer and playing off-ball at a consistent level—the possibilities for this defense are even greater. Last season, Parsons played over 200 snaps as an outside linebacker, 50 snaps as a defensive end, and 34 snaps as an inside linebacker. He has played 389 coverage snaps in his career and recorded a 76.9 coverage grade in 2024, which would have been the third-highest on the Packers. Additionally, that mark would have made him the highest-graded coverage linebacker for the team in nine of the last 12 years. Sure, the Packers just made him the highest-paid non-quarterback not to play linebacker, but to rush the passer. Still, it’s exciting to imagine the exotic looks Jeff Hafley could run. I can already picture double A-gap pressure packages with Parsons and Edgerrin Cooper—sometimes both firing off the A-gaps, sometimes one rushing while the other drops into coverage, and sometimes both covering while Keisean Nixon comes off the corner on a blitz. The possibilities are endless. “I like to move around,” Parsons told reporters “I think that creates the matchups that we like. Let's be honest, it's hard to get to the quarterback in this league, and you gotta win favorable matchups.” Green Bay recorded 45 sacks last year, but 20 of them came in just three games. The main reason they were still successful getting to the quarterback was Jeff Hafley’s creativity at the line of scrimmage. Adding a player of Micah Parsons’ caliber to the front seven doesn’t just change the dynamic for the guys playing alongside him—it also alters the approach of the opponents facing him. Even if Parsons draws double teams often, that will create more one-on-one opportunities for Rashan Gary, Lukas Van Ness, Devonte Wyatt, and the rest of the defensive front. With all due respect to Clay Matthews—whose legacy is cemented in Packers history and who was a fan favorite for years—Micah Parsons is the best pass rusher Green Bay has had since the “Minister of Defense,” Reggie White. The scary part about Parsons is that while he’s a freakishly disruptive pass rusher, he can also drop back into coverage at a high level. He could very well be the final piece Hafley’s defense needs to take the step into the NFL’s elite.

Even during their most brutal stretch of the season, the Milwaukee Brewers continue to find a way to win. Their pitching staff is as taxed as ever, with Trevor Megill’s injury only making things worse. Pat Murphy’s squad may stand 83-51, though I'd bet the front office knows they can’t take it for granted. That might be why they brought in Erick Fedde. The 32-year-old righty has been in the league since 2017, aside from a 2023 run in Korea that re-launched his MLB career. His numbers don’t look the best on paper, but if the team trusts in Chris Hook to turn around pitchers' careers. Fedde didn’t start in his Brewers debut, though he did make an impact. Aaron Ashby took the bump at the start of the game but lasted just two innings. It was an expected short start as Ashby acted as the opener for Fedde. 71 pitches were thrown as Fedde nailed 52 of those for strikes. While the veteran gave up eight hits, he was able to eat up a large chunk of innings. Lasting four and one-third, Murphy and Hook were probably thrilled with his contribution, even if it came in a loss. At the end of the day the Brewers bats didn’t show up. For a team that scored seven and nine runs in the first two games of the series, eventually things caught up to them. Going  1-for-12 with runners in scoring position isn’t going to win many ballgames. Fedde’s ERA sits at 5.71 after his debut in Milwaukee. He did give up a pair of earned runs, but his ERA did drop from the 5.76 it was coming into the game. Knowing Milwaukee wasn’t able to provide him with the necessary run support, he fell to 4-13. Don’t let the loss fool you as this was Fedde’s best outing since June 19. The end of June wasn’t too kind to him, though it’s one of the only months where he didn’t give up a run in an outing. June 19 saw Fedde give up just one run in five innings against his former team, the struggling Chicago White Sox. It marked Fedde’s first loss since August 4, where he coincidentally faced the Brewers. He will remain a huge part of this Brewers bullpen/starting rotation, wherever the team sees fit. Should they need to give Brandon Woodruff an extra day of rest, it’s easy to throw Fedde into the rotation as a sixth starter. There are plenty of options for the ninth-year player, who is hoping that this trip to Milwaukee might be like his run with the NC Dinos and give his career new life.