"I popped on a [conference] call, and I said my name and then hear the reaction," Ryans said Friday. "People are genuinely joyful about what these guys are able to do on the field and winning football. It changes the landscape of the city and how people feel. We can provide some joy to our community. That's one of the main reasons why I came back."
The decision to trade for Michael Jerrell felt like throwing a water balloon on a house fire at the time, and that's essentially what it was. Jerrell was a healthy scratch nearly the entire season, minus one game against the Bills. According to PFF, he was the worst-performing Falcons offensive lineman this season, by at least 40 points. These grading systems are subjective, but that's a pretty wide margin.
The Washington Commanders caused a stir by promoting David Blough to replace Kliff Kingsbury as offensive coordinator. Fans wanted a bigger name with previous experience, especially considering the stakes have been raised for head coach Dan Quinn in 2026. However, there is confidence in the building that they are getting ahead of the game. That is an opinion also shared by Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson, who gave Blough his seal of approval with a glowing reference that should provide confidence to fans who remain skeptical about the appointment.
Von Miller left the Washington Commanders wanting another go-around with the franchise in 2026. The aging edge rusher thought he was joining a Super Bowl contender, and even though things didn't work out that way, he outlined his desire to help get this storied club back on track. It didn't take long for that to change, which could hint that a difficult conversation has already taken place between Miller and those in positions of power.
Of course, he is the son of franchise legend Doug Williams, which led some to speculate that this was an old-boys' club appointment with little substance. That seemed a little harsh. Williams earned the right. Head coach Dan Quinn wouldn't have given this his seal of approval otherwise - not with the mounting pressure on his own job status. And if offensive coordinator David Blough believes this is the guy to help Jayden Daniels reach new heights, fans should trust his judgment.
After watching the Texans' defense dismantle the Steelers on Monday night, it's clear the Patriots are in for a challenge when they host Houston in the divisional round. They just went against another formidable defensive opponent in the Chargers, but this is a different breed Drake Maye hasn't faced in his young career. It is already being projected to be the best defensive group the Patriots will face this season, and fortunately, they have some experience in that area during the 10-game win streak.
Brady's Ravens meeting will take place then, while NFL.com's Ian Rapoport adds the Falcons will also meet with Brady about their HC post. Brady has now been connected to the Dolphins, Falcons and Ravens' HC positions. A Falcons connection would have formed previously, with ex-Atlanta GM Terry Fontenot in New Orleans when Brady worked on Sean Payton 's staff. But the Falcons fired Fontenot earlier this month.
The conversation around NFL officials is always a hot topic throughout any season and only becomes more heated once the playoffs begin. Because the referees have been under fire for much of the last few years, despite commissioner Roger Goodell claiming they're doing their best work right now, it's, of course, something to discuss as the Patriots go into the divisional round.
You can stare at the game tape until your retinas detach. You can break down the metrics until you're hallucinating EPA. None of that will tell you a single useful thing going into this NFC Divisional Round. That is the specific, high-grade torment of this Saturday's rubber match between the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks. We are well past the point of X's and O's here, folks. We have waded deep into the murky waters of psychological warfare.
As the architect of the "Greatest Show on Turf" offense that fueled the St. Louis Rams' Super Bowl title 26 years ago, Mike Martz was an in-demand speaker when he retired from the NFL in 2011. For years he worked the lecturing circuit, but there was one visit that made a lasting impression. It was 2018, and Martz had been invited to the Miami Dolphins training camp by former head coach Adam Gase. Dolphins' wide receivers coach, Ben Johnson, made sure not to waste the opportunity.
Football fans rejoice: Super Bowl LX is almost here. This year, Bad Bunny is kicking off the halftime show on Sunday, February 8. Everyone knows, though, the best way to enjoy the game and the performance is with a crowd, and it's never too early to start prepping for your Super Bowl festivities. We've rounded up must-have items that will take your gatherings to the next level, whether you're hosting an indoor or outdoor celebration.
A lot can change between now and the start of the draft on April 23. For one, players from Indiana and Miami have until January 23 to declare for the draft. There are still predraft events, the combine and pro days over the next three months. We'll also learn more about lingering injury situations for a handful of top prospects.
The two-time Coach of the Year has loomed as one of the top candidates since his Browns tenure came to an expected end. Stefanski is nearing a tour of interested teams for second interviews. According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the list of teams expected to arrange a follow-up includes the Falcons, Ravens and Titans. Both Atlanta and Tennessee came up as aggressive Harbaugh suitors.
"Obviously, I didn't pitch a shutout," Campbell said Wednesday. "I had two or three plays that I wish I could have back. But that's $300 million in defensive ends and I've got a ton of respect for those dudes. It's going to be like that every week in the playoffs. "Like Coach [Mike] Vrabel said, you've gotta be willing to spill a little blood and violence. You've just gotta hope you don't spill more than they do. That's the name of the game."