Christmas win vs. Texans should set the bar for how Ravens could play in 2025 paulbanks Happy NFL offseason, Baltimore Ravens fans. At this point, everybody is once again 0-0, so fans of all teams can now dream about what the best-case scenario might be for their side in 2025. With that in mind, we look back at the game where the Ravens achieved their full potential, played their best, and thus set the bar for next year. If Baltimore can more consistently play like they did on Christmas Day, in the 31-2 win at the Houston Texans, then next season could be special. We’re not saying this game was the season’s highlight, as that would be the 28-14 wild card round win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Ending the postseason for the arch-rivals, in a year where the feud ramped up considerably, was undoubtedly the high point of 2024. Even more so than winning the AFC North division title again. And the win over the Texans wasn’t even the most lopsided victory of the campaign. That honor belongs to the 41-10 rout of the Denver Broncos at Mile High on November 3. However, the Texans won a playoff game convincingly, while Denver just missed out on the postseason. Plus, the Christmas triumph included history, as the game saw Lamar Jackson surpass Michael Vick for most career rushing yards by a quarterback. It also produced the first-ever 17-2 halftime score in NFL history. Overall, the Ravens played a total, complete game that afternoon. Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is a bona fide superstar in the making, but the Ravens defense kept him out of the end zone and held him to just 192 yards of total offense. While Stroud has put up some gaudy statistics this season, his passer rating for that game was just a paltry 59.2. Speaking of impressive statistics, the Texans’ defensive end, Will Anderson Jr., had 11 sacks during the season, which was good for the top ten in the NFL. But he only had a half of a sack against the Ravens and just two solo tackles. And although Anderson can change the game in other ways beyond registering sacks, he was a non-factor against the Ravens. “I know the stats are great, but, with him, you don’t even see some of the stuff,” Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke said in an exclusive with RG. “The sacks are amazing, but does a lot of other things in the structure of the defense to really help out. He’s fun to be around, for sure.” The Ravens offensive line figured out how to keep Anderson from making a significant impact, as they limited the star edge-rusher to only two TFLs. The Baltimore OL also dictated the tempo and tone of this game as the Ravens won the rushing yardage battle by a whopping difference of 251-58. The Ravens also dominated time of possession, with the final reading showing 35:21 to 24:39. Both Ravens coordinators brought their A-game on Christmas Day. The visitors came in with a game plan to own the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, and they did just that. The Ravens won the total yardage battle 432-211 as Derrick Henry ran wild for 147 yards and a touchdown. Overall, they put in a great day’s work, which should be how they aspire to play in 2025. The Christmas domination at NRG Stadium is the paradigm of what Ravens football should be.
Christmas win vs. Texans should set the bar for how Ravens could play in 2025
Duke Tobin suggests Ja’Marr Chase changed his mind during contract talks last year
Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images Last offseason, it appeared the Bengals and Ja’Marr Chase had a deal, but it fell through at the end. The Cincinnati Bengals are going to make Ja’Marr Chase the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. This, according to director of player personnel Duke Tobin. There is still a matter of agreement on what that looks like in the contract structure, but Tobin seems confident the two sides will make it happen. For what it’s worth, while speaking at the NFL Combine, Tobin indicated that Chase seemingly changed his mind about something during contract talks the last time around, which helped lead to the deal falling through after many thought it was on the verge of completion. “He changed his mind, which is fine,” Tobin said. “We understood. There’s no hard feelings in this stuff. I don’t get angry about this stuff. It’s just business. We’re looking out for the 53 players on this team, and a lot of times, they’re looking out for the one. It’s their agent’s job to look out for the one, and they have to understand it’s my job to look out for the totality.” It certainly is easy to give Chase that deal after he just finished the 2024 season with the receiving triple crown (leading the league in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns). It is like when a quarterback wins the Super Bowl in a contract year, you know he is going to get paid. As for what changed during talks last year, Tobin is referring to how the two sides couldn’t agree on a contract last offseason despite being closer than many remember it. Last offseason, the two sides reportedly had an agreement in place on a contract, but Chase’s side reportedly backed out due to a disagreement on the guaranteed money that was included. That will likely still be a sticking point here as Cincinnati isn’t a fan of huge guaranteed money, despite seemingly being the last team in the NFL to try and fight that losing battle. That battle is going to cost them a lot of money in the long run, as Chase clearly has the high ground here with receiver contracts exploding. They likely will still end up having to give a huge guaranteed number to get this deal done, but they will probably find it easier to make an exception with how important Chase has proven to be. Ultimately, it is probably going to be the sole reason this deal takes any kind of negotiating at the end of the day.
Report: Colts to have ‘open competition’ for starting QB job in 2025
Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images Who will the Indianapolis Colts bring in as competition for QB Anthony Richardson in 2025? The Indianapolis Colts will plan to have an “open competition” for their starting quarterback spot for the 2025 season, according to general manager Chris Ballard. Here at Colts GM Chris Ballard’s presser at the combine, and he doesn’t wait long to say it’ll be an open competition for the starting QB job between Anthony Richardson and whomever the team brings in (likely via free agency). “It’ll be good for Anthony,” Ballard says. — Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) February 25, 2025 During his end-of-season press conference back in January, Ballard mentioned bringing in legit competition for Richardson this offseason, citing reservations about the third-year quarterback’s ability to stay healthy throughout an entire season. The ninth-year general manager doubled down on bringing in competition when he met with media members Tuesday afternoon at the NFL Scouting Combine. “Everything’s on the table,” Ballard said. “I think it’s good for the team. I think it’s good for Anthony,” Amongst Richardson’s struggles from last season, his completion percentage of 47.7 percent, both a league and franchise-low in 2024, is where he must undoubtedly improve the most next season. “It’’ll be open, and of course, it’s gotta be somebody that can really challenge from a production standpoint, too,” Ballard said. “He’s gotta be the right guy to create real competition,” Ballard continued. “We want to create real competition.” While Ballard added that ‘everything is on the table,’ whether it’s free agency, the draft, or via trade in how the Colts decide who to bring in as competition, according to ESPN’s Stephen Holder, he knows that will ultimately help push not only Richardson’s game but the rest of the team as well. “As he continues to progress in his young career, us adding competition will help up everybody’s game,” Ballard said. There could be a handful of options for the Colts to explore via free agency, including Justin Fields, who’s a pending free agent. Former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones and New England Patriots backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett could potentially be realistic options for the team as well, amongst others. The NFL’s new league year will start on March 12, which is when we could truly get a sense of the route Indianapolis plans to take in pursuing that competition for Richardson.
Raiders training camp: Back to the future?
Pete Carroll | Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images Pete Carroll indicates Silver and Black is headed back to Napa It appears the new Las Vegas Raiders regime is planning to bring the team back to their Bay Area roots this summer. While at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, new Raiders coach Pete Carroll said while appearing on SiriusXM NFL Radio, that the team is planning to spend training camp in Napa, California at the Marriott this summer. Pete Carroll told @SiriusXMNFL that Raiders training camp is back in Napa this year. — Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) February 25, 2025 Multiple reports stated later that the plan has not been finalized and it’s not official. But it appears to be the way the team is headed. Training camp starts in late July, so there is no rush to finalize the plan. This would be the team’s first training camp back in Napa in six years. The Raiders trained in Napa, which was always considered one of the very best training camp setups in the NFL, from 1996-2019. The franchise was open to returning to Napa after its 2020 relocation to Las Vegas from Oakland, but COVID and other reasons kept the team at their Henderson, Nevada training facility for camp from 2020-23. Under one-year general manager Tom Telesco, the Raiders trained in Costa Mesa, California for three weeks in 2024. Telesco’s Chargers trained there for several years. Like the reasons to train there, teambuilding and cooler weather are probably reasons that this regime is interested in going to Napa. Raiders star tight end Brock Bowers is from Napa and attended training camp there as a child. He will be a huge attraction. Carroll is also a Bay Area native. Expect Bay Area Raiders fans to fully embrace this move if it happens as expected. It should be a fun summer.
Buffalo Bills 2025 offseason positional review: Offensive line
Buffalo Bills 2025 offseason positional review: Offensive line The Buffalo Bills offensive line has two of the best tackles in the game. Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown have been standouts in both the run game and in pass protection. Dawkins had another great season helping keep Josh Allen upright. Brown, for his part, garnered national praise by being named one of the top 101 players of the 2024 season by Pro Football Focus. Connor McGovern stepped into the center spot. The Bills moved on from Mitch Morse, who was the team’s center for the past five years. There was a bit of a concern, as McGovern had not played center full-time since his time in college. O’Cyrus Torrence earned the starting job after being drafted in the second round of the 2023 draft. David Edwards slotted in where McGovern vacated. The Bills also used Alec Anderson as a sixth lineman throughout the season. Anderson was a beast as the extra lineman, helping dominate the edge in the run game. Buffalo has solid depth as well. Ryan van DeMark stepped in when necessary. The Bills also have Sedrick van Gran-Pranger to help out in a pinch. Tylan Grable also played a smattering of snaps, earning time in his development phase.
Tom Brady has contacted Matthew Stafford’s camp about joining Raiders
Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images The Raiders have upped their visibility in the Rams-Matthew Stafford drama via Tom Brady You can now add Tom Brady to the list of people involved with the rumors and actively seeking a trade for Matthew Stafford. According to The Las Vegas Review-Journal, Raiders minority owner and future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady has been in contact with Stafford’s camp about joining him in Las Vegas via trade and a new contract. Vincent Bonsignore of the Review-Journal reported on Tuesday that the Raiders not only want to address the quarterback position this offseason, but that Brady has been talking to Stafford — either directly or through his representatives — about the possibility of going to Las Vegas. The Raiders have emerged as a potential landing spot for veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has been given permission by the Rams to speak with other teams to gauge his market outside of Los Angeles. Raiders minority owner Tom Brady has been in contact with Stafford’s camp about the possibility of the 37-year-old coming to Las Vegas, according to multiple NFL sources. The Raiders hold the sixth overall pick in the upcoming draft, which would be a dream for the Rams if they could somehow squeeze it out of Las Vegas general manager John Spytek, but that seems unrealistic. Especially given the need to pay Stafford a new contract if the Raiders do acquire him via trade. By talking to Brady, the least that Stafford’s agents are doing is driving up his price on a new contract, which could be the motivation behind L.A. giving him permission to talk to other teams, which his camp has been doing since the Super Bowl, according to Albert Breer. If the Raiders are willing to pay Stafford a contract extension worth at least $50 million per season, that could be too rich for Les Snead and Sean McVay. As it so happens, the Raiders have the second-most cap space in the NFL going into free agency, and the most in the NFL in 2026. Not only do the Raiders have the means to spend money, they are practically going to be forced by the NFL to start spending some of it and what more logical way to do that when you don’t have a quarterback than by paying a quarterback? But it’s not just Stafford that the Raiders have to satisfy, but the Rams. Can they make a good enough offer to clear the threshold for Snead? That’s up to Tom Brady, a person who doesn’t seem afraid of using his star power to make bold moves.
Ravens GM Eric DeCosta is optimistic about getting a deal done with Ronnie Stanley
Ravens GM Eric DeCosta is optimistic about getting a deal done with Ronnie Stanley glenn erby The Baltimore Ravens have started their offseason retooling, and one of the most significant decisions will involve star left tackle Ronnie Stanley and his future with the franchise. Baltimore will have 21 free agents and several looming contract scenarios that will significantly impact shaping this roster, with limited salary cap space. During his Tuesday NFL combine media session, GM Eric DeCosta said he was optimistic about getting a deal done. At 6-6 and 310 pounds, Stanley can use his long frame to dominate opposing edge rushers when he’s healthy. He played the entire regular season, answering some questions about his durability, and tied for 11th among offensive tackles with a 92.5% pass block win rate in 2024. The 30-year-old Stanley will enter Free agency, having redeemed himself as one of the NFL’s top left tackles. Stanley had a 71.0 grade from PFF (40th), and his 79.6 pass-blocking grade was good for 21st among all NFL tackles.
Duke Tobin on possible Trey Hendrickson extension: ‘We’re not there yet’
Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Hopefully they ‘get there’ soon. The NFL is in full offseason mode as thousands of people, from aspiring athletes through scouts and members of the press have descended upon Indianapolis for the annual NFL Combine. The Cincinnati Bengals are no different. The team’s de facto general manager, Duke Tobin, got behind the podium on Tuesday and touched a wide range of subjects, one of which was star defensive end Trey Hendrickson’s possible extension. Tobin said the two sides have had good discussions, but they’re not there yet. “Trey is super passionate. It’s exactly what makes him a great football player. He is super engaged, and we’re cognizant that he’s been a great signing for us,” Tobin said on Tuesday. “We’ve been a great fit for him. He’s been a great fit for us. We would like to extend that. We would like to keep him not only happy but with us on a long-term basis, and we’re going to talk. “He’s under contract right now, and we’re going to talk as the offseason goes, and hopefully come up to an agreement that everyone’s acceptable…but are we there yet? We’re not there yet.” Hendrickson recently joined the Ross Tucker Podcast where he repeated the fact the two sides have had successful conversations, and he went as far to defend the front office when Tucker brought up how hard they are to negotiate with. The Bengals are in the very beginning of what may be the most important offseason in franchise history. They not only need to keep Hendrickson happy, but they need to re-sign Tee Higgins and make Ja’Marr Chase the highest paid non-quarterback in league history. The Bengals have the money needed to make all the necessary moves and then some. Hopefully the front office will agree to terms with their stars, or at least get beyond whatever “not there yet” means. Stay tuned as we’ll (hopefully) get some good roster news in the coming weeks.
Your Current Favorite Miami Dolphins Player
Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images Last week, I asked the following question: What current player on the Miami Dolphins roster is your favorite and why? This can be a player you expect to be here for the 2025-2026 season or a player you believe will be cut, not re-signed, or traded away. Below are some of your thoughts and answers- Miami7 is partial to the guy from the U! Phillips…if he can find a run of steady health he can be special. I know, I know…the best ability is ‘avail’ SuperG! is down with a guy who was overlooked but deserved to make the Pro Bowl. Favorite is probably Sieler the Dealer just because, what’s not to like? For a future PQOTD you could ask for our least favorite, but that’s probably unanimously Jordan Poyer. Evening! Dolphster wants to join the Sieler bandwagon. Sorry to be a bandwagon jumper, but like almost everyone else has said, I gotta go with Sieler. I’m a sucker for “against the odds” stories and comeback stories. From all accounts, Sieler comes to work every day, works hard, is prepared, doesn’t cause problems and excels on Sundays. Can’t ask for any more than that. In the age of selfish players, I love his “team first” mentality. MIAMI235 is probably still as pissed as I am that they ever let AVG hit the open market. In the end, he went with our dynamic young back. AVG is my favorite…..oops, wrong season! Achane! * Let’s not forget the Dolphins Cheerleaders as well . Yarganaught is on board with the two old guys serving as anchors for their respective lines. Armstead and Campbell… I’m old, so I appreciate stories where the old man still brings it at a high level. Sieler gets my Zack Thomas award. David. PBC is a fan of the soon-to-be second-year edge rusher. My favorite ? Right now, I would probably go with CHOP. He still humble. My least favorite TYREEK. He needs to go far away cyberflea is inspired by our defensive lineman’s hard-earned place as one of the best in the game. Gotta go with Sieler as others have said. Story book NFL career that is inspirational. Never give up on your dreams. Coming out of Ferris State, a long shot drafted in the seventh round by the Ravens. Waived by the Ravens then signed to their practice squad. Promoted to the active roster and then waived again. Claimed off waivers by the Dolphins and has emerged as a star in the NFL. SlayerNation1s is making this a run away for Zach. Sieler. No nonsense, durable, came from a practice squad and before that, a college nobody has ever heard of. Relatable to average people. The rest are a collection and some combination of: often-injured, needy, overpaid, under disciplined, unavailable paycheck collectors. I can’t put Campbell there as He is a short term rental and didn’t exactly have to prove Himself as Sieler had. Compare Sieler’s “one impact play per game” versus the Free-Agent-darling Holland’s “one impact play per season”. finfanfromsiam has a combo… Um…Sielerchane??? TommyNascar likes those guys that grind. It was AVG but we f’d that up. Sieler now. Both are my kind of players. If there is a consensus on a favorite player, Zach Sieler easily takes it! Thank you to each of you who took the time to answer our question of the day.
Why Lions OC John Morton is confident in play-calling this time around
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