Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Will the Miami Dolphins let another former draft pick walk out the door in free agency? Since being drafted in the second round out of Oregon, Jevon Holland has been a cornerstone of the Dolphins’ secondary. But after an inconsistent 2024 season, his future with the team is uncertain. Eagles – Zack Baun One free agent every team can’t afford to lose:https://t.co/TOHgGE4eJZ — PFF (@PFF) January 28, 2025 With the Dolphins beginning the offseason $12 million over the cap, tough decisions lie ahead — and Holland’s free agency looms as one of the biggest. Even with little flexibility, PFF believes the Dolphins can’t let Holland walk out the door in free agency. “Miami’s secondary struggled en route to a 25th-ranked PFF coverage grade in 2024,” Dalton Wasserman wrote. “Holland is an important piece of that secondary, with elite play on his résumé. Losing him would create further problems for a team that doesn’t have many resources at their disposal.” The Dolphins ranked sixth with 314 yards allowed per game while maintaining the sixth-best passing offense under first-year coordinator Anthony Weaver. Miami’s defense held opposing quarterbacks to 210 yards per game despite ranking in the bottom seven in sacks. Holland’s 2024 season included a career-low 62 tackles and, for the first time, fewer than two takeaways. Opposing quarterbacks targeted him 39 times, completing 24 passes for 302 yards and three touchdowns, per PFF. “I do [want to stay in Miami], but I’m also open to the possibility of being somewhere,” Holland said earlier this month on the Breakin’ House Rules podcast with NFL Network’s Cam Wolfe. “I wouldn’t hate the idea of coming back, I wouldn’t hate the idea of leaving. … I’m really not stressed about anything. Like, whatever ends up happening is gonna happen for a reason.” While Holland had a down year, there’s no denying that the defense is better with him patrolling the defensive backfield. That being said, when considering Holland’s perspective towards free agency and Miami’s limited resources, it may be in the best interest of both sides to move on. Let us know what you think — can Miami afford to let Jevon Holland leave in free agency? The Dolphins will add safety depth one way or another. Still, if the Dolphins plan to offer a second contract to an emerging playmaker, they might be better off using those resources to strengthen a different position.
Can the Miami Dolphins afford to lose Jevon Holland?
New York Giants draft prospects: East-West Shrine Bowl risers
Kyle McCord | Rich Barnes-Imagn Images Let’s look at some players who helped themselves during East-West Shrine practices The 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl practices have officially wrapped up in Denton, Texas, where NFL scouts, coaches, and evaluators are getting an up-close look at some of the top draft prospects ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. This week’s practices have been a critical opportunity for many players to improve their draft stock. Top performers from practice Jordan Phillips (DT, Maryland) At 6-foot-1, 318 pounds, Phillips was one of the most dominant forces on the field this week. Known for his explosiveness off the line and powerful hand usage, Phillips consistently won one-on-one battles against offensive linemen. Despite not registering a sack during his college career, he showcased the kind of physicality and technique that should get him drafted high, potentially in the early rounds. His ability to hold his ground and be disruptive makes him a top defensive tackle prospect. Elijah Roberts (Edge, SMU) Roberts (6-foot-3, 290 pounds) was impressive throughout practice week with his combination of size and burst. He has a strong frame that allows him to walk offensive tackles back into the quarterback, while also showing quickness and disruption on inside moves. Roberts is turning heads as a potential early-round pick. Cobee Bryant (CB, Kansas) At 5-foot-11, 171 pounds, Bryant has been a standout cornerback for the East team, showing impressive physicality and aggressiveness in man coverage. His confidence and tough play have drawn comparisons to Jalen Ramsey, despite being on the smaller side. Bryant’s competitive nature and solid ball skills make him one of the top cornerbacks in this year’s Shrine Bowl. Kyle McCord (QB, Syracuse) McCord, who transferred from Ohio State to Syracuse for his senior year, may be the most physically gifted quarterback at the Shrine Bowl. Standing at 6-foot-2 and 224 pounds, McCord displayed excellent arm strength and the ability to throw with anticipation. He’s been especially accurate while moving in the pocket and has shown good decision-making skills. His improved play as a member of the Orange this season with 4,779 passing yards has helped elevate his draft stock, and he could now end up being a top-100 pick. Ahmed Hassanein (Edge, Virginia Tech) Hassanein, at 6-foot-3 and 273 pounds, impressed during pass rush drills with his burst and power off the edge. Though he lacks the flexibility some teams may want, his quickness and strength have been enough to challenge offensive linemen at the Shrine Bowl. He has been vocal and energetic, bringing a lot of intensity to the defensive line. His story is also noteworthy, having moved from Egypt to the U.S. and starting football in high school. Teams will appreciate his tenacity and upside as a pass rusher. Jackson Meeks (WR, Syracuse) Meeks has been one of the top wide receivers in practice, using his size (6-foot-2, 216 pounds) and strong hands to win contested catches. He was frequently targeted by McCord during team drills, and his ability to track deep balls and separate from defenders has turned heads. Meeks’s strong hands and ability to play through pass interference have made him a standout among this wide receiver class. Raheim Sanders (RB, South Carolina) At 6-foot and 224 pounds, Sanders showed off his impressive combination of speed and power. He demonstrated the ability to hit the hole with authority, break tackles, and make plays in space. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield has also been a plus during practices. Sanders could be a major weapon at the next level, and he’s making a strong case for a solid draft position. Drew Kendall (C, Boston College) The son of former NFL offensive lineman Pete Kendall, Drew Kendall (6-foot-4, 305 pounds) has shown strong technique and impressive strength in his pass protection. He’s been able to neutralize some of the best defensive tackles at the Shrine Bowl with his solid base and hand placement. His ability to handle both one-on-one battles and combination blocks is a good sign for his future as an interior lineman at the NFL level. Other Notable Performances: CJ West (DT, Western Kentucky): West (6-foot-1, 314 pounds) showed excellent hand usage and power in his one-on-one drills, consistently winning against offensive linemen. Tim McKay (OG, NC State): McKay impressed during the one-on-one pass-rush drills, holding his ground against some of the more aggressive defensive linemen. Orande Gadsden II (TE, Syracuse): Gadsden (6-foot-4, 247 pounds) used his size and physicality to win against defenders, making key plays for his team. Hollin Pierce (OT, Rutgers): At 6-foot-8 and 342 pounds, Pierce’s sheer size stood out. He showed some fluidity in his movements despite his large frame. Special teams/other observations: Shamari Simmons (S, Arizona State): Simmons was in the right place at the right time, grabbing an interception in coverage during team drills. His ability to stick with receivers and make plays on the ball is something scouts are noticing. Kaden Prather (WR, West Virginia): The 6-foot-3, 209-pound receiver made several impressive catches, including some tough grabs on contested balls. He’s making a name for himself as a reliable downfield threat. Nick Nash (WR, San Jose State): The converted quarterback from San Jose State has shown solid hands in the slot. His versatility and ability to get open in tight spaces have also been noticed.
5 wide receiver prospects for the Ravens to watch at 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl
The draft starts in Mobile, which is the slogan, and some of the Nation’s best Seniors have descended upon Alabama for Reese’s Senior Bowl practices and Saturday’s huge all-star game. The Baltimore Ravens have started their off-season plans, and as the organization looks to regroup and keep their Super Bowl window open, they’ll need to retool through the draft and could have 11 picks in April’s selection process. We’re previewing prospects that could become future Ravens. We’re moving on to the wide receiver position. Baltimore has Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, all under contract for next season. Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State Dec 7, 2024; Arlington, TX, USA; Iowa State Cyclones wide receiver Jaylin Noel (13) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of Arizona State Sun Devils defensive back Kyan McDonald (38) during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images According to Senior Bowl Director Jim Nagy, Iowa State Cyclones pass-catcher Jaylin Noel is 5’9 3/4″, 196 lbs. He’s a densely built receiver with experience in the slot and out wide. Noel is a natural separator on complex intermediate routes and deep fades. Da’Quan Felton, WR, Virginia Tech Oct 17, 2024; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies wide receiver Da’Quan Felton (9) runs the ball against Boston College Eagles defensive back KP Price (20) during the first quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images Felton was a small school prospect who gained national acclaim after transferring to the Virginia Tech Hokies. He is an athletic marvel at 6-foot-5 and could entice an NFL team to draft him as a project player. Xavier Restrepo, WR, Miami Nov 2, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Xavier Restrepo (7) runs with the football for a touchdown against the Duke Blue Devils during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Restrepo was a consensus All-American in 2024 when he rewrote the Hurricanes record books. He finished his career with 200 catches for 2,844 yards and 21 touchdowns. Isaac TeSlaa, WR, Arkansas Dec 27, 2024; Memphis, TN, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (4) runs after a catch for a first down during the first quarter against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images TeSlaa declared for the draft after catching 28 passes for 545 yards and three touchdowns for the 7-6 Razorbacks. Arian Smith, WR, Georgia Jan 2, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Arian Smith (11) runs with the ball after making a catch as Notre Dame Fighting Irish safety Xavier Watts (0) attempts a tackle while side judge JB Garza collides with Bulldogs cornerback Parker Jones (39) on the bench during the second quarter at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Smith was the Bulldogs leading receiver in 2024 when he caught 48 passes for 817 yards and four touchdowns. Pat Bryant, WR, Illinois Nov 30, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Pat Bryant (13) catches a pass against Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images Bryant earned All-Big Ten and All-American honors in 2024 after catching 54 passes for 984 yards and a school-record 10 touchdowns.
With Nick Sirianni as head coach, things might have looked very different for the Colts
Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images The Eagles coach has had so much success, it just makes you wonder. Nick Sirianni is leading the Philadelphia Eagles to their second Super Bowl appearance in just three years. That type of success is extremely hard to find unless you are a fan of the opposing team in the Kansas City Chiefs. While Andy Reid may be the new “Bill Belichick”, there can only be one “number one”. If you can’t have Reid, Sirianni is a great second option. Sirianni called West 56th Street home from 2018-2020 as the offensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts. The type of success he is experiencing now, has to make fans wonder just a little bit about what might have been. Sirianni was really good during his tenure with the Colts. He had a different quarterback each year and managed to make it work, helping the Colts make the playoffs two of those season. Even though he had three very different quarterbacks in Luck, Brissett, and Rivers, he managed to get the Colts into the top ten in points and yards twice. That is extremely impressive when every year you have to tailor your offense to match the strengths of a completely different type of passer. There was no denying Sirianni’s abilities, and that is exactly why the Eagles hired him to be their coach in 2021. The Colts still employed Frank Reich at the time who would remain with the team until November of 2022. In that regard, the stars simply didn’t align. What if they had, though? Where would this team be? Maybe the Colts would be absolutely no where, and Sirianni would have already been let go. Maybe, just maybe, however, the Colts could be experiencing some of the same success the Eagles are. Making the Super Bowl twice in three years may not be the vision because a lot has to go right to achieve that, but being in the mix is certainly a possibility. Seeing a future, and fighting for a championship could have been a reality for the Colts with Sirianni at the helm. We will never know what might have been if Nick Sirianni had stuck around another season plus and taken over as the interim coach instead of Jeff Saturday. All we know is he has found plenty of success in Philadelphia with a mobile quarterback and maneuvered them to two Super Bowls. That much is clear. The rest is just a daydream, over the course of a long offseason, of what could have been.
NFL Draft film room: Jaxson the Dart thrower
Jaxson Dart | Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images What could the Ole Miss product bring to Las Vegas? We’re working our way through the quarterback prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, focusing on the competitive QB3 battle that the Las Vegas Raiders figure to be in the thick of. One contender is Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart, who will also be participating in next week’s Senior Bowl. Dart put up impressive numbers for the Rebels last season, leading the SEC in completion percentage (69.3 percent) and passing yards (4,279) while tossing 29 touchdowns. What stands out about the completion rate is he also pushed the ball down the field, topping the nation with 10.8 yards per attempt, per Sports Reference. Diving into more advanced numbers, the Ole Miss product also led the conference with a 91.1 passing grade from Pro Football Focus and 29 “big-time throws” while ranking second with a 6.9 percent BTT rate. Among all FBS quarterbacks, those figures were second, fourth and ninth (minimum 129 dropbacks), respectively. So, let’s flip on the tape and see what the 21-year-old (turns 22 in mid-May) could bring to the Raiders. Jaxson Dart’s arm strength #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/A9gedl76FD — Matt Holder (@MHolder95) January 21, 2025 As the stats above suggest, Dart has good arm strength to push the ball down the field and throws with decent velocity to keep his passes on a line. Also, he can make throws from the far hash to outside the numbers and has solid accuracy in the vertical passing game. From the clips above, the fourth one against Duke is the best example of what’s outlined above. The defense is in Cover 1, so Dart knows the slot receiver has a one-on-one matchup on the slot fade route. Once the wideout wins, he lets it rip and drops the ball right in the bucket across the field for a 21-yard touchdown. Also, he stands in the pocket and takes a shot right after releasing the pass. More on that in the next section. Jaxson Dart throws under pressure #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/NqYD93nLMn — Matt Holder (@MHolder95) January 21, 2025 As previously referenced, another strength of Dart’s game is the ability to throw under pressure. He led SEC quarterbacks with a 64.8 PFF passing grade and a 9.0 percent BTT rate under pressure, and the latter was fifth-best within the Power Four conferences (minimum 83 such dropbacks). This goes hand-in-hand with the Ole Miss product’s arm strength as he can take a hit and still push the ball down the field. While it was an incompletion, the first throw above against Wake Forest highlights that. The Demon Deacons are in Cover 4 while the Rebels run a switch release with a post route that the top of the screen. So, Dart has a one-on-one matchup but it’s a longer developing play, meaning he must stay patient in the pocket and let the route concept develop. The pressure eventually gets there, preventing the quarterback from finishing the throw, but he still manages to sling it down the field. Unfortunately, the defensive back makes a great play and the receiver loses the ball while going to the ground, so this all goes for naught on the stat sheet. But this is still one hell of a throw while taking a hit. Jaxson Dart targeting the middle of the field #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/qITxMvjMq1 — Matt Holder (@MHolder95) January 21, 2025 Dart is pretty impressive when targeting the middle of the field between the second and third levels of the defense. On passes between the numbers and within the 10- to 19-yard range, PFF charted him with 41 completions on 54 attempts (75.9 percent) for 841 yards, eight touchdowns to one interception and a 149.3 NFL passer rating. A big reason for that is Dart has good touch on these types of throws to get the ball over the linebackers’ heads and drop it in before safeties can get to the ball. The third pass above against Duke couldn’t have been a better throw as he hits the tight end on the seam route, putting just enough arc on the ball to beat the backer. Additionally, that one was another nice throw under pressure. Jaxson Dart runs #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/trwp5USFRY — Matt Holder (@MHolder95) January 21, 2025 Finally, Dart is a solid athlete to make plays with his legs as well. He racked up 1,981 rushing yards (excluding yards lost via sacks, per PFF) for 14 touchdowns, including 648 yards and three scores this past season, and has some natural rushing ability which the first clip above shows. Ole Miss runs a variation of the triple option where the running back runs power and the outside receiver at the top of the picture has a screen route as the third potential ball carrier. The quarterback sees the unblocked defender crash inside on the back, so he pulls the ball and keeps it. Then, he pump fakes the screen to the receiver which forces the cornerback to stay home or near the sideline to cover the receiver. That combined with stemming inside to set up the slot receiver’s block creates an outside rushing lane, which Dart jump cuts into to pick up the first down. To help paint the full picture, Dart played in a very quarter-back-friendly offense that used a lot of simple/one-read passing concepts. That has hindered his processing as he’s slow to get through his reads and will miss open receivers down the field. Also, he doesn’t throw with anticipation which could even be seen in some of the clips above. All of that has to change at the next level and will likely take some time to develop. But Dart does have talent to work with if the Raiders’ coaching staff is willing to be patient and work with him.
Bills’ Josh Allen reveals he sustained injury vs. Chiefs
Bills’ Josh Allen reveals he sustained injury vs. Chiefs Bills’ Josh Allen reveals he sustained injury vs. Chiefs Nick Wojton Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen was evidently dealing with an injury for a portion of his team’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship game. Following the 32-29 loss, the Bills had locker cleanout day and that’s when players have their end-of-season conversations. Allen had his via press conference and the QB showed up with right-throwing hand wrapped up. According to Allen, he played half of the contest with the knock. He said that prior to halftime that he sustained the injury on a two-point attempt. Allen did not want to use that as much of an excuse as he downplayed the issue with reporters: The injury is worth noting because of what hand it was. It could have played a part and bothered him but Allen has always avoided making excuses, especially after a loss. Allen finished the AFC championship game 22-for-34 passing for 237 passing yards with two touchdowns. He also ran the ball 11 times, including multiple short-yardage situations. Throughout the 2024 season, Allen did deal with a hand injury but of a different variety. That was his left hand which he does not throw with.
Vikes Views: What is the Vikings Biggest Offseason Need?
Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images The Minnesota Vikings are approaching the free agency period and 2025 NFL Draft with several key areas needing attention. With a roster that has seen significant changes and a pivotal offseason ahead, the Vikings’ strategy will be crucial. Interior OL Their primary need appears to be at interior offensive line, with a consensus suggesting they require both guards and potentially a new center to protect JJ McCarthy, who is expected to start in 2025. This could be addressed through free agency and/or the draft. All three positions on the IOL need to be upgraded. Notable OG Free Agents include James Daniels, Austin Corbett, Will Hernandex, Nate Herbig, Mekhi Becton and several others. Defensive Back The defensive backfield is another critical area, especially with potential retirements or free agent departures like Harrison Smith and Stephon Gilmore. The Vikings need a lockdown cornerback and possibly a new safety, which might necessitate using their first-round pick or aggressive moves in free agency. Byron Murphy Jr is likely the immediate target to bring back for Brian Flores. Shaq Griffin played well in 2024 also. The return of Blackmon will help as well. We’ll see if Harrison Smith comes back and Cam Bynum is likely gone with depth behind him. Running Back Running back also stands out, with only Ty Chandler currently under contract. I don’t believe it is likely the Vikings draft a RB high unless someone like Ashton Jeanty fall to them at 24. Aaron Jones and/or Cam Akers could be brought back. Nick Chubb, AJ Dillon and Najee Harris are also veteran options. Interior DL The team has minimal under-contract players at DT, there is a need for both run-stuffing and pass-rushing interior linemen. Sebastian Joseph could be a nice piece from Tennessee. Others Edge, WR Depth, Backup QB there are always more needs. There are a lot of big names always available at WR and DE, just depends on how much you want to spend. DJ Chark, Darius Slayton or Demarcus Robinson could be free agent options at WR. Kwesi could easily go after a higher end edge defender.
Lions News: Best reactions to Kelvin Sheppard’s promotion to defensive coordinator
Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images A look at the best reactions to the Detroit Lions’ decision to promote Kelvin Sheppard to the defensive coordinator position. After a Lions-less weekend of football, we could all use some cheering up. What better way to do that than with all the happiness surrounding Kelvin Sheppard’s promotion to defensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions. First of all, he’s stoked. My brother @PatMcAfeeShow I’m grateful/ humbled by your encouraging words & support over the years! Blessed with this tremendous opportunity & ready to get to work! #Detroit LFG!!!! https://t.co/KmEHGXbGRQ — Kelvin Sheppard (@KelvinSheppard) January 27, 2025 Our new DC is excited – Kelvin Sheppard’s insta!! pic.twitter.com/vF9kLKOqh8 — Sweta Patel (@sweta2311) January 25, 2025 He’s gotten a strong reaction from current players, former players, and fans alike. Love the @Lions @KelvinSheppard move. He will have to prove himself in this role but he checks every box for commanding a room, leadership, charisma and you can see how his players have developed. Didn’t want to see him hit the door under any circumstances. — Dan Miller (@DanMillerFox2) January 25, 2025 Throwback to Hard Knocks of newly promoted Kelvin Shepherd, former LB coach and now DC of the Detroit #Lions Nice insight to his passion and coaching style. He’s gotten the best out of Anzalone, Campbell, Malcolm, etc. Let’s do it! pic.twitter.com/0JkEfWnObW — Ben – OnePride (@DETLions1pride) January 25, 2025 The Detroit Lions promoting Kelvin Sheppard is 100% the correct decision ifthey were not going to acquire a Dennis Allen for DC. After watching Malcolm Rodriguez a 6th round rookie, compile 87 tackles it was CLEAR to see Shepp knew how to develop talent. Look at Alex Anzalone,… https://t.co/FgPXwxzzHf pic.twitter.com/ktx1526MzR — Lukas Klotz (@1ukasklotz) January 25, 2025 Former Detroit Lion Darius Slay showing love to Kelvin Sheppard after his promotion! pic.twitter.com/rw168WtWt0 — Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) January 26, 2025 #DCSDFootball Former Stephenson Jaguars great named Defensive Coordinator for the Detroit Lions. Congrats to Kelvin Sheppard! pic.twitter.com/fTVetpjzLj — DCSD Athletics (GA) (@DCSDAthletics) January 27, 2025 Kelvin Sheppard has the best Instagram when it comes to restaurant food pics. An appropriate one tonight. pic.twitter.com/EBVmkeSzCJ — Jeremy Reisman (@DetroitOnLion) January 26, 2025 About new DC Kelvin Sheppard: I spoke to a contact at LSU, where Kelvin was director of player development in 2020. A direct quote: “There is no better person or mentor in the game of than Kelvin. Detroit has an innovative defensive mind, a leader, and a winner.”#OnePride pic.twitter.com/X1OYGXqBeH — Marc Ryan (@MarcRyanOnAir) January 26, 2025 If you’re wondering what you’re getting in new #Lions DC Kelvin Sheppard: High expectations, high energy, no BS. Dawg. #OnePride pic.twitter.com/j7cujGot22 — Natalie Sparbeck (@NatSparbeck) January 25, 2025 And onto the rest of your notes. What would’ve happened if the Lions beat the Commanders and took on the Eagles? The Detroit Free Press’ Jeff Seidel offers his opinion. HBD to the goat. Happy birthday @DanMillerFox2! pic.twitter.com/XRfiHizWk9 — Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 26, 2025 “These three teams went 40-11 in the regular season to earn playoff berths as the NFC’s first, fifth, and seventh seeds. Yet, they all lost by double digits in their opening playoff games.” A look at what’s next for the NFC North over at The 33rd Team. “If you think I’m giving up on the Lions, you’re wrong. Thanksgiving Day, 1962, has finally arrived for me.” The Detroit Free Press offers a few letters from Lions fans sharing their feelings of loss.
Eagles-Commanders Film Review: Jalen Hurts played better as the offense’s design improved
I’ve complained a lot about the Philadelphia Eagles’ offense recently. I will not be doing so today. This was an excellent performance! The design of the passing game against the Washington Commanders was SO much better and many of my wishes from last week came true! If you want to hear more from me, you can check out my podcast feed here. If you want to support me further, I have a Patreon linked to my podcast, which really helps me out. I’ll be doing a video rewatch of the Chiefs vs. Bills matchup before the Super Bowl. All support is appreciated! Go Birds! Offense Well, is there a better way to start a game? What can I even say about Saquon Barkley anymore? He’s the best player on the field every single week. He’s having the best running back season I have ever witnessed. He’s possibly having the best season any running back has ever had. He’s a total superstar. The Eagles came up with an under center crack toss (and never ran it again… weirdly) with jet motion stressing the defense, which works perfectly. Most running backs pick up a first down on this play due to how well it is executed upfront. Saquon Barkley scores a touchdown because he is not just a typical running back. Running backs matter! I can’t express how much I enjoyed the Eagles’ second drive. Saquon Barkley ran it in from 4 yards in, but every play before that was a pass. Every throw was on time. Jalen Hurts knew exactly where to go with the football. Every play was well-designed. The passing game was clearly connected to the run game. After the first incompletion to AJ Brown on the quick slant, the rest of the drive went like this… RPO Hurts rollout throw to flat 10 yards. DeVonta Smith deep comeback shot on time 20 yards. RPO (Counter Action) rollout to AJB 11 yards. So simple. Yet, so effective! The run game and pass game were linked! This was my favorite RPO because it’s linked to a Counter run action up front. This takes advantage of the Eagles’ dominant run game. NFL defenses are terrified of the Eagles’ Counter runs, so taking advantage of this is smart. I’ve been calling for this for a while! I said this a few weeks back… So, why not build on that success and start running some Counter RPOs?! I’ll be watching the Eagles’ passing game this week to see if they start making things easier for Hurts and linking the passing game to the run game’s success. It should be an easy way of improving the efficiency of the passing game. This was not the only Counter RPO that the Eagles ran. Once again, what more do you want me to say about Barkley? He’s a superstar. The acceleration and burst here to ease past Frankie Luvu are exceptional. This type of play is exactly what I called for last week. Let’s revisit why I was so unhappy with the design of the pass game last week… The Eagles run far too many passing concepts that expect Hurts to read his initial read and then get backside. Some analysts will refer to this as a ‘full field read’. I want to see concepts where all the receivers’ routes are in Hurts’ vision without him having to get all the way to the backside. The Eagles barely ran any 2×2 concepts where Hurts had to get to his backside this week. The design of the offense was completely different. Look how much better this is. All of these routes are within Hurts’ line of vision. He doesn’t need to get backside. He can get through his progressions without the need to get back to the other side of the field. And guess what happened?! Hurts looked decisive and threw the ball in rhythm consistently. It was one of the best Hurts games of the season. It is no coincidence that Hurts played better as the offense’s design improved. This is precisely what I wanted to see from the passing game this week. I would have loved to have seen this all season long, but at least we got there in the end! When I analyzed Kellen Moore in the offseason, I mentioned his use of jet sweeps a lot. He had wide receivers run a lot to stretch the defense horizontally. I’ve been surprised that we haven’t seen more jet sweeps this year. This week, we saw Dallas Goedert keep it twice, and DeVonta Smith keep it twice as well. These are simple, effective plays you can build on later in the game. I’ve no idea why we haven’t seen this more. The entire Eagles’ passing game was simplified this week. The Eagles’ offense has so much talent that everything does not need to be complicated. This is just simple. Use a pre-snap shift to identify man coverage. Throw it to AJ Brown, who wins his one-on-one matchup. It’s not hard! It may not be the most schematically brilliant play but Hurts throws these outside-the-numbers vertical shots well, and AJ Brown is a superstar! This is an absolute dime from Hurts. He played really well. Once again, there is nothing complicated here. Isolate AJ Brown again. Line him up inside with the space to go either way. Then throw a dime! Simple! Hurts’ ball placement is always good, and it’s the coach’s job to provide him with well-defined reads where he can get the ball out quickly. Hurts is a top quarterback when he gets the ball out on time. The design of the offense made it a lot easier for him to get the ball out on time this week. It’s no surprise that he played well! Oh yes. This is my favorite call of the game. When I spoke about providing multiple routes within Hurts’ line of vision, I had this exact play in mind. This is perfect. This is a Post-Wheel-Flat
Mike Kafka could call plays for Giants next year … if he isn’t the head coach in New Orleans
Mike Kafka while coaching one of the teams in the East-West Shrine Bowl a season ago. | Photo by Chris Leduc/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Report indicates that the Giants would prefer head coach Brian Daboll gives up that responsibility Mike Kafka was shuffled aside by the New York Giants in 2024, when head coach Brian Daboll took over offensive play-calling duties from his offensive coordinator. Kafka got assistant head coach added to his title, but seemed to have an undefined role during on-field practices during the season. That might change in 2025. If Kafka isn’t the head coach of the New Orleans Saints, that is. Paul Schwartz of the New York Post reported from the Senior Bowl on Tuesday that “there is strong sentiment inside the Giants building for head coach Brian Daboll to give up the play-calling duties.” When he spoke to reporters after the announcement that Daboll and GM Joe Schoen were retaining their jobs, co-owner John Mara questioned whether Daboll calling the offensive plays was best for the team. “I talked to him about, ‘Do you really believe that it’s in our best interest for you to continue calling the plays?,’” Mara said. ‘I said, ‘I’m not going to demand that you do one thing or the other. But are you better off letting somebody else call the plays?’ That’s a discussion that we’re going to continue to have.” Schoen has always let Daboll make the final decision on who the play-caller would be. The GM, though, has always favored a CEO-style head coach. The Giants went 3-14 and finished 31st in the league in scoring with Daboll in full control of the offense last season. Kafka called the plays during Daboll’s first two seasons as head coach. He told Schwartz that he and Daboll “haven’t gone down there yet,” in terms of discussing the play-calling for next season. Kafka and the Saints To even be considered for a return to play-calling, Kafka will have to still be on the Giants’ staff next season. Right now, whether that will happen is clearly up in the air. Kafka has had two interviews with the Saints, and it is clear that he is a strong candidate for the job. New Orleans has interviewed Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver twice, and reportedly has interest in meeting again with former Packers and Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy. Increasingly, though, there is speculation about Kafka getting that job. One report said it “seems like Giants OC Mike Kafka is the guy” in New Orleans. Adam Schefter said that Kafka and Weaver each had “pretty impressive” interviews with the Saints. NFL insider Tony Pauline recently reported this about the Saints’ head-coaching job: “What the Saints will do for a head coach is anyone’s guess. Time and time [again], people say they have no clue what the organization will do.” Paulin added that talks between McCarthy and the Saints “have not gone well and people in the New Orleans organization are not enamored with the former Cowboys coach.” Kafka, 37, has had interest from teams around the league in head-coaching vacancies in each of the last three offseasons. The Giants’ poor performances the past two seasons don’t seem to have quelled anyone’s enthusiam for considering Kafka as a head coach. Here is Kafka at the Senior Bowl, where he is currently working as head coach of the National Team, talking about his interviews with the Saints: Giants OC Mike Kafka has interviewed with the #Saints twice for their head coach opening. “It was a great experience. It’s a great organization, Mickey and his staff” “Certainly have spent a lot of time studying their roster and history” More from Kafka on the process: pic.twitter.com/nsNSKi7F1t — Jon Sokoloff (@JonSokoloff) January 28, 2025 Schoen is certainly aware he could be losing Kafka. “Selfishly I hope he doesn’t get the New Orleans job but if he does he’s well-deserving,” Schoen said of Kafka Tuesday at the Senior Bowl. “Fortunate to have him on our staff … “There’s a reason these teams continue to interview him for head coaching jobs,” Schoen said. “He’s got a great reputation, not only in our building but around the league. Former player who played quarterback, came up under Andy Reid, called plays in a playoff season his first year as an offensive coordinator. Very detailed, organized, smart coach, god leadership ability.”
