Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images Don’t help Mahomes beat you Much has been made about the Chiefs supposed referee advantage. Most of it is nonsense. It is true that the Chiefs are getting more calls in their favor than against them. In their nine games during their three straight Super Bowl runs, Chiefs opponents have committed 61 accepted penalties (and four that were declined), while Kansas City has had just 35 accepted penalties (and eight that were declined). That seems like a high ratio. But is it? Let us compare that to other teams who have made playoff runs during that time: AFCCG opponents the Bills, Ravens, and Bengals, and SB opponents Eagles and 49ers. For this we will not count their games against the Chiefs (which for the Chiefs is just 3 games). I will also count for the Bengals their game against the Ravens in 2022 but not count that for the Ravens because Lamar Jackson did not play. The point here is to see what penalty rates for these teams and their star QBs are. The Chiefs penalty ratio is high, but not hugely so. Is Lamar Jackson getting calls? Maybe. (The Eagles high rate of penalties drawn is from the Brotherly Shove.) Worth noting that when KC is penalized, it is for more yardage, 8.4 yards per penalty to 8.2. If we focus just on games where the Bills, Ravens, Bengals, 49ers, and Eagles play the Chiefs, we find the same penalty ratio: 6.7 penalties per game for the Chiefs opponent, 3.8 for the Chiefs. Star players getting calls that others don’t will always be a problem in any sport. But the Chiefs high rate of opposition penalties isn’t because of Mahomes. Over half of the penalties committed by the Chiefs opponents, 32 of 61, were when Patrick Mahomes was not on the field. While Mahomes’ ability to draw flags on his slides is infuriating, the bigger culprit of the Chiefs penalty advantage has been when the other team’s QB is on the field. This isn’t anything special by the Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes isn’t causing the other team’s offensive linemen to hold. This is a case of don’t beat yourself. Other teams are. In Patrick Mahomes’ four Super Bowls the winning team has committed the fewer penalties three times–including his loss to Tampa–with the fourth a tie. In his six AFCCG, the winning team committed the fewer penalties four times. If you want to beat Patrick Mahomes, don’t help him out by beating yourself.
The Chiefs’ penalty advantage is real but misunderstood
Steelers’ QB choice will provide New York Giants with an option
Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images Question is, which option? The Pittsburgh Steelers have two NFL starting-caliber quarterbacks who are headed to free agency in a few weeks. The Steelers are reportedly only going to keep one of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, opening up a potential bridge quarterback option for the New York Giants. Steelers owner Art Rooney II said this week that it would be “unlikely” that the Steelers would bring back both quarterbacks in 2025. “I wouldn’t close the door, but I’d say it’s probably unlikely,” Rooney said Monday. “I think both of them see themselves as starters and I don’t know that they want to share the same job again next year. So, I would say most likely we probably don’t wind up bringing them both back.” So, who stays and who goes? And will the Giants, desperate for both a quarterback and an improved on-field product for the upcoming season, be interested in whichever one Pittsburgh decides to part with? Wilson, who will be 37 next season, is easily the more accomplished of the two. He is an eight-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl winner. He is also, though, a fading player who would be looking for his third team in four years if the Steelers decide not to keep him. The Steelers went 6-6 with him at quarterback this season. They finished the season, including playoffs, on a five-game losing streak during which they never scored more than 17 points. Fields will be just 26 next season. He has never played to the level that was hoped for when the Chicago Bears traded up with the Giants to select him No. 11 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. The Steelers went 4-2 with Fields starting in 2024 before Wilson replaced him. Fields has undeniable athleticism and running ability, and flashes talent as a passer, but has never been able to show consistent ability as a thrower. Would gambling on his upside be too much of a risk for Giants GM Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll, who are likely out of runway when it comes to getting the team moving in the right direction?
2025 Senior Bowl Rosters: Big board ranks, PFF grades, WAA and key measurements
The 2025 Senior Bowl rosters are packed with NFL hopefuls, giving scouts, analysts and fans an early look at the next wave of talent. Premium Content Sign Up 2025 Senior Bowl Rosters: Big board ranks, PFF grades, WAA and key measurements 2YXEJEC September 28, 2024 Oregon quarterback, and Heisman candidate (8) Dillon Gabriel threw three touchdown passes and moved up in the NCAA record books, while the defense didn’t allow an offensive touchdown as eighth-ranked Oregon rolled to a 34-13 victory over UCLA at the Rose Bowl, in Pasadena California. (Mandatory Credit: Jose / MarinMedia.org) (Absolute Complete photographer, and credits required) By Mark Chichester Posted Jan 28, 2025 9:48 am EST Texas Tech tackle Caleb Rogers is the most experienced player: Rogers has played 3,104 snaps over the last three years, 296 snaps more than the next-closest player. Look out for Central Arkansas’ David Walker: Walker earned a 96.2 PFF grade across 1,807 snaps over the last three seasons. 2025 NFL Draft season is here: Try PFF’s best-in-class Mock Draft Simulator and learn about 2025’s top prospects while trading and drafting for your favorite NFL team. Estimated reading time: 2 minutes The 2025 Senior Bowl rosters are packed with NFL hopefuls, giving scouts, analysts and fans an early look at the next wave of talent. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive breakdown of each player’s PFF big board rank, 2024 season grades, Wins Above Average (WAA) and measurements. Note on measurements: Heights are listed using the standard four-digit format common in NFL Draft evaluations. The first digit represents feet, the next two digits indicate inches, and the final digit corresponds to eighths of an inch. For example, a height of 6013 translates to 6 feet, 1 3/8 inches.
Pro Bowl QBs highlight NFC’s greatest weakness
Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images It’s never been easier to become a Pro Bowl quarterback Making the Pro Bowl as a quarterback has become as simple as landing a job — any starting job — in the NFC. Somehow this opportunity has still eluded Matthew Stafford for three of his four seasons with the Rams, but here are where the four (yes, four) NFC Pro Bowl quarterback were a year ago: Jayden Daniels, Commanders Daniels was playing at LSU. Daniels had a special rookie season, but would he have made the Pro Bowl if he was drafted by the Patriots? (Well, maybe. We’ll get to that.) Two of Washington’s three Pro Bowlers declined the invite, including Daniels and Terry McLaurin. On the brightside…we get to see Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin & Bobby Wagner in the Pro Bowl next week — brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) January 28, 2025 Jared Goff, Lions Goff has now made more Pro Bowls with the Lions (2) than Stafford has made with the Rams (1) or Lions (1). Goff makes the Pro Bowl as a representative for the best or second-best supporting cast in the NFL. Sam Darnold, Vikings A year ago, Darnold was a backup on the 49ers. Where will he be next year? By the end of the 2025 season, Darnold could be a backup again. Baker Mayfield, Bucs (replacement for Daniels) A year ago, Mayfield had a “breakout season” of sorts for the Bucs. (Of sorts because he was probably this good on the Browns.) Two years before that, Mayfield was on the Browns, Panthers, and Rams at various points. All Baker had to do was get linked up with a team that needed a quarterback and didn’t have any competition besides Kyle Trask. From there, he had a good supporting cast and has had good play calling since he joined the Rams in 2022. Would it be hard to imagine that if Darnold leaves the Vikings and Minnesota signs a veteran as J.J. McCarthy insurance, that that player wouldn’t be able to make the Pro Bowl if he’s put into action? It would not be hard to imagine. Didn’t make the Pro Bowl: Stafford, Rams Jalen Hurts, Eagles Dak Prescott, Cowboys Caleb Williams, Bears Jordan Love, Packers Kirk Cousins, Falcons Bryce Young, Panthers Derek Carr, Saints Geno Smith, Seahawks Kyler Murray, Cardinals Brock Purdy, 49ers Daniel Jones, Giants The NFC has a lot of names you recognize at quarterback, but not the types of quarterbacks who DEMAND that they are too good to be snubbed. Meanwhile, in the AFC, they don’t get snubbed…They just don’t care. Josh Allen, Bills (declined) Lamar Jackson, Ravens (declined) Joe Burrow, Bengals Russell Wilson, Steelers (replacement) Drake Maye, Patriots (replacement) Patrick Mahomes, whether he had a “Pro Bowl caliber” season or not, obviously couldn’t accept because he’s going to the Super Bowl. That did not leave many other options, but Wilson (left for dead last summer) and Maye (the aforementioned Patriots QB) were easy to sell on making the Pro Bowl as a reward instead of a punishment. Since Aaron Rodgers, Tua Tagovailoa, Deshaun Watson, C.J. Stroud, Trevor Lawrence didn’t have great seasons, it was easier to go to Wilson and Maye. Justin Herbert didn’t have a “great” season per se, but is a name and only threw three interceptions on the season. He probably would have just declined. This is where we are at with the state of the Pro Bowl. It’s never been a great event or sign of stardom, but it does highlight just how easy it is sometimes to find a player and rise to the top of the conference with him if you have the other pieces in place. The Rams could part ways with Stafford this offseason, but they do have pieces in place like Sean McVay, Puka Nacua, and a decent offensive line. A quarterback could be plugged into it and immediately help L.A. win football games in a conference without Mahomes, Burrow, Lamar, and Allen. Maybe he would be good enough to make the Pro Bowl. Better yet, maybe he would be good enough to decline.
Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry replaced on AFC rosters after pulling out of Pro Bowl
Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry replaced on AFC rosters after pulling out of Pro Bowl glenn erby The NFL had previously announced the complete rosters for the 2025 Pro Bowl Games, a week-long celebration of player skills highlighted by a flag football game between the AFC and NFC. New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and Patriots running back James Cook are late additions after two Ravens declined. Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry were among nine Ravens who initially made the list. Flowers is out due to a knee injury, while Jackson and Henry have withdrawn from competition and replaced on the roster.
Erick All Jr. set to miss entire 2025 NFL season
Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The Bengals won’t have their promising rookie tight end in 2025. There was a time when Erick All Jr. looked like a nice NFL Draft steal for the Cincinnati Bengals. Sadly, that took a major hit when All suffered a season-ending ACL tear in November during a 41-24 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Now, that injury is likely going to cost him his entire sophomore campaign. According to Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic, All is expected to miss the entire 2025 NFL season. “All, who tore his ACL on Nov. 3 against the Raiders, is expected to miss the 2025 season due to complications from a previous knee surgery in college, according to team and league sources. The fix requires two knee surgeries instead of just one,” wrote Dehner. As a rookie in Cincinnati, All appeared in nine games (six starts) and hauled in 20 of 22 targets for 158 yards. He was also a strong blocker who earned a 77.7 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus. Just brutal news for All, who had a previous ACL tear that ended his final season of college football with the Iowa Hawkeyes. This is also the latest of many examples of college players with significant injuries in their background who would suffer a major injury(s) in Cincinnati. That’s the risk you take when you draft a player who has good potential but fell in the draft due to health concerns, and yet again, the risk isn’t paying off for a Bengals front office that’s struggled to draft effectively (unless it’s a top-five pick). Here’s to hoping for a speedy recovery for All and that he’s able to play football again. New | #Bengals‘ rookie TE Erick All Jr. is expected to miss the 2025 season due to his ACL injury suffered Nov. 3. All’s injury exposed a complicated fix from a previous ACL tear and requires two surgeries. More on a tough break for a standout TE. https://t.co/c8XnVE83Wa — Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) January 28, 2025 Be sure to go follow our Twitter page and then ‘like’ our Facebook page to get all of the latest Cincinnati Bengals news, views, and some other fun stuff for Bengaldom. Check out our podcasts here on CJ, the Bleav in Cincy podcast feed, Spotify, Amazon, our YouTube channel, and as always, on iTunes.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25850506/2173326528.jpg?w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1 "Vikings Links: Let’s Play Tag!")
Vikings Links: Let’s Play Tag!
The East West Shrine Bowl practices are underway. 2025 NFL Draft: 10 players who stood out in East-West Shrine Bowl practices Tahj Brooks, RB, Texas Tech (5-foot-9 1/4, 229 pounds) You wouldn’t think the 5-9 Brooks weighs almost 230 pounds based on the quickness he showed on the practice field (and during his career at Texas Tech). His plus elusiveness and balance for his size were on full display, whether receiving a handoff or grabbing a pass out of the backfield. Brooks somehow manages to be patient and decisive at the same time, picking out a hole after seeing his blocking unfold but also attacking a crease with utter abandon and lowering his pads to shrink his strike zone. With his combination of agility and power through contact, Brooks stands out, even in a very deep group of running backs poised to go in the third through fifth rounds of the upcoming draft. Cobee Bryant, CB, Kansas (5-11, 171) CB Renardo Green showed his ultra-competitive and physical nature at last year’s Shrine Bowl practices, ultimately helping to make him a second-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers. Bryant’s making a similar case for a top-64 selection this time around. He’s been a nagging presence in man coverage, knocking away passes and forcing turnovers. Like Green a year ago, Bryant has drawn a number of flags from the referees on hand at practice, but NFL teams know aggressive play is a must in today’s league. Bryant doesn’t present the most fluid hips in transition, weighs just 171 pounds and has small hands (8 7/8”). That said, he offers solid length (31 7/8-inch arms) and off-the-charts confidence — two key ingredients for a starting corner. Jordan Phillips, DT, Maryland (6-1 1/4, 318) Phillips isn’t as tall or long (32 1/4-inch arms) as many nose tackles, but the 318-pounder carries a large share of his weight between his belt and ankles. That low center of gravity made him tough to move by one or two blockers on run plays this past weekend and allowed him to bull-rush strong linemen like N.C. State’s Tim McKay into the backfield in pass-protection drills. Phillips surprised Boston College C Drew Kendall with a spin move to rush the passer during team work on Monday, but his bread and butter on Sundays will be to maintain the line of scrimmage and disengage to stop run plays. Gareth Warren, OL, Lindenwood (6-5 1/8, 330) Over the past two seasons, Warren started at left tackle for the Division II Lindenwood Lions. He was a two-time all-conference pick at guard in 2021 and ‘22, however, and looked at home inside during Shrine practices. The native of Hawai’i possesses the length to play outside (33 5/8-inch arms), which was helpful to hold off all comers in pass-protection drills and live play. His anchor is as strong as you’d expect at 6-5, 330 pounds, and the mobility is also there to pull and trap. Warren showed no fear facing opponents from Power Four programs, showing teams he’s a worthy selection in the top half of Day 3. Ten Winners from Day Two of East-West Shrine Bowl Practice led by small-school offensive lineman Georgia Tech DL Zeke Biggers This is two straight days of great practices for the ACC defensive tackle, and numerous scouts I spoke to kept complimenting him on the sideline. His frame at a jaw-dropping 6’5, 320 pounds with 35-inch arms stands out, but the athleticism he plays with routinely stood out in this defensive tackle group. Oregon State IOL Joshua Gray A multi-year starter at left tackle and guard, Gray has mainly played at center throughout practices and has handled the transition well. The athleticism has stood out moving through drills, and he had a fantastic one-on-one against Clemson’s Payton Page. In a weaker center class, Gray handling a move inside to center helps his draft stock out and might make him one of the earliest-drafted centers in this class. … Ten Winners from Day Three of East-West Shrine Bowl led by elite group of pass catchers Arkansas DT Eric Gregory It’s hard to stand out sharing a room dominated by Jordan Phillips and C.J. West at the Shrine Bowl, but Eric Gregory flashed routinely throughout the day. He had a rep that drew whistles with a nice arm-over in drills, generating an instant win that had scouts buzzing. South Carolina DT Tonka Hemingway Tonka is a fitting name for a defensive tackle who plays with the power that Hemingway does. He had quite a few reps just running through opposing offensive linemen in drills on the day. Minnesota Vikings News and Links Vikings’ Daronte Jones gets another interview; Grant Udinski update Vikings defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator Daronte Jones is interviewing with a second team for a possible promotion to defensive coordinator. After interviewing with the Chicago Bears this weekend, Jones spoke with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday morning, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The Bears filled their vacancy, hiring former Saints and Raiders head coach Dennis Allen on Sunday. But the Vikings aren’t out of the woods yet when it comes to potentially losing Jones. This interview is particularly notable because Jones is the first reported candidate to interview for the Jaguars’ DC opening under new offensive-minded head coach Liam Coen. The other notable coach the Vikings could still potentially lose is Grant Udinski, their 28-year-old wunderkind whose title is assistant quarterbacks coach/assistant offensive coordinator. He’s viewed as a rising star in the industry and has received real interest from multiple teams in need of an OC. Udinski had two interviews with the Seattle Seahawks and was a finalist for that job, but it ended up going to former Vikings and Saints OC Klint Kubiak. He also interviewed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are looking to replace Coen after losing him to the Jaguars in dramatic fashion. And there’s buzz that Udinski could perhaps be considered as an OC candidate for Coen in
Dolphins Add New Special Teams Coordinator to Mike McDaniel’s Coaching Staff
Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images The Miami Dolphins Special Teams has a new leader this offseason. Here’s everything we know about Craig Aukerman. #FinsUp Late last week, the Miami Dolphins found a replacement for Wes Welker when they agreed to add former Dallas Cowboys wide receivers coach Robert Prince to Mike McDaniel’s coaching staff. It was a nice signing (I think), but there was still one large void on Miami’s coaching staff. And after a year in which the special teams unit absolutely played a factor in Miami’s disappointing season (Not you, Jason Sanders!), it was time for McDaniel to move on from Danny Crossman and bring in another special teams coordinator in hopes of rejuvenating the unit. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelisserro, McDaniel has found his guy — as the Dolphins plan to hire former Tennessee Titans special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman. The 48-year-old coordinator has not been in the league since 2023, when then Titans’ HC Mike Vrabel fired him after a Week 13 overtime loss to the Indianapolis Colts. The #Dolphins are hiring Craig Aukerman as their special teams coordinator, per source. pic.twitter.com/Py6o44BNtL — Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 28, 2025 Before being fired by Vrabel, Aukerman worked alongside the former Titans head coach for all six seasons in Tennessee. It wasn’t until his unit turned the ball over twice in a loss to the Colts that Vrabel finally decided to part ways with the veteran coach. Prior to his time with the Titans, Aukerman was a special teams coordinator with the San Diego Chargers in 2016. He was also an assistant special teams coach in Tennessee (2013-2015) and Jacksonville (2011-2012) and a defensive assistant with the Denver Broncos in 2010. He will now land in Miami to help repair a unit that struggled mightily in the return game. The Dolphins could use an upgrade at punter, but they may be okay with keeping consistency at the position if Jason Sanders continues to be money. Either way, I’m cautiously optimistic — which is all you can be at this point of the season. What are your thoughts on the Miami Dolphins’ new special teams coordinator? Are you happy Danny Crossman is finally gone? What changes do you hope to see on special teams? Let us know in the comments section below!
A week of changes for the Lions coaching staff
Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images Breaking down the musical chairs as coaches leave and come in. Since the end of their playoff hopes and dreams, the Detroit Lions have been in a whirlwind of changes in the coaching department. It’s been known for quite some time that the Lions were probably losing both coordinators, and with that comes some positional coaches and assistants to shift around—as some leave with said coordinators and much more. Naturally, new names enter that fray too. On this episode of the Pride of Detroit PODcast, we unravel it all, talking about the departures of Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, but also their arrivals in their new cities and with their new teams. We talk about who all has left, who all is coming in and what the future look of the Lions will be with a new staff. This episode also has emphasis on Kacy Rodgers and his history of strong run defense, Kelvin Sheppard and what a defense could look like with him, and discussion of what John Morton could bring to the table as the Lions offensive coordinator. Subscribe to the PODcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Pride Of Detroit on Twitch to get notified when we record the PODcast live and chat with us. Video replays are available on Twitch and YouTube.
Super Bowl 2025: Eagles-Chiefs rematch features the same jersey colors from two years ago
Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images Philadelphia is officially the “home team” in Super Bowl LIX. The uniforms for Super Bowl LIX are set. The Philadelphia Eagles will be wearing their midnight green jerseys with white pants. The Kansas City Chiefs will be wearing their white jerseys with red pants. The uniform matchup for Super Bowl LIX is set @Chiefs @Eagles pic.twitter.com/p62L3aMhEl — NFL (@NFL) January 28, 2025 These are the same color combinations from the Eagles’ loss to the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII. The Eagles were also the “home team” in that game with the NFL alternating between NFC and AFC every year. Some might argue the Eagles should’ve worn white. Others will point out that the Eagles won their only Super Bowl while wearing midnight green. Per @EpKap: 16 of the past 20 Super Bowl winners were wearing their white jerseys. The only teams to win the Super Bowl in the last decade wearing a color other than white are the Chiefs – who wore red in SB LIV and LVIII – and Eagles – who wore green in SB LII. https://t.co/mRi8eYoq4E — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 28, 2025 The feeling here is that it would’ve been pretty cool if the Eagles broke out Kelly Green for the big game. But that never seemed like a realistic option. And so midnight green it is. Here are some more numbers on the Eagles’ jersey color combinations via Deniz Selman. Note that he posted these records before the Eagles blew out the Washington Commanders while wearing midnight green in the NFC Championship Game. #Eagles have worn green on white for all 18 home playoff games (13-5) in the midnight green era–the last time not doing so was 1995 vs DET. Under Nick Sirianni, the Eagles’ record wearing… midnight green on white: 21-16 (.568) <- getting better!anything else: 31-7 (.816) https://t.co/dxhPMxJpoJ — Deniz Selman (@denizselman33) January 24, 2025