Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images New York’s quarterback room is headed for a makeover The New York Giants are going to be in the market for an overhaul of their quarterback room this offseason. Should bringing Drew Lock, who went 1-4 in five starts in 2024, be a consideration? Reasons to keep Lock This will infuriate some Devito-maniacs, but I firmly believe Lock is a more viable NFL quarterback than Tommy DeVito. He knows the Brian Daboll offensive system, and the Giants did have their best offensive performance in several seasons — a 45-point outburst vs. the Indianapolis Colts — with Lock at quarterback. There is upside when Lock plays well. When he doesn’t play well, though, it is anything but pretty. Lock shouldn’t cost more than the $5 million the Giants paid him in 2024. Lock is also a good locker room guy, a player who understand his role, supports his teammates and always seems to have a smile on his face. Reasons to let him go Even if the Giants use the No. 3 overall pick on a quarterback, they could want a bridge quarterback to start for a while. Is Lock really a viable starter the Giants could win some games with? Can he be the new Kurt Warner to an Eli Manning? Probably not. The Giants will likely shoot higher than Lock in the free agent quarterback market this time around. The verdict Let him go. GM Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll have got to do everything they can to put a representative produce on the field in 2025. Starting Lock at quarterback won’t accomplish that.
New York Giants free agency: Stay or go? QB Drew Lock
NFL Conference Championships By The Numbers: Team metrics, QB comparisons, highest-graded players and more
All the numbers you need to know about the remaining contenders, from key team metrics to quarterback comparisons and the highest-graded players on each roster. Premium Content Sign Up NFL Conference Championships By The Numbers: Team metrics, QB comparisons, highest-graded players and more 2YYEBJX December 21, 2024: Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws a pass during the second half against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. David Smith/CSM/Sipa USA (Credit Image: © David Smith/Cal Sport Media/Sipa USA) Credit: Sipa US/Alamy Live News By Mark Chichester Posted Jan 22, 2025 8:50 am EST The NFL’s conference championships are here, and the field of four is stacked with elite talent, top-tier quarterbacks and fascinating matchups. In this piece, we give you all the numbers you need to know about the remaining contenders, from key team metrics to quarterback comparisons and the highest-graded players on each roster. Want even more insight? Check out PFF’s Betting Dashboard for power rankings and strength of schedule metrics, and explore Premium Stats to access grades, snap counts and more. Click below to jump to a game:
Did Rams make mistake with Liam Coen?
Photo by Harry How/Getty Images The short-term Rams offensive coordinator could become a head coach this week Former Rams offensive coordinator Liam Coen is interviewing with the Jaguars on Wednesday for their open head coaching position and there’s a growing expectation that he won’t leave without the job. Bucs beat reporter Rick Stroud wrote on Tuesday that Tampa Bay is “preparing for Coen to be offered Jaguars job” and if he doesn’t get an offer and/or accept it, the play caller is expected to still be an NFL head coach soon. Many Buccaneers fans would even like Coen to replace Todd Bowles so that he doesn’t leave Tampa Bay. Did the Rams make a mistake when Coen and the team parted ways after just one season together when he was the OC? Bucs preparing for Liam Coen to be offered Jaguars job https://t.co/WiWA0DyTmp — Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) January 21, 2025 Coen first joined the Rams in 2018 as an assistant wide receivers coach and stayed on the staff for three seasons. He left to become the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2021, the same year that the Rams won the Super Bowl, and then was hired to replace Kevin O’Connell in 2022. The timing could not have been worse for Coen or the Rams. Between injuries, offseason losses, and poor offensive management, the Rams finished 5-12 and ranked 27th in scoring. There were a lot of excuses thrown around as far as why Coen went back to Kentucky in 2023, with Coen citing a desire to call plays and to work with college players again, but the simple fact of the matter is that he knew what he was signing up for (he had worked for McVay for three years) and the team would not have let Coen leave that easily if things were going well. The proof is in the pudding: Liam Coen has always wanted to be an NFL head coach, he’s trying to become a head coach this week, he wouldn’t have left the Rams on his own volition unless he was asked to go. After one more season at Kentucky, Coen sort of went back to his roots by linking up with Baker Mayfield again in Tampa Bay. After the Bucs lost Dave Canales to the Carolina Panthers, Coen swooped the open OC job and the opportunity to call plays. The Bucs improved from 20th in scoring in 2023 with Canales to 4th in 2024 with Coen. They’ve gone from the 32nd ranked rushing team to the 4th ranked rushing team. This is why many Bucs fans are puzzled as to Tampa’s apparent intention to let Coen leave so that they can retain Bowles, someone who is going into his ninth season as an NFL head coach but has a 1-3 career playoff record. Did the Rams make a mistake by parting ways with Coen in 2023? Maybe. Everybody makes mistakes, even Sean McVay and his coaching staff. Coen couldn’t really be blamed for L.A.’s struggles in 2022, especially since McVay was the one calling plays. And even though the Rams have made the playoffs in each year since Coen departed, their offense has merely been “OK” (20th in scoring in 2024) and so far nobody has called to ask about Mike LaFleur’s interview availability. Not even as an OC who would get to call plays. Coen wanted the opportunity to call plays. He’ll get even more than he bargained for.
Bengals will not have a designated run game coordinator under Scott Peters
Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images Instead, it will be a collective effort. Despite a breakout season from Chase Brown, there’s no doubt that the Cincinnati Bengals struggled to field an efficient and consistent rushing attack during most of Frank Pollack’s tenure as o-line coach and run game coordinator. And recently, new o-line coach Scott Peters revealed on the Bengals Booth podcast that he will not fill both roles, meaning the team won’t have a run game coordinator. Rather, the Bengals’ offensive coaches will work on the run game together. This actually shouldn’t be a huge surprise. As John Sheeran of A to Z Sports pointed out, last year was the first time that Zac Taylor even had a pass game coordinator and run game coordinator. “It may’ve been the first time in franchise history both of those positions were a part of the staff as a whole,” Sheeran added. Not only that, but the run game has been a serious issue. So, being open to as many solutions and ideas as possible seems smart. Meanwhile, as Sheeran also noted, pass game coordinator Justin Riscatti has nothing to worry about, as the passing attack soared like never before. Relive some of Joe Burrow’s best moments from a career year by watching the video below. Cincy Jungle comes loaded with the best Cincinnati Bengals links, news, and analysis. Find us on Twitter and Facebook. And check out the #1 Bengals Podcast on YouTube, iTunes, Spotify, or on the Bleav channel.
Around SB Nation: Is this the week Chicago finds a new coach
Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images Could this be the week where the Chicago Bears and other teams find their new head coaches. Their are a handful of teams searching and interviewing candidates to become their new head coach. The New England Patriots had a short search when they hired Mike Vrabel last week. But it’s been a process for the other teams as many of the candidates have been planning for the playoffs. With the Detroit Lions eliminated, the Chicago Bears were quick to hire Ben Johnson and it wouldn’t be surprising if Aaron Glenn lands a gig soon too. Check out what the Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, and other NFL teams are talking about in our roundup. AFC EAST: New England Patriots (via Pats Pulpit) Patriots reportedly hire Josh McDaniels as offensive coordinator – Pats PulpitThe 48-year-old interviewed for the vacancy on Tuesday. New York Jets (via Gang Green Nation) Aaron Rodgers provides an update on his future (sort of) – Gang Green NationRodgers spoke but didn’t tell us much. Buffalo Bills (via Buffalo Rumblings) Buffalo Bills will face Kansas City Chiefs in AFC Championship game – Buffalo RumblingsAll the broadcast details for Bills-Chiefs next weekend AFC NORTH: Baltimore Ravens (via Baltimore Beatdown) Staff Reactions: Ravens lose to Bills in Divisional Round, 27-25 – Baltimore BeatdownThe Baltimore Beatdown staff react to the Ravens’ 27-25 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Pittsburgh Steelers (via Behind the Steel Curtain) Cam Heyward understands the frustration from Steelers fans – Behind the Steel CurtainThe Steelers’ captain says no one quit. Cincinnati Bengals (via Cincy Jungle) The Cincinnati Bengals’ tag options with Tee Higgins entering NFL Free Agency 2025 – Cincy JungleA breakdown of how what the Bengals could keep Tee Higgins as NFL free agency nears. Cleveland Browns (via Dawgs By Nature) Myles Garrett speaks about the Browns future, playoff hopes – Dawgs By NatureBrowns DE Myles Garrett would seek a trade if rebuilding but sees NFL playoff hopes AFC SOUTH: Houston Texans (via Battle Red Blog) Texans vs. Chiefs NFL Playoffs Divisional Round results, scores, highlights – Battle Red BlogA hard fought game goes the other way again. Tennessee Titans (via Music City Miracles) We are going to find out who was right between Mike Vrabel Amy Adams Strunk – Music City MiraclesMike Vrabel has full control with the Patriots. Will it work out? Jacksonville Jaguars (via Big Cat Country) Jaguars 2025 head coach candidate profile: Raiders DC Patrick Graham – Big Cat CountryWhat makes Patrick Graham an attractive candidate? Indianapolis Colts (via Stampede Blue) Report: Colts to hire Lou Anarumo as their defensive coordinator – Stampede BlueIndianapolis lands its new defensive coordinator in Lou Anarumo. AFC WEST: Denver Broncos (via Mile High Report) The journey to sustained success for the Denver Broncos starts now – Mile High ReportThe Denver Broncos put together their best season in years in 2024, but a lot of work is still needed to make them Super Bowl contenders. This offseason will be crucial to improve the team’s prospects in 2025 and beyond. Los Angeles Chargers (via Bolts from the Blue) Chargers Offseason: How Jim Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz should handle free agency/NFL Draft – Bolts From The BlueJim Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz must decided how to build the Chargers roster for year two via a strong cap situation and eight current draft picks. Las Vegas Raiders (via Silver and Black Pride) Raiders 2025: Is staring quarterback even on roster? – Silver And Black PrideFormer Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce regretted decision to make Gardner Minshew the starting quarterback over Aidan O’Connell in 2024 Kansas City Chiefs (via Arrowhead Pride) Kareem Hunt excited to ‘write the rest of his story’ with Chiefs – Arrowhead PrideKansas City’s veteran running back will finally play for an AFC Championship with the team that drafted him. NFC EAST: New York Giants (via Big Blue View) Fifth-year options and the myth of first-round draft success – Big Blue ViewWhat will the Giants do with Kayvon Thibodeaux and Evan Neal? Philadelphia Eagles (via Bleeding Green Nation) Saquon Barkley’s former Giants teammates cheer him on at the Eagles-Rams playoff game – Bleeding Green NationSeveral of Barkley’s good friends went to Philly to show their support. Dallas Cowboys (via Blogging the Boys) Dallas Cowboys head coach search: Why Kellen Moore is the right man for the job – Blogging The BoysThe Dallas Cowboys just might need a second helping of Kellen Moore to get things going again with Dak Prescott. Washington Commanders (via Hogs Haven) Washington Commanders are road underdogs vs the Philadelphia Eagles – Hogs HavenRoad dogs NFC NORTH: Green Bay Packers (via Acme Packing Company) Packers’ Jordan Love’s production matches Aaron Rodgers over 1st 33 starts – Acme Packing CompanyRodgers ranks 12th in ANY/A over his first 33 starts. Love is right behind him at 13th Detroit Lions (via Pride of Detroit) Detroit Lions report card, grades: Goff, coaching disappoint vs. Commanders – Pride Of DetroitThe Detroit Lions coaching staff and Jared Goff were big letdowns in the Lions’ playoff loss to the Commanders. Handing out grades for them and the rest of the team. Chicago Bears (via Windy City Gridiron) Report: Bears are hiring Ben Johnson as head coach – Windy City GridironWell, that didn’t take long. As reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Chicago Bears are set to hire Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as the… Minnesota Vikings (via Daily Norseman) An Open Letter To JJ McCarthy – Daily NorsemanA past front page writer pens a note to the future NFC SOUTH: New Orleans Saints (via Canal Street Chronicles) SB Nation Reacts Results: Who would you like to see the Saints hire as their next head coach? – Canal Street Chronicles45% of Saints fans said… Atlanta Falcons (via The Falcoholic) Falcons’ expectations for Jeff Ulbrich, new defensive coordinator – The FalcoholicRaheem Morris bets on someone he knows well from the past for a brighter future, but will it work? Carolina Panthers (via
New York Giants free agency: Stay or go? Edge Azeez Ojulari
Azeez Ojulari | Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen is bruised and battered from all of the hits he has taken after letting Saquon Barkley and Xavier McKinney go, watching them have great 2024 seasons, and watching the team he is responsible for sink to 3-14. It is possible that the upcoming free agency of Giants edge defender Azeez Ojulari could provide Schoen with another black eye. Schoen had the opportunity to trade the 24-year-old Ojulari at the 2024 NFL trade deadline. He was, by many, expected to do just that. Schoen listened to offers but reportedly had a minimum price of a fifth-round pick that he would accept in exchange. He did not get it, and ended up hanging on to Ojulari. The problem is that Schoen may have a difficult time keeping Ojulari from signing elsewhere. Ojulari provides something every team in the NFL wants more of — pass rush. Ojulari has 22 sacks in 46 career games, covering 1,825 defensive snaps. For comparison, Kayvon Thibodeaux has 21 sacks in 43 games, but has played 2,314 snaps — roughly 500 more than Ojulari. Despite the reality that Ojulari has missed 22 games over four seasons due to injuries, there should be a market for the 24-year-old pass rusher. I was surprised to see in the initial Pro Football Focus free agent rankings for the upcoming offseason that Ojulari was only estimated to receive a one-year, $5 million contract on the open market. With Thibodeaux and Brian Burns in the fold and taking up significant financial resources, Schoen and the Giants could likely handle that type of deal. I still believe, though, that there will likely be teams able to offer both more money and more playing time than will be on the table with the Giants. Reasons to keep Ojulari Like every other team in the league, the Giants need more pass rushers. Ojulari is a good one, with upside. It is true that Ojulari’s supporting numbers like pass-rush win rate and pressure rate don’t match up to his sack production, but sacks get pass rushers noticed. And paid. Thibodeaux and Burns cannot play every snap. Depth is important, and Ojulari could provide both that and the ability for defensive coordinator Shane Bowen to find creative ways to get him on the field in pass rush situations. If the Giants lose Ojulari, they will be looking for someone to fill his role. On top of bring a good player, Ojulari has always seemed to like being a Giant. The team drafted him, albeit that was done by the previous regime, and keeping him in house would likely be well-received in the locker room. Reasons to let him go The biggest one is that Ojulari simply cannot seem to stay healthy. Over the past three seasons he has played in only 29 of 51 regular season games. As a former Giants GM once said, injured guys get injured. The verdict Keep him … if they can. If all it takes is one year at $5 million, they can — and probably should — do that.
Travis Kelce’s postseason dominance makes Kansas City Chiefs’ chance at a three-peat even more realistic
Zoltán Buday details how dominant Travis Kelce has been in the playoffs for the Kansas City Chiefs, quieting concerns about a decline in the quality of his play as he ages. Travis Kelce’s postseason dominance makes Kansas City Chiefs’ chance at a three-peat even more realistic 2YJF4GB Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is introduced prior to a game against the Denver Broncos during an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga) By Zoltán Buday Posted Jan 22, 2025 5:30 am EST • No signs of decline for Travis Kelce in the playoffs: His 90.7 PFF receiving grade ranks second among 74 qualifying players over the last three playoffs. • Elite production in the playoffs: Kelce’s 2.53 receiving yards per route run in the playoffs since 2022 matches Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson‘s in the regular season. • 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: 5 minutes Even though he had been written off by many people during the regular season, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce was back to his best during the divisional round matchup against the Houston Texans. Kelce earned a 91.1 PFF receiving grade, which led all players this past weekend. He recorded seven receptions for 117 receiving yards and a touchdown, highlighting once again how he is on another level compared to all other tight ends in the playoffs. Travis Kelce’s postseason statistics. Subscribe to PFF+ to unlock the world’s most advanced football database! Since Patrick Mahomes took over as the Chiefs’ starting quarterback in 2018, Kelce has 1,727 receiving yards in the playoffs – Tyreek Hill is the only other player to also earn more than 1,000, as the former Chiefs wide receiver has 1,098. Furthermore, Kelce has caught 19 touchdowns in the playoffs since 2018 while no other player has more than six. These are somewhat expected because he also played considerably more snaps than any other receiving option due to Kansas City’s successful seasons. However, looking at more advanced metrics also proves Kelce to be the best. For example, his 91.9 PFF receiving grade in the playoffs over the last seven seasons leads all 92 players who have run at least 100 routes in the playoffs over that period. In addition, his 2.41 receiving yards per route run rank eighth among these 92 players; however, he leads all tight ends, Cameron Brate is a distant second with his 1.83 receiving yards per route run. The 0.58 gap between Kelce and Brate is the equivalent of the gap between the second-ranked Brate and 15th-ranked Gerald Everett. Some could say that Kelce’s first couple of seasons skew his stats when looking at his entire time with Mahomes; however, even over the last three seasons – the time the Chiefs have not lost a playoff game – he has been dominant. His 90.7 PFF receiving grade trails only Nico Collins among 74 qualifying players, and his 2.53 receiving yards per route run leads all tight ends by a significant margin and trails only Romeo Doubs, Puka Nacua, Terry McLaurin and Collins. While it’s hard for others to replicate regular season success in the playoffs, Kelce is not only doing that but is taking his game to another level. Compared to his 2.53 receiving yards per route run in the playoffs over the last three years, he recorded only 1.88 receiving yards per route run over the last three regular seasons – which still ranks second among tight ends over that time span. In fact, his mark for the playoffs would be tied for the fourth among all receivers over the last three regular seasons. The player he would be tied with? Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson, which suggests that Kelce in the playoffs is essentially as efficient on his routes as Jefferson is in the regular season. If Kansas City’s star tight end can bring his A-game twice more this season then the Chiefs could accomplish the historic threepeat that they are pursuing this season.
Bengals News (1/22): Al Golden Decision Day?
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Look for a decision on Al Golden to be reached today on if he’ll be the next Bengals defensive coordinator. Bengals News Al Golden’s move to Bengals DC role reportedly just a ‘pen to paper’ away, with timeline for hire projectedNotre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden is expected to reunite with the Cincinnati Bengals and coach Zac Taylor. Orlando Brown Jr. Talks Offseason & Scott PetersBrown points to staying in town to work with Bengals strength and conditioning coach Joey Boese’s staff last offseason as a big reason why he started off better than any of his four Pro Bowl seasons before suffering an injury at Cleveland this season. Bengals waste very little time extending a player they would’ve had no trouble re-signing in free agencyCincinnati retains an underrated young player. Glowing endorsements for new Bengals offensive line coach Scott Peters roll in from franchise legends and moreThe consensus overwhelmingly approves Cincinnati’s newest coaching hire. Bengals fans will love this quote from team’s new OL coachThe new Bengals OL coach sure knows what to say upon arrival. Bengals tabbed as fit for Jack Sawyer, who nets Sam Hubbard compCould the Bengals replace a veteran with a Buckeyes lookalike? Three Things Next Bengals Defensive Coordinator Must Do to be SuccessfulThe Bengals are hoping to fix their defense this offseason after firing Lou Anarumo earlier this month. NFL News Why Travis Kelce is everyone’s favorite teammateFrom risking getting fined to consoling struggling teammates, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end has a side not many see. Colts hire Lou Anarumo as new DCThe Indianapolis Colts hired Lou Anarumo as their new defensive coordinator. Bears announce hiring of Ben Johnson as head coach“We are elated to welcome Ben and his family to the Bears and the greatest city in the world,” Bears chairman George McCaskey said in a statement. Bill Belichick disagrees with rule allowing coordinator interviews before postseason endsThe overlap between the coaching carousel and the postseason creates annual concerns regarding the distraction it creates for coordinators who are under consideration for promotions elsewhere. NFL playoff picks: Predicting winners for Bills-Chiefs AFC Championship and Commanders-Eagles NFC title gameHere’s your weekly dose of John Breech’s NFL picks. Ohio State tops Notre Dame in College Football Playoff National Championship: Three 2025 NFL Draft takeawaysOhio State held on to defeat Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff National Championship. Eric Edholm provides three takeaways from the game, with an eye on the 2025 NFL Draft.
NFL coaching cycle: Josh McDaniels is back in the league
Josh McDaniels | Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images Former Raiders head coach back to familiar spot We have a Josh McDaniels sighting. And the last time to employ him, the Las Vegas Raiders, will face him the 2025 NFL season. According to multiple reports, the New England Patriots are hiring McDaniels as their offensive coordinator. Sources: #Patriots HC Mike Vrbael interviewed Josh McDaniels today for their OC vacancy. McDaniels is believed to be a top target in New England. pic.twitter.com/YvxMcrRD6r — Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 21, 2025 The Raiders hired McDaniels as their head coach in 2022 and he was hired October 31, 2023. McDaniels went 9-16 as the Raiders hired coach. He did not work in the 2024 NFL season. The Raiders will play at the Patriots this upcoming season. It’s not surprising that McDaniels, 48, is resurfacing in New England. This will be his third stint as their offensive coordinator. He twice held that role under former Patriots’ head coach Bill Belichick. McDaniels has spent 18 of his 23 NFL seasons with New England and he has been part of six Super Bowl championships there. Now, he pairs with new Patriots coach Mike Vrabel there. Vrabel was a player for New England for eight season with McDaniels there.
Giants news, 1/22: Nabers, Tracy named to PFWA All-Rookie Team, Jamie Gillan, Mike Kafka, more headlines
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images New York Giants news for Wednesday Good morning New York Giants fans! From Big Blue View Malik Nabers, Tyrone Tracy on PFWA All-Rookie Team 2025 NFL Draft: What might it cost the New York Giants to get the No. 1 pick? PFF lists Tyler Nubin as Giants’ breakout candidate for 2025 New York Giants free agency: Stay or go? Tight end Chris Manhertz New York Giants free agency: Stay or go? Punter Jamie Gillan 2025 NFL Draft prospect profile – Tate Ratledge, OG, Georgia New York Giants 2025 coaching tracker Other Giant observations Exploring how Giants will attack upgrading at QB this offseason | The Athletic After the Pittsburgh QBs and Sam Darnold, there is a lot of uncertainty. Kirk Cousins, who signed a four-year, $180 million free-agency deal with the Atlanta Falcons last offseason, but was benched late in the season in favor of first-round pick Michael Penix Jr, could become available. The 36-year-old Cousins has a no-trade clause, but that won’t matter if he’s cut. New Orleans’ Derek Carr and Seattle’s Geno Smith could also be available via trade (or could even become cap casualties). Speaking of cap casualties, it seems likely that the Jets will move on from Aaron Rodgers, but the 41-year-old has yet to decide if he’s going to play again next season. A view of compensatory picks Getting a lot of Giants question, especially regarding Saquon Barkley. Here’s how I see their cancellation chart: pic.twitter.com/WgtsztG5fN — Nick Korte (@nickkorte) January 21, 2025 Looking back at the 2024 free-agent RB class | PFF Saquon Barkley’s departure led the Giants to tap Devin Singletary to take the reins in 2024. That proved to be a challenge that Singletary could not rise to. The former Bills and Texans back produced the lowest PFF rushing grade of his career (64.5), totaling just 3.9 yards per carry — his first-ever season of falling below 4.0. Plagued by collapsing running lanes and poor execution, Singletary was quickly overtaken by fifth-round rookie Tyrone Tracy, who produced marginally better in the role. Second-half risers: 5 most improved players at every position over the second half of the 2024 season John Michael Schmitz Jr: Snaps from Week 1-9: 611 Grade: 58.0; Snaps from Week 10-18: 372 Grade: 67.4 John Michael Schmitz Jr. had the third-lowest pass-blocking grade among all centers in the first half of the season and allowed a 4.9% pressure rate. From Week 10 onwards, he dropped his pressure rate to just 3.9% and improved his run-blocking grade to 72.2, the eighth-highest at the position. PFWA 2024 All-NFL, All-AFC and All-NFC teams | PFWA For the third consecutive season, New York Giants nose tackle Dexter Lawrence has been named to the Pro Football Writer of America (PFWA) All-NFC Team. Lawrence was named along the defensive line with Philadelphia’s Jalen Carter and former Giant Leonard Williams, who now plays for the Seattle Seahawks. Mike Kafka’s interview with New Orleans delayed Due to severe weather, the #Saints are rescheduling this week’s round of in-person interviews for their head coaching job. Mike Kafka was supposed to be today, with Aaron Glenn and Anthony Weaver scheduled for Wednesday; interviews are now expected to resume later in the week. — Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 21, 2025 Derrick Henry, Demario Davis among five finalists for NFLPA’s Alan Page Community Award | Pro Football Talk Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton is one of five finalists for The NFL Players Association names a Community MVP for each week of the regular season and those players are eligible to be named the winner of the Alan Page Community Award at the end of the season. Joining Slayton as a finalists are Vikings defensive back Camryn Bynum, Saints linebacker Demario Davis, Ravens running back Derrick Henry, and Colts center Ryan Kelly. Giants, NFL’s punching bag and punchline: Embrace this and fight back | The Record So woe is the Giants. Here’s my take: stop feeling sorry for yourselves and use this as fuel for an improbable rally similar to the way the Commanders went from the bottom of the NFL to where they are now in a calendar year. Turnarounds happen in the NFL when you least expect them. What separates hope and hopeless is often blind faith, not to mention a conviction to follow through on a plan, even when that takes a team down a road that is not the most popular. This is going to be challenging for the Giants, but digging out from a decade of despair was never going to be easy. N.J.’s Dan Quinn is on brink of another Super Bowl — and Giants passed on him for Brian Daboll | NJ.com Exactly three years ago — on Jan. 21, 2022 — Dan Quinn walked into the Giants’ training facility in East Rutherford and interviewed for their head coaching vacancy. By this point, the Giants had already hired Joe Schoen as their new general manager. They were trying to find a head coach to pair with him, after fully cleaning house following 2021. Around the league What’s changed since the Eagles and Commanders last played each other? | Bleeding Green Nation Commanders’ Kliff Kingsbury rises to challenge | The Athletic Eagles DC Vic Fangio says Jayden Daniels is only young by ‘birth certificate, not by the tape’ | CBSSports.com Dallas Cowboys to interview Brian Schottenheimer for head coach job | Blogging The Boys Bears announce hiring of Ben Johnson as head coach | Pro Football Talk Head coach Kevin O’Connell agrees to multiyear contract extension with Vikings | NFL.com Raiders targeting former Seahawks coach Pete Carroll after missing out on Ben Johnson, per report | CBSSports.com Report: Buccaneers bracing for OC Liam Coen to be offered Jaguars job | Pro Football Talk Colts hire Lou Anarumo as new DC | ESPN.com Patriots reportedly interviewed Josh McDaniels for offensive coordinator | Pro Football Talk 2025 NFL Draft: Shrine Bowl Prospects Who Could Shoot up Draft Boards | The 33rd Team NFL announces officiating
