Eagles Question of the Day: What was your biggest general NFL takeaway from Sunday’s games? Anything stick out to you? Head over to The Feed and weigh in with your answer and explanation! Let’s get to the Philadelphia Eagles news and links … Commanders Vs Eagles (Game One) – Studs and Duds – Hogs HavenCraig […] Eagles Question of the Day: What was your biggest general NFL takeaway from Sunday’s games? Anything stick out to you? Head over to The Feed and weigh in with your answer and explanation! Let’s get to the Philadelphia Eagles news and links … Commanders Vs Eagles (Game One) – Studs and Duds – Hogs Haven Craig Wrolstad and his crew: The entire crew from this game was just AWFUL. They were clearly out to get Washington and the calls on the field, or lack thereof, made it quite obvious. The debacle started early in the game when Cooper DeJean committed a blatant pass interference on Treylon Burks in the endzone. It continued with phantom calls against Brandon Coleman (a hold that negated a first down) and a phantom offsides penalty against Tyler Owens on a missed field goal. There was a pass interference call against Noah Igbinoghene covering Smith in the back of the endzone that was just horrible. As the Commanders limp to the finish line, emotions are boiling over – The Athletic Dan Quinn stationed himself near the 30-yard line and just watched. And waited. After a very brief handshake with Philadelphia Eagles coach Nick Sirianni at midfield, the Commanders’ coach monitored the rest of the postgame handshakes from afar, just to make sure the frustrations that flared moments earlier on the field didn’t resurface. With two games left in a season that has gone sideways, Quinn knew his already thin roster couldn’t afford to get any thinner, because of injury or illness — or potential suspensions. “I know how quickly we’re going to play again,” he said. “So, I just wanted to make sure that if I had to step in that I’d be able to bring my bouncing skills back.” This is where the Commanders are: 4-11 following a chippy 29-18 loss to the Eagles that featured a brawl, the disqualification of three players (two Commanders) and four more Washington injuries, including to quarterback Marcus Mariota. “I felt like, man, this is not the time to lose somebody postgame into a game just five days away,” Quinn added. “It’s one thing to say the poise, but it’s another thing when you’re the person in that moment.” 2 Eagles starters expected to return from injury against Bills, per report – BGN The Eagles have had two solid games in a row as they approach Week 17, and early reports are that the team expects to get both RT Lane Johnson and DT Jalen Carter back this week against the Bills. Buffalo Bills vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Week 17: first look at injuries – Buffalo Rumblings Most of Bills Mafia wants to know how quarterback Josh Allen is doing, and if his ankle is indeed “gravy, baby,” as he told CBS sideline reporter Evan Washburn after Sunday’s win. The reason for concern is due to the ankle injury Allen appeared to suffer just before halftime on a play where he inadvisably scrambled into harm’s way. That injury had Allen limping to the locker room early, and without his right cleat on. Though we don’t have an official report yet, Allen does appear no worse for wear, as evidenced by the fact that he continued to play after halftime. Allen had the injury x-rayed at halftime, which reported as negative. However, don’t be surprised if he ends up on the injury report early and often this week with a foot/ankle designation. NFL Week 16 fallout: Sorting through the upsets, playoff berths and overall chaos – NFL.com 9) The tush push may die a natural death. Owners failed to disallow the tush push in a spring vote, but the Eagles themselves might kill off a play that gave them a big boost in their Super Bowl run last season. The once-automatic play has been decidedly less automatic this season. Three times the Eagles tried the tush push against the Commanders on Saturday, three times it failed and that was a microcosm of the season. This season, they’ve run the tush push successfully 57.6 percent of the time, according to NFL Research. In 2024, their success rate was 76.5 percent including the playoffs. In 2023, it was 83.7 percent. They’ve been called for five false starts on the play this season, while drawing just one penalty by a opposition, a striking difference from last season, when the Eagles drew nine penalties from opponents on such plays, and were called for penalties just twice. Their slump has been especially pronounced since Week 11, when their conversion rate is just 37.5. Nevertheless, the Eagles clinched the NFC East, to become the first repeat champion of the division in 20 years. Consistency – Iggles Blitz Think about Dallas. They were 3-5-1 at midseason. They had a lot of issues, especially on defense. Jerry Jones traded for LB Logan Wilson and DT Quinnen Williams. They signed DE Jadeveon Clowney. A couple of key defenders came off IR. Suddenly the dreadful defense was mediocre, even solid at times. Dallas won three straight games to get to 6-5-1. The media fell in love with them. It sure felt like Jerry Jones and Brian Schottenheimer started to believe the team was legit. Oops. Dallas lost three straight games to fall to 6-8-1. The defense allowed 37 points a game in that stretch. I don’t think Jones and Schotty (as Kirk Herbstreit annoyingly calls him) realized they had some luck in their win streak. They believed the team was different. Part of being a good organization is being honest with yourself. Dallas struggles with that and it is a big reason they haven’t been to a Super Bowl since 1995. With 5th straight
Eagles News: Commanders writer says the refs “were clearly out to get Washington”
2026 NFL Mock Draft: Dolphins make franchise-altering trade to No. 1 for Fernando Mendoza
After Tua Tagovailoa’s benching, the Dolphins get aggressive to secure their next starting quarterback: Indiana’s Heisman-winning Fernando Mendoza. The Dolphins make a splash trade up for Fernando Mendoza: With Tua Tagovailoa benched, Miami may find itself in a prime position to move up for a shot at a franchise signal-caller. The Chiefs land running back Jeremiyah Love: Missing the playoffs allows the Chiefs to land a premier talent in this class and bolster a lacking rushing attack. Get PFF+ for 30% off: Use promo code HOLIDAY30 to unlock the PFF Player Prop Tool, Premium Stats, fantasy dashboards, the PFF Mock Draft Simulator, industry-leading fantasy rankings and much more — everything you need to win your season. Estimated Reading Time: 12minutes We are just two weeks away from the end of the 2025 NFL season, and the draft-season landscape is rapidly shifting. A benching at quarterback in the AFC East gives us a new contender to trade up for a franchise signal-caller in the 2026 NFL Draft. Using the updated draft order, here’s how the first round could look when April rolls around. 1. Miami Dolphins (via Giants): QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana Projected trade: New York Giants send No. 1 overall pick to Miami Dolphins for No. 10, No. 44, a 2027 first-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick With Tua Tagovailoa benched ahead of the Dolphins’ Week 16 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, it’s obvious that Miami is in the market for a new quarterback. In this mock draft, they get aggressive to move up for one. Mendoza recorded a 6.2% big-time throw rate and a 2.3% turnover-worthy play rate this season, which compares well with recent No. 1 overall picks Cam Ward (6.3%, 3.3%) and Caleb Williams (6.2%, 3.6%). 2. Las Vegas Raiders: QB Dante Moore, Oregon With Geno Smith and Kenny Pickett earning PFF passing grades of 58.3 and 60.7, respectively, this season, it’s obvious that the Raiders need to invest in a quarterback. Las Vegas narrowly misses out on Fernando Mendoza in this mock, but Moore is another great option. He has earned a 92.3 PFF passing grade this season, which trails only Ohio State’s Julian Sayin among FBS quarterbacks. Try PFF’s mock draft simulator — trade picks and players and mock for your favorite NFL team. 3. Cleveland Browns: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State Cleveland’s quarterback situation remains murky, but if the team misses out on one of the top signal-callers in this draft, finding a top wide receiver would be a solid consolation prize. Tate has put together a phenomenal season for Ohio State, bringing in every catchable pass thrown his way while averaging 3.35 yards per route run and producing an eye-popping 85.7% contested catch rate. 4. New York Jets: DI Peter Woods, Clemson The Jets shipped off interior defender Quinnen Williams and cornerback Sauce Gardner at the trade deadline, so if the top quarterbacks are off the board, a replacement at either of those spots makes a lot of sense. Woods didn’t have his best season in 2025, but he still earned PFF overall grades above 80.0 in both 2023 and 2024 and has all the tools to be a force in the NFL. 5. Arizona Cardinals: T Spencer Fano, Utah Quarterback remains a huge question mark for the Cardinals, but they don’t get the opportunity to address it in this mock draft. Instead, they focus on finding a partner for left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. and go with Utah’s Spencer Fano, who earned an 83.7 PFF pass-blocking grade on true pass sets and PFF run-blocking grades above 75.0 on both zone and gap runs. 6. Tennessee Titans: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State Help for quarterback Cam Ward needs to be a priority for the Titans this offseason, and Tyson is the top-ranked wide receiver on the PFF Big Board as things stand. He has earned PFF overall grades above 80.0 in each of the past two seasons and is coming off a 2025 season in which he dropped just 1.6% of the catchable passes thrown his way. 7. Washington Commanders: EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech The Commanders need an injection of youth on defense, and the way this draft has played out gives them a plethora of options. Bailey has dominated off the edge this season, earning a 93.5 PFF pass-rush grade and producing a 21.6% PFF pass-rush win rate. There will be questions about his size, but he’s too good a pass rusher to fall out of the top 10. 8. New Orleans Saints: WR Makai Lemon, USC Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough has shown enough in 2025 for the Saints to want to build around him, so a playmaker like Lemon makes sense here. The USC star logged an 81.0 PFF receiving grade against man coverage, caught 66.7% of contested targets and dropped just 2.5% of the catchable targets thrown his way this season. 9. Cincinnati Bengals: EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL) The Bengals are still looking to bolster a struggling defense. It would be fitting for them to draft an edge defender who has question marks about his measurables but was a stud production-wise a year after doing the opposite last year by picking Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart. Bain has earned PFF overall grades of 87.6 and 91.7 in run defense and as a pass rusher, respectively, in 2025 and has the size to kick inside to rush in obvious passing situations. Subscribe to PFF+ to unlock full access to PFF’s 2026 big board and the world’s most advanced football database! 10. New York Giants (via Dolphins): S Caleb Downs, Ohio State The Giants are still crying out for difference-makers on defense. Downs is the top-ranked player on the PFF Big Board but slips to New York here because of positional value. For a Giants team whose starting safeties have both earned sub-60.0 PFF overall grades in 2025, a player like Downs — who has earned PFF overall grades of 89.3 and 82.5 in coverage and run defense,
Bengals News (12/22): Joe Burrow pressuring Cincinnati to have strong offseason
Postgame Quick Hits | Joe Burrow’s Offense Complements Holiday Giving Defense In Rout Of Dolphins; Chase Brown’s 7 Historic MinutesThe efficient offense that produced their most points since the 49-9 win over the Jets in 2013 and the electric defense that threw a fourth-and-one stop to go with three pure turnovers in that historic third […] Postgame Quick Hits | Joe Burrow’s Offense Complements Holiday Giving Defense In Rout Of Dolphins; Chase Brown’s 7 Historic Minutes The efficient offense that produced their most points since the 49-9 win over the Jets in 2013 and the electric defense that threw a fourth-and-one stop to go with three pure turnovers in that historic third quarter, was a stunning display of complementary football that has eluded them much of this season. Latest Joe Burrow Comments Reportedly Aimed to Put ‘Pressure’ On Bengals Front Office “No playoff hopes at stake, but he is going to continue to play. And it was a week of soul searching once again for Joe Burrow, this time kind of saying, ‘Yeah, I wonder what it’d be like if I were in another uniform.’ My understanding of Burrow’s statements, first of all, is that right now they have to basically play perfectly in his mind to win. And that has not happened,” Rapoport said on the channel. “This is putting a little pressure on the front office and ownership to be aggressive this offseason.” What Could The Bengals Be Without Defensive Struggles And Injury Woes? The Cincinnati Bengals might be the biggest tragedy in the past five years in the NFL. I know, the Titans and the Browns still exist, and they are both tragic examples of bad roster assembly, performance, and seemingly luck. But the Bengals are a tale of sadness in a different way. On offense, there might not be a team in the league that can match their talent at the skill positions. Chase Brown is an underrated multipurpose back who is as good a receiver as he is a runner. Joe Burrow, ‘having fun’ again, leads Bengals past Dolphins Since coming back from a turf toe injury that sidelined him for nine games this season, Cincinnati’s Pro Bowl quarterback hasn’t been shy about expressing his feelings amid a season that has been disappointing both personally and for the team. Williams: Meaningless wins shouldn’t be fool’s gold for Bengals The Cincinnati Bengals’ late-season run of winning games against bad or unproven quarterbacks and mostly sputtering teams. The Bengals have gotten really good at winning such games the last three seasons. It’s emboldened the stubborn front office to remain status quo, despite the Bengals missing the playoffs all three seasons. See More: Cincinnati Bengals News
Giants-Vikings analysis: Jaxson Dart’s bad game isn’t cause for alarm
Did you REALLY think New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart was going to get through his first season in the NFL without a game like the one he had Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings? A game where he, you know, actually looked and played like a rookie quarterback? Overmatched on Sunday against a talented defense and a fantastic coordinator with something to prove against a team he is suing, Dart had his worst game as a pro. He completed just 7 of 13 passes for 33 yards and an interception, and was probably lucky not to have a couple of other passes intercepted. Dart looked confused at times. He looked uncertain. He looked like a quarterback who needed help and knew he really didn’t have any. Now, suddenly, because for the first time all season a rookie quarterback looked like a rookie quarterback the narrative is that Dart is regressing and that the Giants hurt the rookie’s development by firing head coach Brian Daboll. In my view, that is an overreaction. Josh Allen had back-to-back starts as a rookie where he threw for 82 and 84 yards. Box Nix of the Denver Broncos has a game last season during which he passed for 60 yards. Eli Manning had a game as a rookie where he completed 4 of 18 passes for 27 yards. All week leading up to the game Dart and the Giants talked about how this game against Flores, one of the best and most aggressive defensive schemers in the business, and a good, veteran Minnesota defense, would be the biggest challenge Dart had faced. The Giants knew this would be a difficult game and a learning experience for the rookie. The Giants were missing their No. 1 wide receiver. In fact, they were pretty much missing any pass catcher who could actually make a play. How many times on Sunday did Justin Jefferson remind us that a great wide receiver can make just about any quarterback look better than he actually is? The Giants played much of the game without three-fifths of their starting offensive line. Did you really expect this one to be smooth sailing for Dart? Yes, Mike Kafka’s Giants game plan was conservative. Perhaps a few play-action throws on first down might have been in order. Fifteen consecutive running plays is a lot, but there were two sacks and two penalties when the Giants did try to throw during that stretch. I think the comparison BBV’s Tony DelGenio made from Sunday’s game to the Week 17 game in 2021 that made it clear Joe Judge needed to be fired is off base. In that game, the Giants were behind 14-0 before quarterback Mike Glennon completed a pass. They trailed 22-3 at halftime, yet Glennon attempted only 11 passes in the entire game. On the Giants’ final possession of the game they simply handed the ball to Saquon Barkley three straight times. Sunday’s plan wasn’t as conservative as you might think. The Giants ran 56 total plays. They called 31 designed runs and 25 passes. Dart was sacked five times. He scrambled twice. Five passes were wiped off the board by penalties, a couple of those roughing the passer calls against Minnesota. The makeshift offensive line didn’t help him. Dart was sacked five times, hit six, and forced to scramble on two occasions. The second time Dart dropped back to pass he was sacked and took one of two helmet-to-helmet hits he endured during the game — without a concussion check. The third time he dropped back to pass, on a fourth-and-5 at the Minnesota 10-yard line, he got sacked. He was constantly under duress. The pass catchers, and we have to use that term loosely, didn’t help him. On the Giants’ second drive, Dart tried to pass twice. Theo Johnson dropped one. Dart was sacked on the other. The next time Dart tried to pass, Johnson dropped his second pass in as many targets. This one turned into an interception that set up the Vikings in the red zone and led to a touchdown. In the second quarter, Wan’Dale Robinson could not come up with a floater from Dart that would have been a big play with a better throw. I don’t consider that a drop. Others do. On the Giants’ final drive, Darius Slayton dropped a ball that would have given the Giants a first down around the Minnesota 45-yard line. The Giants, of course, turned the ball over on downs. Does Dart miss Daboll? Probably. In three-and-a-half years, though, Daboll showed he wasn’t the right coach for the Giants’ TEAM. Is Kafka the answer as the next head coach? No. That’s clear. Have the Giants already screwed up their prized rookie quarterback? If they maintain the No. 1 pick the draft, do they need to trade him and start over with Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza? No. That’s complete nonsense. Dart played a bad game against a defense, and a masterful defensive coordinator who has made a lot of quarterbacks look terrible. He played like a confused rookie, which was bound to happen at some point. What was clear to me is that if Dart is ever going to be the quarterback he has flashed the ability to be the Giants need to get him more help. A lot more. More things I think If you needed evidence of what a great playmaker can do for a struggling quarterback all you had to do was watch Jefferson help J.J. McCarthy and Max Brosmer on Sunday. Jefferson’s 22-yard catch on Minnesota’s game-winning drive, diving and toe-dragging, was a superstar play that made a winner out of Brosmer. Jefferson also turned several underneath throws on third-and-10 or more into catch-and-run first downs. It’s small consolation, but the Giants’ defense has been better and much more creative with interim coordinator Charlie Bullen at the controls. The Giants gave up just 3.7 yards per attempt against the run on Sunday, their best in a
Discussion: What went wrong for the Detroit Lions?
Things are grim for the Detroit Lions. After Sunday’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Lions are on life support. The Lions not only need to win their remaining two games, but they need outside help as well. Regardless of whether the Lions beat the odds and squeak their way into the playoffs, this season […] Things are grim for the Detroit Lions. After Sunday’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Lions are on life support. The Lions not only need to win their remaining two games, but they need outside help as well. Regardless of whether the Lions beat the odds and squeak their way into the playoffs, this season has been a significant disappointment on the heels of a 15-2 season. If you had to pinpoint the source of this season’s struggles, what would you pick as the reason for it all? Today’s Question of the Day is: What went wrong for the Detroit Lions? My answer: Injuries. For the second season in a row, a promising Lions season was derailed by an onslaught of injuries. In 2024, the Lions overcame these injuries thanks to an otherworldly offense, but the cracks in the defense that had built up over the season grew too large come playoff time—one bad game from the offense, and it was all over. In 2025, the Lions experienced a similar wave of injuries, but this time around, the offense could not carry them. The similarities between the seasons are uncanny, both ending with different forms of disappointment. For all of the criticism that will (rightfully) be levied at the coaching staff, the front office, and the players, injuries are what truly cost the Lions a shot at the playoffs. It started last season when Alim McNeill tore his ACL, an injury that prevented him from playing for a chunk of 2025. Then came the Frank Ragnow retirement, a retirement undoubtedly accelerated by multiple career injuries. For a team that lives with trench domination, the Lions lost two of their best. This does not even include Levi Onwuzurike, Josh Paschal, and Ennis Rakestraw, three former second-round defenders who each wound up missing all of 2025 before playing a snap. Over the course of the season, the Lions lost more key players. Sam LaPorta had a serious back injury pop up out of nowhere. The Lions lost Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, two Pro Bowl-caliber safeties. Terrion Arnold encountered a multitude of injuries in a sophomore season where very little went right. D.J. Reed missed crucial time with an injury of his own, leaving the Lions desperate at cornerback. Graham Glasgow and Taylor Decker have battled injuries throughout the season, while Christian Mahogany suffered a fractured leg. On paper, the Lions had a roster capable of challenging for a Super Bowl, but how do you plan for this many injuries? It’s easy to say that the Lions should have signed another big-name cornerback, but what team expects to lose three of their top four cornerbacks over the course of a season? A team can only acquire so many depth pieces—the fact of the matter is that starting-caliber players are rare for a reason. A lot went wrong for the Lions this season, but it mainly boils down to injuries. The offensive line has not been healthy, seriously impacting the run game efficiency. Without a dominant run game, the passing attack has faltered. Without LaPorta, the Lions lost one of their top safety nets, an important piece when the offense is struggling. When the offense is struggling, the burden falls on the defense to keep games close. Without a healthy defense, everything falls apart. The Lions aren’t just losing players to injuries. They are losing key parts of their identity. The coaches deserve blame for not adapting to these injuries, sure, but there are only so many ways that a preseason-caliber depth chart can succeed in the regular season. The Lions’ offense was dynamic last season, but it was also an above-average unit when it came to health. If Ben Johnson were still the offensive coordinator in 2025, this offense would still have taken a step back. As for the defense, Kelvin Sheppard is a repeat of Aaron Glenn: a well-respected coach who has looked out of their element in the face of brutal strings of injuries. Maybe a better set of coaches results in the Lions making the playoffs, but there is only so much coaching can do when key players are falling left and right. Detroit will have some difficult questions to face in the coming months. The sad and frustrating part is that even if they nail their offseason via free agency and the draft, all it takes is more bad injury luck to derail yet another campaign. See More:
NY Giants news, 12/22: Reactions to another loss
Good morning, New York Giants fans! From Big Blue View Giants-Vikings ‘Kudos & Wet Willies’: Big day for Brian Burns, not for offense NY Giants NFL Draft order 2026: Where New York stands after Week 16 4 things we learned from the Giants’ 16-13 loss to the Vikings Giants-Vikings analysis: Instant position-by-position grades NY Giants vs. Minnesota Vikings final score: Giants beaten, 16-13 More headlines Jaxson Dart, Giants offense looked putrid in latest lifeless loss Is Jaxson Dart regressing, or are Giants QB’s recent struggles just rookie growing pains? Heroes, zeros from Giants’ loss to Vikings: Backup QB delivers after J.J. McCarthy injury Quotable It’s just a new experience I’ve never been through before, and it doesn’t make it any easier than what it is. You just try to do your best to stay positive as much as you can. — Jaxson Dart on losing Jaxson Dart’s good-luck-charm necklace from sister breaks during Giants loss BBV mailbag Have a Giants-related question? E-mail it to [email protected] and it might be featured in our weekly mailbag. BBV on social media BBV on X: Follow @BigBlueView | Ed Valentine: @Valentine_EdThreads: @ed.valentineBluesky: @edvalentineBBV on Facebook: Click here to like the Big Blue View Facebook pageBBV on YouTube: Subscribe to the Big Blue View YouTube channelBBV on Instagram: Click here to follow our Instagram page
Pittsburgh Steelers run past Detroit Lions to continue late-season trend — and win streak
Pittsburgh has won its last three contests over the Ravens, Dolphins and Lions, and now has a 94% shot to reach the postseason. While a slew of factors have been at play, chief among them might be the team’s running. Pittsburgh Steelers run past Detroit Lions to continue late-season trend — and win streak The Steelers dominated the Lions on the ground: Pittsburgh averaged a franchise-record 8.5 yards per carry and totaled seven runs of 10 or more yards in its victory. A dangerous two-headed attack: Kenneth Gainwell and Jaylen Warren have not only capitalized on rushing lanes, but also created yards after contact. Get PFF+ for 30% off: Use promo code HOLIDAY30 to unlock the PFF Player Prop Tool, Premium Stats, fantasy dashboards, the PFF Mock Draft Simulator, industry-leading fantasy rankings and much more — everything you need to win your season. Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes Three weeks ago, the Steelers fell to 6-6 after a crushing defeat to the Buffalo Bills. Chants to fire head coach Mike Tomlin permeated the Acrisure Stadium crowd, and the team’s playoff aspirations had seemingly faceplanted — sitting at only 33%. Instead of wilting as the team has done in previous years, though, the Steelers have risen to the occasion. Pittsburgh has won its last three contests over the Ravens, Dolphins and Lions, and now has a 94% shot to reach the postseason. While a slew of factors have been at play, chief among them might be the team’s running. That tenet of a tremendous ground game was on full display during Pittsburgh’s nail-biting 29-24 victory over the Lions in Detroit in Week 16. The Steelers posted 0.455 EPA per rush — a 100th-percentile figure in 2025 — along with 8.5 net yards per rush and seven explosive carries. Those numbers are impressive standing alone, but even more so considering how futile Pittsburgh’s rushing efficiency has been in recent memory. Metric Value Most Since Explosive Runs 7 Week 10, 2023 EPA/Rush 0.455 Week 8, 2022 Yards/Rush 8.5 Ever Maybe most impressive is that the Steelers still found paydirt through the run, even when the Lions were expecting it. Jaylen Warren ripped off two 45-yard touchdowns in the fourth quarter to help extend Pittsburgh’s lead, hitting home runs when defenses typically home in on loading the box to fit the run. The Steelers’ Week 16 rushing effort is individually resounding, but it also proliferates a budding trend. Indeed, over the last three weeks, Pittsburgh ranks second in rushing EPA per play, 11th in explosive run rate, fourth in average yards per carry and 13th in PFF rushing grade. Remarkably, running backs Warren and Kenneth Gainwell are thriving both in and out of structure. Since Week 14, the Steelers are fourth in yards before contact per attempt (2.1) and ninth in yards after contact per attempt (3.3). In other words, Pittsburgh’s offensive line is clearing solid lanes, while the two rushers are also exploiting defenses by gaining extra yards and forcing missed tackles. Team Rushing Yards Before/After Contact, Weeks 14-16 Although the Steelers’ run game has elevated, its offensive line isn’t necessarily blocking significantly better. Pittsburgh’s 55.1 PFF run-blocking mark over the last three games ranks 28th, and only two Steelers to play 10 or more run-blocking snaps — Troy Fautanu and Darnell Washington — have secured 70.0-plus PFF run-blocking marks. However, it’s worth noting that the Steelers’ offensive line has reduced its Defeated Block Rate from 54.9% to 46.6%, with the unit seemingly making fewer mistakes. On the player level, Gainwell has become a revelation to bolster Pittsburgh’s ineffective receiving corps, but he’s also contributed heavily as a rusher. Since Week 14, his 4.1 yards after contact per carry tie for third among qualified backs, and his 11 missed tackles forced are tied for seventh. Collectively, Warren and Gainwell have each compiled at least a 74.8 PFF rushing grade in 2025. The pair is one of five tandems at the position to accomplish that feat this season among those with at least 100 attempts — joining the Rams, Seahawks, Bears and Chargers. Intriguingly enough, it’s not as though Smith has significantly adjusted the team’s rushing style during this revelatory stretch. In both Weeks 1-13 and 14-16, Pittsburgh has deployed inside or outside zone on at least 59% of its rushes, hardly tinkering with its approach. Instead, the team is simply executing at a higher level. Run Concept Weeks 1-13 Weeks 14-16 Outside Zone 32% 35% Inside Zone 27% 28% Man 11% 13% Power 7% 3% Counter 1% 4% Draw 0% 0% Pull Lead 9% 5% Perhaps it’s not a coincidence that just Pittsburgh’s rushing attack has served as an anchor for the team’s offensive operation, quarterback Aaron Rodgers has played arguably his best football in multiple years. Put in conjunction, it gives Smith options to remain in control of the ball and both unpredictable as well as aggressive knowing that the ground can be a crutch. Granted, the Steelers still have flashed their mortality during this undefeated stretch. The team’s coverage unit has faltered, particularly late in games, and the Pittsburgh offense hasn’t stayed on schedule — sitting 25th in success rate. Converting red-zone trips into touchdowns instead of field goals has also been an Achilles’ heel. At the same time, Pittsburgh’s rushing success has given it some form of a much-needed offensive identity. With the AFC North title all but in hand, the Steelers become that much more dangerous in January if they can continue to ride Warren’s and Gainwell’s coat tails with the same level of efficacy. Add in a surging run defense and passing attack, and perhaps Tomlin’s winless playoff streak may finally end.
Colts will be without their blindside bookend for MNF
The Indianapolis Colts announced on Sunday that starting left tackle Bernhard Raimann (elbow) has been downgraded from questionable to out for Monday Night football’s home game against the San Francisco 49ers. Raimann was able to practice on a limited basis on Saturday for the first time all week, with an arm brace on his injured […] The Indianapolis Colts announced on Sunday that starting left tackle Bernhard Raimann (elbow) has been downgraded from questionable to out for Monday Night football’s home game against the San Francisco 49ers. Raimann was able to practice on a limited basis on Saturday for the first time all week, with an arm brace on his injured right elbow. However, it doesn’t appear as though the elbow was healthy enough to play with quite yet. The 4th-year left tackle was injured late in the first half during Week 15’s road loss against the Seattle Seahawks, and while he was officially designated as questionable, he did not return to action in that one. Instead, it was recently promoted left tackle Luke Tenuta from the practice squad who replaced Raimann with the Colts first-team offense. It’s likely that the Colts will turn to Tenuta yet again for his first career start. The team signed veteran Zach Thomas to the practice squad earlier this week, and it seems likely that he’ll be elevated to the 53-man active roster on game day for additional positional depth. The fellow 4th-year offensive tackle has appeared in 17 career games. While longtime veteran quarterback Philip Rivers has always been lauded for his ability to predict and sense the opposing pass rush, with a quick throwing release, he also has zero mobility. It’s also a fair question of whether at 44-years-old, he’ll be able to withstand a number of big hits if the Colts can’t consistently protect his blindside. See More: Indianapolis Colts News
Ashton Jeanty silences doubters against stout Houston Texans’ defense
It’s been a tough rookie season for Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty. The No. 6 overall pick has been running behind a terrible offensive line and hasn’t had much breathing room for the majority of the year, leading to a stat line that falls well short of many people’s expectations. However, even in […] It’s been a tough rookie season for Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty. The No. 6 overall pick has been running behind a terrible offensive line and hasn’t had much breathing room for the majority of the year, leading to a stat line that falls well short of many people’s expectations. However, even in a loss to the Houston Texans, the Boise State product managed to silence a lot of doubters. The Texans came into Week 16 with the NFL’s top-ranked defense, and Jeanty managed to find the end zone twice against them. Once on a 60-yard touchdown catch that gave the Raiders a one-point lead in the third quarter, and the other score came on a 51-yard run to make it a one-possession contest with 5:24 to play. He ended the day with 188 yards from scrimmage, including 128 and 5.3 yards per carry on the ground, to provide some encouragement heading into next season. So, despite Las Vegas leaving Houston with a 23-21 loss, this was about as good a performance as the 2-13 club could have asked for, and it leads to a much more positive tone from the internet compared to the last couple of months. The route and run from Jeanty were things of beauty! Brock Bowers also had a solid outing with five catches, 33 yards and a touchdown. With the Tennessee Titans beating the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday couldn’t have gone much better for the Raiders. That sets up for a “great” Tank Bowl next week! Do you believe Pete Carroll that he loves working with John Spytek? Well, play the guys Spytek drafted then! Could this be the future? I second the message below. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, Raider Nation! See More:
Dolphins steamrolled by Bengals – The Splash Zone 12/22/25
One bad offensive penalty call by the officials was the turning point for this game. The Miami Dolphins got routed by the Cincinnati Bengals yesterday as Joe Burrow carved up the Dolphins defense and Miami had a 7th round rookie starting at quarterback in Quinn Ewers. These last couple of games is going to show […] One bad offensive penalty call by the officials was the turning point for this game. The Miami Dolphins got routed by the Cincinnati Bengals yesterday as Joe Burrow carved up the Dolphins defense and Miami had a 7th round rookie starting at quarterback in Quinn Ewers. These last couple of games is going to show just how bad this Dolphins roster is. They lack talent and are going to be dealing with some cap issues this offseason. Whether Mike McDaniel is back or not, this team probably won’t be ready to compete for anything next season. You can check out that story here, and the rest of the day’s round-up below. First look at the possible 2026 Tua-less Dolphins was not a pretty oneCincinnati demolishes Miami as Tagovailoa watches from the bench Bengals at Dolphins Chris Perkins: A weird week and season for Dolphins got even weirder SundayIt’s been a weird week in Dolphinsland. We saw some things we haven’t typically seen. Miami Dolphins instant takeaways: How did Quinn Ewers look in debut?The Miami Dolphins’ experiment with the rookie looked pretty good. For a half. Hyde10: Ewers struggles, Burrows soars, draft update — 10 thoughts on Dolphins’ ugly loss to CincyThe Dolphins (6-9) played a meaningless game Sunday in a meaningless way. Cincinnati (5-10) demolished the Dolphins 45-21 by scoring touchdowns on five straight possessions from the end of the first half into the fourth quarter. Things we learned in Miami Dolphins’ 45-21 loss to Cincinnati BengalsThe Miami Dolphins ensured back-to-back losing seasons with Sunday’s 45-21 loss against the Cincinnati Bengals, and in the process they found out that rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers still has a long way to go before he can compete for a starting job. A troubling trend that’s haunted the Dolphins all season ruined their 45-21 loss to Bengals and Mike McDaniel doesn’t seem to have an answerThe same thing that’s been haunting Miami all season ruined their Week 16 game. Dolphins Quarterbacks Quinn Ewers Report Card in Dolphins’ start | SchadMiami Dolphins rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers made his first NFL start, against the Cincinnati Bengals at Hard Rock Stadium. Quinn Ewers looks OK but Miami Dolphins will need franchise QB | SchadMiami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel was upset about third-down tackling and a lopsided third-quarter problem that’s lasted all season but the most interesting thing he said was about program-building, in light of what will be a second consecutive losing season. Phinsider News You May Have Missed Miami Dolphins to move on from Tua Tagovailoa; Offered 4 first-round picks for Joe Burrow ahead of 2020 NFL DraftAs the Miami Dolphins prepare to face the Bengals, and search for a new QB, an old rumor starts to resurface. NFL Week 16 Saturday schedule, odds: Eagles vs. Commanders, Packers vs. BearsWeek 16 brings Saturday games. Who will win the Eagles-Commanders and Packers-Bears games? We make our predictions. Fan confidence drops as Dolphins lose, make quarterback changeThe Miami Dolphins were embarrassed by the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 15, then made a major quarterback change heading into Week 16. How are the fans feeling about the direction of the team? Bengals vs. Dolphins final score: Cincinnati trounces Miami in second-half onslaughtThe Miami Dolphins faced the Cincinnati Bengals in the first start for quarterback Quinn Ewers. We react to everything as it happens. See More: The Splash Zone
