Good morning, New York Giants fans! From Big Blue View Other Giant observations Landing John Harbaugh is a win the Giants’ whole organization badly needed | The Athletic Despite all of their recent losing and dysfunction, the Giants have maintained their status as a storied franchise, especially in the eyes of an old-school football lifer like Harbaugh. Losing him to the likes of the Tennessee Titans or Atlanta Falcons would have been a devastating blow at a fragile time for the franchise. Landing Harbaugh was the best possible outcome when the Giants set out on the unpredictable path of a coaching search. It’s the biggest win for the franchise in a long time. And now, with Harbaugh on board, the belief is many more wins will follow. SI’s Albert Breer on what won over John Harbaugh The Giants know exactly what they’re getting. And he knows the kind of chance here to put the Giants back on top, become the first coach ever to win a Super Bowl with two different teams, unless Sean Payton beats him to it with the Broncos. Because of everything that has happened to them lately; because of the way they have fallen down; and after the general managers and coaches who have come and gone since the last Super Bowl over the Patriots, this is as important a hire as the Giants have ever made, all the way back to old Tim Mara. More than anything else, closing out the bidding on Harbaugh before he even met with the Titans or with the Falcons, sends out this loud message, and not just to the fan base, but to the rest of the league: He is taking his talents to North Jersey because he’s decided the Giants are worthy of those talents, not just for coaching but for culture building as well. And you better believe that even if Joe Schoen is staying on as general manager, going forward the football business at MetLife Stadium will run through the office of the new coach. John Harbaugh instantly changes Giants perception, creates blueprint toward relevance | SNY.tv With the coaching search complete, owners John Mara and Tisch (who was among the biggest advocates for the Giants hiring Harbaugh) can finally exhale — and perhaps even enjoy this weekend’s playoff games. Two in particular. On Sunday, New England faces Houston. Later, Chicago meets the Rams. A year ago, those teams won four and five games, respectively. Both believed they were close. Both found the right coach — the Patriots with Mike Vrabel, the Bears with Ben Johnson — and made immediate strides. Now, they’re on to the second round of the playoffs. The Giants believe they can do the same. Their roster remains imperfect. Dart needs more weapons. The offensive line requires real solutions, not short-term patches. The defense, despite recognizable names, fell well short of expectations a season ago. Still, with Harbaugh in charge, the task ahead no longer feels overwhelming. At minimum, the Giants finally have a path forward. And for the first time in a long time, there is a legitimate reason to believe in a blueprint toward relevance. The Big Picture: How John Harbaugh Brought Credibility and Hope to Giants Overnight | FOX Sports To be honest, it’s hard to think of a more significant moment in Giants history than the moment when John Harbaugh, a Super Bowl-winning coach, clearly the prize of this year’s carousel, made the decision to accept the generous offer that the Giants were so desperate to give him. As the new head coach of the New York Giants — the news is expected to become official sometime on Thursday — he brings instant credibility. He carries a feeling of hope. And sure, they might have been in good hands with Kevin Stefanski too, or Mike McCarthy or some hotshot coordinator who is staring at a long and storied career. But none of them — none — would have come close to creating the buzz and excitement that Harbaugh did. Not a single other coach would have brought this kind of seismic change. Boomer on the ceiling for the Dart/Harbaugh combo John Harbaugh made this move to find out if the Giants were the right fit | NJ.com One person who gave some insight was former quarterback Eli Manning. It’s been reported that Manning reached out to Harbaugh, but according to reporter Gary Myers, it was actually the opposite. “Harbaugh initiated things by reaching out to Peyton to get Eli’s phone number and texted asking to talk,” Myers wrote on X. “Eli then called him. Sources say Manning told Giants owner John Mara two months ago that the team needed a HC with experience who had seen all there is to see in the NFL and could take control of the building. Two months ago, the ideal person didn’t exist. Then Harbaugh fell into their lap.” As the most critical meal in New York Giants history wound down Wednesday night, Tim Salouros, the owner of Elia restaurant in East Rutherford, N.J., walked into his private dining room in the old wine cellar and looked out at a contingent that included general manager Joe Schoen, senior executive Chris Mara and highly sought after NFL coach John Harbaugh. “After they were done eating, I told them, I know there’s a lot of tension in the room but, as a fan, please sign,” Salouros told Sports Illustrated Thursday morning. “And if you’re not going to—I have a back door and I’ll show you out that way.” Everyone laughed. The room looked perfect—the owner described the ambiance as “festive” and “celebratory”—and Salouros, despite hearing that Harbaugh had other head coaching interviews after this one, knew the Giants had landed their dream head coach when Harbaugh smiled on his way out and said: “I know I’ll be seeing you again soon.” Realistic turnaround timeline After the 2025 NFL postseason set a record with five teams that had 11-plus losses the year prior —
Giants news, 1/16: John Harbaugh reaction, coordinator candidates
Fantasy Football: Evaluating 2025 IDP defensive back tackles versus expected
Jon Macri evaluates how NFL defensive backs performed in tackles versus expected in 2025. Several of last year’s top tacklers repeat in 2025: Budda Baker, Jordan Battle and Nick Cross were among several of the repeat elites in this metric. Many of the rookie safeties left more to be desired: Several safeties from the 2025 class were full-time starters, including Malaki Starks and Craig Woodson, though they left plenty of meat on the bone in the tackle column in Year 1. Unlock your edge with PFF+: Access Premium Stats, dominate fantasy with in-season tools and projections and make smarter bets with the new PFF Player Prop Tool. Get 25% off your PFF+ annual subscription with code PFFFANTASYPODCAST25. Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes It’s easy at the end of each NFL season to look at where players ranked in fantasy football, but understanding why they finished where they did is often more important when projecting future production. For the defensive back position, tackles are important, but a defensive back’s ability to make big plays often separates the scoring leaders from the rest of the pack. However, big plays, such as interceptions, sacks and fumbles, are also wildly unstable, so focusing more on which safeties and cornerbacks can deliver strong tackle numbers is often the best starting point for IDP. All expected tackle figures for defensive backs are derived from a combination of each player’s individual play and situation. Focusing on their alignment, run or pass situation, what type of coverage they’re in and how many snaps they played, their efficiency is compared to their peers’ larger pool. Safeties Top performers Among the 28 eligible safeties (non-rookies) who finished among the top 75th percentile in tackles versus expected this season, 23 (82%) finished with a positive score in this regard last year as well. The repeat elites All of these safeties finished no worse than the top 85th percentile in tackles versus expected last season and were able to repeat among the top 85th percentile again in 2025. They have been the most consistent and efficient tacklers relative to their situations over the past two seasons combined and are now strong bets to keep that going heading into 2026. Surprise names This list of safeties all finished in the top 85th percentile at the position in tackles versus expected after finishing with negative scores in 2024. They represent the high variance IDP managers often see at the defensive back position as a whole. With less stability in their production from year to year, some of these names may come back down to Earth in 2026. Other names of note These are players who have also performed exceptionally well in recent years and remain solid options for IDP if they maintain the same level of production as repeat positive performers in this metric. With positive deployments on a full-time basis, they should be considered solid bets to potentially lead this metric in future seasons, given their stronger track records. Tony Adams, New York Jets Underperformers This year, several new players entered the league and came in below expectations in the tackle column and are potentially at risk of being inefficient in future years as well. It’s also worth noting that 57% of qualifying players (non-rookies) in the bottom 25th percentile this season finished with a negative score in this metric last season. Repeat underperformers to the bottom 25th percentile These are the safeties who have been among the worst tacklers relative to their position over the past two seasons and should be considered riskier IDP options considering the lower tackle potential heading into 2026. Rookies who underdelivered as tacklers in Year 1 Given their usage, deployment and tackle production, this group didn’t quite match their peers’ production in similar situations, making them names to watch going forward due to the risk of inefficiency carrying over to future seasons. It isn’t a guarantee that this inefficiency will hold, considering there is still a fair amount of variance in this metric, but they will be worth monitoring at the very least. Dean Clark, New York Jets Surprise names Again, variance at the defensive back position is less of a surprise, though considering some strong showings in 2024, these players making the bottom 25th percentile now in 2025 is at least somewhat concerning. Like with all defensive back production, there is room to bounce back as soon as next season, but it’s worth highlighting some of the new names who went from positive scorers last year to near the bottom this year. Taylor Rapp, Buffalo Bills 🏈 Draft Season 2026 Prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft with PFF+ Your complete draft preparation toolkit Subscribe Cornerbacks Top performers Among the 29 eligible cornerbacks (non-rookies) who finished among the top 75th percentile in tackles versus expected this season, 17 (59%) finished with a positive score in this regard last year as well. Unlike the safety position, which is already an unstable position, the cornerback position is typically much harder to predict, though this metric is at least better than most in that regard, especially on the high and low ends of the spectrum. The repeat elites All of these cornerbacks finished no worse than the top 80th percentile in tackles versus expected last season and were able to repeat among the top 80th percentile again in 2025. They have been the most consistent and efficient tacklers relative to their situations over the past two seasons combined and are now strong bets to keep that going heading into 2026. Surprise names These players are either new names for IDP, either due to being rookies or first-time starters, who immediately hit the ground running and established themselves as players to watch for IDP purposes going forward. They can also be names who were not positive scorers in this metric last season and turned things around this year. Underperformers A lot of the league’s best coverage cornerbacks often come in well below expectations in the tackle column, as opposing offenses
Are Rams getting healthy at the right time?
The Los Angeles Rams started the season 9-2 before losing three of their final six games. After remaining relatively healthy for much of the season, injuries to Quentin Lake and Kevin Dotson created a speed bump in the middle of what was an otherwise strong season. It was the polar opposite from the last two […] The Los Angeles Rams started the season 9-2 before losing three of their final six games. After remaining relatively healthy for much of the season, injuries to Quentin Lake and Kevin Dotson created a speed bump in the middle of what was an otherwise strong season. It was the polar opposite from the last two years in which the Rams started the season with injuries and got healthy as the year progressed. In 2023, the Rams started 3-6, but finished 7-1. Last year, the Rams were 1-4 and then finished 9-2 with a third loss coming after resting starters. This season, it would have been very difficult to overcome that sort of start. However, they started 9-2 and were looking like the best team in the NFL before their late-season slump. In 2023 and 2024, the Rams were playing their best football going into the playoffs and it didn’t seem to matter. This year, the Rams may have been playing their worst football heading into the playoffs. After Lake went down with an injury, the Rams allowed 27 or more points in four out of seven games to end the season. Two of the three games in which they didn’t were against the Arizona Cardinals. After averaging 128.5 yards per game and 4.67 yards per carry with a 58.1 rushing success rate in Weeks 1-15, that dropped after Kevin Dotson’s injury. Since Week 16, they have averaged 4.18 yards per carry which is nearly a full half yard less. The drop in overall yards per game and success rate has been minimal, but the loss of Dotson did have an effect. In pass protection, Matthew Stafford went from being pressured at a 28.5 percent rate to 34.5 percent. That doesn’t mention the hamstring injury to Davante Adams. Before Adams’ injury, the Rams were 25-for-33 in the red zone since the bye week. That’s a conversion rate of 75.8 percent. In the three games without Adams, they were 6-for-13 for a 46.2 percent touchdown rate in the red zone. Some regression to the mean may have been expected. However, a near-30 percent drop is significant. Last week, the Rams got Quentin Lake back in the lineup. While he allowed eight receptions for 94 yards and was picked on against the Carolina Panthers, he’s also the best chance that the Rams have at slowing down some of the Bears’ weapons. That’s especially the case when it comes to Colston Loveland. The hope will be that with a game under his belt, Lake performs as he did early in the season. Dotson should help revive a run game against a defense that has struggled against the run this season. The Bears have allowed a 44 percent rushing success rate this season which is the sixth-worst in the NFL. Since Week 10, it is the fourth-worst. Since Week 10, the Rams have a 51.9 rushing success rate which is the best in the NFL. The Bears defense ranks 19th in the red zone this season. Since Week 10 though, they’ve only allowed a 50 percent touchdown rate in the red zone. For the Rams to have a healthy Adams in this game will be important. He’s taken an average red zone offense and made it one of the best in the NFL. Additionally, Terrance Ferguson could be back against the Bears. The rookie tight end started slow, but was starting to develop and show promise over the second half of the season. From Weeks 9-17, Ferguson led all tight ends in yards per reception and average depth of target. He had become a legitimate down field threat in the passing game. The Bears have allowed the 10th most receptions to tight ends. It will be interesting to see how the Rams utilize Ferguson with Tyler Higbee and Colby Parkinson, but he’s an important piece of the passing game. On the other side,The Bears may be happy just to end their season with a win against the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs. They would obviously like to go to the NFC Championship, but everything for them after that win is gravy. The Bears have also suffered some injuries that could loom large. Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards will miss the game; he’s a top-15 coverage linebacker. Ozzy Trapilo provided the Bears some stability at left tackle. The Bears could turn to Theo Benedet who ranks inside the bottom-10 in pass-blocking efficiency or Braxton Jones who has been on injured reserve since October. At this point in the season, all teams are going to be managing their own injuries. Matthew Stafford isn’t 100 percent after spraining his finger last week. Ahkello Witherspoon was also placed on injured reserve. However, considering it’s the divisional round of the playoffs, the Rams are in pretty good shape. They are getting key players back while other teams are losing key players to injury. When the Rams have been healthy this season, they have been the best team in the NFL. Heading into the divisional round of the playoffs, they may be getting healthy again at the right time and in time to make a run.
Michael Mayer quietly effective when it counted
In the big picture, Las Vegas Raiders backup tight end Michael Mayer had a mostly quiet third NFL season with modest stats. The second-round pick from Notre Dame in 2023 had 35 catches for 328 yards on 50 targets in 13 games. Yet, Mayer did make an impact based on this recent X post from […] In the big picture, Las Vegas Raiders backup tight end Michael Mayer had a mostly quiet third NFL season with modest stats. The second-round pick from Notre Dame in 2023 had 35 catches for 328 yards on 50 targets in 13 games. Yet, Mayer did make an impact based on this recent X post from an NFL analytics post, led all receivers in 2025 on third and fourth downs based on, at least, 15 targets. Mayer, according to this metric, caught 88 percent of his 17 targets. So, again, Mayer didn’t make a huge impact. But he was productive and clutch when needed and that plays, so the new Raiders’ offensive coaching staff some a valuable resource going into next season. In other Raiders’ news: New trend: The Athletic examines how Raiders’ part owner Tom Brady is part of a new trend. FEED talk: Check out this FEED post and join the party. Top 24 draft picks figured out: There just eight more picks to determine the first round of the 2026 NFL Drat. We all now where the Raiders are picking. See More: Las Vegas Raiders Game Information
‘Bears have weather advantage’: Freezing cold take
Temperature estimates for Sunday’s divisional playoff game between the Rams and Bears in Chicago are sitting around 20 degrees, leading to a snowball effect of opinions that the home team has an advantage. So why does history not support that theory whatsoever? Over the last 20 years, divisional round playoff games at 20 degrees or […] Temperature estimates for Sunday’s divisional playoff game between the Rams and Bears in Chicago are sitting around 20 degrees, leading to a snowball effect of opinions that the home team has an advantage. So why does history not support that theory whatsoever? Over the last 20 years, divisional round playoff games at 20 degrees or below have been won by the ROAD TEAM more often than the home team. Home teams are 2-3 in 20 or below since 2005: 2025: Bills (home) beat Ravens 27-25 2022: 49ers (away) beat Packers 13-10 2018: Jaguars (away) beat Steelers 45-42 2015: Patriots (home) beat Ravens 35-31 2013: Ravens (away) beat Broncos 38-35 (2 OT) (Years are actual years, not seasons) Every single cold weather game was close. The last blowout in a cold weather division game was a Steelers win over the Bills in 1996. Pittsburgh was at home but that same weekend the Colts went to Kansas City and beat the Chiefs in 11 degree weather, 10-7. All-time home team record in 20 degrees or below in the divisional round: 11-7 But in the last 10 cases, both home and road teams have 5 wins. When you expand the criteria beyond divisional round and include ANY playoff game in 20 or below degrees, then since 2005 home teams have a combined record of 10-11. 10 and 11. The home team has lost more often than they’ve won. Some are saying that no, it’s not gonna be 20 degrees…it’s gonna be FREEZING cold. It’s gonna feel even colder than that. Okay. In 15 degrees or below, home teams are 4-7 in their last 11 such playoff games. 4-7. The home teams. Does anything matter more than the fact that the Bears are an overrated 11-6 team that is lucky to be here? Not really. Definitely not the weather. The Bears can’t play defense in any weather so I expect the road weather teams to keep up their hot streak. See More:
Chiefs fire second offensive assistant coach of the offseason
The Kansas City Chiefs have yet to clarify whether or not offensive coordinator Matt Nagy will move on from Kansas City, but the offensive coaching staff will be different in 2026. On Thursday, Sam McDowell of the Kansas City Star reported the Chiefs have fired running backs coach Todd Pinkston and wide receivers Connor Embree. […] The Kansas City Chiefs have yet to clarify whether or not offensive coordinator Matt Nagy will move on from Kansas City, but the offensive coaching staff will be different in 2026. There are four changes to the Chiefs coaching staff so far, per sources: They have fired RBs coach Todd Pinkston and WRs coach Connor Embree. Louie Addazio chose to move on for the OL job at UNLV. Alex Whittingham has joined the Michigan staff. Could be more after the carousel… — Sam McDowell (@SamMcDowell11) January 15, 2026 On Thursday, Sam McDowell of the Kansas City Star reported the Chiefs have fired running backs coach Todd Pinkston and wide receivers Connor Embree. The latter’s dismissal was reported last week, but now McDowell has confirmed the expulsion of both assistant coaches. The 2025 season was Pinkston’s third as the running backs coach in Kansas City, joining the staff when Nagy assumed the offensive coordinator role in 2023. The former NFL wide receiver coached a backfield that mainly consisted of running backs Isiah Pacheco, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Kareem Hunt over three years. In Pinkston’s first season, Pacheco rushed for 935 yards, but no Chiefs player rushed for over 750 yards in the two years since. Pinkston was hired as an assistant after working with head coach Andy Reid through a coaching internship in 2022. He had experience as the wide receivers coach at Austin Peay State University before becoming the associate head coach at Stockbridge High School in Georgia. His 11-year career as an NFL wide receiver — and his experience coaching that position at lower levels — did not translate to coaching the running backs impactfully in Kansas City over three years. Embree coached the position Pinkston played, while Pinkston coached the position Embree was seemingly more familiar with. Despite playing quarterback his senior year at Blue Valley West High School, Embree was a two-star running back recruit, according to 247sports. He was listed as a running back during his playing days at the University of Kansas. It will be interesting to see how the Chiefs’ offensive coaching staff shapes up from here — and if the new hires are more traditional fits in each position room.
NY Giants 2026 NFL Draft: 10 prospects to watch at the Senior Bowl
There is a clock ticking for the New York Giants and their new head coach John Harbaugh. The inexorable process that is leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft is under way. And while the Giants have their next head coach, they need to get a coaching staff together. January 14th was the hard deadline for underclassmen to declare for the upcoming draft. The Panini Senior Bowl also released its final (barring withdrawals or late invites) roster with declarations made. Senior Bowl practices will be begin on January 27th, and the Giants will want the overall structure of their coaching staff in place when they descend on Mobile. Coaches take a much more active role in scouting starting at the Senior Bowl, and having offensive and defensive coordinators in place is crucial for helping the team focus their efforts efficiently. We don’t know yet what schemes the Giants will call in 2026, but we do know the players that will be at the Senior Bowl and take a quick look at some of the players to watch. American Team Full Roster Ja’Kobi Layne (WR, USC) – If the Giants opt to pass on a receiver in the first round, Lane is an intriguing name for the second round. He probably won’t be a star or a “WR1” if Malik Nabers goes down or isn’t ready, but he is a big, physical receiver who can tilt 50/50 balls in his favor, keep the chains moving on third down, or be a factor in the Red Zone. Jalon Kilgore (S, South Carolina) – Kilgore is an interesting option for the Giants with Dane Belton entering free agency. He was best described as a “nickel defender” for the Gamecocks, lining up all over their Back 7, though he’s listed on the Senior Bowl roster as a safety — indicating that’s where the NFL views him. Kilgore is a good athlete at 6-foot-1, 211 pounds (unofficial), with enough speed to cover ground in zone coverage as well as hip fluidity to cover in the slot. J.C. Davis (OT, Illinois) – Davis is a stoutly built tackle (listed at 6-foot-5, 335 pounds), and the NFL may ask him to move to guard. However, he’s also been a remarkably dependable blocker for Illinois, with upside in both run blocking and pass protection. He isn’t on the national radar yet and lands as a fourth-round prospect on Pro Football Focus’ draft board and a fifth-rounder on the Consensus Big Board. However, he could climb dramatically if he has a good week of practice. Caleb Banks (iDL, Florida) – Banks has a real chance to be a first round draft pick. He’s a powerful defensive tackle (6-foot-6, 330 pounds) who also has some pass rush chops and upside. He missed most of the season with an injury, but he returned for Florida’s final two games and has a golden opportunity to put him right back in the conversation for the top interior defenders in the draft. Davison Igbinosun (DB, Ohio State) – Igbinosun played cornerback almost exclusively for the Buckeyes, however is listed as a “DB” on the Senior Bowl roster, which could be a sign that the NFL thinks the 6-foot-2, 195 pounder has the versatility to play multiple positions. He was very good in both man coverage and run defense last year, allowing a completion percentage of just 42.6, with 10 passes defensed and 2 interceptions, as well as amassing 53 tackles. National Team Full Roster Cole Payton (QB, North Dakota State) – Payton has a chance to make himself a lot of money down in Mobile. Payton is a dense quarterback at 6-foot-2, 233 pounds, and finished the year with 2,719 yards with 16 passing touchdowns and four interceptions, as well as 777 rushing yards (136 carries, 5.7 yards per carry) and 13 touchdowns on the ground. The depth chart at quarterback is wide open after now that Dante Moore has gone back to college, and Payton could climb draft boards. If not, he may be an option as a developmental backup quarterback for the Giants. Emmaneul Pregnon (OG, Oregon) – We’ve highlighted Pregnon a few times already in Oregon’s various games, and the spotlight remains on for the Senior Bowl. He could be a real option for the Giants at the top of the second round to plug a hole at guard and continue to build their offensive line. He’s big, powerful, and an effective run blocker and pass protector. Lee Hunter (DT, Texas Tech) – If the Giants want to look for an option at nose tackle to play behind Dexter Lawrence, Hunter could draw their eye. The 6-foot-4, 330 pounder is a rock in the middle of a very good Texas Tech defense. He’s almost impossible to move one-on-one, and also has the power to collapse the pocket as a pass rusher. Hunter doesn’t have Dexter Lawrence’s explosiveness, but he did generate 20 hurries this year, as well as a pair of sacks and 4 hits. Jacob Rodriguez (LB, Texas Tech) – Rodriguez probably won’t be the first defensive player drafted this year, but he was voted the best defensive player in the country as well as the best linebacker. The Bednarik, Nagurski, and Butkus award winner has mediocre size (6-foot-1, 230 pounds) but he absolutely stuffed the stat sheet, to the tune of 128 tackles, 11.0 tackles for a loss, one sack, seven forced fumbles, six passes defensed, and four interceptions. Chris Jonson (CB, San Diego State) – Johnson’s is a name to know as the process unfolds. The 6-foot, 195 pound corner was a black hole this year, allowing a passer rating of 16.1, with nine passes defensed, and four interceptions — two of which he returned for a touchdown. He also had 49 total tackles and three tackles for a loss in addition to his work in coverage. He’s an instinctive and fluid corner who can play man and zone, and is a willing run defender as well.
The most positive aspect of Rams’ wildcard win
Buried in the Los Angeles Rams’ playoff win over the Carolina Panthers is one of the more positive developments for Sean McVay’s team: they possibly solved their recent tackling issue. At risk of sounding like a broken record, I have spent the last month documenting the Rams’ challenges in bringing ball carriers down: Dec 30: […] Buried in the Los Angeles Rams’ playoff win over the Carolina Panthers is one of the more positive developments for Sean McVay’s team: they possibly solved their recent tackling issue. At risk of sounding like a broken record, I have spent the last month documenting the Rams’ challenges in bringing ball carriers down: Dec 30: Rams-Falcons PFF Grades: Missed tackles galore (again) Dec 22: A problem the Rams cannot seem to fix Dec 15: Blip or Trend? Rams have a tackling issue. The trend came to a screeching halt last week in Carolina. It’s a stark difference from their recent games: WC at Panthers: 5 missed tackles Week 18 vs Cardinals: 9 Week 17 at Falcons: 19 Week 16 at Seahawks: 11 Week 15 vs Lions: 13 Week 14 vs Cardinals: 14 Week 13 at Panthers: 6 Between Weeks 14 and 18 they missed over 13 tackles per game on average. This was one of the best tackling teams in all the NFL for the first half of the season. While it’s encouraging that they’ve flipped the script in the postseason, what in the world changed? 1 – Regression from Nate Landman Landman missed only two tackle attempts in his first seven games as a Ram. Since Week 9 against the New Orleans Saints—an 11 game stretch—he’s missed 17 tackles and more than one per game. The veteran linebacker isn’t responsible for the turnaround against the Panthers. He missed two tackles (40% of LA’s misses) and has eight in his last four games. The Rams still need Landman to be more sure-handed and the sooner this starts the better. 2 – Quentin Lake’s return is huge We know Quentin Lake is an important player on the defense, especially given his role as a captain. The Rams understand this too and recently rewarded the slot/safety with a contract extension, preventing him from hitting the open free agent market. Lake was absent from Weeks 11 through 18. Although the team’s tackling problem didn’t really hit full force until Week 14, it’s probably not a coincidence that the results improved as soon as Lake returned to the lineup. 3 – Playoffs are best on best Nothing can force turnarounds like the threat of being sent home from the postseason. Winning requires teams to bring their best performances, and it could be a matter of the Rams simply tightening their chin straps. The bottom line is that this is an encouraging sign for the Rams defense moving forward. They must continue to right the trend or they could find themselves on the losing side of a playoff battle.
After the bye, the Colts simply said “bye” to winning
I have never really seen anything like it. Given that it has been thirty years since a team started 8-2 and missed the playoffs and I am thirty-seven, it stands to reason why. That is a long time ago, and seven-year-old me wasn’t watching much football. We all know the story at this point, but […] I have never really seen anything like it. Given that it has been thirty years since a team started 8-2 and missed the playoffs and I am thirty-seven, it stands to reason why. That is a long time ago, and seven-year-old me wasn’t watching much football. We all know the story at this point, but what are the “why’s” we can point to in order for us to properly digest the massive fall from grace the Indianapolis Colts experienced in the second half? Here are a few thoughts. One of the most obvious reasons is that the competition stiffened: Chiefs, Texans and Jaguars twice, Seahawks, and 49ers. With the exception of the Chiefs, all of those teams made the playoffs. Now, with the exception of the Jaguars, all of those teams are in the divisional round. Beating up on the Titans twice and the Raiders made fans feel good, but it inflated team stats and skewed the optics of how good they really were. Anytime a team loses its starting quarterback, it hurts. No matter how serviceable Philip Rivers was, swapping him for Daniel Jones was a downgrade. That isn’t to say Jones wouldn’t have gone winless too, but let’s be honest when talking about a five-year-retired player making a comeback versus an established and active player. Injuries to other players had an impact, but which team didn’t suffer injuries? Outside of quarterback, other arguments seem moot. Going back to the argument of higher quality opponents, the offense wasn’t nearly as efficient in the second half. In the wins, the Colts averaged over 35 points. It started with Pittsburgh but carried over post-bye in which their average sank to 20.7. While understanding a good offense helps the defense, all the blame can’t be placed on one side of the ball. In the wins, the defense gave up 19, but after the bye, that rose to 29.4. Like two ships passing in the night but in the wrong direction, the second half of the season was doomed. I am sure there are more X’s and O’s others can point to, but the big picture remains clear: a tough schedule meets losing your quarterback which turns into a lack of efficiency on both sides of the ball. It is as simple as that. Does that mean the Colts had to go and lose every game after the bye? Of course not, but it is plain to see why it happened. Expectations were low this season, and the Colts overperformed early on. The law of averages came back around and brought them back to reality. Regardless of the reason, it is still remarkable that the Colts took a break and literally said “bye” to winning. See More: Indianapolis Colts Analysis
Divisional Round free agents Las Vegas Raiders should keep tabs on
While the Las Vegas Raiders won’t be participating in the NFL playoffs during the Divisional Round this weekend, the Raiders do have an opportunity to get a look at a few players they should be interested in during free agency. So, let’s dive into one impending free agent from each remaining playoff team to keep […] While the Las Vegas Raiders won’t be participating in the NFL playoffs during the Divisional Round this weekend, the Raiders do have an opportunity to get a look at a few players they should be interested in during free agency. So, let’s dive into one impending free agent from each remaining playoff team to keep tabs on. Buffalo Bills: G David Edwards 2025 Stats (via Pro Football Focus): 27 pressures allowed (3 sacks), 69.0 run blocking grade Age: 28 (turns 29 in March) It’s no secret that Las Vegas could use some help in the trenches, especially since Dylan Parham’s contract is about to expire. Edwards has never been a game-changing offensive lineman, but he’s been consistently solid throughout his career. The seven-year veteran has posted above-average PFF grades every year that he’s recorded more than 250 total snaps. Denver Broncos: CB Ja’Quan McMillian 2025 Stats: 56 tackles, 2 INTs (1 TD), 9 PDs, 5 TFLs, 4 sacks Age: 25 (turns 26 in June) The Silver and Black could use someone who can cover the slot, and McMillian ranked tied for sixth among cornerbacks (minimum 95 coverage snaps) with 10.0 coverage snaps per reception allowed in slot coverage this season, per PFF. He also ranked sixth with 0.92 yards per coverage snap on such assignments. The 2022 undrafted free agent can play the run, too, earning a 72.3 PFF run defense grade during the regular season. San Francisco 49ers: WR Jauan Jennings PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 11: Jauan Jennings #15 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball during the second quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lincoln Financial Field on January 11, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images)Getty Images 2025 Stats: 55 catches, 643 yards, 9 TDs Age: 28 (turns 29 in July) To be honest, the 49ers don’t have many intriguing free agent options. But the Raiders’ wide receiver room is missing a proven veteran, which Jennings could provide. He is a similar type of receiver to Jack Bech, showing the ability to win from the slot or out wide, and could be a good addition to add some experience to the position group. Seattle Seahawks: S Coby Bryant 2025 Stats: 66 tackles, 4 INTs, 7 PDs, 4 TFLs Age: 26 (turns 27 in March) The Raiders need an upgrade at the free safety spot, and Bryant will be one of the top options in free agency. He’s been a ballhawk over the last two seasons, recording seven interceptions and 13 passes defended during that timeframe. While the 2022 fourth-round pick did post a career-high 17 missed tackles at a 21.5 percent rate this year, he had just eight misses at 10.5 percent in 2024, per PFF. The latter is closer to the norm for his career. Houston Texans: G Ed Ingram 2025 Stats (via PFF): 24 pressures (4 sacks), 75.6 run-blocking grade Age: 26 (turns 27 in February) While Ingram was considered a bust for the Minnesota Vikings, he’s revived his career in Houston. The LSU product posted a career-high 71.5 PFF grade, which ranked 19th among guards with at least 250 snaps. Plus, he’s still young, which is the type of free agent the Raiders should be targeting this offseason. New England Patriots: S Jaylinn Hawkins FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 04: Jaylinn Hawkins #21 of the New England Patriots intercepts a pass in the end zone in the third quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)Getty Images 2025 Stats: 71 tackles, 4 INTs, 6 PDs, 1.5 sacks, 3 TFLs Age: 28 (turns 29 in August) The Patriots are another team that doesn’t have many free agents who the Raiders should be interested in, but Hakwins would improve the backend of the defense. He’s had great ball production this year, and what might be even more intriguing for the Silver and Black is that he only registered eight missed tackles and an 11.4 percent clip during the regular season, per PFF. Also, Hawkins finished the regular season as PFF’s second-highest graded safety against the run with an impressive 87.1 mark. Los Angeles Rams: CB Roger McCreary 2025 Stats: 37 tackles, 1 INT, 2 PDs, 1 TFL, 1 sack Age: 25 (turns 26 in February) McCreary had a down year statistically, but that can be chalked up to playing for two teams (the Tennessee Titans and Rams) and suffering an injury right after getting traded to Los Angeles. He’s a good nickelback option who can really impact the running game, racking up 19 TFLs in 2023 and 2024 combined. Last season, the former second-round pick ranked 15th among qualifying corners in yards per coverage snap (1.04) when covering the slot, according to PFF. Chicago Bears: S Jaquan Brisker 2025 Stats: 93 tackles, 1 INT, 8 PDs, 1 sack, 1 TFL Age: 26 (turns 27 in April) Versatility might be Brisker’s biggest selling point in Las Vegas, as he’s recorded an identical number of snaps at strong and free safety during his career: 1,238 to 1,205, respectively. The 2022 second-round pick is also a good tackler, finishing in the top 20 among safeties with 21 ‘defensive stops’ while ranking 14th with a 6.9 percent missed tackle rate, per PFF. See More: Las Vegas Raiders Free Agency
