The Washington Commanders believed they could turn things around quickly last season if they picked the right quarterback. Holding to the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL draft, the Commanders took the guy they rated as the No. 1 overall player on their board: quarterback Jayden Daniels.
They were correct. With a new head coach, a new general manager, and a rookie quarterback, Washington went from 4-13 to 12-5 and an NFC championship game appearance. It was the franchise’s best season in 33 years.
There is no bigger team sport than football.
Author: Michael
The Minnesota Vikings have had some spectacular rookie campaigns over the past 20 years. Adrian Peterson (2007) and Percy Harvin (2009) each won Offensive Rookie of the Year for their efforts. Yet PFF says another player had the best season of all Vikings rookies since 2006.
Justin Jefferson (90.4 grade in 2020) is the highest-graded Viking rookie in that span. He caught 88 passes for 1,400 yards, a then-rookie record. Jefferson scored seven touchdowns, none more spectacular than his first one, a 71-yarder against the Tennessee Titans that introduced NFL fans to the Griddy.
Much of the NFL offseason is spent focused on new additions to each roster, whether through free agency, trades, or the draft. What is often forgotten is the development of players already on the roster. The Buccaneers have long relied on this development to remain competitive and will need it to remain so in 2025.
The improvement from within is mostly needed on Tampa Bay’s defense, which ranked 16th in points allowed and 21st in yards per play in 2024. At every level of the defense, the Bucs need their young players to be better than they were last season.
PSG Willing to Splash €40 Million for Coveted Lazio Defender
While several European clubs have expressed their interest in Lazio defender Mario Gila, Paris Saint-Germain is reportedly the most determined suitor.
The Background
The Spaniard is coming off his best campaign thus far on a personal level, albeit it was blemished by a few poor showings towards the end of the season when the entire team’s form had dropped. The 24-year-old has now established himself as a pillar at the back, and Maurizio Sarri is hoping to rely on him alongside Alessio Romagnoli next season.
As organized team activities continued in South Florida for the Miami Dolphins, head coach Mike McDaniel spoke to media, providing several updates.
Unlike recent history, Miami’s 2025 NFL draft class could be playing significant snaps straight away.
“I think we have a good amount of young players that are very, very football-focused, and their approach every day gives them a chance to be productive NFL players early.
Kagiso Rabada will lead South Africa’s attack in the World Test Championship but the Proteas’ calender could affect his red-ball future.Photograph: Matthew Lewis/ICC/Getty Images
On a recent episode of The Grade Cricketer podcast, the hosts, Sam Perry and Ian Higgins, tore lumps out of South Africa in a foul-mouthed tirade about the World Test Championship final against Australia. Perry predicted a finish “inside three days” and Higgins, practically thumping the table, said: “If I don’t look at a scorecard and South Africa are three for spit my TV is going through the window.
The Chargers made a handful of free-agent acquisitions this offseason, including the signings of cornerbacks Donte Jackson and Benjamin St-Juste.
Looking to carve out roles, Jackson and St-Juste flashed at organized team activities (OTAs) on Tuesday.
According to team reporter Eric Smith, Jackson picked off Taylor Heinicke in a team drill. Heinicke’s pass was deflected by safety Tony Jefferson before Jackson came down with the football. He also later had a pass breakup.
Smith highlighted St-Juste’s coverage skills standing out.
“The biggest problem” – Emmanuel Petit explains why £30m man won’t solve Chelsea’s issues
Former Blue Emmanuel Petit doesn’t believe the signing of Liam Delap will be the solution for Chelsea and that their wingers are the biggest problem.
Chelsea are once again set for a busy summer and could fund their business by selling as many as seven or eight players.
The Blues could look to add another striker despite the signing of Delap, whilst they are also looking for a centre back and right footed attacker to bolster Enzo Mareca’s squad.
Q: Ira, Tom Thibodeau burned out his bench and he’s gone. Erik Spoelstra didn’t trust his bench and he lost in the first round. Is there a lesson there? – Wes.
A: I know where you’re going with this, with Tom Thibodeau’s lack of bench trust clearly an issue in the Knicks’ demise and assuredly a factor in his dismissal in New York.
Wednesday’s road closures have been delayed by at least two hours [BBC]
Racing at the Isle of Man TT has been delayed by at least two hours due to a forecast of showers.
Clerk of the Course Gary Thompson said a further update on the day’s two planned races would be released later.
The 2025 event around the 37.7-mile (61km) Mountain Course has been plagued with weather delays since it began on 26 May.
As is stands, the A18 Mountain Road is set to close at 11:00 BST, with the lower part of the course due to shut an hour later at 12:00.