Giants' offense goes cold as stellar Justin Verlander outing is wasted vs. Rays
Giants' offense goes cold as stellar Justin Verlander outing is wasted vs. Rays originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
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Fox News
an hour ago
- Fox News
2025 Best NFL Cornerbacks: Pat Surtain, Derek Stingley Jr. Lead Rankings
The NFL preseason is nearing its end and the regular season is right around the corner, which means it's almost time to blare the FOX NFL theme song. Entering the 2025 season, the FOX Sports NFL Staff is ranking their top 10 players at select positions. Here are their top 10 cornerbacks. Eric D. Williams: One of the more underrated players nationally, Lenoir is special as a slot defender for the 49ers but can also lock up receivers on the perimeter. According to Next Gen Stats, Lenoir did not give up a touchdown pass and totaled two interceptions in 317 coverage snaps at slot defender in 2024, holding opposing quarterbacks to a 63.6 passer rating. Over the last three seasons, San Francisco has recorded 53 interceptions, tied for the league lead over that time with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Lenoir gives the 49ers an elite player at all three levels of their defense, joining linebacker Fred Warner and defensive end Nick Bosa. Carmen Vitali: Johnson got paid by the Bears this offseason with a relatively team-friendly deal while he could be on the cusp of his best season yet. Under Dennis Allen's new scheme, Johnson will be able to prove his position as a true lockdown man corner, something he's been begging for for years. Johnson's reputation as one of the best corners in the league has come while primarily playing in more zone-heavy defenses and look at what he's been able to accomplish. This year should up his stock even more. Eric D. Williams: Seattle's versatile defensive back is one of the hardest-hitting defenders in the league at just 185 pounds. Witherspoon is as effective playing sticky coverage on receivers on the perimeter and wreaking havoc as a slot defender near the line of scrimmage. A two-time Pro Bowler in his first two seasons in the league, Witherspoon has totaled 26 pass breakups and four sacks during his time as a pro. However, just one interception in two seasons is a little concerning for someone with Witherspoon's playmaking ability. The ascension of Witherspoon as a top-tier player in the league should coincide with Mike Macdonald creating one of the best defenses in the NFL in the Pacific Northwest. Greg Auman: Ward's one of the few things to be excited about in Cleveland – three Pro Bowls in the last four years, led the NFL in passes defended last season. The Browns had the No. 1 defense in the NFL in 2023 and took a major step back last season – if there's a gripe with Ward, it's that he's never had more than three interceptions in a season, and Cleveland's defense ranked last in the NFL in interception percentage last season, at 0.78 percent. If things are to turn around in 2025, it's more likely on the defensive side than with middling quarterbacks on offense. Greg Auman: Nickel corners don't get love the way their outside counterparts do, but Humphrey got first-team All-Pro honors last season as the best slot corner in the league. He had six interceptions as a key cog in Baltimore's elite defense, and that secondary is even more loaded with the additions of Jaire Alexander and Malaki Starks. With another season like last year, he'll be in the top 10 for career active interceptions, building on a resume that at age 29 includes four Pro Bowl nods in the last six seasons. Can that defense be what propels Lamar Jackson and Baltimore over the hump to a Super Bowl appearance? Henry McKenna: The secret is out. He has played just 20 NFL games. He has hidden away on an unimpressive Patriots defense for the last two years. And he has just three career interceptions. But if you know, you know. With rare size, speed and awareness, Gonzalez is one of the league's most dominant shut-down cornerbacks. He might have an even more dominant year in 2025, in part because his schedule features just three of our top 10 receivers. Henry McKenna: He was once the league's best slot cornerback before moving outside. And once there, he earned the title as one of the league's best cornerbacks. Period. That doesn't happen often. It's a testament to McDuffie's intelligence and athleticism. And let's not forget how complicated Steve Spagnuolo can make his defense for the top players with unique disguises that require immense discipline. Yup, McDuffie is a special and unique talent. Henry McKenna: For the last two years, Sauce was our No. 1 cornerback. And he fell in part because of the strong play from the other stars in the league — but also because of the systemic failure of the Jets. New York fired GM Joe Douglas and coach Robert Saleh. And interim coach Jeff Ulbrich couldn't hold up the defense in the same way. Gardner suffered ever-so slightly, which was just enough of a margin for three corners to unseat him in these rankings. Ben Arthur: It's not a coincidence that in 2024, his first 17-game season, Stingley was a first-team All-Pro selection. The superior talent has always been evident, dating back to his spectacular true freshman season at LSU in 2019. It's been his health that has come into question — he missed 14 games his first two NFL seasons (2022-23). Henry McKenna: To open the season, Surtain had DK Metcalf, George Pickens and Mike Evans from Weeks 1 to 3. They combined for seven catches for 75 yards. That is just plain nasty. There were some tough outings, including against the Cincinnati Bengals. But Surtain finished the season allowing just 40 catches on 55 targets for 396 yards for two touchdowns and four interceptions. That's about as dominant as a guy can be in today's pass-happy NFL. 2025-26 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aidan Hutchinson, Lions: +650 (bet $10 to win $75 total)Micah Parsons, Cowboys: +750 (bet $10 to win $85 total)Myles Garrett, Browns: +850 (bet $10 to win $95 total)T.J. Watt, Steelers: +950 (bet $10 to win $105 total)Will Anderson Jr., Texans: +1300 (bet $10 to win $140 total)Jared Verse, Rams: +1500 (bet $10 to win $160 total)Maxx Crosby, Raiders: +1600 (bet $10 to win $170 total)Nick Bosa, 49ers: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total)Jalen Carter, Eagles: +2200 (bet $10 to win $230 total)Trey Hendrickson, Bengals: +2200 (bet $10 to win $230 total) These rankings were compiled by: Ben Arthur (@benyarthur)Greg Auman (@gregauman)Henry McKenna (@McKennAnalysis)Eric D. Williams (@eric_d_williams)Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano)Carmen Vitali (@CarmieV) Check out all of our Daily Rankers. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily!
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
New York Giants 'pleased but not satisfied' with John Michael Schmitz
The New York Giants are hoping that center John Michael Schmitz takes a huge leap in his third professional season. The 2023 second-round pick out of Minnesota had an overall grade of 61.4 from Pro Football Focus last season, ranking him 35th out of 64 NFL centers. The Giants need Schmitz to be more, especially in pass protection. Giants offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo was asked where he believes Schmitz is heading into Year 3. "We saw a big step from him last year, and I think there's more to go," Bricillo told reporters on Tuesday. "I think the one thing people don't realize, he comes from a Big Ten program established in Minnesota, but they still get stronger. He's only 25 years old. He hasn't reached his peak of strength yet. He cares. He's going to keep working and improving his body, which then in turn, hopefully helps him to be a little bit better football player. "But I see a player that's a little more filled out physically and has a little bit more experience. Another year under his belt. So he's done everything we've asked and we're pleased, but my line is 'pleased but not satisfied.'" The Giants don't have much recourse if Schmitz doesn't take that next step. They currently have veteran Austin Schlottmann and Jimmy Morrissey in camp. Right guard Greg Van Roten can also play center if needed. But the fact is, Schmitz has this season to develop. Next year, his rookie contract runs out, and perhaps his Giants' career runs out with it.
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Report: 49ers Looking Into Potential Preseason Trade
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The San Francisco 49ers are hoping to work their way back to being a top-tier contender in the NFC. After missing the playoffs last season following a run to the Super Bowl the year before, the franchise is looking to get back on track. While there was quite a bit of player movement this offseason, the 49ers still have a lot of quality talent on their roster. Led by Brock Purdy, the offense has enough talent to be good. However, there is one major question at the wide receiver position. With Deebo Samuel gone and Brandon Aiyuk still working his way back from a torn ACL, does the team have enough to work with when it comes to Purdy's targets? Head coach Kyle Shanahan speaks to media during San Francisco 49ers media availability ahead of Super Bowl LVIII at Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort and Spa on February 08, 2024 in Henderson, Nevada. Head coach Kyle Shanahan speaks to media during San Francisco 49ers media availability ahead of Super Bowl LVIII at Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort and Spa on February 08, 2024 in Henderson, Nevada. Photo byOn the outside looking in, San Francisco should have a good defense. Robert Saleh is back in town and there are enough good pieces in place. Some key pieces from last season left during the offseason, but they should be fine. Read more: Bears Head Coach Doesn't Hold Back About Caleb Williams Due to the questions at the wide receiver position, the 49ers are looking into making a move. According to a report from NFL insider Dianna Russini of The Athletic, San Francisco is among the teams looking to make a preseason trade for a wide receiver. She also named the Minnesota Vikings and New York Jets. "The Jets are among several teams monitoring the trade market for potential wide receiver additions, per sources," Russini wrote. "The 49ers and Vikings are also making calls." As of right now, the 49ers have a few names ready to start the season. Jauan Jennings has been dealing with an injury but will be a big part of the wide receiver room to go along with Ricky Pearsall, and Demarcus Robinson. Read more: Ravens' New Jaire Alexander Update Is Extremely Concerning Bringing in a legitimate and proven target for Purdy would make a lot of sense. They don't need to spend huge to get a star, but they do need a player that they can plug into the offense and get a good return from. That is needed especially until Aiyuk is able to get back on the field. Expect to continue hearing rumors surrounding San Francisco. At least for now, the 49ers are making calls. For more on the San Francisco 49ers and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
