Latest news with #DefensivePlayeroftheYear
USA Today
5 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Eagles' training camp: Takeaways from Day 11 of practice
With Day 11 of practices now complete, we're looking at key takeaways and observations from the NovaCare Complex. Zack Baun (back) is back at practice: Welcome to the 11th day of training camp for the 2025 Philadelphia Eagles. The defending Super Bowl champions are about to begin a hectic week filled with competition, which will feature one of the top rookie names aiming to advance on the depth chart. Philadelphia has had 10 training camp practices and four walkthroughs since reporting on July 22. Following the 34-27 win over the Bengals on Thursday night, the Eagles have returned to the NovaCare Complex for a Saturday morning session that will see the team in jerseys and helmets as they prepare for Sunday night's open stadium practice at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles will be on the field for approximately 90 minutes, followed by Sunday's open practice, a Monday walkthrough, and then two days of joint practice with the Cleveland Browns before a Friday night preseason matchup. With Day 11 of practices now complete, we're looking at key takeaways and observations from the NovaCare Complex. Zack Baun returns Baun returned to practice after missing over a week of practice with a back contusion. An All-Pro and Defensive Player of the Year finalist, Philadelphia will ease Baun back into action with a set date for the season opener. Darius Cooper continues to rise A star pass catcher at Tarleton State, Cooper continues to rise up the depth chart, and with A.J. Brown nursing a hamstring injury, the athletic pass catcher saw some snaps with the first team offense. Cooper dominated the Bengals with six catches on seven targets for 82 yards and a touchdown. Darius Cooper taking multiple first team reps. (Worth noting A.J. Brown isn't practicing.) #Eagles Jakorian Bennett makes his practice debut Bennett fell out of favor in Las Vegas and potentially into a starting job with the Philadelphia Eagles. Acquired in a trade for Thomas Booker, Bennett was a spectator at the Eagles' final practice of last week and the preseason matchup, but he's in pads and ready to compete. Jakorian Bennett locked down E.J. Jenkins while running with the third-team defense. McCord had no chance at a completion. Bennett got most of his work with the third team defense, but has two joint practice sessions against Cleveland to surge up the depth chart. New Eagles corner Jakorian Bennett is in pads and practicing today Eli Ricks has a standout day Ricks has been coming on strong and continued his strong training camp by causing a turnover. Eli Ricks just jumped Tanner McKee's pass from the 1 for a pick-six and immediately punted the football high into the air to celebrate. Quick move by the cornerback. Jalen Carter is rounding into form After starting training camp off with a shoulder injury, Carter has renewed his game-wrecking ways on the Eagles offense. Jalen Carter has been awesome today. Has basically wrecked 3-4 plays in 11v11 Could Dorian Thompson-Robinson force the Eagles to carry four QBs? Kyle McCord was drafted in the sixth round, and the initial idea was that Dorian Thompson-Robinson would be the odd man out. It's been the former UCLA quarterback outperforming the local hero from St. Joe's Prep, and it could force Philadelphia to make a decision if they think that highly of McCord. Practice ends with DTR hitting WR Taylor Morin for a TD against Andrew Mukuba. DTR finds Morin again on a slant with Jakorian Bennett in coverage for the two-point running away with the QB3 job imo.
USA Today
9 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
PFF ranks all 32 NFL secondaries (Broncos are No. 3)
Pro Football Focus recently released its list of the top secondaries going into the 2025 NFL season. As long as Pat Surtain plays for the Denver Broncos, their secondary will always rank near the top. Sure enough, PFF's John Kosko has the Broncos ranked third. Denver ranks behind the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs. Kosko believes the addition of rookie Jahdae Barron will only boost the Broncos secondary. 'A unit that could contend for the league's top spot by year's end, the Broncos return Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II and selected Jahdae Barron — PFF's No. 11 overall player and No. 2 cornerback — at No. 20 in the NFL Draft," Kosko wrote for PFF. "The safety spot opposite Brandon Jones remains a question mark, but the depth and strength of Denver's cornerbacks should give this unit a high floor in 2025.' Patrick Surtain is the NFL's reigning Defensive Player of the Year and has staked a claim as one of the best defensive players since he entered the league in 2021. With Barron now in the secondary fold, Denver has a chance to live up to PFF's ranking: they can parlay their defense to a Super Bowl win, too. Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
Time of India
19 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers Urged to Bag $44 Million Phoenix Suns Star to Strengthen Roster Depth; Dalton Knecht Key Trade Asset?
Lakers' star LeBron James with the ball (Image via Getty) The Los Angeles Lakers have already made notable moves this offseason, but reports suggest they could still pursue further roster upgrades to bolster their chances in the competitive Western Conference. According to Dean Simon of Sporting News, adding another reliable two-way wing might be the next step, and Phoenix Suns forward Royce O'Neale could be the ideal target. A Potential Trade Scenario for the Los Angeles Lakers For the Los Angeles Lakers to land O'Neale, the most realistic package would likely involve rookie forward Dalton Knecht and an expiring contract, such as Maxi Kleber's $11 million deal. While Knecht was initially seen as a promising fit when the Lakers drafted him 17th overall in 2024, the relationship between him and the front office may have soured after an attempted trade during the past season. Proposed Trade Package Lakers Receive Suns Receive Royce O'Neale Dalton Knecht Maxi Kleber (expiring contract) Why Royce O'Neale Fits the Lakers Royce O'Neale, 32, offers proven playoff experience, defensive versatility, and consistent three-point shooting - a combination that could perfectly complement both LeBron James and Luka Dončić . In the 2024-25 season with the Suns, he delivered career-best numbers in several categories. Royce O'Neale 2024-25 Stats with Suns Royce O'Neal (Image via Getty) Stat Value Games Played 75 Games Started 22 Points Per Game 9.1 Rebounds Per Game 4.7 Assists Per Game 2.2 3P% 40.6% 3PA per Game 5.9 His ability to hit shots at a high volume from deep while guarding multiple positions makes him a valuable asset for any team aiming for a deep playoff run. Phoenix Suns' Perspective The Phoenix Suns could view Knecht as a young scoring forward who fits their ongoing youth movement following the trade of Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets earlier this summer. Knecht's upside and offensive potential might appeal to a franchise looking to develop younger talent for the future. Los Angeles Lakers' Offseason Strategy This offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers have already added Marcus Smart, the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year, and 2018 No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton on team-friendly contracts. While these moves strengthen both ends of the court, Dean Simon notes that 'more work is left to be done if the Lakers want to compete with the Western Conference's top-tier talent.' Why This Move Makes Sense Now • Playoff-ready addition: Royce O'Neale brings eight years of NBA experience, including significant postseason minutes. • Perfect floor spacer: His 40.6% accuracy from three on nearly six attempts per game could open up the floor for James and Dončić. • Defensive boost: Capable of guarding wings and smaller forwards effectively. • Low-risk trade: Lakers part with an unproven rookie and an expiring contract for a veteran who fits their immediate championship window. Also read: Why the Los Angeles Lakers Could Move $51 Million Star Following Legendary Luka Doncic Contract Extension, Per NBA Analyst If Rob Pelinka opts to make the deal, the Los Angeles Lakers could significantly enhance their depth and versatility - two qualities that could prove decisive in a loaded Western Conference. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Payton, Nix, Surtain sit with 'Scoop City,' talk Broncos expectations
During training camp, former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel and NFL insider for The Athletic, Dianna Russini sat down with a superstar trio for the Denver Broncos -- head coach Sean Payton, reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain and quarterback Bo Nix -- on their "Scoop City" podcast. (Timestamps where the interview begins are in parentheses.) Bo Nix (:32) Nix was first asked about what it has been like to transition from his rookie year to 2025. "It's a lot easier this year," said Nix. "It's the first time since my junior and senior year in high school I had the same (offensive) system back-to-back years." Nix returns to a Broncos offense that recently re-signed his No. 1 pass catcher, Courtland Sutton, the entire starting offensive line and head coach Sean Payton behind the mic. With that level of continuity coming back into the offense, and a few new weapons entering the fray in the form of Evan Engram, RJ Harvey, J.K. Dobbins and Pat Bryant, Nix may be set up for a special year under center. Pat Surtain (12:18) Surtain is coming off a dominating season in which he was awarded the Defensive Player of the Year award. As one of the top corners in the NFL today, Surtain was asked to name his top quarterbacks in the NFL. Some of his answers were expected: Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs), Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens), Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills), Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals) and Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers). But one name on Surtain's list of top quarterbacks may be a little unexpected. "Bo Nix," said Surtain. "I'm telling you, Bo's gonna be a problem." Nix is the playcaller Surtain faces off with the most, but if Nix is getting that type of praise from the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, it is something to take note of. Surtain was also asked about the challenge each week of going up against an opponent's top receiver. "I know my name is going to be called, you know what I mean," said Surtain. "Guarding the best. I strive for challenges. You know, I strive for those matchups because I know I'm going up against the best each and every week is only going to build the best out of me and bring out the best in me. And I accept that. I accept that role in this defense." Some of his toughest challenges will come in the first half of the season against Ja'Marr Chase (Week 4, vs. Cincinnati Bengals) A.J. Brown (Week 5, @ Philadelphia Eagles) and CeeDee Lamb (Week 8 vs. Dallas Cowboys). Sean Payton (23:27) Payton was asked about both the offense and the defensive sides of the ball, both of which received major free agent upgrades. Payton was asked about the state of the defense heading into 2025. "Confident," said Payton. "Swagger. You take and look, in big games last year, we saw them play and play, turn the ball over, sacks, and then you add (safety Talanoa) Hafunga and (linebacker Dre) Greenlaw, and you add a few of those pieces along with these young guys, and I would say the front, secondary -- I mean, Surtain, Defensive Player of the Year, Moss -- I'd say confident." If healthy, the Broncos could prove to be the No. 1 defense in the NFL in 2025, with plenty of reasons for optimism in the future. You can watch the full Scoop City podcast below: Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
NBC Sports
a day ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Watt at +950 for DPOY leads AFC North best bets
Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick run through some of the best bets for the AFC North this season, highlighting T.J. Watt at +950 for Defensive Player of the Year, and the Ravens and Bengals to finish Top 2 in the division.
