Latest news with #AlexBallentine
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Commanders Draw Comparison To AFC Contender
Commanders Draw Comparison To AFC Contender originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Washington Commanders had one of the most remarkable turnarounds in league history last season. After a dismal 2023 season, the Commanders won eight more games than the year prior and reached the conference title game for the first time in 30 years. Advertisement The tricky part for Washington is sustaining that level of success. While many people believe the organization should be easily able to accomplish that, one AFC team should serve as a reality check going forward. Much like the Commanders in 2023, the Houston Texans were one of the worst football teams in 2022. They had the second-overall pick in the draft, took a quarterback, and completely revamped their coaching staff. It all helped them win the division title and a playoff game two years ago. Houston made the playoffs in 2024, but they took a step back as a contender. That is why Bleacher Report writer Alex Ballentine thinks the Commanders should try to strive for better in their second season of this regime. Advertisement "C.J. Stroud wasn't quite as impactful as a rookie as Daniels was. He did, however, lift the Texans offense from the worst in the league to at least above-average as a rookie," Ballentine wrote. "The Texans then got aggressive and signed Stefon Diggs and traded for Joe Mixon. It looked like they were set to become a top-five they didn't make that jump." Ballentine compared Washington's significant offseason additions this year to the moves made by Houston last year. It's a clear reminder that what worked for a rebuilding team in one season is not guaranteed to do so for the next. And exactly why the Commander's comparisons to Houston may be more accurate than initially thought. Related: Hall of Fame Receiver Demands Commanders Pay Terry McLaurin Related: Commanders Rival Gives Love To Jayden Daniels This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bills' James Cook Called Top Trade Candidate
What is going to happen to the Buffalo Bills and running back James Cook? Will the team finally come to a long-term extension plan, or are the two sides looking to split up following the 2025 season? That's the question many fans in Western New York want to know. Cook is a Pro Bowl caliber running back and one of the better all-around players at his position. He led the league in rushing touchdowns last year, and has recorded back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. Advertisement As he enters the final year of his contract, though, the Bills aren't looking to pay his intended $15 million deal. And that is the reason that Bleacher Report's Alex Ballentine suggested Cook as a possible trade candidate for this offseason. "Fortunately for Beane and Co., there aren't a lot of questions for one of the best offenses in the league," Ballentine wrote. "Josh Allen has proven he can make the Bills weapons work and the biggest potentially negative storyline revolves around whether James Cook will get a new contract extension or if we are headed toward a holdout." The running back position, while it has been celebrated with some lucrative contracts over the last few seasons, still is a group that is devalued overall. The shelf life of some of the best players is dwindling. Advertisement And it's why the Bills may be willing to move on a year before they really need to. Buffalo's offense is going to be elite with or without James Cook. But the possibility of him being a trade candidate continues to grow the longer it seems the two are at an impasse. Related: Bills Learn Their Lesson with New 'Splash' Free Agency Moves Related: Why Bills Hate The 'Honor' Of Being on HBO's 'Hard Knocks'
