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USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
CBS Sports' All-Quarter Century Team snubs Saints leaders Cameron Jordan, Demario Davis
Shortly after being left out of the CBS Sports All-Quarter Century Offensive Team, the New Orleans Saints' defensive legends met the same fate. CBS Sports' Bryan DeArdo recently released the defensive side of the NFL All-Quarter Century Team, going over the best individual defenders of the past 25 years, and the Saints had just one player even mentioned. New Orleans legend Cameron Jordan was included in the "honorable mentions" section, which was the least that they could do to honor the future first-ball Hall of Famer. The defensive ends that made the team above him as either starters or reserves were J.J. Watt, Jason Taylor, Myles Garrett, Michael Strahan and Richard Seymour. Currently preparing for his 15th NFL season, Jordan has 121.5 career sacks with 716 total tackles, 65 passes broken up, 233 quarterback hits and 15 forced fumbles. That has earned him eight Pro Bowl nods and a single All-Pro. While he may not have had the same accolades as some of the others, he was fighting uphill in some weaker defenses during his career. Without an iconic postseason run or Super Bowl win, it would be hard to slot him in over the others on the list. It would have been nice to see Demario Davis included in the group of players at linebacker, but it's also not too shocking to see him left out. He has been historically underrated and it is a very tough group to crack. The inside linebackers that got mentioned were Ray Lewis, Derrick Brooks, Bobby Wagner, Brian Urlacher, Like Kuechly, Patrick Willis and Zach Thomas.
USA Today
21-02-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
CBS gives Texans a 'B' for 2024 season
After being considered the AFC's next 'it' team for 2024, the Houston Texans finished with the same record during a year where no one expected much. Yes, finishing 10-7 is an accomplishment, especially when dealing with constant injuries, but the Texans had higher hopes. They planned on hosting multiple playoff games and while securing MVP consideration from C.J. Stroud. Instead, the same that occurred in 2023 happened once more in 2024. Now, Houston is back with the No. 25 pick and a bit more hope that 2025 is 'the year' down off NRG Drive. While the team's efforts didn't end in a Lombardi Trophy, CBS' Bryan DeArdo still gave Houston a B grade for its 2024 campaign because of their slew of injuries, but revamped running back headlined by Pro Bowler Joe Mixon. 'The Texans were worse on offense and defense this season but still found a way to win a second straight division title and a wild-card playoff game,' Bryan DeArdo wrote. 'While their season was plagued by inconsistency, the Texans showed their potential during their 32-12 thumping of the Chargers in the divisional round.' Injuries derailed Houston's quest of securing a higher seed, mostly in the receiver room. Nico Collons was on pace to lead the NFL in receiving yards before a hamstring injury forced him to miss five games in the heart of the schedule. All-Pro receiver Stefon Diggs, who many thought would be the missing link to Houston's success, suffered a torn ACL in Week 8's win over the Colts, thus forcing him to miss over half the season. Tank Dell's breakout season came to a close in early December after suffering a significant knee injury against the Chiefs. His status for the 2025 season is now in jeopardy. Despite a postseason berth, the Texans could look different in 2025. Houston is expected to add three new linemen ahead of OTAs and should have a few new receivers. Diggs, who won't be cleared to return to drills until after training camp begins, is expected to test the free-agent market.
USA Today
21-02-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
CBS gives Rams a 'B+' for 2024 season
The Los Angeles Rams had a better-than-expected 2024 season. Not only did the Rams take back the NFC West crown for the first time since 2021, but L.A. advanced to the Divisional Round only to lose by one score to the eventual Super Bowl champions. While the team's efforts didn't end in a Lombardi Trophy, CBS' Bryan DeArdo still gave Los Angeles a B+ grade for their 2024 campaign because of the prowess of their offense and the emergence of their young defense. 'The catalyst for the Rams' success was quarterback Matthew Stafford, running back Kyren Williams, NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse and a young secondary that continued to improve as the season progressed,' DeArdo wrote. The Rams were hit hard with injuries at the beginning of the year to their offensive skill position players and offensive line before finding their footing midway through the year. Los Angeles won nine of 11 games between their Week 6 bye and Week 17. With the division locked up, the team sat their starters for the regular season finale against the Seattle Seahawks. A Wild Card domination over the Minnesota Vikings put the Rams within a few games of the Super Bowl, but they couldn't overcome turnovers and the snow in the loss to the Eagles in Philadelphia. Despite an impressive season, the Rams could look a lot different in 2025 with the possible departure of Stafford and the likely departure of receiver Cooper Kupp. Offensive tackle Alaric Jackson and receiver Demarcus Robinson are both impending free agents as well. But with around $44 million in estimated salary cap space, the Rams could remain contenders, depending on what they do with Stafford in the coming weeks. But the core of the team should still be intact with a lot of young returner players left. And if Stafford is under center, there is always a chance the Rams make another magical run in the NFC.
