Latest news with #GennaroFilice
Yahoo
28-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ravens defense earns elite label through calculated strategy
For years, an age-old theory was tossed around. 'Offense sells tickets while defense wins championships. That idea was altered. Some say defense doesn't win. It only allows the opportunity, but the offense has to lead its team to the finish line. These days, teams load up on offensive talent, stating that's the best defense anyway. Other organizations, including the Baltimore Ravens, have found a way to manage the balancing act by adding elite talent on both sides of the ball. Mentioning the studs on Baltimore's offense and their impact would require another 1,000 words or so. The Ravens' defense isn't often given its flowers, so we'll do so here. General manager Eric DeCosta and the company have utilized every tool in the toolbelt to craft what is now seen as one of the NFL's most potent and feared units. The Ravens' defense has risen to elite status with quiet ingenuity and mastery on the front page. It takes villages to raise children, and it takes free agency, trades, and the NFL Draft to build winners. DeCosta blends those tools effortlessly as the Ravens are a perfect blend of seasoned veterans, young stars in the making, and exciting rookies. Recently, Editor at Large Gennaro Filice ranked the NFL's top ten defenses ahead of the 2025 NFL season. Baltimore ranked third. Only the Denver Broncos and Philadelphia Eagles finished higher than the rest. Ranking first and second, respectively. Baltimore improved steadily all season following Mike MacDonald's departure to pursue his own head-coaching opportunity. This is Zachary Orr's unit now, and after a solid finish to the campaign, an already loaded unit added more talent. The Ravens' defense is a mix of stars added by way of trades (Roquan Smith) and shrewd free-agent acquisitions (Jaire Alexander and Kyle Van Noy). In consecutive NFL Drafts, they said three uber-talented defensive backs: Kyle Hamilton, Nate Wiggins, and Malaki Starks. Last season, five of their 11 Pro Bowlers were members of the defensive roster: Smith, Van Noy, defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike, cornerback Marlon Humphrey, and Kyle Hamilton. Smith and Humphrey were named First-Team All-Pros. Hamilton was named as a Second-Teamer. Filice hits the nail on the head with his analysis. "Highly pedigreed, instinctive safety Malaki Starks not only feels like a perfect Raven, but his ability as a center fielder will allow Hamilton to move back toward the line of scrimmage, where he terrorizes opposing offenses as a roaming playmaker. GM Eric DeCosta also fortified the cornerback position, taking a worthwhile gamble on injury-riddled former Pro Bowler Jaire Alexander and signing Chidobe Awuzie as veteran depth. Mix in second-round pick Mike Green as a designated pass rusher in the edge rotation, and Orr's defense appears poised to build on last winter's remarkable surge." Rookie Mike Green is someone you should watch. Legal trouble convinced many teams to remove him from their draft boards. Baltimore gave him a shot, and he looks like he could morph into a second-day steal. Don't forget how the Ravens got here, though. Perhaps Filice puts it best. "Zach Orr's debut season as defensive coordinator got off to a disastrous start in the first two months, with Baltimore ranking 25th or worse in scoring defense (26.1 ppg), total defense (361.3 ypg), passer rating against (103.4) and opponents' third-down percentage (46.7). But the young coach completely flipped the script at midseason. From Week 9 through the end of the regular season, the Ravens ranked first in scoring defense (16.9 ppg), second in total defense (291.2 ypg) and passer rating against (79.0) and third in opponents' third-down percentage (33.9)." This unit is going to do some incredible things all season. We know Baltimore can dominate with its offense, but if, by chance, they have an off-day, it's nice to know that Orr and company can help facilitate victories. After all, 'offense sells tickets but defense wins championships'... maybe... This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens defense earns elite mention thanks to vision and ingenuity
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jets' Draft Pick Named To Preseason All-Rookie Team
Jets' Draft Pick Named To Preseason All-Rookie Team originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Entering the 2025 NFL Draft, it seemed clear that the New York Jets had one man on their mind: Armand Membou. The Jets landed Membou with the No. 7 overall selection in the draft, solidifying their offensive line. Advertisement The former Missouri Tiger joins a youthful and fortified line, flanked by young stars such as Olu Fashanu and Alijah Vera-Tucker. Membou has been highly lauded by draft and college analysts for his technique, athleticism and potential. On top of his All-Pro potential, Membou is expected to make an instant impact, already penciled in as the starting tackle opposite of Fashanu. Gennaro Filice compiled his All-Rookie team of 11 rookies who he thinks will make an instant impact on offense. The lead tackle on the lead? Membou. "Entering this past April's draft, the Jets' offensive line boasted a capable starter at four of the five slots." Filice wrote. "So, one year after the old regime used its last first-round pick on an athletic left tackle (Olu Fashanu), the new regime used its first first-rounder on a mauler to man the right edge." Filice feels confident about Membou's physical tools and technique. Membou isn't all flashy in athletic and physical tests, but he's a legit protector in the pass game. Advertisement "At a touch over 6-4 and 332 pounds, Membou put on an impressive athletic display at the NFL Scouting Combine." Filice wrote. "But the 21-year-old's no simple 'workout warrior,' as he spent the last three years making a name for himself in the SEC. Taking over as Missouri's right tackle midway through his true freshman season back in 2022, Membou ultimately played 36 games (with 30 starts) for the Tigers, giving up a grand total of three sacks, including zero this past season." Membou has high expectations as a pass protector. But that's not his only job. As a tackle, he has to be able to lay down blocks and protect his running back or a scrambling quarterback. And Filice thinks he's well equipped for the job. "And in the ground game, he was a violent road-grader who routinely climbed to the second level to bury overmatched defenders -- this undoubtedly caught the eyes of new head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey, who are looking to build a stout rushing attack around quarterback Justin Fields." Filice continued, "Membou could be the final piece to an extremely promising offensive line." Related: Jets Fans React to 'Thiccer Kicker' Related: Can Jets' 'Biggest Question' Be Answered In 2025? This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Arizona Cardinals CB Will Johnson, not DL Water Nolen, projected to make All-Rookie Team
As we wait for the start of training camps next month and see this year's rookie class in action, not only for the Arizona Cardinals but the entire league, we can project who we think will be the best first-year players this coming season. Gennaro Filice projected the 2025 NFL All-Rookie Team and one of the Cardinals' top draft picks is expected to make an impact. Advertisement Who makes it? It isn't defensive lineman Walter Nolen, the Cardinals' first-round selection. It is cornerback Will Johnson, their second-round pick. As NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported during Johnson's draft slide, the cornerback's knee was red-flagged for longevity concerns during the combine. But I'm not here to project which players will make it to their second contract -- I'm trying to identify who'll thrive in their first season. And by that criterion, Johnson is a prime candidate. A highly pedigreed cover man with prototypical size and a mature game, the Michigan product projects as a Day 1 starter in Arizona. And his instinctive ball-hawking feels like a perfect fit in the Cardinals' zone-heavy defense. Johnson does have a chance to be a Day 1 starter. It isn't a lock, but with Sean Murphy-Bunting's season-ending offseason knee injury, Johnson now will compete with 2024 second-round pick Max Melton and third-year pro Star Thomas for the outside cornerback snaps. Was Nolen snubbed? Perhaps, but the two picks for the interior defenders were Mason Graham of the Cleveland Browns and Derrick Harmon of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Both will be Day 1 starters and get significant snaps. Advertisement That might not be the case for Nolen and the Cardinals. Their defensive line room is loaded. He will play, but he will not get the snaps that Graham or Harmon do when he has Dalvin Tomlinson, Calais Campbell, Justin Jones, Bilal Nichols and 2024 first-round pick Darius Robinson in the same room as him. A dark horse potentially is linebacker Cody Simon, drafted in the fourth round. He has a chance to be the Cardinals' starting 'Mike' inside linebacker. If he beats out Akeem Davis-Gaither for the job, he could pile up stats. Johnson, though, makes sense. Hopefully, he can be as good as he was in college and stay healthy. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts. This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Will Johnson pegged for All-Rookie team but not Walter Nolen
USA Today
19-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Arizona Cardinals to face 8 projected top rookies in 2025
Arizona Cardinals to face 8 projected top rookies in 2025 Arizona's Will Johnson is projected to make the All-Rookie Team in 2025. The Cardinals face 8 projected top rookies. Every team has high hopes for its rookie class. That isn't changing in 2025, but only a select few will earn All-Rookie honors this year. Gennaro Filice projected which rookies will make the All-Rookie Team. For the Arizona Cardinals, cornerback Will Johnson, their second-round pick, is projected to make that unit but not defensive lineman Walter Nolen III, their first-round pick. But which of these projected top rookies will the Cardinals face this season? Let's have a look. Top offensive rookie opponents These are the offensive rookies Filice puts in his projected all-rookie team. QB Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans WR Travis Hunter, Jacksonville Jaguars G Tyler Booker, Dallas Cowboys G Wyatt Milum, Jacksonville Jaguars The Cardinals will see Ward and the Titans a home in Week 5. They will play the Cowboys on the road in Week 9 on Monday night. They face Hunter, Milum and the Jags at home in Week 12. Top defensive, special teams rookie opponents These are Flilice's projected top defensive rookies on the Cardinals' schedule. EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku, Dallas Cowboys LB Demetrius Knight Jr., Cincinnati Bengals S Xavier Watts, Atlanta Falcons KR Chimere Dike, Tennessee Titans As mentioned in the offensive section, the Cardinals play the Cowboys on the road in Week 9 in prime time and the Titans at home in Week 5. They face the Falcons in their home finale in Week 16, followed by the Bengals in Cincinnati in Week 17. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bills Offense Ranked Best in League Despite One Glaring Flaw
Bills Offense Ranked Best in League Despite One Glaring Flaw originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Buffalo Bills have a league MVP at quarterback, a consistent offensive line, and a collection of quality skill players to build one of the better offenses in the league. Advertisement Is all their talent enough to be the best unit, though? That is the question that Gennaro Filice tackled this week. The analyst believes the Bills are the best offense in the NFL entering the 2025 season despite a glaring flaw. "Now, the weaponry beyond Pro Bowl running back James Cook and freshly paid receiver Khalil Shakir still leaves something to be desired, but I anticipate growth from second-year wideout Keon Coleman and third-year tight end Dalton Kincaid," Filice said. "And let's be honest: The 6-foot-5, 237-pound signal-caller (Josh Allen) can operate as a one-man army, making NFL men look like boys in his midst." Buffalo does not have a top-notch receiving target. That much is clear. However, their collection of wideouts, coupled with a league MVP at quarterback, means the need for a No. 1 receiver may not be as prevalent as on other teams. Advertisement Meanwhile ... Very few teams in the league have an offensive line that is as consistent as the Bills'. When it all gets added together, Buffalo's offense is easily one of the best in the league. What's next? The Bills must kick off the 2025 season with some dominant performances to land as the top overall group. If they can do that and come away with a few wins against some of the other true contenders, their claim as the best offense in football will be hard to argue with. Related: Hailee Steinfeld 'Stunned' Bills Josh Allen With Wedding Gown Related: Bills' Reason For Super Bowl Optimism Has Defensive Flavor This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
