Latest news with #Holland
USA Today
4 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
NFC East safety groups have a wide range of possible 2025 combinations and outcomes
NFC East safety groups have a wide range of possible 2025 combinations and outcomes Legendary names come to mind when reflecting on the safety position throughout NFC East history: Darren Woodson for the Dallas Cowboys, Sean Taylor from the Washington Commanders, Brian Dawkins for the Philadelphia Eagles, and the first African American to ever play for the New York Giants, and first Hall of Famer, Emlen Tunnell. Dawkins was inducted in 2018, Woodson should already be in, and Taylor's career looked headed in that direction before his tragic death at the age of 24. The current iterations of NFC East safeties don't have similar resumes, and the unknown prognosis for their 2025 seasons is making ranking the rooms a bit difficult. At other positions, movement is limited. The Commanders taking the top spot at receiver over the Cowboys is highly unlikely; the Giants overtaking the Eagles at cornerback is also doubtful. At safety, Dallas could upgrade via their backups or new defensive system. A young pairing in New York could end up a monstrous duo if their sophomore safety takes a leap and their free agent edition plays at his best. A rookie could elevate Philadelphia like their two young corners did last season, or a veteran signing could leave Washington with the top safety room in the division. This was the closest battle from first to fourth of any of the NFC East rankings thus far. 4. New York Giants Tyler Nubin started all 13 games he played as a rookie and had 98 tackles and a Pro Football Focus (PFF) run defense grade of 76. He wasn't a high-level player in coverage, but he wasn't an enormous negative either. Nubin allowed a 65% completion percentage allowed and a QB rating of 91.7 when targeted. He wasn't a playmaker in the back end, with zero interceptions and a single pass breakup, but he also didn't allow a touchdown. Jevon Holland was signed to be the playmaking safety to pair with Nubin. He had a ton of promise with five interceptions, 21 pass breakups, four forced fumbles, and four sacks in his first three seasons. Holland averaged 80 tackles as well. He didn't take the developmental leap the Miami Dolphins had hoped for, and Holland signed with the Giants. If he can get back to being the playmaker he was in his first three seasons, then he could be the perfect pairing for the run defending Nubin. Dane Belton has been a spot starter and special-teams contributor for the Giants in all three of his NFL seasons. He would be an issue as a 17-game starter, but is a solid option as a backup. 3. Dallas Cowboys The Cowboys have four starting-level safety options, but with a third system in three years, it remains unclear who will secure the starting spots and how they will perform within the system. Matt Eberflus prefers to have his safeties play in coverage, and Donovan Wilson struggles in that area. He allowed a completion percentage over 70% and a QB rating of 130 with only five pass breakups and one interception in 549 coverage snaps. A post-June one cut of Wilson saves the Cowboys $7 million in cap space. He could be a cap casualty as easily as the starter. Markquese Bell was injured early on last season, but signed a new three-year deal. As an out-of-position linebacker in 2023, he had an overall PFF grade of 80, a coverage grade of 87.6. His run defense grade was only 62.9, but he was too slender to hold up against the run at the position. He started eight games, had 94 tackles, four pass breakups, and two forced fumbles. He may take over for Wilson as the starter, but that doesn't mean he will be a good starter, considering he hasn't been a starting safety yet in his career. Malik Hooker is a solid starter who doesn't have elite range to get sideline-to-sideline, but plays well as an all-around option. He allows a 62% completion percentage and a QB rating of 82.4. Pair those solid numbers with his play against the run, and that is why Dallas continues to start him. PFF graded him 77.8 as a run defender. He had 81 tackles and a missed tackle percentage under 7%. He is unlikely to be supplanted as a starter, but Juanyeh Thomas is hoping to develop into an option there and fans have clamored for Thomas to get defensive snaps. Until it is known who will start and how the players will rotate, the unit will have to receive a lower grade in the NFC East. 2. Washington Commanders Quan Martin was one of the most underappreciated players in the Commanders' turnaround last year. He became the full-time starter at free safety in 2024 and played well enough for them to pencil him in as the future at the position. He had a completion percentage allowed of 50% and a QB rating of 75.3, with 87 tackles, three pass breakups, and three forced fumbles. Martin could be a high-quality contributor against both the run and pass going into his third season. Will Harris was signed to be the running mate for Martin, coming off a resurgence on the New Orleans Saints. He had his lowest QB rating allowed, his most pass breakups, and his highest tackles for a loss in his career in 2024. Their depth comes from Percy Butler and Jeremy Reaves, a special-teams contributor who has spot-started 11 times in seven seasons. Butler had a solid 2023, starting 13 games. He had 64 tackles and eight pass breakups, but wasn't good in coverage. The Commanders don't have the depth that Dallas does, but having two quality starters is something that is an unknown for the Cowboys, so Washington gets the second spot. 1. Philadelphia Eagles Reed Blakenship has been an underrated free safety the last two years. He has accumulated 191 tackles, seven interceptions, and 17 pass breakups in 30 starts in that time. His PFF grades were all between 72 and 74. He gives up a completion percentage that is too high and averages over 12 yards per reception, but his QB rating allowed is only 72.5. Blakenship has a good case that he has been the best safety in the NFC East the last two seasons. His running mate is currently unknown with the departure of C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Syndney Brown needs to play well because the Eagles drafted Andrew Mukuba in the second round, and he could be the starter as a rookie if necessary. Brown could be a depth piece who plays special teams if Mukuba, who had a 90 overall grade in his final season at Texas, with a coverage grade of 89.7, is inserted into the starting lineup. Tristin McCollum is a special-teams safety who managed to secure 250 defensive snaps in 2024, but isn't being considered a significant contributor in any area except special teams. The wildcard could be Lewis Cine, a former first-round pick from Georgia who will have the opportunity to showcase his abilities with an excellent young defense surrounding him. You can find Mike Crum on Twitter @cdpiglet or Bluesky @
Cision Canada
6 hours ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Convenience Store Group Urge Health Minister to Reverse Flawed Nicotine Pouch Ban to Help More Smokers Quit
TORONTO, May 31, 2025 /CNW/ - On this World No Tobacco Day, the United Korean Convenience Industry Alliance (UKCIA) is calling on newly appointed Health Minister Marjorie Michel to act decisively in correcting a harmful policy introduced by her predecessor, Mark Holland: the ban on nicotine pouches in convenience stores. Canada's corner store operators have a long, proud history of responsibly retailing age-restricted products. They are uniquely positioned to support public health objectives by helping adult smokers transition to lower-risk alternatives. Yet, under Minister Holland's tenure, the federal government banned the sale of regulated nicotine pouches in convenience stores—resulting in consumers turning instead to the black market to purchase these popular products. "Minister Michel has an opportunity to reset Canada's approach to helping smokers quit," said Kenny Shim President of UKCIA. "That starts by reversing Minister Holland's ministerial order and allow responsible retailers to offer adult consumers regulated, safer nicotine alternatives." The UKCIA urges Minister Michel and Prime Minister Mark Carney to address two urgent priorities: Reverse the Ban on Nicotine Pouches in C-Stores This prohibition prevents adult smokers from accessing products that are widely recognized as part of a harm-reduction strategy. Regulated and approved nicotine pouches—already sold in pharmacies—should be equally available in convenience stores that operate under strict ID protocols and retail standards. Increase Penalties on Canada's Growing Illicit Market of Tobacco Products Illegal tobacco and nicotine products are increasingly available to consumers. These products are often sold without age checks, without health warnings, and without regulation—routinely out of the trunks of cars, online, or at unlicensed outlets. This thriving black market undermines both public health and law-abiding businesses. "Our members are on the front lines," said Shim "We see firsthand how the illegal market continues to expand while government enforcement lags behind. Meanwhile, responsible retailers are being punished for doing the right thing." Smoking rates in Canada continue to decline, thanks in part to innovation and new and less harmful alternatives. But restricting access to those very tools—while ignoring the unregulated alternatives flooding the streets—is a backwards approach. The UKCIA, which represents 2000 small businesses across the country, calls on Minister Michel to listen to their concerns and act accordingly.
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Local physician named President-Elect of Texas Medical Association
CENTRAL TEXAS (FOX 44) – A Central Texas physician is on his way to becoming the 161st president of the Texas Medical Association (TMA). The TMA has elected Bradford W. Holland, MD, as its new president-elect, placing the Central Texas-based otolaryngologist on course to become the association's 161st president in May 2026. The TMA says the election took place during TexMed, TMA's annual conference, held this year in San Antonio. Dr. Holland is the first TMA president elected from Waco in more than five decades. Dr. Holland practices at Coryell Health in Gatesville and Waco. He says his goal as TMA president-elect is to preserve the medical profession for future generations, a mission that originally inspired his involvement in advocacy. He also encourages physicians to engage in policy efforts which safeguard the physician-patient relationship and strengthen the future of medicine. The TMA says Dr. Holland has been a member for more than 30 years, starting as a medical student at UT Southwestern. He is a graduate of the TMA Leadership College, served on the Council on Legislation, and was first elected vice speaker of the TMA House of Delegates in 2019. Dr. Holland led the House through the COVID-19 pandemic, later serving four terms as speaker. He also chaired TEXPAC, TMA's political action committee. In addition to his TMA leadership, Dr. Holland is a past president of both the McLennan County Medical Society and the Texas Association of Otolaryngology. He is board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology, and serves as adjunct faculty in Baylor University's Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. The TMA says Dr. Holland and his wife, Amanda Holland, director of advising for Baylor's Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, live in Waco and have four children. The couple enjoys attending concerts, serving in community arts leadership, and fly fishing in mountain trout streams. Dr. Holland will serve a one-year term as president-elect before officially assuming the role of TMA president in May 2026. The TMA is the largest state medical society in the nation, and represents more than 59,000 physician and medical student members. It is dedicated to improving the health of all Texans. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
NZ Herald
a day ago
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Fabian Holland has All Blacks dream within reach after Highlanders lock re-signs
Highlanders lock Fabian Holland is in line for his maiden All Blacks call up. Photo / Photosport Fabian Holland is on the cusp of completing his Netherlands-to-the-black-jersey dream. Since shifting to New Zealand as a teenager to pursue his childhood desire to play professional rugby, Holland has donned two black jerseys. The first for the NZ under-20s, the second with the All Blacks
Pink Villa
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Why Tom Holland and Zendaya's Wedding is Getting Delayed Even When Spider-Man Actor is Ready to Elope? Here's What We Know
Hollywood couple Tom Holland and Zendaya are deeply in love, but their wedding plans are currently on hold due to demanding work schedules and Holland's ongoing sobriety journey, according to reports. The 29-year-old Spider-Man actor is focused on promoting his zero-alcohol beer brand, a key part of his sobriety. Meanwhile, Zendaya, 28, is juggling multiple films and endorsement projects. 'If Tom could jet away with Zendaya and marry her in some exotic locale, he would,' an insider told Radar Online. 'But they are just too busy, she with work, and he with his acting and new business.' Zendaya, however, reportedly dreams of a large romantic wedding with her family present, not a quiet elopement. 'They've looked at their schedules, but there's no way to fit it in this year,' the source added. The couple's careers continue to take priority, making it difficult to align personal time. 'Trying to line up schedules can be brutal — it's one of the biggest challenges for superstar couples,' said the insider. Holland is also reportedly eager to start a family, but those plans may be pushed further into the future due to Zendaya's ongoing professional commitments. 'They're excited to live together for an extended time,' the insider said. 'Maybe then they can finally firm up those wedding plans.' Despite the delays, there is some good news. The couple will reunite on screen for Spider-Man: Brand New Day, filming together this summer. Tom and Zendaya first met on the set of Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2016. They confirmed their relationship in 2021 when the paparazzi caught them kissing at a stoplight. They reportedly got engaged in 2024 at one of Zendaya's family homes in the United States.
