Latest news with #JarrettBell
NBC Sports
5 days ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Patrick Mahomes: "There's stuff we've got to get better at"
The last time the Chiefs lost the Super Bowl, they made it back to the AFC Championship. And then, the next year, they won the first of two more Super Bowls. Now, they've lost another Super Bowl. What's next for the team that has gone to five of the last six Super Bowls? 'There's stuff we've got to get better at,' Mahomes told Jarrett Bell of USA Today. 'Especially myself. There's plays on the football field that I didn't make last year, that I've made in previous years. At the end of the day, I'm going to do whatever it takes to win, whether that's passing for a lot of yards, not passing for a lot of yards. But I think if I play better, that's going to make it better for the team. So, I've got to be better at executing whenever the shots are there, making those throws. Because that's going to alleviate pressure on our defense and make them play more free and make the team play more free.' So what does the sting of a loss do to Mahomes's approach to the job? 'It just gives you a little extra in some of the workouts and those film sessions, to try to find the little things to get even better,' Mahomes said. 'You try to do that when you have success, but at the same time when you have success you can sometimes be complacent. Obviously, you don't want to lose the game, but it can give you a little bit more motivation to be even better.' There's another potential source of motivation. The Broncos and Chargers are on their heels. Some (including Chris Simms on Tuesday's PFT Live) have predicted the Chiefs will yield the AFC West title to the Denver Broncos. It could end up being a crossroads season for the Chiefs and Mahomes, in his ninth NFL campaign and the year he'll turn 30. His worst finish as a starter is losing in overtime of the AFC Championship. His best is three Super Bowl wins in seven seasons.
Daily Mail
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
NFL urged to troll Donald Trump by doubling down on controversial policy
The NFL has been urged to send a message to Donald Trump by doubling down on DEI efforts amid the president's opposition to the initiatives. Trump did not waste any time in trying to restrict DEI after returning to the White House back in January, issuing a series of executive orders to eliminate it during his first week in office after branding it a form of 'discrimination.' NFL officials have been committed to enforcing DEI initiatives over the years, having introduced the controversial Rooney Rule - which requires teams to interview minority candidates for their top openings - back in 2003 albeit to an underwhelming effect, with a number of teams accused of holding sham interviews simply to tick a box. In recent years the league has held a coaching accelerator program - allowing minority coaching talent to spend time with team owners in more relaxed settings ahead of potential future openings - in conjunction with its spring meetings as a possible improvement on the Rooney Rule. However, as Trump continues to wage his war on DEI, the NFL has opted to pause its accelerator program until May 2026 while making a number of changes to it. USA Today's Jarrett Bell has been left furious by that decision, calling on commissioner Roger Goodell and team owners to push back at the president and double down on DEI efforts rather than shelve them for the next year. 'President Donald Trump's administration has waged an all-out war on DEI. More than 30 states have passed or introduced legislation that eliminates or restricts DEI initiatives,' Bell wrote in his latest column for the publication. 'So many companies in corporate America have buckled and rolled back DEI commitments. Now is the perfect time for the socially-conscious NFL to keep its accelerator program front and center (even with tweaks) as a clear statement that doubles down on its DEI pledge. 'Instead, it seems like the USA's most dominant sports league is backpedaling.' Bell went on to add: 'In this political climate, it's hardly a stretch to think that the NFL, which typically strategizes and messages in textbook fashion, isn't putting up its guard to lessen the risk that it could become a huge target for Trump's anti-DEI message. 'Isn't some of that a factor in the NFL's decision to pause its accelerator program?' The latest event in the coaching accelerator program, which began in 2022, was scheduled to have coaching candidates of diverse backgrounds meet with team owners at league meetings next week in Minnesota. Yet NFL chief administrative officer Dasha Smith revealed this week that the program will return in 2026 in order to make it more successful. 'This will allow us to reimagine the program, reflecting on the feedback and engaging with stakeholders so we can ensure a successful program in the future,' she said in a statement Tuesday. 'We're steadfast in our commitment to strengthen our talent pipeline and create an environment that reflects the diversity of our fan base. The NFL strives to be a unifying force, and we are confident the next evolution of our efforts will take us one step closer to that goal.' DEI laws and measures had been under attack for years by Republicans who believe they threaten merit-based hiring, promotion and educational opportunities of white people, specifically white men. Some Asian Americans also argue DEI unfairly limits opportunities for students and workers, while certain members of the black community claim it undermines years of progress. Supporters of the programs, meanwhile, are adamant that they are necessary to ensure institutions meet the needs of increasingly diverse populations. In the wake of the decision to pause the accelerator program, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones admitted recent Supreme Court rulings on DEI and Trump's opposition to it played a factor. 'The emphasis the president puts on it just makes us all aware and thinking about it,' Jones said, via CBS. For the first time in four years, the NFL controversially removed its long-running 'end racism' message from end zones at last season's Super Bowl, instead opting for 'Choose Love' and 'It Takes All of Us' to be shown at Caesars Superdome. Despite axing that message from football's end-of-season showpiece, league commissioner Roger Goodell insisted they were by no means backtracking from DEI initiatives. 'We got into diversity efforts because we felt it was the right thing for the National Football League, and we're going to continue those efforts because we're not only convinced ourselves, I think we've proven ourselves that it does make the NFL better,' Goodell said. 'We're not in this because it's a trend to get into or a trend to get out of it,' he continued. 'Our efforts are fundamental in trying to attract the best possible talent into the National Football League both on and off the field, as I've said previously.
USA Today
14-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Philadelphia Eagles schedule: Games, dates, TV channels, predictions for 2025
Philadelphia Eagles schedule: Games, dates, TV channels, predictions for 2025 Show Caption Hide Caption Eagles blow out Chiefs to win franchise's second Super Bowl USA TODAY Sports' Jarrett Bell and Lorenzo Reyes break down the Eagles Super Bowl 59 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Sports Seriously The Philadelphia Eagles ended the Kansas City Chiefs' bid to become the first-ever team to win three consecutive Super Bowls. Now, the Eagles will look to join the exclusive group of NFL teams to win back-to-back Super Bowls. Philadelphia is navigating a lot of defensive turnover. Key players like C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Darius Slay, Josh Sweat and Milton Williams will all be playing for new teams in 2025. As such, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio will be tasked with coaching up younger players as they move into more prominent roles in the Eagles' defense. Offensively, things will remain closer to status quo for the Eagles. The only starter the team is set to replace is right guard Mekhi Becton, and Philadelphia has the depth needed to replace the big-bodied blocker. The lone significant concern with the Eagles' offense is whether their famed "Tush Push" play will be outlawed by the NFL. If so, Philadelphia will need to figure out a different way to execute at a high level in short-yardage situations. But even if that play is banned, the Eagles will still be tough to beat consistently given their strong roster. Here's a look at who Philadelphia is set to play in 2025 as their focus begins to shift to defending their Super Bowl title. Buy Eagles tickets for the 2025 season Philadelphia Eagles schedule 2025 This section will be updated when the NFL schedule is released on Wednesday, May 14. Week 1 : : Week 2 : : Week 3 : : Week 4 : : Week 5 : : Week 6 : : Week 7 : : Week 8 : : Week 9 : : Week 10 : : Week 11 : : Week 12 : : Week 13 : : Week 14 : : Week 15 : : Week 16 : : Week 17 : : Week 18: Eagles record prediction 2025 Record prediction: 11-6 The Eagles should once again be among the NFC's best teams in 2025, but they will face a tougher path to contention. Philadelphia is set to have the fourth-hardest schedule in the NFL for the 2025 season, per Sharp Football Analysis. Comparatively, they had the fourth-easiest schedule in the league last season en route to a 14-3 record. The Eagles have some daunting road games on their ledger. They have to play the Bills, Chiefs and Packers in hostile environments, highlighting the difficulties that will involve them facing every AFC West and NFC North teams as part of the NFL's yearly rotating schedule. Their own division could also be difficult, especially if the Commanders take a significant step forward in Jayden Daniels' second season. Philadelphia still has the talent needed to be one of the best teams in the NFC. That said, given the Eagles' difficult schedule, the defensive changes they have made this offseason and the fact they are coming off a Super Bowl win, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Eagles get off to a slower start and win fewer games than they did last regular season as a result. Eagles opponents 2025 Below is a full list of Philadelphia's opponents for the upcoming season. Home Chicago Bears Dallas Cowboys Denver Broncos Detroit Lions Las Vegas Raiders Los Angeles Rams New York Giants Washington Commanders Road
USA Today
27-02-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
NFL will use technology first down measurement system for 2025, going away from chain gang
NFL will use technology first down measurement system for 2025, going away from chain gang Show Caption Hide Caption Niners John Lynch provides update on negotiations with quarterback Brock Purdy 49ers general manager John Lynch reveals at NFL Combine that the team is in negotiations with Purdy's folks to secure him as their quarterback for the future. Goodbye, chain gang. Hello, technology. The NFL will make a 21st century approach to its first down measurement system for the 2025 season, getting rid of the chain gang and instead going with a technology tracking system. The news was confirmed by USA TODAY Sports' Jarrett Bell. Starting in the upcoming season, the NFL will use Hawk-Eye virtual measurement to determine the line to gain and it will be the primary method for measurements. The chain gang, which has been used for practically the entire lifetime of football, will still be on the sidelines, but will be used as a secondary method to determine the distance. Now, instead of bringing out the chains, the league will go with a "virtual measurement." The system works with cameras inside the stadium that track players, officials and the ball. After the ball is spotted, the system notifies officials if a first down was achieved. The Hawk-Eye system received "extensive testing" in 2024, according to Kimberly Fields, NFL SVP of Operations. The Associated Press reported in July it would be tested during the 2024 preseason. If there are issues with the system, the league could get rid of it, but for now, the league feels comfortable using it moving forward. "If it's not improving the game, making it more efficient, we're not going to do it. We will do nothing that hurts the integrity of the game," said Fields. The move has been widely desired by NFL fans, who have mostly felt the chain gang was an outdated system that couldn't give the most accurate measurements for down distance or determining whether a team picked up a first down or not. Without the technology, there have been some controversial calls. A prime example happened in the 2024 playoffs. In the AFC championship, the Buffalo Bills were leading the Kansas City Chiefs 22-21 in the fourth quarter when it decided to go for it on fourth down in the opponent's territory. Quarterback Josh Allen attempted a sneak, and even though some camera angles indicated he may have cross the first down marker, it wasn't definitive and officials ruled he didn't reach the line to gain. Kansas City would get the ball and score a touchdown and end up winning the game. Contributing: Jarrett Bell
USA Today
14-02-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Eagles Super Bowl parade live updates: Latest on Philadelphia's title celebration
Eagles Super Bowl parade live updates: Latest on Philadelphia's title celebration Show Caption Hide Caption Eagles blow out Chiefs to win franchise's second Super Bowl USA TODAY Sports' Jarrett Bell and Lorenzo Reyes break down the Eagles Super Bowl 59 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Sports Seriously The Philadelphia Eagles won Super Bowl 59 with plenty of flair. Now, they'll celebrate their victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in style as well. The Eagles' Super Bowl parade is set for Friday, with the City of Brotherly Love sure to show plenty of affection for the newly crowned title-winners on Valentine's Day. Quarterback Jalen Hurts, running back Saquon Barkley and coach Nick Sirianni are among the figures who are sure to command the spotlight during the celebration. And the gathering could be something of a last hurrah for some, as offensive coordinator Kellen Moore will return to join the team before heading back to his new post as the New Orleans Saints' head coach. USA TODAY Sports will have live updates on the parade festivities, so check back often throughout the day for all the latest. The parade is set to begin at 11 a.m. ET on Friday, Feb. 14, with a formal program set to take place in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art at 1 p.m. ET. USA TODAY will have a live stream of all the parade festivities. According to the Eagles, via the team's website: "The Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl Parade will step off from Broad Street and Pattison Avenue at 11 AM. on Friday, February 14, traveling northbound on Broad Street to S. Penn Square, westbound on S. Penn Square to 15th Street, northbound on 15th Street to John F. Kennedy Blvd., westbound on John F. Kennedy Blvd. to 16th Street, northbound on 16th Street to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, westbound on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to Eakins Oval, ending at Philadelphia Museum of Art apron."
