Latest news with #MattEberflus
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Kenneth Murray Jr. Promises One Key Improvement for the Dallas Cowboys Defense
Kenneth Murray Jr. Promises One Key Improvement for the Dallas Cowboys Defense originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Dallas Cowboys made several moves this offseason to improve their defense heading into the 2025 season. Dallas added value to the linebacker room by trading for former first-round pick Kenneth Murray Jr., and by signing linebacker Jack Sanborn. Advertisement Both are penciled in as starters. And … Murray is expected to contribute from Day 1 and there are rumors coming out of OTAs that he could wear the green dot to call plays this year. As someone who could immediately step in to relay the defensive play calls and quarterback the defense, Murray is vowing the unit will improve in a key area that's haunted them for years. Murray believes the Cowboys must stop the run if they truly want to be a great defense group. "The first thing you need to start by building a great defense is stopping the run,' Murray said, via DLLS. 'And so I think that was really the first thing that Ebeflus kind of talked about was stopping the run as a pillar of our defense. It's definitely an emphasis for us. Advertisement "Obviously, it's a new style coming in, and then, you know, got some new players. That's something that I'll take extremely personally. That that's mentality I'm gonna bring to it. It's personal, man. When they just running it down your throat, it's unacceptable." Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus is known for an aggressive scheme and consistently getting stellar play out of his linebackers. Murray recorded 95 tackles, 3.5 sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble across 14 games last season in Tennessee. But now? Murray has a chance to be a key contributor on a Cowboys defense that's looking to be an elite level unit. Advertisement Related: Cowboys Make Major Change To Fix Glaring Roster Flaw Related: DeMarvion Overshown Previews His New Jersey Number at Cowboys OTAs This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
Fox News
29-05-2025
- Business
- Fox News
Caleb Williams addresses NFL Draft controversy: 'I wanted to be here' with Bears
In his first meeting with reporters this year, Caleb Williams immediately addressed "what everybody would love to ask about." Earlier this month, it was revealed Williams had preferred going to Minnesota and even tried to avoid getting drafted by the Chicago Bears, who eventually selected him No. 1 overall. Williams admitted the story had become a "distraction" and felt it was important to talk about the circumstances. The second-year quarterback didn't exactly deny what was said in the book, "but something that keeps getting lost and not being addressed is the fact that" he "wanted to come" to Chicago after visiting with them, which he did after his meeting with the Vikings. Williams said his "thoughts" about the Bears were "fair," considering "there hasn't been a 4,000-yard passer." Williams' 4,030 total yards were the most by a Bears quarterback ever. "But I came here on a visit, and it's a challenge to be able to try to turn around. And that was the main goal of all of that. Through all of what happened last year and in previous years, I think that was enticing," Williams added. "That was something that was glaring to me. I wanted to come here and be the guy and be a part and be a reason why the Chicago Bears turn this thing around. That last thing that was said in all of that, I think, is the most important thing is that I wanted to be here. I love being here." Williams even name-dropped Matt Eberflus and Shane Waldron, the since-fired head coach and offensive coordinator, as those he was thankful for. Former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson became the Bears' new head coach this offseason. It was a move Williams was "extremely excited" about, to the point he even thanked Bears brass in a phone call. "Then once I got off the phone, I was driving on the highway, and I don't know if it was safe or not, but I gave a loud yell and scream of just excitement," Williams said at the time of the hiring. "It brings a bunch of clarity to the offseason. It brings a bunch of different things to the offseason. I'm really excited about the Bears and being able to make this happen. And keep Ben Johnson as our coach for a long time." Williams got some additional help in the NFL Draft when Chicago drafted Michigan tight end Colston Loveland with the 10th overall pick. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bears HC Ben Johnson discusses building trust with Caleb Williams
The Chicago Bears are hoping for a winning combination with head coach Ben Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams, one that will help rewrite Chicago's tortured quarterback history and set a new standard for the franchise. The hope is Johnson's presence will have an impactful long-term effect, but it's not going to be immediate and will take time as Johnson and Williams develop the kind of trust that the former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator had with Jared Goff. But the good news is Johnson and William are on the same page with what they want to accomplish, which is a great start. "It starts with developing a rapport and a trust, and that's earned over time," Johnson said. "You don't walk in Day 1 and expect that to be achieved. The more time we spend together, he understands that I have his best interests at hearts, and vice versa. He's going to go out there and play as well as he possibly can, not just for himself or me, but for the whole team and the city, that's really what it comes down to. We're very much aligned in terms of what we want to get done, it just takes more time on task, in terms of getting on the same page with how we're going to do it." Williams is coming off a promising rookie season, despite it being a disaster due to the prior coaching staff under Matt Eberflus. Williams passed for 3.541 yards with 20 touchdowns and six interceptions -- with two different head coaches and three offensive coordinators -- and set multiple franchise and league rookie records while showing he has the potential to be the franchise quarterback the Bears have been waiting for. Johnson's track record speaks for itself, specially how he helped develop Goff into a Pro Bowl quarterback after he was traded away by the Los Angeles Rams. Now, Johnson gets a chance to develop a young quarterback in Williams who has all of the tools to become a star in this league. And the Bears are banking on Johnson doing just that. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears HC Ben Johnson discusses building trust with Caleb Williams
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cowboys have options to help survive absence of key defender, former 3rd-round pick
It's hard to find a more promising player on the Dallas Cowboys defense than third-year linebacker DeMarvion Overshown. Overshown, a 2023 third-round pick, has been quite the rising star since joining the Cowboys. Blessed with speed, explosiveness and game awareness, Overshown is a human highlight reel whenever he's on the field. The only problem is he's not regularly able to be on the field. Injuries are as much a part of Overshown's young career as his highlights. A pair of significant knee injuries have limited the 24-year-old to just 13 games through two seasons. Still recovering from offseason surgery, it's a situation that promises to bleed well into the Cowboys' 2025 campaign, requiring bridge players and contingency plans at the weakside linebacker (WILL) position early this season. Advertisement Overshown's exact return date has yet to be determined but given the severity and timing of the injury, anything before Thanksgiving would be considered an optimistic estimate. As such, the Cowboys have had to operate as if they're hunting for a true starter at WILL and not just a Band Aid to tread water. The Cowboys actively shopped the LB position throughout the offseason, adding veterans Kenneth Murray and Jack Sanborn and drafting Shemar James. It's a bit of a mystery as to where each player will fit on the Dallas defense this season but it's a safe bet new Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus will test out a number of combinations. One player who could indirectly dictate where the pieces fit is second-year player Marist Liufau. Liufau, a third-round draft pick out of Notre Dame, flashed brightly during his rookie season. Liufau was inconsistent but displayed special traits which can't be taught. Like Overshown, he factors into the future at LB making his final landing spot somewhat clear. If Overshown is the future at WILL, then Liufau likely has to move to the middle (MIKE) at some point. With only two LB spots considered 'starters,' there aren't any other options left for Liufau. Granted the Cowboys could keep Liufau at WILL for another season while Overshown eases back. But with so much depth across the LB ranks it's probably wiser to start the move to MIKE right now. Advertisement If Liufau moves to the middle, he'll likely platoon with another player to share the workload. Sanborn, listed as the only MIKE on the roster, could be that player. This would leave Murray and the rookie (Shemar) James to duke it out at WILL. Murray, a veteran, is physically gifted but lacks the film to look like an obvious solution. James is equally as troubling since he's a Day 3 rookie who will be just lucky to crack a rotation in 2025. Even Damone Clark, the forgotten fourth-year LB, could step into the mix and serve as the bridge to Overshown this season. It really is an open competition heading into training camp. Eberflus is considered a LB guru, so if anyone can find an optional solution for both the short and long term, it's probably him. But Overshown is going to miss significant time in 2025 and finding a starting quality bridge player is imperative. Luckily for the Cowboys they have a handful of quality options to test out this summer. You can follow Reid on X @ReidDHanson and be sure to follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans! This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys will use summer to find bridge to injured LB Overshown
Reuters
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Cowboys OK with Micah Parsons being 'in and out' of OTAs
May 20 - Dallas Cowboys pass rusher Micah Parsons was not on the field with teammates on Tuesday as part of what head coach Brian Schottenheimer described as "in and out" attendance expected during organized team activities. Parsons, who was present Monday, is angling for a new contract one year after Dallas went through training camp before negotiating long-term extensions with wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott. Schottenheimer said Tuesday that Prescott is able to participate in first-team reps during OTAs, a sign he's considered fully healed from a torn hamstring, the injury that ended his 2024 season and required surgery. Parsons was permitted to work out largely on his own in the offseason under previous head coach Mike McCarthy. With more than two months between current OTA work and training camp, Schottenheimer said "it means a lot to me" to have Parsons present when he's able. Parsons participated in Monday's group workout and team meetings. Under first-time head coach Schottenheimer, Dallas began working through installation of new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus' scheme in April with Parsons in attendance. The All-Pro pass rusher is said to be seeking a $200 million deal that would set an NFL record for a non-quarterback. Parsons, 25, recorded 12 sacks, 43 tackles and two forced fumbles in 13 games (all starts) last season. A Pro Bowl selection in each of his first four seasons in the league, Parsons has totaled 256 tackles (63 for loss), 112 quarterback hits, 52.5 sacks, nine forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries in 63 career games (all starts). Without a new deal this offseason, Parsons is in line to earn approximately $24 million on the fifth year of his rookie contract in 2025. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said earlier this month that the two sides are in agreement on "most of the issues." Back in December, Parsons discussed the importance of attending workouts, minicamps and training camp. "I've got to be around the guys," he said. "There's going to be rookies, there's going to be free agents -- guys that come here -- you don't know who's going to be there, so there's a chemistry part and people know what you can do, but people also got to see it from a leader aspect. So I still gotta be there for that part." --Field Level Media
