Latest news with #MikeClay
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Can Buccaneers' Bucky Irving Squash Sophomore Slump?
Can Buccaneers' Bucky Irving Squash Sophomore Slump? originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The rise of Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving from backup to bonafide starter in his rookie season was a sight to behold. Advertisement Initially starting behind Rachaad White, Irving proved with each touch that he was the star of the running back room, and eventually usurped White as the starter for Liam Coen. A rookie season that ended with 1,122 yards and eight touchdowns, along with 47 receptions for 392 yards, paints the picture of a fourth-round pick exceeding expectations in a big way. But as we turn for 2025, the big question facing Bucky is, can he do it again? ESPN's Mike Clay thinks so. In his 2025 projections, Irving continues his ascension to be one of the best backs in football. Irving's 2025 projection: 1,227 yards, eight touchdowns, 53 receptions, 409 yards, three touchdowns. Dec 29, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (7) carries the ball against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium.© Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images So 1,636 all-purpose yards and 11 combined touchdowns isn't too bad for your second act in the NFL. Advertisement That would likely equate to Pro Bowl buzz for Bucky and further establish his standing as the clear No. 1 back behind Baker Mayfield. With his bruising, yet speedy running style, plus his ability as a pass-catcher out of the backfield, Irving is the very definition of a dual-threat back, and one that new offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard will be leaning on in 2025. Yes, this is just a projection, but there is nothing stopping Irving from hitting the numbers Clay put up, and if he does, it would mark quite the start to an NFL career for a running back who just 12 months ago wasn't even the starter. No sophomore slump here, folks. Advertisement Related: Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield Named 'Borderline Star' In QB Tiers Related: Buccaneers' Mike Evans Credits Baker Mayfield For His Return This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Should Cowboys' Dak Prescott Be A Running QB In 2025?
Should Cowboys' Dak Prescott Be A Running QB In 2025? originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Last season, just as Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott attempted to return to being the dual-threat he once was, his hamstring gave out in Week 9 against the Atlanta Falcons, ending his season. Advertisement For most, that puts a pin in Prescott being a genuine runner. But not for everyone. And let's be clear, when we talk about Prescott being a runner, we aren't talking designed runs, i.e., Lamar Jackson or Jayden Daniels, but more so when a play breaks down, Prescott can pick up a couple of useful yards to keep the chains moving. ESPN's Mike Clay hasn't put a line through Prescott the runner either, as in his 2025 projections, Prescott finishes the year with 49 attempts for 198 yards and two touchdowns. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) scrambles against the Atlanta Falcons in the third quarter at Mercedes-Benz Davis-Imagn Images Say this comes to fruition, the 49 attempts would be Prescott's second-highest since 2019, and yes, the yards are down, but there is a little nugget here that might surprise some. Advertisement Going by Clay's projection, Prescott would average 4.4 yards per carry. That would be his joint-best return since 2021. It is also worth noting that while Prescott would ultimately see his season end due to a hamstring injury, he achieved his second-highest career rushing success rate (61.5%). Now, we aren't advocating for Prescott, who will turn 32 years old before the season begins to morph back into the runner he once was, as physically, he might not have it in him. But the ability to pick up crucial yards when plays break down has always been a key part of his offensive arsenal. It just might have to be used sparingly in 2025 under Brian Schottenheimer. And if he can get four yards a clip? That'll do just fine. Advertisement Related: Cowboys Predicted To Feature Two 1,000-Yard Receivers for Dak Related: Ex Cowboys Defensive Coordinator Mike Zimmer Scores Unexpected Prize This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
23-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
ESPN projects breakout 2025 NFL seasons for several former Oregon Ducks
ESPN projects breakout 2025 NFL seasons for several former Oregon Ducks While we continue on through the college football offseason and prepare for what's to come this fall, the NFL ranks have been providing quite a bit of content. From the 2025 NFL draft and free agency to rookie minicamps earlier this month, content has been churning out from the professional ranks. Now, with OTAs coming up in the next few weeks, we will be hearing more from our favorite pro-Oregon Ducks as they prepare for the 2025 season. Earlier this week, ESPN's Mike Clay put out his projections for every offense and defense in the NFL, putting numbers to names and forecasting what's to come. According to Clay, it could be a fun season ahead for the dozens of Ducks in the league, with breakouts and career years projected. Whether it's as a rookie or as an experienced veteran, Oregon fans should enjoy what's to come. Here's how he sees the most notable Ducks performing in the upcoming season. QB Bo Nix Projected 2025 Stats: 3,510 yards, 24 TD, 11 INT, 3 rush TD Stats in 2024: 3,775 yards, 29 TD, 12 INT, 4 rush TD QB Justin Herbert Projected 2025 Stats: 3,741 yards, 22 TD, 9 INT Stats in 2024: 3,870 yards, 23 TD, 3 INT, 2 rush TD QB Marcus Mariota Projected 2025 Stats: 512 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT, 1 rush TD Stats in 2024: 364 yards, 4 TD, 0 INT, 1 rush TD QB Dillon Gabriel Projected 2025 Stats: 1,205 yards, 5 TD, 4 INT, 1 rush TD Stats in 2024: None RB Bucky Irving Projected 2025 Stats: 224 rushes, 1,049 yards, 7 TD, 49 catches, 379 yards, 3 TD Stats in 2024: 207 rushes, 1,122 yards, 8 TD, 47 catches, 392 yards RB Jordan James Projected 2025 Stats: 12 rushes, 51 yards, 2 catches, 15 yards Stats in 2024: None WR Troy Franklin Projected 2025 Stats: 16 catches, 222 yards, 2 TD Stats in 2024: 28 catches, 263 yards, 2 TD TE Terrance Ferguson Projected 2025 Stats: 16 catches, 161 yards, 1 TD Stats in 2024: None DL Arik Armstead Projected 2025 Stats: 30 tackles, 2.9 sacks Stats in 2024: 29 tackles, 2 sacks DL DeForest Buckner Projected 2025 Stats: 79 tackles, 7 sacks Stats in 2024: 61 tackles, 6.5 sacks EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux Projected 2025 Stats: 39 tackles, 6.6 sacks Stats in 2024: 28 tackles, 5.5 sacks DL Derrick Harmon Projected 2025 Stats: 33 tackles, 2.3 sacks Stats in 2024: None DL Jamaree Caldwell Projected 2025 Stats: 20 tackles, 1.3 sacks Stats in 2024: None LB Jeffrey Bassa Projected 2025 Stats: 6 tackles Stats in 2024: None LB Troy Dye Projected 2025 Stats: 24 tackles, 0.9 sacks Stats in 2024: 57 tackles, 1.5 sacks CB Christian Gonzalez Projected 2025 Stats: 68 tackles, 1.8 INT Stats in 2024: 59 tackles, 2 INT CB Deommodore Lenoir Projected 2025 Stats: 94 tackles, 1.7 INT Stats in 2024: 85 tackles, 2 INT S Evan Williams Projected 2025 Stats: 40 tackles Stats in 2024: 49 tackles, 1 INT S Jevon Holland Projected 2025 Stats: 83 tackles, 1.7 INT Stats in 2024: 62 tackles, 1 sack, 0 INT Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mike Clay projects regression year for Bo Nix in 2025
ESPN's Mike Clay has released his player projections for the 2025 NFL season, and he expects Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix to see a dip in his production this fall. Ahead of Nix's rookie season in 2024, Clay projected the quarterback would go 305-of-489 passing for 3,153 yards with 17 touchdowns against 13 interceptions in 14 games. Nix was also projected to be sacked 37 times and rush 44 times for 189 yards and two touchdowns. Advertisement It was easy to predict last year that Nix would easily beat those rushing projections. He ended up besting all of the projections. Playing in 17 games, Nix finished the season 376-of-567 passing for 3,775 yards with 29 touchdown passes against 12 interceptions. He only took 24 sacks and rushed 92 times for 430 yards and four scores. He also caught a touchdown pass in 2024. So, what are Clay's projections for Nix in 2025? The ESPN numbers have Nix projected to play in 15 games, going 331-of-499 passing for 3,431 yards with 24 touchdowns against 11 interceptions with 33 sacks. He has the QB rushing 75 times for 363 yards and three scores. So Clay expects a slump in passing yards, passing touchdowns, sacks and Nix's rushing numbers. He does have him throwing one less interception than last season, but in two fewer games. Advertisement Going into Year 2, Nix will aim to beat Clay's projections once again. Related: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans. This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: NFL: Mike Clay expects Bo Nix's production to dip in Year 2
USA Today
19-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Rams' win probability for every game on the 2025 schedule
Rams' win probability for every game on the 2025 schedule The 2025 regular season begins in less than four months, which means it won't be too long before players are on the field for training camp practices and shortly thereafter, preseason games. The Los Angeles Rams open the year with two AFC South opponents in the first two weeks, hosting the Houston Texans at home and then visiting No. 1 pick Cam Ward and the Tennessee Titans in Week 2. There are certainly some difficult games on the schedule but all things considered, the Rams have a great chance to win the division and get back to the playoffs in 2025. Not only are they favored to win 13 of their 17 games by oddsmakers at DraftKings Sportsbook, but ESPN's Mike Clay gives them better than a 50% chance to win 14 of their games. The only three games that they don't have a win probability of better than 50% are against the Eagles, Ravens and Lions – unquestionably the three best teams on their schedule. Clay projects the Rams to win 9.6 games based on his projections, which is the ninth-highest win total in the NFL. Here's a look at the Rams' win probability for each game, which ranges from 29% (at Baltimore) to 80% (vs. Saints). Rams' win probability for each game in 2025 Follow Rams Wire on X, Facebook and now Threads for more coverage!
