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Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Commanders NFC East Rival Begins Life With Super Bowl MVP
Commanders NFC East Rival Begins Life With Super Bowl MVP originally appeared on Athlon Sports. At one point in his NFL career, Russell Wilson was one of the best quarterbacks in the game. A Super Bowl champion and Pro Bowl star, Wilson was a dual-threat signal-caller that had the Seattle Seahawks as a top team in the league. Advertisement Now, he's looking to hang onto his career … maybe for dear life. Wilson signed a free agent deal with the New York Giants - his third team in as many years and fourth team in the last five. He believes his experience as a Super Bowl winner can help turn around the G-Men as early as this year. "The opportunity here is so great," Wilson said on the 7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony podcast. "I don't mind the lights. I don't mind that part of it. I think the other part of it for me, most importantly of it all that, is I've been here before. "When you walk into a stadium, into a locker room and you know, like my locker is the same locker I had when I won the Super Bowl. So, for me, when I see that, when I walk into the stadium I'm like, I've been here before. Not just been here but, like, we did this before." Advertisement The Commanders don't have to worry about their quarterback situation. Jayden Daniels is one of the best young quarterbacks in the game today. But it is noteworthy with Wilson being in the NFC East. Now, the Giants believe they have a quarterback who can compete with the Commanders and their young phenom. Time will tell if that was the right decision .. as he tries to turn back the clock and turn on the lights in New York. Related: Jayden Daniels 'Holding Commanders To A Standard' With Super Bowl Goals Related: Commanders Marcus Mariota Helps Hype Oregon As World Series Contenders This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Fox Sports
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
2025 Eagles game-by-game predictions: Repeating won't come easy for the champs
There are reasons why there have been only eight repeat Super Bowl champions ever, and just one in the past 20 years. It's simply not easy to duplicate that level of success. Luck runs out, and things go wrong. The Philadelphia Eagles don't think that will happen to them, but the odds are that it probably will. The reality is that everything has gone far too right for far too long with the defending Super Bowl champions. They navigated their way through a relatively healthy 14-3 regular season last year and were barely pressured in the postseason. In an absolutely remarkable run, they ended up winning 16 of their last 17 games. They are definitely good enough to be considered a Super Bowl contender again this season. They might even be worthy of being called the favorites in the NFC. But they can't avoid injuries forever. Complacency will set in eventually. And their 2025 schedule is one of the toughest in the league. It's for all those reasons that the Eagles could be just as good as they were last year, or maybe even better, but could end up with a worse record. That doesn't mean they won't have a chance to become the ninth repeat champion in NFL history. It just means it won't be easy to do. How hard will it be? Here's a look at Philadelphia's 2025 schedule and a prediction for each game. Week 1: vs. Cowboys, Thursday, Sept. 4 The Cowboys will come in looking to make a statement that they're ready to contend again in the NFC East. But maybe making the game competitive might be a better goal. The Eagles humiliated Dallas twice last season by a combined score of 75-13. Also, defending champs are 13-5 in these stand-alone, Thursday night openers. It's hard to imagine Philly stumbling out of the gate in a division game. Result: Win, 1-0 record Week 2: at Chiefs, Sunday, Sept. 14 The Eagles didn't just beat the Chiefs in the Super Bowl last year, they humiliated them, building a 34-0 lead before Kansas City showed a pulse in the third quarter. Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes & Co. aren't likely to let that happen again. Plus, the Eagles could be in for a letdown since the stakes are low for them. Result: Loss, 1-1 Week 3: vs. Rams, Sunday, Sept. 21 The Rams nearly upended the Eagles in the divisional round last year and are absolutely convinced they would have pulled off the upset if the snow in Philadelphia hadn't caused a slippery field. They'll see they were wrong about that. But at least the weather should be nicer. Result: Win, 2-1 Week 4: at Buccaneers, Sunday, Sept. 28 This might be the biggest early test for the Eagles' defense, to see if it can be as strong as it looked in the postseason last year. It probably won't be, but their offense should be just as good — certainly good enough to win what could be a high-scoring game. Result: Win, 3-1 Week 5: vs. Broncos, Sunday, Oct. 5 This game might look a little different if it were in Denver, but in Philly the Eagles are just too good. The Broncos struggled on the road last season (4-5), particularly against playoff teams (1-3). This game will be too much for them. Result: Win, 4-1 Week 6: at Giants, Thursday, Oct. 9 The Giants may be improved, but they're still the softest spot on most schedules. That's particularly true for the Eagles, who have won seven of their last eight vs. the Giants, 15 of their last 18, and 19 of their last 23 dating back to 2014. Result: Win, 5-1 Week 7: at Vikings, Sunday, Oct. 19 The Vikings aren't going to be the same powerhouse they were most of last season, unless QB J.J. McCarthy becomes an instant star. But they're still a good team, and last season they were 8-1 in Minnesota, which is a notoriously tough place to play. Plus, this game sandwiched between a home-and-home with the Giants feels like an obvious trap. Result: Loss, 5-2 Week 8: vs. Giants, Sunday, Oct. 26 The Eagles probably would have preferred this home-and-home to be later in the season so they could fatten up on their stretch run to the playoffs. But the "when" probably doesn't matter. The Giants are just badly overmatched. Also, they haven't won in Philly since 2013, going 0-12 since. Result: Win, 6-2 Week 9: Bye Week 10: at Packers, Monday, Nov. 10 The Eagles beat the Packers twice last season — once in Brazil and once in Philadelphia (in the wild-card playoffs). Green Bay isn't as tough a place to play as it used to be, but this still isn't an easy trip for the Eagles coming off a bye. The Packers will be a legitimate threat to their NFC crown. Result: Loss, 6-3 Week 11: vs. Lions, Sunday, Nov. 16 A year ago, this would've been the Game of the Year in the NFC. This year the hype isn't the same after the Lions' playoff collapse last season and the offseason losses of both their coordinators. Detroit will still be formidable, but the Eagles are still better, especially at home. Result: Win, 7-3 Week 12: at Cowboys, Sunday, Nov. 23 If the Cowboys are still alive in the playoff race by this time — and they should be — this game will be intriguing. If nothing else, it'll be their last chance to make a real statement in the NFC East. But they're still not good enough to make that statement against the Eagles. At least not yet. Result: Win, 8-3 Week 13: vs. Bears, Friday, Nov. 28 The Bears loaded up in the offseason and should be a much more formidable opponent than they were a year ago. But competing in general is different from competing with the Eagles. The Bears are still a few levels below the Eagles' class. Result: Win, 9-3 Week 14: at Chargers, Monday, Dec. 8 Jim Harbaugh's Chargers went 11-7 overall last season, but just 2-6 against teams that made the playoffs. The best way to prove they're ready for the next step is to knock off the defending Super Bowl champs. It'll be easier to do that when the Eagles are the ones making the cross-country flight. Result: Loss, 9-4 Week 15: vs. Raiders, Sunday, Dec. 14 Pete Carroll's career record vs. the Eagles is a perfect 8-0. But he built that with much better teams in Seattle, playing against Philly teams that weren't as good as this one should be. He doesn't have some magic formula that can put the undermanned Raiders in the Eagles' class. Result: Win, 10-4 Week 16: at Commanders, Saturday, Dec. 20 Probably the last thing the Eagles need heading into the postseason is two games in three weeks against the team they beat in the NFC Championship Game. The Commanders should be just as good as they were last season. And they'll be waiting for this. Result: Loss, 10-5 Week 17: at Bills, Sunday, Dec. 28 As if playing the Commanders in two of three to end the season isn't bad enough, the AFC powerhouse Bills are sandwiched in between. And in the deep AFC they'll still be playing for playoff seeding, at least. The Bills are as good as the Eagles. And the Western New York winter weather will probably be more to their liking, too. Result: Loss, 10-6 Week 18: vs. Commanders, Sunday, Jan. 4 The Eagles won't have the NFC's top seed wrapped up yet, and may not even have the NFC East secured. More importantly, though, they might need a win to feel better about their chances of repeating as they head into the playoffs. They also might need to calm the Philly fans and media who could be obsessing about their struggles down the stretch. Result: Win Final record: 11-6 It will not be as pretty nor as smooth as things were for most of last season, and it's possible the stretch run will remind everyone of Philly's stretch failures in 2023. But don't let the record or the troubles fool you. These Eagles, as long as they're healthy, are as good and as talented as they were last season. And while their schedule is painfully difficult, it could be a guard against complacency. They face all four teams they beat during their Super Bowl run last season — at Green Bay, vs. the L.A. Rams, at Kansas City, and home-and-home against the Commanders — and they play seven playoff teams on the road. That slate will help Nick Sirianni keep the Eagles focused. And they certainly will be battle-tested by the time the postseason arrives. Maybe, with a dip in their record, they might even be able to take some teams by surprise in the playoffs. Ralph Vacchiano is an NFL Reporter for FOX Sports. He spent the previous six years covering the Giants and Jets for SNY TV in New York, and before that, 16 years covering the Giants and the NFL for the New York Daily News. Follow him on Twitter at @RalphVacchiano . 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NBC Sports
16 hours ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Russell Wilson: George Pickens is misunderstood, he wants to be great
When the 2024 season came to an end, Russell Wilson was asked about Steelers teammate George Pickens and said that he was looking forward to seeing 'what we can do together.' No answer to that question is coming in the immediate future. Wilson left as a free agent and is now trying to be the Giants' quarterback while Pickens is playing wide receiver for the Cowboys following a May trade that sent him to Dallas. Wilson called Pickens a 'difference maker' in those January comments and his positive view of the wideout hasn't diminished. During an appearance on 7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony, Wilson said he thinks there's no ceiling to Pickens' ability and downplayed any concerns about his behavior. 'I love George,' Wilson said. 'His ability to catch the football is one of a kind. Anything in his vicinity, he's gonna catch it. Hopefully he don't catch none of 'em. On a serious note, he's misunderstood. He wants to be great, you know? I think, also, too, when it comes to George — his ability, where he can take it from not just being great, to being the world's best, I think he has that in him. I'm always rooting for guys I played with, just not when I play them.' Wilson and Pickens will see each other in Dallas in Week Two of the regular season and Wilson will be hoping his former teammate doesn't put his new team in an early hole in the NFC East.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Brian Schottenheimer Reveals Inspiration Behind Visor
Brian Schottenheimer Reveals Inspiration Behind Visor originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer has drawn praise throughout the offseason for the new and fresh culture he is building with the team. Schottenheimer carries himself with a level of what we can call "authentic swagger'' that resonates with his players. Advertisement One trademark of his sideline presence? When Schottenheimer is working on the field he can be seen rocking his signature visor—a look he recently opened up about. Schottenheimer credits College Football Hall of Fame coach Steve Spurrier for inspiring him to wear this particular piece of headgear. "He actually gave me the opportunity to wear a headset on game days," Schottenheimer said of Spurrier after "Schotty's'' transfer to Florida from Kansas. "I had to sit out for a year with the old transfer rules. But he told me that if I went there that he'd let me wear a headset, be involved, be the signal caller, which was great. Advertisement "What I didn't realize was that what that also entailed was anytime he threw his visor, which was probably five to seven times a game, I was responsible for picking it up." Schottenheimer, a college QB, continued, "So we're playing a game. I'm signaling the plays, something happens, and he's mad. He threw his visor, and for some reason, I was caught up, so I didn't go and pick it up. And he literally looks at me, he's like (wondering why I didn't get his hat). I went and picked it up. "So like, honestly that's where I first noticed it. Yeah, I think I look better in a visor than in a hat. I'm losing my hair a little bit, at least up front. But it goes back to Florida." Schottenheimer's visor - which he sometimes flips backwards while working a practice - is now a symbol of his coaching identity ... blending old school influence with a fresh approach. Advertisement If the Cowboys keep buying into his "Visor Vision,'' they could see their way to a successful season. Related: Rival NFL Coaches Reveal View On Cowboys Schotty Hire Related: Inside Why Jerry Jones Predicts Cowboys Can Win NFC East This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Former Commanders Star Gives Shocking Take on NFC East Wideouts
Former Commanders Star Gives Shocking Take on NFC East Wideouts originally appeared on Athlon Sports. When the Washington Commanders traded for All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel, the team hoped they finally had a receiving group that could compete pound for pound with the Philadelphia Eagles and their elite duo of AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith. Advertisement Not everyone is as high on the Samuel acquisition as the Commanders are, however. On the latest episode of the Up and Adams podcast, former Commanders and Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson spoke out in his belief that while the Commanders did bolster their receiving room, they didn't supplant another team in their decision. 'Obviously, Deebo - I think he's a good (addition) over there. Jayden Daniels had a heck of a year as well too. Dak (Prescott) … you know Dak, he's a regular-season hero. I just don't know how it's going to transition into the playoffs,' Jackson said. 'But as far as regular season, I think the Cowboys will have better production from CeeDee (Lamb) and George Pickens if we're just talking about receivers.' Jackson's comments about the Cowboys receiving room might be shocking to some. Dallas added George Pickens to the room in an offseason trade with the Steelers. Pickens is set to join a unit with an All-Pro in Lamb. Advertisement One argument: Is Samuel is a better player than Pickens at this time in their careers? The other, and we can settle this: As good as Terry McLaurin is, he isn't better than Lamb. And that's the demarcation point that the NFC East legend Jackson is speaking of here. In at least this one area, the Cowboys may have moved themselves up and over Washington. Related: Commanders Trade Paying Off As A Steal as Deebo Stars at OTAs Related: Commanders Rookie Putting On Show for Kingsbury at OTAs This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
