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USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
ESPN's Football Power Index has the New Orleans Saints ranked dead last
ESPN's Football Power Index has the New Orleans Saints ranked dead last Hey, there's nowhere to go but up. ESPN's Seth Walder shared a look at the first NFL Football Power Index (FPI) rankings ahead of the 2025 preseason, which has the New Orleans Saints at the very bottom -- ranking at No. 32 among the league's 32 teams. FPI, which is updated regularly in the offseason and daily during the regular season, is defined as "a measure of team strength that is meant to be the best predictor of a team's performance going forward for the rest of the season. FPI represents how many points above or below average a team is. Projected results are based on 10,000 simulations of the rest of the season using FPI, results to date, and the remaining schedule." It's just the latest sign that the Saints have a lot of work to do in cleaning up their image. They need to prove their doubters (of which there are many) wrong and win a lot of games this year. But that's easier said than done, especially with a new head coach and no sure thing at quarterback. If you're curious about the rest of the NFC South, the Saints were joined in the bottom tier by the Atlanta Falcons (at No. 26) and Carolina Panthers (No. 28), but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 14) are expected to hold onto the division title. But did the FPI rankings get it right last year? They were too bullish on a San Francisco 49ers team that ranked first but suffered too many injuries and only won six games. Like everyone else, they ruled out the Washington Commanders (at No. 28) who stunned the football world by reaching the NFC Championship Game. And in the NFC South specifically, they called down years for the Saints (No. 26) and Carolina Panthers (No. 32) while overrating the Atlanta Falcons (No. 15), who went into the year with a comfortable lead over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 22). Maybe this year's story plays out differently.
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Bucs players with something to prove heading into the 2025 season
Bucs players with something to prove heading into the 2025 season Every new NFL season offers players and teams a new chance to prove themselves. While some will have an easier time doing this, some will have to do it while backpedaling. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are coming off a fourth straight NFC South division title, but they had another early playoff exit. They want to see an extended playoff run to the Super Bowl, and to do that, they will need a few players to step up who have disappeared at times, or for the 2025 season. Jason Licht has done a great job of building this roster up yearly since that initial Super Bowl run in 2020. Since then, the team has been competitive, but there have been no more Super Bowl appearances. Could this team be the one to change that streak? We have picked out three players with something to prove and given our reasons for making the cut. Rachaad White, Running Back The former Arizona State Sun Devil saw his role cut back in 2024 due to the arrival and emergence of Bucky Irving. Despite that, he is now set to be back in the rotation with a set role alongside Irving as the team looks to establish a thunder and lightning role that we have seen emerge around the league with various teams. The Bucs have the weapons in the passing game to be able to win games based solely on that, but playing with a lead is something they struggled with in 2024. Having a healthy dose of Rachaadf White back in the mix could help fix that and set him up nicely for what could be a big free agent cycle for him. Chris Braswell, Linebacker The former second-round draft pick enters his sophomore season with just 18 tackles to his credit after his rookie season. With the horizon coming on Lavonte David's career, and no replacement being drafted, the time is now for the Bucs to start grooming him as the heir apparent. If he can show more responsibility, more assignments, and more playmaking, he could be the future of the middle of the Bucs defense. If not, we will see the Bucs start looking for a replacement in free agency or the draft in 2026. Haason Reddick, Edge Rusher Not often would it make sense for a $14 million free agent signing to have something to prove, but Haason Reddick is a unique case. The veteran edge rusher is a former All-Pro coming off a year where he missed an entire offseason as he held out for a better contract with the Eagles, only to be dealt to the Jets before hitting the market in March. He comes to Tampa Bay with a chip on his shoulder as he is on a one-year prove-it deal. If he performs, he could see big money coming to him from either Tampa Bay or beyond. Without it, though, his NFL career may be coming to an end sooner than many once thought.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Rachaad White ready to prove Tampa Bay wrong for betting on Bucky Irving
Rachaad White ready to prove Tampa Bay wrong for betting on Bucky Irving (Image Source: Getty Images) Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White is entering a contract year that is critical to his future, split in the backfield with young sensation Bucky Irving. Even after Irving's spectacular rookie year, White is saying all the right things and remains steadfast in his optimism. With new quarterbacks in Tampa and limited touches in the cards, White is set to utilize every opportunity. His strong relationship with Irving and optimistic attitude have assisted in establishing one of the league's leading rush attacks, planning on remaining powerful during the 2025 season. Rachaad White focused on proving himself in contract year Rachaad White is aware that this is the last year of his contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Meanwhile, he's also sharing the backfield with freshman sensation Bucky Irving. Irving ran for more than 1,100 yards and contributed to Tampa's attainment of another division title. But White isn't yielding the spotlight yet. Rachaad White gained 613 yards on the ground last season and scored nine total touchdowns. He also had 51 receptions, displaying his overall ability. Although Irving had more rushing yards, White believes he is prepared to show the team he has what it takes to be an integral part of the team. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 「たった10秒」ぽっこりお腹やってみて！ 大正製薬 続きを読む Undo Also Read: FBI Launches Investigation Into An Alleged Extortion Attempt Targeting Buccaneers RB Rachaad White No egos between Rachaad White and Bucky Irving Despite the competition, White and Irving are there for one another. White noted that they don't let pride interfere. Rather, they back each other up and compliment the offensive line for making them successful. They even bestowed upon themselves a nickname the "Bad Boys" and have a handshake before games. Their tight friendship is contributing to the team's development. Tampa Bay's offense will have a different look this season. This could translate into fewer touches for White, but he isn't worried about that. He stated he just wants to work hard each day and capitalize on every opportunity presented. Even though he's not the top running back, White's work and mindset are still solid. He and Irving led the Bucs to a fourth-ranked rushing offense in the NFL during the previous season. The Bucs also won their fourth consecutive NFC South division title. With another season coming up, White is determined and ready. Regardless of if he runs the ball 10 times or 20 times, he just wants to contribute to the team winning. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lions withdraw rule change proposal that would've benefitted Commanders
We hear of proposed rule changes every offseason at the NFL owners' meetings. Some make plenty of sense, while others may seem preposterous. This year, the focus on proposed rule changes was the Philadelphia Eagles' unstoppable tush push. While many thought it would be banned, it's safe for at least another year. The most interesting rule proposal in 2025 came from the Detroit Lions. The Lions proposed that the NFL change its playoff seeding format. As it currently stands, seven teams that make the playoffs: the four division winners and three wild-card teams in each conference. The Lions, who finished 15-2 in the regular season, had to win their final regular-season game to clinch the NFC North and the NFC's No. 1 overall seed. Advertisement Under Detroit's proposal, the Lions would've maintained a top-three seed even if they had lost to the Vikings in Week 18. The proposal hoped to change playoff seeding, meaning the top four records would be the top seeds regardless of division. That would have also helped the Washington Commanders. Washington finished 12-5, but fell to the No. 6 seed. The Commanders would have held the No. 4 seed over NFC South winner Tampa Bay and hosted at least one playoff game. While the reseeding proposal sounded like a great idea, the Lions withdrew it without explanation. Detroit reportedly wouldn't get the 24 votes needed to make it happen, so the rule proposal was withdrawn. You would think most NFL teams would love this rule, as it allows other teams to host a playoff game, potentially. This rule would've helped the 2024 Commanders. However, it wouldn't have been so good for the 2020 squad. That year, Washington won the NFC East with a 7-9 record. There were theories as to why the Lions dropped the proposal, which they likely did with some encouragement from the NFL. So, while it didn't happen this time around, don't rule it out in the future. This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Lions withdraw rule change proposal that would benefit Commanders
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Clay Matthews Predicts Lions Will Win NFC North Again in 2025
The Detroit Lions have dominated the NFC North over the last two seasons. Between 2023 and 2024, the Lions have gone 10-2 against opponents in their division and won a pair of division titles. That success has come despite the NFC North becoming the NFL's toughest division last season. Advertisement The Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings both finished with double-digit wins and the Vikings were fighting for the division until Week 18. Now things could get even tougher in 2025. The Vikings and Chicago Bears both made major changes to their offensive lines. The Bears also overhauled their coaching staff, bringing in former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to be their head coach. The Packers are hoping they finally got Jordan Love a true WR1 to throw the ball to. Detroit Lions logo at Ford FieldKirby Lee-Imagn Images Even with how tough the division has become, a longtime Lions rival has predicted that Detroit is going to win the NFC North for a third consecutive year in 2025. Advertisement During a recent appearance on the "Bussin With the Boys" podcast, former Packers All-Pro Clay Matthews predicted the Lions would win their division again next season. I think Detroit. I'm interested to see how buddy from Michigan does for Minnesota. They've obviously got a great team, the Vikings, but Detroit, they've just got that it factor right now until someone dethrones them. The Packers are right there. I think that'll be the best division. The Lions are currently the popular pick to win the North in 2025. DraftKings Sportsbook has set their line at +140 to win the division. They are also the betting favorites in five of their six matchups against divisional opponents. The Lions haven't done much to improve this offseason to maintain the gap between them and the rest of the division, but they should be even better in 2025 than they were in 2024 if they can just stay healthy. Advertisement Still, it's surprising to hear a Packers legend predict that the Lions will be the team to win the NFC North this season. Related: All-Pro Named the Most Talented Lions Player Who Could Still Be Cut This Offseason Related: Five Lions Ranked in Top 25 Best Players Under 25 Years Old
