Latest news with #VinceLombardiTrophy
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
A surprising split for Eagles WR duo in a recent ranking of the NFL's best
Statements like this next one are typically debated when mentioned. Rankings are subjective, but A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are the best wide receiver tandem in the NFL. They might be the best one-two punch at the position that the Philadelphia Eagles have ever seen. Do you see how quiet it got after you read that? Advertisement This may seem one-sided or the theories of someone looking at the world through Midnight and Kelly Green lenses, but trust and believe. Serious thought was given to the statement before it was written. Yes, the guys in Miami are doggone good. The same can be said for the talent the Cincinnati Bengals have given Joe Burrow in the Queen City, but be honest with yourselves, Dolphins fans. Would you rather have your starters or A.J. and DeVonta today? That isn't to state Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are slouches. This doesn't suggest Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins aren't elite. Nothing could be further from the truth. This is simply a reminder of how good Brown and Smith have been during their run together in the City of Brotherly Love. Three seasons together have helped produce highlight reel plays and another Vince Lombardi Trophy for the Birds. Recently, Swole and Skinny Batman landed on a ranking of elite NFL receivers, but there are a few questions worth answering about how they were slotted. A.J. Brown lands atop PFF's WR ranking. DeVonta Smith is another story. Some love Pro Football Focus, others are confused by the rankings sometimes, and others still land in both categories. At times, it can feel like a mathematical genius is needed to understand how they calculate all of the numbers they come up with. Advertisement Here's something we can all digest more quickly. A.J. Brown landed atop PFF's ranking of the NFL's top 32 wideouts ahead of the 2025-26 regular season. Trevor Sikkema, the writer of this one, notates the following as his reason for making that decision. "Brown dominates defensive backs across the board, but his success against single coverage is especially notable. He earned the highest receiving grade versus single coverage in 2024 (96.6) and leads the league in that category over the past three seasons (2022–24) with a 97.0 grade. He can win in every way, against any defense." Brown is in tier one with Justin Jefferson and Ja'Marr Chase. There's no argument there. DeVonta is in tier four, and that's where the confusion begins. "Smith is about as reliable a No. 2 wide receiver as there is. He has earned receiving grades between 77.0 and 83.5 in each of his four seasons, with 2024 marking a career high at 83.5. His contested catch rate has consistently hovered around 40% throughout that span." Advertisement No one will find any issues with Sikkema's take. To his credit, he's typically spot on, but challenge flags can be thrown about Smith landing at 17 and some of the names that land in the tiers ahead of him. DeVonta is the first name mentioned in the fourth tier ahead of Chris Godwin, Brandon Aiyuk, D.J. Moore, Jaylen Waddle, Ladd McConkey, D.K. Metcalf, and Chris Olave. He also lands behind several players he's on the same level with, if not slightly ahead of, in his development. Here's who he's staring up at. You be the judge: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Puka Nacua, CeeDee Lamb, Nico Collins, Tyreek Hill, Mike Evans, Terry McLaurin, Drake London, Malik Nabers, Garrett Wilson, Tee Higgins, Brian Thomas Jr., and Davante Adams. Evans and McLaurin have Pro Football Hall of Fame arguments. Adams' resume speaks for itself. If they landed ahead of Smith on a ranking fueled by career achievements, no one should have any issue with them overtaking DeVonta, but that isn't what this is. Advertisement This ranks where these players are headed into the coming campaign. Are we sure all of these guys are better than the Slim Reaper? Maybe that PFF ranking system has something to do with it? Maybe there is something else we're missing? Whatever the reason, perhaps it's worth the effort to recalculate the votes. This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: A surprising split for the Eagles all-star WR duo in a recent ranking
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Lakers head coach JJ Redick visited a Rams practice this week
Lakers head coach JJ Redick visited a Rams practice this week JJ Redick has silenced plenty of his critics by leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 50-32 record and the third seed in the Western Conference this season. Although they were knocked out of the first round of the playoffs in five games by the Minnesota Timberwolves, it looks like they have found a quality coach to lead them into the future. Even better, it looks like Redick has gained respect from others. On Wednesday, the head coach of the Purple and Gold made an appearance at a Los Angeles Rams offseason practice session, and he even talked to some of their players. Sean McVay, the innovative and bright head coach of the Rams, had some nice things to say about Redick. The Rams have rebuilt very quickly following their Super Bowl championship three calendar years ago. With young stars coming into their own on both sides of the football, as well as newcomer Davante Adams, a six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver, they're hoping to get back into the mix for the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Redick is likely hoping the Lakers supply him with some young studs of their own so that he can deliver a world championship trophy of his own to the Southland.
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
A near-perfect Ravens machine falls short of the crown in recent NFL ranking
A near-perfect Ravens machine falls short of the crown in recent NFL ranking The Ravens land second on a recent NFL roster ranking. This could genuinely be a very special season. With each passing day, excitement gives way to expectations. The Baltimore Ravens' quest for Super Bowl glory is underway. A Vince Lombardi Trophy is the goal, and it has been since Lamar Jackson stepped under center to lead this team as its franchise quarterback. The goal isn't to reach the playoffs. The goal isn't to make a deep playoff run. That may pacify some other cities, but as memories of Ray Lewis' squirrel dance replay in everyone's minds, another thought follows. It's been a while since the flock claimed a Lombardi Trophy. Action Jackson is a two-time MVP and one of the game's best. He evokes confidence that a shot at glory is possible. He's surrounded by what might be the best supporting cast he has ever had. That fact isn't lost on anyone. Just ask lead draft writer. Eric Edholm slots the Ravens second on a ranking of the NFL's most complete teams. Eric Edholm hits the nail on the head with the following statement: "There's no perfect way to rank the best rosters heading into the 2025 NFL season." He does a doggone good job, though. His take, the ten most complete NFL teams for the 2025 season, seems feasible. It also ranks Baltimore second. "The Ravens have remained remarkably consistent and successful under head coach John Harbaugh, with GM Eric DeCosta carrying on the team-building prowess of the vintage years under Ozzie Newsome. Few franchises draft as well as the Ravens do, and though they seldom spend wildly in free agency, their hit rate is strong. That's how they've built -- and maintained -- a first-class roster." The only team keeping the Ravens out of the top spot was the defending-champion Philadelphia Eagles. Edholm pieces together a nice list, showing respect for Baltimore's offense and defense. It's 'Super Bowl or bust' this season after reaching the AFC Championship Game and going no further almost two years ago. This team looks to seal the deal after taking a step backward by seeing the dream die during the Divisional Round in upstate New York last January.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Eagles GM Howie Roseman enjoys the spoils of his success at a Phillies game
Being a champion has its privileges. So does being the best at what you do. Check both boxes for Philadelphia Eagles vice president and general manager Howie Roseman. He's a Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee in the making. He's the architect of two championship-winning Eagles teams, the 2017-18 Birds and the 2024-25 Eagles who hoisted the second Vince Lombardi Trophy in franchise history last season. Advertisement How's that for a couple of mouthfuls? How about this for another? It feels like he's just getting started, but his place in the hearts of Philly sports fans is already secure. When he's done, he'll never have to pay for a beer or a meal in the City of Brotherly Love again, unless he wants to. Let's hope he doesn't decide he's done until a long time from now. Eagles OTAs are underway, and after a long day at work, he took some well-deserved time off to hang out at a Philadelphia Phillies game and bask in some of that well-deserved glory. Howie Roseman throws out the first pitch at a Phillies home game. Sometimes, it's easy to wonder if Howie knew all of this was possible when Chip Kelly dealt him a bad hand. Maybe we ought to ask him that when we see him. When most would have thrown the towel in, Philly's GM endured, and thank Heaven he did. Where would this organization be without his efforts? Advertisement Life hasn't been better as an Eagles fan than this. It seems like Howie has it all going. He gets along well with players. He has a nice eye for talent. He juggles the salary cap like a math wiz. It seems the only thing he can't do is throw a 90-mile-an-hour fastball. Great job, Howie! And, it appears Zack Wheeler doesn't have anything to worry about for the time being. Neither do the Birds. Roseman won't be quitting his day job, and the Phils won't be changing the starting pitching rotation anytime soon! This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Howie Roseman threw out the first pitch at Phillies' game
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Eagles GM Howie Roseman enjoys the spoils of his success at a Phillies game
Eagles GM Howie Roseman enjoys the spoils of his success at a Phillies game Howie Roseman throws out the first pitch at a Phillies game. Being a champion has its privileges. So does being the best at what you do. Check both boxes for Philadelphia Eagles vice president and general manager Howie Roseman. He's a Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee in the making. He's the architect of two championship-winning Eagles teams, the 2017-18 Birds and the 2024-25 Eagles who hoisted the second Vince Lombardi Trophy in franchise history last season. How's that for a couple of mouthfuls? How about this for another? It feels like he's just getting started, but his place in the hearts of Philly sports fans is already secure. When he's done, he'll never have to pay for a beer or a meal in the City of Brotherly Love again, unless he wants to. Let's hope he doesn't decide he's done until a long time from now. Eagles OTAs are underway, and after a long day at work, he took some well-deserved time off to hang out at a Philadelphia Phillies game and bask in some of that well-deserved glory. Howie Roseman throws out the first pitch at a Phillies home game. Sometimes, it's easy to wonder if Howie knew all of this was possible when Chip Kelly dealt him a bad hand. Maybe we ought to ask him that when we see him. When most would have thrown the towel in, Philly's GM endured, and thank Heaven he did. Where would this organization be without his efforts? Life hasn't been better as an Eagles fan than this. It seems like Howie has it all going. He gets along well with players. He has a nice eye for talent. He juggles the salary cap like a math wiz. It seems the only thing he can't do is throw a 90-mile-an-hour fastball. Great job, Howie! And, it appears Zack Wheeler doesn't have anything to worry about for the time being. Neither do the Birds. Roseman won't be quitting his day job, and the Phils won't be changing the starting pitching rotation anytime soon!
