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Yahoo
07-07-2025
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Jeff Fisher explains the biggest difference between Cam Ward and Titans legend Steve McNair comparisons
Jeff Fisher explains the biggest difference between Cam Ward and Titans legend Steve McNair comparisons originally appeared on A to Z Sports. NASHVILLE -- Few people understand the history of the Tennessee Titans - Houston Oilers franchise than former coach Jeff Fisher. The club drafted quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2025, who came in with stylistic comparisons to legendary passer Steve McNair. Advertisement I asked Fisher what he made of those comparisons in an appearance on 104.5 The Zone's The Buck Reising Show recently. Cam Ward has similar on-field characteristics to former NFL Co-MVP Steve McNair View the original article to see embedded media. Who better to ask about the player comp being made by many in the pre-draft process. 'What we did in the way we handled Steve was, we wanted to get him experienced in his first year," said Fisher. "Mind you, that's, well, come in and play if we're trailing by a lot and we'll mop up or if we're ahead or there's an injury. And so, he got valuable experience his first year. And then, we kind of moved into the second year. By the third year, people were asking me, how was he? I was like, well, I just watched. This guy's going to be pretty good. Advertisement "And even in year three, four and five, when he was really starting to come on the scene and winning games for us, people would ask, is he a top five quarterback? And at that point, I couldn't ask that question, but I certainly could say he's a top five football player. And that's what he was. He was a football player first. And then, as he moved in and really fine-tuned the quarterback position, then of course he's a co-MVP. But are there similarities between the two? Physically, I don't think you're gonna ever find anybody that matches Steve's physical characteristics, the toughness, the strength.' Ward and McNair are both highly regarded for their competitive toughness, though the latter had higher-level traits at the position. McNair, however, was a product of a different generation of quarterback development. He did not take the reigns as the full-time starter until his third year as a pro. Ward will not have that same luxury as the clear option for a franchise in desperate need of immediate impact. While current Titans coach Brian Callahan has been firm on the idea of letting Ward earn the role through competition with embattled third-year quarterback Will Levis, Ward is the only real option moving forward. Advertisement Where Ward and McNair differ most View the original article to see embedded media. Comparisons are never exact. Just as no two people in everyday life are created exactly equal, the same logic applies to athletes. While watching one prospect may remind you of a former great from years past, it is a fools errand to take those equivalencies to extremes. Fisher was keen to point out one area where the legendary McNair differs from the outspoken Ward. "(McNair) was quiet," Fisher said. "He wasn't really outspoken. He wasn't that guy that would step in and call a team meeting or grab the team in the locker room, stuff like that. He was more of that quiet leader and people really respected. So, you know, when, when sometimes guys are going to yell and they're going to, you know, they're going to, you know, talk, talk trash and things like that. Steve spoke, spoke softly. Advertisement "And when he spoke, people bent over and listened to what he had to say.' View the original article to see embedded media. Featured Image: USA TODAY Sports This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Broncos' Bo Nix Predicted to Accomplish 4,000 Yards Passing, Not Done Since Peyton Manning
Broncos' Bo Nix Predicted to Accomplish 4,000 Yards Passing, Not Done Since Peyton Manning originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Denver Broncos drafted Bo Nix with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and the former Oregon quarterback entered the league with muted expectations. However, after a solid rookie season that culminated with the Broncos' first playoff appearance since 2015, the bar has been raised. Advertisement Nix impressed in his rookie season, completing 66.3% of his passes for 3775 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. On paper, it was the most impressive season by a Broncos quarterback in some time, and Nix's 29 passing touchdowns were the fourth-most in franchise history, with Super Bowl-winning quarterback Peyton Manning taking up the top three spots. Manning's four years in Denver were wildly successful, setting records for single-season passing touchdowns and passing yards while delivering a Super Bowl to the team in his final season, and now Nix is predicted to accomplish something that hasn't been done since Manning's days at Mile High. According to A to Z Sports' Destin Adams and Kyle Crabbs, Nix is set to have a big season in 2025, with the pair predicting the second-year quarterback to deliver a top-five passing yard season for the Broncos, a club that Manning also dominated. Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) throws for a touchdown against Indianapolis Colts defensive end Laiatu Latu (97) as offensive tackle Garett J. Downing-Imagn Images 'The Broncos have had some all-time slingers of the football. But in the grand scheme of single-season passing yard performances, I'm ready to project Bo Nix into the top-5.' Crabbs writes. 'Give me over 4,089 for Bo Nix in 2025 after he logged 3,775 passing yards as a rookie last season. The improvements to the weaponry should give Sean Payton the needed firepower to kick Denver's passing attack up a notch, and Nix now has a year of NFL seasoning under his belt.' Advertisement The last time a Broncos quarterback passed for over 4,000 yards was Peyton Manning back in 2014, when he threw for 4727 yards, 39 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions, his last Pro Bowl season in the NFL. By eclipsing the 4,000-yard mark, Nix would join an illustrious club that features Manning, John Elway, Jay Cutler, and Jake Plummer. Adams shares Crabbs' optimism. 'While the take sounds like it would be an incredible feat for Nix, it would only take a slight improvement from his rookie year. Nix only needs to add 314 yards to his total from 2024.' Adams writes, adding: 'He will be more comfortable at the NFL level and in Sean Payton's offense. And Payton will likely have more trust in his QB, which will lead to him opening up more of the playbook.' Nix impressed in Sean Payton's offense in 2024, and the Broncos front office continued to improve his ecosystem heading into 2025, adding Evan Engram and J.K. Dobbins in free agency while drafting receiver Pat Bryant and running back R.J. Harvey. Related: Broncos Star Edge Rusher Told to Bet on Himself in Hunt for New Contract This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Sport
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Bills' Tight End Dalton Kincaid Facing Defining 2025 Season
Bills' Tight End Dalton Kincaid Facing Defining 2025 Season originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Buffalo Bills' offense last season was a well-oiled machine under coordinator Joe Brady, and that was without tight end Dalton Kincaid improving on his rookie season. Advertisement Kincaid, a first-round pick out of Utah, rose to prominence in 2023, posting 673 yards and two touchdowns, with many of the thought that 2024 would see him explode into one of the best tight ends in football ... but it didn't happen. Injuries contributed to Dalton's so-so form that yielded just 448 yards and two touchdowns, and as he enters his third season, a big improvement is needed. And A to Z Sports named Dalton as one player who is under pressure to perform in 2025. "The 2025 season will be Kincaid's last opportunity to improve his standing within the compensation tiers for fifth-year options, but it's also worth noting that Buffalo will need to ask themselves if they're keen on a fully-guaranteed, non-flexible cap commitment for Kincaid if he has a similar season to 2024 once again this season," A to Z Sports writes. "So yes, there's pressure to perform up to his pick status but there's also pressure to clinch in a fifth-year option commitment, too." Advertisement Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid lines up for a play during the AFC Championship J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The thing is, we know what Kincaid is capable of; we've seen it. Now it's about getting him healthy and involved regularly, as Dawson Knox falls down the pecking order. With two years on his rookie deal before Buffalo can think about his fifth-year option, having a season like he did in 2023, and the franchise's minds could shift to an early extension. But if he continues the slide, things could get messy. No, he won't be cut or anything like that, but there is a real chance the Bills don't pick up his fifth-year option, and at that point, he'll be a 28-year-old potentially looking for a new team. Advertisement Kincaid has played just two NFL seasons, so he is still figuring things out, but he needs to show that last year was an anomaly, not something that will happen regularly. Yes, injuries played a part, but your best ability is availability. And Dalton needs to be available in 2025. Related: Bills Saddled With 'Super Bowl Or Bust' Expectations In 2025 Related: Bills' First-Round Rookie Sued for Sexual Assault This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Sport
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Dolphins Predicted to Cut Ties With Tyreek Hill After 2025 Season
Dolphins Predicted to Cut Ties With Tyreek Hill After 2025 Season originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Miami Dolphins have paid out big money to several players over the last few seasons, one of whom is Tyreek Hill, who some believe the team could be looking to move on from in the near future. Advertisement According to Kyle Crabbs at A-to-Z Sports, Hill could be on his way out after this upcoming NFL season due to a multitude of reasons. "Hill is not in a contract year in 2025, but he is scheduled to be a costly asset in 2026," Crabb said. "And with Hill's revolving door of drama, he's going to need to return to his 2023 form if Miami is going to consider signing themselves up for another year of the experience." Hill, who was dominant with the Kansas City Chiefs and then with the Dolphins two seasons ago, had his lowest offensive output since 2019 last year, finishing with 81 receptions for 959 yards and just six touchdowns. Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) looks on after making a catch against the New York Jets during the first quarter at Hard Rock Navarro-Imagn Images But that may not have been his fault as much as it was unfortunate circumstances. With quarterback Tua Tagovailoa missing games due to injury, Miami's season unraveled. Hill publicly expressed frustration at missing the playoffs, saying he was 'opening the door' to leave. Advertisement Still, Crabbs noted concerns about the superstar wideout's off-the-field drama and massive contract as concerns outside of a dip in on-field performance. "Hill is scheduled to make $36 million in cash in 2026, but none of it is guaranteed until the third day of the league year next March, when $11 million in salary guarantees and a $5 million roster bonus comes due," Crabbs said. Cutting Hill at that point could save the team tens of millions of dollars, but it does not recoup any value in return. Dolphins fans are hoping that a healthy Dolphins offense, improved defensive line, and a cultural turnaround will be enough to get the team back in the playoffs and get Hill back on track. Related: 3-Team Trade Idea Lands Dolphins' Jalen Ramsey With Bears This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dolphins' Kader Kohou Entering Make-or-Break Year
Dolphins' Kader Kohou Entering Make-or-Break Year originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Miami Dolphins have been drawing closer to a potential Jalen Ramsey trade, which will open the door for one of the Dolphins' defensive backs who is entering a contract year. Advertisement According to Kyle Crabbs of A-to-Z Sports, fourth-year nickelback Kader Kohou, who made the team as an undrafted free agent in 2022, must perform if he wants to stay in Miami next season. "If he thrives, he could earn a new contract from the team," Crabbs said. "But if he falters? Miami may opt not to pay a nickel defender and allow him to walk in free agency if he doesn't meet the moment." However, because of Ramsey's anticipated departure, Kohou's role with the Dolphins' defense becomes even more important. Miami Dolphins cornerback Kader Kohou (4) celebrates following an interception against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at Lumen Nicholson-Imagn Images "The former undrafted free agent is in a position to potentially take a huge leap this season," Crabbs said. Advertisement As the starting slot corner in 2024, Kohou snagged two interceptions to go along with eight passes defensed, 45 tackles, and one forced fumble and fumble recovery. It was a career low in total tackles, but Kohou was asked to spend more time in coverage than years past. Kohou is expected to start in 2025 at the nickel position, where he played well last season, but could also see time on the outside in the absence of Ramsey. Storm Duck appears to be solidified in one of the outside corner spots, with Cam Smith and Jason Marshall Jr. also competing at the position. With training camp on the horizon, Kohou will likely be looking to improve and fully establish himself as the man for the job for years to come, earning a new contract. Related: Dolphins Ecstatic to Have Trio of Pass Rushers Healthy This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
