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USA Today
16-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Former NFL GM trashes Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger
In 2027, former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will be eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. And he will go in on the first ballot. Roethlisberger has two Super Bowl Championships, was Rookie of the Year, and led the NFL in passing yards twice. Roethlisberger was almost never the best quarterback in the NFL during his time, primarily because of a guy named Tom Brady who dominated the league. Nevertheless, Roethlisberger is the greatest statistical quarterback in franchise history. But former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum decided, while talking on ESPN First Take, to throw some serious disrespect at Roethlisberger in comparing him to some of the top quarterbacks in the NFL. Tannebaum said in a group that included Roethlisberger, Joe Burrow, Jalen Hurts, Justin Herbert and Jordon Love. Tannenbaum said that he wouldn't take Big Ben over either of the other four. "I look at more from a GM perspective of if we were drafting them," Tannenbaum said. "I'll give you Eli Manning in '04, but if Ben Roethlisberger was in a group with Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, Jalen Hurts, and Jordan Love, I'm not sure I'm taking Ben over any of those guys. And that's where I think '04 is a little top heavy." On paper, we can concede if things continue as they are, Hurts and Burrow could both end up with better careers. They both have incredible talent around them, and organizations are committed to winning with them as the focal point. But for Tannenbaum to lump in Herbert and Love is mind-numbing. Then I remembered, Tannenbaum's most memorable pick as a general manager was quarterback Mark Sanchez, whom he took No. 5 overall in a trade up, so take his quarterback analysis with a grain of salt.
USA Today
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
EA Sports College Football 26 includes major opt-out within UNC football program
Who is UNC's major opt-out for EA Sports College Football 26? College football fans and gamers were able to get access to EA Sports College Football 26 on Monday, as the game was available for early access for those who preordered the game. For fans who want to play as North Carolina, there is a noticeable omission from the game if you look on the sidelines in Chapel Hill. Head coach Bill Belichick is one of 12 coaches who declined to be in the game for this year's version . Instead, UNC fans will notice a computer-generated "Hector Luna" roaming the Kenan Stadium sidelines. Joining Belichick amongst head coaches to decline invites: Colorado's Deion Sanders,Miami's (FL) Mario Cristobal, Iowa's Kirk Ferentz, Utah State's Bronco Mendenhall, Western Kentucky's Tyson Helton, Jacksonville State's Charles Kelly, Stanford's Frank Reich, UAB's Trent Dilfer, Louisiana-Monroe's Bryant Vincent, New Mexico's Jason Eck and Kent State's Mark Carney. This isn't anything unusual for Belichick, as he didn't give his likeness to the Madden franchise in past years of the game as well. Belichick hasn't coached in the NFL since 2024, but during games, Madden likes to reference dynasties, past history and other memorable moments to make gameplay more interesting. Despite Belichick's long history of NFL success, highlighted by eight Super Bowl Championships and 17 AFC East Titles, 2025 will be his first as a college coach. North Carolina reshaped a large part of its projected fall 2025 roster through the transfer portal, landed commitments from several touted class of 2025 and 2026 recruits, plus stole commitments from other programs. Though EA Sports' CFB 26 release is an exciting moment for many sports fans and gamers across the country, it's likely the least of Belichick's worries right now. The Tar Heels are in desperate need of a return to relevancy, which Belichick has a strong capability to bring. Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
USA Today
29-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Grok offers game-by-game predictions for New York Giants in 2025
Expectations are not particularly high for the New York Giants entering the 2025 regular season, but historically, the organization thrives as an underdog. Still, the NFL's toughest schedule (based on last season's results and 2025 predictions) throws a wrench into the field of optimism, which is somewhat difficult to find these days. Fans are down after years of struggle and rebuilds, with the glory days of Super Bowl Championships past now long in the distance. Much about the Giants' future is uncertain, but things will be sorted out over an 18-week, 17-game schedule. Can they finally right the ship and provide a reason for excitement? That's a question we at Giants Wire asked Grok (AI), and the return was, let's just say, unexpected. Here's a game-by-game prediction for the New York Football Giants ahead of the 2025 regular season, brought to you -- with analysis -- by Grok. Week 1: Commanders 24, Giants 20 Like many, Grok sees the Giants getting off to a rough start in 2025, and it gets no easier over the next several weeks. The Commanders, coming off an NFC Championship appearance in 2024, are led by Jayden Daniels and have added offensive talent like Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel. The Giants, with Russell Wilson at the helm, should keep it close with their improved defense (featuring Abdul Carter, Jevon Holland, and others). However, Washington's momentum and home-field advantage give them the edge in a tight game. Week 2: Cowboys 30, Giants 23 Will the Giants ever beat the Cowboys again? Well... The Cowboys have dominated the Giants, winning eight straight matchups. Despite Dallas's 2024 struggles (2-7 at home), their healthier roster and Dak Prescott's track record against New York make them favorites. The Giants' pass rush, led by Carter and Brian Burns, could pressure Prescott, but Dallas's offensive firepower pulls away late. Week 3: Chiefs 34, Giants 17 Steve Spagnuolo dominates his former team, limiting them to just 17. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, despite a Super Bowl loss in 2024, remain a juggernaut. The Giants' home opener is a tough draw, and their defense will struggle to contain Kansas City's offense. Wilson's experience keeps it respectable early, but the Chiefs' depth and coaching overwhelm New York. Week 4: Giants 23, Chargers 20 The Giants get off the snide with an impressive defensive-led victory over Los Angeles. The Chargers, under Jim Harbaugh, are physical with new offensive additions like Najee Harris. However, the Giants' defense, expected to be among the league's better units, can exploit Justin Herbert's inconsistencies. New York pulls off an upset at home, capitalizing on a turnover in a close game. Week 5: Giants 27, Saints 16 A rare double-digit win for the Giants. Could it spark some momentum with two big games against the Eagles over the next three weeks? The Saints are in transition with Kellen Moore as head coach and no experienced quarterback (likely Spencer Rattler or Tyler Shough). The Giants' defense dominates, and Wilson's deep-ball ability connects with their receivers for a comfortable road win. Week 6: Eagles 31, Giants 20 No. So much for that momentum. The defending Super Bowl champions, led by Saquon Barkley, are a tough matchup. The Giants' defense keeps it competitive, but Philadelphia's balanced attack and Jalen Hurts' dual-threat ability prove too much on a short week. Week 7: Giants 24, Broncos 21 New York gets back in the driver's seat as Russell Wilson beats his former team, but here come the Eagles again... Russell Wilson faces his former team, but the narrative is muted since he played for Pittsburgh in 2024. Sean Payton's offense with Bo Nix is improving, but the Giants' defense, led by Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux, generates key stops. New York wins a close one on the road. Week 8: Eagles 28, Giants 17 Brutal. Saquon Barkley continues to torment the Giants and general manager Joe Schoen. The second meeting with Philly is tougher on the road. The Eagles' depth and coaching outmatch the Giants, who struggle to keep up offensively. Barkley's presence adds motivation for New York, but Philadelphia's home dominance secures the win. Week 9: Giants 20, 49ers 17 Grok sees a window where Jaxson Dart potentially takes over under center. Is Week 9 the date we circle on our calendars? The 49ers, coming off a 6-11 season, are in a rebuilding phase. The Giants' defense exploits San Francisco's aging offense, and a strong home performance, potentially with Jaxson Dart seeing snaps if Wilson struggles, secures a narrow upset. Week 10: Giants 21, Bears 20 These are the types of matchups the Giants' defense must win in 2025. The Bears, with new coach Ben Johnson and QB Caleb Williams, are a trendy turnaround pick. However, Chicago's offensive line issues allow the Giants' pass rush to disrupt Williams. New York ekes out a home win in a low-scoring affair. Week 11: Packers 24, Giants 20 The only question is: Did Xavier McKinney record an interception? The Xavier McKinney revenge game sees Green Bay's inconsistent but talented squad edge out the Giants. Jordan Love and new receiver Matthew Golden test New York's secondary. The Giants keep it close but fall short at home. Week 12: Lions 34, Giants 17 An ugly late-season loss that likely leads to some calls for a coaching change. The Lions, seeking redemption after missing the Super Bowl, are a powerhouse. Their offense, led by Jared Goff, overwhelms the Giants' defense, which struggles on the road against Detroit's balanced attack. Week 13: Giants 23, Patriots 20 Is Jaxson Dart under center at this point? And would a few wins quiet the pitchforks? A potential Jaxson Dart vs. Drake Maye matchup adds intrigue. Mike Vrabel's Patriots are improved, but the Giants' defense, with Carter, Burns, and Thibodeaux, sacks Maye late to secure a road win in a defensive slugfest. Week 15: Giants 24, Commanders 23 Brian Daboll's team makes it two in a row... by the skin of their teeth. The rematch at home favors the Giants, who have historically played Washington tough (3-2-1 under Daboll). A late defensive stand or a clutch drive by Wilson/Dart secures a narrow win. Week 16: Vikings 26, Giants 20 If the Giants' secondary is being exploited at this stage of the season against what is technically a rookie quarterback, something went wrong. The Vikings, with J.J. McCarthy potentially starting, are a tough road test. Minnesota's offensive weapons, like Justin Jefferson, exploit the Giants' secondary. New York keeps it competitive but falls short. Week 17: Giants 27, Raiders 21 Seven wins are nice. The Raiders, a rebuilding team, are winnable for New York. The Giants' defense pressures the Raiders' quarterback, and the offense, whether led by Wilson or Dart, capitalizes on short fields for a home victory. Week 18: Giants 31, Cowboys 30 Eight wins are nicer. And the Giants finally beat the Cowboys in dramatic fashion. In a dramatic season finale, the Giants pull off an upset. If Dart is starting, he makes a statement with a game-winning drive, reminiscent of Eli Manning's heroics. The Giants' defense sacks Prescott late to seal a thrilling home victory. Final record: 9-8 A winning record against a tough schedule in 2025? It would be impressive after a slow start and some ugly mid-season losses. It would also keep the regime of general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll intact, but playoffs would be a must in 2026. The Giants finish with a respectable 9-8 record, a significant improvement from 2024's 3-14. Their defense, bolstered by Carter, Burns, and Thibodeaux, keeps them in games, while Wilson's veteran presence (and potentially Dart's emergence) stabilizes the offense. The tough schedule prevents a playoff push, but the season ends with optimism for 2026. This aligns with some optimistic projections (e.g., 7-10 or 9-8) but is tempered by the schedule's difficulty.
Yahoo
26-01-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Joe Gibbs actually rescued the Commanders again
As if Joe Gibbs hadn't done enough for Washington's NFL franchise, Gibbs again stepped up and came to the rescue. In July 2023, former owner Daniel Snyder couldn't go out in style and be gracious. He couldn't bring himself to it. According to an ESPN report by Seth Wickersham and Don Van Natta Jr, Snyder actually put up a fight at the end. The sale was announced as final to the Josh Harris ownership group of approximately 20 owners. When the NFL announced they were fining Snyder $60 million, the price dropped just below the $6 billion insisted upon by Snyder. Consequently, Snyder "threatened to kill the deal by refusing to share his bank information, preventing Harris from wiring him the money. At 1 a.m. on July 21, Snyder and his wife were fielding phone calls from various executives and confidants, urging him to do what he'd pledged and let go of the team." Snyder, in addition, refused to hand over the stadium keys, knowing there would be a rally for the Harris group purchasing the team. When Snyder took over in 1999, GM Charley Casserly suddenly resigned. Norv Turner was fired before the 2000 season concluded. Marty Schottenheimer lasted only the 2001 season. A frustrated Steve Spurrier, knowing he had a couple more years to collect on his contract, resigned anyway, later saying Snyder had never come through with a general manager as he had promised. To the rescue came Joe Jackson Gibbs. Gibbs said his wife Pat had even told him that going back to the Redskins, he was going to ruin his good name. But Gibbs returned anyway and led the team to two playoff seasons, including a playoff win in the 2005 season, the last until this 2024 season. So, too, in July 2023, it was again Joe Gibbs willing to get involved and talk to Daniel Snyder, hoping to get Snyder to see the big picture. In typical Gibbs fashion, he is said to have asked Snyder to think about what would be loving the team and the fan base. Has there ever been an NFL head coach who spoke so well of his team's fan base than Coach Joe? His entire time in both terms (1981-92 and 2004-07), Joe Gibbs praised the fan base, saying they were the best in the NFL. How seriously was Snyder digging in? How long was he willing to hold out in July 2023? Months later, Tad Brown, CEO of HBSE, told confidants, "We don't get the Commanders if not for Joe Gibbs." Not only did Coach Joe bring the DMV 5 NFC Championship games, 4 NFC Championships, four Super Bowls, and three Super Bowl Championships, but he directly helped bring the Commanders to the Josh Harris ownership group. Is perhaps the greatest Redskin and Commander of all actually Joe Jackson Gibbs? This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Joe Gibbs actually rescued the Commanders again
USA Today
26-01-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Joe Gibbs actually rescued the Commanders again
As if Joe Gibbs hadn't done enough for Washington's NFL franchise, Gibbs again stepped up and came to the rescue. In July 2023, former owner Daniel Snyder couldn't go out in style and be gracious. He couldn't bring himself to it. According to an ESPN report by Seth Wickersham and Don Van Natta Jr, Snyder actually put up a fight at the end. The sale was announced as final to the Josh Harris ownership group of approximately 20 owners. When the NFL announced they were fining Snyder $60 million, the price dropped just below the $6 billion insisted upon by Snyder. Consequently, Snyder 'threatened to kill the deal by refusing to share his bank information, preventing Harris from wiring him the money. At 1 a.m. on July 21, Snyder and his wife were fielding phone calls from various executives and confidants, urging him to do what he'd pledged and let go of the team.' Snyder, in addition, refused to hand over the stadium keys, knowing there would be a rally for the Harris group purchasing the team. When Snyder took over in 1999, GM Charley Casserly suddenly resigned. Norv Turner was fired before the 2000 season concluded. Marty Schottenheimer lasted only the 2001 season. A frustrated Steve Spurrier, knowing he had a couple more years to collect on his contract, resigned anyway, later saying Snyder had never come through with a general manager as he had promised. To the rescue came Joe Jackson Gibbs. Gibbs said his wife Pat had even told him that going back to the Redskins, he was going to ruin his good name. But Gibbs returned anyway and led the team to two playoff seasons, including a playoff win in the 2005 season, the last until this 2024 season. So, too, in July 2023, it was again Joe Gibbs willing to get involved and talk to Daniel Snyder, hoping to get Snyder to see the big picture. In typical Gibbs fashion, he is said to have asked Snyder to think about what would be loving the team and the fan base. January 13, 1981#HTTR hire Joe Gibbs — Old Time Football 🏈 (@Ol_TimeFootball) September 1, 2023 Has there ever been an NFL head coach who spoke so well of his team's fan base than Coach Joe? His entire time in both terms (1981-92 and 2004-07), Joe Gibbs praised the fan base, saying they were the best in the NFL. How seriously was Snyder digging in? How long was he willing to hold out in July 2023? Months later, Tad Brown, CEO of HBSE, told confidants, 'We don't get the Commanders if not for Joe Gibbs.' Joe Gibbs returns (2004) — Vintage NFL (@NFL_vintage) July 11, 2022 Not only did Coach Joe bring the DMV 5 NFC Championship games, 4 NFC Championships, four Super Bowls, and three Super Bowl Championships, but he directly helped bring the Commanders to the Josh Harris ownership group. Is perhaps the greatest Redskin and Commander of all actually Joe Jackson Gibbs?
