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The Tennessee Titans begin Phase 3 of OTA’s this week, which means the most “football-y” portion of spring football is upon us. They’ll get a chance to compete offense vs. defense in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills, executing the playbook they’ve been learning against one another for the first time this year.
Last week Head Coach Brian Callahan and a handful of vets on the team spoke with the media about how things have been going, and they outlined the unique nature of the Titans offseason program. The coaching staff spent immense time and effort in the winter designing this bespoke program, which to their knowledge, is the first of its kind. Even though the pads won’t come on for another couple months, everything everybody on this team is doing is already being tracked. And when I say tracked, I mean tracked meticulously.
Eliminating self-inflicted mistakes is at the heart of this system. And the means through which these coaches are emphasizing that is by tracking performance every day and competing with a points system. Each player has been broken up into 8 randomized teams, with a pair of prominent team leaders captaining and co-captaining the factions.
Whether it’s drops, touchdowns, how you hustled throughout practice, or how you performed in post-practice team games, everything is being graded off the tape and tallied for the whole building to see. Team scores are posted throughout St. Thomas Sports Park.
The aim is to set the tone now in order to establish a way of life by the fall, to develop leadership on the team, and to build camaraderie as a larger group than just by position or locker neighbors. The group of vets we spoke with last week had glowing things to say about the program, which is so much more than a series of Field Day games after practice to make things a little more fun. You can read more about that here.
One Titans vet we hadn’t heard from yet this offseason is star WR Calvin Ridley. He spoke with ESPN’s Turron Davenport at his youth football camp at Lipscomb Academy on Saturday, and had nothing but glowing things to say about the new program:
Calvin Ridley from his youth football camp at Lipscomb Academy on the #Titans offseason program: We’re competing in everything we’re doing at work right now! I love it! pic.twitter.com/SrPETdFZFP
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) May 24, 2025
“Competing!” Is how he summed things up. “We're competing in everything we do at work right now. And I think it's great. I think it's so fun. I'm a captain on my team. I got my boys behind me. And we're, I'm telling them every day, I’m even messing up sometimes, but I tell them every day, man, we're trying to win! You know, we're trying to win, we're trying to win, we're trying to win.”
Fostering a team in the truest sense is one of the biggest aims of Callahan’s efforts here. The honest truth is that last year, the Titans were a group of too many new guys who weren’t as comfortable with one another as they feel they needed to be. And according to Ridley, this is working: “...it's only just making us closer, I swear. It's really working. Yes, that's right. We're competing in everything we do at work.”
More must-reads:
- Browns' stance on Shedeur Sanders makes sense, but it exposes their limited options
- Frank Ragnow update fits troubling 2025 Lions pattern
- The 'Five game-winning-drives in a season' quiz
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Packers announce head-turning roster move one day after 2025 Lions sweep
Fresh off a Thanksgiving win on Thursday against the Detroit Lions on the road at Ford Field in Detroit, the Green Bay Packers made a notable move to reunite with kicker Lucas Havrisik. Green Bay parted ways with Havrisik just before the Lions game, but on Friday, the team announced that he’s back in the fold after getting signed to the practice squad roster. Via Green Bay’s official website: “The Green Bay Packers signed K Lucas Havrisik (HAVE-ruh-sick) to the practice squad. General Manager Brian Gutekunst announced the transaction Friday.” Lucas Havrisik insurance for now for the Packers It can be recalled that Havrisik saw action in three games in the 2025 NFL season for Green Bay in place of the then-injured Brandon McManus. In those games, the former Arizona Wildcats kicker went 4-for-4 on his field goals, including a franchise record-setting 61-yard make in Week 7’s 27-23 win in Glendale over the Arizona Cardinals. He was also 7-for-9 on extra-point attempts, with both misses happening in Week 11’s 27-20 victory against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. McManus is healthy and perfect in the two games since he returned to action, so there is no reason for the Packers to give his spot to someone else so Havrisik will just be insurance for now for Green Bay, which has a Week 14 date with the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field.
Connor McDavid made an egregious mistake with Oilers
Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid struggled to find the words to describe the team’s 8-3 loss to the Dallas Stars on Tuesday night. The decision dropped the Oilers’ record to 10-10-5 for the season, and McDavid looked defeated during his postgame interview. The more things change, the more they stay the same for the Oilers. Why did Connor McDavid stay? The Oilers are grappling with the same issues that have plagued them since McDavid joined the NHL in the fall of 2015. Edmonton’s secondary offensive support for McDavid and Leon Draisaitl is minimal, and their goaltending remains a significant concern. Considering the Oilers have faced these problems for so long, it makes one wonder why a generational talent like McDavid chose to sign on for two more years of this, especially given the bargain he struck when he signed for just $12.5M a season. McDavid’s choice to sign with Edmonton before even considering free agency might become one of the biggest “what-ifs” in NHL history. However, McDavid opted for stability in a familiar market, with a team that has been competitive for most of his NHL career. Ultimately, McDavid decided to stay loyal to the Oilers, but the two-year term seemed like a warning shot to Edmonton. So far, that warning appears to have fallen on deaf ears. The timing of McDavid’s extension was quite unusual. The superstar had a clear route to unrestricted free agency, which could have been one of the most incredible stories in NHL history if it had come to pass. McDavid had the chance to be the highest-profile player in NHL history to reach free agency since Wayne Gretzky in 1996. He held leverage against the Oilers and could have waited out the season, sparking a bidding war for his services. This would have boosted his star power and changed what a superstar’s career could look like. Instead, McDavid chose familiarity, even though the timing of his decision wasn’t convenient. Connor McDavid's decision to re-sign could be costly McDavid’s signing has delayed his free agency by 24 months, and some people dismiss this decision by arguing that McDavid will still get paid and reach free agency after the salary cap has significantly increased. While both points have some truth, the counterargument is compelling. Instead of becoming a free agent at 29, McDavid will do so at 31. It might seem minor, but many NHLers see their skills decline after 30. Another factor is that when McDavid finally signs, the new CBA rules on contract length will apply, meaning the maximum deal with his current team will be seven years, and he’ll only be able to land six years on the open market. Although this one-year reduction isn’t a significant issue, it will likely cause McDavid to leave money on the table on his next deal. In terms of missed opportunities, McDavid would have been the first generational player in NHL free agency to test the market in the prime of his career. While it would have made great theater for the NHL, it would also have been an opportunity for McDavid to shift the league’s balance of power toward whichever team he joined, while helping reset the salary structure for superstar NHLers. McDavid is clearly not a $12.5M player, but like many top NHLers before him, he took a "hometown discount" to stay with his current team. For some NHLers, taking that discount has worked out well (Sidney Crosby, Steven Stamkos, Nathan MacKinnon). Far more often, the savings from a reduced salary cap are wasted. Even Crosby, who traded tens of millions of dollars to play on consistently competitive teams, saw many of those seasons marred by costly mistakes on depth players with inflated cap hits (Jack Johnson, Erik Gudbranson, Nick Bjugstad). Crosby essentially subsidized poor roster decisions with his lower cap hits, and he would no doubt do so again, given the Stanley Cup championships Pittsburgh has won during his career. McDavid’s decision to re-sign essentially upholds the NHL’s long-standing tradition of superstars taking less money to stay with their team, and no doubt he did so while feeling loyalty to the Oilers fans who have endured the same heartbreaks he has. The reality is, McDavid has gone through a decade without winning the Cup, despite multiple front-office makeovers, coaching changes, cap mismanagement and an inability to surround him with real depth. And while the depth has improved over the last few years, the “we’re almost there” mentality won’t put a Stanley Cup ring on McDavid’s finger. All of this to say, McDavid probably owed it to himself to explore free agency at least to see if a team with a more precise winning blueprint could emerge, giving him a better chance at a title. July 1, 2026, would have offered a window into that, but McDavid chose not to look, and it could come back to haunt him if he never wins a championship. McDavid had all the leverage, which makes his decision baffling, because exploring free agency didn’t require him to leave Edmonton. He could have casually explored his options, had discussions with teams, listened to their pitches and then re-signed with Edmonton—something that might have pushed the Oilers to step up their game and get creative with their roster. But the Oilers didn’t need to worry about losing McDavid, and it seems this has led to some apathy across the organization, as they don’t seem to be a group hungry to win. Generational players across all leagues have frequently tested free agency. NBA superstar LeBron James famously took his talents from Cleveland to Miami nearly 15 years ago, and MLB superstar pitcher Paul Skenes will likely follow suit one day. It’s common, and not all players do it because they’re leaving; they do it for a variety of reasons. They can because the process gives them power, and it’s one of the few times they get to fully control their own destiny. McDavid could have taken a different route, but he didn’t. While he’s given the team a short leash to build a winner around him, he could have kept that leash even tighter, which might have pushed the Oilers to solve their roster issues more quickly. It could also have generated a story that might have become a sensation across all platforms — a broader narrative focusing on a star-driven tale on a smaller scale than MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani’s. The buzz would have been enormous and arguably the biggest NHL story since the Oilers traded Gretzky to the Los Angeles Kings. Moving on could have been a great branding opportunity for McDavid to become even more mainstream, but he chose the safe, comfortable route in Edmonton. It’s a loyalty decision, and it’s completely understandable given that the Oilers have been close to a title in the last two years and he has built a bond with his teammates. For his legacy, though, he might need to chase greatness in a different city in the next two-and-a-half years.
Mavericks Announce Klay Thompson News After Lakers Game
The Dallas Mavericks came into their latest stretch of games under heavy scrutiny, still trying to find stability after what many consider one of the most drastic midseason overhauls in recent history. Less than a year ago the franchise traded away franchise cornerstone Luka Doncic in a blockbuster deal that sent him to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. Expectations were that Davis’ arrival alongside veterans such as Klay Thompson and Kyrie Irving would anchor a competitive roster. But instead, the Mavericks have struggled mightily, entering Saturday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers with a 5‑15 record. They are tied for the second-worst record in the Western Conference and are losers of their last three games, including Friday’s defeat to the Lakers. In a further blow to their already fragile rotation, the Mavericks announced that Klay Thompson will be unavailable for the game Saturday against the Clippers as he continues to manage a left knee injury. That absence leaves Dallas even thinner at wing and perimeter‑shooting spots, just as the team tries to halt its skid. Thompson arrived in Dallas in July 2024 via a six‑team sign‑and‑trade, signing a three‑year, $50 million contract. A longtime championship winner with the Golden State Warriors, he earned four NBA titles and built his reputation as one of the greatest shooters in league history. Thompson was expected to bring veteran leadership, elite perimeter shooting and playoff‑tested experience to the Mavericks. However, in his second season, his role on the team has already been altered. After beginning the campaign in the starting five, head coach Jason Kidd moved him to the bench in early November. The veteran wing’s production has dipped significantly this season. In 19 games, he is averaging 10.3 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 21.5 minutes. The news also comes as Dallas continues to deal with other major absences, including guard Kyrie Irving, who continues to recover from a torn ACL. Anthony Davis returned against the Lakers after 14 missed games but will not play in the second half of the back-to-back to manage a calf injury. However, rookie Cooper Flagg was upgraded to available after dealing with a right thumb splint. With Thompson out, Davis sidelined and limited depth available, the Mavericks face an uphill challenge against a Clippers squad also struggling — but at least healthier.
Eagles' grip on NFC East suddenly in danger of slipping away amid spiral, Cowboys' resurgence
Life comes at you fast in the NFL, and the Philadelphia Eagles are finding that out right now. Now they are in a position where what looked to be a runaway lead in the NFC East is rapidly shrinking, and it could be in danger of completely slipping away after an ugly 24-15 loss to the Chicago Bears on Friday. Especially after the Dallas Cowboys won again on Thursday, continuing to narrow the gap in the division. Could the Eagles actually lose the division? The odds are still in the Eagles' favor, but given the way both teams are playing right now, nothing should be considered a given. Dallas has rapidly become one of the hottest teams in the NFL with three consecutive wins, and boasts one of the league's best offenses. The Cowboys' much-maligned defense has also been given a massive boost thanks to the trade-deadline addition of defensive lineman Quinnen Williams from the New York Jets. Dallas really started to get some belief for itself when it rallied to beat the Eagles in a massive NFC East game a week ago. It continued on Thanksgiving with another big win over the Kansas City Chiefs. With Philadelphia's loss on Friday, the gap in the division is now down to just a game-and-a-half with five weeks to go in the season. Hardly insurmountable. Are the Eagles still in the driver's seat? Sure. Would they trade positions with the Cowboys right now? No way. But that doesn't mean anybody in Philadelphia has to be feeling good about any of this given the way the Eagles are playing. Especially when it comes to the team's offense. The Eagles offense has been a struggle for much of the season, and it is getting progressively worse with each game. The passing game has been non-existent. They entered play on Friday with the 23rd-ranked passing offense in the league, and it looked worse than that against the Bears. Quarterback Jalen Hurts has struggled with consistency, the team's best wide receiver — A.J. Brown — seems perpetually miserable with his role and usage, and the play-calling has become shockingly conservative and bland. The running game that carried the Eagles to the Super Bowl a year ago has struggled to build any sort of a rhythm, and Saquon Barkley has been a shell of what he was last season. Even worse, they have almost completely eliminated any designed runs for Hurts, something that was a major X-factor for the offense in recent years. If all of that is not concerning enough, a new issue emerged on Friday — the defense that has helped keep the Eagles afloat this season and lift up the inconsistent offense was completely dominated by the Bears' running game. They were pushed around, bullied and could not get off the field on important third downs. It just looks like a team that has no confidence and nothing going for it. Conversely, the Cowboys all of a sudden look like a team that can do nothing wrong and they are suddenly breathing right down the Eagles' necks. Philadelphia still has games against the Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders, Buffalo Bills and Washington Commanders (twice) remaining. The Cowboys still have the Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, Chargers, Commanders and New York Giants. The schedules are pretty similar. But the division might not come down to the opponents. It might come down to what the Eagles and Cowboys can do on their own. The Cowboys should be very confident right now, and the Eagles should not be.
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