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The New Orleans Saints had one of the National Football League’s worst run defenses in 2024.
The Saints’ run defense was particularly victimized by big plays. New Orleans allowed 18 rushes of 20-plus yards on the season. Only two NFL teams surrendered more rushes of 20-plus yards: the New York Giants (19) and the Cleveland Browns (22).
If the Saints want to avoid another 5-12 record (or worse) in 2025, New Orleans’ rush defense must do its part to prevent the big play.
But are Saints defenders at all likely to complete that objective?
They might be, according to LouisianaSports.Net’s
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DK Metcalf makes huge claim about Steelers defense
D.K. Metcalf has faced plenty of steep competition through his first six NFL seasons, both during games and practice, but the star wide receiver has noticed something different in his first training camp with the Pittsburgh Steelers. During an interview with Ian Rapoport and Steve Smith of NFL Network on Sunday, Metcalf discussed some of his first impressions of the Steelers. He spoke about how challenging it has been to go up against cornerbacks Joey Porter Jr., Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay every day. When asked how the practice competition compares to what he saw with the Seattle Seahawks, Metcalf made a bold claim about his new teammates. "You don't want my opinion, because I think they're the best defense I've ever seen," Metcalf said. "There's some dogs everywhere on the field, and I tip my hat to them because they come to work every day and we don't have any choice but to get better." There is no question that the Steelers should have one of the best defensive backfields in the NFL on paper. While they sent five-time Pro Bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins in the Ramsey trade, their cornerback trio of Ramsey, Porter and Slay is as talented as any in the league. The Steelers allowed 20.4 points per game last year, which ranked eighth in the NFL. Their pass defense surrendered 228 yards per game, which only ranked 25th. If Metcalf's assessment is accurate, Pittsburgh should show great improvement against the pass in 2025.
Troubling update emerges about Joel Embiid’s health
Joel Embiid’s trust in the healing process may not be paying off. A concerning update emerged over the weekend about the health of the Philadelphia 76ers star center. Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reports that there is “genuine concern” around the league about the health of Embiid’s knee. Siegel adds that Philadelphia’s camp is attempting to downplay the concerns but notes that “word is bad” about Embiid’s health around the rest of the NBA. Now 31, the former MVP Embiid is still dealing with the ill effects of a torn left meniscus suffered during a 76ers game in February 2024. Embiid, who previously tore the same left meniscus back in 2017, quickly underwent surgery on the knee and missed two months. It appeared that everything was peaches and cream for Embiid after he returned to finish out the 2023-24 NBA season and even played at the 2024 Paris Olympics last summer as the starting center for Team USA. But Embiid missed significant time while managing his left knee throughout the 2024-25 season and even suggested at one point that he would need to have another surgery. In the end, Embiid appeared in just 19 total games for the 76ers last season and was shut down in February with the team nowhere close to contention. There was some talk a few months ago that Embiid might be undergoing the Kobe Bryant treatment to address the troublesome knee, but it looks like Embiid still hasn’t found a course of treatment that his knee is responding to. We know that the 76ers were already growing frustrated with Embiid’s lack of availability going back to last season. Now they may have to prepare for the potential of Embiid missing more time in 2025-26, a disastrous possibility given that they still owe the seven-footer an absurd $187.6M over the next three seasons.
Heat Predicted To Stun Fanbase By Landing $153 Million All-Star In Win-Now Blockbuster Trade
Giving Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro an opportunity to lead the Miami Heat appears the most likely outcome for the 2025-2026 season. However, the right opportunity arising at February's trade deadline could always shift an organization's plans. The Los Angeles Clippers have the league's oldest roster, led by Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Bradley Beal, Chris Paul, and more, so there's no telling how much next year will play out for them. It's possible all of the veteran stars thrive together, or the Clippers could fall completely out of title contention due to injuries and inconsistency. If the latter takes place, PFSN predicts the Heat could swoop in and acquire Leonard in a win-now blockbuster trade. The six-time All-Star has two seasons remaining on his three-year, $153 million contract, which is ideal for Miami's front office. It would give the Heat a few seasons to contend with a trio of Herro, Adebayo, and Leonard before money comes off the books for what is projected to be a loaded 2027 free agency class. Los Angeles trading Leonard would signal a rebuild is on the horizon, so the likes of Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jovic, and draft capital could play a part in this scenario. One obstacle to this deal occurring is the Heat are often stubborn about how many assets are given up, so it's much more likely Leonard finishes out his rollercoaster career in L.A. or elsewhere. Miami Heat Moderately Rated In ESPN's Latest Free Agency Power Rankings Miami Heat Star Viewed As Biggest Building Block For Future
Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive Star Leaves Training Camp Practice With Groin Injury
Training camp is often a time of hope and excitement as teams prepare for the grind of the NFL season. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, it’s also a proving ground—one where the pieces of a championship-worthy roster come together under the watchful eye of head coach Mike Tomlin. But for every moment of optimism, there’s also the looming risk of injuries. Unfortunately, the Steelers were hit with one of those moments recently when star outside linebacker Alex Highsmith suffered a groin injury during practice. The news has triggered both concern and introspection within the team and among fans. Highsmith isn’t just another player on the depth chart—he’s a foundational piece of the Steelers’ defense. His absence, whether it’s short or long-term, could have major implications for the team’s plans this season. Here’s a closer look at Highsmith’s value, the challenges of his recovery, and how the Steelers can adapt in his absence. Alex Highsmith’s Role in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Defense The Watt-Highsmith Duo When you think of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense, T.J. Watt understandably comes to mind first. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year commands double teams and wreaks havoc on opposing offenses. But Alex Highsmith has emerged as an equally vital force on the opposite side of the field. Together, they form one of the NFL’s most dynamic pass-rushing duos. Alex Highsmith, entering his sixth NFL season, has developed into a nightmare for offensive opponents. His mix of speed and strength, coupled with his relentless motor, allows him to excel both against the pass and the run. Last season, despite missing some time due to a similar groin issue, Highsmith still recorded six sacks and made countless disruptive plays that don’t always show up on the stat sheet. Beyond the stats, Highsmith’s presence impacts the entire defense. His ability to apply pressure from the edge forces quarterbacks into hurried decisions and creates opportunities for the secondary. With Highsmith and Watt healthy, Pittsburgh’s defense can dominate games. Their complementary styles make it nearly impossible for offenses to focus protection schemes on one player, giving the Steelers an edge—literally and figuratively. Leadership on and off the Field Highsmith’s value goes beyond his physical abilities; he’s also an emotional leader. Known for his work ethic and team-first attitude, he has become a key figure in fostering the Steelers’ locker room culture. His absence during camp doesn’t just leave a gap on the field—it leaves a void in leadership during an important bonding period for the team. The Challenge of a Groin Injury Tricky Recovery Process Groin injuries are notoriously difficult to manage. They impact a player’s ability to move explosively—something critical for a pass rusher who relies on short bursts of power and agility. The recovery process requires a careful balance of rest, physical therapy, and gradual reintroduction to full activity. Rushing back too soon can lead to setbacks or re-injury, so the medical staff will likely take a cautious approach with Highsmith. While the severity of his current injury hasn’t been fully disclosed, it’s worth noting that he dealt with a similar issue last year. That history could influence how both the team and Highsmith handle his rehab. Timing as a Silver Lining The good news—for now—is that the injury happened during training camp, leaving weeks before the start of the regular season. This gives Highsmith valuable time to recover without having to miss meaningful games. However, even a short absence from training camp can disrupt a player’s rhythm and conditioning. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, ensuring Highsmith is fully healthy and at peak readiness by Week 1 will be a priority. Implications for the Steelers Adjusting Without Highsmith If Highsmith is sidelined for any amount of time, the Steelers will need to rely on their depth to fill the gap. Fortunately, Pittsburgh has a solid stable of defensive players who have impressed during camp. Nick Herbig, a rookie out of Wisconsin, has shown promise in early practices and could see an expanded role. Additionally, the team has veterans like Markus Golden, who bring experience and versatility to the position. That said, no combination of replacements can fully replicate what Highsmith brings to the table. His absence would force the Steelers to adjust their defensive schemes, potentially limiting their ability to generate consistent pressure without sending extra blitzers. A Test of Resilience If there’s one thing the Steelers’ organization is known for, it’s resilience. Injuries are part of the game, and Mike Tomlin’s teams have consistently shown they can adapt and overcome adversity. Still, losing a player like Highsmith, even temporarily, underscores the importance of depth and preparation throughout training camp. Final Thoughts Alex Highsmith’s groin injury is an unwelcome development for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but it’s far from insurmountable. His contributions as a pass rusher, leader, and disruptor are invaluable, and his recovery will be critical to the team’s fortunes this season. While the injury serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictable nature of football, it’s also an opportunity for the Steelers to rally and reassert their strength as a unit. Here’s hoping Highsmith’s recovery goes smoothly and that the Steelers’ pass-rushing star is back wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks in no time. Until then, resilience will remain the team’s rallying cry as they prepare for what promises to be another hard-fought NFL season.
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