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The New Jersey Devils have certainly been busy leading up to the trade deadline. After announcing that Jack Hughes would miss the remainder of the season following shoulder surgery, general manager Tom Fitzgerald went right to work.
On Thursday afternoon, the Devils received defenseman Brian Dumoulin from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for forward Herman Traff and a 2025 conditional second-round draft pick. Dumoulin is a two-time Stanley Cup champion who offers plenty of defensive depth, which the Devils will need in the absence of Jonas Siegenthaler and Dougie Hamilton.
Let’s take a look at Dumoulin’s career, and see how this veteran defenseman can help the Devils make a playoff push.
Dumoulin’s Veteran Depth
A native of Maine, Dumoulin’s hockey career started with the Biddeford High School Tigers and the New Hampshire Junior Monarchs. Afterwards, he attended Boston College, where he played for three seasons. In 2010 and 2012, he appeared in the NCAA championship, and was also named to the All-American, All-Hockey East, and Hockey East All-Rookie Team.
Dumoulin is in his 12th season in the NHL and has played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Seattle Kraken, and Anaheim Ducks. He was drafted 51st overall in the second round of the 2009 Draft by the Carolina Hurricanes.
However, Dumoulin’s NHL career did not start until the 2013-14 season, after he was traded to the Penguins. He would then spend the first ten seasons of his career in Pittsburgh. Dumoulin remained a crucial piece of their defensive core and even led the team to back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017.
Ahead of the 2023-24 season, he signed a two-year deal with the Kraken as a free agent. Dumoulin was an important part of the Kraken’s defense last season and even scored a career-high of six goals. Subsequently, he was traded to the Ducks for a fourth-round pick in the 2026 Draft.
Ducks’ general manager, Pat Verbeek, had nothing but praise for Dumoulin, who has played in all 61 games for the Ducks this season. Verbeek also mentioned how he made a positive impact both on and off the ice. With two goals and 14 assists, Dumoulin ranked second on the Ducks in points. He scored his last goal as a Duck on Wednesday night against the Vancouver Canucks.
One member of the Devils’ organization who was thrilled to welcome Dumoulin was Devils’ head coach, Sheldon Keefe. He commended Dumoulin’s style of play and is satisfied with his defensive consistency. “I’m feeling comfortable he’s going to help our depth and give us a left-hand shot,” said Keefe.
Invaluable Playoff Experience
Dumoulin is also no stranger to the pressure that comes with playoff hockey. Throughout his career, he has appeared in 81 playoff games. He has four goals and 21 assists to show for it, along with a plus-6 career playoff rating.
In fact, Dumoulin scored the opening goal for the Penguins in Game 6 of the 2016 Stanley Cup Final against the San Jose Sharks. He has not made an appearance in a playoff game since the 2021-22 season, but there is a high likelihood that can change now that he’s on the Devils’ roster.
Known for his defensive responsibility, Dumoulin is effective at both blocking shots and moving the puck up the ice. Not only is he reliable in the defensive zone, but he also stifles the opponent by limiting scoring chances. He is also exceptional in breakout scenarios and can easily regain puck possession in his own zone.
If Hamilton misses the remainder of the season, Dumoulin will play a key role in an attempt to make up for lost defensive depth.
Could Dumoulin Help the Devils Moving Forward?
Overall, this trade seems beneficial for both parties. The Devils have a stronger veteran presence for the rest of the season, while the Ducks earned a conditional draft pick and a forward prospect. All in all, Devils fans should be excited to see what this experienced defenseman brings to the table.
We’ll have to wait and see how things pan out for New Jersey, but one thing is certain: The Devils are not giving up just yet. A defensive defenseman is a step in the right direction, but Fitzgerald still needs to acquire depth scoring and find a short-term replacement for his star forward.
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6 extended takeaways from Day 1 of Maple Leafs training camp
TORONTO — The on-ice component of training camp is underway as the Toronto Maple Leafs took the ice at the Ford Performance Centre on Thursday, with new line combinations taking shape. Matias Maccelli received the first look with Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies during the Group 1 session, and he may be the favourite to start the year on this line. William Nylander and John Tavares were paired together in Group 2 alongside Bobby McMann, and it’s clear that Craig Berube will be experimenting throughout training camp, in a search for his optimal combinations. “I think more than anything, we want to have a good first day. It’s a tough day,” Berube said. “It’s a lot of battling. It’s intense. Players, they could go and make it as intense as they want, but I thought it was really intense, which is what we want.” Here’s what you need to know from the first day of Maple Leafs’ training camp: It’s too early to be worried about Auston Matthews Auston Matthews said he’s fully confident about his health during Wednesday’s media availability, and Thursday provided a first opportunity to get a look at how the Maple Leafs’ captain is feeling. Matthews submitted a mixed performance during Thursday’s practice, with the extremely obvious caveat that it’s the first day of practice, and it’s too early to be genuinely concerned. Matthews’ puck skills remain otherworldly and during a sequence early in practice, he dangled Noah Chadwick rather easily to get to the net. In another sequence, Matthews beat Philippe Myers to the puck in the corner and fished it out for Matthew Knies in front of the net. He used his frame throughout the session to shield off defenders, win back pucks and instruct his teammates on where he wanted them to go in the offensive zone. And again, with the caveat that it’s way too early to be concerned: Matthews didn’t have the usual velocity on his shot throughout the majority of the session and Morgan Rielly won the majority of 1-on-1 battles against him. Matthews skates and fought through contact with his usual force, but we’ll be keeping our eyes and ears out to see if he gains the same velocity he had during his 69-goal campaign in 2023-24. There’s also a clear example of Matthews ripping the puck with his usual force early in the session, so it may just be a matter of Toronto’s captain rounding into form during the preseason. Berube didn’t seem remotely concerned and raved about Matthews’ leadership after Group 1 finished their session. “I thought he grew quickly as a leader. You guys don’t see it, the in-game things, in the room where he’s commanding,” Berube said of Matthews. “He’s not the only guy. We have a lot of strong leaders who don’t have to wear an A or a C.” Matias Maccelli gets first look on Toronto’s first line, but this could change when Max Domi returns Matias Maccelli was eager to prove himself on Toronto’s first line throughout practice and for now he’s getting the first look, although this could change when Max Domi returns from a lower-body injury. “ Just doing my best with the puck, without the puck, working hard,” Maccelli said, about what he’s focusing on when playing with Knies and Matthews. “ With the puck, trying to make plays, trying to play the same way they do. As we get going with the games, they’ll tell me what they expect and what they want, and then I’ll do the same thing.” Berube addressed reporters and he admitted that he initially planned to place Domi on the first line with Knies and Matthews. “Max went down. He was obviously a guy that I was going to put there. But Max should be back pretty quick, and then we’ll go from there,” Berube said. “I mean, it’s one day. (Maccelli is) in the process of just kind of feeling things out. And you get thrown on the line with Matthews and Knies, I mean, it’s a big step. He’s a guy that can make plays, we know that. “So that’s going to be a big part of it all if he’s making the right plays and the right decisions with the puck. Is he getting Matthews the puck enough for some opportunities and things like that? And then it’s just about him playing 200 feet, too. That line’s going to play against good lines, so he needs to be solid defensively, too.” Maccelli said he’s equally comfortable playing on either wing, but it may be a work in progress. He seemed to be a half-step behind Knies and Matthews in rushes, and when Domi is healthy again, it appears that Berube wants to try this combination out for opening night against the Montreal Canadiens. During camp, Maccelli will get a first look with Matthews and Knies, and it will be a combination that Berube will surely test out throughout camp, but the 24-year-old winger will need to earn his head coach’s trust before he’s affixed to Toronto’s top line. “It’s always weird to come to a new team when you don’t know anyone,” Maccelli said. “ I’ve only been in one spot and knew all the people there, so it’s different. But everybody’s been super welcoming and nice. So it’s been an easy adjustment.” Calle Jarnkrok stood out during Group 1 practice session, may be back to 2023-24 form Calle Jarnkrok was in excellent form during the first practice session and while we’re not pencilling him into the opening night lineup just yet, it’s an encouraging sign from the 34-year-old. Jarnkrok was paired alongside David Kampf and Michael Pezzetta and was the clear standout on the line, ripping his slot with the velocity we’re used to seeing. He roofed the puck past Dennis Hildeby twice off rush drills and wasn’t hesitant to win back pucks in battle drills. The veteran forward underwent groin and sports hernia surgery after suffering an injury during last year’s training camp and only returned to the lineup in March, where he registered a goal and seven points in 19 games, before adding one assist in 12 playoff games, primarily operating in a fourth-line role. Jarnkrok could very well be watching from the press box on opening night, but Thursday was a great start towards cementing his spot to begin the year. Anthony Stolarz wants to get deal done before the season Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz wants to be with the team for the foreseeable future and there’s a sense of urgency regarding his next contract. Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving hinted Wednesday that a new extension could be imminent, and Stolarz wants to get the deal done before the year begins. “Our ultimate goal is to win the Stanley Cup, so once the season starts, that’s all I want to focus on,” Stolarz said. “I’ll let my agent and Treliving talk that out and hopefully we can get something done here soon.” Stolarz recently appeared on Leafs Morning Take with Nick Alberga and Jay Rosehill, where he outlined what he wants from his next contact, and how he’s fully recovered from a season-ending concussion. Easton Cowan improves throughout practice, builds partnership with Dakota Joshua, Nicolas Roy Easton Cowan will be afforded every chance to make the roster and he improved as Thursday’s afternoon practice session went on. Cowan was paired with Dakota Joshua in 2-on-2 drills, where Joshua emerged as one of the best players overall through both practices. During controlled 3-on-2 rushes, Cowan was on the right wing, Joshua was on the left wing, with Nicolas Roy playing through centre, and it was a compelling trio that won puck battles and communicated well. It’s the first day of camp and nothing is finalized, but Cowan could find himself with a real chance of unseating the incumbents with a stellar camp. During battle drills, Cowan worked relentlessly, especially during a session against former London Knights teammate Landon Sim. It will be curious to see where Cowan slots into the lineup, when Max Domi returns to the lineup, but he’s firmly in the mix for a top-nine role and like Joshua, was among the best players from the opening day of camp. This line may get some extended looks together during Sunday’s preseason opener against the Ottawa Senators, and all three players are eager to make a strong first impression. Chris Tanev was among the several Leafs who complimented Roy’s ‘extremely underrated’ game, as he moves very well for a player his size, getting to the high-danger areas with relative ease. Joshua was dominant against several younger camp invitees, using his speed, size and hockey intelligence to great effect throughout the day. We can’t wait to see this line in action. John Tavares and William Nylander were the best players Thursday, Bobby McMann joins the line John Tavares and William Nylander were the best overall players from Thursday’s practice sessions, with Chris Tanev and Morgan Rielly earning honourable mentions. These designations are built from what we observed in controlled drills, so it’s worth putting into perspective, but Tavares and Nylander were making high-end plays with ease, and Bobby McMann joined the group, with Berube watching closely. “I think Bobby can take another step in his game,” Berube said. “You know, doing some things a little bit differently. Especially playing with those two guys [Tavares and Nylander], getting those guys the puck more, getting to the net more. I like a big guy with those two guys, to forecheck, get in there and create loose pucks, help out JT in those situations. Willy’s gonna do his thing, we all know that. But Bobby, I feel, can take another step in his game.” McMann-Tavares-Nylander played 158:09 at 5-on-5 with a plus-six goal differential and a 60.4 percent share of the expected goals last season via Natural Stat Trick. There is some proof of concept that this line could work, but McMann simply cannot go 24 games without a goal like he did to conclude the 2024-25 season. “He was basically just saying we want a certain identity. We want to play hard. Don’t take any shifts off, don’t take any seconds off, pushing each other all the way through,” McMann said. “It started from the first drill. You’re chasing the guy down all the way through. You’re playing one-on-ones, two-on-twos. It’s just not giving up an inch.” McMann’s elite straight-line speed and ability to get to the high-danger areas certainly compliment Tavares and Nylander’s skill sets, but there will be some experimentation on the top line, and the challenge has been set for the 28-year-old with several players vying for a chance in the Maple Leafs’ reshuffled top-six.
Steelers Have Troubling Trend Surrounding Nick Herbig
The Pittsburgh Steelers' primary goal for their Week 3 contest against the New England Patriots is simple: slow down the opposing team's rush offense. The failures in that regard have been the storyline ever since they gave up 105 rushing yards on 13 carries to Kenneth Walker III of the Seattle Seahawks in the prior game. Every single stat that comes out is more troubling than the last, and the noise just keeps getting louder and louder. The only way to shut everyone up is to fix it once and for all. It's easier said than done, especially with linebacker Alex Highsmith being out with a high-ankle sprain. That means third-year edge rusher Nick Herbig will get the start, like he did quite a few times during the 2024 season. He has made all kinds of noise as a pass rusher, but these recent games have raised concerns about his ability to stop the run. In a recent article on X, insider Mark Kaboly brought up the stats of the Steelers whenever Herbig has to play more than half the time. "[Nick] Herbig has proven to make big plays at big moments, but him being undersized hasn’t helped the Steelers stop opponents from running the ball when he’s started," Kaboly explained. "Herbig has played more than 50% of the snaps seven times in his 31 career games. In those games, the Steelers are 2-5 and are giving up 106 yards per game on a 4.2 yards per carry clip." If the Steelers do give up 106 yards on the ground in Week 3, that would be seen as somewhat of an improvement on their atrocious performance so far, but the point still stands. Herbig is an absolute beast when attacking the quarterback, but his signature move does not do well in terms of getting in the backfield to hit the running back. He has a lot to work in that regard. One thing the world has noticed is that teams have thrived against the Steelers when they run away from TJ Watt. With Highsmith out, that means that Herbig's side of the line will be attacked time and time again. Moving Watt around the defense and running some stunts seems like a logical idea, but Pittsburgh has absolutely refused to let that happen. There are other options to help as well. The most obvious one is to bench Herbig in obvious run-down situations. The players behind him on the depth chart, Jack Sawyer and DeMarvin Leal, have the ideal body type that the Steelers are looking for in those situations. Leal was seen as a defensive lineman / outside linebacker hybrid, so he especially fits this mold. He was even told that his job will be to stop the ground game. Meanwhile, Sawyer offers more ability in the pass rush than Leal, so he can check in for situations where passing the ball is possible, but not insanely likely. He did have his first career sack in Week 2 to go along with an overall solid game. He is earning the ability to see more snaps on defense, and Herbig's size disadvantage will allow him to be on the field even more. Steelers Have Another Stat Pointing In The Right Direction Kaboly also mentions that the Steelers have never given up three straight 100-yard rushing games in the regular season in Mike Tomlin's career. The saying usually goes "third time is the charm," and Pittsburgh has to do everything they can to make sure that is the case again. The Patriots have a great chorus of running backs, along with a quarterback that can take off if needed. Keeping that trend will be a big challenge.
Kyle Shanahan has surprising Brock Purdy update — 49ers are confident in QB situation regardless
NFL knee-jerk reactions: Super Bowl locks, QB chaos and shocking starts across the league
Two weeks into the 2025 NFL season, the takes are getting hotter than a mid-September turf field. Across the league, early results are fueling bold declarations from Yardbarker NFL writers — from crowning Super Bowl champs in Buffalo and Green Bay to demanding QB changes in Cleveland and Minnesota. NFC East DALLAS COWBOYS (1-1) | Believe it or not: The Cowboys are good | The Cowboys are not as shaky as some suspected. Through two games, QB Dak Prescott has an average QB rating of 88.8, but the Cowboys have played competitively. The Prescott-to-CeeDee Lamb connection (16 catches for 222 yards) is heating up, and the offense should be good enough to keep Dallas in the playoff mix. NEW YORK GIANTS (0-2) | Russell Wilson is the undisputed QB No. 1 | After a career-worst performance in Week 1, Wilson responded with a career-best performance by throwing for 450 yards (264 yards coming on deep passes) and throwing for three touchdowns in a Week 2 loss to Dallas. Wilson tied for the fourth-highest passing yards in a game in team history. Jaxson Dart, who? PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (2-0) | Who needs a passing attack? | The reigning Super Bowl champs haven’t looked flashy, but they’ve controlled both games with a combined time of possession of 67 minutes, 26 seconds. Jalen Hurts hasn’t thrown for a touchdown, but he has rushed for three. The Eagles’ relentless ground game is working, and it’s why they’ll contend for the Lombardi Trophy again in February. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (1-1) | Not an NFC Championship Game contender | The reality for the Commanders is they're midway through a rebuild and working with a thin roster. The team was outmatched by the Packers in a 27-18 loss in Week 2. In that game, Jayden Daniels got sacked four times and Austin Ekeler was lost for the season to an Achilles injury, removing a key threat in Washington's running game. The Commanders made a surprise deep playoff run last season, but don't expect a repeat. — Conor Killmurray NFC West ARIZONA CARDINALS (2-0) | Inability to close out games will doom Cardinals | The Cardinals have struggled to close both games. They needed a fourth-down stop in the red zone to prevent the New Orleans Saints from rallying from a 10-point second-half deficit in Week 1 and nearly blew a 27-9 lead to the Carolina Panthers in Week 2. Aside from a 52-yard run from running back Trey Benson in Week 1, the Cardinals haven't consistently got anything going on the ground (average 3.6 yards per carry). LOS ANGELES RAMS (2-0) | Signing of Davante Adams was massive | One of the more intriguing signings of the offseason was the Rams adding Adams after the release of former star wideout Cooper Kupp. After a relatively quiet opener (four catches for 51 yards) against the Houston Texans, Adams bounced back with six receptions for 106 yards and a TD in a Week 2 win over the Tennessee Titans, giving QB Matthew Stafford a strong 1-2 punch with Puka Nacua. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (2-0) | The 49ers have fixed special teams issues | Despite bringing in a new special teams coordinator in 14-year NFL veteran Brant Boyer, special teams issues appeared to be a problem once again for the 49ers. Jake Moody, who has since been released, missed a 27-yard field goal and had a 36-yard attempt blocked in Week 1. One week later, Eddy Pineiro hit from 44 and 46 yards in a 26-21 win over the New Orleans Saints, and all is well. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (1-1) | Dominant defense carry team | After making two interceptions against 49ers QB Brock Purdy in a Week 1 loss, the Seahawks followed that up by sacking Pittsburgh Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers three times and forcing two more interceptions. The Seahawks lead the NFL with a 49.4% pressure rate (h/t NextGen Stats), making them a difficult unit to match up with. — Colby Colwell NFC North CHICAGO BEARS (0-2) | Not even Ben Johnson can fix this mess | Johnson picked the Bears after turning down enticing head-coaching opportunities over the past few years, and it’s possible he’s already regretting that decision. QB Caleb Williams hasn’t improved from his rookie season, the defense is a disaster and GM Ryan Poles’ draft picks aren’t panning out. It’s going to be another long, frustrating season in Chicago. DETROIT LIONS (1-1) | The interior offensive line will hold the Lions back | The Lions used to be able to rip off five yards per carry behind their elite offensive line, but this group isn’t the same without center Frank Ragnow, who retired. Jahmyr Gibbs had a 42-yard run in Week 2, but he has averaged only 3.5 yards per carry outside of that, and David Montgomery has averaged only 3.7. Detroit gave up 12 pressures, four sacks and nine tackles for loss in a Week 1 loss against the Packers. GREEN BAY PACKERS (2-0) | The Packers should be favored to win the Super Bowl | The Packers (+700 at FanDuel) are the third choice to win the Super Bowl, behind the Baltimore Ravens (+500) and the Buffalo Bills (+600), but they should be the favorites after blowing out the Lions and Commanders. Green Bay ranks fourth in offensive EPA per play (0.160), first in yards allowed per play (3.7) and fifth in pressures (19), and DE Micah Parsons isn’t even playing a full workload yet. MINNESOTA VIKINGS (1-1) | J.J. McCarthy is not the answer | It’s far too early to label McCarthy a bust, but the results have been discouraging through his first two NFL starts. The 22-year-old ranks last among qualified QBs in EPA per play (-0.354) and 30th in success rate (41.7 percent). McCarthy had one great quarter against the struggling Bears, but his other seven quarters were dismal. — Jack Dougherty NFC South ATLANTA FALCONS (1-1) | GM Terry Fontenot gets last laugh | For the past two years, many have mocked Fontenot’s NFL Draft approach. In 2024, he used the No. 8 overall pick on QB Michael Penix Jr., two months after signing Kirk Cousins to a massive free-agent contract. Then he traded a 2026 first-rounder to select a second edge-rusher in the first-round of April’s draft. But Fontenot is the one laughing following Penix’s promising career start and the defense coming off a six-sack performance against the Vikings, its most sacks in a road game since 2019 (h/t Stathead). CAROLINA PANTHERS (0-2) | Team blew it on run defense | The Panthers are likely ruing what could have been during free agency, when for a brief moment it appeared they had signed Super Bowl LIX-champion defensive tackle Milton Williams, who eventually landed with the New England Patriots after a last-second change of heart. Through two games, Carolina is allowing 5.2 yards per carry, the same as last season, while the Patriots rank first in stuff rate (35.9 percent)— rushing plays that result in no gain or a loss. (h/t NFL Pro). NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (0-2) | Head coach Kellen Moore has Saints headed in right direction | New Orleans lacks the talent necessary to compete with potential playoff teams, but that’s not Moore's fault. The Saints have lost their first two games by a combined 12 points and had an opportunity to win each late in the fourth quarter, showing impressive fight for a team with the odds stacked against it. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (2-0) | Baker Mayfield is in the conversation for the NFL’s most clutch QB | Two games, two last-minute winning touchdown drives orchestrated by Mayfield. The 2018 No. 1 overall pick has already added two memorable chapters to his career of late-game heroics, including his 25-yard touchdown pass to Emeka Egbuka in Week 1 and his 15-yard scramble on 4th-and-10 against the Vikings to extend the game, proving there are few QBs better with the game on the line. — Eric Smithling AFC East BUFFALO BILLS (2-0) | This is Buffalo’s year | Buffalo fans should plan on attending Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California to watch last year’s AFC East champions cap an undefeated season with their first Lombardi Trophy. With a league-high 900 yards of offense and 71 points in two wins, the mighty Bills and reigning MVP Josh Allen, who needed just 14 completions to beat the New York Jets in Week 2, have no match. MIAMI DOLPHINS (0-2) | Trade Tyreek Hill now | With a players-only meeting already in the books, the dysfunctional Dolphins are going nowhere fast. Hill had six catches for 109 yards against the New England Patriots in Week 2 and could net the team a second-round pick in a trade. With no guaranteed money beyond 2025 and a $51M cap hit for 2026, the 31-year-old receiver should already have his bags packed. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (1-1) | Who’s Tom Brady? | Second-year QB Drake Maye completed 65.2 percent of passes in a 20-13 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 1 but connected on 82.6 percent throws of in a 33-27 win against the Dolphins in Week 2. Book him a ticket to Canton. NEW YORK JETS (0-2)| The Jets should have kept Aaron Rodgers | Rodgers looked great against his old team in Week 1 (four TD passes, no interceptions), less so against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2 (one TD pass, two interceptions). But no QB looked worse than New York's Justin Fields, who completed three passes for 27 yards before leaving in the fourth quarter of a Week 2 loss to the Bills because of a concussion. Meanwhile, Rodgers’ five touchdown passes are tied with Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield and Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert for second most in the NFL. — Bruce Ewing AFC West DENVER BRONCOS (1-1) | The big free-agent signees look like flops | This offseason, the Broncos signed TE Evan Engram and LB Dre Greenlaw, but neither has bolstered the roster. The TE has just four receptions for 33 yards, and the LB hasn’t played because of a quadriceps issue. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (0-2) | The Chief would stink without QB Patrick Mahomes | Mahomes — who ranks fourth in the league QBR (81.4) through two games — is one of the few reasons the Chiefs are still considered a Super Bowl contender. Kansas City ranks 24th in the NFL in points (19 PPG) and is tied for 19th in points allowed (23.5). LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (1-1) | RB Ashton Jeanty is no longer an Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate| Jeanty (pick No. 6) has 30 carries for 81 yards (2.7 yards per carry) and one TD in two games. After a Week 2 loss to the Chargers, new Raiders head coach Pete Carroll said they're bringing the former Boise State star along slowly. Unless he starts rolling soon, the 2024 Heisman finalist has no prayer in the OROY race. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (2-0) | QB Justin Herbert is an MVP contender | Through two starts, he has completed a career-high 72.1 percent of his passes for 560 yards and five TDs and logged an outstanding 81.6 QBR. — Clark Dalton AFC North BALTIMORE RAVENS (1-1) | Lamar Jackson is a master of efficiency | If you’re not respecting Jackson’s ability to pass, you’re not paying attention. Since the start of the 2024 season, Jackson has the NFL’s best touchdown/interception ratio (47 TD passes to only four interceptions). CINCINNATI BENGALS (2-0) | The Bengals have wasted Joe Burrow | The Bengals received a gift from the football gods when they landed Burrow with the 2020 No. 1 overall pick. But they have squandered that gift, making the playoffs twice with him and playing him behind a consistently poor offensive line. He has already missed 15 games in his career and is going to add many more to that total after suffering a toe injury in Week 2. CLEVELAND BROWNS (0-2) | It’s time to start one of the young QBs | Joe Flacco, 40, is just a waste of time for Cleveland. It’s clear the Browns are a disaster and Flacco (three picks, two TD passes) should be a backup. Whether it is Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders, the Browns must give one of their rookie QBs meaningful snaps...and that means starting one of them. PITTSBURGH STEELERS (1-1) | The defense stinks | Before the season, HC Mike Tomlin and the Steelers talked a big game about what their defense would be capable of, with Tomlin using the word “historic” to describe its upside. But the defense has been anything but historic. Instead, it is getting pushed around again in the running game (allowing 149.5 yards per game and 4.4 yards per carry). — Adam Gretz AFC South HOUSTON TEXANS (0-2) | The offense is broken | Joe Mixon was the focal point of the offense in 2024 with 1,325 total yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns, but the running back has a foot injury and no timetable for a return. The Texans have struggled to run with Nick Chubb as their lead back, which has put more pressure on QB C.J. Stroud. Houston’s 14 points per game through the first two weeks ranks last in the NFL. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (2-0) | Daniel Jones is a playoff QB | The Colts are the most surprising team in the NFL, and Jones is a worthy starter after a dismal end to his career with the New York Giants. He has accounted for five total touchdowns and ranks second in the NFL with 588 passing yards. Jones looks like he has renewed confidence playing under HC Shane Steichen. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (1-1) | Trevor Lawrence will never live up to his contract | Lawrence signed a five-year, $275M contract extension before last season and then struggled through an injury-riddled year. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft continues to have an issue with turnovers (three interceptions in two games). Lawrence has plenty of weapons around him and a QB whisperer of a coach in Liam Coen, so he has no excuse to look average. TENNESSEE TITANS (0-2) | HC Brian Callahan won’t survive the season | NFL teams have not been patient with struggling head coaches in recent years, and Callahan might be the next to receive a pink slip sooner than expected. The Titans went 3-14 in Callahan’s first season last year and are winless in 2025. Callahan is navigating a tough set of circumstances with a rookie starting QB in Cam Ward, who has completed just 50.8 percent of his passes through his first two games, but that might not matter. — Steve DelVecchio
Yankees to Chase All-Star Replacement for Anthony Volpe
It's not exactly a state secret that the New York Yankees aren't completely happy with shortstop Anthony Volpe. The 24-year-old New Jersey native has struggled this year in the field and in the batters's box. He leads all American League shortstops with 19 errors while hitting a career-worst .208. During the stretch run with the Yankees trying to lock down a playoff spot, Volpe has seen his playing time cut back with trade deadline acquisition Jose Caballero getting some extended time at shortstop. When the season is over, general manager Brian Cashman and manager Aaron Boone have to decide if Volpe remains the club's long-term solution at shortstop. If that answer is no, look for the Yankees to go after Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette. That's according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, Keegan Matheson and Alyson Footer, who held a roundtable to discuss Bichette's future. The trio initially talked about Bichette re-signing with the Blue Jays before listing other potential bidders, beginning with the Detroit Tigers. "I agree with the Tigers being a threat here," Matheson said. "Position is going to determine the field -- or perhaps even expand it -- but I'd roll the Yankees in, too. Even if he's signed as a 2B or 3B, Bichette is a bat that fits in any lineup." "Of course, I never discount the Dodgers and Yankees as potential landing spots, either," Feinsand added. "Mookie Betts could slide back into the outfield to open up shortstop in L.A., and the Anthony Volpe era could be ending as we speak. "The Yankees have second base (Jazz Chisholm Jr.) and third base (Ryan McMahon) locked up for the next year or two, so they would have to view Bichette as a shortstop for 2026 and figure it out after that," Feinsand added. The 27-year-old Bichette is hitting free agency for the first time. And at the right time. The two-time All-Star is hitting a career-best .311 this season and he leads the majors with 181 base hits and 44 doubles. Bichette has three top-20 finishes in voting for American League MVP and is a big reason why the Blue Jays currently sit in first place in the American League East, four games ahead of the Yankees. Toronto's magic number to clinch its first division title since 2015 is down to six. Make sure to bookmark Yankees On SI to get all your daily New York Yankees news, interviews, breakdowns and more! Yankees' Aaron Judge's Home Run Record In Jeopardy Former Yankees Star Sets Record Straight About Leaving Yankees' Aaron Judge Won't Reach 600 Home Runs? Insider: Aaron Judge Not Yet True Yankees Legend Yankees Star Might Break Bank After All-Time Great Comparisons
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