The Steelers’ red‑zone woes spark debate over a potential “mandate” that would give veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers more freedom to run the ball. Coaches admit the offense needs a change, and former Steelers insider Matt Haley argues Rodgers’ running ability is too valuable to limit, urging the team to let him take advantage of scoring chances inside the 20-yard line. The article discusses whether scheme tweaks or Rodgers’ skill set are the primary issue and what a red‑zone run‑focused approach could mean for Pittsburgh’s November matchup.
Two weeks after joining CBS’s The NFL Today, former Super Bowl‑XLVIII champion Russell Wilson is reportedly interviewing for the head‑coaching job at his alma mater, NC State, which dismissed Dave Doeren on Oct. 24. Wilson, who retired in June after 14 NFL seasons, reacted emotionally to a 31‑28 loss to Vanderbilt where QB C.J. Bailey fumbled on a last‑second play. ESPN’s Adam Schefter says Wilson and Philip Rivers are top candidates for the Wolfpack role. Despite early doubts about his TV fit, Wilson has quickly won over viewers, raising questions about a possible return to the sidelines.
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Green Bay special teams coordinator Cam Achord reassures rookie kicker Trey Smack that his confidence remains intact despite eight missed kicks this season. After Smack's eighth miss in a 27-19 win over the Carolina Panthers on Oct. 29, Achord—formerly with the Patriots—said the team chose Smack for his resilience and isn’t worried he’s overthinking. Smack has gone 11‑of‑16 on field goals (68.8%) and 16‑of‑19 on extra points, with recent struggles highlighted by a blocked 35‑yard attempt and a missed 26‑yard try in a 20‑17 loss to Detroit on Oct. 25. Achord also addressed a fumble by returner Coleman Owen in the Panthers game.
The Minnesota Vikings passing on Emmett Johnson could be a costly move.
Jalen Farmer got the first start of his NFL career in Week 8 against Jacksonville, and he showed enough to garner some hope for Indianapolis Colts fans.
Caleb Williams missed three games, but his 73.8 percent completion rate and zero interceptions since returning have pushed the Chicago Bears quarterback into the MVP race.
The Week 8 stat review highlights the Carolina Panthers’ struggles in a Thursday Night Football loss to the Green Bay Packers, marking Defensive Coordinator Ejiro Evero’s final game before Todd Wash takes over. Offensively, the Panthers posted a 2.9% explosive play rate (well below their 9.1% season average) and a 27.8% third‑down conversion rate, while allowing a 19.1% pressure rate. Defensively, they used zone coverage on 80% of snaps but recorded a 0.0% pressure rate and allowed opponents a 56.3% third‑down stop rate. Bonus: Will Lee III’s four pass‑interference calls cost -8.17 EPA, the third‑worst total this season.
After a loss to the Packers, the Panthers abruptly fired defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley, sparking debate over the timing of the move. With playoff hopes still alive despite defensive injuries, the biggest concern now is a depleted cornerback group. Rookie 4th‑round pick Will Lee III, the de‑facto CB1, sits day‑to‑day with a hamstring issue after posting seven pass deflections in seven games. Veteran Chau Smith‑Wade has seen his snap count plummet to just 21% on defense, while practice‑squad call‑ups like Marco Wilson and recent promotion Malcolm DeWalt IV could see action. The article breaks down each player’s status and how the Panthers might reshuffle the secondary under new coach DeAngelo Hall.
SB Nation Reacts asks fans to predict the Cleveland Browns' showdown with the New Orleans Saints. After a tough loss to the Steelers, the blog highlights lingering issues like the Browns' run defense and Deshaun Watson’s sack rate, questioning whether they’ll be exposed against a struggling Saints squad. The survey also gauges weekly confidence among Browns supporters despite a 23-game road losing streak in Pittsburgh. Readers are invited to weigh in on the game’s outcome and their confidence in the team’s direction under Todd Monken.
Former Steelers safety Ryan Clark says the locker room was growing weary of Mike Tomlin’s voice, and the team’s early success under new head coach Mike McCarthy proves a change was needed. After eight games, Pittsburgh is 6‑2, leading the league with 26 sacks thanks to defensive coordinator Patrick Graham’s scheme, while the offense thrives without relying on a single star. Aaron Rodgers has thrown for 1,871 yards and 13 TDs, and RB Jaylen Warren is having his best season. Though red‑zone play‑calling needs work, the squad heads into the bye healthy and poised to be a contender.
The Miami Dolphins' defense is outperforming expectations, but its disastrous third-quarter numbers reveal a troubling problem with Jeff Hafley's coaching.
It's time for the Dallas Cowboys to look into getting rid of one of their most important offensive players, Jake Ferguson, at the trade deadline.
The Miami Dolphins, sitting 1-6 after a Week 8 loss to the New England Patriots, receive a detailed position‑group grading from SI’s Tyler Carmona, with the wide receivers, defensive line and linebackers each earning B‑grades. Highlights include Josh Uche’s solid fourth‑down sack and Chop Robinson’s two sacks and versatile play. Trade chatter surrounds linebacker Brooks as the deadline approaches, while former ‘72 defensive lineman Bob Heinz passes away at 79. The piece previews the upcoming Week 9 showdown against the Detroit Lions and links to additional Phinsider coverage.
The Kansas City Chiefs fell 28-24 to the Denver Broncos on Nov. 4, 2026, dropping to 5-2 and letting Denver seize the AFC West lead. Despite outgaining Denver by nearly 100 yards and big plays from Patrick Mahomes, rookie Emmet Johnson and Kenneth Walker, the Chiefs’ third‑down woes and poor situational decisions—missed field goal, punt, and a turnover on downs—cost them. A controversial illegal‑man‑downfield call and a failed 54‑yard Butker attempt sealed the loss, while Denver’s two‑point conversion and late scoring clinched the win. The article details the critical fourth‑quarter drives and highlights how the Chiefs’ offensive execution unraveled in the game’s biggest moments.
After bringing DeForest Buckner back, John Lynch and the 49ers could still pull off some needed moves by the NFL trade deadline.
The Chicago Bears blast the Seattle Seahawks 34‑17 on Monday Night Football, with rookie QB Caleb Williams delivering a solid 24‑of‑34, 247‑yard passing performance, one touchdown and no interceptions. His TD‑INT ratio improves as Dak Prescott overtakes Jared Goff in the league chart, while the Bears edge closer to the franchise single‑season scoring record after adding 95 points in the last three games. Running backs Rome Odunze and Luther Burden are on track for 1,000‑yard seasons as the Bears eye tough matchups against the Buccaneers, Saints, Lions, Jaguars and Dolphins.
The New Orleans Saints announce a flurry of roster moves on Tuesday, targeting their struggling run game after a recent coaching change. Reports confirm kicker Daniel Carlson will be replaced by Smyth, while owner Gayle Benson assures fans the team is stable but won’t rule out future tweaks post‑season. The article also references a charity event where Benson discussed potential 2028 NFL games in Italy and other franchise updates. Fans are invited to join the SB Nation app for live chat and game‑day content.
The McCovey Chronicles spotlights the San Francisco Giants' top strikeout moments of the 2026 season, featuring a social‑media curated video reel. After recapping the team's walk‑off wins, the post invites fans to relive dazzling K‑shows from pitchers like Logan Webb and Jordan Walker, highlighting the most electrifying outs captured at Oracle Park. Readers get a quick visual tour of the season’s best strikeouts and are encouraged to share their favorite moments.
The Arizona Cardinals held workouts for seven offensive free agents on Tuesday, including QB Carter Bradley and WR Jamari Thrash, who logged 13 catches for the Browns in 2024. The group also features RBs Elijah Tau‑Tolliver, Jermar Jefferson and Ulysses Bentley, plus WRs Tyler Johnson and Joseph Manjack. Most are recent undrafted or late‑round players with practice‑squad experience, while Jefferson and Thrash have limited NFL game film. The workouts aim to refresh the roster and address depth on the offensive side of the ball.
The Falcons endure a bleak Week 8, falling 3-0 in the ‘Monsoon Bowl’ against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. delivers his worst performance of the season, plagued by turnovers and poor timing, while guard Matthew Bergeron fails to meet his extension expectations. Atlanta’s run defense concedes 324 rushing yards, 229 after contact, as rookie linebackers and gap schemes expose weaknesses. Offensively, the run game stalls, Bijan Robinson can’t compensate, and coordinator Tommy Rees’ play‑calling in 11‑personnel leaves the team stuck in a nickel defense all night. The article dissects each breakdown, highlighting injuries and questionable schematics as the Falcons sink further.
The Detroit Lions travel to Miami for Week 9, hoping to extend their three‑game winning streak against a struggling Dolphins squad that sits 1‑6. Quarterback Malik Willis, the new starter, has thrown six TDs and five interceptions while scrambling for 225 yards and three rushing TDs, but a porous offensive line (second‑worst pass‑block grade) has led to 21 sacks. Running back Ollie Gordon has been the bright spot, posting 408 yards and a team‑high four rushing TDs. Defensively, Miami ranks near the bottom in sacks, run defense (31st) and tackling, allowing the league‑best 76.9% completion rate. Injuries include RB De’Von Achane (IR) and G/T Kadyn Proctor (concussion).
Tony Pollard, the 29‑year‑old Titans running back, is drawing trade suitors as the NFL deadline approaches. He’s posted 595 yards and five touchdowns through eight games this season and is on track for a fifth 1,000‑yard campaign, with just $3.32 million left on his 2026 contract. General manager Mike Borgonzi has so far declined talks, but the Titans may consider offers given their non‑playoff outlook. Analysts say Pollard could be a cheaper alternative to pricier backs like Jonathan Taylor, making him a prime deadline candidate.
The Baltimore Ravens lose both starting quarterbacks in one week: Lamar Jackson undergoes thumb surgery and is out for the season, while backup Tyler "Snoop" Huntley suffers a season‑ending turf‑toe injury requiring surgery, according to Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport. With the depth chart shaken, undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano earns his first NFL start against Jacksonville, backed by Kedon Slovis and Austin Reed. The injury blitz follows the Bills game, where the Ravens needed three QBs to finish, highlighting the team's quarterback crisis.
One of the New York Jets’ bright spots this season has been Braelon Allen’s emergence. If you told me before the season started that people would be talking about whether he’s earned the Jets’ starting running back job over Breece Hall, I would have said you were crazy. But yes, that’s where we are today. ...
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