The Minnesota Wild have kept their team competitive all season despite facing multiple injuries to important players. Their lineup received a major boost on Thursday when star Kirill Kaprizov and team captain Jared Spurgeon were activated from injured reserve ahead of their game against Utah.
Kaprizov and Spurgeon Return
“They had a long road to get back and put in a lot of hard work, so it’s nice that they’re getting an opportunity to play,” coach John Hynes said after the team’s morning skate.
However, the Wild are still without defenseman Jonas Brodin, who is out for the seventh consecutive game with a lower-body injury, and left winger Marcus Johansson, who remains sidelined with a concussion for the third straight game.
Kaprizov’s Recovery
Kaprizov last played on Dec. 23 against the Chicago Blackhawks. He missed 12 games due to a lower-body injury that lasted longer than expected. The Wild took a cautious approach to bring back their top scorer and first-line left winger.
Before the injury, Kaprizov was among the league leaders in goals and points, and he was considered a legitimate MVP candidate. He had 23 goals and 27 assists in 34 games, still ranking 11th in goals despite his absence.
Minnesota Wild and Philadelphia Flyers
“I just try not to think about this. Now I am just happy to come back,” Kaprizov said. “I don’t play one month. I don’t think about points or something like that. I just want to feel good in the game.”
Managing Kaprizov’s Workload
Kaprizov’s biggest challenge might be learning to ease up when needed, as he is known for staying on the ice long after practice ends.
“He’s got to do what he needs to do to get himself ready and prepared, but then as the season goes on, sometimes you need to maybe tweak some of those things like that,” Hynes said. “That’s not necessarily my department. It’s him with the trainers and the strength coach and things like that. Nothing major, just make sure he’s feeling good and prepared to play but also making sure that he’s managing himself.”
Spurgeon’s Injury and Return
Spurgeon missed nine games with a lower-body injury, which he revealed on Thursday involved both his ankle and knee. The 15th-year veteran defenseman was injured on Dec. 31 when Nashville Predators forward Zachary L’Heureux took him down with a slew-foot move, which earned L’Heureux a three-game suspension.
Spurgeon, speaking for the first time since the injury, did not comment specifically on the play. After being limited to only 16 games last season due to hip and back injuries, Spurgeon had been healthy and playing well until this latest setback.
“That was the most frustrating part, just having to go back in the gym and doing the same stuff all over again. It brings back some bad memories,” Spurgeon said.
Quick Recovery and Team Impact
The Wild were relieved that Spurgeon’s injury was not as serious as initially feared, as his awkward crash into the boards raised concerns about a season-ending injury.
“His work ethic was unbelievable. I thought he might’ve been back like a week earlier just watching him off the ice and in the gym with the work he put in,” Hynes said.
“All those leadership things that he brings are great to have and missed when he’s not in the lineup, then obviously what he brings on the ice, the way that he can play and what he means to our team in those situations. It’s great to have him back.”
Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green has apologized for punching former teammate Jordan Poole and believes it’s time to move on from the incident that caused tension in the Warriors’ locker room more than two years ago.
Green’s recent apology came after Poole expressed his feelings about his return to Chase Center in San Francisco as a member of the Washington Wizards. Poole said on Saturday that he loves “most of those guys over there” when discussing the warm welcome he received. Green responded with a tweet saying, “I really am sorry.”
Draymond’s Response
“I responded because it’s been three years,” Green said Wednesday on “The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis.” “Like, let’s move on. We’ve moved on. I really am sorry. That statement [by Poole] was kind of like it was looking for some sympathy … kind of keep wanting to make me out to be the bad guy. Move on, bro. It is what it is.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have punched him. But it happened. Let’s move on.”
The Incident and Green’s Reflections
In October 2022, a video was leaked from a preseason practice showing Green and Poole arguing. After Poole shoved Green, Green punched him. Green later publicly apologized to Poole and his family. The Warriors fined Green and he voluntarily left the team for a time, but he did not miss any games or face discipline from the league.
The punch happened during the Warriors’ training camp after their NBA championship win, but the team lost in the Western Conference semifinals in 2023. Poole was traded to Washington in June of that year in a deal involving Chris Paul.
“I kind of go back and forth with this,” Green said on the podcast. “I know I was wrong, but you can’t call a man a B-word and push him and not get hit, either. So, I kind of sit in both of those spaces sometimes. Like, the reality is, the answer is probably somewhere in the middle, right? I shouldn’t have knocked him out like that. If anything, I should have hemmed him up. It kind of was just a natural reaction.”
Draymond Green (NBA)
Moving Forward
Green emphasized that Poole should move on from the past: “I think, for him, you are kind of bringing that back up on yourself. Like when you do that, you just bring up that moment back on yourself. You just got to move on and keep it pushing, man. Got to let it go.”
Green’s Recent Suspensions and Growth
Green faced two suspensions last season. He was suspended for five games after putting Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert in a chokehold and later suspended indefinitely for striking Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic in the face, missing a total of 12 games. During this time, Green underwent counseling and regular check-in calls with NBA executives, Warriors staff, the players’ union, and his agent.
Green shared that these sessions helped him grow as both a player and a person. “I had two therapists and a sports psychologist, but the check-in calls really helped me,” he said.
This season, Green has eight technical fouls and one ejection, a lower rate compared to last season when he had four ejections.
Accountability and Growth
“I want people to say, ‘Man, right here was a little bleak. But then look where it went from there. And that’s due to because he took accountability,'” Green explained. “Regardless of how I felt about the Rudy situation, the Nurkic situation … the Jordan Poole [incident], any situation, I took it on the chin. I took accountability for it, and I moved forward.
“They’re my fault. I needed to be better, and I failed. We all fail. But I’m not a failure.”
Injury Update
Green injured his left calf during Saturday’s game against Washington. He missed Wednesday’s game against the Sacramento Kings and will be reevaluated next week.
Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra shared a message with his team after another suspension for star forward Jimmy Butler, who will miss the next two-game road trip to Milwaukee and Brooklyn due to missing a team flight.
“The point I made to our team is get used to it,” Spoelstra said after Thursday’s shootaround. “Get over it. This is the NBA life; this is the life we chose. If you think it’s going to be predictable, you’re really mistaken.”
The Heat suspended Butler on Wednesday for what they called a “continued pattern of disregard of team rules, insubordinate conduct, and conduct detrimental to the team, including missing Wednesday’s team flight to Milwaukee.” This is just the latest issue in a long-running situation between the Heat and their frustrated star.
Before Spoelstra’s media session, a Heat PR official told reporters that Spoelstra would not answer questions about Butler, a policy that had been in place for several weeks following the first suspension.
Butler had just returned last Friday from a seven-game suspension for “multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team.” He played three games, averaging 13 points in 29 minutes per game, before receiving the latest two-game suspension, which means the Heat will be without him in Milwaukee on Thursday.
Jimmy Butler walks on the court after the game
“It takes mental fortitude and commitment in terms of the task at hand,” Spoelstra said. “Nothing changes in terms of the task at hand. We have a game tonight, we know what our identity is now. You can make any excuse, but we get to do what we love.”
“We’ve had this happen all season long, so we know the drill and what we need to do to make those adjustments.”
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Butler wants to be traded, and sources told ESPN on Friday that the Heat are looking to accommodate Butler’s request. The NBA trade deadline is set for February 6.
When asked about the Butler situation, Heat guard Tyler Herro said, “We all know everything that’s going on. Not much to talk about.”
“It’s probably not the easiest to work with someone who’s going to be in and out in any job,” Herro said Thursday. “We love Jimmy; we’d love for him to be here. I love Jimmy.”
On Thursday, NBA commissioner Adam Silver spoke in Europe during a weeklong celebration of Victor Wembanyama, a rising European basketball star. He expressed a strong interest in bringing an American-led basketball league to Europe.
For the past year, the NBA has been exploring the idea of creating a new basketball league in Europe, separate from the NBA. Silver pointed out that the current top European league, the 18-team Euroleague, is not fully maximizing its potential in terms of money and growth, and the NBA sees an opportunity to get involved.
“While Europe continues to develop some of the very best players in the world — many of our most recent MVPs, of course, are European — we think that the commercial opportunity has not kept pace with the growth of the game,” Silver said before the San Antonio Spurs played the Indiana Pacers in the first of two games at Paris’ Accor Arena.
“We run leagues. We run the WNBA, the [Basketball Africa League], the G League, and even a 2K video league. We have experience running leagues, and we think this expertise can help us raise the game to a higher level in Europe, creating more commercial opportunities,” Silver added.
This is a big story in Europe, as it could challenge the Euroleague, which has been around since 1958, just a decade after the NBA. For the NBA in America, however, this shows that Silver and his team are more focused on expanding to new markets than on growing the league within the U.S., despite considering potential expansion to places like Las Vegas and Seattle.
Silver still needs to convince the 30 NBA team owners to approve the plan. Some sources told ESPN that there are still many questions about the plan, which need to be resolved before it can move forward. Silver suggested that a decision could be made after a scheduled owners’ meeting in March.
One concern for the owners is that the NBA’s other leagues have not been consistently profitable. A new European league could make money from media rights and expansion fees, according to people familiar with the idea.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver
Many of the NBA’s top executives have been in Paris this week for meetings with potential teams, media partners, and sponsors. “Our plan all along was to spend time here [last] summer when we were here for the Olympics to have a series of meetings, and we were on the ground here for roughly two weeks to watch basketball ourselves,” Silver explained.
“Then, we went back to do some additional work, knowing we’d be here in January for more meetings. We have an NBA board meeting in late March, and we will update our owners then.”
Last fall, Andreas Zagklis, the secretary-general of the international basketball body FIBA, gave a presentation to NBA owners in New York about a possible European partnership. In November, NBA managing director for Europe and the Middle East George Aivazoglou presented detailed plans to a committee of owners, including potential cities for new teams.
Over the past year, the NBA has reached out to possible investors and team owners to gauge interest. They have also talked to major soccer clubs in Europe about the possibility of creating basketball teams for the new league.
“The meetings have been very positive. It’s not against any other group or organization,” Silver said about the discussions with potential partners. “The people we’ve spoken to believe there is a commercial opportunity. They think there’s a demand from young fans, which is the NBA’s main audience, and that the market is ready to expand further in this sport.”
As part of this effort, the NBA plans to hold regular-season games in different parts of Europe. After hosting games in Paris for the past three years and in London before the pandemic, the NBA has discussed holding games in cities like Manchester, England, and Berlin, where potential new league teams could be located.
NFL faces scrutiny over inconsistencies in roughing the passer calls (Kansas City Chiefs)
Two penalties involving personal fouls against quarterback Patrick Mahomes have sparked fresh debates about the NFL’s efforts to safeguard quarterbacks and whether certain players benefit from favorable officiating.
Although the penalties adhered to the league’s safety protocols, critics argue that they expose inconsistencies in how rules are enforced.
Personal fouls on Patrick Mahomes reignite quarterback safety debates (Kansas City Chiefs)
The Key Plays That Triggered Debate
One of the penalties took place when Texans defender Will Anderson made contact with Mahomes’ facemask just after he released the ball, leading to a roughing the passer call.
Examining Replay-Assisted Reviews
The league’s replay-assist system, which underwent an expansion during the previous offseason, has become a focal point of the conversation.
While it enables officials to reexamine certain aspects of roughing the passer penalties, it does not permit them to evaluate the degree of force involved in the contact. NFL rules analyst Walt Anderson has acknowledged this limitation in the current system.
Ongoing Concerns About Quarterback Safety
Troy Vincent, who serves as the NFL’s executive vice president of football operations, highlighted the league’s vigilance toward quarterbacks who exploit safety rules by executing late slides or manipulating plays near the sidelines.
Potential Changes for NFL Officiating
As the Chiefs gear up for their seventh straight AFC Championship Game, the debate surrounding officiating and quarterback safety continues to intensify.
The NFL is likely to reassess its replay-assist policies and consider expanding them to address subjective decisions more effectively.
Although flawless officiating may be unrealistic, the league remains committed to finding a balance between ensuring player safety and maintaining consistent enforcement on the field.
Even though it’s only been a week since the Detroit Lions’ surprise loss to the Washington Commanders in the NFC divisional round, general manager Brad Holmes and the Lions’ organization are focused on moving forward.
The team has already lost offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to the Chicago Bears, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to the New York Jets, and defensive line coach Terrell Williams to the New England Patriots. However, the Lions are expected to hire Kacy Rodgers from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to fill the defensive coordinator role.
Holmes said, “There’s literally nothing else to do but pick yourself up and get back to work” during his end-of-season press conference.
No Concerns About Jared Goff’s Play
Despite these changes, Holmes is confident that quarterback Jared Goff will continue to perform at a high level, even without Johnson. Holmes believes Goff is still improving, saying, “I think the guy’s in his prime. He’s gotten better and better every year. And when I say prime, I think, like, just entering it.” Holmes has faith in head coach Dan Campbell to ensure Goff remains in a good position to succeed.
Detroit Lions players celebrates in the 1st half
Under Johnson’s leadership, Goff had a remarkable season in 2024. He threw for over 4,600 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, with a completion rate of 72%. His performance earned him a spot as a finalist for the MVP award and his fourth Pro Bowl selection.
Campbell’s Trust in Goff’s Input
Holmes emphasized that Campbell will work closely with Goff in the search for a new offensive coordinator. Campbell said that Goff’s input would be crucial in finding the right person to replace Johnson. “What he says is going to mean a lot to me,” Campbell said, acknowledging the importance of Goff’s perspective.
Looking Ahead to a Super Bowl Run
Despite the playoff exit, Holmes believes the team is still on track to compete for a Super Bowl. He feels the Lions are “very close” to winning it all, and the team is already planning for the 2025 season. Holmes said, “I do think that we’re very close… nothing’s going to alter what our approach has been in terms of trying to continue to improve and keep building.”
NFL's renewed focus on offensive alignment catches Ravens tackles off guard
Early in Thursday night’s matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and Baltimore Ravens, a 5-yard illegal formation penalty was assessed to Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley for lining up too deep.
According to NFL rules, an offensive lineman’s helmet must align with the center’s waist, and deviating from this alignment can offer an offensive advantage while complicating defensive efforts against pass rushers.
Ronnie Stanley flagged early for illegal formation in Chiefs vs Ravens game (Baltimore Ravens)
The officiating crew, led by Shawn Hochuli, enforced the same penalty three plays later against right tackle Patrick Mekari, followed by another flag on Stanley during the next snap.
These three penalties occurred within the first seven plays of the game, setting a striking tone for the season opener.
This strict officiating focus stems from league discussions earlier in the preseason. League and team sources revealed that officials were instructed by the NFL’s officiating department to prioritize illegal formation violations starting from Week 3 of the preseason.
Hochuli’s crew, in particular, highlighted this during a preseason game against the New England Patriots by issuing four penalties for the same infraction across four consecutive drives.
Increased Preseason Penalty Trends
By comparison, only 13 such penalties were recorded across the league in the first two preseason weeks. To ensure clarity, the NFL sent a detailed teaching tape and memo to all teams before the regular season began.
A spokesperson stated that the league is emphasizing all line-of-scrimmage violations, including illegal formations, pre-snap movements, and alignment by both the offense and defense.
Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed that this issue was discussed in his pregame meeting with officials, saying, “They are taking it seriously, which I believe is the correct approach.”
Historical Comparisons and Penalty Enforcement
The events of Thursday’s game drew parallels to Week 1 of the 2023 season when Chiefs right tackle Jawaan Taylor’s alignment was questioned during a broadcast.
Although not flagged in that instance, Taylor was penalized for illegal formation in subsequent weeks. Despite these calls, the 2023 season ended with just 55 offensive illegal formation penalties, the fewest in a decade.
A source familiar with internal officiating conversations noted that officials last season often opted for reminders over penalties, allowing players to adjust their alignment mid-game.
However, players frequently reverted to improper positioning after brief compliance, effectively exploiting the leniency.
The source further stated that officials received lower performance grades for neglecting to call these infractions, prompting this year’s increased enforcement to standardize calls across crews and encourage proper player alignment.
Stanley, who was not penalized for this violation last season, shared that he received no prior warning from the officiating crew before being penalized during the game.
However, two sources indicated that Ravens coaches were reminded pregame of the rule emphasis. Officials were expected to provide teams with a warning pregame and one in-game before issuing penalties unless the violation was considered blatant, in which case immediate flags would follow.
Stanley expressed his frustration, feeling singled out by the officials. He noted that Taylor, the Chiefs’ right tackle, displayed a similar alignment yet avoided penalties for illegal formation, although he was flagged for two false starts.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh commented, “We were the first offensive series of the season, and I think it became a focal point because of the audience. It’ll be interesting to see if the consistency holds throughout the season.”
Why the Jaguars Chose Liam Coen as Head Coach
In Jacksonville, a remarkable coaching hire unfurl as Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen informed the team of his decision to become the Jacksonville Jaguars’ head coach.
Initially hesitant and even declining an in-person interview, Coen reconsidered once the Jaguars parted ways with general manager Trent Baalke.
Offensive line penalties highlight alignment crackdown in Kansas City showdown (Baltimore Ravens)
The turnaround occurred swiftly over two days, beginning with Coen rejecting the Jaguars’ offer and instead securing a contract extension with the Buccaneers, which would have made him the league’s highest-paid coordinator.
However, following Baalke’s departure, the Jaguars reached out again, prompting Coen to travel to Jacksonville for discussions. By Thursday night, Coen finalized his decision to take the head coaching role.
As the team transitions under Coen, expectations are substantial. After a 4-13 season that saw underperformance across multiple areas, the Jaguars hope Coen brings the stability needed after cycling through four head coaches in six years.
NFL analysts weighed in on Coen’s hiring. Michael DiRocco and Jenna Laine discussed what the decision means for Jacksonville’s future, while Dan Graziano provided insights on the hiring process.
Additionally, Matt Miller highlighted the potential impact on the draft, and Ben Solak evaluated the decision.
What the Jaguars Gain in Coen
Coen, who credits his understanding of defenses to his tenure with Sean McVay and the Rams, is known for crafting adaptable offensive schemes tailored to personnel.
His success with the Buccaneers, particularly in elevating quarterback Baker Mayfield to career-best performances in 2024, underscores his capabilities.
Under Coen, the Buccaneers’ offense excelled despite injuries to key receivers and saw a drastic improvement in their run game, transforming from the league’s worst rushing team in 2023 to one of its best in 2024.
For the Jaguars, Coen’s emphasis on balancing the offense could alleviate the heavy reliance on quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
With a rushing attack that has ranked near the league’s bottom for the past two seasons, Coen’s strategies could maximize the potential of running backs Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby while diversifying the offensive approach.
Baalke’s Exit as a Catalyst
Sources revealed that Coen’s initial withdrawal from the coaching search was partly influenced by concerns over Baalke’s presence.
While Baalke’s exit played a role in reversing Coen’s decision, it wasn’t the sole factor. Jaguars owner Shad Khan, seeking a young, offense-oriented coach for Lawrence’s development, had been willing to address structural concerns during the hiring process.
Coen emerged as the leading candidate after other contenders, such as former Lions coordinator Ben Johnson, accepted different opportunities.
Mixon hit with a $25,000 fine for comments he didn't make (Houston Texans)
The NFL recently issued Texans running back Joe Mixon a $25,000 fine, attributing it to his criticism of officiating following Houston’s loss to the Chiefs. However, there’s a twist—the remark in question wasn’t actually made by Mixon.
Fans familiar with NFL games involving the Chiefs often anticipate moments when controversial calls seem to favor Kansas City, particularly in high-stakes situations.
NFL’s officiating controversy deepens as Mixon gets fined for someone else’s words (Houston Texans)
This perception has fueled widespread belief that the Chiefs receive preferential treatment when it comes to penalty decisions during pivotal moments of games.
While this notion may come across as yet another conspiracy theory within the league, the skepticism gained more traction during the Chiefs’ 23-14 win over the Texans in the AFC Divisional round. Patrick Mahomes and his team benefited from a questionable call, prompting further scrutiny.
In a postgame comment, a player indirectly hinted at unfair officiating by saying, “Everybody knows how it is playing up here. You can never leave it into the refs’ hands. The whole world sees what it is.”
This statement, combined with the outcome of the game, likely solidified the views of those already convinced of favoritism.
The NFL used these remarks as grounds to penalize Mixon, informing him through an official letter that he would be fined $25,000 for publicly criticizing officials.
However, the situation took an unexpected turn when Mixon realized the quote the league cited as the basis for the fine was not his.
According to the letter Mixon received, the league claimed he had said, “Why play the game if every 50/50 call goes with Chiefs.
These officials are trash and bias.” Yet, this comment was actually made by a retired wide receiver, not Mixon.
The confusion appeared to stem from a poorly constructed article that presented the two quotes in quick succession.
While anyone with basic comprehension could discern that Mixon was only responsible for one of the comments, the NFL seemingly failed to make the distinction.
A woman testified Thursday that New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers attacked her at his home in Braintree, Massachusetts, during an incident in October. She claimed Peppers grabbed her by the neck, slammed her against a wall, and pushed her down the stairs after another man repeatedly called her phone while they were in bed together.
The woman said Peppers filmed her and taunted her as she tried to leave his house after the alleged assault. Prosecutors showed video footage of the incident, and police reports supported her testimony. The woman said she did not seek hospital treatment for her injuries, but was instead treated at the scene.
Defense Challenges the Woman’s Testimony
Peppers’ attorney, Marc Brofsky, questioned the woman’s account of the assault, suggesting that her injuries weren’t as severe as claimed since she didn’t immediately call the police or go to a hospital. Brofsky also pointed out that the woman had filed a $9.5 million lawsuit against Peppers, implying it might be financially motivated.
The woman responded by saying she wasn’t seeking money but wanted an apology and for Peppers to receive anger management counseling.
Jabrill Peppers (NFL)
Peppers’ Arrest and Cocaine Possession
The police report stated that Peppers answered the door shirtless after the alleged assault and was arrested without incident. Police also found a bag of white powder, which later tested positive for cocaine. Peppers admitted to possessing cocaine but is being given the opportunity to avoid a criminal conviction if he stays out of trouble for the next few months.
Peppers Misses Games Due to the Incident
After the October incident, Peppers was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list, meaning he could not practice or play with the Patriots. This kept him on paid leave while the NFL reviewed his case. He returned to play in the final two games of the season but struggled with foot and hamstring injuries. Peppers is expected to continue his testimony in court on Friday.
Peppers’ Career and Contract Status
Peppers, a third-year safety with the Patriots, was drafted by Cleveland in 2017 and has also played for the New York Giants. His current contract with the Patriots runs through 2027. The NFL has stated its review of the criminal case is still ongoing, and Peppers’ return to play was not affected by his legal situation.
Travis Kelce, the 35-year-old tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, addressed the cheating accusations following his team’s controversial playoff victory over the Houston Texans. The allegations gained attention after hip-hop star Lil Wayne criticized the Chiefs, claiming they were benefiting from favorable officiating.
Lil Wayne’s Accusations
On an episode of the New Heights podcast, Travis and his brother Jason Kelce discussed the accusations. Lil Wayne had taken to social media to express his frustration, writing, “I hate the cheating azz chiefs,” and later adding, “It’s not even impressive when u cheat and then clearly try to cheat. Just win baby.”
Jason Kelce mentioned Lil Wayne’s post during the podcast, pointing out the rapper’s strong words about the Chiefs. Travis jokingly responded, “Shout out to Tuchie man,” in reference to Lil Wayne’s nickname.
Khalen Saunders Weighs In
Jason also brought up a post from Khalen Saunders, a defensive tackle for the New Orleans Saints. Saunders admitted some of the referee calls during the game were questionable but also pointed out how open Travis Kelce was during the game, saying the Texans “left Travis ‘wide booty butt nekkid open for 4 quarters.'” Travis confirmed Saunders’ comment, saying, “They did… They left me butt-naked open.”
Travis Kelce celebrates after the game
Referee Controversies
Despite the accusations, Travis chose not to comment directly on some of the controversial calls made during the game. When asked by Jason about his opinion on two specific calls, he chose to “plead the fifth.”
In the aftermath of the Chiefs’ 23-14 win over the Texans, Will Anderson Jr., a player for the Texans, admitted that his team had adopted an “us versus the refs” mentality, acknowledging the challenges of playing against both the Chiefs and the officiating.
Texans Coach’s Comments
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans echoed Anderson’s sentiments, stating, “We knew going into this game, man, it was us versus everybody.” He added that his team couldn’t afford to make the mistakes they did in the game.
Chiefs Move On to Face the Bills
With the victory, the Chiefs are advancing to the AFC Championship game, where they will face the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, January 26, at Arrowhead Stadium, with a kickoff time of 6 p.m. ET. The Chiefs are aiming for their third consecutive Super Bowl appearance after winning the last two championships.
The Baltimore Ravens faced a heartbreaking defeat to the Buffalo Bills in the AFC divisional round on Sunday, losing by just two points. Fans quickly pointed to tight end Mark Andrews, who had a difficult game, culminating in a dropped pass on a two-point conversion that could have tied the game.
Andrews Takes Responsibility
Five days after the game, Andrews shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, reflecting on his performance. He admitted to feeling devastated and took responsibility for his mistakes, saying he was “absolutely gutted” by how he contributed to the loss.
“It’s impossible to adequately express how I feel. I’m absolutely gutted by what happened on Sunday. I’m devastated for my teammates, my coaches and Ravens fans,” Andrews wrote. “I pour every ounce of my being into playing at the highest level possible, because I love my team and the game of football like nothing else. That is why it’s taken me until now to collect my thoughts and address this publicly.”
Andrews went on to say that while the disappointment was intense, he refused to let the situation define him and vowed to use it as motivation for the future.
A Difficult Game for Andrews
It was a tough game for Andrews, a three-time Pro Bowler. In addition to the missed two-point conversion, he dropped a pass in the first half and fumbled a potential first-down catch late in the game, which led to a Buffalo field goal.
As a result, Andrews faced harsh criticism from fans who blamed him for the Ravens’ playoff loss. He did not speak to reporters after the game and skipped the team’s final media session of the season.
Baltimore Ravens players celebrate in the 2nd half
Support from Teammates and Coaches
Despite the criticism, Andrews received support from his teammates and coaches. Head coach John Harbaugh expressed pride in Andrews and believed he would bounce back. Linebacker Kyle Van Noy emphasized that football is a team sport, and the defense also played a part in the loss.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson also took responsibility, sharing his frustration about an interception he threw earlier in the game.
“I’m just as hurt as Mark. I don’t — ain’t his fault. All of us played a factor in that game. It’s a team effort,” Jackson said after the game.
Thanks to Supporters
In his Instagram statement, Andrews thanked the fans who supported him and the team despite the negativity. He also expressed gratitude for those who donated to his charity, Breakthrough TD1, which supports children with diabetes. Bills fans raised $77,000 for the organization following the game.
“Even when the moment seems darkest, perspective can reveal that there’s still a lot of light in this world. I’m now going to do my part to bounce back and contribute to it,” Andrews concluded.
Rams head coach Sean McVay, usually calm during press conferences, didn’t seem like himself when discussing Matthew Stafford’s contract situation. Last April, on the first night of the 2024 NFL Draft, news broke that Stafford wanted his contract adjusted. This news caught McVay and Rams general manager Les Snead off guard as they were speaking about their first-round draft pick, Jared Verse.
“That was a fun night,” McVay said, sounding sarcastic. “A real fun night to take away from a good night.”
The situation with Stafford wasn’t resolved until late July, just hours before the start of training camp, when the Rams agreed to his demands.
McVay Discusses Stafford’s Future
With Stafford’s future still uncertain, McVay said addressing his contract will be a priority when he meets with Rams executives next week to plan for the next season.
“We don’t want to have that go on again,” McVay said in a video conference. “I don’t think that’s good for anybody. I think sooner than later. Being able to get that clarity…”
Stafford, who turns 37 on February 7, has a salary of $23 million next season, but only $4 million is guaranteed. His cap hit is scheduled to be $49.7 million.
Stafford’s Contract and Performance
Stafford’s contract, which he signed in 2022, is now lower than what top quarterbacks are earning. If Stafford doesn’t retire, he and his representatives are expected to push for another contract adjustment. Stafford threw 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions this season while playing through injuries, including a rib injury that wasn’t initially listed on the injury report.
Matthew Stafford – Los Angeles Rams
McVay explained that Stafford’s rib injury from a December 12 win against the San Francisco 49ers didn’t show up in imaging tests, and it didn’t affect his ability to practice or play.
McVay on Stafford’s Impact
When asked about Stafford’s future with the Rams, McVay was careful with his words. He praised Stafford’s performance, particularly in big moments, like in the seven playoff games he’s played with the Rams. McVay emphasized that Stafford knows how much he means to the team.
“I’m sure proud of the body of work, really proud of the way he’s played,” McVay said. “He shines the brightest on the biggest stages…”
McVay also mentioned that he had a good conversation with Stafford recently.
Kupp’s Future and McVay’s Approach
McVay also has a close relationship with receiver Cooper Kupp, who was part of McVay’s first draft class in 2017. The Rams had considered trading Kupp after a 1-4 start to the season, and Kupp has admitted he isn’t sure about his future with the team.
McVay plans to have an open discussion with Kupp about his future. “There’s no good way to go about hard conversations other than just straight to the point,” McVay said. He added that honesty and directness have always been important in their relationship.
Kyren Williams Extension Discussion
McVay also mentioned that the Rams would discuss an extension for running back Kyren Williams, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
