All articles tagged with #defensive plays
New Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley will personally call defensive plays, drawing on his Green Bay experience and aiming to energize the defense while balancing head coaching duties as he transitions to the team's leadership role.
Travis Hunter, the No. 2 overall pick and 2024 Heisman Trophy winner, made his NFL debut with the Jacksonville Jaguars, playing 44 offensive snaps and 6 on defense, and contributed with six receptions for 33 yards in a victory over the Panthers. He showed promise and expects to increase his defensive involvement as the season progresses.
The Kansas City Chiefs held their sixth training camp practice, featuring alumni visits, padded drills, standout defensive plays, situational practice on backed-up punts, and an injury update, as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Derius Davis continues to impress at Chargers training camp with three touchdowns, showcasing his development as a route runner, while Khalil Mack and rookie Nikko Reed make significant defensive plays. The team also experiments with offensive line positions, notably Zion Johnson at center, amid a competitive environment.
In a close victory over the Baltimore Ravens, the Pittsburgh Steelers' defensive line played a crucial role with key pass deflections by Dean Lowry and Cam Heyward. These plays, particularly on third downs, helped contain Ravens QB Lamar Jackson and contributed to the Steelers' win by preventing potential scoring opportunities. The strategic defensive approach, focusing on maintaining rush lane integrity, was pivotal in the Steelers' success.
The San Francisco Giants have been making historically improbable comebacks, highlighted by Matt Chapman's incredible game-ending defensive play. The Giants have achieved three consecutive comebacks from four-run deficits, a rare feat in baseball history. Their recent performances have been a mix of skill, luck, and thrilling moments, making them the current kings of late-inning drama.
Dan Quinn, the new head coach of the Commanders, announced that defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. will handle the play-calling responsibilities for the team, while Quinn focuses on coaching the entire team and game management. Quinn expressed confidence in his decision and believes it will make him a better coach than his previous tenure with the Falcons.
Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin continues to question whether Alabama defensive coordinator Kevin Steele was calling plays during their recent game against South Florida, suggesting that defensive backs coach Travaris Robinson took over playcalling duties. Kiffin claims to have seen differences in the play calls and received information from sources within the football community. Alabama coach Nick Saban refuted these claims, stating that Steele is the defensive coordinator and that the staff only worked on improving game day administration. The two teams are set to face each other on Saturday.
DeMeco Ryans, the new head coach of the Houston Texans, will be calling the defensive plays to start off the season, but it may not be a permanent arrangement. Matt Burke, the team's defensive coordinator, will assist Ryans in putting together the weekly plans on defense.
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott has announced that he will be taking over the team's defense, replacing Leslie Frazier who stepped away from coaching this upcoming season. McDermott made the announcement at the NFL's Annual Meeting in Phoenix.