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Rams GM Les Snead prepared for life after Matthew Stafford

SANTA CLARA — With general manager Les Snead and coach Sean McVay locked in on new multiyear contracts, the Rams have turned their attention to quarterback Matthew Stafford, who now faces a big decision. Does he return for an 18th NFL season or call it a career?

Stafford must consider whether to commit for another year—or even push for a new contract that raises his 2026 compensation from $42 million, which is middle of the pack for NFL quarterbacks, to the current going rate of $55 million to $60 million for a quarterback of his stature. Or does he walk off into the sunset and embrace a life that provides more time with his wife, Kelly, and their four daughters?

Whatever the 37-year-old Stafford decides will significantly shape how Snead and McVay approach the offseason. “Because there will be two different teams, with or without Matthew,” Snead said Wednesday.

With Stafford, it’s about balancing the present and the future. The Rams need to add pieces that complement a Stafford-led team while not losing sight of a soon-to-be post-Stafford era. On the other hand, if Stafford decides to step away, creating a crater-sized hole at quarterback, the roster-building approach will change dramatically.

“It won’t be a full rebuild, necessarily, but clearly a world filled with far more questions than answers,” Snead explained. Do they trade for an impact veteran quarterback or aggressively use the draft to identify and develop Stafford’s heir apparent?

“At the macro level, when Matthew’s on the horse, we go, let’s make the most of our time with Matthew,” Snead said. “And we’re well aware that there will be a time where we have to transition.”

As eager as Snead and McVay are to get an answer and adjust accordingly, they understand the importance of patience. They plan to give Stafford as much space as he needs while he sorts through his decision.

“We’re gonna give him his space,” Snead said. “Let’s call it recover and rejuvenate, and then determine, hey, do we want to get back on this horse again and go chase, earn and grab special moments together?”

Coming off a season many believe will earn him his first MVP award, Stafford is still very capable of creating those special moments.

“I think that if that’s something that he wants to do, the answer is absolutely yes,” McVay said. “I think what’s great is he’s going to take his time and talk with Kelly and the girls and see what’s best, but, man, is he still playing at an incredible level.”

It’s clear what McVay’s preference is, but he wants Stafford to take the necessary time to make the decision that is best for himself and his family—however long that might take.

“He deserves as much time as he needs,” McVay said. “We spend a lot of time together. I’m hopeful, but with respect to him, we haven’t set any sort of timetable. I don’t get the sense that he wants to let it drag on, either. We’ll see what he’s feeling. I’m keeping my fingers crossed like you guys that he wants to still play.”

No matter what Stafford decides this offseason, Snead understands it’s only a matter of time before the Rams must deal with life without their star quarterback. However long they have him in the fold, they want to maximize it.

“At the end of the day, we try to keep it simple,” Snead said. “Let’s make the most of our time with Matthew. And then when the time comes that Matthew says, ‘You know what, enough’s enough,’ then let’s be prepared to transition from there.”
https://nypost.com/2026/02/04/sports/rams-await-matthew-staffords-franchise-changing-decision/

Patriots look ahead to AFC title game in Denver: ‘The environment will be a lot’

**FOXBORO — Patriots Focus Ahead After Divisional Win**

In his post-game press conference Sunday, Mike Vrabel took less than a minute to look past the Patriots’ divisional-round victory over the Texans.

“I’m excited for these guys, but also, they’re not satisfied. And I can tell that,” Vrabel said. “It wasn’t pretty.”

Several Patriots shared a similar sentiment at the podium, including defensive captain Robert Spillane, who described the season as “a work in progress.”

“We’re not finished,” Spillane emphasized.

Quarterback Drake Maye suggested that playing away from Foxboro for the first time in a month is fueling the team’s mindset of moving on quickly from Sunday’s win. The Patriots are set to kick off the AFC Championship Game next Sunday at 3 p.m. in Denver.

“I think not satisfied means we’re back on the road,” Maye said. “Back on the road in an AFC Championship game, that speaks for itself.”

The Patriots completed an undefeated road record during the regular season, giving them confidence away from home.

Veteran tight end Hunter Henry, who began his career as a divisional opponent visiting Denver with the Chargers, acknowledged the challenges of the upcoming atmosphere. Between the loud home crowd and the thin air at elevation, Henry expects a tough environment.

“It’s a challenge, man, when that place is rolling,” Henry said. “It’s going to be extremely loud. I know it’ll be an environment. They’ll be ready to go, the elevation can be an issue. But staying hydrated, moving around a lot, we’ll be all right in a way. But I know the environment will be a lot.”
https://www.bostonherald.com/2026/01/18/patriots-look-ahead-to-afc-title-game-in-denver-the-environment-will-be-a-lot/

Studs and Duds: The next-man-up 49ers beat the Eagles with depth early, stars late

**San Francisco 49ers Advance with Gritty 23-19 Win Over Eagles in Wild Playoff Battle**

Postseason football is defined by grit and narrow margins, and the San Francisco 49ers thrived in that intense environment. On Sunday, they defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 23-19 at a raucous Lincoln Financial Field, advancing to the second round of the playoffs. Despite entering the game as the No. 6 seed in the NFC, enduring a hostile crowd, and suffering a tough Achilles tendon injury to star tight end George Kittle, Kyle Shanahan’s squad refused to back down.

Up next: a rematch with the Seattle Seahawks.

Here’s a look at the studs and duds from a thrilling contest that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

—

### STUDS 💪

**Demarcus Robinson, WR**
In a season filled with surprises, Robinson—who has struggled in man-to-man coverage this year—was a revelation for the 49ers. On only the second play, he beat arguably the best cornerback in the NFC, Quinyon Mitchell, in man-to-man coverage to score a 63-yard touchdown. He followed that up with another man-to-man touchdown catch and finished as San Francisco’s top target with 6 receptions for 111 yards.

**Brock Purdy, QB**
Purdy mixed in some precise, layered passes in a game where the 49ers struggled to run the ball effectively until late. Despite tossing two interceptions, Purdy was clearly the superior quarterback on the field and the driving force behind the victory. He ended the day with 262 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, and 24 crucial rushing yards.

**Jauan Jennings, WR**
Stepping up as the de facto tight end after Kittle’s injury, Jennings made a critical 45-yard reception in the run game. He also showcased his versatility by throwing a beautiful 29-yard touchdown pass to Christian McCaffrey to give the 49ers a 17-16 lead late in the fourth quarter. Jennings proved he’s a hell of a football player.

**Christian McCaffrey, RB**
Though it took some time, McCaffrey saved his best for the final moments. He showed impressive burst running late in the game, caught a remarkable touchdown pass off Jennings’ throw despite windy conditions, and then hauled in the game-winning touchdown with just five minutes remaining.

**Upton Stout, NB**
San Francisco’s best defender over the past month-plus, Stout continued his strong performance on Sunday. He reached a point where the Eagles simply stopped testing him, a testament to his impact.

**Marquese Sigle, FS**
Sigle’s absence in the second half of the season has been a mystery, but when called into action Sunday due to Ji’Ayir Brown’s injury, he was exceptional both in pass coverage and run support.

**Eric Kendricks & Garret Wallow, LBs**
In a bold move, the 49ers started two linebackers recently added to the roster in a playoff game—and both delivered. Kendricks, in particular, was fantastic and made a pivotal game-winning pass breakup.

—

### DUDS 📉

**Kendrick Bourne, WR**
It’s Week 19 of the season, so why is Bourne still unfamiliar with the plays? This weekly issue proved costly on Sunday when he lined up incorrectly during a two-minute drill, forcing the 49ers to burn their third timeout in the first half. If they had that timeout, they might have kicked a field goal before halftime.

**Deommodore Lenoir, CB**
In a departure from their usual strategy, the 49ers placed Lenoir on the boundary side of the field (short side), rather than his customary right side. The Eagles exploited this matchup relentlessly, and Lenoir gave up yards early and often.

**Colton McKivitz, RT**
San Francisco’s most reliable offensive lineman this season was overmatched by Jaelen Phillips. Though Purdy did well to evade pressure from the right side, McKivitz faced constant harassment.

**All 49ers Defensive Tackles (except C.J. West)**
Philadelphia’s offense features a one-read quarterback with limited arm strength, but their power running game overwhelmed the 49ers’ defensive tackles. The Eagles effectively deployed double teams and wham blocks, neutralizing San Francisco’s interior defense.

—

The 49ers showed heart, resilience, and adaptability in a tough road environment, overcoming adversity to keep their playoff hopes alive. Fans can expect another fierce showdown when they face the Seahawks in the next round.
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/01/11/studs-and-duds-the-next-man-up-49ers-beat-the-eagles-with-depth-early-stars-late/

Mike Macdonald Tips 275-Pounder to Fix Seahawks’ Run Game

Mike Macdonald knows the Seattle Seahawks need a boost in their running game, and he is referring to beefy fullback Robbie Ouzts, who is expected to play against the Washington Commanders in Week 9. Ouzts has missed the last four games due to an ankle injury, but Macdonald believes the blocking back’s return is “great. It wasn’t a long practice, but got some good reps in,” according to The Tacoma News Tribune’s Gregg Bell.

Having Ouzts back in the lineup will lead to a shift in how the Seahawks deploy personnel in the running game. As Macdonald pointed out, “We’ve majored in 12 personnel, 13 personnel. We’ll see how the game plan shakes out, but Robbie provides more two-back flexibility than probably we’ve had.” These new, heavier formations could unlock the Seahawks’ so far unfulfilled potential when running the ball.

### Seahawks Need Changes in the Running Game

Despite the breakaway talents of Kenneth Walker III and the rugged dependability of Zach Charbonnet, the Seahawks’ running game is not intimidating opponents. They rank eighth in the league in rushing attempts but are 30th in yards-per-carry average (3.7), according to Seahawks.com Senior Reporter John Boyle.

These numbers are not what one would expect given offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s expertise with the famed zone-stretch system. However, that staple play hasn’t been yielding much for Walker and company. “Teams are dedicated to stopping it — the Seahawks face loaded boxes at the highest rate in the league,” notes Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic.

In response, Kubiak is attempting to diversify the run game by incorporating more counter, gap, and straight-ahead power runs. These plays were used with mixed results during the 27-19 win over the Houston Texans in Week 7. As Dugar explained, “The pivot would then be to gash teams between the tackles, which the Seahawks attempted with a little bit of success against the Texans. But is that the best use of the personnel? They have a light, athletic offensive line, which is why a scheme based on running off the ball was supposed to pop.”

Another challenge is that the tight ends have not been physical enough to hold their blocks consistently, meaning the Seahawks need to get bigger along the line of scrimmage. This is where Robbie Ouzts comes in.

### Robbie Ouzts’ Return Boosts One-Dimensional Offense

Though only a rookie and a 2025 NFL draft fifth-round pick, Ouzts has already made a positive impact. For example, in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he helped Kenneth Walker rush for 105 yards by delivering a series of crushing blocks. NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger highlighted some of his best blocks, showcasing the difference a fullback the size of a defensive lineman can make.

Adding Ouzts provides the Seahawks with more power and physicality up front, putting some much-needed “oomph” into their rushing concepts. This could be the key to moving the ball more effectively on the ground and making the run game a more threatening part of Seattle’s offense.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/seattle-seahawks/mike-macdonald-robbie-ouzts-running-game/

Chuba Hubbard is aware his role might change, but his approach won’t

Rico Dowdle earned the starting job while Chuba Hubbard was injured, totaling 472 yards from scrimmage in the two games Hubbard missed. Despite Dowdle’s strong performance, the Panthers returned Hubbard to the starting lineup on Sunday.

In the loss to the Bills, Hubbard carried the ball 12 times for 34 yards and scored a touchdown, while Dowdle ran eight times for 54 yards. With both backs contributing, the Panthers now can’t ignore the numbers. Coach Dave Canales acknowledged the obvious on Monday: Dowdle has the hot hand.

Hubbard understands the situation and is ready for whatever role comes his way. “My main focus is never solely about me. It’s always about the team and winning games,” he said.

Although his role might change, Hubbard’s approach won’t. “To be honest, I mean, you guys have obviously known me for the last four or five years. I’m someone who prides myself on work, work, work, work,” Hubbard explained. “Everything I do, I’m a man of faith, a follower of Christ, and whatever my journey comes with, I take the good and the bad.”

He continued, “In moments like this, I just continue to work. I’ve been through worse days and worse things, and people have scrutinized me for stuff all five years I’ve been here. But one thing is, I just pride myself on my work, like I said, and also just helping us get wins here. So, I do whatever it takes and just continue with that mindset.”

This season, Hubbard has totaled 94 touches for 400 yards and three touchdowns in six games. As the Panthers navigate their backfield options, Hubbard’s team-first mentality remains clear.
https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/chuba-hubbard-is-aware-his-role-might-change-but-it-wont-change-his-approach

Alabama’s HC Kalen DeBoer gets real on Germie Bernard after heroic play vs. South Carolina

The Alabama Crimson Tide survived yet another SEC thriller on Saturday, outlasting South Carolina 29-22 in a comeback that tested every bit of their championship mettle.

The victory came just days after head coach Kalen DeBoer had to rework his offensive plans, ruling out freshman wide receiver Lotzier Brooks before the matchup. Brooks’s absence opened the door for Germie Bernard to take on a bigger role — and he more than delivered.

Bernard not only caught the game-tying touchdown late in the fourth quarter but also sealed the victory with a 25-yard touchdown run in the final seconds. After the game, DeBoer couldn’t have been more complimentary of Bernard’s performance, which came at the perfect time for a Crimson Tide team that found itself down 22-14 midway through the fourth quarter.

Quarterback Ty Simpson—who continues to build a Heisman-worthy resume—rallied the offense for 15 unanswered points. His poise under fire and Bernard’s versatility helped Alabama avoid a potentially devastating upset loss on the road.

The Tide’s offensive balance was key, but so was their defense’s resilience. With the score tied 22-22, Alabama forced a late fumble on South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers, setting up the final drive. Moments later, Bernard’s touchdown run punctuated a dramatic comeback and preserved Alabama’s playoff hopes.

After the win, Crimson Tide fans erupted online, celebrating the team’s grit and Bernard’s heroics. “Gutsy play call, love it,” one fan wrote, while another summed up the collective stress of the night: “I was as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs! Roll Tide Roll!”

The victory improves Alabama to 7-1 on the season and keeps them firmly in the hunt for both the SEC Championship and College Football Playoff.

With a bye week up next before a critical matchup against No. 20 LSU, DeBoer’s squad will use the extra time to recover and continue building around players like Germie Bernard, who proved on Saturday that trust isn’t just earned in practice but in the biggest moments of the season.
https://clutchpoints.com/ncaa-football/alabama-football-news-kalen-deboer-gets-real-on-germie-bernard-after-heroic-play

Real Madrid among clubs looking at signing Chelsea superstar after latter’s recent agent change: Reports

Real Madrid have reportedly emerged as one of the clubs interested in signing Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo.

The player’s recent parting of ways with his agents has sparked speculation about his future and potential transfer moves. This development has caught the attention of several top European clubs, with Real Madrid now joining the list of contenders keen on securing the talented midfielder.

As the situation unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see where Caicedo’s career will take him next.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/rumor-real-madrid-among-clubs-looking-signing-chelsea-superstar-latter-s-recent-agent-change-reports

“Their defence is the whole team” – Gary Neville refuses to agree with Roy Keane as they predict winner of Arsenal vs Crystal Palace

Manchester United legend Gary Neville does not believe Crystal Palace will score against Arsenal this weekend in the Premier League. He made the comment following Roy Keane’s prediction that the FA Cup winners would get past the Gunners’ backline.

Speaking on the Stick to Football Podcast, Keane predicted a 3-1 scoreline in favor of Arsenal in the match scheduled for Sunday, October 26, with Mikel Arteta’s side taking all three points. However, Ian Wright was quick to disagree with Keane’s suggested scoreline, predicting that Oliver Glasner’s Palace would fail to find the net.

Neville swiftly agreed with the Arsenal legend, highlighting the Gunners’ defensive solidity this season. “Palace are not scoring. Arsenal have only conceded three goals all season. Just something their defence is the whole team,” he said, emphasizing that the entire Arsenal squad works defensively when out of possession.

The Premier League leaders are coming into the match on the back of an impressive 4-0 thrashing of Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League. This victory has boosted their confidence as they look to extend their lead at the top of the table.

On the other hand, Crystal Palace arrive after a setback, having lost to AEK Larnaca FC in the UEFA Conference League on Thursday, October 23. The Eagles have not won in their last three matches, including a defeat to Everton and a 3-3 draw at home against AFC Bournemouth earlier this month.

—

### Gary Neville Backs Arsenal to Win the Premier League Title

Former Premier League defender Gary Neville has also expressed strong support for Arsenal to clinch the Premier League title this season. He described the Gunners as “scary” and praised their position at the top of the table despite facing a tough fixture schedule.

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Neville said:
“They’ve played United away, Man City, Liverpool away. They’ve played nearly everybody already, and they’re where they are. It is wrong to say this because it is ridiculous and we’ve all been in title races. If they don’t win it from here, we’ve all predicted Arsenal to win the league right, we know it can go wrong.”

He added:
“If they don’t win it from where the other teams are and the confident position they’re in now, a lot can change, but they’re in a good place. It feels like the Newcastle game turned the corner. It’s not a putting pressure on them statement, they just must be thinking, ‘this is us, this year, we’ve got to win it’.”

Neville also highlighted Arsenal’s squad depth, noting how players like Lewis Hall can come in seamlessly for key defenders without any drop-off in quality. “When you can bring in Lewis-Skelly for Califiori and Ben White, Mosquera coming in with no drop off, it’s looking scary.”

Currently, Arsenal lead the Premier League by three points over second-placed Manchester City and are four points clear of defending champions Liverpool. Their form and depth make them strong contenders to win the title this season.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/news-their-defence-whole-team-gary-neville-refuses-agree-roy-keane-predict-winner-arsenal-vs-crystal-palace

Lions Lose Veteran Linebacker Immediately After He Returns From Injury

The Detroit Lions waited three weeks to get veteran linebacker Zach Cunningham back after a serious injury, but now he will be sidelined for at least a month—and potentially the entire season.

The team placed Cunningham on injured reserve following a hamstring injury he suffered in last week’s win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Cunningham had just returned from a three-week absence due to another hamstring injury, making this latest setback a significant blow to his season and the team.

### Lions Lose Key Depth

Cunningham was ruled out to return last weekend during the Lions’ 24-9 victory over the conference-leading Buccaneers due to the hamstring injury. As Jeff Risdon of USA Today’s Lions Wire noted, this loss removes a key special teams player and situational defender from the roster.

“There is no indication if Cunningham, who plays primarily on special teams but has also worked in short-yardage and red zone packages throughout the season, will be able to return in 2024,” Risdon wrote. “The Lions facility is closed and staff are off until next week. For the year, the 30-year-old has seven tackles and one tackle for loss (TFL).”

Cunningham joined the Lions as a free agent this offseason, adding veteran experience to the linebacking corps. The 30-year-old has appeared in 106 NFL games with 86 starts, accumulating 716 total tackles over his career. This season, he has played a limited role in Detroit, featuring in four games with seven total tackles.

### Backups Come Through in the Secondary

The Lions have already faced numerous challenges on defense, particularly in the secondary. Several cornerbacks have been sidelined due to injury, and safety Brian Branch served a one-game suspension after sparking a skirmish during the team’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Despite these setbacks, the Lions employed what head coach Dan Campbell referred to as their “Who?” secondary against the Buccaneers. Remarkably, they held Tampa Bay’s potent offense to just nine points, showcasing the resilience and depth of the team’s backup players.

As the season progresses, the Lions will need continued contributions from their depth players to navigate these injury hurdles and maintain competitive performances on defense.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-zach-cunningham-injured-reserve/

Saints make flurry of moves after Week 7 injuries

The 2025 season has been another disappointing campaign for the New Orleans Saints. Entering the year with no real expectations, the outlook has now dimmed even further, with predictions suggesting the team will win three games or fewer this season. Currently, the Saints hold a 1-6 record as they prepare to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 8.

A recent injury update has dealt a significant blow to the Saints’ offense. The team has placed center Erik McCoy and running back Kendre Miller on season-ending Injured Reserve. To address the gaps, the Saints have signed running back Velus Jones Jr. to their active roster from the practice squad and added running back Audric Estimé to the practice squad.

Erik McCoy, a Texas A&M product, was playing like one of the top centers in the league this season. Unfortunately, he suffered a biceps injury during the loss to the Chicago Bears, ruling him out for the remainder of the year. Given his elite performance despite the team’s struggles, McCoy was potentially a trade candidate ahead of the NFL Trade Deadline.

Running back Kendre Miller, who hails from TCU and was part of their national title appearance, has also been sidelined with a torn ACL. His absence is a severe setback for New Orleans’ offense. Miller served as the primary backup to Alvin Kamara, and with him out, the team will need to look to Devin Neal to share the workload. Before the injury, Miller carried the ball 47 times for 193 yards and one touchdown, averaging 4.1 yards per carry over seven games. Miller’s injury history adds to the concern, as he has yet to play more than eight games in a single season. The hope remains that he can recover fully and return stronger in the future.

The addition of Audric Estimé, a former Denver Broncos running back, provides some depth but the Saints’ offense still faces an uphill battle for the remainder of the season.

Overall, with key offensive players sidelined and a tough schedule ahead, the Saints will need resilience and adjustments to salvage what remains of their 2025 campaign.
https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/new-orleans-saints/saints-news-new-orleans-makes-flurry-of-moves-after-week-7-injuries