After six games, Nik Bonitto is the favorite to win the 2025 Defensive Player of the Year. The star pass rusher of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/denver-broncos" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Denver Broncos</a> has now shared his thoughts on the added pressure.



This offseason, Bonitto signed a lucrative contract extension with the Broncos. He is proving he was worth it with remarkable performances in the first six games of the season.



Bonitto currently has eight sacks and is on pace to challenge the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL</a> record. These numbers put him at the top of the 2025 DPOY conversation, and the pass rusher is well aware of it.



<h2>Nik Bonitto gets real on being favorite to win the 2025 DPOY award</h2>



Last year, the Broncos gave Pat Surtain II a new deal before the 2024 season. The cornerback then had the best campaign of his career and was named Defensive Player of the Year.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nfl/broncos-defense-on-pace-to-break-nfl-record-after-impressive-performance-vs-jets"></div>


Denver saw that success and followed the same formula by giving Nik Bonitto a new deal. After six games, the linebacker leads the NFL in sacks with eight, and it seems unlikely he will relinquish that spot anytime soon.



His outstanding performances have made him the early frontrunner in the 2025 DPOY race. However, Bonitto believes it is still too early to think about individual awards, staying completely focused on team success.



“It’s obviously an honor. Pat, he’s the best in the game right now,” Bonitto said on Sunday. “What he did today was special. Every week we always go out to him to guard the best guy and we don’t hear from him ever again throughout the game. It’s a testament to him and obviously that’s a great honor just coming from him.



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">.<a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Broncos</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/nyjets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nyjets</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/nikkkkbonitto?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nikkkkbonitto</a> is a Baracuda….When he smells blood in the water his takeoff is even faster. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BaldysBreakdowns?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BaldysBreakdowns</a> <a href="https://t.co/ci6ClxxFew">pic.twitter.com/ci6ClxxFew</a>— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/BaldyNFL/status/1977821314791674272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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“It’s a long season. I still have a lot of room to grow in my game. A lot of games to just keep playing and keep trying to stack these wins. I’ve got a lot of ways to go before we start even having those conversations.”



<h2>Who are the other favorites for the 2025 DPOY award?</h2>



Nik Bonitto is part of an incredible Broncos defense. The outside linebacker is thriving thanks to his teammates, but he is not the only player currently in the conversation for the award.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nfl/broncos-sean-payton-considering-former-18th-overall-pick-wide-receiver-to-boost-bo-nixs-attack"></div>


As of now, Lions’ Aidan Hutchinson and Packers’ Micah Parsons are also following Bonitto closely as top contenders for the 2025 DPOY. Nevertheless, it is the Broncos’ star who boasts the best numbers and currently seems to have the edge over Hutchinson and Parsons.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="68eeb83a370f2f9346100c25" data-title="Who should win the 2025 DPOY award?" data-options="4"></div>

Broncos star Nik Bonitto gets brutally honest about early Defensive Player of the Year talk

Broncos’ Bo Nix gets encouraging words from Sean Payton despite irregular start to the NFL 2025 season

Broncos’ Sean Payton gets real about how crucial Bo Nix is for the team

Broncos star Nik Bonitto gets brutally honest about early Defensive Player of the Year talk - Bolavip US

miniaturas

Bijan Robinson put up a show against the Buffalo Bills on Monday night. The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/atlanta-falcons" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atlanta Falcons</a> returned from their bye week on a high note, beating a Super Bowl contender 24-14 at home, to improve to 3-2 ahead of Week 7.&nbsp;



Michael Penix Jr. didn’t have the best game of his career, but that wasn’t necessary. Robinson stole the show by carrying the ball 19 times for 170 yards and one touchdown. He added six receptions for 68 yards, rounding up a huge night for the talented running back.&nbsp;



Additionally, Robinson scored an 81-yard touchdown, which was the longest rush of his NFL career and the longest rushing touchdown in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL</a> this campaign.



<h2>LeBron James shares 3-word message on Bijan Robinson’s huge TD</h2>



The play caught a lot of attention in and outside the stadium. So much so that NBA superstar LeBron James gave a shout-out to the running back after he got loose and found the end zone with an impressive run.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251014_BUS_509131_bijan-robinson-1024x576_c940f62c.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Bijan Robinson Atlanta Falcons" class="wp-image-410559" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Bijan Robinson #7 of the Atlanta Falcons </figcaption></figure>



“Bijan so COLD!!!!!!” James tweeted on X



The Falcons made a statement against the Bills, and Robinson also sent a message, confirming that he’s one of the premier running backs in the league this season. In five games, he’s carried the ball 83 times for 484 yards (third-best in the league) and two touchdowns.&nbsp;



He has also excelled as a pass catcher, posting 24 receptions for 338 yards and one touchdown. The Falcons’ offense struggled to get things going before the bye week. Raheem Morris exhorted them to do better, and Robinson definitely received the memo.&nbsp;

LeBron James hypes up Bijan Robinson’s big performance against Bills

LeBron James hypes up Bijan Robinson's big performance against Bills - Bolavip US

After a seemingly promising win over the New York Giants in Week 5, the<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-orleans-saints" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> New Orleans Saints</a> lost to the New England Patriots on Sunday. The illusion of being competitive again didn’t last a week, and the Saints are still considered a team to watch ahead of the trade deadline.



Alvin Kamara, who only had 31 yards on 10 carries but 45 yards on five receptions, has been named a potential trade chip, as many contenders are looking to add depth to their running back room.&nbsp;



Besides Kamara, the Saints have other pieces they could use to get draft capital or add young players to build a solid project to contend in the future. The offense isn’t the only zone where they could use assets to bring solid material to compete.



<h2>Saints defender named potential trade chip&nbsp;</h2>



Cayden Steele of NJ.com recently suggested that Carl Granderson could be on his way out of New Orleans to one of the best teams in the league, the defending champions Philadelphia Eagles.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251014_BUS_509130_Nick-Sirianni-10-1024x576_d9d0e66b.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Nick Sirianni Philadelphia Eagles HC" class="wp-image-368603" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Nick Sirianni of the Philadelphia Eagles </figcaption></figure>



“Granderson and Young do not offer as much upside as the aforementioned pass rushers, but they would improve the Eagles’ depth,” Steele wrote. “The Eagles could trade for two pass rushers — one high-end starter and a good rotational piece. Granderson is trending toward a career season, finishing with 4.5 sacks through the first six weeks. He had a career-high 8.5 in 2023.”



The defensive end has recorded 269 tackles, 33 sacks, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries during his seven-year career. The Eagles could get more dangerous with a player of this caliber.

Saints defensive star linked with move to Eagles

Saints defensive star linked with move to Eagles - Bolavip US

Veteran analyst Skip Bayless came up with his explanation to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tennessee-titans" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tennessee Titans’</a> decision to part ways with Brian Callahan, six games into his second season with the team.&nbsp;



Callahan arrived in Nashville with high expectations after helping Joe Burrow become one of the best quarterbacks in the league. His tenure with the Titans didn’t last long, as the team couldn’t get things going, and Cam Ward didn’t show any improvement during the first six matchups.&nbsp;



Callahan is gone after the Titans suffered their fifth defeat of the campaign, but Bayless believes the beginning of the end started back in April.&nbsp;



<h2>Skip Bayless explains how Shedeur Sanders affected Brian Callahan’s fire&nbsp;</h2>



Speaking on “The Arena: Gridiron,” Bayless said not picking Shedeur Sanders with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL </a>Draft is costing the Titans the opportunity to turn their situation around.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251014_BUS_509129_shedeur-sanders-20-1024x576_625d0531.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Shedeur Sanders QB Cleveland Browns" class="wp-image-500668" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Shedeur Sanders #12 of the Cleveland Browns.</figcaption></figure>



“Allow me to say one more time,” Bayless said. “If they had picked Shedeur instead of Cam, I know you love Cam, but I love Shedeur more. I don’t think this would have happened. That’s just me. That’s how good Shedeur is. He has the charisma factor, the factor to change the franchise and inspire the defense as well as the offense. And I haven’t seen Cam be able to do that yet.”



In six games, Ward has gone 111 of 202 for 1,101 yards and three touchdowns against four interceptions and 25 sacks. Sanders played during the Browns’ preseason opener and was named the team’s backup ahead of Week 6.

Skip Bayless says Shedeur Sanders draft decision is behind Brian Callahan’s firing

Skip Bayless says Shedeur Sanders draft decision is behind Brian Callahan's firing - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tennessee-titans">Tennessee Titans</a> became the first team to fire its head coach in the 2025<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> NFL</a> season. The AFC South squad would be the worst team in the league if the New York Jets didn’t exist.&nbsp;



Brian Callahan was released after a 1-5 start to the season and a 4-19 overall record in front of the Titans. Cam Ward couldn’t save the coach’s job, as he didn’t show much improvement under the former Cincinnati Bengals’ offensive coordinator.&nbsp;



While his seat appeared to be getting hotter by the week, not many thought the Titans would pull the plug on Callahan this soon. The decision was surprising for many, but the front office reportedly grew frustrated with the lack of improvement.&nbsp;



<h2>Jordan Schultz on why the Titans fired Brian Callahan</h2>



NFL insider Jordan Schultz shared his two cents on this decision. He took to X to explain that the Titans were disappointed by the lack of improvement and direction the team showed during this period.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251014_BUS_509126_GettyImages-2172191544-Futbolsites-1024x576_fd947466.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan" class="wp-image-235294" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan </figcaption></figure>



“It’s my understanding that the #Titans’ intention as of a couple of weeks ago was to keep Brian Callahan through the end of the season and then make a decision. They did not want to make an in-season change. But it spiraled out of control — things felt off, there were head-scratching moves, no true direction or improvement — and they made the switch today,” he said.



Tennessee will return to action on Sunday against the New England Patriots. They will clash against their former head coach, who is leading New England to a 4-2 start and making that team fun to watch.

Insider shares why Titans fired Brian Callahan mid-season

Insider shares why Titans fired Brian Callahan mid-season - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-england-patriots" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New England Patriots</a> extended their good moment against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, visiting Caesars Superdome on the back of the Saints’ first win of the season. It didn’t matter for Mike Vrabel’s team, who left with a 25-19 win behind another solid performance from Drake Maye.&nbsp;



The second-year quarterback went 18 of 26 for 261 yards and three touchdowns, adding 28 yards on nine carries. Kayshon Boutte (five receptions for 93 yards and two touchdowns) and DeMario Douglas (three receptions for 71 yards and one touchdown) dominated on offense.&nbsp;



While the Saints threatened to come back, the Patriots closed out the game thanks to a solid defensive performance. Maye and Co. drew the most attention, but Vrabel lauded a defensive player.



<h2>Mike Vrabel praises Patriots defender for helping secure win over Saints</h2>



After the game was over and the Patriots improved to 4-2, Vrabel put the spotlight on a player who had a terrific game and didn’t get the same recognition as others: Khyris Tonga.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251014_BUS_509122_Mike-Vrabel-3-1024x576_e70d6d10.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Mike Vrabel New England Patriots HC" class="wp-image-377712" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots </figcaption></figure>



“It was Khyiris (Tonga),” Mike Vrabel said postgame. “He does a lot of the dirty work for us on defense. Really enjoyed being around him since the time we signed him.”



Tonga finished with four tackles, including one for loss. New England confirmed that their Week 5 win over the Buffalo Bills wasn’t a fluke and they are a team with a bright future. They will go against Vrabel’s former team, the Tennessee Titans, in Week 7, eager to improve to 5-2 in the 2025 season.

Mike Vrabel lauds Patriots’ unsung hero after win over Saints

Mike Vrabel lauds Patriots' unsung hero after win over Saints - Bolavip US

The Week 6 loss to the Panthers exposed the defensive struggles of a Dallas Cowboys team still searching for consistency. Matt Eberflus, the man entrusted by <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jerry-jones">Jerry Jones</a> at the start of the season to lead the defense as coordinator, now finds himself under growing pressure as the unit continues to underperform.


 


The franchise’s top decision-maker knows his team is still falling short on the defensive side of the ball this season. However, he also understands that making a change in personnel at this exact moment may not be the solution.



During a recent media session, Jones addressed Eberflus’ position as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator, firmly stating his confidence in him. As a result, a short-term change in leadership on the defensive side appears to be off the table for now.



“I got a lot of confidence in him,” Jerry Jones said via @jonmachota. With the Week 7 matchup against the Commanders approaching, the team is expected to look for ways to strengthen its defensive unit in hopes of delivering better results.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has no interest in making a defensive coordinator change. Jones on Matt Eberflus: “I got a lot of confidence in him.” <a href="https://t.co/D2dyYVXMCk">pic.twitter.com/D2dyYVXMCk</a>— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) <a href="https://twitter.com/jonmachota/status/1978144416994099353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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“He’s had tremendous experience. He’s dealt with adversity. He’s had some great successes. … I jumped at it when we had the chance to get him. I still feel as strongly (about him as the day we hired him),” he also expressed on @1053thefan.


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<h2>Schottenheimer’s vote of confidence</h2>



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brian-schottenheimer">Brian Schottenheimer</a> knows exactly what it’s like to be in Eberflus’ shoes — after all, he served as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator just last season. The team’s current head coach remains confident that the unit’s shortcomings can be addressed in the near future.



“I’ve been Matt. I’ve been a coordinator. And I’ve been where people are calling you out and saying you don’t know how to coach and, ‘Man, this guy is the worst coach in history,&apos;” he said via @jonmachota.



“Matt Eberflus is a damn good football coach. We have to perform better. But I’ve been him, so part of me being in (the defensive meeting room) is to help as an asset, to tell him, ‘I believe in him. I understand what he’s going through.’ It sucks. It’s no fun. We’re gonna ride this thing out. And we’ll play better. We really will.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251014_BUS_509033_brian-schottenheimer-1024x576_de7a6d50.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Matt Eberflus" class="wp-image-509086" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus of the Dallas Cowboys.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Bouncing back quickly after the loss</h2>



The Dallas Cowboys’ rollercoaster season hit another low with a crushing 30-27 walk-off loss to the Carolina Panthers, a defeat that squarely highlights the defense’s persistent struggles. 



While the offense continues to put up points, a “last-place defense,” as some have dubbed it, failed to get the critical stop when it mattered most, allowing the Panthers to march for the game-winning field goal. 


 


With a competitive NFC East race heating up, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dallas-cowboys">Dallas</a> must swiftly correct its defensive woes—particularly its porous run defense—or risk seeing a promising season completely unravel. The time for excuses is over; it’s time to buckle down.

Jerry Jones breaks silence on Matt Eberflus’ future amid Cowboys’ defensive problems

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Jerry Jones’ net worth: How much money does the owner of the Dallas Cowboys have?

Jerry Jones breaks silence on Matt Eberflus' future amid Cowboys' defensive problems - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-buccaneers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> are on track to winning their division. Now, HC Todd Bowles has warned the rest of the NFC South after leading his team to a 5-1 record to start the 2025 NFL season.



This year, the Buccaneers have established themselves not only as the best team in the NFC South, but also as one of the top contenders in the entire conference — even above the reigning Super Bowl champion Eagles.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/baker-mayfield" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Baker Mayfield</a> has done a remarkable job leading the offense despite the multiple injuries the team has suffered. The defense has also performed at a high level, creating a well-balanced roster that looks on pace to win the division once again this year.



<h2>Todd Bowles warns the NFC South about his 5-1 Buccaneers</h2>



The Buccaneers have shown an impressive level of football this season. While the team was already considered the best in the division, it has taken another step forward, looking like a legitimate Super Bowl contender.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nfl/nfl-news-baker-mayfield-turns-heads-with-candid-admission-about-key-losses-on-bucs-offense"></div>


Tampa Bay has won four straight NFC South titles, which means they have faced one of the toughest schedules in the division. However, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/todd-bowles" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Todd Bowles</a> doesn’t believe that’s been a problem — quite the opposite, as he sees it as a challenge that keeps his team sharp.



“I think the mental toughness has gotten a lot better this year,” Bowles said on SiriusXM NFL Radio. “We’ve kind of embraced the grind. You know, playing the first-place schedule, [players] used to look at that as playing all these teams in a row as a burden; now they look at it as a challenge.”



Todd Bowles also addressed the several injuries the team has suffered this year, especially on offense. The head coach believes that although those losses have had a big impact, their 5-1 record proves the quality and depth of the roster.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1079" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251014_BUS_508992_Todd-Bowles-head-coach-for-the-Tampa-Bay-Buccaneers-edited_40f77200.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1079" alt="Todd Bowles, head coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers" class="wp-image-509045" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Todd Bowles, head coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers</figcaption></figure>



“[I]t doesn’t matter who plays,” Bowles said. “I think they understand the assignment — to get where we gotta get to it is going to be a lot of different people every week. And that’s what the good teams do and that’s what we’re trying to become. So we’re kind of embracing the challenges week in and week out and guys are really stepping up and maturing, and we got great locker room leadership and their resiliency is outstanding.”



<h2>What’s next for the Buccaneers?</h2>



The road ahead won’t be easy for Tampa Bay. Their next game is against the Detroit Lions, another top contender in the NFC. Fortunately for the Bucs, their bye week comes in Week 9, and they’re hopeful to enter it with a 7-1 record.


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<ul><li>Week 7 – @ Detroit Lions</li><li>Week 8 – @ New Orleans Saints</li><li>Week 9 – BYE</li><li>Week 10 – vs. New England Patriots</li><li>Week 11 – @ Buffalo Bills</li></ul>


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="68ee950f370f2f9346100c1c" data-title="Will the Buccaneers win the NFC South this 2025 NFL season?" data-options="2"></div>

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Todd Bowles fires warning to NFC South after Buccaneers’ strong 5-1 start to the 2025 NFL season - Bolavip US

The impact of certain stars on their teams isn’t always reflected just on the field — it’s often felt even more in their absence. That’s exactly what the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl/john-harbaugh-reveals-if-ravens-could-make-coaching-changes-after-1-5-start">Baltimore Ravens</a> under John Harbaugh are experiencing right now. With Lamar Jackson sidelined for several weeks, the team has struggled to find its footing and hasn’t been able to turn things around.


 


A current record of five losses and just one win paints a challenging picture for a team that, heading into the season, had serious playoff aspirations. The injury to their starting quarterback has completely altered those plans, making his return absolutely crucial.



The latest painful home loss to the Rams, failing to score a single touchdown, is a clear warning sign. A somewhat concerned <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/john-harbaugh">Harbaugh</a> is hoping to have Jackson back as soon as possible after the bye week.



“I’m leaning into [Jackson’s return] pretty hard,” he said in his press conference. “If I was on the couch with a psychiatrist right now, if I was spilling it, I would have to say I’m leaning really hard into that, really hard. For any kind of psychological wellbeing, spiritual wellbeing, I’m leaning hard on that happening. So, I’m very hopeful that that happens.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251014_BUS_508902_john-harbaugh-2-1024x576_70f96b3c.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="John Harbaugh" class="wp-image-508916" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Confidence above all</h2>



The outlook is disappointing, that much is clear — especially considering that since the 1970 AFL-<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl">NFL</a> merger, only four teams have made the playoffs starting a season 1-5 (1970 Bengals, 2015 Chiefs, 2018 Colts, and Washington in 2020).


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Despite these challenging circumstances, where not only the results but also the on-field performance have been underwhelming, Harbaugh is the last to lose hope. He keeps the team’s playoff dreams alive and remains determined to fight hard within the division.



“Our focus is going forward and what we can accomplish for the next 11 games to try to earn our way into the playoffs, which obviously, as [it was] pointed out last night, has not been done very often with the record we have,” the HC. “But, we still believe we can do it.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251014_BUS_508902_baltimore-ravens-3-1024x576_c452e1b0.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Baltimore Ravens" class="wp-image-508951" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Trenton Simpson #32, Marlon Humphrey #44, and Nate Wiggins #2 of the Baltimore Ravens.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Cooper struggles to find his footing</h2>



The Cooper Rush experiment appears to have reached its sudden end, as the veteran backup was benched after his second consecutive rough outing filling in for the injured <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lamar-jackson">Lamar Jackson</a>. 


 


Thrust into the starting role, Rush failed to inject life into the offense, managing just 72 passing yards in Sunday’s 17-3 loss to the Rams and tossing four interceptions across his two starts. After being pulled from the game following a late-game fumble, the team has reportedly turned to Tyler Huntley, signaling that Rush’s limited production was far from the stability the team had hoped for.

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Ravens News: John Harbaugh shocks with major admission on Lamar Jackson’s return - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-penix-jr">Michael Penix Jr.</a>‘s debut on Monday Night Football couldn’t have ended any better. The quarterback delivered a stellar performance at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, leading the Atlanta Falcons to a statement win over none other than Josh Allen’s Buffalo Bills — a result that sends a clear message to the rest of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl">NFL</a>.



Sean McDermott’s squad was seen as one of the toughest challenges the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> would face during this stretch of the season — but it certainly didn’t look that way. From the very first snap, the home team took control and never let up, sealing an impressive 24–14 victory.



Following the win, the former Huskies standout spoke to the media, reflecting on his team’s performance. He praised his teammates for their effort and made it clear: Atlanta is aiming big this year.



“It showed that we’re one of the ones,” Michael Penix Jr. said via espn.com. “This team is really good. This team is really legit.” The QB went 20-of-32 for 250 yards and a touchdown, efficiently leading the offense and showing poise well beyond his years.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251014_BUS_508852_atlanta-falcons-1024x576_01bb6c73.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Atlanta Falcons" class="wp-image-508875" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Michael Penix Jr. #9 of the Atlanta Falcons.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Morris and his QB are in sync</h2>



“There is no secret.” Raheem Morris wants his team to be seen as a legitimate contender — and he’s working every day to make that happen. The veteran head coach knows there’s enough talent on the roster to compete at a high level, and he’s determined to put Atlanta firmly in the conversation.



“We want to be a playoff organization. We want to be able to go compete in those types of games and we played one tonight and there’s going to be no secret. Nobody is going to shy away from those moments. We’ve got to go do it, but those are the moments you want. Those are the moments you strive for.



“Those are the things you dream about from a coaching standpoint, a playing standpoint, an ownership standpoint — all of those things we want to be a part of and I think that was just something that we wanted to go out there show tonight.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251014_BUS_508852_raheem-morris-1-1024x576_ff8a22ec.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Raheem Morris" class="wp-image-508885" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Raheem Morris of the Atlanta Falcons.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Beating a contender</h2>



The Atlanta Falcons delivered the biggest statement win of their season, shocking the highly-touted Buffalo Bills and reigning MVP Josh Allen with a decisive 24-14 victory on Monday Night Football. 



The Falcons’ defensive front completely rattled the typically prolific Bills offense, holding Allen to a season-low 180 passing yards while forcing two critical interceptions.


 


On the other side of the ball, the dynamic run game, spearheaded by a monstrous 170-yard performance from running back Bijan Robinson—including an 81-yard touchdown explosion—proved too much for the Super Bowl hopefuls, raising immediate concerns about the Buffalo Bills’ ability to handle physical opponents.

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Michael Penix Jr warns rest of the NFL after taking down Josh Allen, Bills with Falcons - Bolavip US

If there’s a quarterback who has generated significant buzz while playing for the Kansas City Chiefs, it is <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/patrick-mahomes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Patrick Mahomes</a>. The 3x Super Bowl champion confronted the Detroit Lions, led by Jared Goff, in a game that concluded with a 30-17 victory for the Chiefs. They appeared to maintain their pre-season form throughout the match.



Despite an outstanding performance by Mahomes—who completed 3 touchdown passes, threw for 257 yards, and finished 22 of 30 passes—one of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jared-goff" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goff</a>‘s teammates offered a candid reaction after facing the Chiefs’ QB, shrugging off Mahomes as a daunting on-field adversary.



“That stuff ain’t hard at all. Don’t even say it’s difficult. Stuff ain’t hard,” defensive back Kirby Joseph remarked to the media following the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/detroit-lions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lions</a>‘ 13-point defeat during Sunday Night Football against the Chiefs.



Regardless of the reasons behind his statement, Mahomes’ numbers consistently demonstrate that he is among the top quarterbacks in the league today. However, expectations persist among fans regarding his ability to sustain this elite level of play, as witnessed last season.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">THIS. IS. QB1‼️ Congrats on being the fastest to 300, <a href="https://twitter.com/PatrickMahomes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PatrickMahomes</a>! <a href="https://t.co/Mk6iC8B30s">pic.twitter.com/Mk6iC8B30s</a>— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1977537817799504357?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2>Mahomes’ thoughts after the game</h2>



Reflecting on various aspects of the game, Mahomes offered his thoughts on their performance against the Lions. While there wasn’t a dominant on-field advantage, the score reflected a decisive 13-point lead.


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“They can do all the extracurricular stuff they want to do, but we play the game between the whistles,” Mahomes told the media, underscoring his focus and the Chiefs’ strategic mindset as they approach this regular season.



Discussions about Mahomes and his performance this season have contributed to an evolving narrative in the NFL regarding the Chiefs’ aspirations to bounce back and clinch another Super Bowl berth. Nonetheless, the season is long, and anything can unfold along the way.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="68ee5ee0370f2f9346100c12" data-title="Can Mahomes and the Chiefs secure a Super Bowl spot this season?" data-options="2"></div>

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Jared Goff's Lions teammate offers blunt take on Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes: 'Ain't hard at all' - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/sean-mcdermott">Sean McDermott</a> acknowledged that mistakes were made during the Buffalo Bills‘ road loss to the Atlanta Falcons, specifically criticizing the defensive effort during the first half and addressing the team’s lack of deep passes throughout the game.



“It comes down to run defense… We had eight-man run fronts to stop the run,” McDermott said, highlighting the defensive struggles. “We need to be able to make a tackle… And secondly, we shouldn’t be out of our gaps to begin with.”



Regarding the absence of deep downfield passes, McDermott avoided directly naming or blaming Josh Allen. Instead, he focused on the collective need to fix the issue in upcoming games: “We need to spend a lot of time figuring out what’s going on and fixing it.”



Additionally, McDermott offered a slight defense of Allen, noting that the performance the Falcons delivered made the game difficult for the quarterback. “It was too hard tonight on our quarterback,” the head coach said, referring to how the pocket was at times unsustainable for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/buffalo-bills">Bills</a>.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Didn’t think Cole Bishop’s angle on the 81-yard TD from Bijan Robinson could look any worse Then I saw this view <a href="https://t.co/XN2JhUY9Ns">pic.twitter.com/XN2JhUY9Ns</a>— alex brasky (@alexbrasky) <a href="https://twitter.com/alexbrasky/status/1977934609070342311?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2025</a></blockquote></div>



<h2>Dawkins and Johnson disappointed after loss</h2>



Dion Dawkins was one of the players who spoke after the road loss in<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/atlanta-falcons"> Atlanta</a> against the Falcons, admitting, “It’s frustrating.” He also attempted to justify that some things simply went wrong in the game: “We aren’t trying to do things wrong… It’s football… We don’t have to win them all.”



Separately, Taron Johnson commented on the possibility of making some defensive adjustments for upcoming games: “Here and there. At the end of the day, I feel we had opportunities to win this game and we didn’t make those plays.”

Sean McDermott gets brutally honest after Bills’ loss to Falcons

Sean McDermott gets brutally honest after Bills’ loss to Falcons - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/richard-sherman">Richard Sherman</a> didn’t mince words when talking about the San Francisco 49ers’ offensive line. The former All-Pro cornerback went straight at the unit’s flaws, saying their poor execution has become one of the team’s biggest problems.



“The interior offensive line was the issue late in the game [vs Buccaneers],” Sherman said. “I knew that would be the Achilles heel for this team. It’s not just on the pass protection standpoint—it’s ridiculous on plays that are set up successfully.”



Sherman pointed to multiple moments where simple blocks could’ve changed the outcome. “You got guys in space and all you have to do is block your guy. Get in his way and let Christian McCaffrey do his work,” he said. “And you can’t even do that, and that’s where it starts to become devastating to this offense.”



He suggested that no matter how creative <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kyle-shanahan">Kyle Shanahan</a>’s play-calling is, it won’t matter if the players up front can’t do their jobs. “You can draw up the perfect play,” Sherman said, “but if you have guys who are incompetent, unable to get the job done, unable to block linebackers, then you can’t run these plays.”



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Richard Sherman is spitting 100 percent facts about the 49ers offensive line issues: “The interior offensive line was the issue late in the game. I knew that would be the Achilles heel for this team. It’s not just on the pass protection standpoint. It’s ridiculous on plays that… <a href="https://t.co/Oj1KKz0IbG">pic.twitter.com/Oj1KKz0IbG</a>— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_Yac/status/1977755837255856146?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2025</a></blockquote></div>



<h2>Sherman sends a clear warning to Shanahan’s offensive line</h2>



Sherman specifically called out the center’s performance, saying, “The center should be able to at least get in Lavonte David’s way. He shouldn’t be able to shock, shed, and tackle Christian McCaffrey right where they were.” His words painted a picture of frustration with the line’s lack of fundamentals.



He ended his remarks by emphasizing that these breakdowns aren’t new. “That has happened throughout the season,” Sherman said. “Plays are drawn up well, and we’re looking at the center get up on guys and just whiff or not block at all.”

Richard Sherman blasts Kyle Shanahan and 49ers offense after latest struggles

Richard Sherman blasts Kyle Shanahan and 49ers offense after latest struggles - Bolavip US

Brian Branch found himself at the center of headlines after the Lions’ loss to the Chiefs on Sunday Night Football on October 12, following a fight with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/juju-smith-schuster">JuJu Smith-Schuster</a> that led NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan to issue a strong statement against him.



“Your aggressive, non-football act was entirely unwarranted, posed a serious risk of injury, and clearly violated the standards of conduct and sportsmanship expected of NFL players,” Runyan said in his message to Branch.



Runyan, who knows all about the physical nature of the game from his own playing days, made it clear that Branch’s actions went too far. “Your conduct reflected poorly on the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl">NFL</a> and has no place in our game,” he added.



While Branch’s punishment was relatively light, a one-game suspension, it sent a clear message that the NFL acted swiftly once the fight broke out. Branch was clearly viewed as the one who initiated the altercation.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Loser energy from Brian Branch. Every post-game players shake hands and give respect to their opponents Ignoring Patrick Mahomes is petty but isn&apos;t a big deal, smacking Juju Smith-Schuster is RIDICULOUS <a href="https://t.co/LAuj7Dd1Lh">pic.twitter.com/LAuj7Dd1Lh</a>— Dalton Feely (@dfeely14) <a href="https://twitter.com/dfeely14/status/1977574199784079823?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2025</a></blockquote></div> 



<h2>Branch took a hit to the back before the fight</h2>



It’s worth noting that earlier in the game, Branch had taken a hit to the back from JuJu Smith-Schuster. He reportedly complained in the locker room afterward that the referee didn’t call anything, which appeared to fuel his frustration—especially after the Lions’ loss to the Chiefs.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">we stand with brian branch <a href="https://t.co/fIjUC0zgcj">pic.twitter.com/fIjUC0zgcj</a>— neil. (@chilldude74) <a href="https://twitter.com/chilldude74/status/1977595110272774276?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2025</a></blockquote></div> 



As of now, Smith-Schuster is not expected to face any punishment or fine. The NFL hasn’t commented on the matter, though many around the league believe the incident wouldn’t have escalated if Smith-Schuster hadn’t gone after Branch following the helmet hit from the Lions defender.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nfl/nfl-punishes-lions-brian-branch-with-harsh-sanction-for-altercation-after-chiefs-loss"></div>

NFL executive sends strong message to Brian Branch after clash with JuJu Smith-Schuster

NFL executive sends strong message to Brian Branch after clash with JuJu Smith-Schuster - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tennessee-titans">Tennessee Titans</a> are not the only team sitting at 1-5 at this point in the NFL season, but they are one of the franchises taking aggressive action following poor results. After firing Brian Callahan, the team has quickly moved to name an interim head coach.



“The Titans are expected to name Mike McCoy their interim head coach, per sources,” reported Tom Pelissero on X. “McCoy, 53, was the Chargers head coach from 2013-16 and most recently was a senior offensive assistant in Tennessee.”



It is likely that McCoy will not become the permanent head coach the Titans ultimately need, as is often the case with interim roles in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl">NFL</a>. However, they are at least refreshing the coaching position that has drawn the most criticism lately.



McCoy brings over 20 years of experience in the NFL, dating back to his time as an offensive assistant with the Panthers in 2000. His career has consistently focused on improving wide receivers, quarterbacks, the passing game, and offensive play coordination.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Who the <a href="https://twitter.com/Titans?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Titans</a> should call first <a href="https://t.co/IRg8Me9B2T">pic.twitter.com/IRg8Me9B2T</a>— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) <a href="https://twitter.com/danorlovsky7/status/1977826086349332655?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2025</a></blockquote></div>



<h2>How bad was Callahan’s year with the Titans?</h2>



Compared to last year, when he barely won three games all season, this year’s start wasn’t much worse; it was practically identical to Callahan’s 2024 performance, where the Titans also held a 1-6 record by Week 6.



The Titans are no longer the team they were during the Mike Vrabel era, when high expectations were an annual occurrence. The team has struggled to rebound since the former head coach’s departure, and it is evident that the change to McCoy will likely help generate new ideas for the remainder of the season.


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NFL News: Titans identify Brian Callahan’s replacement after firing

NFL News: Titans identify Brian Callahan's replacement after firing - Bolavip US

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