BOSTON - 1975: Julius Erving #6 of the Philadelphia 76ers makes a move against John Havlicek #17 of the Boston Celtics during a game played in 1975 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1975 NBAE (Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
John Havlicek had an extraordinary career with the Boston Celtics. Drafted in 1962 with the seventh overall pick, he could have skipped basketball and played football instead, and in fact, almost became a wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns before joining the Celtics.
In his first year or two, Havlicek was sort of the backup to Frank Ramsey, who, along with Red Auerbach, invented the sixth man concept. As a rookie, Havlicek was primarily a defensive player, but early in his career, he significantly improved his shot and his ball handling, and when Ramsey retired in 1964, Havlicek was ready to step up.
He ultimately won 8 championships, including in 1974 and 1976.
Havlicek was great for many reasons, but not least of all because he had tremendous endurance and could run non-stop. In fact, his former teammate and coach Tom Heinsohn said that Mass General Hospital once studied him to understand why he was so much stronger later in games than anyone else.
In his later years, he became a tremendous offensive player, yet he never let up as a defender, as Julius Erving learned in the 1977 Eastern Conference Finals. As you’ll see here, Erving really struggled with Havlicek’s stifling D.
Keep in mind that in 1977, Havlicek was 37, but Dr. J was just 27, and entering into his prime.
Havlicek retired after the 1978 season, but later said that if he had known Larry Bird was coming along, he would have waited.
It’s that time of the summer again. The grass is cut, lines are drawn and coaching staffs are in place. NFL training camp sites, report dates and joint practices are set. The final preparations for the 2026 season are underway.
All 32 NFL teams have multiple unanswered questions about everything from roster battles and free agent additions to contract extensions, coaching decisions and scheme adjustments that they hope to solve during training camp and prior to the kickoff of the regular season.
As training camps begin around the NFL, USA TODAY Sports explores a key storyline for all 32 clubs:
Arizona Cardinals
Quarterback competition between Jacoby Brissett, Carson Beck and Gardner Minshew II
It’s an anticlimactic QB competition from a national perspective, but new Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur is faced with a fascinating decision between Brissett, Beck and Minshew. Brissett appears to be the favorite, but it’ll behoove the Cardinals to give Beck a thorough evaluation before a QB-rich 2027 draft class.
Atlanta Falcons
Who wins the quarterback battle between Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa?
Tagovailoa’s gotten a head start in Atlanta’s quarterback competition while Penix recovers from knee surgery, though Penix expects to be a full go once training camp commences. New Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski said accuracy is the most important trait at the position. That would seem to favor Tagovailoa, who has completed 68.6% of his passes since 2021, which ranks third among QBs in that span. But Penix possesses the stronger arm and might have the higher ceiling.
Baltimore Ravens
Jesse Minter’s impact on what’s been a leaky defense
The Ravens were tied for the worst pass defense in the AFC last season and were the second worst pass defense in the conference in 2024. Baltimore’s inability to rush the passer and lapses in coverage have contributed to the team’s demise to past few seasons. Under Minter’s defensive leadership, the Chargers were fifth in total defense and ninth in points allowed in 2025. Minter recently called Lamar Jackson the best player in the NFL. He needs his defense to complement the superstar quarterback.
Joe Brady’s effect on Josh Allen and Bills offense
Buffalo’s been too reliant on Allen, both the fastest and youngest player in NFL history to reach 300 total touchdowns, throughout his career. Brady’s promotion to head coach and the trade for wide receiver DJ Moore are attempts to ease the burden on Allen. Since evaluating Brady to offensive coordinator during the 2023 season, the Bills have ranked first in expected points added per play (0.14), per ESPN. The Bills are hopeful Brady has even more of a positive influence as head coach.
Carolina Panthers
Panthers’ response after winning NFC South
The Panthers are coming off their first division title since 2015, so Bryce Young and company are going from the hunter to the hunted within the NFC South. Carolina’s response to its title defense season will be intriguing. Young enjoyed career-highs in most major QB statistical categories in 2025, and the Panthers’ success in large part hinges on Young’s continued development. The Panthers were aggressive in free agency this offseason, adding big names such as Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd to help the franchise go after a second consecutive division crown.
The Bears have position battles at left tackle and center. The franchise even has a potential move to Hammond, Indiana, looming over their heads. Caleb Williams is tracking to be the Bears’ first 4,000-yard passer in a single season, falling just short last year, but defense was Chicago’s shortcoming. The Bears’ led the NFL in takeaways in 2025, but they can't bank on a repeat performance in the turnover department this season. The Bears ranked 31st in pass rush win rate last year, per ESPN. Montez Sweat is the only Bears player who has produced more than six sacks in a single season since 2023.
Cincinnati Bengals
Is Joe Burrow’s LSU comparison legitimate?
Burrow recently compared this year’s edition of the Bengals to his 2019 LSU national championship winning squad. The Bengals hope the additions of Dexter Lawrence, Boye Mafe, Jonathan Allen and Bryan Cook are upgrades to what’s been a poor defense in recent years. With Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins leading the way, the Bengals should once again have a prolific passing attack. However, Cincinnati must improve its 31st-ranked total defense to justify any championship expectations.
Cleveland Browns
Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders. Who wins Browns’ QB competition?
Cleveland’s quarterback merry-go-round continues with no clear starter. Watson and Sanders are the front runners to win the job. Word out of Cleveland is Watson currently has a slight edge in the battle as the Browns prepare for camp. The Browns revamped their offensive line and drafted rookies KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston to aide the eventual starter.
Dallas Cowboys
First-year DC Christian Parker’s impact on Cowboys defense
Parker was hired as the Cowboys defensive coordinator on Jan. 22. At 34 years old, Parker is the youngest defensive coordinator in franchise history. The former Eagles defensive pass game coordinator/defensive backs coach is tasked with improving a defense that ranked 30th in total defense last season. The good news is the Cowboys have retooled since trading Micah Parsons to Green Bay. Quinnen Williams is set to have his first full season in Dallas, the club acquired Rashan Gary in March and traded up to draft Caleb Downs. Parker has the personnel of what should be an improved unit in 2026.
Denver Broncos
Broncos offense under OC and new play caller Davis Webb
Broncos coach Sean Payton relinquished his play calling responsibilities to Webb. It was a somewhat surprising decision considering Payton is one of the best play callers in the NFL. The procedural change is bound to be under a microscope this year because Denver advanced all the way to the AFC championship game a season ago, and they added speedster Jaylen Waddle. The expectations are high for Webb and the Broncos offense. If they underachieve, Payton could be quick to pull the plug.
Detroit Lions
Detroit’s thin secondary after release of Terrion Arnold
The Lions released Arnold after he was arrested on felony charges of armed robbery and kidnapping. His release created a void at starting cornerback in the Motor City after Arnold started 22 of his 24 career games in Detroit. The Lions had a below average pass defense even with Arnold in the lineup. Cornerbacks Rock Ya-Sin, Roger McCreary and rookie fourth-round pick Keith Abney II are candidates to start alongside D.J. Reed.
Green Bay Packers
Micah Parsons’ recovery timeline
Parsons revealed that in addition to ACL surgery last year, he also had a procedure on his meniscus. The star pass rusher said the Packers have a nine-month plan that will dictate when he can return to play, which means he's targeting a mid-October return and could return as soon as Week 5 (Oct. 11) or Week 6 (Oct. 18). Parsons led the Packers in sacks (12.5) and pressures (79) pressures despite only playing in 14 games last season. Green Bay traded their second best pass rusher, Rashan Gary, to the Cowboys this offseason. Lukas Van Ness and rookie fourth-round pick Dani Dennis-Sutton have to shoulder much of the edge rush load in Parsons’ absence.
Can Texans revamped O-line protect C.J. Stroud better?
The Texans ranked 30th in pass block win rate and last in run block win rate last year, per ESPN. In response, the Texans reconstructed their offensive line, adding three new starters this offseason. Stroud’s statistics have dipped since his Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign. Some of Stroud’s regression is on him, but it can also be attributed to a leaky offensive line. The Texans No. 1 ranked defense from a year ago returns most of their starters. The onus is on the offense to complement what figures to be another stingy defensive unit.
Indianapolis Colts
Are investments in QB Daniel Jones and WR Alec Pierce wise?
The Colts signed Jones to a two-year, $88 million extension and Pierce to a four-year, $114 million extension. Indy’s choice to trade Michael Pittman Jr. to the Steelers had a domino effect and Anthony Richardson Sr. could be out the door next. The Jones and Pierce extensions are a gamble. Jones is coming off career-highs in passing yards per game and passer rating, while Pierce enjoyed career-bests in catches and receiving yards. But Jones’ has been inconsistent throughout his career and Pierce has never been a No. 1 receiver. Plus, Jones (Achilles) and Pierce (ankle) are both recovering from injuries. The Colts need both to perform at a high level on a consistent basis if they want to contend for a playoff spot.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The plan for Travis Hunter in Year 2
Hunter will see an uptick in cornerback snaps after only playing 162 snaps at the position compared to 324 snaps at wide receiver during his rookie season. Hunter’s season-ending knee injury last year will spark questions about his usage rate. Jacksonville has a need for him on both sides of the football. WR Brian Thomas Jr. is coming off a sophomore slump and the Jaguars lost RB Travis Etienne Jr. and LB Devin Lloyd, who shared a team-high with five interceptions, in free agency. Hunter proved in limited action he can be a weapon on each side of the ball, but the Jags have to balance his usage rate in efforts to keep the two-way standout healthy.
Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes’ recovery timeline from knee injury
Mahomes and the Chiefs are targeting a Week 1 return following a season-ending knee injury in 2025. The Chiefs’ quest to turn things around from a nightmare 2025 season is dependent on Mahomes’ recovery and ability to return to form. Super Bowl 60 MVP Kenneth Walker III gives Kansas City a much-needed threat in the backfield, but the team still lacks juice at wide receiver. The losses of starting cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson put more of an onus on the offense to perform.
When will Raiders give Fernando Mendoza the QB keys?
Kirk Cousins was signed to be a bridge quarterback as the Raiders appear poised to take a conservative approach with Mendoza. The Raiders invested over $308 million in overall contract value this offseason, per OverTheCap. Still, Las Vegas is projected to finish behind the Broncos, Chargers and Chiefs in the division. Do the Raiders let Mendoza learn from experience or opt to let him grow from watching Cousins in what figures to be a competitive AFC West? The team’s performance each week could be the determining factor.
Los Angeles Chargers
Mike McDaniel’s effect on Justin Herbert and Chargers offense
McDaniel’s bringing an innovative approach and fresh ideas to the Chargers offense. It’s a contrast from Greg Roman’s ground-and-pound philosophy. McDaniel’s already put an emphasis on quick game plays, yards after catch and improving Herbert’s mechanics. Herbert’s worked with a weighted green ball during a portion of the offseason program. Jim Harbaugh’s decision to hire McDaniel as OC shows his willingness to adapt from his prototypical smash mouth and physical offensive philosophy. The Chargers haven’t won a playoff game under Harbaugh and Herbert is 0-3 in his playoff career.
Los Angeles Rams
How Rams manage Super Bowl or bust expectations
The Rams are keenly aware they won a Super Bowl the last time it was held in Los Angeles. With the blockbuster additions of Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie, the Rams have built another Bonafide title contender as the Super Bowl makes its return to SoFi Stadium. The Rams are the favorite (+500) to win Super Bowl 61, according to BetMGM. While most of the offseason additions were on defense, the offense returns reigning MVP Matthew Stafford, last year’s receiving TD leader Davante Adams and the 2025 receptions leader Puka Nacua. After reaching the NFC championship game a season ago, anything short of a Super Bowl will be a disappointment this year.
Miami Dolphins
Can Dolphins compete while in rebuild mode?
Tua Tagovailoa, Jaylen Waddle, Tyreek Hill, Bradley Chubb and Minkah Fitzpatrick are all gone. In comes new head coach Jeff Hafley and quarterback Malik Willis to usher in a new era in Miami. The question for the Dolphins is if they can be competitive in 2026 without all the talent that departed. Miami re-signed De'Von Achane, but they have a lack of weapons around the explosive running back. Unfortunately for the Dolphins, they own the dubious record of the NFL’s longest active playoff win drought. The franchise hasn’t won a postseason game since December 30, 2000.
Minnesota Vikings
Quarterback competition between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy
The Vikings say there’s a quarterback competition between Murray and McCarthy, but Murray is the clear favorite to win the job. McCarthy finished last season with the worst passer rating (72.6) by a quarterback with 10 or more starts. The Vikings offense averaged an NFC-worst 166 passing yards per game a year ago, and they had just one game with at least 300 yards passing. Murray’s averaged 235 passing yards per game, registered a career 92.2 passer rating and has thrown at least 20 touchdown passes in every season he’s started at least 14 games. Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell might say the team has a QB battle, but recent tape reveals Minnesota’s QB1.
New England Patriots
A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs’ fit on Patriots offense
The Patriots furnished Drake Maye with more weapons and retooled their O-line with guard Alijah Vera-Tucker and first-round pick tackle Caleb Lomu. Maye was pressured on 37% of his dropbacks during the regular and postseason. With Brown, Doubs and an improved offensive line, the Patriots have the pieces to make another postseason run, but they won’t have a favorable schedule like they did in 2025. The Patriots have the sixth toughest strength of schedule based on opponents win percentage for a year ago.
New Orleans Saints
Saints’ continued effort to build around Tyler Shough
Shough played well enough as a rookie to convince the Saints to move forward with the quarterback. Alvin Kamara’s uncertain future remains a storyline but the Saints added RB Travis Etienne Jr. and drafted WR Jordyn Tyson in the first round to help support Shough’s development into a franchise quarterback. The Saints have lost 10 or more games in three of the past four seasons.
New York Giants
Can John Harbaugh help turn around Giants?
Harbaugh guided the Ravens to double-digit wins 11 times during his 18-year stint in Baltimore. The Giants have had three straight losing seasons and haven't earned double-digit wins in a single season since 2016. The Giants have already done a lot to transform the team in Harbaugh’s image, signing former Ravens such as TE Isaiah Likely, FB Patrick Ricard and P Jordan Stout. The Giants hope top-10 picks LB Arvell Reese and OT Francis Mauigoa are also foundational pieces as they try to climb in contention in the NFC East.
New York Jets
Are Jets on track to end embarrassing playoff drought?
The Jets are the owners of the longest active postseason drought in major North American sports. Many don’t expect the Jets to earn their first playoff berth since the 2010 season, but tangible improvement would serve Aaron Glenn and all parties involved well. The Jets elected to bring back Geno Smith after his unceremonious exit in 2016. The Jets pass offense can’t go anywhere but up from a league-worst 140 yards per game in 2025. They could have drafted as many as four Day 1 starters this year in edge David Bailey, TE Kenyon Sadiq, WR Omar Cooper Jr. and CB D'Angelo Ponds. The Patriots and Bills are the class of the AFC East, but Glenn and the Jets must show they are making positive strides.
Philadelphia Eagles
The evolution of Eagles offense with new coordinator Sean Mannion
All eyes are on Mannion, Jalen Hurts and Philadelphia’s A.J. Brown-less offense this season. The Eagles passing game was marred by simple concepts and a lack of creativity last year. The loss of Brown hurts, but DeVonta Smith is capable of being Philly’s new No. 1 wideout. Plus, the Eagles supplemented Brown’s loss with the selection of Makai Lemon, who’s projected to be a high-volume slot receiver. Mannion must help the Eagles improve their passing attack while maintaining their run-oriented identity. Star running back Saquon Barkley is the engine of the Eagles offense.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Can Aaron Rodgers, Mike McCarthy rekindle past success in Rodgers’ swan song?
It seems as though many around the Steel City were ready to see Mike Tomlin go after 19 seasons. Be careful what you wish for, Steelers. Rodgers and McCarthy have an established rapport from their days together in Green Bay, but the Steelers risk losing their defensive edge without Tomlin, who led the Steelers to 19 straight non-losing seasons. Cornerback Jamel Dean and safety Jaquan Brisker were brought aboard in free agency, and Michael Pittman Jr. was added via trade to what was a lethargic offense. Can a 42-year-old Rodgers hold off Father Time in his 22nd season? The Steelers have a veteran-laden group. This might be their last chance.
San Francisco 49ers
Will 49ers evade injury bug this season?
The substation theory has been debunked, but the 49ers’ injury issues remain persistent. The 49ers lost linebacker Fred Warner (ankle), defensive end Nick Bosa (ACL) and tight end George Kittle (Achilles) to season-ending injuries last season. According to OverTheCap, the 49ers had 20 players on a reserve list this season, accounting for more than $95 million in adjusted annual value on their contracts, the highest amount in the NFL. According to ESPN, the 49ers led the NFL in adjusted games lost in 2024, a metric that estimates the impact of injuries on teams. When healthy, San Francisco boasts one of the most talented teams in the NFL and it bolstered its roster with veteran wideout Mike Evans and returning linebacker Dre Greenlaw.
Seattle Seahawks
Seahawks’ pursuit of Super Bowl repeat
The defending champs lost a lot of talent from their Super Bowl-winning squad. Super Bowl 60 MVP Kenneth Walker III, Coby Bryant, Riq Woolen and Boye Mafe have all departed. Plus, the Raiders poached away former OC Klint Kubiak and elevated him to head coach. But the Seahawks did re-sign Rashid Shaheed, Derick Hall and grant Jaxon Smith-Njigba a record-breaking extension. First-round pick Jadarian Price is tasked with taking Walker’s place, especially while Zach Charbonnet recovers from a knee injury. Seattle will have new faces on both sides of the ball, but the cornerstone pieces from the “Dark Side” defense remain in place.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Management of Baker Mayfield, Vita Vea’s contract situations
Mayfield and Vea are eager for contract extensions. There is a level of urgency as both Mayfield and Vea are entering the final year of their respective deals. The Bucs have to be careful how they handle Mayfield and Vea’s contract negotiations. They are essential to Tampa Bay’s current roster construction and it could set a bad precedent if the two players become disgruntled. The Bucs had their streak of four straight NFC South titles snapped last year.
Tennessee Titans
Cam Ward’s continued development under a new regime
New head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll are charged with turning around a Titans franchise that’s suffered four straight losing seasons. The defensive-minded Saleh’s been a part of nine top-10 defenses during his time in the NFL. Daboll, meanwhile, gets another shot to develop a 2025 first-round pick QB after a disappointing experiment with Jaxson Dart in New York. Ward flashed in Year 1, leading all rookies in passing yards, but the Titans didn’t surround the 2025 No. 1 overall pick with enough talent. In response, the Titans spent an NFL-high in overall contract value this offseason, per Over the Cap. Rookie Carnell Tate and Wan'Dale Robinson are new weapons on offense. The Titans also signed John Franklin-Myers to pair with standout Jeffery Simmons in the interior.
Washington Commanders
Can Commanders keep Jayden Daniels healthy after injury-plagued season?
Daniels told USA TODAY Sports he’s feeling good following an injury-riddled sophomore campaign. The Commanders QB sprained his knee in Week 2, injured his hamstring in Week 7 and suffered a dislocated elbow in Week 9. His various injuries limited him to just seven games. The Commanders promoted David Blough to OC to help jumpstart an offense that never really got into a rhythm last year. Washington was aggressive in free agency, adding impact players such as Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson and Chig Okonkwo. And first-round pick Sonny Styles is already raising eyebrows in the nation’s capital. There’s pressure on the Commanders to get back to the postseason after Daniels’ breakout rookie campaign in 2024.
FOXBOROUGH, MA - JUNE 09: Lorenz Metz #72 of the New England Patriots walks on to the field before New England Patriots Minicamp on June 9, 2026, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Summer Lamont/Icon Sportswire) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The New England Patriots, for the third time in the last four seasons, will take their act abroad again this fall. In Week 10, they will take on the Detroit Lions in Munich, Germany.
For the team, it will be a return to the international market. For offensive tackle Lorenz Metz, it will be a return home.
NFL: Chicago Bears (2023), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2024-25), New England Patriots (2025-) | College: Cincinnati (2018-22)
Born in the German city of Neuötting, 50 miles east of Munich, Metz’s football career started when he was already 18 years old. Before making the move to the United States, he played at the amateur level with the Kirchdorf Wildcats as a defensive tackle: in his lone season with the Wildcats, he appeared in 12 games and registered 48 tackles and a sack.
In 2018, Metz moved to the United States to play college football at Cincinnati. He switched from defensive lineman to offensive tackle upon arriving, and over the next five seasons saw action in 39 games with 26 starts.
A one-time first-team All-AAC selection (2021), Metz went unselected in the 2023 NFL Draft. He was initially picked up by the Bears as a free agent, but was released early in training camp and not picked up by another team until the following April. He later spent time in Tampa and New England as a roster exempt international practice squad player.
His only on-field experience in the NFL has come in preseason.
Scouting report
Strengths: The tallest player on the Patriots’ current roster, Metz offers NFL-caliber length and an overall frame that is rare even for pro-level offensive tackles. He uses his size to his advantage as both a pass protector and a run blocker, covering plenty of ground without much of an athletic effort needed. He mirrors decently well and plays with the appropriate demeanor needed to succeed in the run game; he also has solid upper-body strength and a strong punch. In addition, he provides some versatile experience having played both tackle spots and right guard during his college career.
Weaknesses: While his size is rare, Metz’s athleticism is not. He lacks foot speed and range as a blocker, while his lateral agility is uninspiring; he relies on his length to win but does not complement it with any movement skills worth noting. As a result, his use as a pull or zone blocker seems fairly limited. He also falls victim to his height on occasion and struggles to maintain leverage or play with a consistent pad level. His grip strength and ability to sustain blocks are also underwhelming.
Season recap: After spending the 2024 season as an exempt member of the Buccaneers’ practice squad, Metz was given another chance by the team in the form of a futures contract for 2025. Keeping his international status and therefore not counting against the 90-man roster limit, he did participate in offseason workouts and training camp as a reserve offensive tackle.
As such, his opportunities were unsurprisingly limited. Serving as Tampa’s third-string left tackle, Metz saw action in all three preseason games but was on the field for only 21 offensive snaps, all of them in the finale against Buffalo. He also played four more on special teams.
The writing had been on the wall when he was waived ahead of roster cutdowns. However, the Buccaneers were still not ready to quit on him and again re-signed him to their practice squad as an exempt 17th player. He spent the remainder of the 2025 season there without seeing any game action — a consequence of his international status — and saw his contract expire in January.
This allowed Metz to look for another team, and he found it in the Patriots. On January 13, in between New England’s wild card and divisional playoff games, he was added to the practice squad. He once again signed as a qualifying international player, meaning that he did not take up one of the 16 available spots on the Patriots’ developmental roster.
After the Super Bowl, Metz was retained by the runner-ups in the form of another futures deal.
2026 preview
Position: Left tackle | Ability: Camp body/Practice squad candidate | Contract: Signed through 2026 (2027 ERFA)/International roster exemption
What will be his role? Metz has been an offensive tackle throughout his NFL career, and 2026 will be no different. Ideally, he will provide some value on both the left and the right side, but his in-game experience has come exclusively on the left so far. Either way, he projects as a depth option only.
What is his growth potential? While he did pick up the sport late and only has a handful of seasons under his belt, there is only so much growth potential in Metz. At 29, after all, he is likely maxed-out physically and athletically, and should also not be expected to make significant technical gains.
Does he have positional versatility? All 67 of Metz’s NFL preseason snaps so far have come at the left side, but he does have some experience playing elsewhere from his time in college. In fact, he only played 188 left tackle snaps at Cincinnati, compared to 713 at right tackle and 829 at right guard. So far in the NFL, however, his versatility has been more theoretical than anything.
What is his salary cap situation? As noted above, the Patriots re-signed Metz via a futures deal in February. That contract consists entirely of his $885,000 base salary, which simultaneously functions as his cap number. None of it being guaranteed means that he currently does not count against New England’s books under the NFL’s Top 51 rule.
How safe is his roster spot? Metz making New England’s 53-man roster seems highly unlikely at this point, but he nonetheless might have a decent shot at sticking around. After all, his international status would allow him to again serve as an exempt 17th practice squad player who would not be allowed to play in any games but still participate in practice. Add the fact that the Patriots are playing in his home country this season, and the team might be motivated to bring him back after what seems like an inevitable release ahead of cutdown day.
Summary: Even though his overall value to the Patriots is limited, the circumstances work in Metz’s favor. While that would mean he’d remain a rather anonymous part of the team, it would allow his NFL career to continue for another season.
What do you think about Lorenz Metz heading into the 2026 season? Does he have a realistic shot at making the regular roster or practice squad? Or will he remain an exempt international player throughout the year? Please head down to the comment section to share your thoughts.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 27: Nick Chubb #21 of the Houston Texans stands on the sidelines during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on December 27, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Browns fan discussion: What would you consider a “failed” season in 2026? (Jared Mueller) – “When we polled fans, giving them just two extreme outcomes, a simple majority believe the Cleveland Browns are closer to a playoff team than getting the first overall pick. That doesn’t mean fans are expecting the playoffs, but it does show where expectations are right now.”
Cleveland Browns 2026 training camp position preview: Wide receivers (Beacon Journal) – “The Browns are a week-and-a-half away from their first full-squad training camp practice. That will take place on July 29, one day after veterans report. This continues our Browns training camp preview series looking at each of the team’s position groups. This preview takes a look at a position the team used multiple high draft picks to help reshape, the wide receivers.”
Four pressing questions for the Browns that don’t involve the starting quarterback (The Athletic) – “‘Tis the season for NFL predictions, but as the Cleveland Browns head to their first training camp under new coach Todd Monken, there are some questions that can’t be answered until the actual August work begins — and others that won’t become clear until later. For today, we’re mostly ignoring the headline questions involving the team’s ongoing quarterback competition and focusing on some other important areas that lack clarity at this early stage.”
NFL
Where does Jets rookie QB Klubnik stand ahead of training camp? (ESPN) – “There’s something about a Day 2 or Day 3 quarterback draft pick that inspires hope for a forlorn fan base. It’s because of Tom Brady and, to a lesser degree, Brock Purdy — sixth- and seventh-round picks, respectively, who defied the odds.”
Hakeem Olajuwon of the Houston Rockets of the Western Conference contests the ball at the tip off against Shaquille O'Neal of the Orlando Magic of the Eastern Conference during game 4 of the National Basketball Association Finals game on 14 June 1995 at The Summit, Houston, Texas, United States. Visions of Sport. (Photo by Allsport/Getty Images) | Getty Images
On Sunday, we looked at the classic 1984 matchup between Houston’s Hakeem Olajuwon and Georgetown’s Patrick Ewing. Both went on to brilliant NBA careers and are on a short list of the best NBA big men of all time: Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Walton, Shaquille O’Neal, David Robinson – Ewing and Olajuwon are both in rarified air.
However, Olajuwon in one respect stands alone: no center, and indeed very few players at all, had the combination of agility and quickness that he had.
Watch this compilation of his signature move, the Dream Shake. Keep in mind that Olajuwon is 7-0 and his playing weight was 255. The only big man who ever approached this level of agility was a young O’Neal, and he packed on so much weight in the NBA that he lost that aspect of his game. For his third championship with the Lakers, though he was listed at 325, O’Neal later said that he played at a staggering 415 lbs.
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 29: Quarterback Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders evades defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro #98 of the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of an NFL football game at Northwest Stadium on December 29, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s 5 o’clock somewhere…
The 5 O’Clock Club
The 5 o’clock club is published from time to time during the season, and aims to provide a forum for reader-driven discussion at a time of day when there isn’t much NFL news being published. Feel free to introduce topics that interest you in the comments below.
Previewing Washington’s 14 opponents of the ‘26 season — one at a time
In 2026, the Commanders will, like every other team in the NFL, play 17 games against 14 opponents. With the amount of roster change that NFL teams undergo annually along with the unusually large number of head coach and coordinator changes in 2026, it seems useful to spend some time to review each of Washington’s regular season opponents.
FALCONS
This Week 15 game pits two teams that have close ties, starting with the fact that Dan Quinn’s first head coaching job was with the Falcons, and that he has a long history with the Falcons defensive coordinator, Jeff Ulbrich, who — if he’d been released by the Falcons when Raheem Morris was fired earlier this calendar year — might well have been hired as Washington’s 2026 DC. Quinn coached Ulbrich when the latter was a linebacker for the 49ers in the 2000s. Quinn then helped Ulbrich land his first NFL coaching gig in Seattle (2010) and later hired him onto his Falcons coaching staff in 2015. Now, the student and his former teacher will face off in a late-season NFC battle.
Week 15 Preview: Atlanta Falcons at Washington Commanders
Date: December 20, 2026, 1:00 p.m. ET Location: Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland
First-year head coaches have a notoriously poor track record, as they tend to be in charge of a team with a transitioning roster in an organization that is trying to change the culture.
Kevin Stefanski, however, is nobody’s NFL rookie coach. After 14 years with the Vikings, he was hired as head coach of the Browns in 2020, where he coached for 6 seasons before being sacked in January. His tenure was a bit of everything — a pair of 11-win seasons; a pair of seasons with 8 & 7 wins; and just 8 wins in his final two seasons combined (‘24 & ‘25).
Despite his overall record of 45-56 as a head coach (1-2 in the playoffs), Stefanski’s lack of on-field success is attributed by many observers to the fact that he was coaching in Cleveland, where things were stacked against him. The Browns franchise went 13 years without a winning season before Stefanski delivered an 11-5 record as a rookie head coach in 2020. In 2023, his team went 11-6 and he was named AP Coach of the Year.
The miserable two years leading to Stefanski getting fired may have had a lot to do with the roster he was given and the general disarray that seems to always define the Browns franchise. Remember that Deshaun Watson was his “franchise quarterback” since being signed to a historically bad contract in 2022.
In Atlanta, Stefanski arrives with longtime Ravens & Eagles front office executive and now General Manager, Ian Cunningham. It is a fresh start in a franchise whose owner, Arthur Blank, is hungry for a Lombardi Trophy, and who is known for doing everything possible to help his team succeed.
This offseason, the Falcons signed Tua Tagovailoa to a rock-bottom contract of $1.215m (with roughly $53m being paid to the QB by his former team, the Miami Dolphins because of his contract guarantees). This gives Steafanski two former 1st-round picks at the QB position, with Michael Penix Jr, drafted in 2024, returning from a mid-November ACL tear suffered last season.
The Falcons were 5-3 with Kirk Cousins starting 8 games a year ago (including the final 4 games of the season, and 5 of 7 starts after Penix’ injury), but 3-6 when Penix was the starter. Cousins, of course, is now a Raider, living in Las Vegas, which seems slightly out of character for someone of his temperament.
The point is that the Falcons have the roster talent to win games under the right leadership, and by Week 15 of the upcoming season, the Falcons will likely either be very much in the playoff race or very much out of it. My bet is that this game against the Commanders will be a critical one for both teams’ playoff hopes, with the winner staying alive and the loser starting to prepare for the 2027 draft — very much like 2024, when a 30-24 overtime win by Washington propelled the Commanders to the playoffs while the Falcons finished the season with a losing record.
Commanders fans will recognize at least two names on the Atlanta roster. Former Commanders 1st-round pick Jahan Dotson is a Falcon now, and WR Olamide Zaccheaus, who spent the ‘24 season in Washington with his former head coach, has returned to Atlanta, where he played his first four NFL seasons from 2019-22.
As you’ll read in the next section that details the all-time series between the two teams, the Falcons and Commanders know each other very well, and have played one another frequently — at least in recent years.
The All-Time Series Numbers
The Washington Redskins used to be perceived as ‘the team of the South’ in the early- to mid-20th century. NFL football had started as primarily a sport concentrated in the northeast and northern midwest. By relocating from Boston to Washington in 1937, the Redskins became the default ‘home’ team for a large swath of the country that had no true home team to root for.
That changed when the Falcons took the field in Atalanta in 1966. Suddenly, there was competition for regional football fans.
Unsurprisingly, the Redskins dominated the competition against the expansion team for many years. Washington was 5-0-1 vs the Falcons in the first 12 years of the rivalry, and 15-4-1 through the 2003 season.
From 2006 to 2018, the teams played 6 times, with the Falcons winning every game — a perfect 6-0 against Joe Gibbs, Jim Zorn, Mike Shanahan and Jay Gruden!
Unusually, since 2021, Washington and Atlanta have played each other in the regular season each year — 2026 will mark the 6th straight season the two teams have played each other, and it has mostly gone Washington’s way during that time. The burgundy & gold won the first 4 meetings before losing to the Falcons in Week 4 last year — an early sign that Dan Quinn & Jayden Daniels’ 2nd season was not going to plan.
Overall, Washington holds a commanding 19-11-1 lead in the series which can be broken up into three distinct stages: 15-4-1 from ‘66 to ‘03; 0-6 from ‘06 to ’18; and 4-1 since 2021.
The two teams have met in the playoffs only once — the NFC Divisional round following the 1991 season. Washington, as you may already know, won that game 24-7 and went on to win Super Bowl XXVI. But, then, that was the greatest NFL team in history.
This season’s Week 15 clash shouldn’t be seen as just a likely late-season playoff push; it should represent an intellectual chess match in which Dan Quinn and his staff try to out-maneuver a defensive system run by Ulbrich that Quinn himself helped pioneer and foster for over a decade, dating back to the days in Seattle when Ulbrich worked for Quinn.
Tagovailoa is in a position that is almost a direct inverse of Brissett. Rather than replacing a former first-round quarterback who ended up cut by the team that drafted him, Tagovailoa is that player. After the Dolphins released Tagovailoa this offseason, he signed with the Falcons to compete with Michael Penix Jr. for the starting job.
It’s unclear which quarterback is leading in the race to be Atlanta’s Week 1 starter, but it’s likely that whoever wins the gig will have a very short leash with another capable passer behind him. Tagovailoa struggled in 2025, with his 2,660 passing yards nearing a career low since taking over as the Dolphins’ full-time starter in 2021. Penix also struggled last year in his first full season as a starter in the pros, leading to a 3-6 record before a knee injury ended his season early.
New head coach Kevin Stefanski is a former offensive coordinator and has inherited a roster loaded with talent on offense. Atlanta’s biggest hurdle is its quarterback situation, and Stefanski should be quick to make a change if things aren’t working early. Either Penix gets the early starts with the hopes he’ll continue to develop – though he is 26 – or Tagovailoa fills in until things don’t work out.
Falcons Coaching Staff Changes
The Falcons experienced a massive overhaul of their coaching staff this offseason, highlighted by the hiring of former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, who assembled a 23-man staff, bringing in 2 new coordinators and retaining one coordinator and several position coaches for continuity:
Offensive Coordinator: Tommy Rees came with Stefanski from Cleveland to continue running the offense developed by the head coach.
Defensive Coordinator: Jeff Ulbrich, who would have been considered a promising candidate as DC for several other teams had the Falcons decided to let him go back in January, was, instead, retained to continue leading the defense.
Special Teams Coordinator: Craig Aukerman was brought in to oversee special teams.
Among other key moves: Stefanski added former Washington coach Bill Callahan as offensive line coach
Offense
The Falcons enter the 2026 NFL season under new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, who was the OC in Cleveland in 2025 under Kevin Stefanski. In 2026, Rees will continue the play-calling duties under Stefanski, bringing a philosophy that diverges from recent leaguewide trends.
The offense run by the Browns in 2025, and presumably the one that will be run by the Falcons in 2026, is one that Stefanski developed over his years in the NFL, emphasizing a wide-zone running attack married to under-center play-action passing. When Tommy Rees was promoted to OC of the Browns in January 2025, it was explicitly stated that he was hired due to his close philosophical alignment with Stefanski’s established principles.
Schematic Identity and Differences
The Stefanski/Rees playbook relies on heavy personnel packages, specifically utilizing 12 personnel and 21 personnel as baseline sets. While a significant portion of the NFL has, through 2025 at least, relied on three-receiver formations to spread defenses horizontally, Stefanski & Rees aim to challenge defensive fronts vertically and physically.
The run game serves as the primary mechanism for the entire unit. The Falcons offense should mix outside stretch zone concepts with gap-style power principles. By putting the quarterback under center more frequently than the league average (though the league average seems to be changing quickly), the offense aims to create identical backfield presentations for both run and pass plays.
What makes this system difficult for opposing NFL DCs to defend is the strict marriage between the running game and the play-action passing game – something David Blough will be trying to successfully implement in Washington this season. Opposing LBs and safeties must be committed to the box to stop the heavy formations at the line of scrimmage which can open deep passing lanes directly behind them. The consistent use of pre-snap motion forces defenders to adjust their assignments quickly, making it difficult for defenses to maintain static coverage shells or disguise their blitz packages.
Impact on Defensive Players
Because this offense operates with physical formations and heavy personnel, it alters how opposing defensive players must perform.
Opposing Linebackers: Defensive secondaries face heavy physical demands against this system. Linebackers cannot sit back in pass coverage; they must shed blocks from tight ends and offensive linemen moving to the second level. Linebackers with poor lateral agility will be exposed by the stretch zone, while lighter, hybrid linebackers will give up ground against the power run game. With Sonny Styles, Leo Chenal, Frankie Luvu and Jordan Magee, the Commanders may be uniquely set up to handle this challenge.
Opposing Safeties: Strong safeties are challenged heavily by this scheme. They are forced to play close to the line of scrimmage to act as an extra run defender. This positioning puts them in high-stress situations. If they misread a play-action fake, they lose the leverage needed to defend deep crosser routes. Washington will be hoping that the addition of Nick Cross to the 2026 defense will provide the experience and flexibility to deal with this kind of offensive challenge.
Opposing Defensive Ends: Edge players face a test of discipline. Atlanta will likely utilize tight ends to execute chip blocks and double-teams before releasing into routes. Defensive ends who prioritize rushing the passer over setting a firm edge will surrender major yardage on off-tackle runs. Of course, the Atlanta offense, in this game against the Commanders, will face the challenge of Daronte Jones’ high pressure philosophy when trying to execute blocking schemes against a diverse and unpredictable Commanders defensive scheme.
Featured and Impactful Players
The success of the Falcons offensive system depends heavily on specific offensive players who dictate how the defense responds.
Bijan Robinson: The running back serves as the central engine of the playbook. The mix of zone and gap protections allows him to utilize his vision. Because the scheme forces defenses into heavy box looks, Robinson faces crowded fronts but benefits from clear cutback lanes generated by the offensive line’s lateral movement. Robinson shredded the Joe Whitt defense in 2025; he is likely to present a serious test of the Commanders new defense in 2026 as well.
Kyle Pitts: The tight end faces critical blocking requirements. Rees requires his tight ends to serve as extensions of the offensive line in the run game. If Pitts blocks effectively in-line, it forces defenses to stay in base personnel, allowing him to exploit speed mismatches against slower linebackers downfield. Washington’s re-tooling of the defense and the creation of a deep pass rushing unit may end up challenging Pitts and the rest of the Falcons OL with fresh defensive bodies for 60 minutes.
Drake London: The wide receiver operates as the primary boundary option. Because the heavy formations draw safety help into the box to stop Robinson, London expects to face single coverage on the outside, maximizing his size in contested-catch situations.
Defense
The Falcons enter the 2026 season with DC Jeff Ulbrich, who keeps a system built on front-four pressure and strict assignment discipline that has its roots in Seattle with Dan Quinn.
Schematic Identity and Differences
Ulbrich’s playbook relies on a 4-3 base alignment that utilizes an aggressive, attack-style front. Unlike complex defensive systems like the one that Daronte Jones is expected to implement in Washington that rely on high blitz rates and pre-snap deception to confuse quarterbacks, Ulbrich’s scheme will minimize blitzing, instead trusting the four down linemen to generate pressure independently.
Behind the front four, the secondary primarily operates out of Cover 3 and quarters coverage structures. The defensive backs split the field into deep zones, keeping playmakers in front of them and rallying to the ball.
What makes this system special in the context of the modern NFL is its reliance on speed and simplicity. By reducing the number of complex pre-snap adjustments, players can react faster without hesitating. The defensive line splits wide, using a “Jet front” alignment that forces offensive guards and tackles into isolated, one-on-one pass-blocking matchups. This approach shifts the burden of performance entirely onto individual physical execution rather than schematic trickery. If Washington’s offensive line is as good as many Hogs Haven members believe it to be, this could be a ‘win’ for the Commanders offense.
Featured and Impactful Players
The success of Ulbrich’s system depends on specific archetypes at each level of the defense, positioning several players for significant roles.
James Pearce Jr.: Because Ulbrich rarely sends extra rushers, Pearce must consistently win his one-on-one matchups on the perimeter to prevent quarterbacks from holding the ball. His ability to generate quick pressure dictates the timing of the entire pass defense. With Tunsil, Conerly and TE John Bates holding down the edges of the offense, the Commanders may be in a position to neutralize the Falcons’ expected 4-man rush.
Divine Deablo: The linebacker takes over the “green dot” on-field communication duties following the departure of Kaden Elliss. Deablo must excel at diagnosing plays quickly in the middle of the field to keep the defense aligned properly, making him a critical piece for structural stability. Deablo is a very good player, and the Falcons 5-game losing streak mid-season of 2025 coincided with the time he missed with a broken arm, though Bleacher Report had this to say about him: “Deablo is also far from a sure thing at linebacker, and the depth chart behind him is unimpressive. Atlanta was 24th against the run last season and could again be soft up the middle in 2026.”
A.J. Terrell: The veteran CB anchors the boundary coverage. In a heavy zone system like Cover 3, boundary corners must possess the discipline to protect the deep sideline while remaining physical enough to stop short perimeter passes. Terrell’s role limits big plays over the top, forcing offenses to execute long, multi-play drives. Of course, in the victory over the Commanders last year, Terry McLaurin was not on the field as he had been in the 4 consecutive losses by Atlanta from 2021 to 2024.
Avieon Terrell: The 2026 second-round draft pick enters a high-stakes environment. As a rookie corner in a zone-heavy scheme, his spatial awareness and clicking-and-closing ability will be tested early. Opposing quarterbacks will target the rookie to avoid his older brother, placing immediate pressure on his assignment discipline. Hopefully, by Week 15, the Commanders will have at least one known and established threat opposite McLaurin; right now, the existence of that threat on the roster is an unknown.
Xavier Watts: The 2nd-year safety is a vital piece in Ulbrich’s split-safety and Cover 3 looks. Operating alongside veteran star Jessie Bates, Watts should be heavily featured as a ball-hawking safety who can exploit quarterbacks trying to avoid deep primary targets. I feel as if Jayden Daniels will be up to the task of attacking the field with his lightning fast processing and elite throwing talent. Having spent his first two seasons practicing against essentially the same scheme is likely to give JD5 an added level of confidence and competence.
Key statistical 2025 rankings
Key Offensive Rankings
Total Offense: 14th (333.0 yards per game)
Scoring Offense: 24th (20.8 points per game)
Passing Offense: 19th (207.2 yards per game)
Rushing Offense: 8th (125.8 yards per game)
Key Defensive Rankings
Run Defense: 24th (126.2 yards per game)
Total Defense: 15th (326.6 yards allowed per game)
Scoring Defense: 19th (23.6 points allowed per game)
Sacks: 2nd (57.0 total team sacks)
Roster Moves: Trades, Free Agency and the Draft
Trades
The major trade of the offseason appears to have been an April player-for-player swap with the Jaguars. Atlanta sent Ruke Orhorhoro to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for projected starting NT Maason Smith. This swap gave the former 2nd-round 2024 draft pick a fresh start in a new defensive system while shaking up Atlanta’s interior defensive line rotation.
While the Falcons traded for a veteran offensive tackle in June, Wanya Morris appears to be a backup on the depth chart.
They also executed a Day 3 draft day trade with the Raiders. In the trade-back, they traded one pick for a 4th & 6th that they used on a linebacker and a defensive tackle.
Free Agency
Key Free agent signings
RT Jawaan Taylor
TE Kyle Pitts (franchise tag)
TE Austin Hooper
WR Drake London (extension)
WR Jahan Dotson
Edge Cameron Thomas
K Nick Folk
Free agent losses
RB Tyler Allgeier
LB Kayden Elliss
CB Dee Alford
DT David Onyemata
OL Elijah Wilkinson
Edge Arnold Ebiketie
WR Darnell Mooney
The 2026 NFL Draft
Round 2, pick No. 48 overall: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson – Ballhawk; great speed and a knack for forcing turnovers; can play both outside and in the slot; joining his brother AJ on the team.
Round 3, pick No. 79: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia – Small, fearless slot receiver with elite speed; provides dangerous run-after-catch abilities and projects as a Day 1 return specialist.
Round 4, pick No. 134: Kendal Daniels, LB, Oklahoma – Prototypical, exceptionally long 6-foot-5 former safety; will compete for defensive reps as an inside linebacker under Jeff Ulbrich.
Round 6, pick No. 208: Anterio Thompson, DT, Washington – Highly athletic, 306-pound developmental defensive tackle; brings a 9.36 relative athletic score to a position of team need.
Round 6, pick No. 215: Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU – High-upside 21-year-old defensive playmaker; aims to regain his dominant pre-ACL-injury form where he flashed high-level pass-rushing talent.
Round 7, pick No. 231: Ethan Onianwa, OT, Ohio State – Massive 6-foot-6, 330-pound developmental offensive tackle; drafted for his raw physical upside to prepare the team for future line transitions.
A 3.5-point spread favoring the home team indicates that bettors have confidence in the Commanders in this late-season home game. The point total is set at 46.5, reflecting expectations of moderate scoring by at least one of the two teams.
CONVERSATION STARTERS:
Which quarterback will be starting for the Falcons in Week 15, Michael Penix or Tua Tagovailoa?
What roles will Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaddheaus play in the Falcons passing game overall and against the Commanders?
Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler (92) takes the field before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
The Miami Dolphins are going through a youth movement as new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan aims to build this team to his image. The Dolphins did need to get younger but there are still some valuable veterans left on the roster. Defensive tackle Zach Sieler has been around this team since 2019 and quickly turned himself into one of their best defensive players.
Last season was not Sieler’s best, but there were plenty of factors in that. He had to help three rookies get adjusted to the NFL level and his snap average per game went down. Sieler should be heavily used in Jeff Hafley’s defensive system and if that unit is to have any sort of success, Sieler is going to have to make himself noticeable early. As stated above though, this Dolphins team is going through a youth movement and Sieler’s future as a Dolphin may hinge on how well he does this upcoming season.
You can check out that story here, and the rest of the day’s round-up below.
