Bears defense tries to rebound after struggling against 49ers By GENE CHAMBERLAIN Associated Press The Associated Press LAKE FOREST, Ill.
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) — Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson left no uncertainty with his former team, the Detroit Lions, coming in Sunday to Soldier Field to close the regular season.
“We’re playing to win this week,” Johnson said on Monday.
Not that the Bears should be coasting yet, even against Johnson’s former boss Dan Campbell and a Lions team now out of the playoff chase. The Bears still have the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs to lock up with a win, and with it home field for the divisional round should they win their wild-card round playoff game at Soldier Field.
It will be difficult to do with defensive production like they had in Sunday night’s 42-38 loss at San Francisco.
Although they gave up a season-worst 496 yards, Johnson almost seemed to be trying to lift the confidence of the defense.
They did get a pick-6 on the game’s first play from scrimmage by linebacker T.J. Edwards, the first time this happened in an NFL game since Week 2 in 2023. They also forced the first punt by the 49ers since the end of November.
“It always comes back to fundamentals and so it’s gap integrity in terms of the run defense,” Johnson said of stopping the 49ers. “You know, we were playing a really good offense right now. So I think that needs to be stated because they’re averaging 35 points over the last five weeks. And so they’re hot.
“I didn’t feel like our offense did our part in the first half. We did not possess the ball. We had a couple three-and-outs. You look at our defense and they got a pick-6, they got a couple punts, and if we bow up in the red zone I think we feel better about (the defense’s) performance and that’s not to take anything away from San Fran, they did a great job, but there are certainly things fundamentally that we can improve on and we’re going to look to address this week.”
Maybe the most troubling aspect for the Bears was red zone defense.
Green Bay went 0-for-5 at scoring touchdowns in the red zone in Week 16. The 49ers went 5-for-5.
“Each week is a little bit different,” Johnson said. “Every offense has a different red zone story to them. They simply executed better than we did with their plan.”
They’ll hope to improve this plan Sunday or they could wind up with a third seed in the playoffs.
What’s working
Passing. Caleb Williams’ 330 passing yards Sunday were a season high and the Bears accomplished this despite a foot injury that kept receiver Rome Odunze sidelined, and an illness that kept receiver Olamide Zaccheaus from playing. Their pass blocking held up despite tackle Darnell Wright playing with an illness that kept him from taking a Saturday flight with the team to California.
Wright flew in by himself on Sunday, the day of the game.
What needs help
Run defense. They gave up 200 yards rushing, 8 more than when they struggled the previous week, and this looked much worse. Christian McCaffrey had runs of 41, 17 and 16 yards in a season’s best 140-yard effort, but the 49ers had been struggling to run all season. They came into the game averaging 3.6 yards per carry, which ranked next to last in the NFL.
Stock up
WR Luther Burden. The rookie shook off an ankle injury that sidelined him against Green Bay and had career highs of eight receptions for 138 yards while also catching a TD pass. He only was on the field for 38 of the 66 offensive plays.
Stock down
WR DJ Moore. He went from being the star against Green Bay with a spectacular 46-yard TD catch in tight coverage for the overtime win to making only one reception for 7 yards against San Francisco. In Moore’s defense, he was a late addition to the injury report with an illness sweeping through the team, but gutted out the game and participated in 92% of offensive plays.
Injuries
Linebacker Noah Sewell suffered an Achilles tendon injury Sunday but Johnson did not update its severity. An NFL Network report said Sewell suffered a torn Achilles tendon. ... Defensive end Joe Tryon-Shoyinka is in the NFL concussion protocol.
Key number
23 — After Sunday’s game, Williams has 23 games in his career when he hasn’t thrown an interception. No starting NFL quarterback has done this in his first two NFL seasons. Williams broke the mark held by Dak Prescott of 22 games without one in his first two seasons.
Next steps
The Bears try to avenge a 52-21 loss they had in Week 2 at Detroit against the Lions (8-8), who have lost three straight.
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After beating Steelers, Stefanski and Browns are on to Cincinnati as his future remains uncertain By JOE REEDY AP Sports Writer The Associated Press
Kevin Stefanski's thoughts are on to Cincinnati and not on what might happen after the Cleveland Browns season finale.
Stefanski's future continues to be one of the central topics in the midst of another disappointing season. However, the Browns haven't looked like a team that is playing out the rest of the season over the past couple of weeks.
Cleveland prevented Pittsburgh from wrapping up the AFC North with a 13-6 victory on Sunday. That came one week after a 23-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Sunday's win was Cleveland's fourth of the season, and the team surpassed its victory total from 2024. If the Browns can post consecutive wins for the first time since 2023, that would bolster Stefanski's chances for a seventh season in Cleveland.
If owner Jimmy Haslam decides to move on from Stefanski though, he would be a top candidate elsewhere. Stefanski would not answer if he has had discussions about his future.
“I understand the question. I never get into those types of discussions. All I care about is finding a way to go 1-0 versus the Bengals," he said, “As you can imagine, my sole focus is on this game versus Cincinnati, but I also would tell you I’m privileged to have this job.”
Shedeur Sanders improved to 2-4 as a starting quarterback despite struggling in the second half. Sanders has shown improved footwork and decision-making while playing behind a makeshift offensive line. Sanders went into the game without his leading running back after Quinshon Judkins suffered a broken leg against the Bills. His leading receiver, tight end Harold Fannin Jr., played only two series after aggravating a groin injury.
While some Browns fans might have lamented the win because it dropped Cleveland a couple of spots down in the draft order, Myles Garrett made it abundantly clear that no one in the locker room signed up to lose.
“I don’t care what the situation is with the record. Not a single one of us want to line up and lay down to a team or a man that’s in front of us," he said. "No, we got put here in this place or selected, whatever it was — drafted to come here and win. Has it always been that way? No, but I’ll be damned if I’m just going to go out there and lay down to another team just because we want some more draft picks. That’s not me.”
What’s working
The defense didn't allow a touchdown for the second game this season and the fifth time since Jim Schwartz became defensive coordinator in 2023. It is the fifth time since the Browns returned in 1999 that they haven't given up a touchdown in at least two games in a season.
What needs help
Getting the offense out of its second-half rut. The Browns are averaging 120.7 yards after halftime in Shedeur Sanders' six starts, the fifth-lowest average in the league and nearly 40 yards lower than the 159.8-yard average in the first half. Opponents are also outscoring the Browns 60-38 in the third and fourth quarters the past six weeks.
Stock up
CB Tyson Campbell was targeted seven times and allowed three receptions for only 17 yards. Campbell forced a tight passing window on four of the targets and had two passes defensed.
Stock down
S Rayshawn Jenkins was called for taunting after the Browns got a third down stop on the Steelers second series. The drive continued because of the penalty and Chris Boswell's first field goal got the Steelers within 10-3.
Injuries
Guards Wyatt Teller (calf) and Tevin Jenkins (concussion) also left Sunday's game.
Key numbers
22: Sacks this season for Garrett
1: Sacks needed by Garrett to pass Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt for the single-season record. Cincinnati's Joe Burrow is Garrett's most-sacked quarterback.
6: Touchdown catches by Fannin, the most by a Browns rookie since Andre Davis also had six in 2002.
12: Consecutive field goals by Andre Szmyt.
What’s next
The Browns wrap up the regular season at Cincinnati against a Bengals squad that has outscored their opponents 82-35 the past two games. Cincinnati won the Week 1 matchup 17-16 and has a four-game winning streak in the "Battle of Ohio."
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Raiders' personnel decisions last week are potentially long-term benefits By MARK ANDERSON AP Sports Writer The Associated Press HENDERSON, Nev.
HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — The Raiders' decisions last week to shut down Maxx Crosby , Brock Bowers and Jeremy Chinn with two games remaining in Las Vegas' season could pay off with potentially franchise-changing benefits.
While sitting those players weakened an already depleted roster — the Raiders were blown out 34-10 by the woeful New York Giants on Sunday — they are in position to get the top pick in next year's NFL draft. It's a slot the Raiders will lock up if they lose at home to Kansas City on Sunday.
Given the Raiders haven't had a championship-level quarterback since Rich Gannon took the franchise to the Super Bowl in the 2002 season, getting that top pick is crucial. Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza at this point looks like the selection, but Dante Moore also could be considered. Both quarterbacks could decide to stay in college another year as well, or the Raiders could trade down for additional assets to address their many needs.
Regardless, having the top selection would give Las Vegas options. The Raiders also will be flush with salary cap space, their $105 million in spending money second in the NFL, according to overthecap.com.
That would be a lot of capital for general manager John Spytek to work with, and whether rebuilding decisions will be made with coach Pete Carroll still in charge remains to be seen. Carroll said he has support of management, but there are indications they aren't completely aligned.
Much of the roster was formed or at least influenced by Carroll, who brought in players he coached in Seattle such as Geno Smith, Jamal Adams and Tyler Lockett. He talked openly and confidently before the season about the Raiders reaching double-digit victories.
Being at the bottom with a 2-14 record is not Carroll envisioned. He has acknowledged several times he was even blind-sided by the avalanche of losses.
He especially hated shutting down Crosby, the heart and soul of not only the Raiders' defense, but their entire team. Crosby isn't known for going half speed in anything and was miffed the Raiders chose to sit him, so he left the facility in protest on Friday. He later posted videos of him shooting a basketball and jumping on a trampoline.
Carroll said he had positive text exchanges with Crosby, and the star pass rusher was back in the building Monday.
"We’re eye to eye on what’s going on,” Carroll said.
Carroll, of course, is on the same wavelength with Crosby when it comes to wanting to win now and has demonstrated that by mostly sticking with veterans.
But now the Raiders can truly look to the future after just one more game.
What’s working
See above. There's a reason why the Raiders have the league's worst record. Now maybe they can get something out of it.
What needs help
Also see above. There are holes everywhere and in every area — offense, defense and special teams. Las Vegas is more than a key piece or two from even being competitive.
Stock up
TE Michael Mayer. He played his best game and looked like the player the Raiders traded up in 2023 to take early in the second round. He set career highs with nine catches for 89 yards, taking advantage of the extra opportunities with Bowers not being on the field. Maybe the Raiders can find ways next season to involve Mayer and Bowers in the passing game at the same time.
Stock down
Special teams again was an issue. Right after the Raiders showed some life to cut the Giants' lead to 20-10 in the third quarter, they gave up a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. It was Las Vegas' third special teams TD allowed this season, tied with Cleveland for most in the league.
Injuries
Smith does not have a high ankle sprain as originally believed, but the ankle is injured enough that it's doubtful he will play. ... DT Adam Butler (bicep) wasn't as seriously hurt as feared and could play. ... LT Kolton Miller (ankle) likely won't play.
Key number
74.9 — The number of yards rushing the Raiders average per game, last in the NFL. They also were last in 2024, finishing with a 79.8 average, and used the sixth pick of the draft to take RB Ashton Jeanty .
Next steps
The Raiders end their season by hosting the Chiefs on Sunday.
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Bijan Robinson has longest rush TD in Falcons history, has team's most scrimmage yards in a season By MAURA CAREY AP Sports Writer The Associated Press ATLANTA
ATLANTA (AP) — Bijan Robinson had a Falcons-record 93-yard rushing touchdown Monday night, one of two ways he entered their record book in a Monday Night Football win over the Rams.
Robinson took off for the TD with 1:23 remaining in the second quarter. The running back took the ball coast-to-coast directly after Xavier Watts picked off Matthew Stafford at Atlanta's 7-yard line. It was Stafford's second pick of the night.
Warrick Dunn was the Falcons' previous record holder with a 90-yard rushing touchdown against the Giants in October 2006.
The score was the longest of Robinson's professional career. The third-year running back rushed for an 81-yard touchdown in Atlanta's upset of Buffalo in October.
“That was just one of those plays where I had to make a guy miss in the hole, and I was trying to find another crease, and the crease came about, and I was like, ‘Man, I gotta take off,'" Robinson said after the game. “I kept kind of looking back to see if I was free. And I mean, I was free, and we got the touchdown. So that was a really big momentum shift for our team."
Not long into the second half, Robinson added another record by breaking the franchise's record for yards from scrimmage in a single season. He entered with 2,026, 150 behind William Andrews' longstanding record of 2,176 yards, which was set in 1983.
Robinson finished the game with 195 rushing yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. He also caught five passes from Kirk Cousins for 34 yards and a score, bringing his total yardage to 2,225 this season.
“(To get) 2,200 yards from scrimmage this year is outstanding,” Cousins said. “Dalvin Cook had almost 2,000 one year, and I didn't think I'd ever get to see that again. So, you know, what he can do in both the run game and pass game is very unique.”
The two-time Pro Bowler leads the league with 140.9 yards from scrimmage per game this season. He enters a Week 18 matchup against the Saints 284 yards shy of the all-time record (2,509), set by Chris Johnson in 2009.
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Robinson runs for 195 yards as Falcons recover to upset Rams 27-24 on 51-yard field goal by Gonzalez By CHARLES ODUM AP Sports Writer The Associated Press ATLANTA
ATLANTA (AP) — A Los Angeles Rams team that spent most of the season competing for the best record in the NFL now is third in its division, saddled with a two-game losing streak and bound to open the playoffs on the road.
“This is a humbling league and we got humbled tonight,” Rams coach Sean McVay said after a 27-24 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night.
Bijan Robinson rushed for 195 yards, including a 93-yard touchdown, and Zane Gonzalez kicked a 51-yard field goal with 21 seconds remaining as the Falcons recovered after blowing two 21-point leads.
Robinson's 93-yard touchdown run was the longest in Atlanta history and Jessie Bates III scored on a 34-yard interception return. Bolstered by those big plays, the Falcons led 21-0 at halftime and 24-3 early in the second half.
Matthew Stafford recovered from throwing three interceptions to help the Rams (11-5) pull even at 24. Stafford's 11-yard touchdown pass to Puka Nacua with 2:46 remaining tied the game.
“I love the way that we found a way to get back in the game, but we weren't able to close it out,” McVay said.
The Falcons (7-9) extended their winning streak to three games as Robinson also set the team record for most scrimmage yards in a season.
The Rams began the week leading the NFL in scoring and yards and were shut out in the first half. After trailing 21-0 at halftime, the Rams were kept out of the end zone until Stafford's 27-yard touchdown pass to Terrance Ferguson late in the third quarter.
Los Angeles cut Atlanta's lead to 24-17 when Jarred Verse blocked a 37-yard field goal attempt by Gonzalez and returned the recovery 76 yards for a touchdown. It was the Rams' first blocked kick returned for a touchdown since 1986.
Stafford's second interception, on a throw picked off by Atlanta rookie Xavier Watts, gave the Falcons the ball at their 7 in the second quarter. Robinson broke through the line and took off down the sideline, outrunning the Los Angeles defense for the NFL's longest run of the season.
“He’s a special player,” Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins said. “What he can do in both the run game and pass game is very unique.”
Watts' second interception, the third thrown by Stafford, stopped the Rams on a fourth-down play from the Atlanta 27 with 9:04 remaining.
Falcons coach Raheem Morris credited cornerback A.J. Terrell and the defense for limiting Nacua to five catches for 47 yards.
“I think the defensive staff did a great job again, limiting a great football player,” Morris said.
Scrimmage yards record
Robinson needed 151 rushing and receiving yards to break William Andrews’ team scrimmage yards record of 2,176 set in 1983. Robinson had five catches for 34 yards, including a 4-yard touchdown reception, to finish with 229 scrimmage yards in the game and 2,255 for the year.
Sudden surge of interceptions
Stafford, who earned his third Pro Bowl honor this season, began the week leading the NFL in touchdown passes and passing yards. He had thrown only five interceptions before his turnover-plagued effort against the Falcons.
Stafford completed 22 of 38 passes for 269 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions. He has a career-best 42 touchdown passes this season.
It was his first three-interception game since Week 1 of 2022.
“It boils down to execution every week, right?” Stafford said. “Either you execute and make the throws or you don’t. And I didn’t do that tonight, so it hurt us and we weren’t able to overcome it.”
Credit to the blockers
Robinson gave thanks to his line and wide receiver Drake London for the key blocks on his 93-yard scoring run. London had a downfield block on a defensive back to help clear Robinson's path.
“It takes everybody for those kind of runs to happen,” Robinson said.
Rams starters will play
McVay didn't hesitate when asked if his starters would rest in Sunday's final regular-season game against Arizona.
“No, we're playing,” McVay said. “We were playing anyway. We need to play.”
The Rams will open the playoffs on the road, an outcome that was set after NFC West rivals Seattle and San Francisco both won on Sunday. They entered the night as the No. 5 seed.
Injury report
Rams: WR Davante Adams (hamstring) and two starting offensive linemen __ RG Kevin Dotson (ankle) and LT Alaric Jackson (ankle) __ were held out. Adams participated in pregame drills. RB Blake Corum limped off with a right ankle injury in the second quarter and did not return. ... S Jaylen McCollough (hip) was questionable to return. ... CB Roger McCreary (hip) was active as he came off injured reserve.
Falcons: DL Brandon Dorlus (left knee) needed help leaving the field in the third quarter and did not return. ... CB Mike Ford Jr. (ankle) was questionable. ... CB Mike Hughes missed his second consecutive game with an ankle sprain. ILB Josh Woods was inactive due to a personal matter.
Up next
Rams: The Rams will try to build on their 6-1 home record when they play the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday in their final regular-season game.
Falcons: Atlanta closes its season at home on Sunday against New Orleans. The Falcons took a 24-10 win at New Orleans on Nov. 23.
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This story has been corrected to show that Jarred Verse blocked the field goal attempt. A previous version stated that it was Emmanuel Forbes Jr.
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Stafford's 3 INTs hurt Rams' chances of winning a game and perhaps his own of winning NFL's MVP By BILL TROCCHI Associated Press The Associated Press ATLANTA
ATLANTA (AP) — Matthew Stafford reached a career milestone, though his three interceptions hurt the Rams' chances of winning a game and perhaps his own of winning the NFL's MVP.
Stafford set a career high in touchdown passes in a season with 42 when he hit Puka Nakua for an 11-yard score with 2:46 to play, but the Falcons answered with a 51-yard field goal with 21 seconds left and upset the Rams 27-24 on Monday night.
Stafford was 22 for 38 for 269 yards with two touchdowns and a season-high three interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. It was the quarterback's first three-interception game since Week 1 of the 2022 season.
“He’s a total stud,” Rams coach Sean McVay said. “We wouldn’t be in a lot of the great situations we’re in without him. But tonight was, it was a night that he’s capable of playing better.”
Stafford helped rally the Rams from a 24-3 second-half deficit to tie the score at 24 on his scoring toss to Nakua. His first touchdown was a 27-yard pass to Terrence Ferguson in the third quarter that pulled the Rams within 24-10.
Stafford was also sacked three times, which matched a season high, but didn't feel like the Falcons' pressure was overwhelming.
“Every week is a new challenge," Stafford said. "Just because you play good one week doesn’t mean you’re going to play good the next, and vice versa. So just got to go out there and continue to trust what we’ve done all year, and then we got to just show up and make the plays on game day.”
Stafford’s previous high for touchdowns in a season was 41, which he accomplished twice. He had 41 in 2011 with the Lions and in 2021 with the Rams.
NFL MVP race tightens
Stafford was the betting favorite to win the first MVP award of his 17-year career ahead of Patriots second-year quarterback Drake Maye . On Sunday, Maye had a near-perfect afternoon against the Jets, presumably closing the gap on Stafford. Maye was 19 for 21 for 256 yards and five touchdowns in New York as the Patriots rolled to a 42-10 win. He played the first six possessions of the game and led the Patriots to six touchdowns.
Stafford is averaging 278 passing yards per game to Maye's 262.7, has 42 passing TDs to Maye's 30 and the quarterbacks are even with eight interceptions apiece. Maye's big day against the Jets pulled him virtually even with Stafford in passer rating prior to the Falcons game. Maye also has 409 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns while Stafford has -2 rushing yards and no rushing touchdowns on the season. Maye's completion percentage, which leads the NFL, is 71.7 to Stafford's 65.2 (18th).
The Patriots clinched the AFC East on Sunday and enter Week 18 with a 13-3 record, while Stafford's Rams are 11-5 and will enter the playoffs as a wild card. The Patriots will close the regular season at home against the Dolphins and still have a shot at the No. 1 seed in the AFC, so Maye figures to play. Los Angeles will host the Arizona Cardinals and McVay said Monday his starters will play.
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Pittsburgh Steelers' playoff fate tied to DK Metcalf's two-game suspension and a Detroit Lions fan By ARNIE STAPLETON AP Pro Football Writer The Associated Press
A trendy preseason pick to go far in the postseason, the Detroit Lions won't be playing beyond Sunday at Soldier Field. One of their fans, however, continues to have a big impact on the NFL's playoff picture heading into the final weekend of the regular season.
The league suspended wide receiver DK Metcalf for the AFC North-leading Pittsburgh Steelers' final two games and levied a hefty fine against the team's best pass catcher for taking a swipe at Lions fan Ryan Kennedy in the second quarter of Pittsburgh’s 29-24 victory two weeks ago.
Metcalf was sorely missed in the Steelers' 13-6 loss at Cleveland on Sunday that set up a winner-take-all showdown between Pittsburgh (9-7) and the Baltimore Ravens (8-8) this weekend. The winner wins the AFC North and gets to host a first-round playoff game. The losers clear out their lockers and pack for vacation.
The same scenario is playing out in the NFC between the Carolina Panthers (8-8) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9) with the winner claiming the NFC South title and a home playoff game against an NFC West team with a much better record.
Aaron Rodgers didn't find the end zone Sunday. On fourth-and-goal from the 7 with 21 seconds left, he targeted Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward and threw incomplete to Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
“That was definitely interference ,” Rodgers complained of the bang-bang play.
What Rodgers never saw on Pittsburgh's last-gasp play was running back Kenneth Gainwell uncovered and wide open underneath for a touchdown that would have given the Steelers the chance to tie the game or win it with a 2-point conversion and clinch the division.
The Steelers mustered just two field goals against Cleveland after averaging 28 points over their previous three games, all wins.
“Well, the biggest issue is they don't have DK Metcalf,” studio analyst Jason Garrett said on the pregame show for NBC's Sunday Night Football telecast. "Pittsburgh's been playing small-ball on offense all year long. They run it and the ball comes out of Aaron's hand quickly in all the short stuff. And then when they get a chance, 1-on-1, they throw it to DK Metcalf and make an explosive play.
“Take him out of it, they're not very explosive," Garrett added. "They don't make big plays down the field and they don't score a lot of points.”
“Yeah, today they played like they still had him, trying to go to those 1-on-1 matchups,” concurred fellow studio analyst Devin McCourty, who suggested the Steelers are better off getting the ball into the hands of running backs Gainwell and Jaylen Warren than the patchwork receiving corps missing Metcalf.
"Getting the backs more involved will be the key for next week,” McCourty predicted.
Garrett also had some friendly advice for the Steelers as they prepare to keep up with Ravens running back Derrick Henry, who's coming off a 216-yard, four-TD performance at Green Bay .
“You know, Baltimore watched the tape, so they're going to play man-to-man coverage,” Garrett said. “I think the biggest thing for Arthur Smith, the offensive coordinator in Pittsburgh, he has to get the receivers in stacks and bunches and motions to loosen up the tight man-to-man coverage to wriggle those guys free.”
The Steelers find themselves in this precarious position because Metcalf lost his cool with the fan in Detroit, rendering him unavailable until next Monday — either in preparation for the playoffs or to clean out his locker.
Former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson said on a podcast last week that Metcalf told him Kennedy used a racial slur and verbally disparaged Metcalf’s mother, an allegation that Kennedy denied through his attorneys.
Coach Mike Tomlin said he didn't condone Metcalf's actions that led to his two-game ban but made clean Metcalf had his full support .
Having his back is one thing.
What Steelers Nation would certainly prefer is having Metcalf back on the field to extend their season.
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Alabama defenders Hubbard, Lawson and Jefferson are traveling redemption road to the Rose Bowl By KENNINGTON SMITH III Associated Press The Associated Press TUSCALOOSA, Ala.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Alabama's defense is filled with comeback and redemption stories.
There's safety Bray Hubbard, a junior who struggled in a season-opening loss at Florida State and rallied to become a third-team All-America selection.
There's linebacker Deontae Lawson, a senior who tore a ligament in his right knee in November 2024 and worked his way back in time for the opener. He leads the Crimson Tide with 85 tackles.
There's fellow linebacker Justin Jefferson, another senior who initially thought he was out of college eligibility before being granted an additional year as a former junior college transfer. He ranks second on the team in tackles (82) and tackles for loss (6 1/2).
The trio leads the way for a unit that seems determined to make amends for a disappointing season last year. They'll no doubt be ones to watch when the 13th-ranked Crimson Tide (10-3) take on No. 1 Indiana (13-0) and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal matchup at the Rose Bowl on Thursday. Alabama is the No. 9 seed in the CFP.
“You think back on where we have gone and you think about a year ago,” Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack said. “Not being able to answer the bell and not punch back. Now, I think all our kids do is they fight, they punch and they just keep punching.”
It starts with Hubbard, Lawson and Jefferson — three guys who seem to play with a chip on their shoulder.
Hubbard was widely vilified for his effort against the Seminoles, including one particular play in which he appeared to be jogging, and he didn't bother trying to defend himself. Instead, he vowed to let it fuel him the rest of the season .
Since that 31-17 loss in Tallahassee, Alabama has have been mostly buttoned up on that side of the ball, holding 11 of its last 12 opponents to 24 points or fewer.
“I know he was super disappointed," coach Kalen DeBoer said about Hubbard. "Many guys were, with Week 1, with just the production. I would never really question how important it is to him. It means so much to play at a high level but even more to do it with his teammates.
“He takes it upon himself to make sure that, yes, the unit that’s on the field, the 1s, the 2s, that they’re playing at a high level and held to the standard.”
Lawson and Jefferson could be in the NFL right now. But they were among six defensive starters who put off the draft and opted to stay in school. Among the reasons: they wanted another shot at a national championship after last year’s team stumbled at Oklahoma and got left out of the playoff.
That game was in the front of their minds when Alabama got a rematch in Norman in the opening round of the CFP. Defense was the main reason the Tide turned a 17-0 deficit into a 34-24 victory . The unit intercepted a pass for a touchdown to gain momentum and allowed just seven points in the second half.
“We’ve faced about every offense that you can think of,” Hubbard said. “We’ve kind of seen it all and just keep growing. That’s kind of what you got to do.”
Alabama ranks 13th nationally in total yards allowed (288.9 a game) and points allowed (17.9 a game). Alabama already has wins against several notable QBs, some of them even one-time front-runners in the Heisman race. The list includes Vanderbilt's Diego Pavia, South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers, LSU's Garrett Nussmeier and Oklahoma's John Mateer.
Might Mendoza be next? He has the Hoosiers humming and averaging 472.8 yards and 41.9 points.
Behind Hubbard, Lawson and Jefferson, Alabama is confident it can pull an upset and keep its redemption season rolling.
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Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald lead Pro Football Hall of Fame modern era finalists By JOSH DUBOW AP Pro Football Writer The Associated Press
Quarterback Drew Brees and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald headlined a group of four modern era finalists in their first year of eligibility for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Tight end Jason Witten and running back Frank Gore were the two other first-year eligible players who were also announced Tuesday among the 15 finalists.
Willie Anderson, Torry Holt, Luke Kuechly and Adam Vinatieri were guaranteed spots after advancing to the final seven in voting for the 2025 class. There are six other returning finalists with Eli Manning, Reggie Wayne, Jahri Evans, Marshall Yanda, Terrell Suggs and Darren Woodson all making it back to this stage.
Defensive tackle Kevin Williams made it to the finalist stage for the first time in his sixth year of eligibility.
The 50-person selection committee will vote on the 15 finalists next month with the results announced Feb. 5 at “NFL Honors.” Between three and five of the finalists will be inducted in the second year of this current format.
In addition to the modern era finalists, the selection committee will also consider seniors candidates Ken Anderson, Roger Craig and L.C. Greenwood, coaching candidate Bill Belichick and contributor Robert Kraft. Between one and three of those finalists will make it into the Hall.
Only four people got in last year for the smallest class in 20 years.
Brees and Fitzgerald are the top new candidates this year.
Brees is second all time to Tom Brady with 80,358 yards passing and 571 touchdown passes. He spent the first five seasons of his career with the San Diego Chargers before signing as a free agent with the Saints in 2006, where his career took off as he helped lift a city still recovering from Hurricane Katrina.
Brees delivered to New Orleans its first Super Bowl title following the 2009 season, when he won MVP of the game after beating Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. Brees made the Pro Bowl 13 times in his career, won AP Offensive Player of the Year in 2008 and 2011, was an All-Pro in 2006 and was a second-team All-Pro four times.
Fitzgerald spent his entire career with the Arizona Cardinals after being drafted third overall in 2004. His 1,432 catches and 17,492 yards receiving in 17 seasons rank second all time to Jerry Rice.
Fitzgerald topped 1,000 yards receiving nine times — tied for the fourth most ever — and helped the Cardinals reach their only Super Bowl following the 2008 season. Fitzgerald set single-season records that postseason with 546 yards receiving and seven TD catches, including a go-ahead 64-yard score with 2:37 to play in the Super Bowl before Pittsburgh rallied for a 27-23 win over Arizona.
Witten was one of the most prolific tight ends with his 1,228 catches and 13,046 yards ranking second best all time. Witten was a two-time All-Pro for Dallas and was a second-team All-Pro two other times.
Gore ranks third all time with 16,000 yards rushing with nine 1,000-yard seasons and five Pro Bowl honors.
Kuechly’s career was brief but impactful. The first-round pick by Carolina in 2012 was an All-Pro five times, with seven Pro Bowl nods and a Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
Over his eight-year career, Kuechly led all linebackers in the NFL in tackles (1,090), takeaways (26), interceptions (18) and passes defensed (66).
Vinatieri was one of the most clutch kickers in NFL history, making the game-winning field goals in the first two Super Bowl victories during New England’s dynasty.
He helped launch the run with one of the game’s greatest kicks — a 45-yarder in the snow to force overtime in the “Tuck Rule” game against the Raiders in the 2001 divisional round. He made the game-winning kick in OT to win that game and then hit a 48-yarder on the final play of a 20-17 win in the Super Bowl against the Rams.
Vinatieri is the NFL’s career leader in points (2,673) and made field goals (599) over a 24-year career with New England and Indianapolis. He also leads all players with 56 field goals and 238 points in the postseason.
Holt was a key part of the Rams’ “Greatest Show on Turf,” helping the team win the Super Bowl in his rookie season in 1999 and getting back there two years later. Holt led the NFL in yards receiving in 2000 and in catches and yards in 2003 when he made his only All-Pro team.
Holt finished his career with 920 catches for 13,382 yards and 74 TDs.
Anderson was considered one of the top right tackles in his era after being a first-round pick by Cincinnati in 1996. He spent nearly his entire career with the Bengals and made three straight All-Pro teams from 2004-06.
Among the candidates who didn't advance from the 26 semifinalists were quarterback Philip Rivers, who was taken off the ballot when he came out of retirement, and offensive lineman Steve Wisniewski, who was in his final year of eligibility as a modern era candidate.
Two finalists from last year also didn't advance with running back Fred Taylor and receiver Steve Smith Sr. falling short.
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
Bijan Robinson, Falcons finishing strong with 3rd straight win after elimination from playoffs By BILL TROCCHI Associated Press The Associated Press ATLANTA
ATLANTA (AP) — Maybe the Atlanta Falcons just need to have more games in prime time.
The Falcons improved to 4-1 in prime-time games this season Monday night, upsetting the playoff-bound Los Angeles Rams 27-24 on Zane Gonzalez’s 51-yard field goal with 21 seconds left.
It was their second Monday night victory at home, the first coming against the Buffalo Bills in October.
Bijan Robinson put on another stellar performance, setting the franchise record for yards from scrimmage in a season after his 229 total yards pushed his season total to 2,255. He had an electrifying 93-yard touchdown run in the first half that was also a team record.
The win was the Falcons’ third straight since being eliminated from playoff contention and improved their record to 7-9.
“For us, we made it known, as soon as we got that elimination, that we’re going to finish this season off the right way, finish it off strong, so we can bleed into the next season because we’re all men,” Robinson said. ”We’re all men that love this game so much.”
What’s working
The Falcons are finally making plays down the stretch to win one-score games, a trait that was missing midseason when they dropped the final three games of a five-game losing streak all by one score. The Falcons have now won three straight close games. After the Rams tied the game with 2:46 to play, quarterback Kirk Cousins directed the Falcons into field-goal range for the winning score. He hit Kyle Pitts for an 11-yard gain, then Robinson rushed three times for 19 yards to get the Falcons within range for Gonzalez to win it.
“I think the world of this football team,” Falcons coach Raheem Morris said. “I think these guys are built for this. I told you earlier, I know we joke about it a lot, but I tell you, we have to find ways to win and they just found ways to win and they’re doing that now. When you’re talking about finding ways to win, you’re talking about people making plays, you’re talking about people doing exceptional jobs at a very high level and that’s what we are seeing.”
What needs help
Special teams continue to be an issue in Atlanta. On Monday, it was a blocked field-goal attempt that brought the Rams back into the game late in the third quarter. The Falcons led 24-10 and lined up for a 37-yard field-goal attempt when Jared Verse broke through the line, blocked the kick, grabbed the loose ball and sprinted 76 yards for a touchdown to pull Los Angeles within 24-17. That was the Falcons’ sixth failed field-goal attempt of the season, which is tied for fourth most in the league. The Falcons also allowed a 38-yard kickoff return to Jordan Whittington and now are last in the NFL in kickoff coverage, allowing 30.4 yards per return.
Stock up
How much higher can Robinson’s stock climb? Robinson’s 195 rushing yards were a career high. It was the fifth game this season Robinson has totaled at least 175 yards from scrimmage. No other player in the NFL has more than two this season. And as impressive as his 93-yard touchdown was, the three runs to get the Falcons in field-goal range in the final two minutes were just as vital to the victory.
Stock down
Cousins has been unable to develop a connection with No. 1 receiver Drake London, who finished with one catch for 4 yards. When Cousins replaced an injured Michael Penix Jr. against the Panthers on Nov. 16, London had 113 yards after three quarters. In the fourth quarter and overtime with Cousins, London made just one more catch for 6 yards. In the two full games he’s played with Cousins since, he has just four catches for 31 yards after averaging 86.4 yards per game with Penix at QB.
Injuries
DL Brandon Dorlus (left knee) left the game on a cart in the third quarter. Morris said after the game “it didn’t look good.” … CB Mike Hughes missed his second consecutive game with an ankle sprain.
Key number
5 — Interceptions by Falcons safety Xavier Watts, the most by a Falcons rookie since Deion Sanders had five in 1989.
Next steps
The Falcons will close the 2025 season at home against the Saints (6-10).
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl