Former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton says he wouldn't exchange his 2015 MVP award for ...

<p>Former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton says he wouldn't exchange his 2015 MVP award for a Super Bowl trophy.</p><p>"No," Newton said Thursday on ESPN's "<a href="https://x.com/FirstTake/status/1884987293368221924">First Take</a>." "I ask you this question just to pose this thought. What's more important? Impact or championships? ... Everybody is not going to be Michael Jordan. Everybody is not going to be Patrick Mahomes. Everybody is not going to be these individuals who have the luxury of saying, 'Hey, I not only dominated this sport but I also have championships to back it.'"</p><p>He added: "Let me remind you, Brad Johnson won a Super Bowl, Trent Dilfer won a Super Bowl, respectively, Nick Foles won a Super Bowl. So, yes, when you look at those guys and you say, 'What's more important?' ... I think that's the humble approach. But if we're being honest, the impact of you holding yourself accountable, to say everybody has a responsibility to do and you can say as a MVP award-winner or All-American, you held your end of the bargain down."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Newton won MVP after leading the Panthers to a 15-1 campaign and a Super Bowl appearance. He tallied 3,837 passing yards, 35 passing scores, and 10 scores on the ground that season, but he finished with 18-for-41 passing, 265 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception as the Panthers fell in the Super Bowl to the Denver Broncos.</p><p>Newton was also criticized for not jumping on a strip-sack fumble in the fourth quarter and later <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jOcrpLv874">acknowledged</a> that he should have done so.</p><p>"I know that's not the popular pick," Newton said. "I'm not trying to be popularized. My take is I'm taking individual success because I did my job. Football is not about one guy trying to do 11 jobs. It's 11 guys doing one job."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Stephen A. Smith: "Cam, if you could give back that league MVP for a Super Bowl championship, would you do it?"<br><br>Cam Newton: "No." 👀 <a href="https://t.co/x9XspwR7kh">pic.twitter.com/x9XspwR7kh</a></p>— First Take (@FirstTake) <a href="https://twitter.com/FirstTake/status/1884987293368221924?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 27: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on December 27, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Cam Newton: I wouldn't trade my MVP for Super Bowl win

Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has an interesting proposal: renaming the V...

<p>Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has an interesting proposal: renaming the Vince Lombardi Trophy after Tom Brady.</p><p>Belichick made the suggestion on the "<a href="https://x.com/SiriusXMNFL/status/1884264670489378908">Let's Go!</a>" podcast when co-host Jim Gray pointed out that the Lombardi Trophy was named after the legendary head coach of the Green Bay Packers, not the franchise's quarterback, Bart Starr. However, the coach rebutted that "maybe they should name it the Brady Trophy. He won seven of them."</p><p>Brady's seven Super Bowl wins are more than any NFL franchise has earned. He collected six alongside Belichick with the Patriots before getting his seventh with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the latter stages of his career.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Players win games. You can't win games without good players. I don't care who the coach is, it's impossible. You can't win without good players," Belichick said.</p><p>"It's Brady, it's (Willie) McGinest, it's (Mike) Vrabel, it's (Tedy) Bruschi, it's Corey Dillon, it's Randy Moss, Troy Brown, Lawyer Milloy, Ty Law, Rodney Harrison. Those are the guys that won the games, man. I didn't make any tackles. I didn't make any kicks. That was (Adam) Vinatieri that made that kick in four inches of snow. You gotta have good players, and as a coach, you want to give your players a chance to win."</p><p>Belichick racked up 333 wins over his NFL coaching career, including playoffs. He parted ways with the Patriots following the 2023 season, needing only 14 wins to tie Don Shula's record of 347 victories. Belichick elected to join the college ranks this year, becoming North Carolina's head coach.</p>

FOXBOROUGH, MA - OCTOBER 25: With only three days off between games, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (rear) and head coach Bill Belichick (front) will have very little time to get ready for Thursday night's game against the Dolphins. Here they are pictured on the sidelines during Sunday's game against the New York Jets in a regular season NFL football game at Gillette Stadium.

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Belichick suggests renaming Lombardi Trophy after Brady

For the 10th time in NFL history, two teams that previously met in a Super Bowl will do battle ag...

<p>For the 10th time in NFL history, two teams that previously met in a Super Bowl will do battle again in the big game.</p><p>It'll be the second time in three years that the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles square off for the Lombardi Trophy. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs were successful in Round 1, but what does history say about their odds in a rematch?</p><p>Here's how the previous Super Bowl rematches, including a trilogy of bouts between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys, have played out:</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Dolphins-Washington: Super Bowls VII, XVII</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>SB Year</th>
<th>Winner</th>
<th>Score</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1973</td>
<td> Dolphins</td>
<td> 14-7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1983</td>
<td> Washington</td>
<td> 27-17</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>49ers-Bengals: Super Bowls XVI, XXIII</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>SB Year</th>
<th>Winner</th>
<th>Score</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1982</td>
<td> 49ers</td>
<td> 26-21</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1989</td>
<td>49ers</td>
<td> 20-16</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Cowboys-Bills: Super Bowls XXVII, XXVIII</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>SB Year</th>
<th>Winner</th>
<th>Score</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1993</td>
<td> Cowboys</td>
<td> 52-17</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1994</td>
<td>Cowboys</td>
<td> 30-13</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Steelers-Cowboys: Super Bowls X, XIII, XXX </h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>SB Year</th>
<th>Winner</th>
<th>Score</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1976</td>
<td> Steelers</td>
<td> 21-17</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1979</td>
<td> Steelers</td>
<td> 35-31</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1996</td>
<td> Cowboys</td>
<td> 27-17</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Giants-Patriots: Super Bowls XLII, XLVI</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>SB Year</th>
<th>Winner</th>
<th>Score</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>2008</td>
<td> Giants</td>
<td> 17-14</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2012</td>
<td>Giants</td>
<td> 21-17</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Patriots-Eagles: Super Bowls XXXIX, LII</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>SB Year</th>
<th>Winner</th>
<th>Score</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>2005</td>
<td> Patriots</td>
<td> 24-21</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2018</td>
<td> Eagles</td>
<td> 41-33</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Patriots-Rams: Super Bowls XXXVI, LIII</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>SB Year</th>
<th>Winner</th>
<th>Score</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>2002</td>
<td> Patriots</td>
<td> 20-17</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2019</td>
<td>Patriots</td>
<td> 13-3</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Chiefs-49ers: Super Bowls LIV, LVIII</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>SB Year</th>
<th>Winner</th>
<th>Score</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>2020</td>
<td> Chiefs</td>
<td> 31-20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2024</td>
<td>Chiefs</td>
<td> 25-22</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Chiefs-Eagles: Super Bowls LVII, LIX</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>SB Year</th>
<th>Winner</th>
<th>Score</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>2023</td>
<td> Chiefs</td>
<td> 38-35</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2025</td>
<td> TBD</td>
<td> TBD</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The team that won the first Super Bowl matchup went 6-3 in the subsequent meeting.</p><p>A number of these sets had considerable time in between games. But in Super Bowl rematches separated by five years or fewer, the winners of the first meeting are a perfect 4-0 the next time around. The four coaches who lost Rounds 1 and 2 include some familiar names: Kyle Shanahan (49ers vs. Chiefs), Bill Belichick (Patriots vs. Giants), Marv Levy (Bills vs. Cowboys) and Tom Landry (Cowboys vs. Steelers).</p><p>The Chiefs and Eagles are both 1-0 in championship sequels, with Kansas City taking down the 49ers last year and Philadelphia avenging its 2005 loss to New England in a memorable Super Bowl LII.</p><p>With a win against the Eagles, Mahomes would move to 2-0 in Super Bowl rematches, giving him a better record than Tom Brady, who went 1-2.</p><p>The deck appears stacked against the Eagles and head coach Nick Sirianni in their quest for revenge against the Chiefs. Luckily for them, though, games are played on the field and not in the history books.</p>

GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 12: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs gets set against the Philadelphia Eagles after Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium on February 12, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. The Chiefs defeated the Eagles 38-35.

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Quarterback Josh Allen told media Monday that he feels "extremely confident" head coach Sean McDe...

<p>Quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/94699" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/94699">Josh Allen</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8P586DwAWJw">told</a> media Monday that he feels "extremely confident" head coach Sean McDermott is the right man to get the Buffalo Bills over their playoff hump.</p><p>The Bills' season ended at the hands of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/89514" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/89514">Patrick Mahomes</a> and the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, a familiar sight for the franchise. Buffalo has suffered postseason defeats to Kansas City in four of the last five campaigns.</p><p>Allen defended McDermott despite the Bills failing to exorcise their playoff demons, refusing to point the finger at his sideline boss for the team's shortcomings.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I'm just so proud of coach," Allen said. "I don't know why he's not recognized more in the awards stuff. That's the cruddy thing about it. But time in and time out, he's got us in position.</p><p>"We're fighting to get over that hump, and he gives his life to this. ... He's so committed to doing whatever it takes."</p><p>Allen threw for 237 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions in the Bills' 32-29 loss Sunday. He had a chance to tie the game late, but his fourth-down heave was dropped by tight end<a href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188115"> Dalton Kincaid</a>.</p><p>McDermott has compiled an 86-45 regular-season record since becoming Buffalo's head coach in 2017 but owns a 7-7 postseason mark.</p>

KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 26: Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) throws a pass in the second quarter of the AFC Championship game between the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs on January 26, 2025 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO.

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Allen: 'Extremely confident' McDermott can get Bills over hump

New York Jets owner Woody Johnson says he'll delegate the decision over whether Aaron Rodgers ret...

<p>New York Jets owner Woody Johnson says he'll delegate the decision over whether <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/747" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/747">Aaron Rodgers</a> returns to the franchise to new head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey.</p><p>"I'm going to leave that to them," Johnson <a href="https://x.com/snyjets/status/1883952820065329313">told</a> reporters Monday. "They got to take a look at how the team's composed and what they think they need and put all that together."</p><p>Johnson added that he won't voice his opinion in discussions over Rodgers' return and would welcome the signal-caller back.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Absolutely," Johnson said. "If they want him back, Aaron's a talent, for sure. He's a Hall of Famer."</p><p>Glenn said Monday that he and Mougey won't rush to decide the veteran's future. Rodgers is under contract for next season at a $23.5-million cap hit, but his deal doesn't include any guaranteed money, according to <a href="https://overthecap.com/player/aaron-rodgers/1085">Over The Cap</a>.</p><p>"I can't tell you how long that process will be, but the thing is, we're going to make sure we get the right answer," Glenn <a href="https://x.com/snyjets/status/1883944263546737143">said</a>.</p><p>A <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3201316" href="https://thescore.com/news/3201316">report</a> Sunday said Glenn is open to Rodgers returning.</p><p>Rodgers, who the Jets acquired in a trade with the Green Bay Packers in 2023, hasn't confirmed whether he'll keep suiting up in 2025 but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3181082" href="https://thescore.com/news/3181082">said</a> he knows he can still play. The 41-year-old <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3141114" href="https://thescore.com/news/3141114">mentioned</a> in November that the Jets would be his first option if he continues his career.</p><p>The four-time NFL MVP's first two seasons in New York didn't go as planned. Rodgers' first year was cut short after tearing his Achilles just four snaps into the campaign. And he put up a 5-12 record as a starter in 2024, compiling 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.</p><p>The Jets hired Glenn hoping to end the NFL's longest active playoff drought at 14 seasons.</p><p>"To any players that (are) here now, put your seat belts on and get ready for the ride," Glenn <a href="https://x.com/snyjets/status/1883948511055532448">said</a>.</p>

FLORHAM PARK, NEW JERSEY - JANUARY 27: New York Jets owner Woody Johnson speaks at the press conference announcing the hiring of new head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on January 27, 2025 in Florham Park, New Jersey.

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Jets owner: Rodgers decision up to coach Glenn, GM Mougey

The Chicago Bears are bringing in former New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen to serve as t...

<p>The Chicago Bears are bringing in former New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen to serve as their next defensive coordinator, the team announced Tuesday.</p><p>Chicago also hired Denver Broncos tight ends coach Declan Doyle as its offensive coordinator and retained Richard Hightower as its special teams coordinator.</p><p>They'll serve under new head coach Ben Johnson, who was officially hired last week.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Allen spent 2022-24 as the Saints' head coach but was fired midseason after a 2-7 start. He was the team's defensive coordinator from 2015 to 2021. The Saints' defense finished inside the top 10 in points allowed five times during his overall tenure in New Orleans.</p><p>Doyle spent the last two seasons as the Broncos' tight ends coach. The 28-year-old also has ties to New Orleans after Sean Payton hired him to replace Joe Brady, according to <a href="https://x.com/TomPelissero/status/1883229081950720318">NFL Network's Tom Pelissero</a>. Doyle then followed Payton to Denver.</p><p>The Bears ranked 28th in scoring (18.2 PPG) last season, while their defense was 13th in points allowed (21.8 PPG).</p>

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 07: New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen looks on in the first half at Caesars Superdome on January 07, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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Bears hire Dennis Allen, Declan Doyle as coordinators

The Las Vegas Raiders have hired former Seattle Seahawks sideline boss Pete Carroll to be the fra...

<p>The Las Vegas Raiders have hired former Seattle Seahawks sideline boss Pete Carroll to be the franchise's next head coach, the team announced Saturday.</p><p>Carroll agreed to a three-year contract with a fourth-year team option, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43547026/sources-pete-carroll-agrees-3-year-deal-coach-raiders">ESPN's Adam Schefter</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Time to com𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲.<br><br>Welcome to the Silver &amp; Black, Head Coach Pete Carroll. <a href="https://t.co/VnseVUUhc5">pic.twitter.com/VnseVUUhc5</a></p>— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) <a href="https://twitter.com/Raiders/status/1883249964564005353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Momentum toward hiring Carroll was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3198602" href="https://thescore.com/news/3198602">reportedly</a> building ahead of Friday's deal. He also informally spoke to the Dallas Cowboys and interviewed with the Chicago Bears during this year's coaching cycle.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 73-year-old will become the oldest head coach in NFL history, according to<a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1882824797224386686"> Schefter</a>.</p><p>Carroll has spent 18 seasons as an NFL head coach, most recently with Seattle. The Seahawks and Carroll parted ways in 2023 after a second consecutive 9-8 season.</p><p>He led Seattle to a 137-89-1 record from 2010 to his departure in 2023, guiding the franchise to a Super Bowl victory during the 2013 campaign.</p><p>Carroll will partner with new general manager and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers executive John Spytek in Las Vegas. The Raiders cleaned house after the 2024 campaign, firing previous head coach Antonio Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco.</p><p>Carroll and Spytek will have the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft after Las Vegas finished 4-13 last season.</p><p>The AFC West now boasts four head coaches who have won at least one Super Bowl or college national title. They have also combined for 20 conference championship game appearances and nine Super Bowl appearances, per <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1882819016089382915">Schefter</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">This has to be the most accomplished collection of coaches in a single division in football history <br><br>Andy Reid: 3 Super Bowl titles<br>Sean Payton: 1 Super Bowl title<br>Jim Harbaugh: 1 College National title<br>Pete Carroll: 1 Super Bowl title, 1 College National title <a href="https://t.co/ORET2k6sEw">https://t.co/ORET2k6sEw</a></p>— Field Yates (@FieldYates) <a href="https://twitter.com/FieldYates/status/1882814790084788628?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Raiders have made the playoffs only twice over the past 22 seasons. Their last postseason victory came during the 2002 campaign.</p>

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 24: Pete Carroll the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks after the win against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on December 24, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee.

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The Las Vegas Raiders hired Tampa Bay Buccaneers assistant general manager John Spytek as their n...

<p>The Las Vegas Raiders hired Tampa Bay Buccaneers assistant general manager John Spytek as their new general manager, the team announced Friday.</p><p>Spytek, who has been with the Buccaneers since 2016, began as a director of player personnel and served in that position until he was named vice president of player personnel in 2020. He became assistant general manager in 2023.</p><p>The 44-year-old got his start as an operations intern for the Detroit Lions in 2004. He also served in various scouting positions with the Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns, and Denver Broncos before joining the Buccaneers. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Spytek served in Tampa Bay's front office during Tom Brady's time with the franchise. The former quarterback is now a minority owner of the Raiders.</p><p>The Raiders <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3199364" href="https://thescore.com/news/3199364">reportedly</a> hired former Seattle Seahawks boss Pete Carroll as their new head coach.</p><p>Las Vegas went 4-13 in 2024 and fired head coach Antonio Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco after the season.</p>

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 13: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Vice President of Player Personnel John Spytek watches the action on the field before the preseason game between the Miami Dolphins and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 13, 2022 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.

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Raiders hire Buccaneers exec Spytek as GM

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts says he'll likely wear a knee brace for Sunday's NFC ...

<p>Philadelphia Eagles quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/105247" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/105247">Jalen Hurts</a> says he'll likely wear a knee brace for Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Washington Commanders, according to <a href="https://x.com/MikeGarafolo/status/1882868071955939778">NFL Network's Mike Garafolo</a>.</p><p>Hurts suffered a knee injury on a sack during the third quarter of the Eagles' divisional-round win over the Los Angeles Rams, though he returned to the field to finish the contest. He said postgame he was confident that he wouldn't miss the conference title game.</p><p>Hurts added Friday that his knee has "been progressing."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Head coach Nick Sirianni also seemed optimistic when asked about Hurts' mobility for Sunday's matchup.</p><p>"I think he's had a good week of practice," Sirianni said. "I think he's done some really good things all week. Yeah, we'll see."</p><p>Hurts was a full participant in practice Friday and Thursday after being limited Wednesday. He was not listed on the final injury report for Sunday's game.</p><p>Hurts has thrown for 259 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions through two playoff games this year, but he's been sacked nine times - seven of which came against the Rams last week.</p><p>Running back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99272" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99272">Saquon Barkley</a> has done most of the heavy lifting for the Eagles' offense this postseason. Barkley - who eclipsed 2,000 yards in the regular season - put up 205 yards on the ground against the Rams. He also rushed for 119 yards in the team's wild-card win over the Green Bay Packers.</p><p>The NFC Championship Game is slated to kick off at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday.</p>

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 19: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles on the sideline during the first half of the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams at Lincoln Financial Field on January 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes doesn't expect Jared Goff's play to fall off after the ...

<p>Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes doesn't expect Jared Goff's play to fall off after the departure of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. In fact, he thinks the signal-caller is only just entering the peak period of his career.</p><p>"Obviously, he was very productive with Ben as a coordinator, but he had a lot of prior success before he even got here in a completely different system," Holmes said Thursday. "I think he's a better quarterback, a more mature quarterback now than he was then when he had early success. So, I don't foresee that. I think the guy's in his prime. He's gotten better and better every year. And when I say prime, I think just entering it, because he keeps ascending."</p><p>Goff spent the past three seasons working under Johnson, who accepted the Chicago Bears' head coaching job earlier this week. During that three-year span, Goff never threw for less than 4,400 yards or 29 touchdowns.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He had the best season of his NFL career in 2024, establishing personal bests in completion percentage (72.4%), touchdown passes (37), and quarterback rating (111.8). Goff, who went to Super Bowl LIII with the Los Angeles Rams, was named a finalist for NFL MVP on Wednesday.</p><p>"The levels keep improving," Holmes said of Goff. "Again, I just have a lot of faith in (head coach) Dan (Campbell), and I know that he'll make sure that Jared's going to be in a good position."</p><p>Johnson isn't the only Lions coordinator who was recently poached; defensive boss Aaron Glenn is taking over the New York Jets' head coaching role. Holmes emphasized that the Lions were prepared for turnover on their staff.</p><p>"I know Dan has been preparing for it, and I have the full faith and trust in Dan to make sure we're going to have the right people in place in those spots, and he's had to encounter that before," Holmes said. "Not at the coordinator level, but other position coaches, and it's always worked out, so it'll be good."</p><p>The Lions have a combined record of 27-7 over the past two seasons but have been unable to reach the Super Bowl, falling in the NFC title game last year and suffering a one-and-done exit in the divisional round to the Washington Commanders this year.</p>

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 18: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions looks on prior to the NFC Divisional Playoff against the Washington Commanders at Ford Field on January 18, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan.

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Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay hopes Matthew Stafford makes a decision about his future s...

<p>Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay hopes <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/680" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/680">Matthew Stafford</a> makes a decision about his future soon.</p><p>"I think sooner than later, being able to get that clarity. Understanding clear, open, and honest communication," McVay said Thursday, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43534656/sean-mcvay-hoping-matthew-stafford-clarity-sooner-later">ESPN's Sarah Barshop</a>. "I think there's a lot of love coming from our part. I think there's a lot of appreciation coming from his part as well. And I think a lot sooner than later is an ideal scenario."</p><p>Stafford said he would "take some time to think" following the Rams' playoff exit last Sunday, though he admitted he felt like had more in the tank.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The veteran quarterback, who turns 37 in February, is under contract through the 2026 season. His base salary for 2025 is $23 million and rises to $26 million in 2026, per <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/player/_/id/6078/matthew-stafford">Spotrac</a>. That 2025 figure <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/rankings/player/_/year/2025/position/qb/sort/cap_base">ranks</a> eighth among signal-callers.</p><p>Stafford's status was also in limbo last offseason: He requested a revised deal in the spring, but he and the team couldn't reach an agreement until the first day of training camp.</p><p>McVay refused to speculate about whether Stafford would stay in Los Angeles if he returns for a 17th season, telling reporters the team and quarterback would discuss the latter's future at the "appropriate time."</p><p>L.A. acquired Stafford in a trade with the Detroit Lions ahead of the 2021 season, sending signal-caller <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/71572" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/71572">Jared Goff</a> the other way. Stafford signed a four-year, $160-million extension in March 2022 after leading the Rams to a Super Bowl victory.</p><p>He threw for 3,762 yards with 20 touchdowns to eight interceptions in 2024.</p>

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 19: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts in the fourth quarter during the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on January 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen and Baltimore Ravens passer Lamar Jackson headline the MVP f...

<p>Buffalo Bills quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/94699" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/94699">Josh Allen</a> and Baltimore Ravens passer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97162" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97162">Lamar Jackson</a> headline the MVP finalists for a second consecutive season, the Associated Press revealed Thursday.</p><p>The other three nominees for MVP are Philadelphia Eagles running back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99272" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99272">Saquon Barkley</a>, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97638" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97638">Joe Burrow</a>, and Detroit Lions signal-caller <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/71572" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/71572">Jared Goff</a>. </p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Name</th>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Josh Allen</td>
<td> QB</td>
<td> Bills</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lamar Jackson</td>
<td> QB</td>
<td> Ravens</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joe Burrow</td>
<td> QB</td>
<td> Bengals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Saquon Barkley</td>
<td> RB</td>
<td> Eagles</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jared Goff</td>
<td> QB</td>
<td> Lions</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Jackson appears to be the favorite to win MVP for a second consecutive season after he was named first-team All-Pro over Allen earlier this year. The Ravens quarterback set new career highs in passing touchdowns, passing yards, and passer rating while also leading the Ravens to a division-winning 12-5 record. Allen won 13 games while compiling 40 total touchdowns to six interceptions.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The two quarterbacks recently met in the divisional round with Allen and the Bills emerging victorious 27-25.</p><p>Here's how the two likely finalists stack up:</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Category</th>
<th>Allen</th>
<th>Jackson</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Regular-Season Record</td>
<td> 13-4</td>
<td> 12-5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CMP%</td>
<td> 63.6%</td>
<td> 66.7%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pass Yards</td>
<td> 3731</td>
<td> 4172</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pass TDs</td>
<td> 28</td>
<td> 41</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>INTs</td>
<td> 6</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Passer Rating</td>
<td> 101.4</td>
<td> 119.6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rush Yards</td>
<td> 531</td>
<td> 915</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rush TDs</td>
<td> 12</td>
<td> 4</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Among the other nominees, Barkley produced a 2,005-yard season on the ground, falling 100 yards shy of tying Eric Dickerson's NFL record. Meanwhile, Burrow led the league in passing yards (4,918) and passing scores (43), while Goff ranked second in passing yards (4,629) and led the Lions to an NFC-best 15-2 record.</p><p>Finalists for seven other categories were also unveiled. The winners will be announced Feb. 6 during the NFL Honors broadcast (9 p.m. ET).</p><p>Below are the front-runners for the remaining AP awards:</p><h3>Offensive Player of the Year</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Name</th>
<th> Position</th>
<th> Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Saquon Barkley</td>
<td> RB</td>
<td> Eagles</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Derrick Henry</td>
<td> RB</td>
<td> Ravens</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lamar Jackson</td>
<td> QB</td>
<td> Ravens</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joe Burrow</td>
<td> QB</td>
<td> Bengals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ja'Marr Chase</td>
<td> WR</td>
<td> Bengals</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Barkley, Burrow, and Jackson appear again while Bengals receiver Chase posted the receiving triple crown in 2024, leading the NFL in receptions (127), yards (1,708), and touchdowns (17). Ravens running back Henry scored more rushing touchdowns than any other player and his 1,921 rushing yards were second only to Barkley.</p><h3>Defensive Player of the Year</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Name</th>
<th> Position</th>
<th> Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Patrick Surtain</td>
<td> CB</td>
<td> Broncos</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Myles Garrett</td>
<td> DE</td>
<td> Browns</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Trey Hendrickson</td>
<td> DE</td>
<td> Bengals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T.J. Watt</td>
<td> LB</td>
<td> Steelers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Zack Baun</td>
<td> LB</td>
<td> Eagles</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Surtain is the only player from the secondary represented in the finalists. He led the Broncos to the No. 3 defense in points allowed this past season while also notching four interceptions, which he returned for a league-best 132 yards. One of his interceptions was also brought back for a pick-6.</p><p>Hendrickson produced a league-high 17.5 sacks, while Garrett's seeking his second straight Defensive Player of the Year nod after a 14-sack campaign. Watt's case is leading the NFL in forced fumbles (six) and 11.5 sacks.</p><p>Meanwhile, Baun had a breakout season for the Eagles as their middle linebacker, putting up 151 tackles, 3.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, and an interception.</p><h3>Offensive Rookie of the Year</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Name</th>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Brock Bowers</td>
<td> TE</td>
<td> Raiders</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jayden Daniels</td>
<td> QB</td>
<td> Commanders</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Malik Nabers</td>
<td> WR</td>
<td> Giants</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bo Nix</td>
<td> QB</td>
<td> Broncos</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brian Thomas Jr.</td>
<td> WR</td>
<td> Jaguars</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Defensive Rookie of the Year</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Name</th>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cooper DeJean</td>
<td> CB</td>
<td> Eagles</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Braden Fiske</td>
<td> DE</td>
<td> Rams</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Quinyon Mitchell</td>
<td> CB</td>
<td> Eagles</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chop Robinson</td>
<td> LB</td>
<td> Dolphins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jared Verse</td>
<td> LB</td>
<td> Rams</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Coach of the Year</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Name</th>
<th> Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Dan Campbell</td>
<td> Lions</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kevin O'Connell</td>
<td> Vikings</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sean Payton</td>
<td> Broncos</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dan Quinn</td>
<td> Commanders</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andy Reid</td>
<td> Chiefs</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Assistant Coach of the Year</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Name</th>
<th> Role</th>
<th> Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Joe Brady</td>
<td> OC</td>
<td> Bills</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vic Fangio</td>
<td> DC</td>
<td> Eagles</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brian Flores</td>
<td> DC</td>
<td> Vikings</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Aaron Glenn</td>
<td> DC</td>
<td> Lions</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ben Johnson</td>
<td> OC</td>
<td> Lions</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Comeback Player of the Year</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Name</th>
<th> Position</th>
<th> Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Joe Burrow</td>
<td> QB</td>
<td> Bengals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sam Darnold</td>
<td> QB</td>
<td> Vikings</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>J.K. Dobbins</td>
<td> RB</td>
<td> Chargers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Christian Gonzalez</td>
<td> CB</td>
<td> Patriots</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Damar Hamlin</td>
<td> S</td>
<td> Bills</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 29: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills and Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens embrace after the game at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland.

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Lewis Hamilton was left in awe after driving a Ferrari Formula 1 car for the first time Wednesday...

<p>Lewis Hamilton was left in awe after driving a Ferrari Formula 1 car for the first time Wednesday.</p><p>"I've been lucky enough to have many firsts in my career, from the first test to the first race, podium, win, and championship, so I wasn't sure how many more firsts I had, but driving a Scuderia Ferrari HP car for the first time this morning was one of the best feelings of my life," Hamilton said after the session.</p><p>He continued, "When I started the car up and drove through that garage door, I had the biggest smile on my face. It reminded me of the very first time I tested a Formula 1 car, it was such an exciting and special moment, and here I am, almost 20 years later, feeling those emotions all over again."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The British driver completed a test session in Ferrari's 2023 challenger, the SF-23, at the team's Fiorano circuit early Wednesday.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Stepping into a new era 👊 <br><br>Lewis Hamilton takes his first lap in a Ferrari! <a href="https://t.co/LCOws2haSn">pic.twitter.com/LCOws2haSn</a></p>— Scuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScuderiaFerrari/status/1882000950157844701?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The seven-time world champion's on-track debut was met with great affection from the fan base. Hamilton felt "energized" by the crowd.</p><p>"I already knew from the outside how passionate the Ferrari family is, from everyone in the team to the tifosi! But, to now witness it firsthand as a Ferrari driver has been awe-inspiring," Hamilton said. "That passion runs through their veins, and you can’t help but be energized by it. I'm so grateful for the love I have felt from everyone in Maranello this week, we have a lot of work to do, but I can’t wait to get started."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Olé, Olé, Olé, Lewis, Lewis 🎶🔊☺️<br><br>🎥Via [<a href="https://twitter.com/F1GuyDan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@F1GuyDan</a>] <a href="https://t.co/1yw5CbiSLk">pic.twitter.com/1yw5CbiSLk</a></p>— Hamilton Insights (@LH44_insights) <a href="https://twitter.com/LH44_insights/status/1882051323128078371?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The 40-year-old, who announced his shocking departure from Mercedes in 2024, made his first visit to the Maranello base Monday, calling it a day he'll remember forever.</p><p>Hamilton will partner with Charles Leclerc in a bid to bring Ferrari its first championship since 2008 when it last won the constructors' title. Kimi Raikkonen was the last pilot to win a drivers' title for the Italian team, doing so in 2007.</p>

FIORANO MODENESE, ITALY - JANUARY 22: Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain driving the (44) Ferrari SF-23 on track during his first official days as a Scuderia Ferrari F1 driver at Fiorano Circuit on January 22, 2025 in Fiorano Modenese, Italy.

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New Bears head coach Ben Johnson says staying in the division was one of his many reasons for cho...

<p>New Bears head coach Ben Johnson says staying in the division was one of his many reasons for choosing Chicago, and he introduced himself to the city by taking a playful jab at the Green Bay Packers in his first press conference with his new team.</p><p>"I know this is the toughest division in football right now. There (are) three teams that made the playoffs this year," Johnson said Wednesday. "Dan Campbell, Kevin O'Connell, you're talking about two guys that are up for coach of the year awards as the season ends here.</p><p>"And to be quite frank with you, I kinda enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">“To be quite frank with you, I kinda enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year.”<br><br>BEN JOHNSON COMIN’ IN HOT <a href="https://t.co/vBxiEriFRk">pic.twitter.com/vBxiEriFRk</a></p>— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachspeakIndex/status/1882114236559831449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Johnson expressed excitement about working with quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199760" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199760">Caleb Williams</a>, the 2024 first overall pick, <a href="https://x.com/ChicagoBears/status/1882115504007250178">saying</a> that "there is no doubt" the quarterback was a "large component" of his decision to come to the Bears.</p><p>"This offense will be calibrated with him in mind," Johnson explained. "This is not simply dropping of a previous playbook down on the table and starting there. Nope.</p><p>"We're ripping this thing down to the studs and we're going to build it up with him first and foremost, and then with the pieces around him next. I really look forward to challenging him and pushing him to continue to grow and develop."</p><p>Johnson <a href="https://x.com/ChicagoBears/status/1882112791982596137">described</a> Chicago's entire roster as "absolutely loaded with talent" despite the team's 5-12 record in 2024. </p><p>"Going into this season, I felt like this place was a sleeping giant," the head coach said, according to <a href="https://x.com/CourtneyRCronin/status/1882115586089771439">ESPN's Courtney Cronin</a>. "I was personally more concerned about the Bears than I was any other team in the division."</p><p>Johnson spent the last three seasons as the Lions' offensive coordinator, and his unit ranked in the top five in yardage and scoring in each campaign. Detroit led the NFL with an average of 33.2 points per game in 2024.</p>

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 15: Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson of the Detroit Lions looks on in the fourth quarter of a game against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field on December 15, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan.

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<p>Los Angeles Chargers pass-rusher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/33866" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/33866">Khalil Mack</a> has elected to return for the 2025 season after previously mulling retirement, a source told <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1882064149020315832">ESPN's Adam Schefter</a>.</p><p>Mack is scheduled to become a free agent this offseason.</p><p>The soon-to-be 34-year-old <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3188184" href="https://thescore.com/news/3188184">said</a> after the Chargers were eliminated in the wild-card round that he was going to take time and ponder whether to continue his playing career.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Mack has spent the past three seasons with the Chargers, registering 31 sacks. Seventeen of those sacks came during the 2023 season. He's made the Pro Bowl in each of his three years in Los Angeles.</p><p>A top-five pick in the 2014 draft, Mack has also spent time with the then Oakland Raiders and Chicago Bears. He has nine Pro Bowl nods and has totaled 107.5 sacks and 32 forced fumbles. He was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2016.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 05: Khalil Mack #52 of the Los Angeles Chargers looks on prior to a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on January 05, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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There isn't another team in college football history that can hold a candle to the path Ohio Stat...

<p>There isn't another team in college football history that can hold a candle to the path Ohio State took on its route to a national championship, according to Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti.</p><p>“That’s the greatest run in college football history," Petitti said following the Buckeyes' 34-23 victory over Notre Dame on Monday night, via <a href="https://x.com/RossDellenger/status/1881560359577981236">Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports</a>. </p><p>Ohio State earned the honor of being the first program ever to record five wins against AP top-five opponents in a single season with Monday's win, according to <a href="https://x.com/PeteThamel/status/1881431379575197909">ESPN's Pete Thamel</a>. The Buckeyes entered the title game tied with LSU's 2019 team, USC's 1967 squad, and Notre Dame's 1943 roster.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Ryan Day's group are also the first winners of the 12-team College Football Playoff format. Day and Co. defeated Tennessee to start before handing Oregon its first and only loss of the season. They then went on to beat Texas before trouncing Notre Dame in the CFP final.</p><p>"We built a foundation early in the season," Day <a href="https://x.com/espn/status/1881557710753177883">said</a> postgame. "We knew (we'd have to) withstand some storms along the way. We did. We stuck together, we hung in there like a family does when things get hard."</p><p>He added: "This just gives so much credibility to what these guys did all season. I'm so proud of them."</p><p>The national championship was the first of Day's career and Ohio State's first since 2014.</p>

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 20: Josh Fryar #70 and head coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrate after beating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 34-23 in the 2025 CFP National Championship at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 20, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97162" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97162">Lamar Jackson</a> suffered yet another postseason exit as the Baltimore Ravens fell to the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round, but those around him believe it's a matter of when - not if - he'll hold the Lombardi Trophy.</p><p>"It's inevitable," fullback Patrick Ricard told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43495114/ravens-believe-jackson-win-super-bowl-inevitable">ESPN's Jamison Hensley</a> on Monday. "He's going to win a Super Bowl, and I want to be a part of it. It just sucks that it hasn't happened yet."</p><p>Jackson has been subject to criticism for his postseason play over his career. He engineered what would have been a game-tying drive in Sunday's 27-25 loss had tight end <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/82707" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/82707">Mark Andrews</a> not dropped the pass on the two-point conversion, but he was responsible for two turnovers during the game, throwing an interception and losing a fumble.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 28-year-old was critical of his own mistakes postgame and told reporters "I'm tired of this shit."</p><p>Jackson has accumulated 13 total touchdowns and 11 turnovers lost over eight postseason starts. He owns a 3-5 record in those matchups. </p><p>Ricard believes there's "still time" for Jackson to win a Super Bowl.</p><p>"He's still young," Ricard added. "He's definitely going to (get) one at some point."</p><p>Jackson is a candidate to be named NFL MVP for the third time in his career after setting new personal bests in passing yards (4,172), touchdown passes (41), and interception rate (0.8%) in 2024.</p>

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 19: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens looks to pass prior to an NFL Football game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on January 19, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York.

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Ravens' Ricard: Lamar winning Super Bowl is 'inevitable'

Cooper Kupp isn't sure what the next stage of his NFL career will look like, but he hopes it'll b...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/68147" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/68147">Cooper Kupp</a> isn't sure what the next stage of his NFL career will look like, but he hopes it'll be with the Los Angeles Rams.</p><p>"Who knows what's going to happen," Kupp said Monday, according to <a href="https://x.com/AdamGrosbard/status/1881461330898821136">Adam Grosbard of LA Daily News</a>. "A lot of stuff's out of my control. We'll see what it's going to be. I don't have any clarity on what that's going to look like."</p><p>However, Kupp added that he "obviously would love to be in L.A."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Kupp is the latest Rams veteran whose status is uncertain following Sunday's divisional-round defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles. Quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/680" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/680">Matthew Stafford</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3195230" href="https://thescore.com/news/3195230">said</a> postgame that he'll take some time to ponder his future, though he feels he still has some football left in him.</p><p>Los Angeles reportedly contacted teams about trading Kupp earlier this season. The 31-year-old is under contract through the 2026 season and accounts for a $29.8-million cap hit in 2025, per <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/player/_/id/21811/cooper-kupp">Spotrac</a>.</p><p>Kupp led the NFL in receptions (145), receiving yards (1,947), and touchdowns (16) during the 2021 campaign but has struggled to stay healthy since, missing 18 games over the past three seasons. Kupp ended the 2024 campaign with 67 catches for 710 yards and six scores.</p>

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 19, 2025: Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) walks off the field after the Rams loss to the Eagles in the NFC Divisional playoff at Lincoln Financial Field on January 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

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Kupp: Future uncertain but 'would love' to remain with Rams

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen had nothing but respect for his MVP rival and Baltimore Rave...

<p>Buffalo Bills quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/94699" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/94699">Josh Allen</a> had nothing but respect for his MVP rival and Baltimore Ravens passer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97162" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97162">Lamar Jackson</a> following Sunday's divisional-round meeting.</p><p>"I got nothing but love for Lamar," Allen said after the Bills' 27-25 victory over the Ravens, according to <a href="https://x.com/AlbertBreer/status/1881172575675687093">Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated</a>. "He's one of the greatest ever to put a uniform on."</p><p>The battle between the two MVP candidates ended dramatically after Jackson's potential game-tying fourth-quarter drive fell short when Ravens tight end <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/82707" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/82707">Mark Andrews</a> dropped a pass on the two-point conversion in the final minutes.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Greatness from these two all season long 🤝 <a href="https://t.co/5nkJT9Wlth">pic.twitter.com/5nkJT9Wlth</a></p>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1881176023452246145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Allen completed 16 of 22 pass attempts for 127 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in the contest. However, he did most of his damage on the ground with two rushing scores.</p><p>Jackson was 18-for-25 passing with two touchdowns but hurt his team with an interception and a fumble lost.</p><p>Neither Allen nor Jackson have won a Lombardi Trophy, but the Bills quarterback will have an opportunity to get to his first Super Bowl in a matchup against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs next Sunday.</p>

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 19: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens and Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills embrace after the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Highmark Stadium on January 19, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York.

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Allen shows love to MVP rival: Lamar is 'one of the greatest ever'

Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell came to the defense of Jared Goff after the quarterba...

<p>Detroit Lions offensive tackle <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161672" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161672">Penei Sewell</a> came to the defense of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/71572" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/71572">Jared Goff</a> after the quarterback committed four turnovers in an unexpected postseason loss to the Washington Commanders.</p><p>"I just don't understand how ... people can put a blame on one person at all," Sewell said Sunday, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43481916/lions-penei-sewell-unfair-blame-jared-goff-playoff-exit">ESPN's Eric Woodyard</a>. "It's not like he's the one that's out there by himself. So, I'll never understand it. But again, that's not my world and what I pay attention to, but bullshit."</p><p>Goff threw three interceptions and lost a fumble during the 45-31 defeat. His first turnover - a strip sack - came at the end of the first quarter with the Lions in the red zone. Goff then threw a pick-6 in the second quarter before being intercepted again on a pass to the end zone to finish the first half. His final pick came on the Lions' last drive while they were down 14.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The signal-caller <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3194462" href="https://thescore.com/news/3194462">admitted</a> postgame that he'll be haunted by his performance.</p><p>"Had I played better, do we win? Possibly," Goff said Saturday. "And that's the part that'll eat me alive all offseason."</p><p>Detroit's defense couldn't stop the Commanders' offense. Rookie passer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199756" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199756">Jayden Daniels</a> threw for 299 yards with two touchdowns to zero interceptions, and Washington also put up 182 yards on the ground.</p><p>The Lions won a franchise-record 15 games during the 2024 season.</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 22: Jared Goff #16 and Penei Sewell #58 of the Detroit Lions wait in the tunnel before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 22, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Lions' Sewell defends Goff: 'I'll never understand' blaming one person

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