Photo: Ravens' Zay Flowers Teases Haircut in IG Post Ahead of NFL Playoffs
Jan 6, 2025
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 04: Zay Flowers #4 of the Baltimore Ravens runs with the ball after a catch during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on January 04, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Zay Flowers seemingly has a new haircut ahead of the playoffs.
The Baltimore Ravens wide receiver teased his new look on Instagram, posting a photo holding a big chunk of his hair and indicating that he went with a shorter look.
Flowers could be following in the footsteps of another Ravens star, as running back Derrick Henry got a dramatic haircut during Baltimore's bye week in December.
Perhaps the new look will give Flowers some additional confidence as he looks to put together a big postseason.
Flowers, a second-year receiver out of Boston College, put together a strong sophomore season. After posting 858 receiving yards and five touchdowns his rookie year, Flowers had 1,059 yards and four touchdowns on 74 receptions this year.
He once again led the Ravens' wide receiver room and was a major factor in quarterback Lamar Jackson's MVP-caliber season. Flowers will look to continue playing well in the playoffs as the Ravens look to reach the Super Bowl for the first time in the Jackson era.
They've got a tall test on Saturday as they take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in the wild-card round. The Steelers got the best of Baltimore in November, but the Ravens evened the season series with a win in December.
Now, they'll look to take down their division rival to punch a ticket to the divisional round.
Browns GM Andrew Berry 'Embarrassed' by 3-14 Record During 2024-25 NFL Season
Jan 6, 2025
LAS VEGAS, NV - SEPTEMBER 29: General manager Andrew Berry of the Cleveland Browns arrives at the stadium prior to an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, at Allegiant Stadium on September 29, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)
Andrew Berry said Monday he was "embarrassed" to see the Cleveland Browns finish his fifth season as general manager with a 3-14 record.
Browns GM Andrew Berry at his end-of-season news conference: "Quite honestly, I'm embarrassed with the results that we've had this year."
Despite those disappointments, Berry said he did not necessarily plan on completing overhauling the Browns roster this offseason.
"I don't envision an offseason where we're moving on from a ton of core players," Berry said. "I do expect there to be some turnover on the roster, but the idea that we would get rid of some of our cornerstone players, I don't necessarily see that as a viable path."
That roster continuity might not extend to the quarterback position. Berry said Watson had suffered a "setback" that would prolong his recovery from a season-ending Achilles injury.
Berry was hired by the Browns ahead of the 2020 season. Cleveland finished the campaign 11-5 and won a playoff game before getting bounced in the divisional round.
The Browns have not reached that level of success since signing Watson to a five-year, $230 million contract following the 2022 trade.
Watson's inconsistent play and missed time since then has led the Browns to start seven different quarterbacks over the last two seasons.
Cleveland holds the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NFL draft, which could lead to the team using that selection to draft a new quarterback.
The Browns fired offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey and offensive line coach Andy Dickerson following the regular season finale. Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski are expected to remain with the team in 2025, per NFL.com.
Browns' Deshaun Watson May Need Additional Surgery After Setback on Achilles Injury
Jan 6, 2025
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 20: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns reacts during player introductions prior to the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
The Cleveland Browns could be without quarterback Deshaun Watson for longer than originally anticipated.
Per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Browns general manager Andrew Berry announced on Monday that Watson suffered a setback in his recovery from Achilles surgery. While Berry said it's not yet clear how this will impact Watson's recovery timeline, he also didn't rule out the possibility of additional surgery for the signal-caller.
Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported that Watson "alerted the medical staff during his exit physical on Sunday that something didn't feel right." Berry was unable to answer whether the 29-year-old would be ready to play at all during the 2025 season.
When asked how Watson's setback impacts the Browns' quarterback plans, Berry said, "I wouldn't say it has a significant impact" before adding, "The reality is that the room will look different next year." The team will have the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NFL draft, giving it the chance to add a quarterback of the future as Watson's successor.
Watson suffered a season-ending torn Achilles in Cleveland's Week 7 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals and underwent surgery on Oct. 25. The Browns went 1-6 in games he started before finishing the year with a 3-14 record. In his brief time on the field, he threw for 1,148 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions while adding a rushing touchdown and tying his career high with three lost fumbles.
Watson has two years remaining on his fully guaranteed $230 million contract and will be making $46 million per year, but Cleveland recently restructured his deal to add another void year in 2029 and spread out the salary-cap hit.
Report: Lou Anarumo Fired as Bengals DC After 6 Seasons, Missing 2024-25 NFL Playoffs
Jan 6, 2025
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 04: Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo in action during the second half of a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium on December 04, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Courtney Culbreath/Getty Images)
The Cincinnati Bengals' defensive woes throughout the 2024 season were a major factor in the team falling short of the playoffs, and it's caused an overhaul of the coaching staff.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Monday that Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo has been fired after six seasons in the position. Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic added that linebackers coach James Bettcher and defensive line coach Marion Hobby have also been fired along with offensive line coach Frank Pollack.
Anarumo's unit ranked 25th in the NFL this season with 348.3 yards allowed per game, a small improvement from the 2023 campaign where Cincinnati ranked 31st in the league with 374.6 yards allowed per game.
The Bengals won their last five games to finish the year with a 9-8 record. Unfortunately, their subpar start to the season was just too much to overcome, as they didn't control their own destiny in Week 18. Cincinnati would've needed losses by the Denver Broncos and the Miami Dolphins to earn the final playoff spot in the AFC, but the Broncos defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 38-0.
The lackluster performance of the Bengals' defense wasted an outstanding year by some of their biggest stars. Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow led the league with 4,918 yards and 43 passing touchdowns against just nine interceptions. Star receiver Ja'Marr Chase achieved the triple crown, leading the NFL with 127 catches, 1,708 yards and 17 touchdowns. Defensive end Trey Hendrickson led the league with 17.5 sacks.
It's clear that the Bengals have enough talent to compete with the NFL's elite teams, but they will need the right staff under head coach Zac Taylor to bring out the best in their players.
Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase Becomes 5th NFL Player to Win Receiving Triple Crown
Jan 6, 2025
KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 15: Ja'Marr Chase #1 of the Cincinnati Bengals flexes in celebration after a play during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase became the fifth player in NFL history to win the receiving triple crown.
Joining an elite group of just four other players since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970—Jerry Rice (1990), Sterling Sharpe (1992), Steve Smith (2005) and Cooper Kupp (2021)—Chase has completed the season as the leader in catches, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.
The 24-year-old recorded 127 receptions, 1,708 receiving yards and 17 receiving touchdowns during the Cincinnati Bengals' 9-8 season in 2024-25.
The accomplishment was something Chase envisioned during the Bengals' Week 11 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, according to ESPN's Ben Baby, where he recorded two touchdowns on seven receptions.
He recognized that the trajectory he was on was unique. "If not now, then soon," Chase said, according to Baby.
Ahead of his final game of the season on Saturday, Chase had already all but secured the triple crown. He led Detroit Lions' Amon-Ra St. Brown by eight catches, Minnesota Vikings' Justin Jefferson by 133 receiving yards and both St. Brown and Washington Commanders' Terry McLaurin by four touchdowns. Absolute domination.
In Chase's fourth season in the league, he has fully embraced the confidence he always knew he had, now evident with his achievement of the triple crown.
"This is the first year that I just know (it) for a fact," Chase said, per Baby. "The confidence that I had was just like, I knew it already."
Report: Kevin Stefanski Safe; Browns Fire OC Ken Dorsey, OL Coach After 3-14 Season
Jan 5, 2025
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 27: Offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey of the Cleveland Browns looks on prior to a game against the Baltimore Ravens at Huntington Bank Field on October 27, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
Kevin Stefanski will return as the Cleveland Browns' head coach in 2025, but the team is already shaking up its coaching staff after a disastrous 3-14 season, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Pelissero reported Sunday that Cleveland has fired offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey and offensive line coach Andy Dickerson, both of whom were hired last offseason.
The Browns have one of the worst offenses in the league. They're averaging the fewest points (15.2) and fifth-fewest yards (300.8), and that's unacceptable any way you cut it for a franchise that had such high ambitions coming into the campaign.
Here's the list of the worst offenses in DVOA history with the Browns at No. 13 entering today's game.
It's interesting how rare it was for units to be historically great or terrible from 1978-1990. It really makes the 1985 Bears stand out. pic.twitter.com/08GdjZJ1LE
Having said that, it's not as though Dorsey was dealt a great hand from the start.
Simply put, the Deshaun Watson trade has been a failure on a historic scale for the Browns. He has made just 19 appearances through three seasons and when he has been healthy, his performance has been much worse compared to his peak with the Houston Texans.
Pretty much any offensive coordinator would have a hard time getting something out of this version of Watson. Then Cleveland cycling through Jameis Winston, Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Bailey Zappe after the three-time Pro Bowler suffered a season-ending Achilles injury.
Compounding matters, running back Nick Chubb missed the first six games while recovering from a torn ACL and meniscus in 2023 and was out for the last three weeks after breaking his foot.
Ultimately, the marriage between Stefanski and Dorsey may have been imperfect from the start.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Daniel Oyefusi detailed how firing Alex Van Pelt as OC and hiring Dorsey "was curious to people inside the building and out." The personnel move represented a major shift in playing styles, particularly a pivot toward opening up the passing game and trying to play to Watson's strengths.
"The changes did not bring out the best in Watson or the Cleveland offense, which looked caught between two worlds," Fowler and Oyefusi wrote. "Watson struggled mightily as the season began, missing open targets and looking uncomfortable in the pocket. The Browns never reached 20 points in Watson's seven 2024 starts—all games in which Stefanski, not Dorsey, called the plays—and the quarterback was last in QBR (23.5) by a wide margin, looking up at the Titans' Will Levis (27.0) at the bottom."
From that standpoint, letting Dorsey go is understandable and perhaps warranted.
But having a third different offensive coordinator in as many seasons rarely looks good for a head coach, and it underscores the level of urgency within the entire organization.
I’m fine with the Browns running it back (more so Stefanski, but understand the front office being a package deal). But the reality of a season like this one is they better get off to a hot start next season. Because everyone’s on the hot seat now.
I think Stefanski is a good NFL HC, but not many teams would give a HC more time after not winning a playoff game in 5 years. Indicative of a lowered bar after a really rough history. He should definitely take back play calling for sure.
Leaving the Watson trade and its consequences aside, two playoff appearances in five years isn't a great return from the Stefanski era. He probably has one more staff reshuffle left before he's the one who will be held accountable for whatever struggles Cleveland continues to endure on the field.
Joe Burrow, Chase Impress NFL Fans as Bengals Keep Playoff Hopes Alive, Beat Steelers
Jan 5, 2025
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 04: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals throws a pass in the first quarter of a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on January 04, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Despite their best efforts to give it away, the Cincinnati Bengals managed to secure a crucial must-win victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Joe Burrow and the Bengals notched their fifth straight victory, edging out Russell Wilson and the Steelers 19-17 in a tightly contested matchup on Saturday at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.
Burrow connected on 37-of-46 passes for 277 yards, one touchdown and one interception, improving the Bengals' record to 9-8 and keeping their playoff hopes alive.
Sitting third in the AFC North, the Bengals will need a couple of things to happen on Sunday to make the playoffs:
The Kansas City Chiefs must beat the Denver Broncos on Sunday
The Miami Dolphins must lose or tie against the New York Jets on Sunday
The Steelers endured a heartbreaking end to what nearly turned into an incredible comeback, falling to 10-7, though they've already clinched a wild card spot. Wilson gave his all, finishing 17-of-31 for 148 yards and one touchdown.
Fans were more than impressed with Burrow and his grit, along with the Bengals, holding their breath as the team clings to their playoff hopes:
MASSIVE SHOUTOUT to Joe Burrow. Team was 1-4 and then 4-8 with NOBODY BUT THEY MOMMA giving them a chance to make the playoffs. They fought back to win 5 straight and finish the season 9-8. Burrow threw for 4,918 yards, 43 TDs and Ja’Marr Chase had 1,708 yards receiving, 17 TDS.… pic.twitter.com/70IFV3heSb
A fast start proved to be crucial for the Bengals, as they scored ten points in the first quarter while holding the Steelers scoreless. Cincinnati's Ja'Marr Chase got the ball rolling with a 12-yard touchdown reception from Burrow just inside the 10-minute mark. Kicker Cade York added three points to the team's total just before the end of the first quarter.
Najee Harris opened the scoring for the Steelers with a one-yard rush in the second quarter to stop the bleeding.
Despite an interception by Burrow with 1:13 left before halftime, the Steelers turned it over on downs and York and the Bengals capitalized, knocking down another field goal to take a 13-7 lead at halftime.
After halftime, both teams faced difficulty finding the end zone, with the only points of the third quarter coming from Cincinnati. Kicker Cade York connected on a 35-yard field goal, and he opened the fourth quarter with another three points, extending the Bengals' lead.
With a 19-7 lead early in the fourth, the Steelers mounted a comeback, beginning with a 19-yard touchdown pass from Wilson to Pat Freiermuth, narrowing the gap to 19-14.
With 5:25 left in the fourth quarter, the Bengals muffed a punt, which was recovered by Steelers tight end Connor Heyward, giving Pittsburgh another chance to take the lead. Failing to score a touchdown on the turnover, the Steelers settled for a 54-yard field goal by Chris Boswell.
The Steelers held Cincinnati to a three-and-out but turned the ball over on 4th-and-12 after tight end Pat Freiermuth failed to catch a pass from Wilson. This left the Bengals with 15 seconds to kneel and run out the clock, sealing the victory.
The Bengals will certainly be anxiously waiting their fate on Sunday to see if they can secure a spot in the postseason.
Ravens' Derrick Henry Claps Back at RG3, Hypes Lamar Jackson as MVP on Social Media
Jan 5, 2025
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 04: Derrick Henry #22 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on before the game against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on January 04, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Derrick Henry is all in on a third MVP for Lamar Jackson.
The Baltimore Ravens running back responded to a post on X by former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III. In the post, Griffin said that "discrediting" Jackson because of Henry's dominance is incorrect and that the two enhance each others play.
Henry quoted the post and first corrected Griffin's initial misspelling of his name before declaring that he is "screaming MV3 over this way."
First of all bruh spell my name right lol (Derrick Henry) & WE SCREAMING MV3 OVER THIS WAY ! https://t.co/3nSdlmu8qj
Henry is in his first season with Jackson and the Ravens and helped lead the team to a 12-5 season.
Henry signed a two-year, $16 million contract with Baltimore last offseason and has added significant explosiveness to a team that was led by Jackson in rushing in 2023. He rushed for 1,921 yards with 16 touchdowns in his first season.
Despite Henry's presence, Jackson actually exceeded his rushing totals from 2023 with 915 yards and four touchdowns. He threw for 4,172 yards and 41 touchdowns with just four interceptions and has a strong case to earn a second consecutive MVP.
While adding another trophy would be an accomplishment for Jackson, he, Henry and the Ravens will now shift focus to their Wild Card Round playoff matchup and the hopes of a sustained playoff run.
Video: Bengals' Mike Gesicki Earns $125K Contract Incentive with Catch vs. Steelers
Jan 5, 2025
CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 28: Mike Gesicki #88 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Paycor Stadium on December 28, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Mike Gesicki earned a hefty contract incentive with his first catch on Saturday.
The Cincinnati Bengals tight end caught a 12-yard pass from Joe Burrow in the opening quarter of the team's AFC North clash with the Pittsburgh Steelers, surpassing 600 receiving yards on the season and triggering a $125,000 incentive (via ESPN's Adam Schefter).
Mike Gesicki passed 600 receiving yards on the season, triggering a $125k incentive.
Gesicki started off strong against Pittsburgh, hauling in four receptions for 33 yards in the first quarter.
The 29-year-old already reached several incentives in 2024 before surpassing 600 yards on Saturday.
Gesicki earned $125,000 for reaching 45 receptions, then received another $125,000 for catching 55 passes (h/t SI.com's Jay Morrison). He also trigged a separate $125,000 contract bonus for racking up 500 yards this season.
Gesicki has exceeded expectations after signing a one-year, $2.5 million contract with Cincinnati as a free agent in March 2024.
He's appeared in all 17 games for the Bengals, recording 57 catches for 597 yards and two touchdowns entering Saturday's action. Gesicki has been able to make an impact despite varying usage, as he's appeared in just 44 percent of Cincinnati's total offensive snaps (via Pro Football Reference).
BURROW TO GESICKI AGAIN. 5 TD passes for No. 9 today!
The former second-round pick is coming off a strong performance during a 30-24 overtime win over the Denver Broncos in Week 17, catching a season-high 10 passes for 86 yards and earning praise from Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow.
"Mike was great today," Burrow said after the victory, per the team's official website. "He made contested plays in big spots. Just watching the tape all week, I knew it was going to be a big Mike game, and he stepped up big for us."
As the Bengals attempt to keep their playoff hopes alive against the Steelers on Saturday, Gesicki collected another contract incentive.
Lamar Jackson's Historic Season Thrills NFL Fans as Ravens Clinch Division vs. Browns
Jan 5, 2025
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 04: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens runs with the ball while defended by Winston Reid #59 of the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on January 04, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
For the second straight season, the Baltimore Ravens have won the AFC North.
Lamar Jackson and the Ravens clinched a division title with a 35-10 win over the Cleveland Browns on Saturday, ensuring that they'll host at least one playoff game.
Baltimore's defense set the tone early with a pick six by cornerback Nate Wiggins in the first quarter, eventually jumping out to an 11-point halftime lead that the team wouldn't relinquish for the rest of the contest.
Nate Wiggins takes his first career interception to the crib!
Jackson capped off his incredible regular season with another strong performance, finishing 16-of-32 for 217 yards and two touchdowns against Cleveland. He also picked up 63 rush yards on nine attempts and didn't commit a turnover.
Lamar Jackson's final numbers on the season: 4,172 passing yards. 41 TD passes. 4 INTs. 915 rushing yards and 4 rushing TDs. He won't break the all-time passer rating mark (had a 90.2 rating today), but an unreal regular for Jackson.
With 41 TD passes and 4 interceptions, Jackson is the first player in NFL history to throw 40 TD passes and fewer than 5 interceptions in a single season
Baltimore contained both of Cleveland's quarterbacks that suited up in the contest, as Bailey Zappe and Dorian Thompson-Robinson combined to finish 18-of-34 for 174 yards and a touchdown compared to two interceptions.
BIG BIG MAN INT! Michael Pierce drops and coverage at 355 pounds and picks it off!
The Ravens finished the regular season with a record of 12-5, marking the fourth year that they've won a division title since Jackson's rookie season in 2018.
