“It’s something that we need: What Chiefs said in locker room after season’s 1st loss - soccerdelights.com
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“It’s something that we need: What Chiefs said in locker room after season’s 1st loss

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“It’s something that we need: What Chiefs said in locker room after season’s 1st loss: ‘A reality check for us

Following “M-V-P” chants for quarterback Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills fans continued their party scene late into the night following Sunday afternoon’s 30-21 home victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Blue-clad supporters first danced in the aisles during the final seconds of the team’s win. Then, more than two hours after the game, they shot off fireworks in surrounding neighborhoods, with the sparks rising high above Highmark Stadium.

For a Bills fan base haunted by quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in the postseason, Sunday’s celebration was almost that of winning a mini-Super Bowl. The Chiefs, however, did not act afterward as if the stakes were the same on the other end.

KC’s players were disappointed, to be sure, following the team’s first loss of the season Sunday, which halted a 9-0 start and also marked the team’s first defeat since Christmas Day 2023. But the Chiefs also weren’t shying from tough questions in the locker room — or shirking responsibility — for the errors that led to their first setback this season.

“You’ve been in this league long enough, you understand wins and losses happen,” Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton said. “It’s about what you do afterwards. So you’ve got to grow — as a team, as a unit — and find ways to get better.” For the Chiefs’ defense specifically, that will start with working to eliminate small mistakes that added up.

KC’s defense surrendered 30 points for the first time in nearly two seasons. The last time a team put up that point total was Super Bowl LVII against the Philadelphia Eagles in February 2023. Bolton listed a few technical errors he saw Sunday: • The team not keeping its pass rush balanced with players in the correct spots; • Guys blitzing from their spots too late;

Not playing with correct leverage to keep offensive players contained. “As the game progresses,” Bolton said, “those things magnify.” Bolton also said Sunday solidified how small the margin of error can be in the NFL — especially when facing a talent like Allen on the other side. “I think it’s eye-opening for us in terms of just, you can’t let three or four mistakes in a game lead to 16, 20, points,” Bolton said. “So you’ve got to figure out a way to knock those out.”

Chiefs safety Justin Reid said third downs stood out most to him. Buffalo converted nine of their 14 attempts on third downs, with five coming when the Bills faced eight yards or more to gain.

“I think we get off the field on third down, it’s a totally different landscape of a game,” Reid said. “There’s too many opportunities we had them on third-and-long, third and Josh being Josh, he makes a play.” The Chiefs have had losses serve them well before. Perhaps no better example was last season’s home defeat against the Las Vegas Raiders, which forced KC to make needed changes offensively to simplify things.

Reid said the team could gain a similar spark from Sunday’s adversity. “That’s absolutely what this needs to be. It needs to be something that we build off of,” Reid said. “It’s something that we need — a reality check for us.” Reid said he knew coaches and teammates well enough that they would learn from the Bills loss and build from it.

“We’re going to use it as a stepping stone,” Reid said, “to go where we really want to go.” The Chiefs losing their undefeated season might also re-frame the season in a way that can be productive. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes said Sunday’s result reinforced to him that the offense needed to have more urgency, especially at the beginning of games.

“And that starts with me,” Mahomes said. Cornerback Trent McDuffie, meanwhile, said the team had continued to win the past few weeks while overcoming “a few little mental mistakes” defensively. He said a loss can be an appropriate moment to refocus.

“When you’re doing good, I feel like a lot of things sometimes can almost be overlooked,” McDuffie said. “ … So I think we can take this moment to just see who we are as a team and learn from it and continue to grow.” Even some of the Chiefs’ top performers were vowing to improve. That included cornerback Chamarri Conner, who had an interception and also finished as one of the Chiefs’ top-two graded defenders in Pro Football Focus’ preliminary grades Sunday.

Conner still stood in front of his locker while telling reporters, “I feel like I played bad,” believing he could’ve done a better job with his tackling.

“Gonna learn from it, gonna get back in the lab,” Conner said, “and we’re gonna come back stronger.” Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal, a few cubbies to Conner’s left, said he had a specific way he wanted to use this loss: As fuel to motivate him for the rest of the season. “Remember this feeling,” Chenal said. “We’ve been kind of living up here a little bit. Remember the feeling and how much it hurts.”

 

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ESPN Analyst Casually Destroys Cowboys With Blunt Message About Their Free Agency Moves

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ESPN Analyst Casually Destroys Cowboys With Blunt Message About Their Free Agency Moves

Jerry Jones said before NFL free agency began that the team wouldn’t be aggressive in trying to bring in new pieces that could help the franchise bounce back from a bad year. Well, it looks like he wasn’t lying because the Cowboys haven’t made a ton of moves, which has left fans and analysts wondering why they’ve chosen this route while most other teams are making big moves for the future.

On Wednesday the Cowboys lost DeMarcus Lawrence to the Seahawks, as the long-time edge rusher signed a three-year deal with Seattle. Moments after that move was announced, ESPN’s Ryan Clark tore into Jones and the Cowboys over their free agency plan:

“They don’t care,” Clark said on NFL Live. “I’m convinced the Cowboys don’t care. The Cowboys are just like, ‘It is what it is, dog. We’re going to see what happens. We ain’t trying to get better in the offseason.'”

The Cowboys, who finished 7-10 last season, own the No. 12 pick in the 2025 NFL draft. It seems like they’re going to be content to wait until April to make some bigger moves to help bolster their roster.

 

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BREAKING NEWS: Former New York Jets Coach Robert Saleh Joins Denver Broncos Shocks NFL Leaves Stunning Message for Woody Johnson following.

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BREAKING NEWS: Former New York Jets Coach Robert Saleh Joins Denver Broncos Shocks NFL Leaves Stunning Message for Woody Johnson following….

Former New York Jets Coach Robert Saleh Joins Denver Broncos, Leaves Stunning Message for Woody Johnson

The NFL world was caught off guard as former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh officially joined the Denver Broncos, marking a new chapter in his coaching career. However, what truly shocked fans and analysts alike was the message he left for Jets owner Woody Johnson, adding intrigue to his departure from New York. Saleh’s decision to move to Denver has sparked speculation about his tenure with the Jets, the reasons behind his departure, and what his presence could mean for the Broncos moving forward.

A Surprising Move to Denver

After three seasons as the head coach of the New York Jets, Robert Saleh’s tenure came to an abrupt end following the 2024 NFL season. While the Jets had high hopes for Saleh when he was hired in 2021, his time in New York was marred by inconsistency, struggles at the quarterback position, and an inability to reach the postseason. With his departure, many expected him to take a break from coaching or pursue a role as a defensive coordinator elsewhere.

Instead, Saleh wasted no time in securing his next opportunity, accepting a key role on Sean Payton’s staff with the Denver Broncos. The exact nature of his position has not yet been disclosed, but reports suggest that he will have significant input on the Broncos’ defensive scheme. Given Saleh’s reputation as a defensive mastermind, Denver could be looking to revamp its defense, which has faced challenges in recent seasons.

The Message That Shook Jets Fans

As if Saleh’s departure wasn’t surprising enough, his final message to Jets owner Woody Johnson added an unexpected layer of drama. According to sources close to the situation, Saleh left a statement that was both cryptic and pointed, leading to speculation about tensions within the Jets organization.

While the full details of the message have not been publicly released, insiders suggest that Saleh expressed his disappointment over how his tenure ended and may have hinted at frustrations regarding the team’s front office decisions.

One source described the message as “firm but professional,” indicating that Saleh didn’t hold back in sharing his thoughts. Some speculate that he may have been frustrated with how the Jets handled their quarterback situation, which included struggles with Zach Wilson and an ill-fated pursuit of Aaron Rodgers, who suffered a season-ending injury in his first game with the team.

Why Saleh’s Time in New York Fell Short

When Robert Saleh was hired by the Jets in 2021, he was seen as a rising star in the coaching ranks. As the former defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers, he had built a reputation as a defensive guru with strong leadership qualities.

However, his tenure with the Jets was filled with challenges. Despite building one of the league’s top defensive units, the team’s offensive struggles held them back. The revolving door at quarterback, offensive line injuries, and inconsistent playcalling led to a lack of progress in the standings.

The 2024 season was particularly tough, as expectations were sky-high following the acquisition of Aaron Rodgers. However, Rodgers’ injury in Week 1 derailed those hopes, leaving Saleh to navigate another disappointing season. By the end of the year, it became clear that the Jets were ready to move in a different direction.

What Saleh Brings to Denver

For the Broncos, bringing in Saleh could be a major boost for their defense. Denver has struggled to maintain consistency on that side of the ball, and Saleh’s experience could provide much-needed stability. Under his leadership, the Jets consistently ranked among the league’s top defenses, even when the offense failed to support them.

Now, paired with head coach Sean Payton, Saleh has an opportunity to make a significant impact in Denver. If given control over the defense, he could help elevate the Broncos to contender status in the AFC West. His energy, intensity, and tactical knowledge make him a valuable addition to Payton’s coaching staff.

Reactions from Fans and Analysts

Unsurprisingly, Saleh’s move to Denver has led to mixed reactions from Jets fans. Some believe that he was unfairly let go and should have been given more time, especially considering the bad luck with injuries. Others argue that the team needed a fresh start and that Saleh’s departure was inevitable.

On the Broncos’ side, fans are excited about the addition of a proven defensive mind. Many believe that Saleh’s presence will strengthen a defense that has struggled in recent seasons. Analysts have also weighed in, noting that this move could allow Saleh to rebuild his reputation and potentially position himself for another head coaching opportunity in the future.

What’s Next for Saleh and the Broncos?

As Saleh begins his tenure with the Broncos, the focus will be on how he integrates into Payton’s staff and what changes he implements on defense. If he can turn Denver’s defense into a top-tier unit, he could quickly regain credibility as a head coaching candidate for future openings.

Meanwhile, the Jets are moving forward with a new coaching staff, but Saleh’s parting message ensures that his departure will not be forgotten anytime soon. Whether his words were meant as a simple farewell or a critique of the organization remains a mystery, but one thing is clear: Robert Saleh’s time in New York ended with a bang, and his journey in Denver is just beginning.

 

 

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BREAKING NEWS: Robert Saleh’s Shocking Move: From Jets to 49ers, Now Broncos’ Head Coach – Reactions from Woody Johnson & Jed York Shake Up NFL Fans…

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BREAKING NEWS: Robert Saleh’s Shocking Move: From Jets to 49ers, Now Broncos’ Head Coach – Reactions from Woody Johnson & Jed York Shake Up NFL Fans…

In a stunning turn of events, former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh has been named the new head coach of the Denver Broncos. This move comes after a whirlwind coaching journey that saw Saleh return to the San Francisco 49ers as a defensive coordinator before quickly making the leap to a head coaching role once again. The decision has sent shockwaves through the NFL, with both Jets owner Woody Johnson and 49ers owner Jed York reacting to the unexpected news.

A Tumultuous Coaching Journey
Saleh’s tenure with the Jets came to an abrupt end in October 2024 after a rocky 2-3 start to the season. Despite his defensive prowess, the team struggled to find consistency, prompting Johnson to part ways with him in hopes of bringing in new leadership. Following his dismissal, Saleh was quickly scooped up by the 49ers in January 2025 to serve as their defensive coordinator, returning to a franchise where he had previously built a reputation as one of the league’s top defensive minds.

However, his stint with San Francisco proved to be short-lived. The Denver Broncos, who had been searching for a strong leader to turn around their struggling franchise, made an aggressive move to secure Saleh as their new head coach. This quick transition from defensive coordinator to head coach caught many by surprise, including 49ers owner Jed York, who had high hopes for Saleh’s impact on their defense.

Reactions from Woody Johnson and Jed York
Jets owner Woody Johnson, who had previously defended his decision to move on from Saleh, was reportedly shocked by how quickly his former coach landed another head coaching job. In a statement, Johnson acknowledged Saleh’s talents but maintained that the Jets needed a change. “Robert is a great coach and a great leader, but at the time, we believed a new direction was necessary for the team. I wish him all the best in Denver,” Johnson said.

Meanwhile, 49ers owner Jed York expressed disappointment at Saleh’s sudden departure. “We were excited to have Robert back as part of our coaching staff. His defensive expertise is well known, and we believed he could help us make another deep playoff run. While we respect his decision, it’s unfortunate to lose such a valuable coach so quickly,” York stated.

Fan Reactions and the Future of the Broncos
NFL fans have taken to social media to express their opinions on the surprising coaching change. Many Jets fans are left wondering if the team made a mistake in letting Saleh go, while 49ers fans are frustrated that he didn’t stay long enough to make a significant impact. Meanwhile, Broncos fans are cautiously optimistic about the hire, hoping that Saleh can bring his defensive mastery to a team that has struggled in recent seasons.

For Denver, the move signals a commitment to rebuilding their team with a defensive-minded approach. Saleh’s ability to develop players and create dominant defensive units was evident during his time with the 49ers, and the Broncos are banking on him to replicate that success in the Mile High City.

What’s Next for the Jets and 49ers?
With Saleh now in Denver, both the Jets and the 49ers are left adjusting to life without him. The Jets continue their search for a long-term coaching solution, while the 49ers must now find a replacement for their defensive coordinator position. The impact of Saleh’s departure will be closely monitored as the NFL offseason progresses.

One thing is certain—Robert Saleh’s unexpected move to the Broncos has shaken up the league and added another layer of intrigue to the upcoming NFL season. Whether he can turn Denver into a contender remains to be seen, but his journey has already made waves across the football world.

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Breaking: Aaron Rodgers has finalized a two-year deal to join Steelers in 2025 NFL free agency

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Breaking: Aaron Rodgers has finalized a two-year deal to join Steelers in 2025 NFL free agency

Antonio Brown has not been a player for the Pittsburgh Steelers in seven years. The ex-star wide receiver continues to circulate Steelers rumors, and now he’s asserting that he has insider knowledge about the team’s upcoming quarterback, hinting on Tuesday that Aaron Rodgers has already reached a two-year deal with Pittsburgh.

“Agreement is complete,” Brown shared on X, while promoting his social media platform as “the most reliable source in the entire sports world.”

This isn’t the initial occasion Brown has disclosed purported insider information about NFL news. Twelve months prior, the forthright ex-pass catcher posted screenshots of a supposed exchange with ESPN insider Adam Schefter, where Brown asked ESPN to acknowledge him for revealing the news of Russell Wilson joining the Steelers. Wilson ultimately secured a one-year contract with Pittsburgh last offseason.

Rodgers, who has been with the New York Jets for the past two seasons, is said to have been discussing with the Steelers since prior to the beginning of this week’s free agent negotiation period. The Jets had already declared their plan to let go of the former NFL MVP, and after Wilson and Justin Fields entered the negotiating period without new contracts from the Steelers, Rodgers appeared to be a primary target for Mike Tomlin’s team, with local reports suggesting that the two sides were nearing an agreement on Monday.

Brown, in the meantime, dedicated most of his successful yet controversial NFL career to Pittsburgh, twice topping the league in receptions as a seven-time Pro Bowler.

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Garrett Wilson Breaks Silence on Jets Signing QB Justin Fields

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Garrett Wilson Breaks Silence on Jets Signing QB Justin Fields

Former Ohio State Football teammates Justin Fields and Garrett Wilson reacting in the middle of a college football game.

The New York Jets signed Justin Fields to a two-year deal for $40 million in free agency.

Garrett Wilson, Fields’ former Ohio State teammate, gave this addition the stamp of approval.

“He [Fields] has a connection with Garrett Wilson. I think Wilson is very happy from what I understand [after talking] to some people,” Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic revealed on the “Flight Plan” podcast. “I think a lot of guys on this team wanted Justin Fields as their quarterback who are still on the team. [Fields] has the chemistry with Garrett, Garrett is happy that he is coming, [and] you don’t have to deal with the personality clash there.”

The Fields-Wilson Relationship Is an Important Factor

Things got bad between Wilson and Aaron Rodgers during the 2024 season. So bad in fact that Wilson would have considered requesting a trade if Rodgers returned in 2025, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.

“All is not well with Rodgers and Wilson,” Rapoport revealed on December 29. “Privately, there have been questions regarding whether Rodgers and Wilson can find common ground since they had a blowup during training camp … Wilson has not requested a trade, but if Rodgers is back, that is one of the options for how to proceed.”

There aren’t any questions about the relationship between Fields and Wilson.

The pair were teammates at Ohio State for two seasons in 2019 and 2020. OSU finished with a 20-2 record and the talented Buckeyes put up monster numbers.

Wilson during those two years caught 113 receptions for 1,781 receiving yards and scored 18 touchdowns.

Fields added 867 rushing yards and 15 rushing scores on the ground during those two seasons. Through the air, Fields added 5,373 passing yards, had a 63 touchdown to 9 interception ratio, and completed 68.7% of his passes during that same stretch.

Fields Is the Right Risk vs. Reward Proposition

The Jets acquired the most realistic best possible quarterback option that was available this offseason.

Fields, 26, is an unfinished product with untapped potential. He showed significant signs of improvement this past season on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Fields led the Steelers to a 4-2 record and set new career highs in completion percentage (65.8%) and quarterback rating (93.3).

“Here’s the reality & people don’t like to live in this, Justin Fields’ last two seasons he’s thrown for 21 touchdowns & 10 picks,” ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky said on the SportsCenter special “Free Agency Frenzy.”

In New York, Fields has a chance to prove he is the guy. The Jets signed him to a two-year deal for $40 million with $30 million of that guaranteed.

Based on his contract structure, Fields should be on the Jets roster for both of those years no matter what.

ESPN’s Rich Cimini explained that the former Ohio State product has a $20 million base salary next season with $10 million of that guaranteed.

Fields’ $20 million annual salary ranks No. 17 among the highest paid quarterbacks in the NFL, per Over The Cap.

If he has a standout year in 2025, Fields and the Jets can come back to the negotiating table to work out a long-term deal. If he stinks, Fields can be the bridge quarterback for the team in 2026 as they seek out what comes next at QB.

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