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College Momentum from The Maxwell Football Club
After Defeating the Tigers & Bears, USC Sets Sights on Big Ten Debut
USC had a victorious weekend as they secured back-to-back wins over the LSU Tigers and the Cal Bears. The Trojans capped it off with a four-set victory over UC Berkeley, continuing their strong early-season push. The Trojans opened the match with an electrifying start, holding the Bears to a .000 hitting percentage in set one.
Cal struggled to handle USC’s relentless pressure at the net and from the service line. Sophomore London Wijay led the attack with a .150 average, while freshman setter Reese Messer distributed the ball effectively, finishing the frame with a .320 percentage. The balanced attack kept Cal on its heels and highlighted the Trojans’ ability to move the ball efficiently.
Photo Cred: USC
Set two, however, saw the Bears bounce back. Cal secured a 27-25 win after maintaining a steady lead for much of the set. USC struggled with unforced errors and keeping attacks inbounds, though they never allowed the Bears to completely pull away.
“On our side, we need to be a lot better at attacking the court,” said USC head coach Brad Keller. “We had 52 digs each. We had 15 blocks to their six. Clearly, we’re playing defense, we’re just not scoring the ball. Next week is going to be about not necessarily the defensive side of things, but transitions and killing the ball.”
Despite a team hitting percentage of just .099 overall, the Trojans still had several key contributors. Wijay finished with four kills, junior Adonia Faumuina followed with three kills, and Messer tallied 11 assists to guide the offense. Freshmen Mullen and Messer also chipped in three sets each, providing steady support in the middle of the lineup. On the other side of the net, Cal began to build momentum behind standout sophomore Dominique Phills, who collected four kills and 16 receptions.
Setter Maria Știrbu contributed 12 assists, helping the Bears to a .097 hitting percentage. Set three began with more struggles for USC as the Bears jumped out to an early lead. But a critical timeout allowed the Trojans to regroup. From that moment on, the energy inside the arena shifted. USC stormed back with renewed confidence, hitting .276 with 15 kills compared to Cal’s .062. A decisive kill by senior Riley McGinest sealed the set, swinging momentum firmly in USC’s favor and igniting the home crowd.
“I was hired to compete and win national championships. Everything we do, talk, and act on will be about that goal,” Keller said. “It’s not an accident that we are now 9-1. I don’t mean that arrogantly—I just believe in this team. The goal is to always win the Big Ten and the national championship.”
The Trojans carried that energy into set four, closing the match with their most dominant performance of the night. USC rolled to a 25-14 victory, hitting .379 as a team. Freshman Abigail Mullen and classmate Taylor Deckert both had four digs, with Mullen also adding five kills. Sophomore Mia Tvrdy chipped in four more kills to round out a balanced offensive effort. Cal, meanwhile, finished the set with a .167 hitting rate as the Trojans overwhelmed them on both sides of the ball.
Photo Cred: USC
For Keller, the mix of experienced leaders and rising underclassmen is the difference-maker.
“I think these young, talented players see and understand the assignment. We have leadership. Adonia came and hit .467. It’s just a lot of really good humans in one building that are all about the same thing,” he said. “And when you have that, and you have direction, discipline, and consistency, then you can get to some spaces that other people cannot.”
With the victory, USC improved to 9-1 on the season. The Trojans now turn their focus to Sept. 26, when they will play their first-ever Big Ten Conference game against Penn State. For many of the players, it will be their Big Ten debut—an important milestone in what Keller hopes will be a championship-caliber season.
What To Look For – Week 4
career milestones in Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season, including:
- QB Justin Herbert
- WR Keenan Allen
- QB Jared Goff
- RB Jahmyr Gibbs
- RB Christian McCaffrey
- WR Puka Nacua
- QB Lamar Jackson
- RB Derrick Henry
- WR Ja’Marr Chase
- DE Trey Hendrickson
- DE Myles Garrett
JUSTIN HERBERT & KEENAN ALLEN
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert recorded 300 passing yards in Week 3, marking his 29th career game with at least 300 passing yards since entering the NFL in 2020.
With at least 300 passing yards at the New York Giants (1 p.m. ET, CBS), Herbert can become the fourth quarterback in NFL history with 30 such games in his first six seasons, joining Patrick Mahomes (41 games) as well as Pro Football Hall of Famers Dan Marino (32) and Kurt Warner (30).
The players with the most games with at least 300 passing yards in their first six seasons in NFL history:
| PLAYER | TEAM | GAMES |
| Patrick Mahomes | Kansas City | 41 |
| Dan Marino HOF | Miami | 32 |
| Kurt Warner HOF | St. Louis Rams | 30 |
| Justin Herbert | L.A. Chargers | 29* |
| *in sixth season | ||
Herbert, since Week 3 of the 2024 season, has nine consecutive regular-season road starts without an interception. Without an interception on Sunday, Herbert can become the first quarterback in NFL history without an interception in 10 consecutive regular-season road games (minimum 15 attempts in each game).
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen has 993 career receptions in 157 games and with seven receptions on Sunday, can surpass Pro Football Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison (167 games) as the fastest player in NFL history to reach 1,000 career receptions.
JARED GOFF & JAHMYR GIBBS
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff has 43 career games with at least 300 passing yards since entering the NFL in 2016.
With 300 passing yards against Cleveland (1 p.m. ET, FOX), Goff can tie Drew Brees (44 games) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Dan Marino (44) for the third-most such games by a player in his first 10 seasons in NFL history, trailing only Patrick Mahomes (48 games, in his ninth season) and Matt Ryan (45).
The players with the most games with at least 300 passing yards in their first 10 seasons in NFL history:
| PLAYER | TEAM(S) | GAMES |
| Patrick Mahomes | Kansas City | 48^ |
| Matt Ryan | Atlanta | 45 |
| Drew Brees | San Diego Chargers, New Orleans | 44 |
| Dan Marino HOF | Miami | 44 |
| Jared Goff | L.A. Rams, Detroit | 43* |
| *in 10th season; ^in ninth season | ||
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs had two rushing touchdowns in the Lions’ Week 3 win, marking his 28th and 29th career rushing touchdowns.
With a rushing touchdown on Sunday, Gibbs – who turns 24 years old following the 2025 season – can become the seventh running back in the Super Bowl era with at least 30 rushing touchdowns prior to his 24th birthday, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers Barry Sanders (43 rushing touchdowns), Emmitt Smith (41) and Walter Payton (34) as well as Maurice Jones-Drew (34), Clinton Portis (34) and Jonathan Taylor (33).
The players with the most rushing touchdowns under the age of 24 in NFL history:
| PLAYER | TEAM(S) | RUSHING TOUCHDOWNS |
| Barry Sanders HOF | Detroit | 43 |
| Emmitt Smith HOF | Dallas | 41 |
| Maurice Jones-Drew | Jacksonville | 34 |
| Walter Payton HOF | Chicago | 34 |
| Clinton Portis | Denver, Washington | 34 |
| Jonathan Taylor | Indianapolis | 33 |
| Jahmyr Gibbs | Detroit | 29* |
| *turns 24 on March 20, 2026 | ||
CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey recorded 88 receiving yards and 52 rushing yards in the 49ers’ Week 3 win, his third consecutive game with at least 50 receiving yards and 50 rushing yards to begin the 2025 season.
With at least 50 receiving yards and 50 rushing yards against Jacksonville (4:05 p.m. ET, FOX), McCaffrey can become the first player with at least 50 receiving yards and 50 rushing yards in four consecutive games multiple times in his career.
The players with the most consecutive games with at least 50 receiving yards and 50 rushing yards in NFL history:
| PLAYER | TEAM | DATES | GAMES |
| Christian McCaffrey | Carolina | Nov. 11, 2018 – Dec. 2, 2018 | 5 |
| Charlie Garner | Oakland Raiders | Sept. 8, 2002 – Oct. 6, 2002 | 4 |
| Robert Smith | Minnesota | Oct. 29, 2000 – Nov. 19, 2000 | 4 |
| Marshall Faulk HOF | St. Louis Rams | Dec. 5, 1999 – Dec. 26, 1999 | 4 |
| Herschel Walker | Dallas | Nov. 8, 1987 – Nov. 26, 1987 | 4 |
| Lydell Mitchell | San Diego Chargers | Oct. 8, 1978 – Oct. 29, 1978 | 4 |
| Clem Daniels | Oakland Raiders | Oct. 23, 1966 – Nov. 13, 1966 | 4 |
| Christian McCaffrey | San Francisco | Sept. 7, 2025 – active | 3* |
| *active streak | |||
PUKA NACUA
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua recorded 11 receptions for 112 yards in Week 3, his fifth-consecutive regular-season game with at least eight receptions.
With at least eight receptions against Indianapolis (4:05 p.m. ET, FOX), Nacua can join Eric Moulds (in 2002 with Buffalo) and T.J. Houshmandzadeh (in 2007 with Cincinnati) as the only players in NFL history with at least eight catches in each of his team’s first four games of a season.
LAMAR JACKSON & DERRICK HENRY
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson completed 21 of 27 attempts (77.8 percent) for 288 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions for a 148.1 passer rating in Week 3. Jackson has recorded at least two touchdown passes, no interceptions and a passer rating of 125-or-higher in each of his three games this season.
With at least two touchdown passes, no interceptions and a passer rating of 125-or-higher at Kansas City (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS), Jackson can become the first player ever to reach those marks in each of his team’s first four games of a season.
In Week 4, Jackson can become the fifth quarterback in NFL history to record at least two touchdown passes and a passer rating of 90-or-higher in 12 consecutive games, including the postseason, joining Tom Brady (12 games from 2014-15), Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning (13 games in 2004), Philip Rivers (13 games from 2017-18) and Aaron Rodgers (14 games from 2010-11).
Jackson has a 141.8 passer rating through his first three games this season. On Sunday, he can become the fourth quarterback with a passer rating of 140-or-higher through his team’s first four games of a season in NFL history (minimum 50 pass attempts), joining Milt Plum (152.7 passer rating through Cleveland’s first four games in 1960), John Hadl (145.7 with the L.A. Rams in 1973) and Craig Morton (143.3 with Dallas in 1969).
The quarterbacks with the highest passer rating through his team’s first four games of a season in NFL history (minimum 50 attempts):
| PLAYER | TEAM | SEASON | PASSER RATING |
| Milt Plum | Cleveland | 1960 | 152.7 |
| John Hadl | L.A. Rams | 1973 | 145.7 |
| Craig Morton | Dallas | 1969 | 143.3 |
| Lamar Jackson | Baltimore | 2025 | 141.8* |
| *through team’s first three games | |||
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry enters Week 4 with 109 career rushing touchdowns. With a rushing touchdown on Sunday, Henry can tie Pro Football Hall of Famer Walter Payton (110 career rushing touchdowns) for the fifth-most rushing touchdowns in NFL history. Only Pro Football Hall of Famers Emmitt Smith (164 career rushing touchdowns), LaDainian Tomlinson (145) and Marcus Allen (123) as well as Adrian Peterson (120) have more.
The players with the most rushing touchdowns in NFL history:
| PLAYER | TEAM(S) | SEASONS | RUSHING TOUCHDOWNS | |
| Emmitt Smith HOF | Dallas, Arizona | 1990-2004 | 164 | |
| LaDainian Tomlinson HOF | S.D. Chargers, N.Y. Jets | 2001-11 | 145 | |
| Marcus Allen HOF | L.A. Raiders, Kansas City | 1982-97 | 123 | |
| Adrian Peterson | Minnesota, New Orleans, Arizona, Washington, Tennessee, Seattle | 2007-21 | 120 | |
| Walter Payton HOF | Chicago | 1975-87 | 110 | |
| Derrick Henry | Tennessee, Baltimore | 2016-active | 109* | |
| *entering Week 4 | ||||
BENGALS ON MONDAY NIGHT
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase has recorded at least 115 receiving yards in each of his four career games on Monday night, with two touchdown receptions in each of his past two.
With at least 100 receiving yards at Denver on Monday Night Football (8:15 p.m. ET, ABC), Chase can become the first player in NFL history with at least 100 receiving yards in each of their first five games on Monday night.
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson has recorded at least half a sack in each of his nine appearances on Monday Night Football.
With at least half a sack on Monday night, Hendrickson can become the first player in NFL history with at least half a sack in each of his first 10 games on Monday night.
MYLES GARRETT
Cleveland defensive end Myles Garrett – with at least half a sack in each game this season – ranks tied for second in the league with four sacks entering Week 4.
With two sacks at Detroit (1 p.m. ET, FOX), Garrett – who has 106.5 career sacks and turns 30 years old on Dec. 29 – can surpass Pro Football Hall of Famer Reggie White (108 sacks) for the most sacks by a player under the age of 30 since 1982, when the individual sack became an official statistic.
Media Contact: Sam Drexler, NFL; Sam.Drexler@NFL.com
Top Teams of the Week: NFL Power Rankings After Week 3
- Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are looking like a different team compared to their Super Bowl campaign. In their latest game against the Rams, Jalen Hurts was asked to play Superman in the second half after trailing by 19 points—and he delivered. Hurts orchestrated a furious comeback, leading Philadelphia to a 33–26 win. That kind of resilience shows this team still knows how to win in tough moments. Even as defenses have started to bottle up Saquon Barkley more effectively, the Eagles simply have too many weapons for opponents to contain for four quarters.
The Eagles are looking like a different team compared to their Super Bowl campaign. In their latest game against the Rams, Jalen Hurts was asked to play Superman in the second half after trailing by 19 points—and he delivered. Hurts orchestrated a furious comeback, leading Philadelphia to a 33–26 win. That kind of resilience shows this team still knows how to win in tough moments. Even as defenses have started to bottle up Saquon Barkley more effectively, the Eagles simply have too many weapons for opponents to contain for four quarters.2. Buffalo Bills
The Bills came out firing to start the season, looking like one of the AFC’s strongest contenders. Beating Baltimore in Week 1 on a walk-off field goal set the tone, and dismantling the Jets only reinforced that early hype. Hosting a winless Miami Dolphins squad should have been smooth sailing, but Buffalo nearly let that one slip away. An interception late in the fourth quarter prevented the Dolphins from tying the game, but the cracks showed. Allowing Miami to go 10-for-15 on third downs raised real questions about Buffalo’s defense. Even with Josh Allen under center, failing to get consistent stops could make life harder than it needs to be.
3. Los Angeles Chargers
Photo Cred: Sporting News
Off to the dream start, the Chargers remain undefeated while already picking up key division wins. Jim Harbaugh has clearly changed the culture in just his second season, and the defense continues to look as sharp as last year. The offense, meanwhile, has taken a noticeable step forward. Still, their victories haven’t been dominant—they’ve felt more like survival than statement wins. With injuries, especially along the offensive line, beginning to pile up, this team’s depth will be tested. Fortunately, a favorable schedule over the next few weeks could create some distance between the Chargers and the rest of the AFC West.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Baker Mayfield hasn’t had the smoothest career journey, but he seems to have found a true home in Tampa. His toughness, grit, and leadership have become the heartbeat of this Buccaneers team. He’s willing to do the dirty work, take hits, and rally his teammates when needed—exactly what coaches dream of in a quarterback. Combine that with an elite receiving corps, and the Bucs’ offense looks dangerous. The bigger issue lies on defense. Tampa has struggled to close out games in the fourth quarter, and unless that improves, they’ll continue to leave the door open for comebacks. If the defense steadies, this could become one of the NFC’s most dangerous teams.
5. Indianapolis Colts
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the season so far, the Colts remain undefeated under Daniel Jones. Jones has been efficient, turnover-free, and productive, while the offense has punted just once all year. Pairing him with an elite running back has given Indianapolis a balanced, explosive attack that’s caught opponents off guard. Three wins against quality teams suggest this isn’t a fluke. Their upcoming matchup against the Rams in California could be a defining test—win there, and it’s time to take them seriously. The one red flag is the pass rush. Too often, opposing quarterbacks have enjoyed clean pockets, and unless the defensive line improves, it could come back to haunt them.
6. San Francisco 49ers
Like the Chargers, the 49ers have had to navigate injuries early in the season. With Brock Purdy sidelined, Mac Jones stepped in and delivered a gutsy game-winning drive against the Cardinals. But grit only goes so far in a league as tough as the NFL. The schedule stiffens in the coming weeks, and sustaining their win streak will require more than just scrappy victories. Losing Nick Bosa for the season is an especially devastating blow. Without their defensive cornerstone, San Francisco needs someone else to emerge on the line, or this team could struggle to keep pace with the NFC’s elite.
Jonathan Taylor, Derwin James & Andre Szmyt Named Week 3 AFC Players of the Week
| NEW YORK — Sept. 24, 2025 — Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James, and Cleveland Browns kicker Andre Szmyt are the AFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played in Week 3 (September 18, 21-22).
OFFENSE: RB JONATHAN TAYLOR, INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
DEFENSE: S DERWIN JAMES, LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
SPECIAL TEAMS: K ANDRE SZMYT, CLEVELAND BROWNS
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| For more from NFL Communications, visit media.nfl.com |
Caleb Williams, Isaiah Rodgers & Jordan Davis Named Week 3 NFC Players of the Week
| NEW YORK — Sept. 24, 2025 — Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, Minnesota Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers and Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jordan Davis are the NFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played in Week 3 (September 18, 21-22).
OFFENSE: QB CALEB WILLIAMS, CHICAGO BEARS
DEFENSE: CB ISAIAH RODGERS, MINNESOTA VIKINGS
SPECIAL TEAMS: DT JORDAN DAVIS, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
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| For more from NFL Communications, visit media.nfl.com |
Week 4 NFL Preview and Capsules
NEW YORK — Sept. 23, 2025 — Through the first three weeks, fantastic finishes have been a common thread across the NFL slate. There have been 15 games decided by a game-winning score in the final three minutes of regulation or in overtime, the most such games through Week 3 in NFL history.
For Week 4 capsules, click here.
Here’s a look at a few interesting storylines entering Week 4:
- Dublin bound: The first-ever NFL regular-season game in Dublin, Ireland, is set for Week 4 when Minnesota and Pittsburgh play at Croke Park (9:30 a.m. ET, NFL Network) on Sunday. The following week, the Vikings will become the first team to play multiple international games in different cities in the same season, when the team travels to London to take on the Cleveland Browns at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
- Last week, Minnesota cornerback Isaiah Rodgers recorded two forced fumbles, an 87-yard interception return for a touchdown and a 66-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the Vikings’ 48-10 win over Cincinnati, becoming the first player in NFL history with an interception return touchdown of 85-or-more yards and a fumble return touchdown of 65-or-more yards in the same game.
- In Week 3, Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers surpassed Pro Football Hall of Famer Brett Favre (508 touchdown passes) for the fourth-most regular-season touchdown passes in NFL history and topped Philip Rivers (63,440 passing yards) for the sixth-most regular-season passing yards all-time.
- 3-0 teams: Six teams – Buffalo, Indianapolis, the Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Tampa Bay – have begun the season with three consecutive wins.
- New Orleans (0-3) at Buffalo (3-0) (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Buffalo can begin 4-0 for the fifth time since 1990 and the first since 2020. The Bills, since Week 11 of the 2023 season, have won 13 consecutive regular-season home games and have scored at least 24 points in each game.
- Last week, Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen recorded his 86th career win (including the postseason) since entering the NFL in 2018 and surpassed Joe Flacco (85 wins) for the fifth-most wins by a quarterback in his first eight seasons, including the playoffs, in NFL history.
- During the Bills’ current 13-game home winning streak, Allen has 37 touchdowns (26 passing, 10 rushing, one receiving) and a 105.4 passer rating, including multiple combined passing and rushing touchdowns in 12 of the 13 games.
- Buffalo running back James Cook is the only player in the NFL with at least 100 scrimmage yards and a rushing touchdown in each of the first three weeks of the season. Since 1990, only three previous players have recorded 100 scrimmage yards and a rushing touchdown in each of their team’s first four games of a season: Christian McCaffrey (2023), DeMarco Murray (2014) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith (1995).
- L.A. Chargers (3-0) at N.Y. Giants (0-3) (1 p.m. ET, CBS): The Chargers can win each of their first four games of a season for the sixth time in franchise history and the first since 2002. Los Angeles, with divisional wins over Kansas City (Week 1), Las Vegas (Week 2) and Denver (Week 3), became the third team since realignment in 2002 to defeat division opponents in each of their first three games of a season, joining the 2006 Chicago Bears and 2003 Minnesota Vikings.
- Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert passed for 300 yards in Week 3 and is the only quarterback with multiple 300-yard games this season. Herbert has 29 career games with at least 300 passing yards and can become the fourth player all-time with at least 30 such games in his first six career seasons, joining Patrick Mahomes (41 games) and Football Hall of Famers Dan Marino (32) and Kurt Warner (30).
- Philadelphia (3-0) at Tampa Bay (3-0) (1 p.m. ET, FOX): Philadelphia can start 4-0 for the third time in the past four seasons (2022-23) while Tampa Bay can begin 4-0 for the fourth time in franchise history and the first since 2005. Since 2015, the reigning Super Bowl champion has begun the following season with four consecutive wins five times.
- Last week, Philadelphia overcame a 19-point second-half deficit to win, becoming the first team to overcome a second-half deficit of 19-or-more points since Denver in Week 4 of the 2023 season (overcame 21-point deficit to win at Chicago). Eagles defensive tackles Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis each blocked a field goal in the fourth quarter as Philadelphia became the first team since at least 1978 to block two field goals in the fourth quarter of the same game.
- Tampa Bay became the first team in the Super Bowl era (since 1966) to record a game-winning score in the final minute of the fourth quarter in each of its first three games of a season. The Buccaneers are also the third team since 1970 to record a game-winning score in the final minute of regulation in three consecutive games at any point in a single season, joining the 2017 Pittsburgh Steelers (Nov. 26-Dec. 10) and 1994 New York Giants (Dec. 4-18).
- Indianapolis (3-0) at L.A Rams (2-1) (4:05 p.m. ET, FOX): Indianapolis can begin 4-0 for the first time since 2009. In five of the past 10 seasons (2015-24), a team has begun 4-0 the season after missing the playoffs.
- The Colts have punted once this season, the fewest punts by a team in its first three games of a season since at least 1940.
- Indianapolis running back Jonathan Taylor leads the league with 338 rushing yards and 431 scrimmage yards entering Week 4. Last week, he became the fourth player since 2000 with at least 7,500 scrimmage yards and 60 touchdowns in his first 70 career games, joining Arian Foster, Adrian Peterson and Pro Football Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson.
- Los Angeles wide receiver Puka Nacua leads the NFL with 29 receptions and 333 receiving yards this season. He had 11 receptions for 112 yards in Week 3 and became the fifth player all-time with at least 10 receptions and 100 receiving yards in six games within his first three career seasons, joining Ja’Marr Chase (seven games), Justin Jefferson (seven), Michael Thomas (seven) and Odell Beckham Jr. (six).
- Jacksonville (2-1) at San Francisco (3-0) (4:05 p.m. ET, FOX): San Francisco can start 4-0 for the third time (2019 and 2023) since head coach Kyle Shanahan was hired in 2017.
- San Francisco running back Christian McCaffrey recorded his 12th career game with 10 receptions last week, most by a running back in NFL history.
- McCaffrey has 33 career games with at least 50 rushing yards and 50 receiving yards, the second-most by a running back all-time, including in each of the first three weeks this season. Since 2000, there have been only three previous occurrences of a player recording at least 50 rushing yards and 50 receiving yards in four consecutive games: McCaffrey himself in 2018 with Carolina (five consecutive games), Charlie Garner (four consecutive games in 2002 with the Oakland Raiders) and Robert Smith (four consecutive games in 2000 with Minnesota).
- Jacksonville leads the NFL with seven interceptions and nine takeaways through the first three weeks, including multiple interceptions in each game. Since 2000, only five previous teams have recorded two-or-more interceptions in each of their first four games of a season: 2021 Dallas Cowboys (first five games), 2018 Miami Dolphins (first four), 2010 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (first four), 2007 Oakland Raiders (first four) and 2003 Kansas City Chiefs (first four).
- Ravens-Chiefs continue rivalry: The Baltimore Ravens (1-2) and Kansas City Chiefs (1-2) are set to meet on Sunday (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS), marking the seventh time in the past eight seasons, including playoffs, the two teams have squared off. Five of the previous six meetings have all been decided by seven-or-fewer points.
- Since 2018, when both Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes took over as their teams’ starting quarterback, Kansas City and Baltimore rank first and second in the NFL in points per game and total yards of offense per game, respectively.
- Jackson is the fourth quarterback ever with a passer rating of 125-or-higher in each of his team’s first three games of a season, joining John Hadl (1973 with the Los Angeles Rams), Patrick Mahomes (2019 with Kansas City) and Russell Wilson (2020 with Seattle).
- Parsons returns to Dallas: Green Bay defensive lineman Micah Parsons is set to play his first game in Dallas (Sunday night, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC) since being acquired by the Packers from the Cowboys in August. During his four seasons with Dallas (2021-24), Parsons ranked fifth in the NFL in sacks (52.5) and tackles for loss (64) and became the second player since 1982, when the individual sack became an official statistic, to record at least 12 sacks in each of his first four career seasons, along with Pro Football Hall of Famer Reggie White.
- New Orleans (0-3) at Buffalo (3-0) (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Buffalo can begin 4-0 for the fifth time since 1990 and the first since 2020. The Bills, since Week 11 of the 2023 season, have won 13 consecutive regular-season home games and have scored at least 24 points in each game.
Media Contact: Sam Drexler, NFL; Sam.Drexler@NFL.com
Bruce Pearl Shocks College Basketball with Retirement
After 11 memorable seasons at the helm, Bruce Pearl is officially stepping down as Auburn’s head basketball coach. While he may be leaving the sidelines, Pearl is not leaving Auburn altogether—he will remain a visible figure within the athletic department, transitioning into an ambassador role as a special assistant to the athletic director. His presence will still loom large around the program, even if he won’t be calling plays from the bench.
Photo Cred: Auburn University
Taking over the program will be Auburn’s associate head coach—and Bruce’s son—Steven Pearl. The university wasted no time in solidifying the move, signing Steven to a five-year contract as he begins his head coaching career. Steven played for his father at Tennessee from 2007–2011 and has been part of Auburn’s coaching staff since 2014, learning the ins and outs of the program from the ground up. While his promotion represents continuity, the challenge will be stepping out from his father’s long shadow and proving he can lead Auburn in his own right.
Bruce Pearl leaves behind an incredible legacy on The Plains. Over his 11 seasons, he compiled a record of 246–125, guiding the Tigers to six NCAA Tournament appearances, including two Final Four runs. He also delivered three SEC regular season championships and two SEC Tournament titles. Beyond the wins and accolades, Pearl transformed Auburn from an afterthought in college basketball into a national contender, regularly attracting top-level recruits and raising the program’s profile to heights rarely seen before his tenure.
Still, despite the familiarity of this transition, questions remain. The timing of the announcement—just over a month before the start of the season—creates challenges for a team already deep in preparations. Even if Auburn has been planning this change behind the scenes, the short notice puts added pressure on the coaching staff to maintain stability.
Another complication is the NCAA’s transfer portal rules. When a head coach steps down, players are granted a special 30-day transfer window to explore other opportunities. Promoting Steven Pearl may help minimize roster turnover, as players already know and trust him, but in today’s college basketball landscape nothing is guaranteed. Rival programs will surely test Auburn’s ability to hold on to its talent.
Photo Cred: USA Today
The coming weeks will be critical. Auburn finds itself balancing the excitement of a new era with the anxiety of sudden change. If Steven Pearl can keep the roster intact and build on the foundation his father left behind, Auburn could remain among the SEC’s elite. For now, however, the program faces a stressful month ahead—holding its breath to see if this passing of the torch will be as smooth as it looks on paper.
Profits Over Passion: How Wrestling Lost Its Way
From a corporate standpoint, professional wrestling should be thriving. Revenues are strong, television deals are lucrative, and live gates are steady. On paper, the industry ought to be basking in a golden age of in-ring excellence. Instead, the product across the board often feels slapdash—hastily constructed to chase short-term profit rather than invested in long-term storytelling and emotional payoffs.
For me, WWE—then WWF—has been a lifelong passion, stretching back 46 years to when I was a five-year-old cheering on Bob Backlund. Watching him apply the chicken wing to Sgt. Slaughter in front of sold-out arenas from the Meadowlands to Boston became not just a hobby but an escape. Yet it wasn’t only WWE that captured imaginations. Competition once filled the airwaves: the Von Erichs in World Class, Dusty Rhodes preaching passion in the NWA, even the low-budget AWA offering compelling, if rough-edged, wrestling. Back then, it all felt real. The performers carried themselves like athletes, the promotions treated the stakes seriously, and as kids, we didn’t care about “tribalism.” We just loved wrestling.
Photo Cred: WWE
A Financial Low Point Disguised as a High
Today, the industry looks vibrant financially, but creatively it feels hollow. Slick production values and polished highlight packages can’t mask the lack of compelling stories. Younger fans will never know the thrill of waking up Saturday morning to find out whether the Four Horsemen finally got their comeuppance or if Magnum T.A. had survived another night of punishment. Now, spoilers and results arrive in real time on phones. That’s a technological leap forward, but the actual product hasn’t advanced with it. For all the billions in rights fees, what fans often get is safe, formulaic content designed to fill hours of programming rather than create timeless moments.
Blurring the Line
Everyone knows what wrestling is, yet the business itself doesn’t always respect that delicate balance. Performers feuding on social media with people they’ll never share a ring with only cheapens the spectacle. Watching stars earning millions waste energy calling fans “marks” online feels juvenile. Count your money, hone your craft, and stop trying to win Twitter battles. The mystique that once separated the in-ring product from everyday life has been eroded, and with it, some of the magic that made pro wrestling feel larger than life.
Tribalism’s Toxic Grip
The ugliest development in the past six years has been fan tribalism. The supposed “war” between WWE and AEW is no Monday Night War. Back then, competition was real, ratings soared into the six and seven millions, and creative boundaries were pushed weekly. Today, WWE is a global corporation churning out shows where filler outweighs substance, while AEW targets a hardcore niche with risk-heavy matches and erratic storytelling.
Neither company is immune to critique. WWE buries fans in endless promos and recycled content, while genuine talent like Bronson Reed or Bron Breakker struggles to find consistent airtime. That’s what Paul Heyman is for—elevating new names, not writing another Seth Rollins monologue. AEW, meanwhile, leans on Jon Moxley to exhaustion. If Kyle Fletcher is the future, hand him the ball and let him run. Instead, AEW often books like a fantasy league gone off the rails. Wrestling doesn’t need more shocks for the sake of social media buzz; it needs coherent storytelling with emotional stakes.
Photo Cred: Entertainment Breakdown
If AEW falters, WWE wins by default—and when that happens, the fans lose. Without true competition, one company dictates not only the talent landscape but also how much fans must pay for access. History shows what monopolies in wrestling look like: bloated rosters, creative stagnation, and fans slowly drifting away.
Fake Journalism Hurts the Business
The rise of “wrestling media” has only complicated matters. Podcasts and Patreons are fine—fans paying for opinions is harmless. But when self-styled journalists line up at press scrums acting like insiders rather than reporters, credibility takes a hit. Instead of pressing executives on creative direction or safety issues, too many lob softball questions designed to curry favor.
There are exceptions. Writers like Julian Cannon of The Knockturnal take the craft seriously, asking real questions without pandering. But far too many want to be part of the show, not cover it. As someone who holds credentials in college football and the NFL, I know press access is a privilege. It’s not about being friends with athletes; it’s about doing the job.
The End?
The cracks are showing. A recent clip from AEW’s All Out of Eddie Kingston missing a spinning backfist by a mile went viral—not for drama, but for embarrassment. That match never needed airtime. It was the wrestling equivalent of watching Ric Flair’s painful last outings or Patrick Ewing in a Seattle SuperSonics uniform: a reminder of decline, not greatness.
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Coda
Wrestling stands at a crossroads. Either the industry continues coasting—content with one company pulling just over a million viewers while the other cashes checks on bloated programming—or something changes. The darker alternative? AEW’s reckless style pushes boundaries until someone is seriously hurt on live television, a tragedy that could set the entire industry back years.
In the end, both companies are failing their audiences in different ways. WWE bleeds wallets. AEW drains patience. Fans deserve better. But as long as loyalty blinds consumers and tribalism fuels excuses, mediocrity will continue to rule the ring.
Clemson Under Scrutiny: Is Dabo Swinney’s Time Running Out?
The last decade and a half Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney built the Tigers into a top program in the country. He has won multiple national championships, multiple ACC titles, and is a yearly playoff contender. But as the college football world is changing, Dabo is not changing with the world. The last couple of years Clemson hasn’t been their dominant selves. So far the team is 1-3 to start this season. It’s Clemson’s worst four-game start since 2004.
Photo Cred: The Greenville News
Swinney has long sought out recruiting high school players and building them through the program. Last year Clemson did not bring in any transfer portal players. Only a handful of players transferred out, and two transferred in over several years. He has said, “If we have to use it, we’ll use it … I prefer to be able to get the best high school kids and develop those guys.” In regards to the transfer portal.
Swinney has been steadfast in belief that college is for education and not a business. He defended emphasized values as Clemson has posted a 98% graduation success rate, He is about culture that keeps player retention high, and highlights that he was there to turn young men into adults. The Tigers values have not changed but their on field success has.
Why Dabo doesn’t get high level talent instead of having a freshman that needs to learn has analyst up in arms. Critics argue that the portal has become an essential tool for filling roster gaps quickly. Colorado transformed the program from a 1 win season to 9 wins after two years. The transfer portal was the reason. Clemson’s restrained use of the portal, while principled, may leave depth and talent-level issues unaddressed. Sometimes the old school coaches either need to adapt or leave the sport because the sport is leaving them.
Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) is another area where Clemson’s positioning is being questioned. Swinney has expressed caution over NIL’s effects, once warning that it could ruin college football. But guess what? College football is alive and well. Clemson has made some NIL efforts but they haven’t gone all in. Most athletic departments have NIL departments. The infrastructure and partnerships of the program are lagging behind some SEC and other ACC rivals. NIL is a factor, and Clemson’s comparatively modest involvement is part of why some top-transfer or high school prospects are choosing other programs.
Clemson has lost to two unranked teams this season. The most in the last decade. The recent 34-21 loss to Syracuse at Death Valley wasn’t even that close with the Tigers being down three scores. Syracuse recorded its first ever win at Death Valley. It snapped a six-game losing streak vs. Clemson. After making the playoffs last year, Clemson had been ranked in preseason polls. They returned many key contributors, leading to expectations of playoff contention. Some would say it’s not NIL and portal issues since they won the ACC last year. So we turn to if Dabo is losing his touch actually on the field with the X’s and O’s.
Swinney’s coaching philosophy—both in recruiting and staff structure—is often described as loyal, old-school, and deeply rooted in continuity. Things have been shaky ever since Swinney’s right hand man left the program. Brent Venables served as the associate head coach, defensive coordinator, and linebackers coach at Clemson University from 2012 to 2021 before leaving for Oklahoma. The changing college football environment—with transfer portal, NIL, and more immediate performance expectations—requires adaptability. Clemson needs more young voices in the office and more creativity to succeed.
Fans, donors, and media no longer view seasons without playoff appearances or national contention as acceptable, even if double-digit wins are achieved. The ACC is becoming more competitive. Schools like Florida State, Miami, Louisville and SMU are improving their programs and investing more into NIL, recruiting, and transfers. No longer is just Flordia State and Clemson at the top of the ACC. And with The College Football Playoff expansion to 12 teams, no one could ever see how Clemson could miss the playoffs.
since 2010, Clemson has won 10 or more games in 13 of 14 seasons and captured the ACC multiple times. But the pressure seems to be starting to get to him. “If Clemson is tired of winning, they can send me on my way, but I’ll go somewhere else and coach. I ain’t going to the beach. Hell, I’m 55, I’m just now getting going”
Photo Cred: TigerNet
At this moment, Swinney is not facing an imminent job removal. But what he should do is revamp the culture and start to change with the sport, momentum matters. If he brought is old school ways of doing the same he may have the same problems. The public pressure could build to the point that Clemson’s administration has to seriously consider alternatives. As one longtime Clemson observer put it: “You build a legacy over years, but it can fray in just a few games.” You either die a hero and or coach long enough to become a villain.
