Bears Make Another Shake-Up in Offensive Coordination
The Chicago Bears have made yet another decisive move in their offensive strategy by parting ways with Shane Waldron, marking the second time in less than a year the team has let go of an offensive coordinator. The once hopeful partnership between Waldron and the Bears fizzled out, as the offense struggled to find the end zone, going a staggering 23 consecutive drives without scoring a touchdown. This latest decision points to a continued quest for a dynamic offensive identity that has eluded the Bears this season.
This dismissal follows the firing of Luke Getsy, who was in charge of the offensive play-calling until January. Getsy's short-lived tenure with the Las Vegas Raiders came to an abrupt end less than ten days ago, reflecting a turbulent year for him in the professional ranks.
Dolphins Dash Rams' Monday Night Hopes
Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphins showcased resilience and grit on Monday Night Football, downing the Los Angeles Rams with a 23-15 victory. Defensive tenacity was on full display as the Dolphins sacked Rams’ star quarterback, Matthew Stafford, four times throughout the game. Stafford's struggles in prime-time games continue, as his record in such matchups dipped to a concerning 12-21.
Stepping up for the Dolphins, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa delivered a solid performance in the second half, completing 11 out of 13 passes for 120 yards and a touchdown. This victory boosted the Dolphins to a 3-6 record, sparking hope for a rare playoff contention; only four teams in NFL history have managed to make the playoffs after starting a season 2-6. Conversely, the Rams slid to a 4-5 record, putting additional pressure as the season progresses.
Prisco’s Power Rankings Update: Chiefs Remain Unrivaled
In the ever-competitive landscape of the NFL, the Kansas City Chiefs hold onto their coveted spot at the top of Prisco’s Week 11 Power Rankings. The Pittsburgh Steelers, showing an upward trajectory, have surged into the top five. The Philadelphia Eagles also made a commendable leap from ninth to sixth place, highlighting their growing prowess this season. However, the Washington Commanders experienced a significant drop from fourth to tenth place, while the Miami Dolphins made a modest climb from 23rd to 20th, reflecting their steady improvement.
Occupying the bottom of the rankings, the Raiders continue to struggle with consistency this season, aiming to find footing amidst challenging competition.
International Expansion: NFL Eyes Australia
On a global scale, the NFL is contemplating an ambitious endeavor to host a game in Australia by 2026. According to Jonathan Jones, "Australia entices the NFL for several reasons. There is a vibrant sports scene there, and there's no language barrier." This initiative would mark a departure from the NFL's European expansion strategy and could position the league as the pioneer major American sports entity to penetrate the Australian market.
In 2025, the league also plans to continue its international outreach with games in London, Spain, Brazil, Germany, Mexico, and Ireland, reflecting an ongoing commitment to expanding the NFL's global footprint.
Roster Moves and Injury Updates Across the League
Notable roster changes have been made as the Pittsburgh Steelers welcomed former All-Pro returner Jamal Agnew to their practice squad. Agnew, known for his agility and capability to alter the course of a game with six career return touchdowns, is a valuable addition to the Steelers’ special teams.
Injury woes continue to affect prominent players as Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is slated to undergo surgery for an injured hamstring. For the Seahawks, the decision to waive linebacker Tyrel Dodson is a surprising development, especially considering Dodson was the leading tackler for the team, indicating a potential strategic shift for the Seahawks as they seek to balance team dynamics and performance.
The landscape of the NFL remains as dynamic and unpredictable as ever, with teams constantly adjusting to enhance their performance both on and off the field. As the season unfolds, it promises to deliver more riveting storylines and transformative decisions as franchises strive for excellence and redemption.