There’s a specter haunting the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills. It’s not the echo of Ray Lewis’ pregame dance, nor the chill of a January wind whipping off the Chesapeake. It’s the lingering, weighty ghost of ‘almost’. Of regular-season dominance dissolving in the crucible of the postseason. For Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens, the past isn’t just prologue; it feels like an anchor. And according to NBC’s Mike Florio, it’s the invisible hurdle they must clear.

Chatting with Ryan Ripken on the Ryan Ripken Show, Florio dropped a thought bomb wrapped in Baltimore purple: “He should have been the MVP last year.” Let that simmer. “Nothing against Josh Allen,” Florio continued, his tone casual yet pointed, “but I think Lamar’s season was more impressive. I don’t know why enough of the voters went with Josh Allen instead.” Florio, holding one of the precious MVP votes himself, confirmed his ballot:

Mike Florio weighs in on Lamar Jackson and the Ravens

“[Lamar] should have been the MVP last year. Nothing against Josh Allen, but I think Lamar’s season was more impressive. I don’t know why enough of the voters went with Josh Allen instead” pic.twitter.com/BH3Ax8gatb

— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) July 19, 2025

“I had one of the votes and I made Lamar Jackson number 1 and Josh Allen number 2.” It wasn’t just homerism; it was a recognition of Jackson’s historic 2024: 4,172 yards through the air (6th), 41 TDs (T-2nd), a mere 4 INTs, a league-leading 77.3 QBR, plus 915 yards on the ground. His resume reads like a Madden create-a-player cheat code – the only QB ever with multiple 4K-pass/800+-rush seasons.

Ripken, channeling every Ravens fan’s existential dread, laid bare the frustration: “Everyone started talking about how good the Ravens were… The last few years… And they just haven’t put it together. Can you give me some optimism here? At least as a fan and for the city.” He ticked off the stacked roster – MVP-caliber QB, elite TEs, defensive stars, rising coaching synergy – practically pleading, “On paper, roster, I don’t know what else they can do… Give me something.”

Rewriting the narrative: Jackson’s mental hurdle is the Ravens’ final frontier

Florio’s answer cut deeper than Xs and Os. “I think that it’s mental more than anything else,” he offered, drawing a parallel as unexpected as a flea-flicker on 4th down. “And this is true in any sport… But I remember in baseball you know how Barry Bonds used to… By the time the postseason came around… it gets into your head. Once a narrative gets started it makes it so much harder to shed that narrative.” That narrative? Jackson’s 2-4 playoff record.

The sting of being the #1 seed twice and falling short, including that infamous 2019 Tennessee Titans upset Florio referenced. “And I feel like that’s where the Ravens are right now… every time you fail it enhances the narrative… So, every time you’re back at it… that’s all happened.”

He painted the playoff reality: “You’ve got 14 teams left and it’s all single elimination… At 60 minutes of football anything can happen.” Remembering the near-miss against the Buffalo Bills last January, Florio stressed, “they were the better team and they should have won that game… But I think there’s something that is mental about your history… the more extensive your history of not getting through, the harder that is to overcome each passing year.”

His prescription? “So, that’s the key—they just need to have a level of confidence that carries from the regular season into the postseason.” Hence the whispered ‘alternative measures’ – the unspoken suggestion of sports therapy, mental conditioning, anything to help Lamar & Co. shed the weight of history.

Because in Baltimore, with Jackson’s $74 M cap hit anchoring a roster built to win now, and stars like Derrick Henry and Mark Andrews hungry for that ring, the mandate is crystal clear: It’s Lombardi or bust. They have the talent. They have the regular-season blueprint.

Now, they must conquer the ghosts whispering doubts when the lights burn brightest. Can Jackson translate his undeniable, MVP-worthy brilliance into February glory? The answer won’t be found on the stat sheet, but deep within the psyche of a team dancing with its own legacy of ‘almost.’ The clock is ticking.

The post Lamar Jackson & Co. Told to Take Alternative Measures as NBC Reporter Downplays Josh Allen’s MVP appeared first on EssentiallySports.

The countdown to the trade deadline has never been louder at Citizens Bank Park. Kyle Schwarber’s contract ends after this season, but the front office is strangely quiet. Bryce Harper, on the other hand, is not staying quiet. He is passionately supporting his teammate.

If you ever wondered how important Kyle Schwarber is to the Phillies, Saturday’s game was the perfect answer. He hit a crucial grand slam, and with help from Bryce Harper’s two-run blast, they led an exciting 9–5 rally over the Angels. Harper is very much aware of the impact of Kyle in the lineup.

In the post-game interview, when asked about the future plans of the management for Schwarber, Bryce didn’t shy away from sharing his thoughts unfiltered. He said, “They’re gonna make the best decision for our team. And if he’s in those plans, obviously, he should be here. He’s been great for us. He’s our leader. He’s the guy that talks on the bus and everything else, right? He’s one of the best teammates I’ve ever had, ever been around. He keeps it relaxed every day and he understands what it’s like to be a big league or big leaguer and he comes up in those moments and those opportunities and he comes through every single time.”

Bryce Harper to @destiny_lugardo on Kyle Schwarber’s future: “I can’t see him in any other uniform, and I think he deserves to be here.” pic.twitter.com/7je5RiYVPj

— On Pattison (@OnPattison) July 20, 2025

And he didn’t stop there, as he further added, “So I can’t see him in any other uniform and I think he deserves to be here.” Schwarber has been a cornerstone for Philadelphia. With his exceptional blend of power and plate discipline, he is an ideal player for the Phillies. In 2024, he joined an elite group of MLB players by achieving 100 runs, 100 RBIs, and 100 walks. He was one of only three players in the entire league to accomplish this feat, alongside Juan Soto and Aaron Judge.

And his performance for this year? It’s been right up to the mark again! His slash line as of now is .251/.382/.563 with 32 homers and an OPS of .945. Add to that his All-Star game performance, where he hit three home runs in the first MLB swing-off, powering NL to victory.

Schwarber’s four-year, $79 million deal was signed in March 2022. The Phillies started talking about an extension during spring training, but the talks haven’t materialized yet.

Stay tuned for more updates…

The post Bryce Harper Make Strong Kyle Schwarber Trade Plea Amid Phillies Front Office Doubt appeared first on EssentiallySports.

When Nick Saban stepped down, many thought Alabama’s reign was over. But Kalen DeBoer is flipping that script fast. At SEC Media Days, he made it clear: this team is built on grit. “Physicality is the name of the game… toughness mentally as well,” he said. That mindset is showing. With more seasoned seniors and a tight-knit locker room, DeBoer is steering the Tide with calm confidence. Given that, Alabama isn’t fading. So, under DeBoer, it’s fighting harder and staying elite.

Coach DeBoer isn’t running from the GOAT, Saban’s shadow. Rather, he’s respecting and building on it. He’s called Saban “the best in the business” and sees following him as “an honor, a challenge, and an opportunity.” That humility speaks volumes. But make no mistake — DeBoer is making this program his own. Analysts see a new spark in Tuscaloosa. With fresh energy and steady leadership, Alabama still sits with the elite. As DeBoer puts it, “Alabama football remains an elite force.” Now, he’s blending old-school toughness with new-school vision, while proving it’s working every step of the way.

On July 19, PFF dropped the facts — Bama’s defense is still a beast. No Saban? No problem. The Crimson Tide earned high marks in PFF’s Top 10 defenses in college football. They ranked 2nd in both defensive line and secondary units. And the linebackers? Still tough, landing at eighth. Even more impressive, Alabama is the only team in the nation with a top-10 player at every defensive position. That’s not just depth. That’s dominance. Simply put, DeBoer’s defense is loud and loaded.

1. Alabama
…
10. Texas Tech

The Top 10 defenses in college football https://t.co/E0ltdYzfRA

— PFF (@PFF) July 19, 2025

Well, under Kalen DeBoer and defensive coordinator Kane Wommack, Alabama’s defense hasn’t skipped a beat — it’s turned up the heat. The Tide are locking teams down, giving up just 17.4 PPG and only 4.7 yards per snap. That’s top‑10 stuff. And against winning teams? Even better — just 4.62 yards per play, third-best in the nation. On top of that, the linebacker room is stacked. Previously, Jihaad Campbell led the charge with 117 tackles and 11.5 TFLs. Now, Deontae Lawson, the steady senior and two-time captain, brings brains and bruises. And don’t sleep on Nikhai Hill-Green — the grad transfer adds serious depth. So fast, physical, and fearless — this linebacker crew is built for chaos. And wait, there’s more.

Alabama’s secondary is stacked with elite talent. USC transfer Domani Jackson brings speed and shutdown ability after a strong 2024 season. Freshman Zabien Brown impressed early with key plays and poise beyond his years. Keon Sabb, a Michigan transfer, emerged as a reliable safety with big-game instincts. Meanwhile, five-star freshman Dijon Lee Jr. adds size and swagger as one of the top DBs in the 2025 class. So, together, they form a dangerous and dynamic back end for the Crimson Tide.

Alabama was a machine under Nick Saban — no more than two losses in 13 straight seasons and five national titles. Then, in Year 1 under Kalen DeBoer, the Tide took a step back with four losses and just missed the playoffs. But don’t count them out. Even Saban had a ‘down’ year in 2010 before bouncing back to win it all. Now, DeBoer’s track record says he’s built for big stages. Year 2 could be the comeback.

Kalen DeBoer is no stranger to building fast and flipping the script. This time, with the foundation set, he’s focused on comfort, consistency, and culture. “Familiarity has been a word that’s been used a lot already this morning with different interviews,” said DeBoer. “It helps you feel good about where your family is living, what those routines are. That’s important to me and our success. You have to have that piece in place.” So, the pieces are coming together and DeBoer’s ready to roll.

While Alabama’s head coach gears up for a breakout season, he seems well aware that the spotlight — and the pressure of making the CFB Playoff — is already on him in 2025.

Kalen DeBoer enters 2025 under rising pressure

There’s no sugarcoating it; Kalen DeBoer’s first year at Alabama didn’t go as planned. A loss to Vanderbilt and a 9-5 finish had fans restless and critics loud. Although it’s not a make-or-break year just yet, the pressure is sky-high in Year 2. DeBoer knows it. And at the 2025 SEC Media Days, he didn’t duck the heat. “We fell short of making the playoffs. It’s as simple as that,” stated DeBoer. “We’re going to take advantage of the failures we’ve had and be better because of it.” So, the expectations are massive, and DeBoer is facing them head-on.

Well, DeBoer took Alabama to a bowl game, but it ended with just 13 points and a tough loss to an underwhelming Michigan team, which won by 19 points. Throw in stumbles against Oklahoma, and reality hit hard: the Saban era was truly over. Still, there were flashes of fight. Wins over ranked teams like Georgia, LSU, and Missouri kept the Tide from sinking completely. So, the season had its moments. But by Alabama standards? It simply wasn’t good enough. This year, the margin for error is razor-thin.

If Alabama misses the CFB Playoff again, the heat under Kalen DeBoer’s seat will crank up fast. Another round of head-scratching losses — like the ones to Oklahoma and Vanderbilt — won’t fly in Tuscaloosa. So, the bar is high, the patience is low, and anything less than a CFP run could have fans calling for change.

The post Alabama Earns Strong Grades in PFF Top 10 College Football Defenses Under Kalen DeBoer appeared first on EssentiallySports.

Lionel Messi delivered a standout performance, scoring twice and providing an assist as Inter Miami defeated New York Red Bulls 5–1 in MLS action. Messi’s connection with Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and his clinical finishing helped power Miami to a dominant victory.

The legendary fighter looks to turn back the clock on Saturday night in Las Vegas

As Dubois prepares to face Usyk in their highly anticipated rematch under the arch, a host of celebrity guests and sporting figures have descended on London for the heavyweight showdown.

CHRIS WHEELER: It has been a rather ridiculous situation at Carrington over the last two weeks. No sooner has Amorim driven out of Man United’s training ground than Rashford has pulled in. 

Tyrrell Hatton was a force to be reckoned with in the 2023 Ryder Cup. The Englishman was undefeated, winning three times and halving once in the four matches he played in Rome, Italy. He was one of the strongest performers for Team Europe. However, what Hatton prides himself on the most is the fact that he made it to the team based on his performance. In fact, that has been the case for all three appearances in the tournament with the purest form of golf. However, the 33-year-old might break that streak in 2025.

Being a LIV Golf player, Hatton doesn’t receive as many opportunities as his peers to gain Ryder Cup points. The only time he does gather them is during DP World Tour events and the majors. Playing in the last major of the season, he was asked about possibly missing out on qualification via merit. To that, Tyrrell confessed, “One thing I’m proud of the last three Ryder Cups I’ve played is that I’ve made the team automatically.”

Qualifying on merit is a matter of pride for the English golfer. And he is determined to push for it as much as he can. He continued to explain, “Sure, since I joined LIV, I knew that was going to make things a lot harder for me to make it a fourth time. Yeah, I guess for self-pride, I’d love to keep that streak going of being an automatic pick. That will make it even more pleasing, rewarding because I know that I’ve had a lot less tournaments than the other guys to do it.”

The fact that Hatton has only played a fraction of the tournaments as his peers makes it even more impressive. If he ends up qualifying on merit, then it will give him the confidence that the few appearances that he made in the majors and the European circuit were enough to surpass what everyone else did. The 1-time PGA Tour champion has been doing well in majors this year. He made the cut in all three that have been completed so far. Hatton’s best finish was a T4 in the U.S. Open at Oakmont. On the DP World Tour, the Englishman has only played and won the 2025 Hero Dubai Desert Classic back in January. These performances have placed him at 4th on the Team Europe Ryder Cup leaderboard.

Coming back to the press conference at Royal Portrush, he was also asked if he would change his approach in the last round of The Open 2025, knowing that a Ryder Cup spot is up for grabs. Hatton replied, “Not really. Just going out there, just the boring stuff of trying your best on every shot, reacting to the shot that’s in front of you, and what that shot looks like, and just going with that. As I said, I’ll try my best tomorrow and hopefully have a good day.”

After 54 holes, the LIV Golf pro is lined up for another strong finish in a major this season. He sits at T4, 6 strokes away from the leader, Scottie Scheffler. Another top 5 finish would put him in a very strong position on the Ryder Cup leaderboard. He might even retain the 2nd position that he held for long before Tommy Fleetwood nearly broke his PGA Tour winless streak in the 2025 Travelers Championship. To be fair, even if he doesn’t make it on merit, he will surely attract the interest of Luke Donald. Hatton holds an impressive record of 5-4-2 in the Ryder Cup.

No one except Rory McIlroy has mathematically qualified for Team Europe yet. But looking at the leaderboard at the end of the penultimate round in Northern Ireland, that might change a bit. Having said that, what will Luke Donald’s final Ryder Cup team look like at Bethpage? Let’s explore the possible teammates of McIlroy & Hatton.

Luke Donald finds strength in Tyrrell Hatton, Rory McIlroy, & Co.

Having players like Rory McIlroy and Tyrrell Hatton at your disposal gives Luke Donald a huge advantage in the 2025 Ryder Cup. The fact that both are lined up for automatic qualification makes it even better. But they are not the only strong contenders who deserve a spot in Team Europe. Players like Tommy Fleetwood, Jon Rahm, and Justin Rose have consistently proved they can perform under pressure. Even though neither of them has won a title this year, they are extremely strong performers in team format events.

Young guns like Ludvig Aberg and Viktor Hovland bring a lot of power and unique skills to the team. Their confidence and drive will help motivate everyone to push for a win in New York. Both Sepp Straka and Robert MacIntyre have been in spectacular form this year. MacIntyre came off 2 spectacular PGA Tour wins in 2024, and Straka has won 2 titles this year. Then Luke Donald will have the option to get three great captain’s picks from the likes of the Hojgaard brothers, Thomas Detry, Niklas Norgaard, Matt Fitzpatrick, Tom McKibbin, Aaron Rai, or maybe even have an experienced candidate like Sergio Garcia in the team. Looking at the list of players, Team Europe certainly seems very strong going into Bethpage.

The post LIV Golf Bad Boy Does Not Want His ‘Pride’ to Be Hurt as Ryder Cup Race Heats Up appeared first on EssentiallySports.

The Chiefs were finally building something new – more speed, more youth, less dependency on a 35-year-old tight end to drag the offense through quicksand. Patrick Mahomes had just gotten a taste of a balanced unit. The kind that didn’t force him into backyard football every third down. With Rashee Rice surging into WR1 territory, hauling in 24 catches for 288 yards and 2 TDs in just three games, Kansas City’s offense looked like it finally had a vertical identity not named Travis Kelce. Add in Xavier Worthy’s explosive profile, and things were trending toward a more modern, Mahomes-led spread attack. A future where the ball didn’t have to pass through Kelce’s hands 12 times a game. But balance doesn’t last long in Kansas City.

Last year, after a promising start, the Chiefs watched their wide receiver room unravel. And when that unraveling turned into Rashee Rice’s knee injury, everything reverted back to square one. Mahomes scrambling. Kelce is limping through double teams. And a playbook that suddenly looked 10 years older.

Now, just as Rice was prepping for a full-season comeback, a looming suspension could blow it all up again. According to Matt Verderame on That Football Show, it’s déjà vu: “Travis Kelce is gonna feel a lot more involved again for what feels like the 800th straight year… I feel like without Rice, they are gonna look offensively a lot like they looked a year ago.” That means Mahomes is back to the old habits. Checking down to Kelce, dumping it off to Isiah Pacheco, and praying the screen game hits before a pass rusher does.

Here’s the rundown. Rice was rolling in 2024 until Patrick Mahomes accidentally took out his knee during a collision against the Chargers. Since then, Rice has rehabbed hard, participated in non-contact drills, and looked like a comeback candidate – until July 17. That’s when he got hit with 5 years probation and 30 days jail time for a March street racing crash. According to Mike Florio, the NFL could slap him with an 8-game suspension – maybe more. If that happens, Rice’s season could mirror last year all over again: hyped start, ghosted by midseason. 

So here we are again. Andy Reid still doesn’t know how to reinvent Travis Kelce’s role. Rice might be gone till midseason. And Patrick Mahomes, once again, will have to play like it’s 2019 – just with fewer weapons and older knees. Maybe the worst part? Everyone saw this coming. “Frankly, they knew Rashee Rice was a risk when they drafted him- Little bit of a character risk,” Verderame added. The result? Mahomes isn’t evolving forward – he’s surviving in reverse. But if Rice is out for the first chunk of 2025, the Chiefs need answers – fast.

Who can fill in for Rashee Rice if a suspension hits

If Rashee Rice misses time, as many expect after his July sentencing, the Chiefs are right back where they were late last season: down a WR1 and hoping Mahomes and Kelce can do the heavy lifting. And we’ve seen how that plays out. The passing game stalled. Kelce was forced into high-usage mode again. And without Rice’s burst, the offense leaned on short throws, checkdowns, and swing passes to stay afloat. The spacing disappeared, and so did any real threat on the outside. Kelce, who turns 36 in October, can’t be expected to carry that load forever. But plan B? It’s still under construction.

The most immediate replacement is Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, who signed with Kansas City last offseason. He’s healthy again and has the speed to take the top off defenses. Then there’s Xavier Worthy, who’s already impressed during OTAs and has even drawn interest as a returner. But relying on a Worthy and a one-year rental to replace Rice’s production? That’s rolling the dice in an AFC arms race.

The Chiefs could still sign a veteran, especially if Rice’s suspension hits the longer end. But even if they don’t, this much is clear: until Rashee Rice is back, the offense is going to run through Kelce again, which means Patrick Mahomes better get used to those old habits – because he’s got no new ones to lean on.

The post Patrick Mahomes Forced to Return to Old Habits as Andy Reid Fails to Figure Out New Role For Travis Kelce appeared first on EssentiallySports.

As Dustin Poirier enters the Octagon for what could be the final time, the focus isn’t just on legacy but also on the finances. The Louisiana native headlines UFC 318 versus Max Holloway in a BMF title fight that also serves as a farewell in front of his hometown fans in New Orleans.

However, as ‘The Diamond’ and ‘Blessed’ settle the score in a trilogy bout that has been in the works for years, both are already winning big at the bank. The night is about more than just sensational knockouts and submission wins; it’s about the numbers behind the scenes. So, what will the top stars take home when the cage doors close? Let’s find out!

Dustin Poirier vs. Max Holloway payout

The two headliners are among the UFC’s most bankable stars, and UFC 318 shows precisely why. Dustin Poirier will receive a guaranteed $1.6 million for his final walk to the cage. Max Holloway, meanwhile, earns at least $2.7 million for defending his BMF title.

These figures do not include potential bonuses or pay-per-view points, which might significantly boost their ultimate take-home pay. Both fighters have received massive paydays in recent years, and UFC 318 just raises the stakes. For ‘The Diamond,’ this fight not only marks the end of a storied UFC career, but it may also be one of his more lucrative bouts.

 

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Holloway’s larger base pay reflects his champion status, and with the BMF title and expanding brand, his financial upside is huge. As fight night nears, fans aren’t the only ones watching closely; the accountants, too, have all their attention on the spectacle.

Paulo Costa, Kevin Holland, Daniel Rodriguez & other UFC 318 salaries

While the main event draws the most attention, the remainder of the UFC 318 lineup is also making a lot of money. Paulo Costa is anticipated to get at least $700,000 for his middleweight fight against Roman Kopylov, who is likely to earn roughly $250,000.

Costa, a divisive character in the UFC, continues to command high money due to his standing as a consistent pay-per-view attraction. Elsewhere on the fight card, Kevin Holland is expected to earn more than $500,000 when he meets Daniel Rodriguez, who may earn roughly $200,000 with a win.

Their previous UFC performances have yielded similar earnings, with Holland earning $400,000 at UFC 316 and Rodriguez hanging around the $100,000 mark. According to the latest data, Dan Ige and Patricio ‘Pitbull’ Freire, who face off in a high-stakes featherweight fight, are expected to earn between $130,000 and $200,000.

The earnings indicate a combination of seasoned contenders and budding talent. UFC 318 has a tiered pay structure, with main-event headliners making millions, and fan favorites and experienced veterans earning hefty six-figure sums. For fighters, it’s not just about winning; it’s also about where they appear on the card, their name value, and how long they’ve been in the game.

The post UFC 318 Payouts: How Much Are Dustin Poirier, Max Holloway, Paulo Costa & Others Earning? appeared first on EssentiallySports.