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The Three Biggest Disappointments of the 2025 NFL Season | Deadspin.com

The Three Biggest Disappointments of the 2025 NFL Season | Deadspin.com

Dec 11, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris looks on against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the third quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

We’ve made it to the final three weeks of the NFL season. At this point, we have a pretty decent idea of how teams are. Teams like the Broncos and Patriots have to be excited with how their seasons have gone, while the Chiefs and Lions must be disappointed in their likely playoff misses.

Those teams aren’t close to being the biggest disappointments in 2025. The Lions are still an excellent playoff team, who could sneak into the playoffs, and the Chiefs have been a dynasty for nearly the last decade, so they can’t be too crushed by one bad season. Here are the three teams most disappointed in how their seasons have gone.

Falcons

When you have two of the best skill players in the league in Bijan Robinson and Drake London on your roster, you expect to be one of the more potent offenses in the NFL. It also felt like the Falcons’ defense was a few pieces away from being better than average. Unfortunately for Atlanta, it has been another season of mediocrity, where they have already been eliminated with three weeks to play.

However, the biggest disappointment for the Falcons comes with Michael Penix. Not only did he struggle when he was available this season, but he tore his ACL again, adding to the laundry list of knee injuries he’s dealt with over the course of his career. The Falcons are stuck with Kirk Cousins’ contract, will be without Penix going into next year, and it doesn’t feel like they are a move or two away from competing in 2026. The Falcons might be looking to rebuild again after what is already shaping up to be an unsuccessful one.

Commanders

Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) drops back to pass against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) drops back to pass against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

After being one game away from the Super Bowl last season, the Commanders have hit a complete 180 and bottomed out in the worst way possible. Injuries have been a massive issue for Washington, but even when they had their full roster, things still seemed off. An aging defense that seemed to pull out every one-score game last year has fallen back to earth, and that’s not even close to the biggest concern for Washington.

Jayden Daniels struggled to stay on the football field, and Commanders fans have to be thinking of another awesome rookie who struggled to stay on the field in year two. Daniels can be one of the most exciting players in the country, but he needs to find ways to better protect himself as a runner. No quarterback can last taking the hits he’s been dealt, and if that doesn’t change, Daniels won’t be able to last for years to come in the NFL.

Vikings

Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Markquese Bell (14) pressures Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn ImagesDec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Markquese Bell (14) pressures Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

When Minnesota decided to move on from Sam Darnold for second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy, it felt like he was being thrust into the perfect situation. The Vikings’ defense is one of the best in the league, they have a solid enough running game, and having the receiving core of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson makes things much easier for a first-time starter.

Well, Nine has had an absolute nightmare season in Minnesota, and Sam Darnold has thrived in his new home in Seattle. Not only have you fallen to the basement cellar of the NFC North, but the guy you let walk is also proving he wasn’t a one-year wonder. The Vikings are easily the biggest disappointment in the NFL in 2025.

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#undrafted #WNBA #rookie #legitimate #Rookie #Year #candidate">An undrafted WNBA rookie is a legitimate Rookie of the Year candidate  A star has been born in Chicago, and it’s an undrafted rookie who was just a few years ago getting DNPs at UMass Amherst.It’s Sydney Taylor, the 25-year-old Chicago Sky guard who is amid a ridiculous offensive explosion that reached its pinnacle on Saturday afternoon.Taylor is averaging 14.7 points and 1.6 assists per game, while shooting 45.5% from the field and 34.8% from three. She’s the second-leading scorer among rookies, and the bright spot for a Sky season that has come with its fair share of disappointments, headlined by an early-season Rickea Jackson ACL tear.On Saturday, Taylor recorded her brightest moment as a pro, hitting a game-winning three-pointer over the Las Vegas Aces in a 29-point performance. That marked her fifth 25-point game of the season, and her latest offensive masterclass in her first pro season.Taylor has been trending upwards as the season has progressed; she’s scored at least 14 points in every game since July 7th. She’s averaging 18.4 points on 47.3% shooting — and 39.3% from three — in 16 games as a starter this season.The Sky have struggled — they’re 11-18 and out of the playoff picture — but Taylor has helped keep them in games all season long. Somehow, the undrafted rookie is the leading scorer on the roster. On Saturday, she carried them to perhaps their most impressive win of the season.Sydney Taylor appears to be a shoo-in for First Team All-Rookie Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles likely has Rookie of the Year locked up. Miles, who was drafted second overall, is averaging 19.4 points and 5.8 assists, while powering the Lynx ot the best record in the league.But after her, it’s Taylor who is the second-leading scorer among rookies — not No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd (who has been fantastic) nor other top performers like Seattle Storm rookies Flau’jae Johnson and Awa Fam. As such, it seems very likely that she’ll be one of the five players named to the All-Rookie First Team (Miles, Fudd, Johnson, and Fam all seem like likely candidates, too, though New York Liberty guard Pauline Austier makes a strong case as well).In 2021, Taylor played just 6 minutes per game at UMass. But she played out a four-year career there, establishing herself as an elite scorer before transferring to Louisville for a fifth season. The Sky signed her ahead of the season, and she’s now one of the most promising parts of their future.She’s also one of the best rookies in the class, and a legitimate candidate for Rookie of the Year.  #undrafted #WNBA #rookie #legitimate #Rookie #Year #candidate

Alexander Zverev warned on Sunday of burnout and dropouts due to overly long ATP Masters 1000 events as he returned to the scene of his 2017 title in Canada.

The top seed and world number two told reporters in Montreal that he has his doubts about the wisdom of the 12-day Masters tournaments, which can seem as long and draining to players as a Grand Slam fortnight.

This edition of the elite Canadian hard court tournament is missing world number one Jannik Sinner, 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic and Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, who has not played since April due to a wrist injury.

“I think (the pullouts) are a result of the two-week Masters event. I think it’s just too long for some players, too much before the US Open,” Zverev said.

“I used to play more 500 events, 250 events when the Masters were shorter, but now I don’t do that anymore just because of time spent away and time spent on tournaments.”

Zverev said that he and his team also seriously considered bypassing Canada this year.

“We had a thought also of maybe skipping Montreal, but then we decided to play it

But the reigning Roland Garros champion and Wimbledon finalist last month added: “I need to play matches. I need to play tournaments.

“I don’t think maybe I’ll play my best tennis here, but the result of playing here, I think I’ll play better in Cincinnati and then hopefully my best tennis in New York,” he said, looking ahead to the US Open that starts on August 31.

Also read | Zverev says sanctions won’t solve problem of bloated Masters events

Despite fatigue, the 29-year-old is hoping to take his summer momentum into the North American hard court build-up before the final major of the season.

“The two months that I had was fantastic. Of course, I wanted to win Wimbledon, I wanted to win the final (against Sinner).

“But I played an opponent who also knows how to play in these moments, and he played a phenomenal match, a great match which could have gone a bit longer. I feel like it could have gone in the fifth set.

“I played a lot of tennis in that period. So I went on holidays for a week and then after started practicing and preparing myself the best I can for this swing.”

Zverev leads the tournament field, with Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime seeded second ahead of Australian Alex de Minaur, Daniil Medvedev and title holder Ben Shelton.

With rain marring the opening day in the French-speaking city, completed matches were a rarity, with China’s number 270 Jerry Shang defeating Daniel Vallejo of Paraguay 6-3, 6-3 before afternoon rains set in.

Published on Aug 03, 2026

#Canadian #Open #Zverev #remains #wary #12day #Masters #events">Canadian Open: Zverev remains wary of 12-day Masters events  Alexander Zverev warned on Sunday of burnout and dropouts due to overly long ATP Masters 1000 events as he returned to the scene of his 2017 title in Canada.The top seed and world number two told reporters in Montreal that he has his doubts about the wisdom of the 12-day Masters tournaments, which can seem as long and draining to players as a Grand Slam fortnight.This edition of the elite Canadian hard court tournament is missing world number one Jannik Sinner, 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic and Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, who has not played since April due to a wrist injury.“I think (the pullouts) are a result of the two-week Masters event. I think it’s just too long for some players, too much before the US Open,” Zverev said.“I used to play more 500 events, 250 events when the Masters were shorter, but now I don’t do that anymore just because of time spent away and time spent on tournaments.”Zverev said that he and his team also seriously considered bypassing Canada this year.“We had a thought also of maybe skipping Montreal, but then we decided to play itBut the reigning Roland Garros champion and Wimbledon finalist last month added: “I need to play matches. I need to play tournaments.“I don’t think maybe I’ll play my best tennis here, but the result of playing here, I think I’ll play better in Cincinnati and then hopefully my best tennis in New York,” he said, looking ahead to the US Open that starts on August 31.Also read | Zverev says sanctions won’t solve problem of bloated Masters eventsDespite fatigue, the 29-year-old is hoping to take his summer momentum into the North American hard court build-up before the final major of the season.“The two months that I had was fantastic. Of course, I wanted to win Wimbledon, I wanted to win the final (against Sinner).“But I played an opponent who also knows how to play in these moments, and he played a phenomenal match, a great match which could have gone a bit longer. I feel like it could have gone in the fifth set.“I played a lot of tennis in that period. So I went on holidays for a week and then after started practicing and preparing myself the best I can for this swing.”Zverev leads the tournament field, with Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime seeded second ahead of Australian Alex de Minaur, Daniil Medvedev and title holder Ben Shelton.With rain marring the opening day in the French-speaking city, completed matches were a rarity, with China’s number 270 Jerry Shang defeating Daniel Vallejo of Paraguay 6-3, 6-3 before afternoon rains set in.Published on Aug 03, 2026  #Canadian #Open #Zverev #remains #wary #12day #Masters #events

Zverev says sanctions won’t solve problem of bloated Masters events

Despite fatigue, the 29-year-old is hoping to take his summer momentum into the North American hard court build-up before the final major of the season.

“The two months that I had was fantastic. Of course, I wanted to win Wimbledon, I wanted to win the final (against Sinner).

“But I played an opponent who also knows how to play in these moments, and he played a phenomenal match, a great match which could have gone a bit longer. I feel like it could have gone in the fifth set.

“I played a lot of tennis in that period. So I went on holidays for a week and then after started practicing and preparing myself the best I can for this swing.”

Zverev leads the tournament field, with Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime seeded second ahead of Australian Alex de Minaur, Daniil Medvedev and title holder Ben Shelton.

With rain marring the opening day in the French-speaking city, completed matches were a rarity, with China’s number 270 Jerry Shang defeating Daniel Vallejo of Paraguay 6-3, 6-3 before afternoon rains set in.

Published on Aug 03, 2026

#Canadian #Open #Zverev #remains #wary #12day #Masters #events">Canadian Open: Zverev remains wary of 12-day Masters events

Alexander Zverev warned on Sunday of burnout and dropouts due to overly long ATP Masters 1000 events as he returned to the scene of his 2017 title in Canada.

The top seed and world number two told reporters in Montreal that he has his doubts about the wisdom of the 12-day Masters tournaments, which can seem as long and draining to players as a Grand Slam fortnight.

This edition of the elite Canadian hard court tournament is missing world number one Jannik Sinner, 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic and Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, who has not played since April due to a wrist injury.

“I think (the pullouts) are a result of the two-week Masters event. I think it’s just too long for some players, too much before the US Open,” Zverev said.

“I used to play more 500 events, 250 events when the Masters were shorter, but now I don’t do that anymore just because of time spent away and time spent on tournaments.”

Zverev said that he and his team also seriously considered bypassing Canada this year.

“We had a thought also of maybe skipping Montreal, but then we decided to play it

But the reigning Roland Garros champion and Wimbledon finalist last month added: “I need to play matches. I need to play tournaments.

“I don’t think maybe I’ll play my best tennis here, but the result of playing here, I think I’ll play better in Cincinnati and then hopefully my best tennis in New York,” he said, looking ahead to the US Open that starts on August 31.

Also read | Zverev says sanctions won’t solve problem of bloated Masters events

Despite fatigue, the 29-year-old is hoping to take his summer momentum into the North American hard court build-up before the final major of the season.

“The two months that I had was fantastic. Of course, I wanted to win Wimbledon, I wanted to win the final (against Sinner).

“But I played an opponent who also knows how to play in these moments, and he played a phenomenal match, a great match which could have gone a bit longer. I feel like it could have gone in the fifth set.

“I played a lot of tennis in that period. So I went on holidays for a week and then after started practicing and preparing myself the best I can for this swing.”

Zverev leads the tournament field, with Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime seeded second ahead of Australian Alex de Minaur, Daniil Medvedev and title holder Ben Shelton.

With rain marring the opening day in the French-speaking city, completed matches were a rarity, with China’s number 270 Jerry Shang defeating Daniel Vallejo of Paraguay 6-3, 6-3 before afternoon rains set in.

Published on Aug 03, 2026

#Canadian #Open #Zverev #remains #wary #12day #Masters #events

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