2 months ago
Brian Fleury's moment has arrived.
After more than 20 years of coaching at the college and pro level, Fleury will soon embark on his biggest job yet — offensive coordinator of an NFL franchise. And not just any franchise. He's running the offense for the Seattle Seahawks.
"I didn't think that grandly," Fleury told reporters on Sunday regarding his career goals. "As a kid, I always wanted to be a part of the National Football League, so that part of it has always been there. I've always had a lot of respect and admiration for the people that play football in this league and the people that have helped build it from the ground up, but it was really more about teaching for me early on, like taking what I knew from the knowledge standpoint and being able to help people get better."
But it can be a lonely existence, when it comes to seeking input from others. Said Fleury on that subject, "Unfortunately, the people I would seek advice from aren't interested in seeing us do well, so not many."
That's a direct byproduct of Fleury taking the Seattle job after seven seasons as an ***** istant coach on Kyle Shanahan's staff in San Francisco. Fleury arrived as a low-level defensive quality control coach before flipping to the offensive side of the ball the next year. From there, he was promoted to tight ends coach before adding in 2025 the ***** le of run game coordinator.
#fleury #coach #level
After more than 20 years of coaching at the college and pro level, Fleury will soon embark on his biggest job yet — offensive coordinator of an NFL franchise. And not just any franchise. He's running the offense for the Seattle Seahawks.
"I didn't think that grandly," Fleury told reporters on Sunday regarding his career goals. "As a kid, I always wanted to be a part of the National Football League, so that part of it has always been there. I've always had a lot of respect and admiration for the people that play football in this league and the people that have helped build it from the ground up, but it was really more about teaching for me early on, like taking what I knew from the knowledge standpoint and being able to help people get better."
But it can be a lonely existence, when it comes to seeking input from others. Said Fleury on that subject, "Unfortunately, the people I would seek advice from aren't interested in seeing us do well, so not many."
That's a direct byproduct of Fleury taking the Seattle job after seven seasons as an ***** istant coach on Kyle Shanahan's staff in San Francisco. Fleury arrived as a low-level defensive quality control coach before flipping to the offensive side of the ball the next year. From there, he was promoted to tight ends coach before adding in 2025 the ***** le of run game coordinator.
#fleury #coach #level
2 months ago
The Seattle Seahawks are gearing up to take on the New England Patriots for a Week 1 rematch of Super Bowl LX from this past February. Seattle will look to begin defending their crown the same way they earned it: by defeating the Patriots.
In the Seahawks' triumphant 29-13 blowout win over New England, one of the key players was tight end AJ Barner. The former Michigan star, who was primarily a blocking tight end during his days with the Wolverines, caught the lone offensive touchdown for Seattle that night. According to Barner, he is feeling confident, both mentally and physically, regarding his health going into the 2026 season.
Barner was asked about his health during a post practice press conference, and he gave an answer that every 12th Man will want to hear.
Barner is a critical cog in the Seahawks' offensive machine, and expect him to have an increased role as he enters his third season. Seattle's big man caught 52 receptions for 519 yards and six touchdowns last season - improving in all categories from his rookie year. With new offensive coordinator Brian Fleury's background in coaching the San Francisco 49ers' tight ends for the last several seasons, you simply must figure that Barner is in line for plenty of targets again this season.
Seattle kicks off on Wednesday night against New England on NBC at 5:20 pm Pacific Time.
#caught
In the Seahawks' triumphant 29-13 blowout win over New England, one of the key players was tight end AJ Barner. The former Michigan star, who was primarily a blocking tight end during his days with the Wolverines, caught the lone offensive touchdown for Seattle that night. According to Barner, he is feeling confident, both mentally and physically, regarding his health going into the 2026 season.
Barner was asked about his health during a post practice press conference, and he gave an answer that every 12th Man will want to hear.
Barner is a critical cog in the Seahawks' offensive machine, and expect him to have an increased role as he enters his third season. Seattle's big man caught 52 receptions for 519 yards and six touchdowns last season - improving in all categories from his rookie year. With new offensive coordinator Brian Fleury's background in coaching the San Francisco 49ers' tight ends for the last several seasons, you simply must figure that Barner is in line for plenty of targets again this season.
Seattle kicks off on Wednesday night against New England on NBC at 5:20 pm Pacific Time.
#caught
3 months ago
The Seattle Seahawks are set to kick off their preseason opener at 5 p.m. PST against the Dallas Cowboys at Lumen Field. Here are four bold predictions surrounding main narratives in this game, which will give us the first taste of game action as defending champions.
First, I believe six to seven healthy running backs- George Holani, Jadarian Price, Emanuel Wilson, Velus Jones Jr., Jacardia Wright, TJ Harden, and Justin Jones- to get carries. We'll see them all side-by-side and make a fair evaluation on the eye test, then discuss after the game in takeaways and Studs & Duds. Maybe we'll even get a feel for the baseline RB pecking order at the current moment.
Second, don't sleep on Dallas' depth along both the offensive and defensive line. They've bolstered their formidable new interior duo of Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams with a plethora of edge pieces, from Otito Ogbonnia and Rashan Gary to Donovan Ezeraiku and Dee Winters, plus backups like Jaishawn Barham and rookie LT Overton out of Alabama that should play a lot tonight. This will be a much better measuring stick for the Seahawks' developmental pieces than the Raiders were last year. That could mean Mason Richman, Bryce Cabeldue and the rest of the backup offensive line need to step up and prove their level in the second half.
Ironically, Brian Schottenheimer returns to Seattle with low stakes, but his offense still struggles to move the chains more than it should. Expect him to try to go deep and to the boundary and get his young skill players involved, but with the Seahawks positively violent mentality which was featured on the most recent Hard Knocks, screens and out routes will be no match- regardless of the level of depth the game calls for.
Finally, Brian Fleury's offense will reveal its foundation to the world, or at least, whoever's watching this game. I don't know how much influence he'll bring from Kyle Shanahan or the San Francisco 49ers offense, or if it'll be productive. A first-time offensive play caller is as good an opportunity for surprise as any, so I expect this to be the talking point of the night when all is said and done. Follow us here during the game for breakdowns of exactly what Fleury and Mike Macdonald are cooking up, and check back postgame for takeaways, Studs & Duds, and all your other Seahawks needs!
#offensive #duds
First, I believe six to seven healthy running backs- George Holani, Jadarian Price, Emanuel Wilson, Velus Jones Jr., Jacardia Wright, TJ Harden, and Justin Jones- to get carries. We'll see them all side-by-side and make a fair evaluation on the eye test, then discuss after the game in takeaways and Studs & Duds. Maybe we'll even get a feel for the baseline RB pecking order at the current moment.
Second, don't sleep on Dallas' depth along both the offensive and defensive line. They've bolstered their formidable new interior duo of Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams with a plethora of edge pieces, from Otito Ogbonnia and Rashan Gary to Donovan Ezeraiku and Dee Winters, plus backups like Jaishawn Barham and rookie LT Overton out of Alabama that should play a lot tonight. This will be a much better measuring stick for the Seahawks' developmental pieces than the Raiders were last year. That could mean Mason Richman, Bryce Cabeldue and the rest of the backup offensive line need to step up and prove their level in the second half.
Ironically, Brian Schottenheimer returns to Seattle with low stakes, but his offense still struggles to move the chains more than it should. Expect him to try to go deep and to the boundary and get his young skill players involved, but with the Seahawks positively violent mentality which was featured on the most recent Hard Knocks, screens and out routes will be no match- regardless of the level of depth the game calls for.
Finally, Brian Fleury's offense will reveal its foundation to the world, or at least, whoever's watching this game. I don't know how much influence he'll bring from Kyle Shanahan or the San Francisco 49ers offense, or if it'll be productive. A first-time offensive play caller is as good an opportunity for surprise as any, so I expect this to be the talking point of the night when all is said and done. Follow us here during the game for breakdowns of exactly what Fleury and Mike Macdonald are cooking up, and check back postgame for takeaways, Studs & Duds, and all your other Seahawks needs!
#offensive #duds
3 months ago
The Seattle Seahawks held their eighth public training camp practices early Friday morning, a special practice for season ticket holders and their guests. It was another warm day at team headquarters in Renton, albeit less smoky and hazy than earlier in the week. Much like Wednesday's practice, the Seahawks were not in pads, and indeed they mixed things up with the 11 vs. 11 sessions. There was first-team offense vs. second-team defense, third-team offense vs. first-team defense, the usual 1s vs. 1s and 2s vs. 2s, plus a lot of situational football like red zone and 3rd-and-long work that often decides actual games.
For the second time this week, Field Gulls was on-site at VMAC observing what was just about a three-hour long practice. Myself and fellow Field Gulls staff writer and host of The Hawks Eye podcast, Bryce Coutts, as well as Seahawks Forever podcast host, Dan Viens, filmed an instant reaction video after practice ended with our quick-fire takeaways. We discuss the absence of Jadarian Price (which we now know is due to "lower body soreness" per Gregg Bell), the impressive performances of Emanuel Wilson and Ricky White III, a name to watch at the edge, and a promised wrinkle in Brian Fleury's offense that we saw heavily worked on in today's practice.
Oh yeah, and there's a new fullback here who's already getting into the swing of things. Here's new fullback Brock Lampe with RBs coach Thomas Hammock.
This is only a 7-minute video, which should make it digestible for everyone who's able to have a listen! But tonight's big event for us is the Seahawks Syndicate Town Hall Q&A, which goes live at 7:30 pm PT on YouTube and will also be available to watch on Field Gulls! We'll be talking camp, Seahawks football in general, doing some trivia, and a bunch of other fun stuff for our in-person studio audience at Fast Fashion Brewing in SoDo. That article is coming up on FG later on Friday evening.
If you attended camp with us, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section!
#team #Friday #week
For the second time this week, Field Gulls was on-site at VMAC observing what was just about a three-hour long practice. Myself and fellow Field Gulls staff writer and host of The Hawks Eye podcast, Bryce Coutts, as well as Seahawks Forever podcast host, Dan Viens, filmed an instant reaction video after practice ended with our quick-fire takeaways. We discuss the absence of Jadarian Price (which we now know is due to "lower body soreness" per Gregg Bell), the impressive performances of Emanuel Wilson and Ricky White III, a name to watch at the edge, and a promised wrinkle in Brian Fleury's offense that we saw heavily worked on in today's practice.
Oh yeah, and there's a new fullback here who's already getting into the swing of things. Here's new fullback Brock Lampe with RBs coach Thomas Hammock.
This is only a 7-minute video, which should make it digestible for everyone who's able to have a listen! But tonight's big event for us is the Seahawks Syndicate Town Hall Q&A, which goes live at 7:30 pm PT on YouTube and will also be available to watch on Field Gulls! We'll be talking camp, Seahawks football in general, doing some trivia, and a bunch of other fun stuff for our in-person studio audience at Fast Fashion Brewing in SoDo. That article is coming up on FG later on Friday evening.
If you attended camp with us, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section!
#team #Friday #week
3 months ago
RENTON, Wash. (AP) — Seattle Seahawks tight end Eric Saubert appreciates a dry sense of humor, so it didn't take long for him to take a liking to Brian Fleury.
Saubert played for San Francisco in 2024, when Fleury was the 49ers' tight ends coach. The two were reunited in February, when the Seahawks hired Fleury as their offensive coordinator.
"I love dry humor, sarcasm. I love that stuff," Saubert said this week at Seahawks training camp. "But, overall, he's a pro in what he does. And I think he's very innovative in his approach. Overall, I just love working with him."
Described by players and coaches as even-keeled and stoic, Fleury has shown an ability to command a room early in his first stint as an NFL coordinator.
"He's obviously very studied, and you would ****** ume that an offensive coordinator would know everyone's roles," Saubert said. "But to be able to articulate it in the moment like he does, like, I'm telling you: I've been on a lot of teams, and not everyone does that, which is pretty cool. Excited for him."
#fleury #coordinator #offensive
Saubert played for San Francisco in 2024, when Fleury was the 49ers' tight ends coach. The two were reunited in February, when the Seahawks hired Fleury as their offensive coordinator.
"I love dry humor, sarcasm. I love that stuff," Saubert said this week at Seahawks training camp. "But, overall, he's a pro in what he does. And I think he's very innovative in his approach. Overall, I just love working with him."
Described by players and coaches as even-keeled and stoic, Fleury has shown an ability to command a room early in his first stint as an NFL coordinator.
"He's obviously very studied, and you would ****** ume that an offensive coordinator would know everyone's roles," Saubert said. "But to be able to articulate it in the moment like he does, like, I'm telling you: I've been on a lot of teams, and not everyone does that, which is pretty cool. Excited for him."
#fleury #coordinator #offensive
4 months ago
Les Essonniennes announced news of the deal via a post on their official club X account this afternoon.
The 21-year-old attacker spent last season on loan at the Stade Auguste Gentelet. She helped FC Fleury 91 record a fifth-place finish in the Arkema Première Ligue table. The youngster overcame a long-term foot injury to make three appearances and score one goal.
Ribadeira is now back to full fitness again and she is ready to prove herself in the French top flight. She will be hoping to hit the goal trail in her second loan spell at FC Fleury 91.
Chelsea signed Ribadeira from French club Paris FC in summer 2024. The player signed a four-year deal at Stamford Bridge. She immediately returned to Paris FC on loan to further her development. Ribadeira spent time at Everton during the 2024/2025 season before joining FC Fleury 91 on loan last term.
Ribadeira is yet to break into the Chelsea team, however, The Blues feel that they have a real talent on their hands in the long term. The forward will be hoping to make her mark when she returns to South West London in 12 months' time.
The 21-year-old attacker spent last season on loan at the Stade Auguste Gentelet. She helped FC Fleury 91 record a fifth-place finish in the Arkema Première Ligue table. The youngster overcame a long-term foot injury to make three appearances and score one goal.
Ribadeira is now back to full fitness again and she is ready to prove herself in the French top flight. She will be hoping to hit the goal trail in her second loan spell at FC Fleury 91.
Chelsea signed Ribadeira from French club Paris FC in summer 2024. The player signed a four-year deal at Stamford Bridge. She immediately returned to Paris FC on loan to further her development. Ribadeira spent time at Everton during the 2024/2025 season before joining FC Fleury 91 on loan last term.
Ribadeira is yet to break into the Chelsea team, however, The Blues feel that they have a real talent on their hands in the long term. The forward will be hoping to make her mark when she returns to South West London in 12 months' time.
4 months ago
The NFC West has some of the best wide receivers across any division in the NFL. The Seattle Seahawks have the reigning Offensive Player of the Year in Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Heading into the 2026 NFL season, we've ranked all four wide receiving corps in the division from best to worst.
We're making the difficult decision of ranking the Los Angeles Rams as having the best receiving corps in the NFC West. Puka Nacua finished second in receiving yards (1,715) behind Smith-Njigba. Opposite Nacua, Davante Adams led all wideouts in receiving touchdowns with 14. That's pretty incredible.
Smith-Njigba will be the focal point of Brian Fleury's 2026 offense for the Seahawks. Aging veteran Cooper Kupp is still impactful, and Rashid Shaheed is expected to be heavily involved after signing a new contract with the Seahawks earlier this offseason. A healthy Tory Horton could also play a role.
The San Francisco 49ers revamped their receiving corps by signing Mike Evans and Christian Kirk in free agency. They also drafted De'Zhaun Stribling at No. 33 overall. They've revamped the room nicely after the fallout with Brandon Aiyuk.
Marvin Harrison Jr. was limited by injury in 2025 and hasn't yet met the borderline unfair expectations he was tagged with coming out of Ohio State. Michael Wilson became a 1,000-yard receiver this past season. The Cardinals also added savvy veteran Kendrick Bourne via free agency.
We're making the difficult decision of ranking the Los Angeles Rams as having the best receiving corps in the NFC West. Puka Nacua finished second in receiving yards (1,715) behind Smith-Njigba. Opposite Nacua, Davante Adams led all wideouts in receiving touchdowns with 14. That's pretty incredible.
Smith-Njigba will be the focal point of Brian Fleury's 2026 offense for the Seahawks. Aging veteran Cooper Kupp is still impactful, and Rashid Shaheed is expected to be heavily involved after signing a new contract with the Seahawks earlier this offseason. A healthy Tory Horton could also play a role.
The San Francisco 49ers revamped their receiving corps by signing Mike Evans and Christian Kirk in free agency. They also drafted De'Zhaun Stribling at No. 33 overall. They've revamped the room nicely after the fallout with Brandon Aiyuk.
Marvin Harrison Jr. was limited by injury in 2025 and hasn't yet met the borderline unfair expectations he was tagged with coming out of Ohio State. Michael Wilson became a 1,000-yard receiver this past season. The Cardinals also added savvy veteran Kendrick Bourne via free agency.
4 months ago
Nate Tice & Matt Harmon break down the biggest offseason moves and what to expect from the 7 NFL teams ****** ody seems to be talking about. Every offseason there's a few teams that seem to get all the attention, whether that's due to flashy signings, blockbuster trades, or big media market attention. Today, Nate & Matt give some love to teams that ****** ody (including us) have discussed much since February, breaking down key offseason moves and signings and providing some things to watch for as we round the corner towards the 2026 season.
Nate & Matt start with the under-discussed Super Bowl champ Seattle Seahawks, who have brought back most of their key pieces, but have some uncertainty around the offense under new OC Brian Fleury. Another 14-3 team from 2025 has been flying under the radar: the Denver Broncos. The duo discuss new OC Davis Webb and why Jaylen Waddle’s fit is so perfect.
Next, the duo dive into the Indianapolis Colts, division champ Carolina Panthers, Miami Dolphins (Arch Manning szn?), Kansas City Chiefs and Washington Commanders, breaking down their big offseason changes and what to look out for this fall.
Nate & Matt wrap things up with two potential breakout players to watch for in 2026: TE Isaiah Likely and DB Jonas Sanker.
(4:10) - Seahawks
Nate & Matt start with the under-discussed Super Bowl champ Seattle Seahawks, who have brought back most of their key pieces, but have some uncertainty around the offense under new OC Brian Fleury. Another 14-3 team from 2025 has been flying under the radar: the Denver Broncos. The duo discuss new OC Davis Webb and why Jaylen Waddle’s fit is so perfect.
Next, the duo dive into the Indianapolis Colts, division champ Carolina Panthers, Miami Dolphins (Arch Manning szn?), Kansas City Chiefs and Washington Commanders, breaking down their big offseason changes and what to look out for this fall.
Nate & Matt wrap things up with two potential breakout players to watch for in 2026: TE Isaiah Likely and DB Jonas Sanker.
(4:10) - Seahawks
4 months ago
Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Brian Fleury approaches the 2026 NFL season with high expectations among the new OCs and defensive coordinators that were hired this offseason.
According to ESPN’s Ben Solak, a major question surrounding Fleury will be how he will rely on other offensive weapons to add to the Seahawks’ offense besides Jaxon Smith-Njigba next season.
“Fleury was not in Seattle last season and has never crossed paths with Macdonald, so I'm confident he'll come with enough new ideas to keep the Seahawks' offense on the cutting edge,” Solak said. “Whatever that edge is, it's close to Fleury's vest ... for now.”
Fleury has big shoes to fill following the departure of former offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak this offseason. Kubiak orchestrated the Seahawks’ Super Bowl-winning offense last season and enabled Smith-Njigba to win the AP Offensive Player of the Year award at season’s end.
Despite JSN’s excellence, the Seahawks leaned heavily on him in the offense. Next season will present Fleury with the opportunity to increase Rashid Shaheed, AJ Barner and Cooper Kupp’s target shares in the passing game, while also ensuring that rookie Jadarian Price is put in the best position to succeed in the ground game.
According to ESPN’s Ben Solak, a major question surrounding Fleury will be how he will rely on other offensive weapons to add to the Seahawks’ offense besides Jaxon Smith-Njigba next season.
“Fleury was not in Seattle last season and has never crossed paths with Macdonald, so I'm confident he'll come with enough new ideas to keep the Seahawks' offense on the cutting edge,” Solak said. “Whatever that edge is, it's close to Fleury's vest ... for now.”
Fleury has big shoes to fill following the departure of former offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak this offseason. Kubiak orchestrated the Seahawks’ Super Bowl-winning offense last season and enabled Smith-Njigba to win the AP Offensive Player of the Year award at season’s end.
Despite JSN’s excellence, the Seahawks leaned heavily on him in the offense. Next season will present Fleury with the opportunity to increase Rashid Shaheed, AJ Barner and Cooper Kupp’s target shares in the passing game, while also ensuring that rookie Jadarian Price is put in the best position to succeed in the ground game.
4 months ago
The 2025 season was an incredible one for Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. JSN led the NFL in receiving yards (1,793) while finishing fourth in receptions (119). The Seahawks won Super Bowl 60 and Smith-Njigba won Offensive Player of the Year honors.
The Seahawks then signed Smith-Njigba to a four-year, $168.6 million extension earlier this offseason that made him the highest-paid receiver of all time. Now, JSN is prepping for another massive campaign for the Seahawks in 2026. Just how many receiving yards will he have this season?
The Seahawks underwent massive offseason changes on offense. Brian Fleury is the new offensive coordinator after Klint Kubiak became head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. Super Bowl 60 MVP Kenneth Walker III is gone and will be replaced by first-round pick Jadarian Price.
Changes at coordinator and in the backfield will impact the Seahawks' offense. Also, the Seahawks brought back Rashid Shaheed at receiver, who is expected to be heavily involved after displaying chemistry with quarterback Sam Darnold at OTAs and minicamp.
There's no reason why Smith-Njiga can't produce another 1,500-yard (or more) season. He'll be Darnold's go-to receiver, but Coach Fleury may spread the ball around to AJ Barner and Shaheed while also getting multiple running backs involved.
The Seahawks then signed Smith-Njigba to a four-year, $168.6 million extension earlier this offseason that made him the highest-paid receiver of all time. Now, JSN is prepping for another massive campaign for the Seahawks in 2026. Just how many receiving yards will he have this season?
The Seahawks underwent massive offseason changes on offense. Brian Fleury is the new offensive coordinator after Klint Kubiak became head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. Super Bowl 60 MVP Kenneth Walker III is gone and will be replaced by first-round pick Jadarian Price.
Changes at coordinator and in the backfield will impact the Seahawks' offense. Also, the Seahawks brought back Rashid Shaheed at receiver, who is expected to be heavily involved after displaying chemistry with quarterback Sam Darnold at OTAs and minicamp.
There's no reason why Smith-Njiga can't produce another 1,500-yard (or more) season. He'll be Darnold's go-to receiver, but Coach Fleury may spread the ball around to AJ Barner and Shaheed while also getting multiple running backs involved.
5 months ago
The 5 o’clock club is published from time to time during the season, and aims to provide a forum for reader-driven discussion at a time of day when there isn’t much NFL news being published. Feel free to introduce topics that interest you in the comments below.
CLICK HERE to see the full 5 o’clock club archive
Each and every game is important in the NFL, but there are certain ones that probably carry more weight than others for the Washington Commanders. With one of the toughest schedules in the league — ranked 8th most difficult by Sharp Football ***** ysis; 9th by Sports Illustrated — the Commanders will face many challenging opponents this year. ***** uming that the team doesn’t repeat the 2025 meltdown, any given game could be the difference between making the playoffs or not.
With that in mind, I decided to identify what I see as the four most intriguing games on Washington’s schedule this year, excluding NFC East division rivals. Each one of these teams could be playoff contenders, and as such, should be tough matchups for the Commanders with playoff hopes hanging in the balance. That makes each game important; to make the intriguing list, however, I looked for something a little “extra” in the particular game or matchup.
The obvious factor here is that the Seahawks are the reigning Super Bowl champs, and they return their roster and coaching staff largely intact, but not entirely so. The Super Bowl MVP, RB Kenneth Walker, left in free agency, as did CB Riq Woolen (to Philadelphia), among at least a couple of others. The Seahawks used their first-round pick on a RB to replace Walker, selecting Notre Dame’s Jadarian Price. Last season’s offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak was hired as head coach of the Raiders and is replaced by former 49ers coach Brian Fleury.
CLICK HERE to see the full 5 o’clock club archive
Each and every game is important in the NFL, but there are certain ones that probably carry more weight than others for the Washington Commanders. With one of the toughest schedules in the league — ranked 8th most difficult by Sharp Football ***** ysis; 9th by Sports Illustrated — the Commanders will face many challenging opponents this year. ***** uming that the team doesn’t repeat the 2025 meltdown, any given game could be the difference between making the playoffs or not.
With that in mind, I decided to identify what I see as the four most intriguing games on Washington’s schedule this year, excluding NFC East division rivals. Each one of these teams could be playoff contenders, and as such, should be tough matchups for the Commanders with playoff hopes hanging in the balance. That makes each game important; to make the intriguing list, however, I looked for something a little “extra” in the particular game or matchup.
The obvious factor here is that the Seahawks are the reigning Super Bowl champs, and they return their roster and coaching staff largely intact, but not entirely so. The Super Bowl MVP, RB Kenneth Walker, left in free agency, as did CB Riq Woolen (to Philadelphia), among at least a couple of others. The Seahawks used their first-round pick on a RB to replace Walker, selecting Notre Dame’s Jadarian Price. Last season’s offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak was hired as head coach of the Raiders and is replaced by former 49ers coach Brian Fleury.
5 months ago
Andrei Vasilevskiy Vezina Trophy win from the 2025-26 season is a tremendous accomplishment. He knocked off the likes of Ilya Sorokin and Jeremy Swayman, who each joined Vasilevskiy in the top three of voting for this year’s award. Let’s discuss the significance of Vasilevskiy’s honour from this past season.
Credit Image: © Tampa Bay Times via ZUMA Wire
It is starting to get to the point that Vasilevskiy will go as one of the best goaltenders of his generation. Perhaps Sergei Bobrovsky is a bit of a comparison, in that he has sustained a high level of play, for a long stretch of time. Bobrovsky won his first of two Vezinas, way back in 2013, and didn’t add Stanley Cups to his hardware case until 2024. Vasilevskiy has the two Lord Stanley Cup championships to his credit.
If we go back to the 2017-18 season, that is the span of nine NHL seasons now, Vasilevskiy has led the NHL in wins an incredible six times. Even with the shortened seasons of the COVID-impacted years, he has managed a string of nine consecutive, 30-win campaigns during the stretch is he currently on. Those nine seasons of 30 wins, tie him with Ed Belfour and Marc-Andre Fleury for the fourth-most, 30-win seasons by an NHL goalie, ever. In 2025-26, his 39 wins did lead the NHL in that category.
The 30-win-consecutive season streak is a bit complicated, as Patrick Roy won 31-or-more games in every season from 1991-92, through to his last year in 2002-03, save for the lockout shortened 1994-95. Furthermore, King Henrik Lundqvist won 30-or-more games from his rookie year 2005-06 until 2016-17, except for the reduced schedule of 2012-13. However, that season he actually led the NHL in wins with 24.
Credit Image: © Tampa Bay Times via ZUMA Wire
It is starting to get to the point that Vasilevskiy will go as one of the best goaltenders of his generation. Perhaps Sergei Bobrovsky is a bit of a comparison, in that he has sustained a high level of play, for a long stretch of time. Bobrovsky won his first of two Vezinas, way back in 2013, and didn’t add Stanley Cups to his hardware case until 2024. Vasilevskiy has the two Lord Stanley Cup championships to his credit.
If we go back to the 2017-18 season, that is the span of nine NHL seasons now, Vasilevskiy has led the NHL in wins an incredible six times. Even with the shortened seasons of the COVID-impacted years, he has managed a string of nine consecutive, 30-win campaigns during the stretch is he currently on. Those nine seasons of 30 wins, tie him with Ed Belfour and Marc-Andre Fleury for the fourth-most, 30-win seasons by an NHL goalie, ever. In 2025-26, his 39 wins did lead the NHL in that category.
The 30-win-consecutive season streak is a bit complicated, as Patrick Roy won 31-or-more games in every season from 1991-92, through to his last year in 2002-03, save for the lockout shortened 1994-95. Furthermore, King Henrik Lundqvist won 30-or-more games from his rookie year 2005-06 until 2016-17, except for the reduced schedule of 2012-13. However, that season he actually led the NHL in wins with 24.
