Dallas faces a rough two-game preseason start as Brian Schottenheimer pushes for a cleaner, more physical attack. The offense stalled to two touchdowns while amassing 199 rushing yards, and Joe Milton III completed just 55.3% of his passes. The defense surrendered ground gains and Dallas fell short on third downs (6 of 22). The starters won’t play until September, so the depth and scheme repeats will be tested again in the finale against Atlanta as Milton works on footwork and grip. Dallas is not in panic mode, but improvement is needed before Week 1.

Third-down conversion and run-game consistency are at the center of the critique, with Schottenheimer admitting play-calling and tackling as culprits. Positive notes emerge on Tyler Booker, Princeton Fant, James Houston, and Mazi Smith, plus the work of slot corners Kemon Hall and Zion Childress. The plan is to finish strong in practice and build speed and physicality for the regular season.

No. 21 on the Steelers carries a rich legacy. The 2025 wearer is Chuck Clark, a veteran safety who joined Pittsburgh after time with Baltimore and the Jets, providing steady depth behind Juan Thornhill and DeShon Elliott with potential starter value if called upon. The countdown traces the jersey through five Steelers to wear 21 in recent years (Clark 2025–present, Darius Rush 2023–2024, C.J. Henderson 2024, Tre Norwood 2021–2022, Sean Davis 2018–2020), and crowns Chuck Cherundolo as the franchise’s best No. 21—a Pennsylvania native who earned two Pro Bowls and a Second Team All-Pro in the 1940s and was enshrined on the Steelers Legends Team. The Jets game at MetLife Stadium provides the stage where this jersey’s story keeps growing, and fantasy managers should watch how Pittsburgh deploys 21 in base vs. nickel and how depth at safety could produce streaming opportunities in weeks 1–4.

The Cleveland Browns are gearing up for the 2025 training camp with a focus on the linebacker position following the injury to Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. His absence casts a shadow over the group, which includes Jerome Baker, Devin Bush Jr., and rookie Carson Schwesinger, who the team hopes can step up defensively. Jordan Hicks is expected to provide stability and leadership, while Mohamoud Diabate and Nathaniel Watson are seen as promising young talents with potential to contribute significantly.

Schwesinger's breakout college season has garnered attention, setting high expectations for his performance. Meanwhile, Bush faces ongoing legal issues that could impact his availability. The coaching staff emphasizes the importance of positional versatility among the linebackers in their scheme to compensate for the loss of Owusu-Koramoah.

The Miami Dolphins have concluded their minicamp with a strong emphasis on developing team identity and culture under head coach Mike McDaniel. He expressed satisfaction with the team's progress during the offseason, highlighting the importance of setting a standard for how the team conducts itself. McDaniel indicated that the players have established effective systems, and he is optimistic about their commitment to the processes implemented during this period. This offseason's focus on bonding and identity is pivotal as the Dolphins gear up for the upcoming season, aiming to translate their offseason efforts into on-field success.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have further strengthened their roster with the signing of former Ohio State running back Trey Sermon to a one-year deal. This addition marks the sixth former Buckeye to join the Steelers, continuing their strategy of integrating talent from the prestigious program. Sermon brings a wealth of potential after a brief stint in the NFL, where he showcased his ability as a powerful runner. His inclusion adds depth to the Steelers' backfield, which already features established players like Najee Harris.

This move could significantly impact the Steelers' offensive strategy, especially considering their recent draft picks and free agency acquisitions from Ohio State, including players like Will Howard and Jack Sawyer. By investing in players with a shared experience and success in college, the Steelers are not only aiming for immediate performance but also building a cohesive unit that understands each other's playing style, which could translate to better on-field chemistry as they prepare for the upcoming season.