Tag: Ryan Clark

Russell Wilson should treat 2025 Pro Bowl like Derek Carr did in 2023

Russell Wilson has a chance to turn the 2025 Pro Bowl Games into his own audition, much like Derek Carr did before landing with the Saints.

Scheduled to hit free agency this offseason, the 2025 Pro Bowl Games could be the last time Russell Wilson has the luxury of donning the iconic Black and Gold of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

While nothing is confirmed regarding the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2025 quarterback plan, ‘Mr. Unlimited’ likely sees the writing on the wall—and he should use that to his advantage in the 2025 Pro Bowl Games.

Back in the 2023 Pro Bowl Games, former Raiders QB Derek Carr was in a similar position to Wilson and seized the opportunity to highlight that he still had far more left in the tank—dominating the Precision Passing challenge with an event-winning score of 31 points.

Following the performance, Carr infamously took a shot at the Raiders when former Steelers safety Ryan Clark asked if he had ever looked that hot in Las Vegas:

“Not that hot. That’s probably why I’m going somewhere else.”

Carr would ultimately get another starting opportunity with the New Orleans Saints in 2024, and Wilson would be wise to take this approach heading into the 2025 Pro Bowl Games.

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ESPN panel rips Tyreek Hill for ‘frustrated’ comments: ‘You made it about you’

ESPN’s Shannon Sharpe and Ryan Clark laid into Tyreek Hill for quitting on his team.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill defended his end-of-season comments, telling Twitch viewers that he “deserves” to feel frustrated after an 8-9 season. The panel ESPN’s First Take doesn’t want to hear it, though.

In a segment on Monday morning, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, Ryan Clark, Dan Orlovsky, and Shannon Sharpe tore into the eight-time Pro Bowl receiver for his comments.

While Smith centered much of his criticism around the actions that led Hill to get traded from the Kansas City Chiefs to the Dolphins, Sharpe and Clark took issue with Hill’s decision to pull himself out of action in the second half of Miami’s Week 18 loss to the New York Jets.

“I don’t want to hear nothing Tyreek Hill got to say,” Sharpe said. “Tyreek Hill quit on his team in the fourth quarter. I don’t want to hear nothing about frustration. I don’t want to hear nothing about no dogs. Because you weren’t a dog in the fourth quarter. Jaylen Waddle asked you ‘Reek, you done?’ You quit! Was that about your family? Was that about being a dog?

“I don’t want to hear a damn thing Tyreek Hill is saying, because Tyreek Hill quit on his team no different than what [De’Vondre] Campbell did to the San Francisco 49ers. … Everybody that’s played this game has been frustrated. Tom Brady, the greatest player to play this game, he’s been frustrated. But he didn’t quit. You quit! Simple as that. … It disqualifies everything you said after that.”

“Tyreek Hill is no different than a million other dudes that did exactly what we were blessed to do,” Clark later added. “The difference is — when we were 7-8 or when we were 8-8 or we were getting blown out — I said to myself I’m going to dig my heels in, I’m going to run downhill, and I’m going to hit everybody in the facemask until the clock strikes zero, because that’s what I can control.

“What Tyreek could’ve controlled, no matter if [Tyler] Huntley was at quarterback or Tua Tagovailoa at quarterback, was to run his route as hard as he possibly could, was to block as he possibly could. He can’t do none of that from the sideline.”

“Bro, I don’t want to hear nothing, because you made it about you,” Sharpe later said. “Keep the focus on you. Talk about you not taking your butt back in that game.”

In a season-wrap press conference, Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel told reporters that he met with Hill and expressed “that it’s not acceptable to leave a game and won’t be tolerated in the future.”

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When’s the last time Steelers played Ravens in NFL playoffs? What fans need to know

The Steelers and Ravens will take their rivalry to 2024’s AFC Wild-Card round. Here’s a look back at their thrilling postseason history.

The Pittsburgh Steelers will face the Baltimore Ravens this Saturday, January 11, 2024, in this season’s Wild-Card round of the playoffs. The Steel City has faced its AFC North rivals four times previously, and the postseason history between these two foes is rich with competitive spirit. Here is a historical look at how the previous four playoff meetings between the Steelers and Ravens played out.

2001 Playoffs: Divisional Round

The Pittsburgh Steelers faced the reigning Super Bowl XXXV champions, the Baltimore Ravens, in the divisional round of the 2001 playoffs on January 20, 2002. It was the first postseason meeting between the two teams, and Pittsburgh made sure to end the Ravens’ aspirations of back-to-back Super Bowl victories with a 27-10 Steelers win. One Steeler who stood out was none other than RB Amos Zereoué, who helped seal the victory with two rushing touchdowns on the night.

2008 Playoffs: AFC Championship Game

The second meeting between these AFC North rivals took place during the 2008 season in the AFC Championship Game on January 18, 2009. Once again, the Black and Gold ended the Ravens’ playoff hopes, sending Baltimore packing with a 23-14 Steelers victory. This game featured one of the most iconic plays in Steelers postseason history, as SS Troy Polamalu intercepted Ravens QB Joe Flacco and returned it 40 yards for a pick-six late in the fourth quarter.

2010 Playoffs: Divisional Round

Pittsburgh’s postseason dominance over Baltimore continued in the 2010 season’s divisional round on January 15, 2011. The Ravens gave the Steel City a tough fight, but the Steelers ultimately prevailed, securing the Pittsburgh victory, 31-24. One of the standout performances of the game came from FS Ryan Clark, who forced a fumble on Ravens RB Ray Rice and intercepted Ravens QB Joe Flacco.

2014 Playoffs: Wild-Card Round

All good things must come to an end, and so did the Steelers’ perfect postseason record against the Ravens on January 3, 2015, in the 2014 season’s Wild-Card round. There was little for the Black and Gold faithful to cheer for in this matchup, as both the offense and defense struggled mightily, leading to a 30-17 Steelers loss. A bright spot for Pittsburgh was K Shaun Suisham, who accounted for nine of the team’s 17 total points.

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19 years ago: A look back at Washington’s last playoff win

We look back at the franchise’s last playoff win, featuring Sean Taylor and Joe Gibbs.

Monday marked the 19th anniversary of when this franchise, now known as the Washington Commanders, won an NFL playoff game.

That’s right, it was January 7, 2006, the first round of the 2005 season NFC playoffs. They were the “Redskins” then, and traveling to Tampa, Florida, they defeated the Bucs 17-10 to advance to a second-round matchup in Seattle, where their season ended in a 20-10 loss.

Here are highlights from this last playoff win

With Joe Gibbs (2.0) in his second season, the team had not been in the playoffs since 1999; no fan would ever imagine (not even Gibbs himself) that the team would go 19 years without winning another playoff game.

The Redskins were 5-6 heading into December, where coach Joe pulled off his magic like he so often had been prone to accomplish. The man could organize and lead like few others (who else do you know that has led an NFL team to championships and a NASCAR team to championships?).

Washington won their last five games of the season, defeating the Rams (24-9), the Cardinals (17-13), the Cowboys (35-7), the Giants on Christmas Eve (35-20), and the Eagles on New Year’s Day (31-20).

Mark Brunell was an aging 35-year-old veteran, and Patrick Ramsey was his backup. Three times that season, Brunell led the Redskins back on game-winning drives late to pull out close wins.

Clinton Portis rushed for 1,516 yards for the second-highest rushing season in franchise history! He ran for 11 rushing touchdowns, averaging 4.3 a carry and 94.8 a game.

Santana Moss collected nine touchdown receptions and 1,483 receiving yards on 84 receptions, averaging an impressive 17.7 yards per reception. Tight end Chris Cooley had a huge season with 71 receptions, averaging 10.9 reception and 7 receiving touchdowns.

Ladell Betts and Antonio Brown (not THAT Antonio Brown) both returned a kickoff that season for a touchdown. Kicker John Hall made every point after touchdown and missed only two field goal attempts.

Defensive end Phillip Daniels led the team with 8.0 quarterback sacks, with LB Marcus Washington also contributing 7.5. Linebacker Lamar Marshall led the team with 101 tackles, and Washington was second with 94. Marshall also led the Redskins with four interceptions, including the only “pick six,” and Ryan Clark added three.  Sean Taylor led the team with 12 passes defended.

Gregg Williams and Don Breaux were the defensive and offensive coordinators, respectively. Joe Bugel (OL coach) and Greg Blache (DL coach) were on the coaching staff, and the Executive VP of Player Personnel was Vinny Cerrato.

Nineteen years was indeed a long time ago.

Ryan Clark says what every Steelers fan is thinking about Mike Tomlin

Pittsburgh Steelers owner and president Art Rooney II continues to reward Mike Tomlin with extensions, expecting a different result.

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Pittsburgh Steelers owner and president Art Rooney II continues to reward head coach Mike Tomlin with extensions, expecting a different result.

After another subpar performance by Pittsburgh in last night’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, NFL analyst and former Steelers safety Ryan Clark said what every Steelers fan thinks about Tomlin.

As much as we love Mike Tomlin, we have to be honest: It is year after year of showing promise, of giving hope and then falling flat early on in the playoffs. There has to be some change in that pattern.

Clark mentioned only one person in “that pattern”: Mike Tomlin. He’s the puppeteer who has been calling all the shots. He has all the power to control his coaching staff and their decisions.

When will Rooney realize that Tomlin is no longer the answer? He’s suffering from burn-out, and the Steelers’ inefficiency in all phases is the result. If Rooney wants his team to move forward, he’ll have to rip off the band-aid.

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De’Vondre Campbell gets destroyed on ESPN for quitting on 49ers

ESPN analysts Stephen A. Smith and Ryan Clark questioned if De’Vondre Campbell should ever play football again after he quit on the 49ers.

Though healthy and suited up, San Francisco 49ers linebacker De’Vondre Campbell refused to enter Thursday night’s 12-6 loss against the Los Angeles Rams.

San Francisco tight end George Kittle and 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward shared their opinions on Campbell’s actions after the loss. Kittle ripped Campbell’s decision and Ward said he expects Campbell to be cut.

Campbell’s refusal to play also quickly morphed into one of the top stories nationally in sports.

On Friday morning, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith sounded off on the incident and blasted Campbell on his show “First Take.” Smith called Campbell’s NFL playing future into question.

“If it were me, he would have been cut before he left the locker room. He wouldn’t have made it out of the locker room as a San Francisco 49er. I’ll be honest with you. His career is in grave jeopardy and it should be. You don’t want a teammate like that. De’Vondre Campbell should be ashamed of himself. There is no excuse for what he did,” Smith said.

Fellow ESPN analyst Ryan Clark agreed with Smith’s assessment and said as much earlier on in the morning on “Get Up.”

“In my opinion as a brotherhood, he should never play again. Ever again,” Clark said. “Why would you want him on your team?”

Campbell’s refusal to play came with San Francisco in a bind at the position. 49ers linebackers Dre Greenlaw and Dee Winters were sidelined with respective knee and neck injuries.

It also came during a game that essentially killed the 49ers’ postseason hopes. With the loss, San Francisco (6-8) has now lost four of its past five games and fell into the NFC West cellar with just three games remaining in the 2024 regular season.

Campbell started 12 of the 49ers’ first 13 games. The 6-foot-4, 232 pound linebacker played 90% of San Francisco’s defensive snaps with 79 tackles, including three for loss, and a pair of passes defended.

Former Steelers safety blasts Aaron Rodgers: ‘This dude is a fraud’

Ryan Clark ripped into Aaron Rodgers over hypocrisy and fraudulence in fiery response to Rodgers’ rant against ESPN and former players.

It appears former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark didn’t take too kindly to Jets QB Aaron Rodgers‘ latest rant regarding ESPN and the former players who work there. Rodgers took to the Pat McAfee Show to rip into ESPN, and Clark has fired back.

Clark, who revitalized his legendary football career through ESPN as an analyst following his retirement, went scorched earth on Rodgers’ comments and alluded to the hypocrisy of the former Packers QB: “My issue with him is that you’re doing the exact same thing. The reason you’re getting the opportunity to say these asinine things is because someone is paying you—who is exactly the same thing you are now speaking out against.”

Clark wasn’t finished just proving Rodgers to be hypocritical, however, as he continued to tear into the quarterback’s character: “This dude is a fraud. He’s been a fraud. He could throw a football, and that’s where it stops.”

It’s safe to say Clark and Rodgers will not be exchanging Christmas cards in 2024, but the 41-year-old New York Jets QB should consider the bridges he is burning once his football career is over.

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Jayden Daniels, Dan Quinn remember Sean Taylor

Dan Quinn, Jayden Daniels remember Sean Taylor on the 17th anniversary of his passing.

Nov. 27, 2007, is one of the darkest days in the history of the Washington NFL franchise. That’s the day legendary former Redskins safety Sean Taylor died after being shot in his home protecting his family.

While faces and names have changed over the years, the team has always honored Taylor. Recently, the Commanders teamed up with his daughter to create the Sean Taylor Legacy Project.

Regardless of who coaches or plays for the now-Commanders, Taylor’s name is always mentioned around the anniversary of his tragic passing.

On Wednesday, it marked 17 years since Taylor’s tragic death. Washington head coach Dan Quinn remembered Taylor:

“I’m really glad that you brought that up, and I did,” Quinn said about watching Taylor play. “[I] was not aware of 17 years for that. A presence, I think, is one of the first things that you think about even from entering into, like what a defender can be and look like and  the impact that a ball player can make on a team, and the energy that they can provide. And so, that’s the first thing, kind of gives me chills just on my arms right now thinking about what presence can mean to a team and to a group. And Sean had that in abundance.”

When Taylor died, Quinn was in his first year as the New York Jets defensive line coach.

Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels was also asked about his memories of Taylor.

‘I mean, I watched Sean Taylor, I used to watch his highlights, so I know, one of my close friends, Jordan Clark, his dad, obviously [Former Washington S] Ryan Clark, they played together here,” Daniels said.

“So, he had a huge impact on Jordan, but just overall in the football world, just who he was and as a human being and the impact that he made on the field, obviously his electrified playing, hits, and making plays on the ball. So, I mean, it’s awesome just to have his remembrance here and try to keep that going.”

Ryan Clark also remembered Taylor this week.

The Commanders retired Taylor’s No. 21 jersey two years ago and remembered him on social media Wednesday.

ESPN broadcaster, LSU alum Ryan Clark has high praise for new Michigan commit Bryce Underwood

The sky truly is the limit. #GoBlue

You know ESPN analyst Ryan Clark, once a safety at LSU, didn’t want to see Bryce Underwood back off his commitment to the Tigers in favor of the Michigan Wolverines. Even now that Underwood has changed his mind about Clark’s alma mater, Clark is singing the praises of the five-star quarterback and No. 1 player in the country.

Michigan football landing Underwood was a seismic shift — not just for the talent on the Wolverines’ roster, but also in college football. Because Underwood, as Clark sees it, is a generational talent that might be better than all of the big quarterback names that have graced the college football stage over the past decade or so.

“So what’s crazy is I came out of 7-on-7 retirement for Bryce Underwood,” Clark said. “I coached the team this summer because he was going to be the quarterback. I’ve seen Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, CJ Stroud, Bryce Young — you name it — Jayden Daniels. At his age, he’s better than every single one of them. The way he throws the football, the way he moves, the way he leads, the sort of kid he is.

“I was excited about what LSU could be in the future because of him. Partly, this is on Brian Kelly and what’s happened with LSU throughout this season. And I also think another big piece of it is, if you’re Michigan and you don’t have a quarterback, and that offense looking the way that it is, you can’t let let out of that state.”

If Underwood is that good, he’ll earn a starting job sooner than later. Lawrence managed to start for Clemson after Kelly Bryant got the first four games of the season. Fields started in Year 2 after transferring from Georgia to Ohio State. Stroud started in Year 2. So it will be interesting to see how quickly Underwood picks up Michigan’s offense and is comfortable enough to take the helm and show what he has.

Underwood is fully expected to sign on Dec. 4, and he plans to enroll early. That would make him able to participate in bowl practices should the Wolverines become eligible.

Former Steelers safety defends Mike Tomlin in Week 12 blame game

Ryan Clark defends Mike Tomlin’s fourth-quarter decision against the Browns, while the Steelers face scrutiny over Week 12’s struggles.

Once a Steeler, always a Steeler. While appearing on ESPN’s First Take, former Steelers safety-turned-analyst Ryan Clark proved he will forever bleed Black and Gold.

Host Molly Qerim asked Clark if Head Coach Mike Tomlin was to blame for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Week 12 loss to the Cleveland Browns. Clark, demonstrating immense loyalty to his former coach, defended Tomlin’s most questionable call—the acceptance of the illegal touching by an offensive lineman penalty in the fourth quarter—stating it was the correct decision.

Clark added that making the field goal attempt tougher with the acceptance of the penalty could have paid dividends for the Steelers if the defense had stopped the Browns.

The conversation shifted to discuss who was truly to blame, with the general consensus landing on Arthur Smith’s poor playcalling in Week 12. Pittsburgh will need to reevaluate its offensive approach moving forward, as the Cincinnati Bengals await the Steelers in Week 13 on December 1 at 1:00 PM EST.

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