John Harbaugh Speaks Out on Ravens-Dolphins Trade, Believes It Could Help Secure His Job
Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has addressed the recent trade between the Ravens and the Miami Dolphins, stating that he believes the move could play a crucial role in securing his position with the team. The trade, which has generated significant attention, saw key players being exchanged in an effort to strengthen the Ravens' roster and improve their playoff chances.
“I’m excited about what this trade brings to our team,” Harbaugh said in a recent interview. “It’s always a business decision, but this trade has the potential to make a big impact. We’ve made some strategic moves, and I believe it puts us in a better position to compete. We’re focused on getting better and building for the future.”
Harbaugh, who has led the Ravens since 2008, acknowledged that his job security is often tied to the team’s performance. With the Ravens continuing to aim for a championship, he believes that this trade could be the key to pushing the team toward success and keeping his role as head coach secure.
“Ultimately, it’s about winning,” Harbaugh continued. “This trade is a step toward building the kind of team that can go all the way. We’ve got a lot of work to do, but I’m confident in the direction we’re headed.”
As the Ravens look to improve their roster and strengthen their playoff push, Harbaugh’s leadership and the success of this trade could be pivotal in determining the future of both the team and his coaching career.
Lions Get Good News on Pivotal Defensive Lineman Before Chiefs Game
The Detroit Lions could finally see a key member of the defense back on the field, months after he suffered a major knee injury.
Defensive lineman Alim McNeill has been growing ever-closer to a return from the torn ACL that cut short his 2024 season, addressing what one analyst believes is a growing concern for the 4-1 Lions.
Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon noted that the string of early injuries has been the “biggest concern” for the Lions this season, including the absence of McNeill.
“The Lions are still without key defenders Alim McNeill (knee), Terrion Arnold (shoulder) and D.J. Reed (hamstring). And safety Kerby Joseph has been playing through a knee injury, while Brian Branch is dealing with an ankle injury,” Gagnon wrote. “Unsurprisingly, that unit has had some spotty performances thus far. They’re giving up 22.4 points per game, up from 20.1 in 2024.”
Gagnon noted that the Lions have found ways to make up for the string of injuries, but could see a big boost when McNeill is able to return to the field — which could come as early as this week.
“The good news is they’re making up for it with takeaways and sacks, and McNeill may return just in time for a big Week 6 matchup with the Chiefs,” Gagnon wrote.
Good Signs for Alim McNeill
It appeared that McNeill may have been able to return for last week’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals, with head coach Dan Campbell saying he was “50/50” to play. The Lions ultimately ruled McNeill out, though the coaching staff has been giving some hopeful signs about his ability to return and get back to his previous form.
Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard said last week that McNeill has looked great while ramping up toward his return.
“I told Dan [Campbell] yesterday that it’s amazing when you watch those practice clips. It’s like he’s been at training camp. I mean he does not look like a player that hasn’t practiced, and that’s credit to him,” Sheppard said, via ESPN. “I know all this bone density and all these guru terms they throw out, but all I know is I see a very, very high caliber defensive tackle when I turned on the tape yesterday so I’m very excited to have him back out there.”
McNeill added that he is excited to get back on the field and help his teammates. The team has struggled at times to generate consistent pressure on quarterbacks — which was especially true after Aidan Hutchinson’s season-ending injury last year. McNeill has been one of the most consistent defensive linemen.
McNeill suffered a torn ACL in December, missing the team’s final stretch and early playoff exit. He finished the season with 25 total tackles and 3.5 sacks, adding a forced fumble and pass defensed.
