3. About third down
Brian Flores' defense was dynamite in "weighty" situations last season, holding offenses to a 37.1 percent conversion rate on fourth downs and 35.6 percent on third. That ranked 1st and 4th in the NFL.
If practice is any kind of indicator, those figures could persist in 2025.
At the end of Wednesday's session, the first-team, second-team and developmental groups traded chances to move the sticks on varying third-and-distances. Overall, it was a struggle for the offenses.
McCarthy completed his first attempt near the right sideline to Rondale Moore – but too far from the line to gain. On his second dropback, McCarthy was covered up in a hurry as Cashman flew in for a sack.
The second group suffered a similar fate, as Sam Howell took back-to-back sacks. On one, Ingram-Dawkins pressured from the interior while Gabe Murphy and Bo Richter collapsed the edges.
When the first team eventually came up for another try, Dallas Turner said, "Not so fast!" The 2024 first-rounder exploded out of his stance and powered right tackle Brian O'Neill into McCarthy's lap.
Toward the end of the drill, the offense found a groove, advancing the chains on three straight plays. Brett Rypien zipped a pair of passes to Tim Jones and Thayer Thomas for first downs; Thomas elevated to collect his target; and Max Brosmer precisely delivered a deep pass to Dontae Fleming on the final snap of practice.