INDIANAPOLIS — In the latest NFL Players Association report card, the Miami Dolphins have maintained their position as the premier team, with the Minnesota Vikings following closely behind for the second straight season. Completing the top five in the third annual NFLPA report card, released at the NFL scouting combine, are the Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders, and Los Angeles Chargers.
In stark contrast, the report places the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots, and Arizona Cardinals at the bottom of the rankings.
According to JC Tretter, the NFLPA’s chief strategy officer, the survey received responses from 1,695 players, which averages out to 52 players per team, accounting for 77% of the union’s membership. The evaluations contributing to these report cards were conducted between August 26 and November 20.
Lloyd Howell, the executive director of the NFLPA, clarified that the intention of the report cards is not to criticize but rather to identify ways to enhance the working conditions for players. Tretter noted that most teams are showing improvement.
Of significant note is the Washington Commanders’ substantial rise as they moved from 32nd place the previous two years to an impressive 11th. Tretter attributed this progress to the efforts of owner Josh Harris, who has been proactive in bettering staffing and the organization’s culture.
In related news, players recognized Commanders coach Dan Quinn, ranking him as the top coach. The Atlanta Falcons have also improved, jumping from 25th to claim the third spot, while the Chargers rose from 30th to fifth position. Meanwhile, the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles dropped to 22nd from fourth last year.
This year, the grading system introduced two new categories focusing on the willingness of owners to invest in team facilities. Stephen Ross (Dolphins), Zygi Wilf (Vikings), Arthur Blank (Falcons), Greg Prenner (Broncos), and Dean Spanos (Chargers) led in this regard.
Conversely, Robert Kraft (Patriots), David Tepper (Panthers), Art Rooney II (Steelers), Michael Bidwell (Cardinals), and Woody Johnson (Jets) were at the lower end of the scale.
Players also assessed how owners fostered a positive team culture and their commitment to constructing competitive teams. Ross, Blank, Wilf, Harris, and Prenner were at the forefront in both categories.
On the other hand, Bidwell, Jimmy Haslam (Browns), Kraft, Tepper, and Johnson filled the bottom slots for team culture, and Mike Brown (Bengals), Haslam, Kraft, Johnson, and Tepper had low ratings for competitive team building. Among these, Johnson received an overall F rating for ownership.
Looking at coaching ranks, Falcons coach Raheem Morris trailed only Quinn, placing second, while AP Coach of the Year Kevin O’Connell of the Vikings secured third place. Coaches such as Kansas City’s Andy Reid and Detroit’s Dan Campbell were ranked fourth and fifth respectively, with Miami’s Mike McDaniels also earning an A-plus.
Notably, coaches at the lower end who received a C grade included Kevin Stefanski from the Browns, a two-time Coach of the Year, Doug Pederson of the Jaguars, and Matt Eberflus of the Bears, with both Pederson and Eberflus having been fired.
