The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL The players and coaches defining the 2025 NFL season
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Nov 6, 2025 
Nate Tice, an insightful NFL analyst known for his sharp football analysis, joins Robert Mays to discuss pivotal players and coaches shaping the 2025 season. They delve into the Buffalo Bills' tight-end evolution and how versatile rookies are transforming offensive strategies. Tice highlights the Bears' explosive offense driven by innovative scheming, alongside the Broncos' defensive powerhouse, Noah Hufanga. The duo also examines the revival of under-center plays and the growing value of second-chance quarterbacks, providing deep insights into the league's evolving landscape.
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Bills' Tight End Transformation
- The Bills shifted from spread-heavy to tight-end–heavy personnel, making two-tight-end groupings a core part of their identity.
- Jackson Hawes and Reggie Gilliam let Buffalo create bigger run surfaces while preserving passing explosiveness.
Blocking Tight Ends Define Offenses
- The quality and willingness of tight ends to block now separates good offenses from bad ones.
- Teams often add six offensive linemen when blocking tight ends are unavailable to guarantee run-edge surfaces.
Bears' Cohesive Run-First Build
- Ben Johnson's Bears emphasize explosive plays with a disciplined run game as the foundational 'jab'.
- Weaponizing players like Darnell Wright and Jonah Jackson amplifies that philosophy and reduces pressure on Caleb Williams.