Sideline Showdown: Analyzing the Best and Worst Coaching Decisions from NFL Rivalry Week 2025
Rivalry Week in the NFL is always a spectacle, a collision of history, passion, and, of course, strategic brilliance (and sometimes, blunders) from the sidelines. This year, 2025, was no exception. With playoff berths on the line and bragging rights at a premium, coaches faced intense pressure to make the right calls. One wrong decision could swing a game, a season, or even a career. Let’s dive into the best and worst coaching decisions that defined NFL Rivalry Week 2025.
Game Analysis: Ravens vs. Steelers – A Tale of Two Halves
The AFC North clash between the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers is always a physical, hard-nosed affair. This year’s edition was no different, but the coaching decisions proved to be the ultimate difference-maker.
The Good: Mike Vrabel, in his first year as Steelers head coach, came into the game with a clear plan: establish the run early and control the clock. In the first half, Pittsburgh leaned heavily on Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, who gashed the Ravens’ defense for 95 yards. Vrabel’s commitment to the run not only kept Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ offense off the field but also opened up play-action opportunities for Kenny Pickett.
The Bad: On the other side, Baltimore’s defensive coordinator, Terrell Williams, seemed slow to adjust. Despite Pittsburgh’s success on the ground, the Ravens continued to play a light box, and Vrabel and offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, exploited this mismatch to perfection.
The Turning Point: The second half saw a dramatic shift. Williams finally committed to stopping the run, bringing in extra defenders and blitzing more frequently. This forced Pickett into obvious passing situations, where the Ravens’ pass rush, led by Odafe Oweh, began to feast.
The Crucial Call: With the Steelers clinging to a 3-point lead late in the fourth quarter, Vrabel faced a fourth-and-one at his own 40-yard line. Instead of punting and pinning the Ravens deep, he elected to go for it. The play call, a risky jet sweep to Calvin Austin III, was stuffed for a loss. This decision gave the Ravens excellent field position, and they capitalized with a game-winning touchdown drive led by Jackson. While Vrabel’s aggressiveness had paid off earlier in the game, this gamble backfired spectacularly.
Play Calling Breakdown: Bears vs. Packers – Offensive Fireworks or Damp Squib?
The historic rivalry between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers took an interesting turn in 2025, with both teams boasting young, exciting quarterbacks. The game was expected to be an offensive showcase, but coaching decisions dictated a different narrative.
The Good: Ben Johnson, the Bears’ new head coach, has revitalized Caleb Williams’ career. Johnson’s offensive scheme, known for its innovative use of motion and pre-snap reads, kept the Packers’ defense guessing. Williams threw for 350 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing the potential that made him the No. 1 overall pick.
The Bad: On the Packers’ sideline, offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich appeared to be stuck in neutral. Despite having a talented quarterback in Jordan Love and a stable of promising young receivers, the Packers’ offense lacked creativity and aggression. Too many predictable runs and conservative pass plays allowed the Bears’ defense to anticipate and stifle their attack.
The Questionable Decision: With the Packers trailing by 10 points in the fourth quarter, Stenavich opted for a field goal on fourth-and-goal from the Bears’ 8-yard line. This decision was widely criticized, as it essentially conceded the game and failed to capitalize on a chance to close the gap.
Player Performances: Commanders vs. Cowboys – When to Trust Your Stars
The NFC East rivalry between the Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys is always a heated affair, and this year’s game was no exception. However, the coaching decisions surrounding key player performances ultimately determined the outcome.
The Good: Commanders’ head coach Dan Quinn made a bold move early in the game, benching veteran running back Brian Robinson Jr. after a costly fumble. Quinn entrusted the running game to Antonio Gibson, who responded with a career-high 150 rushing yards and two touchdowns. This decision demonstrated Quinn’s willingness to hold players accountable and reward performance.
The Bad: On the Cowboys’ sideline, head coach Brian Schottenheimer struggled to get the most out of his star wide receiver, CeeDee Lamb. Despite Lamb’s obvious talent, the Cowboys’ offense seemed to force the ball to other receivers, resulting in missed opportunities and stalled drives.
The Missed Opportunity: Late in the fourth quarter, with the Cowboys needing a touchdown to tie the game, Schottenheimer called a screen pass to a backup running back on third-and-long. The play was easily sniffed out by the Commanders’ defense, forcing a punt and effectively ending the game. This decision was a clear example of failing to trust your best player in a crucial situation.
Trade Updates: Patriots vs. Jets – Impact on Sideline Strategy
The AFC East rivalry between the New England Patriots and New York Jets took on added intrigue this year due to a blockbuster trade that occurred just days before the game.
The Impact: The Patriots, under new head coach Mike Vrabel, traded for disgruntled Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson. This move immediately upgraded the Patriots’ passing game and forced the Jets’ defense to adjust their game plan.
The Good: Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels wasted no time incorporating Wilson into the Patriots’ offense. Wilson had 10 catches for 120 yards and a touchdown, proving to be a game-changer for New England.
The Bad: On the Jets’ sideline, head coach Aaron Glenn struggled to compensate for the loss of Wilson. The Jets’ offense, already struggling, became even more predictable, and quarterback Zach Wilson was under constant pressure from the Patriots’ defense.
The Lesson: This game highlighted the importance of adaptability and the impact that trades can have on sideline strategy. Vrabel’s ability to quickly integrate Wilson into the Patriots’ offense gave his team a significant advantage, while Glenn’s inability to adjust to Wilson’s absence proved costly for the Jets.
Conclusion: The Chess Match Continues
NFL Rivalry Week 2025 was a testament to the strategic complexities of the game and the critical role that coaching decisions play in determining success. From bold gambles to questionable play calls, the sidelines were filled with moments of brilliance and blunders. As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see how these coaches learn from their mistakes and continue to evolve their strategies in the ever-competitive landscape of the NFL.