Week 14 Notebook: Myles Murphy's Redemption, Rookie QB Clash in Cleveland, and Mark Andrews' Legacy in Baltimore
Bengals: Myles Murphy Makes a Statement
Sometimes, it’s not just about the play-it’s about the response. That’s exactly what we saw from Bengals defensive end Myles Murphy in Week 13. After being called out for a lack of hustle just a couple of weeks ago, Murphy flipped the script in a big way against the Ravens.
Late in the game, Murphy chased down Derrick Henry-yes, that Derrick Henry-on what looked like a potential game-breaking run. The effort saved a touchdown, and five plays later, linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. capitalized with a clutch interception. One hustle play turned into a momentum swing, and defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery wasn’t shy about giving Murphy his flowers.
“This is a hell of a play,” Montgomery said. “Instead of letting the touchdown go, we got the stop and three or four plays later, we got an interception.
That’s the difference. Running with a purpose.”
Montgomery’s praise wasn’t just about one highlight-it was about growth. A couple of weeks earlier, Murphy had been on the wrong side of the film room critique after jogging on a long Jaylen Warren run against the Steelers. Montgomery made it clear: effort isn’t optional.
“There should never be loafs,” he said. “And 99, who did a phenomenal job (chasing down Henry in Baltimore), cut it short on that play. On a play he should have made.”
Murphy didn’t dodge the criticism. In fact, he embraced it, calling the Week 11 tape “embarrassing.”
“It was kind of embarrassing to see it on the screen, the whole team sees it, the whole defense sees it, because that is not me,” Murphy admitted. “I don’t want to put that on tape ever again. Moving forward, this is my play style.”
That’s the kind of accountability that resonates in a locker room-and the kind of hustle that can swing a season.
Browns: Rookie Quarterbacks Set for Center Stage
Sunday’s matchup between the Browns and Titans brings more than just playoff implications-it’s a showcase of two rookie quarterbacks who’ve taken very different paths to this point.
Cam Ward, the No. 1 overall pick, has been under the microscope all season in Tennessee. Shedeur Sanders, meanwhile, slid to the fifth round before landing with Cleveland. But don’t expect Sanders to make this a personal grudge match.
“Nah, I think it’s nothing extra within myself,” Sanders said. “It’s a lot of great quarterbacks, you know, week by week, that we play against. So, I wouldn’t say this adds anything.”
Still, the contrast is hard to ignore. Ward has been sacked a league-high 48 times this season-a stat that should have Browns defensive end Myles Garrett licking his chops. Garrett is just three and a half sacks away from breaking the single-season record, and with Ward’s protection issues, Sunday could be a big swing in that chase.
On the injury front, rookie defensive tackle Mason Graham expects to suit up despite a rib issue sustained last week.
“I hurt (the rib) during the game. I’ll be playing on Sunday,” Graham said.
Ravens: Mark Andrews Secures His Legacy-and a New Deal
It’s official: Mark Andrews isn’t just a cornerstone of the Ravens’ offense-he’s now locked in for the next three years with a fresh contract extension.
“We are excited and proud to announce a three-year contract extension with Mark Andrews,” said GM Eric DeCosta. “Mark is an all-time Raven-a top competitor and Pro Bowl tight end who is also a big part of our Baltimore community. Congratulations to Mark and his family!”
Andrews already holds franchise records for receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns by a tight end. Now, he’s got the contract to match the résumé. The deal came together quickly, according to Andrews, who credited the Ravens organization and his teammates for helping shape his career.
“I just feel incredibly blessed; one, to be a part of such an amazing organization throughout these last eight years, and the incredible players that I’ve been able to take part with and play with and grow with,” Andrews said.
The extension also casts a spotlight on the future of fellow tight ends Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar, both of whom are set to hit free agency in 2026. Andrews didn’t hesitate when asked about their value: “They deserve a lot.”
Likely echoed that sentiment, soaking in the moment without worrying about his own contract status just yet.
“I just watched my brother get paid, so I just enjoy it. Just live in the moment,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Ravens are getting healthier at the right time. Head coach John Harbaugh confirmed that quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle) and cornerback Nate Wiggins (foot) are “good to go” for Week 14.
Jackson struggled in his return last week, but he’s tuning out the noise.
“It’s just noise,” Jackson said. “Most of us NFL players are built off noise.”
With Andrews locked in, Jackson healthy, and the Ravens still very much in the AFC mix, Baltimore looks poised to make a run-just in time for the stretch that really counts.