It only took 3 games for Cooper Flagg to surpass Luka Doncic in crucial area

The Dallas Mavericks have had a successful preseason thus far. Many players have used the time to take advantage of minutes and showcase their talents. One player in particular is Ryan Nembhard. The Dallas guard performed well in his third preseason game, as he helped lead the Mavs' offense. He dished out 12 assists in 26 minutes and potentially surpassed his name over Jaden Hardy within Jason Kidd's rotation.

Another player who performed well in their third preseason game was incoming rookie Cooper Flagg. He dominated on both ends of the court and looked comfortable in multiple positions. One area Flagg excelled in was his ability to move effectively. He looked comfortable hustling on both sides of the ball, fitting the two-way player standard that Nico Harrison was looking for..

If you recall, Harrison traded Luka Doncic because he felt the former star didn't fit the formula Dallas was looking for. It was believed that Doncic's conditioning became a huge issue. At one point, Doncic reportedly weighed 270 pounds. This led to him struggling on the defensive end and failing to keep up with some of the best players. However, this is something that won't be an issue with Flagg.

Cooper Flagg's relentless motor sets him apart

Last season, many analysts criticized Doncic's defense. They viewed him as a one-dimensional player who excels well offensively but lacks the defensive intangibles that sometimes hinder the Mavs' system. For example, NBA champion Kendrick Perkins shut down Doncic's effort on the defensive end. He explained that it wasn't Doncic's tools or IQ, but rather his lack of effort. Simply put, he believed Doncic didn't try on defense and allowed scorers to run right past him.

This is something the Mavs won't have to worry about when it comes to Flagg. In three preseason games, the rookie has excelled on both sides of the ball and has done an excellent job of hustling on both ends.

In his third preseason game, Flagg proved he can make an immediate impact for Dallas. Defensively, he finished the game with two blocks, two steals, and six defensive rebounds. If you watch the video below, you'll see a perfect example of him moving with the scorer and protecting the rim. His quick feet and aggressive style allowed Flagg to reach in for a block and move from the top of the key to the paint.

Offensively, Flagg demonstrated more of his high scoring. The Mavs' rookie struggled shooting, as he shot 23 percent overall and made just one 3-point shot. Yet, Flagg still used his fast level of play to get his buckets and did a great job of pushing the pace in transition. He did a great job attacking, as he converted numerous dunks and got himself a couple of attempts at the free-throw line.

Flagg's two-way ability, though, is what distinguishes him from Doncic. In Dallas' third game, Mavs fans saw a glimpse of how athletic and conditioned Flagg is. He started the game handling the ball at the point guard position as he ran the offense. Flagg also covered multiple positions and was aggressive, snatching boards and giving Dallas second-chance opportunities. Basically, his aggressive style demonstrated the impact of his conditioning and versatility.

So, Flagg's presence through three games is something that should excite Mavs fans. He is a young, athletic player who has all the intangibles to succeed in the NBA. Plus, his aggressive tendencies could be the perfect match for a team lacking a two-way presence. Flagg's season debut can't come soon enough.

Seahawks Safety Coby Bryant Thanks Mike Macdonald for Calling Him Out

Following some missed tackles a week ago, Seattle Seahawks safety Coby Bryant was called out in a team meeting and he said he is grateful for that.

ESPN’s Brady Henderson reported Sunday that Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald called out Bryant in a team meeting on Monday, saying he expected better tackling from his best players.

Bryant went on miss zero tackles in Sunday’s win over the Jacksonville Jaguars and had a team-high Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of 86.9.

“That’s what we need, honesty,” Bryant said of being called out. “It was much needed, and I’m thankful for that.”

Mike Macdonald called out Coby Bryant in a team meeting last Monday, expecting better tackling from one of his best players.

Message received, by Bryant and the rest of the defense.

“That’s what we need, honesty,” Bryant said. “It was much needed, and I’m thankful for that.”

Seattle Defense Dominated Against Jaguars

Bryant recorded seven tackles, including two for loss, helping lead a stout Seattle defense that limited Jacksonville to just 12 points.

Despite a depleted secondary and multiple injuries in the front seven, Seattle’s defense turned in a dominant performance—recording seven sacks, stifling the Jaguars’ rushing attack, and reaffirming its status as one of the league’s top defensive units.

The front four, anchored by DeMarcus Lawrence and Byron Murphy II, controlled the line of scrimmage throughout the game, consistently collapsing the pocket and keeping Trevor Lawrence under duress.

Murphy, who notched just half a sack as a rookie last season, has already tallied 4.5 through six games, while Lawrence continues to set the tone up front in his first year following a decade in Dallas.

The impact was clear: Jacksonville mustered only 59 rushing yards on 19 carries, with standout back Travis Etienne Jr. limited to 27 yards on 12 attempts.

GettyJACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 12: Head coach Mike MacDonald of the Seattle Seahawks looks on during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the game at EverBank Stadium on October 12, 2025 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)

Mike Macdonald Brings Forward Stealthy Defense Despite Injuries

Through six weeks, the Seahawks boast one of the NFL’s stingiest run defenses, ranking second in rushing yards allowed per game (79) and fourth overall in total rushing yards allowed (474), trailing only Houston, Atlanta, and Green Bay.

Seattle also sits inside the top 10 in scoring defense, surrendering just 19.5 points per game—nearly identical to the marks posted by Minnesota and Indianapolis.

That blend of balance and physicality is exactly what the Seahawks envisioned when they hired Mike Macdonald last winter. The former Ravens defensive coordinator arrived with a proven scheme built on hybrid fronts and disguised pressures, and it’s now beginning to take full effect.

Despite a wave of injuries across all three levels of the defense—Devin Witherspoon (knee), Riq Woolen (concussion), and Julian Love (hamstring) among them, with veterans Derick Hall, Johnathan Hankins, and Rylie Mills still sidelined—the unit hasn’t wavered. Depth contributors like Ty Okada, Coby Bryant, and Josh Jobe have stepped in seamlessly, preserving Seattle’s defensive identity.

Resilience has become the defining trait of Mike Macdonald’s Seahawks — and his defense exemplifies it each week. Despite ongoing roster turnover, Seattle continues to control the tempo, dominate the line of scrimmage, and shut down opposing run games.

Once the secondary returns to full strength, Macdonald’s unit has the potential to stand among the NFC’s elite. At 4–2, the Seahawks’ ceiling keeps climbing — and their defense is leading the way.

Next week, Seattle hosts the Houston Texans on “Monday Night Football,” Oct. 20.

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