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Auburn Football is shopping for top talent who currently reside in the transfer portal and did not have to go far to extend its’ most recent offer.
Dillon Johnson, who rushed for 1,198 yards and 11 touchdowns in three seasons at Mississippi State, announced Saturday that he has received an offer from Auburn.
Johnson is back on the market after splitting carries with Jo’quavious Marks in the Bulldogs backfield. Neither back has come close to rushing for 1,000 yards in a season over their careers due to Mississippi State’s air raid system, but Johnson has proved to be a great pass catcher, as he racked up 864 receiving yards during his time in Starkville.
Johnson becomes the second offensive playmaker from Mississippi State that Auburn has offered since December 5. The Bulldogs’ second-leading receiver from this season, RaRa Thomas, received an Auburn offer last week and took a visit to campus last Thursday.
Johnson infamously entered the portal on Dec. 7. In his announcement, he took time to air what is believed to be Mississippi State’s dirty laundry.
“Since I am not very tough, and (Coach Mike) Leach is glad I am leaving, I will be entering my name into the transfer portal with the hopes of finding a more fit playing environment for me,” Johnson said in a tweet.
Johnson has two seasons of eligibility remaining. | 2022-12-11T21:47:02Z | sports.yahoo.com | Auburn offers premier back from SEC West | https://sports.yahoo.com/auburn-offers-premier-back-sec-210055476.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/auburn-offers-premier-back-sec-210055476.html?src=rss |
The first major recruiting weekend for Hugh Freeze has become memorable.
Six hours after receiving a commitment from ex-Texas Tech pledge Tyler Johnson, Auburn landed its’ second commitment of the day by flipping three-star cornerback Colton Hood from Michigan State.
Hood committed to Mel Tucker and Michigan State on Sept. 5, one month after receiving an offer from Auburn. However, Hood attended two games during the season, Sept. 17 against Penn State and Oct. 29 against Arkansas.
His recruitment to Auburn was influenced by more than just the coaching staff at Auburn. Hood is an Auburn legacy, as his father, uncle, and two brothers played for the Tigers. The most notable name of the bunch was his uncle, Roderick. Roderick Hood recorded 95 tackles and five interceptions for Auburn from 2000-02. He also excelled in the return game, accumulating 1,512 return yards over 38 games. He would go on to play eight NFL seasons, most notably for the Philadelphia Eagles.
LOS ANGELES – SEPTEMBER 2: Punt returner Roderick Hood #36 of the Auburn Tigers heads up the field against the USC Trojans at the Los Angeles Coliseum on September 2, 2002 in Los Angeles, California. USC defeated Auburn 24-17. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Hood says that playing for Auburn is a dream come true.
“My whole family went here,” Hood told Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports. “This has always been my dream school and to be able to live out my dream and do something I always wanted to do was the best.”
When it came to finally choosing Auburn, Hood credits the work that Hugh Freeze, Wesley McGriff, and Zac Etheridge did this weekend to sell him on joining the program. He trusts that they can develop him into a solid defensive back and that they will turn the program around.
Hood is a three-star cornerback from Eagles Landing Christian in McDonough, Georgia. He is the No. 56 player from the state of Georgia, and the No. 60 cornerback in the nation. With his commitment, Auburn climbs to No. 48 in 247Sports’ 2023 recruiting rankings. | 2022-12-11T21:47:09Z | sports.yahoo.com | Auburn officially flips Colton Hood from Michigan State | https://sports.yahoo.com/auburn-officially-flips-colton-hood-192722756.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/auburn-officially-flips-colton-hood-192722756.html?src=rss |
Travis Kelce joined an elite group of tight ends in what was a historic Sunday afternoon at Arrowhead Stadium.
The Kansas City Chiefs star, with a huge 38-yard catch late in the first quarter of their game against the Denver Broncos, officially hit 10,000 receiving yards in his career.
If every yard is a reason to celebrate, @tkelce has 10k of 'em. Congrats, Travis! #BudLightCelly | @BudLight pic.twitter.com/QzrphfRuI1
Kelce entered Sunday’s game with 968 receiving yards and a career-high 12 touchdowns. His catch in the first quarter got him to 1,000 on the season officially for the seventh straight year — which is the most ever recorded by a tight end in league history.
The 33-year-old, who the Chiefs took with the No. 63 overall pick in 2013, finished the first quarter with 59 yards on three receptions. | 2022-12-11T21:59:20Z | sports.yahoo.com | Chiefs' Travis Kelce becomes 5th tight end in league history with 10,000 receiving yards | https://sports.yahoo.com/chiefs-travis-kelce-becomes-5th-tight-end-in-league-history-with-10000-receiving-yards-215042924.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/chiefs-travis-kelce-becomes-5th-tight-end-in-league-history-with-10000-receiving-yards-215042924.html?src=rss |
White was en route to a hospital to be tested for rib injuries sustained on a pair of violent blows against the Bills. Barring bad news from the hospital, White will "for sure" start next week against the Detroit Lions, according to Saleh.
With the Jets fighting for a playoff berth at 7-6, White hurt and Flacco clearly not the answer, the situation begs the question: If not now, when is the time for New York took give its 2021 first-round pick another chance?
Flacco took over and immediately gave up the ball on a strip sack by Gregory Rousseau. He remained in the game for the ensuing possession, but White returned after being evaluated and initially listed as questionable to return with a rib injury. He was largely ineffective and clearly in pain when he walked off the field postgame.
New York started the game by forcing Buffalo to punt on its first five possessions. It limited an offense featuring Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs to 232 yards from scrimmage. The performance was commonplace of a unit that entered Sunday giving up just 18.6 points per game. The game result was frustratingly familiar for a Jets team that dropped of four games while averaging 12.3 points in the losses. | 2022-12-11T21:59:26Z | sports.yahoo.com | Jets QB situation remains a mess, but they're not going back to Zach Wilson | https://sports.yahoo.com/jets-qb-situation-remains-a-mess-but-theyre-not-going-back-to-zach-wilson-201833870.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/jets-qb-situation-remains-a-mess-but-theyre-not-going-back-to-zach-wilson-201833870.html?src=rss |
Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach has coached three seasons in Starkville. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach was hospitalized due to a health issue that occurred at his home on Sunday.
“Mississippi State University head football coach Mike Leach had a personal health issue at his home earlier Sunday. That issue led to a decision to transfer Coach Leach to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson by ambulance,” MSU’s statement said. “That is the extent of information that MSU has available regarding Coach Leach's condition, and the university will make no other comment at this time other than to say that the thoughts and prayers of the university are with Mike and Sharon and their family.”
Leach, 61, is in his third season as Mississippi State's head coach. He is 19-17 in that span, including an 8-4 mark this year.
Overall, Leach is 158-107 as a head coach. | 2022-12-11T21:59:45Z | sports.yahoo.com | Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach hospitalized due to 'personal health issue' | https://sports.yahoo.com/mississippi-state-head-coach-mike-leach-hospitalized-due-to-personal-health-issue-211313578.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/mississippi-state-head-coach-mike-leach-hospitalized-due-to-personal-health-issue-211313578.html?src=rss |
Brittney Griner was ready to talk on her 18-hour flight back to the United States earlier this week.
According to special presidential envoy for hostage affairs Roger Carstens, who helped secure Griner’s release from a Russian prison, the WNBA star spoke with him and others for nearly two-thirds of the flight from the United Arab Emirates to San Antonio on Thursday.
“When she finally got onto the U.S. plane, I said, ‘Brittney, you must have been through a lot over the last 10 months. Here’s your seat. Please feel free to decompress. We’ll give you your space,’” Carstens said on CNN’s “State of the Union.” on Sunday.
“And she said, ‘Oh no. I’ve been in prison for 10 months now listening to Russian, I want to talk. But first of all, who are these guys?’ And she moved right past me and went to every member on that crew, looked them in the eyes, shook their hands and asked about them and got their names, making a personal connection with them. It was really amazing. And then later on, on an 18 hour flight, she probably spent 12 hours just talking and we talked about everything under the sun.”
Griner was released from a Russian prison Thursday after the United States agreed to exchange convicted arms trafficker Viktor Bout. The exchange took place in the UAE, where Carstens and other officials made the swap at the Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Carstens said that, even though the circumstances weren’t great, it was an honor to meet Griner. He described her as “an intelligent, passionate, compassionate, humble, interesting person, a patriotic person, but above all, authentic.”
“It is humbling. I’m very grateful that President Biden allows me the chance to do this job,” Carstens said. “It’s also a painful job. So when you get the chance to shake someone’s hand, it’s one of the rare moments that you get to celebrate a victory.”
Retired Marine Paul Whelan was not included in the prisoner swap, something Carstens was asked about Sunday morning.
Whelan is currently serving a 16-year sentence in a Russian penal colony on espionage charges, something he and the State Department say are baseless.
Biden said Thursday that there was no opportunity to include Whelan in the deal to bring Griner home. Carstens reiterated that point, and said he has talked with Whelan since the deal went down.
“I said, ‘Paul, you have the commitment of this President. The President’s focused, the secretary of state’s focused. I’m certainly focused, and we’re gonna bring you home,’” he said.
“And I reminded him, I said, ‘Paul, when you were in the Marines, and I was in the Army, they always reminded you to keep the faith’ and I said, ‘Keep the faith. We’re coming to get you. … We weren’t able to get you out of this go around. We could not get the deal with the Russians. But had we not made the deal, then Brittany would not have come home. There was no opportunity to bring you home at this time.’”
Brittney Griner spent about 12 hours talking and bonding with officials and the flight crew on her trip home on Thursday, U.S. special presidential envoy for hostage affairs Roger Carstens. (Suzanne Cordeiro/AFP/Getty Images) | 2022-12-11T22:38:17Z | sports.yahoo.com | Brittney Griner ‘talked about everything under the sun’ with flight crew on trip home after prisoner exchange | https://sports.yahoo.com/brittney-griner-talked-about-everything-under-the-sun-with-flight-crew-on-trip-home-after-prisoner-exchange-205552989.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/brittney-griner-talked-about-everything-under-the-sun-with-flight-crew-on-trip-home-after-prisoner-exchange-205552989.html?src=rss |
EVANSTON, Ill. (AP) Robbie Beran had 20 points and 12 rebounds, Chase Audige made several key plays, and Northwestern rallied to defeat Prairie View A&M 61-51 on Sunday.
Justyn Mutts had three steals and three points in the last two minutes and sparked a game-changing 7-0 run to help Virginia Tech beat Oklahoma State 70-65 on Sunday at the Hoop Hall Invitational in the Barclays Center. Mylyjael Poteat broke a tie with a pair of free throws with 1:59 to play, putting the Hokies on top 62-60. Mutts then turned a steal into a free throw and another steal into a hook shot that pushed the lead to 65-60 with 47 seconds to go. | 2022-12-11T23:04:27Z | sports.yahoo.com | Beran, Audige lead Northwestern past stubborn Prairie View | https://sports.yahoo.com/beran-audige-lead-northwestern-past-214206948.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/beran-audige-lead-northwestern-past-214206948.html?src=rss |
Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes has a penchant for completing some improbable passes against the Denver Broncos.
Back in October of 2018, he had the iconic left-handed pass against the Broncos. In Week 14 of the 2022 NFL season, he had another awe-inspiring completion against this AFC West opponent.
On third-and-2 in the opening minute of the second quarter, Mahomes escaped pressure from the left side and rolled to his right. He thought about running for the first down himself, but he directed Jerick McKinnon upfield. With defenders closing in on him, he hurled the football forward with an underhand toss and hit a wide-open McKinnon around the 53. The most impressive part is that he didn’t appear to be looking at McKinnon when he made the toss.
McKinnon did the rest of the work and accelerated past some Broncos defenders into the endzone for the Chiefs’ first touchdown of the day, giving the Chiefs an early 13-0 lead in Denver. It has been all Kansas City in this one so far with the Broncos having no answers to slow this high-powered offense.
The NFL has decided to get serious about deterring fake injuries. That has prompted, as reported earlier today, the imposition of fines against five teams this year for the habit of pretending to be banged up for strategic advantage. Two specific fines came to light on Saturday, based on Week 13 games played after the [more]
K-State jumped out to a lead and never looked back on Sunday afternoon against Incarnate Word. Despite a few lapses early in the game, I thought K-State did a pretty good job of getting locked in from the jump and keeping it up through the game's entirety. It happened on Tuesday against Abilene Christian, but a strong enough push was made to get the halftime lead. | 2022-12-11T23:18:37Z | sports.yahoo.com | Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes finds Jerick McKinnon on no-look touchdown toss (Video) | https://sports.yahoo.com/chiefs-qb-patrick-mahomes-finds-220423851.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/chiefs-qb-patrick-mahomes-finds-220423851.html?src=rss |
It happened in one of Sunday’s early games, but unless an offensive lineman catches a touchdown pass in any of the late Sunday or Monday night games, Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell’s nine-yard catch to seal his team’s win over the Minnesota Vikings? We’re calling that the Play of Week 14.
It wasn’t just that Sewell made a great catch on the throw from Jared Goff; it was also that he was sent in motion to do it. Now, THAT’s sneaky.
It was also that, a few plays before, the Lions sent Sewell in motion as a receiver from a stack formation. The result was a one-yard run by Jamaal Williams, but it does make you think.
If it makes us think, it also makes Lions head coach Dan Campbell think, as he said after the 34-23 win — Detroit’s fifth win in its last six games.
Coach Campbell on @peneisewell58's third-down conversion pic.twitter.com/kYXQwM44qF
“We were prepared. It was part of a package that we could use in the red zone if needed. It felt like that was the right time to bring it out. We had good practice reps with it, you know, and we’d used him earlier in that fast motion. So, we felt really good about it being there. Because when you see him coming, you’re not going to think that he’s just going to the flat. He’s going to block you one more time, like he did before.
“It was a great call. We trusted him — look. We know what kind of athlete he is. He’s a phenomenal athlete. Who knows what kind of tackle he’s gonna be? A pretty good one, he already is. But he could be a Hall of Fame tight end, in my opinion, too — if he was to lose a little bit of weight.
“He’s got real good hands. He’s got real good feet. We felt like he was going to be wide open, which he was. We told him, ‘Stay in bounds,’ and he did.”
It looks like Campbell’s joking at the end there, but he’s also an unconventional coach — and he was a tight end in the NFL with the Giants, Cowboys, and Lions from 1999 through 2008. So, maybe he’s got something more in mind for his 2021 seventh-overall pick from Oregon.
Here’s what we know — we want to see what that red zone package looks like, so we can add a Penei Sewell score to our list of THICC-SIX touchdowns.
Dalvin Cook makes Lions DeShon Elliott look foolish on TD run
Dalvin Cook with a stunning move on the Lions' Deshon Elliott | 2022-12-11T23:18:43Z | sports.yahoo.com | Dan Campbell: Penei Sewell could be a Hall of Fame tight end… if he lost some weight | https://sports.yahoo.com/dan-campbell-penei-sewell-could-222144631.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/dan-campbell-penei-sewell-could-222144631.html?src=rss |
Samuel’s leg bent awkwardly underneath him when he was tackled on a running play. He stayed down at first, briefly attempted to get off the field under his own power, and then had to be helped onto a cart. The 49ers announced that Samuel suffered a knee injury and termed him questionable to return.
Deebo Samuel carted to locker room originally appeared on Pro Football Talk | 2022-12-11T23:18:56Z | sports.yahoo.com | Deebo Samuel carted to locker room | https://sports.yahoo.com/deebo-samuel-carted-locker-room-224852249.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/deebo-samuel-carted-locker-room-224852249.html?src=rss |
Left tackle Terron Armstead has been one of the most important players on the Miami Dolphins roster this season, and that’s been proven when he’s been unable to play.
Armstead suffered a pectoral injury against the Houston Texans in Week 12 which caused him to miss the entire contest against the San Francisco 49ers.
Ahead of their Sunday night matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, the left tackle had been listed as questionable after being limited throughout the week.
However, before the game, Armstead took to social media to share the news that he’s back.
Obviously, there’s a chance that there’s a last-second change, but it looks like Miami will get their top tackle back for an important matchup against a potential playoff team. | 2022-12-11T23:19:15Z | sports.yahoo.com | Dolphins LT Terron Armstead appears to be good to go vs. Chargers | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-lt-terron-armstead-appears-224633900.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-lt-terron-armstead-appears-224633900.html?src=rss |
Not often do fans of the Washington Commanders root for the Philadelphia Eagles. However, in Week 14, the NFC East-leading Eagles played the Giants from the Meadowlands, and Washington fans were clearly rooting for Philadelphia.
The Eagles are running away with the NFC East, but the Giants held the NFC’s No. 6 playoff spot entering Sunday’s game, with the Commanders sitting a half-game out of the No. 7 position held by the Seattle Seahawks.
The Eagles dominated the Giants, rolling up 437 yards of total offense in a 48-22 win over New York. The loss dropped the Giants to 7-5-1 on the season.
New York and Washington now have identical records heading into the Week 15 edition of Sunday Night Football. While each team has three games remaining after next week, the Week 15 battle between the Giants and Commanders likely determines at least one of the NFC’s final two playoff spots.
After Sunday’s early games, the Commanders — who are on a bye week — moved into the No. 7 spot, while the Giants dropped out of the playoff picture to No. 8. However, if the Carolina Panthers defeat the Seahawks Sunday evening, the Giants will move back into the No. 7 spot, while the Commanders move up to No. 6.
There’s no denying next week is a huge one for New York and Washington. | 2022-12-11T23:19:21Z | sports.yahoo.com | Eagles defeat Giants to help Commanders’ playoff chances | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-defeat-giants-help-commanders-225659575.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-defeat-giants-help-commanders-225659575.html?src=rss |
There was a collective gasp when Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams went down with what was initially thought to be a knee injury. After being checked out in the locker room, the injury was deemed to be a calf injury.
Williams was initially ruled as questionable to return but at halftime was ruled out for the remainder of the game. The fact that is turned out to be a calf injury and not a knee injury was definitely positive news.
Those around the Jets can breathe a sigh of relief. Head coach Robert Saleh said Williams avoided a serious injury and is considered “day-to-day”. There’s a chance Williams will be able to play in Week 15 against the Detroit Lions.
Quinnen Williams is considered day to day, per Saleh. Avoids serious injury. Hoping he can play next week. #Jets
Williams, once again, made his presence felt. The likely Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection sacked Bills quarterback Josh Allen twice, giving him 11 sacks for the season. Entering Sunday, only eight players — Nick Bosa, Matthew Judon, Micah Parsons, Maxx Crosby, Chris Jones, Myles Garrett, Brian Burns and Alex Highsmith — reached double-digit sacks.
The Jets will really be hoping Williams will be able to play in Week 15 as the Jets enter the final quarter of their season at 7-6 and in a three-team battle for the final playoff spot in the AFC with the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Chargers.
Josh Allen threw a touchdown pass and ran for a score on consecutive possessions and the Buffalo Bills persevered through wet, chilly and windy conditions to beat a banged-up Mike White and the AFC East-rival New York Jets 20-12 on Sunday. Allen’s 24-yard touchdown pass to Dawson Knox in the closing minute of the second quarter led to Buffalo scoring on four consecutive drives, capped by a pair of field goals by Tyler Bass, including a 49-yarder. | 2022-12-11T23:21:16Z | sports.yahoo.com | Quinnen Williams avoids serious injury, could play in Week 15 | https://sports.yahoo.com/quinnen-williams-avoids-serious-injury-220625127.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/quinnen-williams-avoids-serious-injury-220625127.html?src=rss |
We had to check our calendar for the year before we typed this.
Nonetheless . . . the Carolina Panthers offense cannot be stopped!
Week 14’s matchup against the Seattle Seahawks has begun with three scores off three touches for interim head coach Steve Wilks, offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo and the rest of the crew. And the third has come courtesy of some old-fashioned, smash-mouth football.
Already up 10-0—thanks to a 47-yard field goal from Eddy Piñeiro and the first career touchdown for wide receiver Shi Smith—the Panthers set up shop at their own 26-yard line with 4:27 left in the first quarter. From there, they’d embark on an almost seven-minute, 12-play, 74-yard scoring drive—one that ended with a reach (and six points) from running back Chuba Hubbard.
The reaaaach! pic.twitter.com/gS27c3C0lw
At the time of the touchdown, the Panthers racked up 16 rushing attempts for 62 yards. The offense, as a whole, converted on four of their five third-down tries. | 2022-12-11T23:21:48Z | sports.yahoo.com | WATCH: Chuba Hubbard reaches for TD, gives Panthers 17-0 lead on Seahawks | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-chuba-hubbard-reaches-td-221829504.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-chuba-hubbard-reaches-td-221829504.html?src=rss |
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jerry Jeudy in the second quarter of Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Here’s video of the play, courtesy of the team’s official Twitter page.
At the time of this writing, Denver is trailing Kansas City 27-7. | 2022-12-11T23:21:54Z | sports.yahoo.com | WATCH: Russell Wilson throws 18-yard TD pass to Jerry Jeudy | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-russell-wilson-throws-18-223649606.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-russell-wilson-throws-18-223649606.html?src=rss |
Russell Wilson threw three TD passes in the first half on Sunday at Mile High.
Unfortunately for the veteran quarterback, only two went to a member of his own team.
Willie Gay tipped a pass to himself in the second quarter and the Chiefs’ linebacker returned it 47 yards for a touchdown that put Kansas City up 27-0.
Wilson did find someone on his team he was able to connect with for scores.
With 1:35 left in the second quarter, Jerry Jeudy caught an 18-yard scoring pass, and 86 seconds later, the pair combined for a 5-yard touchdown pass.
The Broncos still trailed, 27-14, despite the scoring plays. | 2022-12-11T23:22:13Z | sports.yahoo.com | Willie Gay with pick-six of Russell Wilson for Chiefs | https://sports.yahoo.com/willie-gay-pick-six-russell-224814993.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/willie-gay-pick-six-russell-224814993.html?src=rss |
Yahoo Sports’ Andy Behrens explains why fantasy managers should add Detroit's D.J. Chark at WR and New Orleans' Taysom Hill at TE this week.
ANDY BEHRENS: Andy Behrens, with a couple of early pickup options for week 15. These are the fantasy playoffs for many of you. Let's Make them good. Let's start with D.J Chark, he had a day for the Lions against the Vikings, this is actually back to back games with over 90 receiving yards for Chark.
It's got touchdowns in two of his last three. He was fantastic against the Vikings, seven targets, six catches, 94 yards, a long touchdown-- He's looking really good. And if we can look ahead just a little bit to week 17 when fantasy titles are decided, he's got the Chicago Bears. That is an exceedingly friendly match-up. Keep Chark on speed dial.
Another name that I want you to consider coming off a bye, how about how about Taysom Hill? The tight end position has been an absolute nightmare this year and Hill is eligible. I don't know what to call him in real life. Is he a running back? Is he a tight end? Is he a little bit of a quarterback? We don't know, we don't care, he's eligible at tight end. And listen, he finally returned to the end zone ahead of his bye.
He's been really good this season, albeit, in a handful of spike weeks. But he's got eight combined touchdowns. He's got a few on the ground. He's got a few through the air. He's kind of fun. And then, you look at the match ahead, he's got Atlanta coming up. And then, he's got Cleveland.
These are exceedingly friendly run defenses. And we know that Hill is going to get the ball on the ground, plenty probably near the goal line. Give him some consideration. He's available in about 55% of Yahoo leagues right now.
The most-watched single TV channel moment of 2022 sees England lose 2-1 to France in Qatar.
Breaking News: Pete Shinnick resgins as West Florida head football coach. | 2022-12-11T23:35:10Z | sports.yahoo.com | Early fantasy football waiver wire pickups - Week 15 | https://sports.yahoo.com/early-fantasy-football-waiver-wire-220435322.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/early-fantasy-football-waiver-wire-220435322.html?src=rss |
Why Clark isn't a fan of potential long-term Correa contract originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
The Giants struck out on MLB free agency's biggest fish as Aaron Judge chose to return to the New York Yankees, agreeing to a reported nine-year contract worth $360 million.
However, that doesn't mean San Francisco isn't going back to land a marquee free agent this offseason. The Giants are looking at the shortstop position if the move makes sense, with the most prominent name on the market being Carlos Correa.
Correa likely will receive a long-term contract, similar to what Trea Turner agreed to with the Philadelphia Phillies. But if that's the case, former Giant Will Clark advises the team to look elsewhere as the former first baseman isn't a fan of lengthy contracts.
"I was not a big fan of anything over five years," Clark told 95.7 The Game's "Damon & Ratto" on Friday. "There's too much that can happen in a 10-year span of time, much less five. So I'm not a big fan of these long, drawn-out 10-year contracts."
Clark also points out that should the Giants land Correa, how will the team tackle the situation with Brandon Crawford? At 35, he isn't in his prime years anymore, and bringing in the former Minnesota Twins infielder is a sign the franchise wants to insert a younger player at the position.
"If they do go after Correa, alright? Not only do you got to have a talk with Crawford about playing third because you cannot waste him," Clark continued. "You can't put him as a DH ... So Crawford is going to want to play every day. He's an everyday guy. So you got to talk to him about playing third and maybe even [second base] ...
"Another thing, too, is if you're going to go after Correa, talk to him about maybe playing a little third and flip-flop back and forth. Crawford played two games at short, Correa two games at third and then flip-flop."
Correa isn't Judge, but he's a name that will create a buzz in the Bay Area as the Giants keep up with their NL West rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres, who will compete to win the division in 2023.
Magomed Ankalaev clarifies UFC 282 post-fight comments, won’t fight in Las Vegas due to ‘horrible judging’ | 2022-12-11T23:35:16Z | sports.yahoo.com | Giants giving Carlos Correa long-term contract not a good idea to Will Clark | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-giving-carlos-correa-long-223144502.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-giving-carlos-correa-long-223144502.html?src=rss |
No player in the NBA can throw it down quite like Zion Williamson, and the New Orleans Pelicans star used the end of a game on Friday to provide a demonstration.
In the final minutes of a 128-117 win over the Phoenix Suns, Williamson got the ball with an empty court in front of him and used the occasion to deliver a 360 windmill dunk that wouldn't have looked out of place as an NBA Slam Dunk Contest entry.
The crowd, predictably, loved it:
The dunk capped off a 35-point game for Williamson, who was 13-of-17 from the field with seven rebounds, four assists and a steal. Not a single one of his baskets came outside the paint.
Of course, not everyone loved Williamson's display of dunking prowess. You can even hear a member of the Pelicans' broadcast say "No, no, no" as Williamson prepares to take flight.
You could make an argument that yamming on a defeated team for no other reason than to show off is bad form, but let's be real. The people in the Smoothie King Center paid good money to see, among other things, Zion Williamson dunk a basketball. They got to see him dunk a basketball even better than usual. Maybe it hurt the Suns' feelings, an odd consideration given that they are professionals, but the NBA is an entertainment product at its core, and it's hard to imagine living in a world where Williamson's dunk isn't entertaining.
Yes, those two extra points won't help the Pelicans in the long run outside of their media team's highlight reels, but they were the exclamation point on a big win for the 17-8 Pelicans, who currently sit in first place in the Western Conference.
Zion Williamson moved the Suns into first place in style. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Zac Dalpe with a Goal vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
Zac Dalpe (Florida Panthers) with a Goal vs. Tampa Bay Lightning, 12/10/2022 | 2022-12-11T23:35:54Z | sports.yahoo.com | Zion Williamson closes out Pelicans win over Suns with 360 windmill dunk | https://sports.yahoo.com/zion-williamson-closes-out-pelicans-win-over-suns-with-360-windmill-dunk-045301392.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/zion-williamson-closes-out-pelicans-win-over-suns-with-360-windmill-dunk-045301392.html?src=rss |
STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP) Mississippi State coach Mike Leach was taken to a hospital Sunday after what the university called ''a personal health issue'' that happened at his home in Starkville.
The school said it would have no further comment on Leach's condition, adding ''that the thoughts and prayers of the university are with Mike and (wife) Sharon and their family.''
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo is out after 15 seasons at the helm. The academy announced Sunday that Niumatalolo would not return - a day after the Midshipmen lost to Army in overtime and finished 4-8 for the second straight year. Niumatalolo is the winningest coach in school history at 109-83, but after going 11-2 in 2019, Navy hasn't finished above .500 since.
Wheeler Yuta Wins ROH Pure Championship At ROH Final Battle
Wheeler Yuta made history at ROH Final Battle. Yuta previously […] | 2022-12-11T23:36:11Z | sports.yahoo.com | Mississippi State coach Mike Leach taken to Jackson hospital | https://sports.yahoo.com/mississippi-state-coach-mike-leach-215527176.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/mississippi-state-coach-mike-leach-215527176.html?src=rss |
Oregon State head coach Jonathan Smith looks on during the first half of an NCAA college football game against California on Saturday, Nov 12, 2022, in Corvallis, Ore. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman)
CORVALLIS, Ore. (AP) Oregon State and football coach Jonathan Smith have agreed on a six-year, $30.6 million contract, the university announced Sunday.
''Coach Smith has taken the Oregon State football program to new heights, and we knew it was important to reward him and his staff to keep the momentum moving forward,'' athletic director Scott Barnes said. ''The success they've achieved on the football field has been evident, and Coach's Smith leadership and the work of his staff also has changed the culture of the program in the classroom, the weight room and the community.''
Smith's guaranteed salary will start at $4.85 million next season and grow to $5.45 million by 2028, the school said. Oregon State also is adding $100,000 to its salary pool for assistant coaches (rising to $4.85 million) and support staff (rising to $2.5 million).
''I want to thank Scott Barnes and the Oregon State administration for continuing to support this football program and everyone who works tirelessly for our student-athletes and all of Beaver Nation,'' Smith said. ''We are proud of what has been accomplished, but the work is not done and we'll continue to put in the effort and do it the right way.'' | 2022-12-11T23:36:24Z | sports.yahoo.com | Oregon State gives Smith new 6-year, $30.6 million contract | https://sports.yahoo.com/oregon-state-gives-smith-6-224408855.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/oregon-state-gives-smith-6-224408855.html?src=rss |
Even when Brock Purdy did something wrong, it turned out right for the San Francisco 49ers.
The final pick in the 2022 NFL draft out of Iowa State appeared to throw an interception late in the first half Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
However, there was a flag on the play for defensive holding so the 49ers got the ball back with 22 seconds left in the half.
Time to settle for a field goal, right? Wrong.
Kyle Shanahan sent in a pass play that called for a double move by Brandon Aiyuk.
The Bucs’ secondary bit, Purdy found his receiver, and 32 yards and a PAT later it was 28-0 against Tom Brady and the Bucs.
In the first 30 minutes against The GOAT, Purdy was 14-of-18 for 185 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also had his first career rushing touchdown. | 2022-12-12T00:53:17Z | sports.yahoo.com | 49ers starting quarterback is Purdy, Purdy good | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-starting-quarterback-purdy-purdy-231004207.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-starting-quarterback-purdy-purdy-231004207.html?src=rss |
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson left Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs with an apparent head injury in the fourth quarter.
Wilson’s head was driven into the ground after a 14-yard run got Denver down to the two-yard line. The quarterback went limp after his head hit the ground and he stumbled when getting helped up a few moments later.
The Broncos then put backup Brett Rypien in at quarterback and Wilson was taken to the sidelined to be evaluated for a possible concussion. The team later announced that Wilson was ruled out with a concussion.
A few plays later, Rypien threw a seven-yard touchdown pass to Jerry Jeudy, marking Jeudy’s third touchdown catch of the game.
Before leaving the contest, Wilson went 23-of-36 passing for 247 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. Wilson also rushed four times for 57 yards.
Denver was trailing 34-21 when Wilson exited the game. Rypien’s touchdown pass made it 34-28 with 10:49 remaining in the game.
Wilson missed one game earlier this season with a hamstring injury. He also played through a shoulder injury earlier this year.
Follow the Broncos Wre Podcast: | 2022-12-12T00:53:36Z | sports.yahoo.com | Broncos QB Russell Wilson leaves game with concussion | https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-qb-russell-wilson-being-235143733.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-qb-russell-wilson-being-235143733.html?src=rss |
It started bad and got worse for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, as a quick two-score lead turned into a 35-7 rout at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers.
The 49ers built up a 28-0 lead at halftime, as the Bucs’ banged-up defense struggled to stop a talented offense loaded with explosive playmakers. Rookie third-string quarterback Brock Purdy executed Kyle Shanahan’s offense to near perfection.
Tom Brady threw multiple interceptions in a game for the first time all season, as the Bucs dealt with the same offensive struggles that have plagued them all season long.
It looked like the Bucs were going to hang with the 49ers early, after answering San Francisco’s opening-drive touchdown with a 66-yard scoring toss from Brady to a wide-open Mike Evans. But the play was called back for holding, and the Bucs didn’t see the scoreboard until late in the third quarter, when the game was already well out of hand.
Brady finished the game with 253 yards through the air, with one touchdown and a pair of picks. His only score came on a ricochet pass that bounced off a 49ers defender and into the arms of Russell Gage, who fell into the end zone for the touchdown. Rookie running back Rachaad White led the Bucs with 50 yards rushing on 13 carries, while Chris Godwin had a team-high five receptions for 54 yards.
The only bad news for the 49ers came when star wide receiver Deebo Samuel was carted off the field with an ankle injury.
Despite the ugly loss, the Bucs remain in first place in the NFC South, as they look ahead to next week’s home game against the Cincinnati Bengals. | 2022-12-12T00:53:55Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bucs get embarrassed in 35-7 blowout loss to 49ers | https://sports.yahoo.com/bucs-embarrassed-35-7-blowout-003342525.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bucs-embarrassed-35-7-blowout-003342525.html?src=rss |
The Arizona Cardinals entered Week 14 with the possibility of both being eliminated from contention for the NFC West division title and from playoff contention.
Even before the Cardinals play Monday night, their only mathematical hopes were crushed.
The San Francisco 49ers picked up their ninth win of the season, improving to 9-4 with a 35-7 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
With the win, the Cardinals now have no chance of winning the NFC West, even by winning out.
The Cardinals, 4-8, can finish no better than 9-8. The 49ers, if they lose the remaining four games on their schedule, would be 9-8 and, with a guaranteed better division record than the Cardinals (the Niners are 4-0 in the division compared to Arizona’s 1-4 mark), even if the Cardinals won out and the Niners lost out, the tiebreaker would go to the 49ers.
The 49ers now have a two-game lead in the division over the Seattle Seahawks, who are 7-6 following their 30-24 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. | 2022-12-12T00:54:21Z | sports.yahoo.com | Cardinals officially eliminated in NFC West | https://sports.yahoo.com/cardinals-officially-eliminated-nfc-west-003736075.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/cardinals-officially-eliminated-nfc-west-003736075.html?src=rss |
Rice sharply criticizes 49ers for Deebo usage after injury originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
After Deebo Samuel was carted off the field at Levi’s Stadium during the second quarter of Sunday’s game between the 49ers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jerry Rice took to social media to vent his frustrations.
And it’s safe to say the Pro Football Hall of Famer is not pleased with how Samuel was used on the play that injured the wide receiver’s ankle.
Samuel, San Francisco’s beloved “wide back,” is renowned across the NFL for his ability to cause damage from the backfield.
And while Samuel typically is seen dodging defenders on the outside, Rice took issue with Samuel running up the middle with the ball for a 3-yard gain. As Samuel was tackled, he fumbled the ball and his left leg was rolled up.
Samuel has expressed pride in his role as a receiver-back hybrid, signing a lucrative contract extension that offers plenty of rushing incentives.
On Sunday, Samuel’s third rushing touchdown of the season earned him an extra $150,000.
With his 3rd rushing TD of the season, 49ers WR Deebo Samuel just earned a $150,000 incentive 💰
Rice’s post isn’t the first time the 49ers have been called out for certain play calls.
Coach Kyle Shanahan faced criticism earlier in the season when quarterback Trey Lance suffered a season-ending injury on a similar play.
RELATED: Purdy's dad gets emotional after rookie's TD pass vs. Bucs
Samuel was ruled out for the rest of Sunday’s contest, though the severity of his ankle injury is not yet known. | 2022-12-12T00:54:52Z | sports.yahoo.com | Deebo Samuel injury draws sharp 49ers criticism from Jerry Rice | https://sports.yahoo.com/deebo-samuel-injury-draws-sharp-235042393.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/deebo-samuel-injury-draws-sharp-235042393.html?src=rss |
I hope Jason Peters has been getting reps at RT because Josh Ball cannot play
Narrator: He hadn’t, but that didn’t stop Peters from playing like he did.
Veteran Jason Peters was called upon to save the day during the Dallas Cowboys’ lackluster performance on Sunday. The Cowboys’ protection was breaking down at right tackle after an injury brought in a player who doesn’t look ready for the NFL spotlight. Peters has had stints and both LT and LG over the course of the season, but had yet to play on the right side before the Cowboys’ called his number, and his one drive was enough to make him the Player of the Game.
Prior to his insertion, the name of the game was inconsistency, unfortunately, during much of the Week 14 game against the Houston Texans. Neither the defense nor offense truly ever figured out the Texans’ game plan, ultimately leading to a nail-biter of a finish. The team played down to the 1-10-1 Texans, which was compounded by injuries throughout the game.
Dallas had been relatively healthy entering the game where multiple players went down. Most notable was right tackle Terence Steele, who has been having by far the best season of his career. Steele was replaced by second-year and fourth round pick Josh Ball, who struggled mightily. On back-to-back plays Ball allowed pressures on quarterback Dak Prescott that resulted in a strip sack and then a hit-arm interception. It invoked horrid memories of turnstile tackles of the past.
And then Peters entered the contest with the game on the line. The 18-year swapped sides with the game on the line and gave the Cowboys’ quarterback the necessary time to orchestrate a 98-yard game-winning drive.
#Cowboys LT Jason Peters hasn’t played RT since 05. When Terence Steele went down he said he wanted to go in but told me “didn’t want to be the reason we lost game”. But he and coach Joe Philbin found themselves at the same time realizing he needed to go in. (Cont)
Prescott suddenly had the time to start with a 21-yard completion to TE Dalton Schultz. Then Prescott escaped around the right side, Peters’ right side for a nine-yard scramble. Another completion to Schultz gained 13 yards. Later, finally on Houston’s side of the field, a 3rd-and-1 QB sneak it was Peters sealing an alley with Zack Martin to get Prescott six yards. The entire drive, there was no pressure to be found coming from the QB’s front.
In what could be the most unsung performance of any Cowboy on the season, Peters proved the value of having someone like him on the roster. Peters’ flowers are long overdue and others mirror this sentiment as well.
If the #Cowboys win this game, give Jason Peters his gold jacket in the locker room. He's being asked to reverse field and that is NOT easy to do.
But he's doing it ON-DEMAND.
The Cowboys did win, when on third down from the two-yard line, a handoff to Ezekiel Elliott got Dallas into the end zone with just 41 seconds remaining. It appears that Terence Steele may be lost to the club moving forward, but if Sunday’s winning drive is any indication, Peters on the right side could keep things from falling apart when the games matter most. | 2022-12-12T00:55:11Z | sports.yahoo.com | Jason Peters plugs the hole, saves Cowboys offense on final drive vs Texans | https://sports.yahoo.com/jason-peters-plugs-hole-saves-233440275.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/jason-peters-plugs-hole-saves-233440275.html?src=rss |
Mike White looks to be just fine.
After taking a beating by the Buffalo Bills in New York’s 20-12 Week 14 loss, White was taken to the hospital as a precautionary measure to get checked out.
Fortunately, White and his ribs seem to be just fine as White was able to fly home on the team plane, per Brian Costello of the New York Post.
Mike White did make it on the plane to go home with the Jets after going to the hospital to get checked out, per source.
White was a warrior in the loss, taking multiple shots to the chest and even having to exit the game for a short period, meaning Joe Flacco had to step in for a moment.
White would return from the locker room and finish the game, going 27/44 for 268 yards and starting to leave no doubt that he is the man for the Jets, at least for the rest of this season.
Head coach Robert Saleh has already said that White will “for sure” be the quarterback next week in what is now a key game for the Jets at home against the Detroit Lions. | 2022-12-12T00:55:37Z | sports.yahoo.com | Mike White flew home on team plane after being checked out at hospital | https://sports.yahoo.com/mike-white-flew-home-team-233345579.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/mike-white-flew-home-team-233345579.html?src=rss |
The 49ers are entrenched in the No. 3 seed in the NFC playoff picture, but they moved a game closer to the No. 2 seed Sunday.
The Brock Purdy-led 49ers crushed Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Levi's Stadium to improve to 9-4 this season. San Francisco now has won six straight games.
In Detroit, the Minnesota Vikings fell to 10-3 after they were stunned by the Lions.
If the 49ers and Vikings finish with the same record at the end of the season, the tiebreaker for two division winners would be conference record. Through Week 14, San Francisco is 7-2 against the NFC while Minnesota is 6-3. Both teams have three conference games remaining this season.
With the Seattle Seahawks losing to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, the Washington Commanders slide up into the No. 6 seed in the NFC. If the playoffs started next weekend, the 49ers would host Washington in the NFC wild-card round.
Here's how the NFC playoff picture looks after Sunday's action:
13. Arizona Cardinals -- 4-8 (Plays Monday night) | 2022-12-12T00:55:52Z | sports.yahoo.com | NFL playoff picture 2022: 49ers' NFC standing if season ended in Week 14 | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-playoff-picture-2022-49ers-003300694.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-playoff-picture-2022-49ers-003300694.html?src=rss |
San Francisco originally ruled Samuel as questionable with a knee injury, but later ruled him out with an ankle injury.
If Samuel avoided a significant injury it would be a huge win for the 49ers. He may still miss some time, especially since San Francisco has a short turnaround with a game in Seattle on Thursday night.
Samuel finished Sunday’s game with four carries for 21 yards and a touchdown. He also had four catches for 43 yards.
Anze Kopitar with a Goal vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
Anze Kopitar (Los Angeles Kings) with a Goal vs. Columbus Blue Jackets, 12/11/2022 | 2022-12-12T00:56:05Z | sports.yahoo.com | Report: 49ers believe WR Deebo Samuel avoided major injury | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-49ers-believe-wr-deebo-002404974.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-49ers-believe-wr-deebo-002404974.html?src=rss |
Russell Wilson left Sunday's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs after his head slammed to the turf at the end of a run.
Brett Rypien replaced him on the field as Wilson walked on his own to the sideline medical tent. The Broncos scored a touchdown on the possession to cut their deficit to 34-28. Wilson was later seen on the sideline with a visible bump on the right side of his head.
The Broncos ruled Wilson out with a concussion before the conclusion of the game.
Wilson was in the midst of one his best games of a hugely disappointing season as the Broncos posted their highest scoring output of 2022. It wasn't enough as the Chiefs held on for a 34-28 win.
The Broncos fell into a 27-0 hole midway through the second quarter of what looked like a blowout loss at home to their division rivals. They stopped the bleeding with a touchdown pass from Wilson to Jerry Jeudy with 1:35 remaining in the half. A Patrick Mahomes interception to Patrick Surtain gave the Broncos the ball back with 1:06 remaining. They responded with a seven-play, 60-yard drive capped by another Wilson touchdown pass to Jeudy to enter halftime trailing 27-14.
Russell Wilson was having one his best games of the season before sustaining a late head injury. (Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Wilson then found Marlon Mack for a 66-yard catch-and-run touchdown on the first possession of the second half, and the Broncos cut their deficit to 27-21 thanks to three touchdowns in 3:21 of game play. When Rypien found Jeudy for his third touchdown catch after Wilson's injury, the Broncos had surpassed their previous season high of 23 points scored in a Week 4 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Wilson finished the day completing 23 of 36 passes for 247 yards with a season-high three touchdowns and one interception that Willie Gay Jr. returned for a touchdown. He added 57 yards on the ground in what amounted to a vintage performance.
Alas it wasn't enough as Kansas City's early cushion and a late touchdown pass from Mahomes to JuJu Smith-Schuster were too much to overcome. Mahomes finished the day completing 28 of 42 passes for 353 yards and three touchdowns. His three interceptions against a ball-hawking Broncos defense added up to a season high and allowed Denver to stay close.
The running back tandem of Isiah Pacheco and Jerick Mckinnon fueled the Chiefs offense for much of the day. Mckinnon tallied 112 yards and two touchdowns in the air while adding 22 yards on the ground. Pacheco paced the run game with 70 yards on 13 carries including a powerful 10-yard run through the Broncos defense to ice the game with a first down in the final minute.
The Chiefs improved to 10-3 to keep pace with the Buffalo Bills with the best record in the AFC. The Broncos, already eliminated from the postseason, fell to 3-10. Wilson's status moving forward wasn't immediately clear after the game. | 2022-12-12T00:56:24Z | sports.yahoo.com | Russell Wilson leaves Chiefs-Broncos game after frightening blow to his head | https://sports.yahoo.com/russell-wilson-leaves-broncos-loss-to-chiefs-after-frightening-blow-to-his-head-235345699.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/russell-wilson-leaves-broncos-loss-to-chiefs-after-frightening-blow-to-his-head-235345699.html?src=rss |
After the Pittsburgh Steelers 16-14 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, head coach Mike Tomlin was solemn even by his standards in the postgame press conference. It had to be tough to watch his defense get run on all game long.
Tomlin noted that he thought the defense just wore down at the end and couldn’t contain Ravens running back J.J. Dobbins. This is a point linebacker T.J. Watt refuted in his postgame press conference but it seemed pretty obvious.
Even before Ravens starting quarterback Tyler Huntley went down with an injury, the Ravens weren’t a real threat to throw the football. But knowing that, when Huntley was injured and undrafted rookie Anthony Brown replaced him, the threat to throw went down even more.
At that point, the Ravens offensive line just imposed its will on and undersized Steelers defensive front. There’s no denying this group was spent but this is something many of us have talked about going back for several seasons about how this group isn’t big enough or strong enough to hold up when teams really want to run the ball. | 2022-12-12T00:56:50Z | sports.yahoo.com | Steelers HC Mike Tomlin on defensive struggles: ‘I just thought they wore down’ | https://sports.yahoo.com/steelers-hc-mike-tomlin-defensive-232226985.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/steelers-hc-mike-tomlin-defensive-232226985.html?src=rss |
Which teams have clinched a berth in the 2022 NFL playoffs? originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
DETROIT — Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson smiled when quarterback Kirk Cousins congratulated him on joining the 200-yard club in the postgame locker room. Jefferson's 11 catches for 223 yards against the Lions broke Sammy White's franchise regular-season record of 210 yards that had stood since 1976. But Jefferson's smile faded when he was asked by reporters about weighing the record against ... | 2022-12-12T00:57:09Z | sports.yahoo.com | Which teams have clinched a berth in the 2022 NFL playoffs? | https://sports.yahoo.com/teams-clinched-berth-2022-nfl-234013400.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/teams-clinched-berth-2022-nfl-234013400.html?src=rss |
It took almost three full quarters for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to finally get on the board Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers, and it took a lucky bounce to make it happen.
Tom Brady’s pass to Chris Godwin over the middle was broken up, but it bounced into the waiting arms of Russell Gage, who rolled into the end zone for the score.
It’s 35-7 in favor of the 49ers, but at least the Bucs won’t head home with a goose egg on the scoreboard. | 2022-12-12T00:57:28Z | sports.yahoo.com | WATCH: Bucs WR Russell Gage catches pinball TD from Tom Brady vs. 49ers | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-bucs-wr-russell-gage-000306748.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-bucs-wr-russell-gage-000306748.html?src=rss |
The NFL reportedly fined the New Orleans Saints $550,000 after defensive end Cameron Jordan went down with an allegedly fake injury in a loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.
Jordan’s injury forced a stoppage during the fourth quarter as the Buccaneers sped to set up on the line of scrimmage at fourth-and-10.
Cameras allegedly captured Jordan "receiving direction" from the sideline to go down with an injury and force the stoppage, according to Florio.
The Saints released a statement Saturday denying "any allegations of purposefully delaying the game on Monday evening," and committed to appeal the fines.
The team said Jordan went down with pain in his left foot and had an MRI performed the next day, which confirmed that he sustained an acute mid-foot sprain.
The Saints were fined $350,000, Jordan was fined $50,000, defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen was fined $50,000 and head coach Dennis Allen was fined $100,000.
Jordan called the fine the “most expensive fine to date.” He also questioned the transparency and legitimacy of the league’s process for levying fines in a series of tweets from Saturday morning.
The NFL reportedly sent a memo to all teams Friday, Dec. 2, warning against “deliberate actions to delay the game” after the league observed “multiple instances of clubs making a deliberate attempt to stop play unnecessarily this season," per Pro Football Talk.
The memo outlined a process for assessing alleged violations with interviews and reviews of medical records.
“Clubs and individuals determined to be in violation of this rule will be subject to League discipline ‘to include a minimum fine of $350,000 for the club, a minimum fine of $100,000 for the head coach, a minimum fine of $50,000 for assistant coaches, if applicable, and a minimum fine of $50,000 for players," the league reportedly wrote.
If nothing else, the swiftness with which the Saints were reprimanded shows that the NFL is serious about preventing deliberate attempts to stall offenses in pivotal late-game moments.
However, the Saints were not the only team reprimanded for allegedly faking an injury recently and they likely won’t be the last.
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 5: Cameron Jordan of the New Orleans Saints walks into the injury tent during the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
The NFL’s attempts to manage alleged fake injuries
In Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Jessie Bates III was criticized for appearing to fake an injury to help his team complete a substitution. He and the Bengals were also hit with fines totaling $500,000 on Saturday, according to multiple reports.
punishment for faking this injury?
$50,000 fine for #30 Jessie Bates
$100,000 fine for HC Zac Taylor
$350,000 fine to the Bengals team https://t.co/O0VxLwOfj3
Beyond that, memos from the NFL similar to the one reportedly issued last Friday date back years.
In 2014, then-NFL vice president of officiating Dean Blandino sent a similar memo in response to former Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher admitting his team faked injuries when he played.
In 2011, the NFL sent another league-wide memo warning of fines, suspensions and the loss of draft picks if the league determines players faked injuries during a game.
Two days later, there was speculation that the Giants' Deon Grant faked an injury against the Rams. | 2022-12-12T01:10:54Z | sports.yahoo.com | NFL reportedly fines Saints, Cameron Jordan $500K for allegedly fake ‘MNF’ injury | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-reportedly-fines-saints-cameron-jordan-550-k-for-allegedly-faking-mnf-injury-181729070.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-reportedly-fines-saints-cameron-jordan-550-k-for-allegedly-faking-mnf-injury-181729070.html?src=rss |
Jaromir Jagr, the ageless wonder 🤯
The Kladno Knights of the Czech Extraliga had an illness run through the team. Jagr, the team’s owner, jumped into the lineup and picked up two assists ... at 50 years old 👏
Jagr, a back-to-back Stanley Cup champion in 1991 and '92, has repeatedly dressed for his own franchise in previous seasons, playing at least one game each year since leaving the Calgary Flames in 2018. He purchased a majority share of Kladno a few days after having his NHL contract terminated by Calgary.
Nashville Predators forward Michael McCarron has entered the player assistance program of the NHL and NHL Players' Association. | 2022-12-12T01:11:00Z | sports.yahoo.com | Jaromir Jagr forced into action at age 50 after illness decimates team he owns | https://sports.yahoo.com/nhl-jaromir-jagr-forced-into-action-at-age-50-after-illness-decimates-team-he-owns-003327510.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nhl-jaromir-jagr-forced-into-action-at-age-50-after-illness-decimates-team-he-owns-003327510.html?src=rss |
Oregon State Beavers head coach Jonathan Smith during the game against Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium on Nov. 19, 2022, in Tempe, Arizona.
This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Oregon State gives Beavers football coach Jonathan Smith a raise
CORVALLIS, Ore. (AP) Oregon State and football coach Jonathan Smith have agreed on a six-year, $30.6 million contract, the university announced Sunday. It comes after the Beavers went 9-3 this season, with a chance for the third 10-win season in school history coming Saturday in the Las Vegas Bowl against Florida. ''Coach Smith has taken the Oregon State football program to new heights, and we knew it was important to reward him and his staff to keep the momentum moving forward,'' athletic director Scott Barnes said.
John Lucas appears set to lead the #Rockets as head coach for at least one game after the death of Paul Silas, father of Houston’s Stephen Silas. | 2022-12-12T01:24:10Z | sports.yahoo.com | Oregon State gives head football coach Jonathan Smith a raise at the perfect time | https://sports.yahoo.com/oregon-state-gives-head-football-235652112.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/oregon-state-gives-head-football-235652112.html?src=rss |
Tom Brady had a horrible Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers’ outstanding defense. The GOAT completed 34 of 55(!) passes for 253 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions, and a passer rating of 63.7 in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 35-7 loss, and one of Brady’s two picks in the game came on this leaping interception by linebacker Dre Greenlaw with 9:51 left in the third quarter.
Incredible interception by Dre Greenlaw!pic.twitter.com/uONY5FxSV9
The problem with being Tom Brady is that everyone else in the NFL views you as an idol. Greenlaw certainly did after the game, when he went up to Brady and asked him to autograph the ball he stole.
Dre Greenlaw picked off Tom Brady tonight…and now he's signing that ball for him. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/qh69Vlnjjy
Brady complied.
“The worst thing he could tell me was, ‘No,'” Greenlaw said after the game. “I was always told, ‘If you don’t ask, you’ll never know.’ So, he’s a good guy, to be able to sign that ball after he threw those picks, that’s big-time. I appreciate it. He’s the greatest — he’s the GOAT. So, I appreciate it.
“I went like a little fan — like a little fangirl. I tried to soothe him up, make him feel better. Like, ‘Mab, you’re the greatest ever.’ But he is! And hew was like, ‘Man, I appreciate it — good job.’ He looked like he was going through a lot, so [I said], ‘Man, you ain’t gotta sign the ball.'”
Greenlaw was egged on by fellow 49ers linebacker Fred Warner.
“Fred came over and said, ‘Man, you get the ball signed?’ and I was like, ‘Man, you gotta sign these balls.’
“It was cool. man. No doubt.”
It’s been a rough season for Brady in all kinds of ways, but kudos for being a good sport with a player who was obviously enthralled by his game — and by the chance to meet an idol on the field. | 2022-12-12T02:29:01Z | sports.yahoo.com | 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw asks Tom Brady to autograph the ball he intercepted | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-linebacker-dre-greenlaw-asks-012824541.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-linebacker-dre-greenlaw-asks-012824541.html?src=rss |
Buccaneers vs. 49ers highlights Week 14
Watch all of the highlights from a matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers in Week 14 of the 2022 NFL season.
Bulls’ Zach LaVine hopes knee injury management plan is in past
Zach LaVine slammed the door shut on the idea of resting for Sundays game against the Atlanta Hawks, the second leg of a home-road back-to-back set. | 2022-12-12T02:29:32Z | sports.yahoo.com | Buccaneers vs. 49ers highlights Week 14 | https://sports.yahoo.com/buccaneers-vs-49ers-highlights-week-010053652.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/buccaneers-vs-49ers-highlights-week-010053652.html?src=rss |
Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes didn’t play his finest game in the team’s Week 14 win against the Denver Broncos.
His three interceptions were the most in a single game since Week 14 of the 2020 NFL season when he threw three interceptions against the Miami Dolphins. Two of the turnovers directly led to points for the Broncos when they hadn’t scored any points prior.
“He’ll see the tape,” Chiefs HC Andy Reid said following the game. “He knew where he goofed.”
In fact, Mahomes knew exactly where he went wrong with each of the interceptions. He even had some thoughts on how to correct each of them without having looked thoroughly at the tape.
“Just three bad decisions,” Mahomes told reporters. “If you look at them — the first one I could have probably taken the easy throw on the outside and I tried to force it to (Travis) Kelce. The second one, I was really just trying to burn it. I mean, (Patrick Surtain II) made a hell of a play, I was trying to throw it away at someone’s feet. The third one was just bad just because of the situation. We’re in field goal range, especially here at altitude. No one was open, just throw the ball away and let Harrison (Butker) end the game.”
Had Mahomes made some different decisions with the football, perhaps the score wouldn’t have been quite so close. While all the interceptions were unique his biggest takeaway from it was simply, not forcing the football when a play isn’t there. It’s something easy to say, but when in the heat of the moment in a game, it’s tough. It’s in Mahomes’ nature to be aggressive with the football, but sometimes that aggression comes at a price.
Even making those poor decisions at the moment, the message on the sideline from his coaches and teammates was consistent. They all wanted him to keep firing and throwing the football because they know it was only a matter of time before he makes some patented “Mahomes Magic” happen.
“He tells me to keep throwing it, keep slinging it,” Mahomes said of Chiefs HC Andy Reid. “He doesn’t want me to lose who I am. I promise you, I know when I’m messing up. When I go to the sideline, I’m hot. Those coaches come to me and they know that I know, but they still say what I can get better at. I just can’t put our team in that situation. Luckily we got the win, but you don’t win a lot of games when you have three interceptions.”
Funny enough, Mahomes now has a winning record in games where he has thrown three interceptions. The aforementioned game against the Dolphins was a 33-27 win for Kansas City. The lone loss for Mahomes when throwing three interceptions came in the 2018 “Monday Night Football” tilt with the Los Angeles Rams, which the Chiefs lost 54-51.
In this particular win in Week 14, Mahomes gave his teammates in every phase of the game a ton of credit. When he wasn’t playing his best, they came through with critical plays to help them get back on track.
“Luckily for me, the rest of the team stepped up,” Mahomes said. “The defense stepped up and made a lot of stops in critical moments when we were put in some bad situations. I thought special teams even (played well), they made their field goals. Tommy (Townsend) flipped the field a couple of great times for us. And the guys around me stepped up and made some plays happen.”
The key now is figuring out how everyone can all have their finest game at the same time. They’ll certainly need it as the margin for error gets slimmer in the playoffs.
Best Twitter reactions from Chiefs' Week 14 victory over the Broncos | 2022-12-12T02:29:39Z | sports.yahoo.com | Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes discusses trio of interceptions: ‘Just three bad decisions’ | https://sports.yahoo.com/chiefs-qb-patrick-mahomes-discusses-015908863.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/chiefs-qb-patrick-mahomes-discusses-015908863.html?src=rss |
If the Houston Texans could have scored a touchdown with 3:25 to go in the game, they would have gone ahead 30-20 and given the Dallas Cowboys a harder time to tie the game, even with their three timeouts remaining.
Ifs and buts were candy and nuts, Space City would have a Merry Christmas.
Instead the Texans turned the ball over on downs as quarterback Jeff Driskel was held to one yard on a fourth-and-goal from the 3-yard line with 3:21 to go and Houston leading 23-20.
Caoch Lovie Smith didn’t blame the play-call from offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton or the read from Driskel on the run-pass option.
“We just didn’t execute,” Smith said. “We just didn’t execute the way we needed to.”
According to Driskel, who went 4-6 for 38 yards and a touchdown along with rushing seven times for 36 yards, the design was to get to the edge, but he noticed there were more defenders near the edge.
“It was a play to get out on the edge and they had more bodies out there than maybe we wanted,” said Driskel. “It was fourth down and I tried to put my foot in the ground and get vertical and they beat us on that step.”
The Cowboys drove 98 yards for the go-ahead touchdown to take a 27-23 lead and win the game.
“Games like that, sometimes you feel like, did we deserve to win? Yeah, I thought we played throughout, all three phases,” Smith said. “Where we are in our season, the guys just keep showing up to play that way against a team.”
The Texans fall to 1-11-1 on the season and go home to take on the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 15 at NRG Stadium.
The first-round pick left the field with an injury in the #Texans' Week 14 matchup against the Dallas #Cowboys | 2022-12-12T02:29:58Z | sports.yahoo.com | Coach Lovie Smith blames execution for Texans’ failure to score late touchdown against the Cowboys | https://sports.yahoo.com/coach-lovie-smith-blames-execution-011805304.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/coach-lovie-smith-blames-execution-011805304.html?src=rss |
Good news: the Houston Texans had a first-and-goal from the Dallas Cowboys’ 4-yard line with 5:37 to go in the game leading 23-20.
Bad news: running back Dameon Pierce was injured and unavailable.
The rookie sustained an ankle injury early in the fourth quarter and was questionable to return. Although Pierce did return for a 2-yard carry up the middle on third-and-1 from the Houston 34-yard line with 10:50 to go, it was his last touch of the afternoon.
From the Dallas 4-yard line, the Texans weren’t able to punch in the insurance touchdown, and ultimately turned the ball over on downs after a run to Rex Burkhead, a run from Jeff Driskel, an incomplete pass, and another run from Driskel.
Coach Lovie Smith told reporters after the game the strategy was affected “quite a bit” on Houston’s penultimate drive by not having Pierce available.
“First-and-goal inside the five, the plan would’ve been a little bit different, but nobody wants to hear about injuries,” said Smith. “We’ve had quite a few. If Dameon would’ve been healthy and ready to go, of course he would’ve been in there.”
Pierce punched in a 1-yard touchdown earlier in the game to help Houston tie the game 7-7 with 5:36 to go in the first quarter.
The fourth-rounder from Florida finished with 22 carries for 78 yards and a touchdown.
Andrew Heaney and the Rangers finalized their $25 million, two-year contract Friday, the latest move by Texas to upgrade its pitching staff. Heaney went 4-4 with a 3.10 ERA in 16 games (14 starts) for the NL West champion Los Angeles Dodgers last season. “Andrew is an important addition to the staff as we continue improving our roster for the 2023 season,” Rangers general manager Chris Young said in a news release. | 2022-12-12T02:31:52Z | sports.yahoo.com | Texans coach Lovie Smith says loss of RB Dameon Pierce affected red zone plans | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-coach-lovie-smith-says-013155986.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-coach-lovie-smith-says-013155986.html?src=rss |
The Houston Texans made it known Wednesday they were going to go with Davis Mills as their starting quarterback against the Dallas Cowboys.
However, the Texans deployed a unique strategy under center in the 27-23 loss to the Cowboys Sunday afternoon during Week 14 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
The Texans used backup Jeff Driskel for a total of 13 snaps as the dual threat quarterback completed 4-6 for 38 yards and a touchdown while also rushing seven times for 36 yards.
Coach Lovie Smith told reporters after the game that the move was made to provide a “spark” and that there were plans to have Driskel see significant time during their prep work early in the week.
“I thought Davis did some good change passing the football, made some good throws today,” Smith said. “Made some good decisions today. I liked things he did. And the combination with Jeff Driskel. Early in the week we decided to go with this plan to use Jeff. I thought he did some good things, too.”
Driskel, who was a standard elevation from the practice squad the day before, was pleased to have an impact on offense.
“That was something that we worked on all week,” Driskel said. “A nice little package for me in there. I was excited to get out there and help the team win and obviously it was not what we wanted to do at the end of the game.”
The Texans were facing a fourth-and-goal from the 3-yard line with 3:25 to go in the game, Houston leading 23-20. Driskel kept the ball on the run-pass option and rushed for a 1-yard gain, but caused a turnover on downs. The Cowboys drove 98 yards to score the go-ahead touchdown and ultimately prevail 27-23.
“We’ve just got to execute a few more times and punch the ball in the end zone,” said Driskel. “But it was good to get back in the game.” | 2022-12-12T02:31:59Z | sports.yahoo.com | Texans decided to use QB Jeff Driskel early in the week prepping for the Cowboys | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-decided-qb-jeff-driskel-004734861.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-decided-qb-jeff-driskel-004734861.html?src=rss |
The Houston Texans went back with Davis Mills as their starting quarterback.
Despite the Texans going 1-8-1 with Mills to start their first 10 games, the two games with Kyle Allen produced dismal results as Houston went 0-2 and committed eight total turnovers in that span.
With the second-year signal caller back in the lineup against the Dallas Cowboys, Mills went 16-of-21 for 175 yards and an interception, the result of a Hail Mary attempt on the last play of the game.
Mills gave himself a passing grade following the 27-23 loss at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
“I played well for the most part,” Mills said. “Obviously, I want to go back and see a couple of things, but there might have only really been one throw that I missed to my standards, that was that slant to the middle of the field to [Phillip] Dorsett on maybe third-and-8 the first half.”
Mills pass for Dorsett fell incomplete and the Texans had to punt. However, Houston’s defense intercepted quarterback Dak Prescott and gave the offense a chance to drive for points as quarterback Jeff Driskel threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to receiver Amari Rodgers to take a 17-14 lead.
The Stanford product would get his chance for points to end the first half as he led Houston on a five-play, 43-yard scoring drive that ended with kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn drilling a 50-yard field goal to give Houston a 20-17 lead at the break.
“Other than that, I thought we played a clean game offensively,” Mills said. “I’ve just got to try to find a way to get the ball to end zone on that red zone series when the defense gave us the ball back late in the game.”
Mills incidentally was not on the field during Houston’s penultimate possession when they faced a first-and-goal from the Cowboys’ 4-yard line after cornerback Tremon Smith’s second interception of Prescott. All of it was Driskel’s doing as the Texans were turned over on downs two yards short of the goal.
England and France battled it out on Saturday for the fourth and final quarterfinal match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Heres how fans reacted to Frances win.
Darren Aronofsky’s The Whale from A24 swam to the biggest limited opening of the year in NY and LA this weekend, beating the per screen record set by in late spring by the indie distributor’s Everything, Everywhere All At Once. The film starring Brendan Fraser sold out shows at all six theaters this weekend grossing […] | 2022-12-12T02:32:05Z | sports.yahoo.com | Texans QB Davis Mills says he ‘played well for the most part’ against the Cowboys | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-qb-davis-mills-says-010612646.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-qb-davis-mills-says-010612646.html?src=rss |
The Houston Texans may be in store for more bad news following their 27-23 loss to the Dallas Cowboys Sunday afternoon in Week 14 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
According to Brian Barefield from the Texans Wire, Pierce left the stadium in a walking boot.
Pierce injured his ankle early in the fourth quarter, and the official word from the Texans was that he was questionable to return with an ankle injury. The rookie indeed returned with a 2-yard carry on third-and-1 from the Houston 34-yard line with 10:50 to go in the game.
The fourth-rounder from Florida never saw another touch. Houston went with a handoff to Rex Burkhead and running plays from quarterback Jeff Driskel in a goal-to-go situation from the 4-yard line on Houston’s second to last drive of the game. Coach Lovie Smith said if Pierce were healthy enough to go, he would have been a part of their plans during that sequence. | 2022-12-12T02:32:11Z | sports.yahoo.com | Texans RB Dameon Pierce leaves 27-23 loss to the Cowboys in a walking boot | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-rb-dameon-pierce-leaves-015434011.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-rb-dameon-pierce-leaves-015434011.html?src=rss |
The Miami Dolphins have had some talented pass-catchers in their storied history with names like Mark Clayton, Mark Duper, Irving Fryar, Brandon Marshall, Paul Warfield and others who have donned the aqua and orange at one point.
On Sunday, Tyreek Hill, in his first season with the team, accomplished something that none of the above ever did, as he eclipsed 1,390 receiving yards in a year. Clayton held the previous team record with 1,389 yards in the 1984 season.
Hill’s feat is even more impressive knowing that he’s reached the milestone in less than 13 full games. Entering the matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, Hill had been on a pace that would put him just behind Calvin Johnson’s 2012 season (1,964 yards) for the most receiving yards in a single season in NFL history. | 2022-12-12T02:32:49Z | sports.yahoo.com | WR Tyreek Hill sets Dolphins single-season record for yards | https://sports.yahoo.com/wr-tyreek-hill-sets-dolphins-014319248.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/wr-tyreek-hill-sets-dolphins-014319248.html?src=rss |
The identity of the Vikings’ defense this season had been as a bend but don’t break unit that gave up a concerning amount of yards but still managed to make enough plays to earn victories. The problem is that the bend but don’t break approach is a dangerous way to live because when the defense does break it’s a long fall.
That fall occurred Sunday in the Vikings’ 34-23 loss to the Lions at Ford Field.
A victory would have given the Vikings their first NFC North title since 2017. Instead, the improving Lions, led by quarterback Jared Goff, moved the ball with ease against a defense that was missing veteran safety Harrison Smith. Minnesota surrendered 464 yards, saw Detroit convert on 7-of-15 third-down opportunities and go 2-for-2 in the red zone. Goff completed 27-of-39 passes for 330 yards and touchdowns of 41, 48 and 5 yards.
This came a week after the New York Jets accumulated 486 total yards in a 27-22 loss at U.S. Bank Stadium. The difference was the Vikings’ held the Jets to 3-of-16 on third down and 1-of-6 in the red zone. That success covered the odor of an overall troubling performance. But there was no deodorant that could eliminate Sunday’s stench.
Smith’s absence didn’t help, but the Vikings have now given up 400-plus total yards in five consecutive games. That is the longest single-season streak in franchise history, according to a graphic FOX showed on its telecast.
This is a long-term problem and left Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell contemplating what can be done with four regular-season games remaining.
“It’s a combination of some things, but I think we’ve got to take a look at what we can do to potentially help our guys be in a position to make more plays, be a little bit more aggressive, possibly. Ultimately I think we’ve got to generate some more rush, how do we do it? Just try to limit explosive (plays) and what that looks like. I think it’s a variety of things. But if we’re doing our jobs effectively we’ve got to take a look at it to try to improve our football team.”
On Sunday, the Vikings sent an extra pass rusher on 9-of-41 Goff dropbacks, according to ESPN Stats & Info. Only two of them created pressure. This isn’t going to cut it against any quarterback.
O’Connell’s words made it clear that he will be taking a look at the job being done by defensive coordinator Ed Donatell. There are some, like Donatell, who will dismiss how many yards a team gives up, but the fact the Vikings are now last in the league in that statistic is troubling. Minnesota is surrendering 403.7 yards per game; the Lions are at 403.2. Those are the only two defenses that are at 400 yards.
The Vikings also are last in the NFL in passing yards allowed (287.2), they are 16th in rushing yards (116.5) and have fallen to 24th in points given up (24.1). This wasn’t one bad day for the defense, it was a continuation of a problem that began in a 24-7 loss in Week 2 at Philadelphia. The Eagles had 486 yards in that Monday Night game. Dallas, which destroyed the Vikings 40-3 in Week 11, had 458 yards.
Donatell was hired because O’Connell wanted someone who was familiar with running the same 3-4 scheme that veteran coach Vic Fangio had employed with the Chicago Bears from 2015-18 as a coordinator and then took to Broncos as head coach in 2019. Fangio was fired after last season and Donatell, who had been his defensive coordinator with the Broncos, was scooped up by O’Connell after he was hired by the Vikings in February.
But just because Donatell knows Fangio, doesn’t mean that he’s going to have the same type of success. Fangio ran the show in Denver, so Donatell could take occasional bows without having the spotlight on him. O’Connell tipped his hand on Sunday when he talked about putting players in a position to make more plays.
Do the Vikings have the perfect personnel to pull off the scheme that Donatell wants? No. But that can’t matter. The Vikings have put themselves in a position to get at least one home playoff game and be the second seed in the NFC. The Eagles, Cowboys and Lions have presented the blueprint for how to make the Vikings look like the frauds that many national experts feel they are this season.
The Vikings can’t overhaul their scheme at this late date, but they also can’t stubbornly believe that what they are doing will magically start to work. O’Connell is right, they need to put players in better position, even if that means tweaking some of the principles of Fangio and Donatell’s beliefs.
A perfect example of this is Danielle Hunter, who before missing most of the past two seasons because of injuries, was one of the NFL’s best defensive ends. Unless you believe the 28-year-old Hunter has gone off the cliff, something isn’t right with how he’s being used. He was mostly a non-factor Sunday, finishing with two tackles, and has only one sack in his past four games.
O’Connell has made it clear he’s an offensive coach first, but his examination of the defense has to include potential options that would lessen Donatell’s role. Bringing in Fangio as a consultant would be ideal, but he’s already serving in that capacity with the 12-1 Eagles.
Mike Pettine, the assistant head coach to O’Connell, has plenty of experience as a defensive coordinator in the league. He has run 3-4 and 4-3 looks and while he isn’t a Fangio disciple, he has been around the Vikings all season and certainly could make some adjustments to the current defensive play calling.
Would O’Connell consider firing Donatell, or just lesson his involvement and quietly give Pettine more responsibility? O’Connell has done nothing in his first season that indicated he would make a rash move, but he also has to consider what happens if he allows his defense to continue to flounder.
O’Connell is paid the big bucks now to make tough decisions and winning games is the most important thing. If O’Connell sticks with the status quo this much is certain: His defense will prevent the Vikings from getting anywhere near where he wants them to go.
You'll often hear that it will take a lot more than Social Security benefits to allow you to live comfortably in retirement. The great thing about IRAs is that you don't need an employer to set one up -- whereas with a 401(k) plan, you need to be offered one by an employer unless you're self-employed and are managing your own plan. As long as you have earned income, you can contribute funds to an IRA. | 2022-12-12T02:32:56Z | sports.yahoo.com | Zulgad: Kevin O’Connell needs to consider significant change with Vikings’ defense | https://sports.yahoo.com/zulgad-kevin-o-connell-needs-004423425.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/zulgad-kevin-o-connell-needs-004423425.html?src=rss |
It’s the Miami Dolphins vs LA Chargers just around the corner on NBC and Peacock. Live coverage begins at 7:00 p.m. ET with Football Night in America before the game kicks off at 8:20 p.m. RELATED: 2022 NFL Regular Season Schedule – How to Watch, Live Stream, Dates, Times, Matchups NBC has got you covered | 2022-12-12T02:46:31Z | sports.yahoo.com | Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill scores a zany touchdown on fumble recovery for 57 yards | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-wr-tyreek-hill-scores-a-zany-touchdown-on-fumble-recovery-for-57-yards-022522291.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-wr-tyreek-hill-scores-a-zany-touchdown-on-fumble-recovery-for-57-yards-022522291.html?src=rss |
Roberts’ defense this season allowed 137 yards per game, which is third-best in the Big 12, and was fourth in the Big 12 in overall yards allowed with 370 yards per contest. Roberts’ top defender at Baylor this season was Al Walcott, who recorded 81 stops, ten of which being for loss. | 2022-12-12T03:08:15Z | sports.yahoo.com | Report: Auburn Football nearing deals with respected coordinators | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-auburn-football-nearing-deals-014040338.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-auburn-football-nearing-deals-014040338.html?src=rss |
“It’s pretty much just locking in honestly,” Jalen McDaniels said. “We know we’ve been putting together halves, just not the full 48 yet. We are just building a lot of good qualities even though we are not finishing with the ‘W.’ It’s still learning from these games. I feel like today we had the right intent, right energy, we’ve just got to stick with it the whole way.”
For all the good things they did to climb out of a hefty 19-point hole, some of the issues that have cropped up in their losses were too much for the Hornets (7-20) to overcome Sunday night.
Defensively, they couldn’t get the necessary amount of stops and their rotations weren’t as sharp as they needed to be. Especially against Embiid, who torched Charlotte for 16 points in the game’s final quarter. That combination proved to be lethal on a night Rozier and Oubre kept their offensive fireworks going – each extending their career-long 20-plus point streaks to eight games to mark the first time in franchise history two players have had concurrent 20-point stretches of at least eight games.
PJ Washington never got into a rhythm, misfiring on 10 of his initial 11 attempts before connecting on his lone shot in the fourth. And Philadelphia (14-12) closed the Hornets out with a 19-6 spurt to end a 35-point final quarter.
“They went right to the (James) Harden-Embiid package and that’s tough stuff there,” Clifford said. “We made a couple of mistakes, but again that would be playoff basketball. That’s what they do with the game on the line and you have to be able to handle it. And you are talking about two great, great offensive players. Those are experiences that we can learn from.”
“Honestly, we’ve got to be more disciplined, I feel like, just getting the cheap ones, ” Jalen McDaniels said. “Especially me, slap down and trying to steal the ball and stuff like that. So, it’s just avoiding the cheap ones and playing solid (defense).’”
The constant hacks led to a huge free throw disparity early in the game. Philadelphia went to the line 17 times in the second quarter and 20 in the first half compared to just five trips for the Hornets, and the 76ers collected 17 points via free throws. That made it even more difficult for the Hornets to overcome a size issue inside that propelled Embiid to 53 points, 28 of which came in the first half.
“That last five minutes of the first half, Terry’s foul was because we did not run back,” Clifford said. “Jalen’s foul was because we tried to pick up James Harden full court, which is probably not going to work out for many people. And then Mason (Plumlee’s) foul was because didn’t run back. So it works together.
“Transition defense, defending without fouling ... it takes less talent than any other part of the game and yet it’s a big part of winning. Defending without fouling is the same thing. It takes understanding and being disciplined. Every time those guys go up, shoot and we slap down, it’s an awful play. It’s not like it’s a decision. It’s a terrible play.”
LaMelo Ball, who was already listed as out for the 11th consecutive game, did not travel with to Philadelphia due to illness the team said is unrelated to health & safety protocols. Ball was also sick Friday night and not on the bench for the Hornets’ loss to the Knicks, even forgoing his normal pregame shooting routine.
Ball has returned to practice, but hasn’t completely participated in all the drills and activities. The Hornets have a scheduled day off on Monday before resuming preparations for a two-game homestand before a six-game trip out west that wraps around Christmas. | 2022-12-12T03:29:42Z | sports.yahoo.com | The Hornets’ swoon continues. Takeaways from Charlotte’s loss in Philadelphia | https://sports.yahoo.com/hornets-swoon-continues-takeaways-charlotte-020516590.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/hornets-swoon-continues-takeaways-charlotte-020516590.html?src=rss |
Grading 49ers' offense, defense in complete win over Bucs originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
SANTA CLARA — The 49ers reported more than their fair share of injuries coming out of a 35-7 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
But even with uncertainty with several players, including wide receiver Deebo Samuel, the 49ers were feeling mighty good about their new quarterback and their overall team performance.
“We got a quarterback,” 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa said of rookie quarterback Brock Purdy, who became the first quarterback to earn his first NFL victory against a Tom Brady-led team.
He had quite a day, and so did a lot of his teammates.
Here is a look at the 49ers’ report card from their thorough Week 14 victory over Tampa Bay at Levi’s Stadium:
The 49ers tried to soften the Bucs’ defense with their emphasis on the passing game to open the game. Christian McCaffrey got his first carry on the 49ers’ fifth play from scrimmage and he tore off a 21-yard run.
The 49ers controlled the game on the ground, rushing for 209 yards and three touchdowns on 36 attempts.
Samuel got the 49ers on the board when he took a pitch, turned the corner and somehow got into the end zone.
McCaffrey put the game away with a 38-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter. He finished with 119 yards on 14 rushes. Rookie Jordan Mason came on and added 56 yards on 11 rushes.
Purdy did everything the 49ers’ asked of him in his first NFL start . . . and then some.
He showed his movement skills early in the second quarter when he scrambled 2 yards for a touchdown. On the 49ers’ next offensive play, he escaped the rush and found Samuel for an 18-yard competition.
Purdy finished with 16 completions on 21 attempts for 185 yards with two touchdown passes and no interceptions thrown. He had a 27-yard touchdown pass to McCaffrey and a 32-yarder to Brandon Aiyuk.
The 49ers’ offensive line protected Purdy well, as he was not sacked in the game.
The Buccaneers averaged 3.6 yards per carry, and the 49ers made Tampa Bay one-dimensional. Rachaad White gained 56 yards on 13 attempts while Leonard Fournette was an absolute non-factor with 13 yards on four attempts.
Linebacker Dre Greenlaw was all over the place for the 49ers’ defense with 15 tackles.
Late in the game, the 49ers generated a third takeaway of the game when Jimmie Ward forced a fumble of White and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair came up with the fumble recovery.
Tom Brady had a rough, rough day against the 49ers’ defense.
The seven-time Super Bowl champion threw for 253 yards against the 49ers’ defense, but he lost a lot of skin to get there.
Brady completed 34 of 55 pass attempts with one touchdown pass and two interceptions thrown. Tashaun Gipson and Greenlaw registered interceptions, as Brady’s passer rating for the game was a lowly 63.7.
The 49ers did not pick up a sack against Brady, who stuck with the short-passing game. But San Francisco got enough pressure on him to make things extremely difficult.
Robbie Gould was called up for extra points, not field goals. And nobody with the 49ers was complaining about that turn of events.
Return man Ray-Ray McCloud had a good day with a 14.3-yard average on three punts and 27.0 average on two kickoffs.
Punter Mitch Wishnowsky had 44.7 average (37.7 net) on three punts).
The 49ers installed strong game plans on offense and defense against the NFC South-leading Buccaneers.
Coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense made best use of Purdy’s skills in running the offense. He saw something in the second quarter that prompted him to call a play that was not in the game plan. The result was Purdy’s 32-yard touchdown pass on a double-move.
Defensively, the 49ers kept Brady bottled up and took away any ability of the Bucs to make big plays.
The 49ers and Buccaneers are two teams who appear to be heading toward the playoffs.
The 49ers left no doubt on Sunday, racing out to a 35-0 lead and clamping down for the final 29 minutes of the game.
The 49ers did not blink after Samuel went down with an ankle injury, as the team showed an ability to keep focused through adversity. | 2022-12-12T04:00:16Z | sports.yahoo.com | 49ers report card: Grading offense, defense in complete win over Buccaneers | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-report-card-grading-offense-021605386.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-report-card-grading-offense-021605386.html?src=rss |
In the early 1 p.m. ET time slot of games, the Eagles scored the first 21 points on their way to an easy 48-22 win over the Giants at the Meadowlands. The Giants’ loss means their record now stands at 7-5-1, identical with Washington heading toward NBC’s Sunday Night game of the Week at FedEx Field next Sunday, December 18. | 2022-12-12T04:00:41Z | sports.yahoo.com | Commanders given two gifts in NFL Week 14 | https://sports.yahoo.com/commanders-given-two-gifts-nfl-031608035.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/commanders-given-two-gifts-nfl-031608035.html?src=rss |
Mike McCarthy faced no one more in the NFL than Lovie Smith.
McCarthy was the coach of the Green Bay Packers from 2006-18, and Smith manned the sideline for the Chicago Bears from 2004-12. The two former NFC champion coaches encountered one another 15 times during their stint together in the NFC North.
Smith is known for his Tampa 2 scheme, but McCarthy told reporters after the Cowboys’ 27-23 win over the Texans at AT&T Stadium in Arlington that Smith was running something else on Sunday afternoon.
“As far as the type of coverages, it’s more quarters than I’ve ever seen a lot of people play,” McCarthy said. “Lot of combinations to that.”
McCarthy explained that Smith excels as a “vision defensive coordinator.”
Said McCarthy: “I thought they played with good vision, and they were on our hip every time the ball was thrown and caught.”
The Texans entered Week 14 as one of the better teams in the NFL at limited yards after the catch with opponents compiling 1,182 over the first 12 games. Similarly the Cowboys’ big-play receivers such as CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup were limited to seven catches for 73 yards combined.
Cornerback Tremon Smith was a beneficiary of the Texans’ scheme against the Cowboys as he collected two interceptions of quarterback Dak Prescott. | 2022-12-12T04:00:54Z | sports.yahoo.com | Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy says Texans’ Lovie Smith is running tons of quarters defense | https://sports.yahoo.com/cowboys-coach-mike-mccarthy-says-025510068.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/cowboys-coach-mike-mccarthy-says-025510068.html?src=rss |
The Miami Dolphins have been dealing with injuries all season, so they’re pretty used to not having starters at this point.
During the second quarter of the Dolphins’ Sunday night matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers, running back Jeff Wilson Jr. suffered a hip injury on a run that totaled 20 yards. After being taken to the sidelines, Wilson was eventually carted back to the locker room at SoFi Stadium.
Miami shared that his return to action is questionable.
With Myles Gaskin inactive this week, the Dolphins will have to rely on Raheem Mostert and Salvon Ahmed if Wilson is unable to re-enter the game. | 2022-12-12T04:01:19Z | sports.yahoo.com | Dolphins RB Jeff Wilson Jr. carted to locker room | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-rb-jeff-wilson-jr-025438106.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-rb-jeff-wilson-jr-025438106.html?src=rss |
It’s not just that Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill is the fastest player in the NFL, and one of the fastest in pro football history. He would be dangerous enough were he just that fast in short bursts. The real problem with defending Hill is that once he goes from zero to sixty — and it doesn’t take him long to do it — is that he maintains that ridiculous speed as long as it’s required.
For all his amazing deep receptions throughout his career, Hill’s long speed may have never been more evident than it was on this unbelievable play with 8:45 left in the first half of Sunday night’s game between the Dolphins and the Los Angeles Chargers. Tua Tagovailoa handed the ball to running back Jeff Wilson Jr. Wilson fumbled the ball, there was a scrum, and Hill took the ball after it had been batted backward (an important point, as it turns out).
From there, Hill was gone for a 57-yard touchdown.
In total, Hill traveled 93 yards on the play.
Tyreek Hill reached a top speed of 21.78 mph on his 57-yard fumble return TD while traveling a total distance of 93 yards.
Hill has reached 20+ mph on 54 touches since 2018, more than double the next closest player (Saquon Barkley: 23).#MIAvsLAC | #FinsUp pic.twitter.com/RiSgoxokoN
This play would have been negated if Hill’s teammate had batted the ball forward — as the result of a rule change following another fumble play that happened to the Chargers franchise.
On September 10, 1978, the San Diego Chargers were playing the Oakland Raiders at San Diego Stadium. With 10 seconds left in the game, the Raiders were down, 20-14, and they had the ball at the Chargers’ 14-yard line. Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler, feeling pressure from the Chargers’ defense and about to be sacked, blipped the ball forward, where it was kicked into the end zone by tight end Dave Casper.
The touchdown counted, and the Raiders won, 21-20, but the NFL subsequently added restrictions to forward fumble progress. From then on, if a player fumbled after the two-minute warning in a half/overtime, or on fourth down at any time during the game, only the fumbling player could recover and advance the ball. If that player’s teammate recovered the ball during those situations, it would placed back at the spot of the fumble, unless it was a recovery for a loss, in which case the ball would be dead and placed at the point of recovery.
Not that those rules would have affected this particular play, but as the ball was batted backward, there was no inevitable officiating confusion, and it was simply up to Tyreek Hill to outrun everybody on the field.
Which, of course, he’s more than capable of doing. | 2022-12-12T04:02:22Z | sports.yahoo.com | Tyreek Hill traveled 93 yards on his 57-yard fumble return touchdown | https://sports.yahoo.com/tyreek-hill-traveled-93-yards-025414100.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/tyreek-hill-traveled-93-yards-025414100.html?src=rss |
There wasn’t much to get excited about Sunday for Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as they crawled their way to a 35-7 blowout loss at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers.
Brady had his first multi-interception game of the season, tossing a pair of picks as the Bucs were dominated in every phase of the game.
After the game, Brady reacted to his team’s ugly performance:
"You have to put the work in, dig deep and keep fighting."
🗣️: @TomBrady pic.twitter.com/0bINVs7KBH
Tom Brady on suffering a 35-7 loss to the 49ers in his return hind before 100 family members and friends. pic.twitter.com/y2uhUQJolB | 2022-12-12T04:02:35Z | sports.yahoo.com | WATCH: Tom Brady reacts to Bucs’ ugly 35-7 loss to 49ers | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-tom-brady-reacts-bucs-032135858.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-tom-brady-reacts-bucs-032135858.html?src=rss |
The Miami Dolphins had been stagnant through their first few possessions against the Los Angeles Chargers, with the lone highlight being Tyreek Hill setting the team’s single-season receiving yards record on an average 13-yard reception.
However, Hill opened up Miami’s scoring on a play that started as a run by Jeff Wilson. Wilson fumbled, and the ball found its way into Hill’s hands. The wideout turned on the jets for a 50-yard touchdown.
That’s a play that you’d have to see to believe. | 2022-12-12T04:02:41Z | sports.yahoo.com | WATCH: Tyreek Hill scores on one of the most insane plays you’ll see | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-tyreek-hill-scores-one-022311266.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-tyreek-hill-scores-one-022311266.html?src=rss |
Badgers forward Tyler Wahl goes up for a shot against Iowa forward Filip Rebraca during the first half Sunday. Wahl finished with a team-high 21 points in UW's overtime victory.
IOWA CITY – Greg Gard, in his seventh season as Wisconsin's full-time head coach, has appropriately nicknamed the 2022-2023 crew Team Drama.
"It fits," sophomore point guard Chucky Hepburn said after UW's latest victory decided in the final seconds. "It fits a lot."
"We have a tendency to not make it as easy as it should be," a relieved Gard said, smiling. "Credit to Iowa to make some plays at the end to catch us.
"But the grit and the effort and the fortitude of our group, that the continue to show night in and night out can’t be questioned. That is what it took to be able to come from behind in the overtime and seal things out.
"A lot of things we did not do well or properly or correct. But again, it is a team that just continues to battle and finds a way."
"I’ve been putting in a lot of work and I’ve just got to keep shooting it," Wahl said. "The ball will go in.
"I was open and I let it fly."
"It was a freshman mistake," Hepburn said of Essegian's turnover late in regulation. "I’ve probably done that. You’ve just got to move on."
"Jordan started yelling at me and then I knew I had to get a shot up," Crowl said, referring to teammate Jordan Davis. "That was all him."
Before the tying three-pointer, Davis' last shot came with 14:51 left in regulation.
"He has the confidence to go in there and shoot it," Wahl said of Davis. "That is the play that sticks out to me."
Patrick McCaffery's three-pointer rimmed out with one second left and Essegian grabbed the rebound to secure the victory.
"There are so many things," Gard said of the miscues. "Tuesday’s film session may be three hours long."
"We said we just need to breathe," Hepburn said. "Calm down.
"It didn’t go the way we wanted to but we have five more minutes so we can’t hang our heads. You’ve got to move on."
Sunday was UW's seventh consecutive game decided by five points or fewer. UW is 5-2 in those games.
"I wasn’t aware of it," Wahl said, "but I know we’ve played in a lot of close games. It was the same things last year. We’ve just got a lot of tough guys who come here to win games."
Gard is aging by the game but he can't argue with the results, or his players' mettle.
"They don’t flinch," he said. "They just keep battling. They don’t do everything right. But I can never question their effort or their intent. They just keep giving me everything they have."
Wisconsin's last game:Battle-tested Wisconsin Badgers knock off undefeated Maryland in basketball
Arlen Harris Jr. had just two carries for one yard in his first season with Stanford and chose Iowa State in the transfer portal. | 2022-12-12T04:18:06Z | sports.yahoo.com | Badgers blow 5-point lead late in regulation but rally to take down Iowa in overtime, 78-75 | https://sports.yahoo.com/live-coverage-wisconsin-vs-iowa-223007268.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/live-coverage-wisconsin-vs-iowa-223007268.html?src=rss |
It’s Monday, December 12, 2022, and here’s what Minty is cookin’ up:
The San Francisco 49ers beat down Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, thanks in part to Mr. Irrelevant, quarterback Brock Purdy
49ers star wide receiver Deebo Samuel was carted off the field, but he may have avoided a major injury.
The Chiefs held off the Broncos as Russell Wilson left the game with a scary-looking head injury
The Eagles destroyed the Giants, earning a playoff berth in the process
PLUS: Retired 50-year-old former NHL star Jaromir Jagr had to suit up for the hockey team he owns after an illness swept through the dressing room | 2022-12-12T05:31:39Z | sports.yahoo.com | Brock Purdy is still Purdy good as 49ers beat up Brady and the Bucs I The Rush | https://sports.yahoo.com/brock-purdy-is-still-purdy-good-as-49-ers-beat-up-brady-and-the-bucs-i-the-rush-040612880.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/brock-purdy-is-still-purdy-good-as-49-ers-beat-up-brady-and-the-bucs-i-the-rush-040612880.html?src=rss |
The Dolphins didn't play a great second half against the Houston Texans in Week 12, but they led 30-0 at the half. There were no warning signs.
It was a horrible first half for the Dolphins. The offense was stopped cold from the beginning. The only big play was when Tyreek Hill happened to have a fumble bounce into his hands and he ran around right end for 57 yards and a touchdown. At halftime, the Dolphins had 55 yards from scrimmage. The Chargers' defense has been really bad in recent weeks, was without several key players, and the Dolphins had five first downs before halftime. Tagovailoa completed 20% of his passes before halftime, the lowest completion percentage in the first half of any game this season, according to NBC.
The Chargers defensive backs were mostly pressing the Dolphins receivers, and Tagovailoa either didn't have open targets or was misfiring when he had an opportunity. Tagovailoa was 3-of-17 for 25 yards in the third quarter when he finally hit a big play.
But Tagovailoa and the offense couldn't get anything going, yet again.
The rest of the win for the Chargers was a slow death for the Dolphins. The Hill play didn't spark anything for the Dolphins offense. The next two drives, with the game there for the taking, resulted in two punts. The Chargers finally went on a long field goal drive and took a 23-14 lead with 2:40 left.
The Chargers have had a rough season with injuries and tough losses, but Sunday's win gives them plenty of hope. It's as good as the Chargers have played all season. Herbert had 367 yards and a touchdown. It was a performance the Chargers desperately needed.
First-year Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel was off to a great start through 12 weeks. Now we'll see if he can handle a slump, which includes figuring out how to get his young quarterback on track again. | 2022-12-12T05:32:11Z | sports.yahoo.com | Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoa have an awful night in loss to Chargers, who needed the win | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-tua-tagovailoa-have-an-awful-night-in-loss-to-chargers-who-needed-the-win-042916963.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-tua-tagovailoa-have-an-awful-night-in-loss-to-chargers-who-needed-the-win-042916963.html?src=rss |
Why Whitner disagrees with Rice’s 49ers rant after Deebo injury originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
Deebo Samuel's ankle injury in the 49ers' blowout win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday at Levi's Stadium has elicited many opinions on the play, including one of derision from 49ers legend Jerry Rice.
However, NBC Sports Bay Area's Donte Whitner sees it differently.
Speaking with Rod Brooks and Carlos Ramirez on "49ers Postgame Live," Whitner explained why he doesn't "agree" with Rice's criticism of San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan's play call.
"Football is football," Whitner said after the game. "You can't say, 'Hey, let's give him the ball' and he won't get injured.
"Deebo Samuel was built for that type of contact; he just got tangled up a little bit differently."
Whitner then cited Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance's injuries as outliers, with Garoppolo's broken foot being caused by not running up the middle and Lance's ankle injury being a "freak accident."
"So I don't agree with Jerry," Whitner continued. "I think that in football, you have to run up the middle, you have to be able to run outside, or the defense will be able to key in and stop those key plays."
The play in question occurred late in the first half when the 26-year-old received a handoff and ran up the middle. He fumbled after three yards and his left leg was rolled up by the Buccaneers' defense.
Though Samuel initially was listed as questionable to return with a knee injury, the 49ers officially ruled him out for the rest of the contest with an ankle injury shortly after the second half started.
After the game, Shanahan told reporters that Samuel most likely had a "high ankle sprain," though the exact time the "wide back" will miss is yet to be determined.
RELATED: Shanahan: Deebo most likely suffered high ankle sprain vs. Bucs
49ers fans have to be relieved knowing that their star was able to avoid a severe injury.
Rice, too, has to feel better knowing that Samuel's injury is not as bad as it first appeared. | 2022-12-12T05:32:17Z | sports.yahoo.com | Donte Whitner disagrees with Jerry Rice’s 49ers-Deebo Samuel criticism | https://sports.yahoo.com/donte-whitner-disagrees-jerry-rice-025514066.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/donte-whitner-disagrees-jerry-rice-025514066.html?src=rss |
The Miami Dolphins were defeated on Sunday night by the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, 23-17, as Mike McDaniel’s team earned their fifth loss of the season and second in as many weeks.
Miami’s offense left a lot to be desired. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa completed just 35.7% of his attempts for 145 and a touchdown. 60 of those yards came on a long touchdown pass to wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who set the franchise’s record for receiving yards in a single season in this contest.
Hill also scored another touchdown over 50 yards after a ball that was fumbled by Jeff Wilson Jr. landed at his feet.
Unfortunately, both Hill and Wilson left the game due to injury. The wideout was in and out for the rest of the game, but the running back was unable to return after departing in the second quarter.
The Dolphins defense wasn’t overly impressive either, as they allowed Justin Herbert to complete 76.5% of his attempts for 367 yards and a touchdown, as he found Mike Williams and Keenan Allen 18 total times for 208 yards. The former beat Miami’s top cornerback, Xavien Howard, multiple times for eye-popping plays.
Although, they can’t be held totally responsible, considering they were on the field for nearly 40 minutes of the contest.
This loss drops Miami to two games behind the Buffalo Bills in the AFC East. Their also the sixth seed in the conference, at the moment, with the Chargers just one spot below them. | 2022-12-12T05:32:30Z | sports.yahoo.com | Instant analysis from Dolphins’ Week 14 loss to Chargers | https://sports.yahoo.com/instant-analysis-dolphins-week-14-044107301.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/instant-analysis-dolphins-week-14-044107301.html?src=rss |
The Houston Texans had outplayed the Dallas Cowboys for 56 minutes.
However, an NFL game is a 60-minute affair and the Texans weren’t able to hold on for the final four minutes Sunday afternoon at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
The Cowboys mounted a 98-yard drive in 11 plays to reclaim the lead and beat Houston 27-23 in Week 14.
Cowboys owner, president, and general manager Jerry Jones was impressed with the game plan Houston used, especially their platooning at quarterback with Davis Mills and Jeff Driskel.
“I think their quarterback play, the way they deployed their quarterbacks, the way they basically were committed there to stop that run and could stop the run, did stop the run and then to push us into making some throws that maybe we’d like to have back.”
Mills completed 16 passes on 21 attempts for 175 yards and an interception, which occurred on the last play of the game as a Hail Mary attempt. Driskel went 4-of-6 for 38 yards and a touchdown while also carrying seven times for 36 yards.
The Texans’ defense and special teams procured three takeaways and scored 14 points off Dallas’ mistakes. Cornerback Tremon Smith picked off quarterback Dak Prescott twice as the two-time Pro Bowler went 24-of-39 for 284 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions.
“I don’t want to spend too much time on that, but they were well schemed and we almost lost the game,” Jones said. “To our team’s credit and Dak’s, that 98-yard drive had everything going for them to win that ball game and we won. I give Dak a lot of credit for that 98 yard drive, to be trite.”
After the Texans turned the ball over on downs following a first-and-goal from the Cowboys’ 4-yard line, Dallas got it back with 3:20 to go in the game.
Iowa State football added a second commitment to the 2023 class on Sunday, close to an hour after picking up Arlen Harris Jr. in the transfer portal. | 2022-12-12T05:32:36Z | sports.yahoo.com | Jerry Jones says Cowboys ‘almost lost the game’ against the Texans | https://sports.yahoo.com/jerry-jones-says-cowboys-almost-034939152.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/jerry-jones-says-cowboys-almost-034939152.html?src=rss |
When you’ve accomplished what Tom Brady has throughout his legendary 23-year career in the NFL, you’re allowed a measure of freedom and power when it comes to how things are run on your side of the ball.
Evidently, Brady’s level of influence when it comes to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers includes holding court with the offensive skill-position players the night before every game, making changes that even his coaches don’t discover until they see them play out during the game.
That’s according to longtime NFL writer Mike Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle, who dropped this little detail in his postgame column following the Bucs’ 35-7 blowout loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday:
Those tweaks haven’t seemed to help much this season, as the Bucs have struggled to move the ball and score consistently on offense all year long. The same was true Sunday, when they managed just a garbage-time touchdown to avoid a shutout against the 49ers. | 2022-12-12T05:33:14Z | sports.yahoo.com | Report: Tom Brady tweaks game plans, coaches discover changes during games | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-tom-brady-tweaks-game-043553727.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-tom-brady-tweaks-game-043553727.html?src=rss |
The most bizarre call of the Houston Texans’ 27-23 loss to the Dallas Cowboys was the fourth-and-goal run from the 3-yard line.
Quarterback Jeff Driskel took the run-pass option and cut it inside for a 1-yard gain, resulting in a turnover on downs. Houston still had a 23-20 lead with 3:21 to go in the game, but Dallas marched 98 yards in 11 plays to score the go-ahead touchdown.
If Houston had scored a touchdown, they would have made it a two-possession game and next to impossible for the Cowboys to tie them 30-30, even with Dallas having all three timeouts.
According to guard A.J. Cann, the Cowboys showed a vulnerability to that play-call in their film sessions throughout the week.
“We worked that play,” Cann told reporters after the game. “We saw it work against them on film. It’s a copycat league. We tried it. They were on it. They figured it out. They saw it and they made a great play.”
Driskel said that the intent for the play was to run to the edge, but the Cowboys defense had already beaten him there, which forced him to cut inside where he only picked up a yard.
The goal-to-go opportunity was the only wasted Texans takeaway of the afternoon as cornerback Tremon Smith got his second interception and setup Houston as the Dallas 4-yard line with 5:37 to go in the game.
“Defense gives it to us on the five and everybody on our sideline thought there’s no way we don’t get this ball in,” Driskel said. “I thought every snap we were going to be able to get it in. I thought Chris [Moore] was really close on the naked [bootleg]. We’ve just got to find a way to punch it in.”
Houston falls to 1-11-1 and goes back to NRG Stadium to host the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 15.
Three costly interceptions allowed the Ravens to secure a 16-14 win on Sunday.
Joel Embiid scores 53 points with 12 rebounds in a dominant win over the Charlotte Hornets. | 2022-12-12T05:33:33Z | sports.yahoo.com | Texans saw the fourth down call work on film against the Cowboys | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-saw-fourth-down-call-044437197.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-saw-fourth-down-call-044437197.html?src=rss |
After scandal and boycott plunged the Hollywood Foreign Press Association into disarray and knocked the Golden Globes broadcast off television for a year, the annual film and television awards are set to announce nominations Monday. Nominations to the 80th Golden Globe Awards will be announced 8:35 a.m. EST Monday by George and Mayan Lopez, who will read the nominees on NBC's “Today” show. The Globes will be telecast Jan. 10, with stand-up comedian Jerrod Carmichael hosting. | 2022-12-12T05:33:39Z | sports.yahoo.com | Texans WR Amari Rodgers says Jeff Driskel TD ‘wasn’t supposed to come to me’ | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-wr-amari-rodgers-says-050906611.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-wr-amari-rodgers-says-050906611.html?src=rss |
If you play defense, there are a few things you probably dream of doing if you ever make it to the NFL.
A couple of them have to do with the greatest quarterback of all time.
You either want to sack Tom Brady, or get an interception off him.
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw accomplished the latter during Sunday’s 35-7 win over Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and he made the most of the moment.
After the game, Greenlaw made small talk with Brady on the field, and then asked him if he would autograph the ball.
The GOAT obliged:
It’s not the first time Brady’s extended this particular gesture of respect to a young player who happened to steal one of his passes, but he probably hopes this is the last time it happens. | 2022-12-12T05:33:46Z | sports.yahoo.com | Tom Brady throws interception, autographs the ball for opponent after the game | https://sports.yahoo.com/tom-brady-throws-interception-autographs-041528550.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/tom-brady-throws-interception-autographs-041528550.html?src=rss |
There are often questionable and bad penalties called in the name of protecting quarterbacks, but the one on the Miami Dolphins in Sunday night's 23-17 loss to the Chargers was one of the worst. Phillips sacked Herbert, his knee hit the ground and then Phillips' momentum took him forward and on top of Herbert. Phillips tried to brace his fall, but it didn't matter. Officials thought he landed with his body weight on Herbert, and that's a penalty. | 2022-12-12T05:49:16Z | sports.yahoo.com | Dolphins called for unbelievable roughing-the-passer penalty that had everyone upset | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-called-for-unbelievable-roughing-the-passer-penalty-that-had-everyone-upset-033618704.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-called-for-unbelievable-roughing-the-passer-penalty-that-had-everyone-upset-033618704.html?src=rss |
The Tennessee Titans needed to come out strong in Week 14 after dropping their past two games. If firing general manager Jon Robinson was supposed to fire up the team, someone may need to re-think that strategy.
The Titans delivered one of the most disappointing losses of the week Sunday, falling to the Jacksonville Jaguars 36-22. With the defeat, the Titans fell to 7-6 on the season. The team has lost three straight, though it still leads the AFC South.
Robinson was fired Tuesday, days after the Titans lost to the Philadelphia Eagles. Former Titans wide receiver A.J. Brown went off against his former team, scoring two touchdowns in the Eagles' victory. That was apparently the final straw for the Titans' brass.
The Titans turned in a disappointing performance, but Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence deserves credit for leading his team to a win. Lawrence had another strong game, throwing for three touchdowns and running in a score against the Titans.
After a rough stretch in the middle of the season, Lawrence has shown signs of greatness the past five games. He has thrown 10 touchdowns against 0 interceptions over that stretch. The Jaguars have gone 3-2 in those games.
Simmons and the Titans can be upset about the loss, but it also came against a promising, young quarterback who appears to be coming into his own. If there's an upside for Simmons and the Titans, it's that the team still leads the division by two wins. Barring an epic collapse, Tennessee should punch its ticket to the playoffs for the fourth straight season.
After years of dominating the AFC South, however, the Titans may find their streak in danger next season if Lawrence continues to play like this. | 2022-12-12T05:49:29Z | sports.yahoo.com | Titans Pro Bowler on loss to Jags: 'We got our a** kicked ... Jon Robinson is not out there playing' | https://sports.yahoo.com/titans-pro-bowler-on-loss-to-jags-we-got-our-ass-kicked-jon-robinson-is-not-out-there-playing-002654481.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/titans-pro-bowler-on-loss-to-jags-we-got-our-ass-kicked-jon-robinson-is-not-out-there-playing-002654481.html?src=rss |
For years HBO Documentary Films, under the stewardship of Sheila Nevins, dominated the Oscars, racking up nominations and wins left and right. But since her departure in 2018 it has faced an Oscar dry spell, at least in the documentary feature category. All that could change this year, in a major way. HBO Documentary Films […] | 2022-12-12T06:28:44Z | sports.yahoo.com | Paul Silas Dies: College Basketball Hall Of Famer, NBA Coach And All-Star Was 79 | https://sports.yahoo.com/paul-silas-dies-college-basketball-210546958.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/paul-silas-dies-college-basketball-210546958.html?src=rss |
On the twelfth SKOL of Christmas, the Vikings gave to me: Joe Webb dominating the Philadelphia Eagles on a Tuesday night.
The Vikings had quite the 2010 season. After waiting until the preseason was nearly over to get their starting quarterback on the team in Brett Favre, things did not go according to plan. The team had dealt with some interesting circumstances throughout the season. They had traded for and then released Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss, fired their head coach Brad Childress for the move and the Metrodome roof collapsed.
This doesn’t even include that Brett Favre sustained an injury the week prior to this game against the Chicago Bears and it forced Favre to miss his second-consecutive start, which broke his streak of 297 consecutive starts dating all the way back to 1992.
With the Metrodome’s roof collapsing, the Vikings already saw one of their games get moved to Detroit where they played the New York Giants on a Monday night two weeks prior to this game.
For the week 16 clash with the Philadelphia Eagles, they moved it back from Sunday night to Tuesday night due to the Philadelphia area getting bombarded with more than a foot of snow and blizzard-like conditions. Because of that, the Eagles won the NFC East sitting at home, as the New York Giants beat the Green Bay Packers to secure the crown for Andy Reid’s team.
When the game happened, it was a much-better game than you would have thought that the 5-9 Vikings would give the Eagles their fifth loss of the season, dropping their record to 10-5
There were two major factors in the game: the Vikings forced three turnovers including scoring their first touchdown on an Antoine Winfield 45-yard scoop-and-score.
The biggest performance of the night was from backup quarterback Joe Webb. The Vikings initially drafted the former UAB quarterback as a wide receiver, but they kept him at quarterback after he performed so well in minicamp.
The Vikings crafted a really good game plan to stop the Eagles’ highly potent passing attack and maximize a dual-threat Webb. He finished throwing 17-26 for 195 yards along with six carries for 31 yards. His presence was excellent on many levels and much-needed for the Vikings after such a tumultuous season. The dual-threat ability of the rookie quarterback proved to be too much for the Eagles on that fateful Tuesday night and we can all celebrate Webb for his beyond-impressive performance. | 2022-12-12T12:24:56Z | sports.yahoo.com | 25 SKOL’s of Christmas: Tuesday night legend Joe Webb | https://sports.yahoo.com/25-skol-christmas-tuesday-night-113057602.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/25-skol-christmas-tuesday-night-113057602.html?src=rss |
The Denver Broncos had a valiant comeback effort fall just short against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday as the team lost 34-28. Here are our five quick takeaways from the team’s latest loss.
The offensive line found a slightly better formula
Going into the game, the Broncos were without all but one of their regular starting offensive linemen (Quinn Meinerz is the last man standing). With Dalton Risner (shoulder/back) inactive, Denver started third-string center Luke Wattenberg and moved Graham Glasgow to guard. That initial lineup had disastrous results and the Broncos eventually benched Wattenberg and moved Glasgow back to center. After that, Netante Muti and Quinn Bailey rotated in at guard. The group performed better when Glasgow went back to center, but it was a poor showing overall as quarterback Russell Wilson was sacked six times and hit 11 times. The offensive line will obviously be a big priority for Denver’s front office this offseason.
That was Russell Wilson's best game of the season
For the first time this season, Wilson threw three touchdown passes. He also made plays with his legs, rushing four times for 57 yards. Unfortunately, Wilson suffered a concussion on one of those runs, but the quarterback was having the best game of his Broncos career before leaving the contest. Fans in Denver can only hope that’s the version of Wilson that the Broncos get in the future — once he’s healthy.
That's the Jerry Jeudy we've been waiting for!
There’s no question that Jeudy has the talent, but he has struggled to live up to his first-round draft status in Denver. Until Sunday, anyway. The third-year receiver had the best game of his career against the Chiefs, catching eight passes for 73 yards and three touchdowns, including one TD pass that was thrown by Brett Rypien. Was it a one-game wonder or a sign of things to come for the young receiver?
Dfense kept Denver in the game with turnovers
The Broncos’ first two touchdowns on Sunday came after a pair of interceptions, the first by Josey Jewell and the second by Pat Surtain. Jewell later grabbed a second interception, giving the defense three on the day. The unit also sacked Patrick Mahomes twice and if not for Wilson’s pick-six, Denver would have trailed by just six points at halftime. The defense did allow 27 points, but that’s not uncommon for a team facing KC. Overall, the squad did their part on Sunday.
That might have been the Broncos' best performance of the year
Even though it was a loss, that might have been Denver’s best game of the season. After going down 27-0 early, the Broncos never quit and they fought back to make it a close game. If not for Wilson suffering a concussion late in the game, Denver might have completed a comeback. That’s the kind of sign of life that Broncos fans have been hoping to see. Denver lost on Sunday, but there is now a little more hope for 2023 after the team demonstrated on Sunday that they can compete with some of the NFL’s best. | 2022-12-12T12:25:03Z | sports.yahoo.com | 5 takeaways from Broncos’ 34-28 loss to Chiefs in Week 14 | https://sports.yahoo.com/5-takeaways-broncos-34-28-120014958.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/5-takeaways-broncos-34-28-120014958.html?src=rss |
The Indianapolis Colts (4-8-1) will open the new week as modest underdogs in the Week 15 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings (10-3).
As the Colts come out of their bye week, the Vikings are coming off a divisional loss to the Detroit Lions. With four games remaining in the regular season, Vikings are looking to solidify their spot in the playoffs while the Colts are looking to see where they end up in the 2023 draft order.
According to Tipico Sportsbook, the Colts open Week 15 as 4.5-point underdogs on the road:
Despite the Colts being all but eliminated from playoff contention, this game was flexed to the early Saturday slot. So the Colts will play their third consecutive nationally televised game and will have done so in four straight weeks when Week 16 is concluded.
The Vikings have one of the best records in the NFC but have split their last four games. They’ve been especially tough at home, winning six of their seven games at U.S. Bank Stadium this season.
Led by quarterback Kirk Cousins, the Vikings offense has weapons at each position. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson is having another incredible season and just torched the Lions secondary to the tune of 213 receiving yards.
We’ll see if the line shifts at all throughout the week, especially if the Colts make any changes coming out of the bye, but they are modest underdogs for this quasi prime-time matchup. | 2022-12-12T12:25:21Z | sports.yahoo.com | Colts open as 4.5-point underdogs to Vikings in Week 15 | https://sports.yahoo.com/colts-open-4-5-point-120533023.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/colts-open-4-5-point-120533023.html?src=rss |
The Washington Commanders are 7-5-1 with four games remaining in the 2022 NFL season. Washington, winners of six of its last eight games, hosts the New York Giants on Sunday Night Football in Week 15.
Before we prepare for Washington’s stretch run to a potential playoff berth, let’s look at the Commanders’ salary-cap situation for 2023. Washington fans should expect another busy offseason with players such as Daron Payne, Taylor Heinicke and Cole Holcomb slated for free agency. There’s also the quarterback situation, which always seems to linger over Washington’s offseason.
We’ll go over potential quarterback options at a later time, but let’s look at where the Commanders stand currently. As of Week 14, Washington has $19.3 million in available cap space for 2023, which is No. 15 in the NFL. The Commanders have $14.2 million in dead money for 2023, thanks to the trade of William Jackson III and the release of Landon Collins.
Washington’s cap space includes quarterback Carson Wentz’s $26.2 million cap hit for 2023. If Washington moves on from Wentz, there is no penalty, and that adds to the team’s available cap space for 2023.
The expectation is the Commanders will move on from Wentz. While head coach Ron Rivera is interested in Wentz’s potential upside, he would likely only return on a reduced cap figure in 2023.
The biggest free-agent domino is Payne. The fifth-year defensive tackle is tied for second in the NFL — with teammate Jonathan Allen — with 15 tackles for loss. Payne has already set a career-high in sacks with 8.5.
If Washington places the franchise tag on Payne, he will cost $18.1 million against the cap. However, if the Commanders agree to a long-term deal with Payne, his cap charge will be significantly smaller in the first year of a new deal.
There are other cap hits on Washington’s roster that could either be restructured or released.
Regardless, general manager Martin Mayhew and Rivera will have the money to re-sign key players and fill some holes along the offensive line.
The University of Utah’s feared tight end Dalton Kincaid announced on Sunday that he’s opting out of the 2023 Rose… | 2022-12-12T12:25:40Z | sports.yahoo.com | What does the Commanders’ 2023 salary cap look like at the bye week? | https://sports.yahoo.com/does-commanders-2023-salary-cap-105719622.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/does-commanders-2023-salary-cap-105719622.html?src=rss |
Jalen Hurts' message to those who blasted him early in his career originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
With TD passes of 41 yards to A.J. Brown and 33 yards to DeVonta Smith, Jalen Hurts has now thrown 11 TD passes of at least 25 yards - tied with Derek Carr for most in the NFL and the most by any Eagles QB since Randall Cunningham threw 12 in 1987.
He's got 32 touchdowns this year – 22 passing, 10 rushing. With four games left, that’s tied for 4th-most in Eagles history and only three shy of Randall Cunningham’s record of 35 set in 1990. | 2022-12-12T12:25:53Z | sports.yahoo.com | Eagles' Jalen Hurts' message to those who blasted him early in his career | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-jalen-hurts-message-those-120000400.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-jalen-hurts-message-those-120000400.html?src=rss |
Sanders still wants more after career game and milestone originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Miles Sanders was happy to cross the 1,000 rushing yards threshold for the first time in his career on Sunday afternoon.
He really was.
He thanked God, his coaches and his O-line. But he doesn’t want you to get it twisted.
“Ain’t done yet,” Sanders said. “It’s a great accomplishment, long time coming. But ain’t done yet.”
In the Eagles’ 48-22 blowout win over the Giants on Sunday at MetLife Stadium, Sanders had 17 carries for a career-high 144 yards and 2 touchdowns. He broke his previous career high of 143 set a couple weeks ago.
He entered the game just 76 yards shy of his first 1,000-yard season and cruised past that milestone and eventually punched home a 40-yard exclamation mark of a touchdown in the fourth quarter. He even reached 20.88 mph on that run.
“He’s running the ball really well, hitting the hole,” Jalen Hurts said. “Showing up when his number’s called. I think, you know how this offense is – he’s played a really big role in that, being able to show up in the moments he has.”
Through 13 games, Sanders has 1,068 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. It’s the first 1,000-yard rushing season from an Eagle since LeSean McCoy in 2014 and it’s the first 10-TD season from an Eagles running back since Shady in 2011.
So what means more to Sanders, the yards or the touchdowns?
“Super Bowl,” Sanders responded.
That was Sanders’ way of saying that the individual accomplishments wouldn’t mean nearly as much without team success. And the Eagles are 12-1 after Week 14, they’ve already clinched a playoff berth and are inching their way toward the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
And Sanders has been a big reason why.
It’s not that Sanders hasn’t always been talented. He was a second-round pick out of Penn State back in 2019 for a reason and averaged well over 5 yards per carry over the last two seasons. But he just couldn’t stay healthy. Sanders missed nine games over the previous two years because of various ailments and that 1,000-yard mark eluded him.
But this season — knock on wood — Sanders is healthy and running better than he ever has. He’s been more decisive. He’s been running harder. He’s been doing everything the Eagles have asked of him week in and week out. And he’s been putting in extra time in the training room even when he doesn’t need to be there.
“He’s always had the ability, I feel like he’s always done well,” right tackle Lane Johnson said. “It feels like every game he starts off well, he’s confident, he works hard, he’s maturing. It’s exciting. I love when everybody is making big yards.”
Head coach Nick Sirianni said Sanders would be getting a game ball after this latest performance and it’s well-deserved.
In addition to his rushing yards on Sunday, Sanders caught an 11-yard pass and nearly had another. And his devastating lead block for Hurts in the third quarter fired up Sanders more than we’ve ever seen.
He explained after the game why that was:
“Ah man,” Sanders said with a smile. “I had a plan to yell like the Waterboy because I was mic’d up today and I hope y’all hear it. That’s exactly what went on.”
Sanders is having a career season in Year 4 and has likely already earned himself some serious money in his contract season. He’ll be a free agent after the 2022 season but he didn’t want to talk about any of that in the wake of Sunday’s win.
“Oh I ain’t worried about that,” Sanders said. “That’s going to come. I don’t want to talk about it.”
Sanders has already seen career marks in yards (1,068) and touchdowns (11) this season. And this comes after career lows in both (754/0) last season.
The Eagles were very aware that Sanders came into this game just 76 yards shy of a pretty important milestone for running backs. And even though Sanders said he wasn’t aware of it until the end of the game, that’s hard to believe.
“That’s my dawg,” fellow running back Kenny Gainwell said. “I said it to him on the field, ‘You got 2 more yards, you gotta go get it.’ And he went and got it. Oh yeah, we all knew where he was.”
Sanders didn’t just cross the 1,000-yard mark. He left it in his dust along with plenty of Giants defenders.
The Eagles clinched a playoff berth with their win on Sunday but just like Sanders hitting 1,000 yards … they hope they’re far from finished.
“That’s big. Big. But we not done,” Sanders said. “We got more stuff that we want to do and we got four more games to do it.” | 2022-12-12T12:25:59Z | sports.yahoo.com | Eagles’ Miles Sanders still wants more after career game and milestone | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-miles-sanders-still-wants-120000505.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-miles-sanders-still-wants-120000505.html?src=rss |
Eagles’ pass rushers ruin another game as they demolish in waves originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — It’s not hard to understand why the Eagles’ defensive line is dominating.
Fletcher Cox has it figured out.
“We got dudes. We got some guys,” Cox said with a smile. “You really look at it, there’s a lot of experience in that room and guys that complement each other so much.
“There’s no drop-off. We got Alfa and we got Bravo. We don’t call it 1s and 2s. We call it Alfa and Bravo. There’s no drop-off when Bravo is in the game.”
The Eagles pass rush dominated in waves on Sunday, piling up seven sacks in the blowout 44-22 win over the Giants at MetLife Stadium. The Eagles are 12-1 and its vaunted defensive line is peaking as the playoffs near.
It addition to stifling the Giants’ run game, the Eagles terrorized Daniel Jones and then Tyrod Taylor for four quarters.
Brandon Graham led the Eagles on Sunday with 3 sacks, while Fletcher Cox, Josh Sweat, Haason Reddick and Milton Williams each chipped in 1 apiece.
The Eagles have had 6+ sacks in back-to-back weeks for the first time since 1998. And through 14 weeks of the 2022 NFL season, the Eagles lead the entire league with 49 sacks.
This is the second-highest total ever for the Eagles through 13 games behind the 1987 season, when guys like Reggie, Clyde and Jerome were ruining games for opposing quarterbacks.
“I just feel like we’re hungry,” Graham said. “If anything, those boys motivated me even more today to make sure I make my rushes count. Haason [Reddick] was beating up on 73 today. You could see him on the sideline mad, because he was one step away every time.
“It’s cool that once we do what we’re supposed to do and that’s to stop the run. Everybody knows our strength as pass rushers and how hungry we all are to go out there and make them count. I’m just thankful for the group because we’re all motivating each other.”
The Eagles have five players with at least 6 sacks:
Haason Reddick: 10
Brandon Graham: 8 1/2
Javon Hargrave: 8
Josh Sweat: 7 1/2
Fletcher Cox: 6
Reddick, who came to the Eagles as a free agent this offseason, has been exactly as advertised. And on Sunday he became the first player ever (since sacks became an official stat in 1982) to have double digit sacks in three consecutive seasons with three different teams.
Reddick is also the first Eagle to hit double digits since Cox in 2018 and the first Eagles edge player to do it since Connor Barwin in 2014.
“It’s a blessing. I put in a lot of hard work,” Reddick said. “I had to overcome a lot of obstacles to get to where I’m at right now. As I said earlier, none of this would be possible without God. I feel like he’s been with me every step of the journey. It’s been a tough one. I’m just happy to be where I’m at now.”
Sweat has really come on strong recently too. After having just 2 1/2 sacks through the first 8 games of this season, Sweat has 5 in 5 games.
“I don’t know, man,” Sweat said. “I’ve been rushing well all year. It’s just coming to me. Quarterback holding the ball a little longer. You know, Eagles have been plagued by quick pass and stuff like that. I just felt like it was my time to go ahead and just get it done.”
And then there’s Graham, who missed most of last season with an Achilles tear. He’s playing minimal snaps this year as a part of the Eagles’ rotation and he’s no longer a starter, but he just keeps producing.
Graham, 34, has never had a 10-sack season but he has a real shot at it this year. That would mean a ton to him and it would be even more impressive if he does it coming off the bench.
But that’s just how this rotation is cooking right now.
“That’s the beauty of it,” Sweat said. “You can rest up while the other guys are rushing. And everybody gets a chance to make it happen.”
Here are the takeaways from Sunday's 5-4 overtime win against the Flyers. | 2022-12-12T12:26:06Z | sports.yahoo.com | Eagles’ pass rushers ruin another game as they demolish in waves | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-pass-rushers-ruin-another-120000447.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-pass-rushers-ruin-another-120000447.html?src=rss |
Panthers control their playoff fate originally appeared on Pro Football Talk
For the second consecutive season, Pitt volleyball is beyond elite. In a five-set thriller played in front of more than 7,000 fans pulling for the opponents, the Panthers knocked off defending national champion Wisconsin on Saturday night to advance to the NCAA Semifinals with a 3-2 victory. The game, which was played at Wisconsin’s Field House in Madison, saw the two teams split the first four sets, with the No. 1 seed Badgers taking the first and fourth and the No. 2 seed Panthers winning the second and third. | 2022-12-12T12:26:57Z | sports.yahoo.com | Panthers control their playoff fate | https://sports.yahoo.com/panthers-control-playoff-fate-110911582.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/panthers-control-playoff-fate-110911582.html?src=rss |
Another week meant another start for an apparently rejuvenated Sam Darnold. And another start for Darnold led to another win for the Carolina Panthers.
His numbers won’t tell you a whole bunch—as he completed 14 of his 24 throws for only 120 yards and a touchdown. Nonetheless, the fifth-year quarterback—who played a complement rather than a detriment—was key in the team’s 30-24 upset win over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 14.
For one, his early success through the air allowed the Panthers to grind out the rest of the second half like they know how. His touchdown toss to wide receiver Shi Smith in the first quarter spotted Carolina a quick 10-0 edge and helped give way to a run-heavy approach throughout the afternoon—one that amassed 223 yards and two more scores.
Darnold, additionally, was able to keep himself poised and free of the fatal turnover. Instead of taking a risk, like he would’ve done in 2021, his decisions to just throw broken plays out of bounds kept the Panthers in control.
It is notable how much Darnold has progressed in this manner, as he was quite prone to the “YOLO ball” approach in years past. So rather than trying to make a play when it wasn’t there, he trusted his coaching staff and defense to take the next steps.
He was able to draw out a couple of nice balls in his limited attempts, including the smooth chuck towards the end zone for Smith. He made great use of his legs as well, avoiding pressure multiple times and adding to the running game with 30 yards of his own.
Although he is being used sparingly by offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo, Darnold is looking like a different quarterback thus far. He’s seemingly growing more comfortable by the drive and allowing the ground-and-pound identity of the offense to carry the unit.
If he can keep this up, he could help lead this team straight into the postseason. Only time will tell if he can develop further and take the next step we’ve all been waiting for.
Darnold’s grade for Week 14: B-
EXCLUSIVE: Global Screen has unveiled a fresh round of deals for Sky Original animated feature The Amazing Maurice, featuring Hugh Laurie and Emilia Clarke in the voice cast. The announcement follows in the wake of news that the family film had been selected for the Kids-Section of the upcoming Sundance Film Festival (January 19-29, 2023). […]
Louisiana State University is recognizing four trailblazing Black alumni whose contributions to breaking barriers has left a lasting impact on […] The post LSU to name academic programs, building after Black pioneers appeared first on TheGrio. | 2022-12-12T12:27:03Z | sports.yahoo.com | Panthers QB Sam Darnold deserves props after another smooth outing | https://sports.yahoo.com/panthers-qb-sam-darnold-deserves-110045599.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/panthers-qb-sam-darnold-deserves-110045599.html?src=rss |
DeVonta Smith celebrates his touchdown against the New York Giants on Dec. 11, 2022.
Tim Tebow had a magical 2011 season with the Broncos.
New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush carries the ball against the Indianapolis Colts during Super Bowl XLIV on Feb. 7, 2010.
In 2021, Charles Woodson became the first Heisman Trophy winner since Tim Brown in 2015 to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Heisman Trophy: Ranking how last 25 winners have fared in NFL | 2022-12-12T12:27:09Z | sports.yahoo.com | Ranking last 25 Heisman winners based on NFL success: From Johnny Manziel to Charles Woodson | https://sports.yahoo.com/ranking-last-25-heisman-winners-115608867.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/ranking-last-25-heisman-winners-115608867.html?src=rss |
If there is such a thing as a good loss, the Denver Broncos just had one when they saw that they were capable of going toe-to-toe with the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. We examine the studs and duds from the game.
Despite giving up 27 points, the Broncos’ defense put together one heck of an effort. They made key stops at important moments, and most importantly, picked off Patrick Mahomes three times. Josey Jewell picked Mahomes off twice, and Patrick Surtain got his first interception of the season. The first two turnovers led to 14 points for the offense, which, before this game was almost unheard of. Hopefully, this trend will continue.
Stud: Jerry Jeudy
The offense put up its most points of the season, and 21 of those points were directly tied to Jerry Jeudy. Since being the first pick for the Broncos in 2020, Jeudy had been nearly a non-factor. Against the Chiefs, Jeudy flipped the script, catching eight passes for 73 yards and three touchdowns. This was arguably his best performance for Denver, helping make it a close game at the end.
Stud: Russell Wilson
Before the five minute mark of the second quarter, it looked like the Broncos and Russell Wilson were in serious trouble. Wilson had just thrown a pick-six, putting Denver down 27-0, and it looked like a bloodbath. Then, as if that was a shaking moment, Wilson led the Broncos on two scoring (see: touchdown!) drives right before the half, and a touchdown drive to start the third quarter. Wilson ended up going 23-of-36 for 247 yards and three touchdowns, with the one pick before going out of the game with a nasty-looking concussion. Our hope is that this is the start of something new, a reawakening of sorts, and of course, our thoughts and prayers are with him.
Dud: Corliss Waitman
Corliss Waitman punted seven times for 333 yards. On a day when opposing punter Tommy Townsend launched three punts for 199 yards, it was clear to see the differences between the two. Waitman averaged 47.6 yards per punt, and Townsend averaged a field-flipping 66.3 yards per punt. With those stats in mind, Waitman has not been the answer to the Broncos’ punting problems. In the 2023 offseason or draft, Denver needs to find the man who can flip the field.
Despite Waitman’s struggles, the Broncos put together arguably their best all-around effort of 2022. Maybe this is a building block for the rest of the year, or maybe it is just a fluke. Time will be the best indicator of this game. Denver faces the Arizona Cardinals next week at Empower Field at Mile High. | 2022-12-12T12:27:16Z | sports.yahoo.com | Studs and duds from Broncos’ 34-28 loss to Chiefs | https://sports.yahoo.com/studs-duds-broncos-34-28-110035616.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/studs-duds-broncos-34-28-110035616.html?src=rss |
The Arizona Cardinals finally get to play in Week 14. After their Week 13 bye, they face the New England Patriots on Monday night.
The Cardinals are 4-8 and have been eliminated in the NFC West. The Pats are 6-6 and in last place in the AFC East.
The Patriots have a top-10 defense in yards and points allowed but allow 29.0 points per game in their losses.
The game features two young quarterbacks in Kyler Murray and Mac Jones, both of whom are having disappointing seasons.
Will you be watching or listening to game? If so, here is the information you need!
Patriots at Cardinals game information
What: New England Patriots at Arizona Cardinals
When: Monday, Dec. 12, 8:15 p.m. ET (6:15 p.m. Arizona time)
Patriots at Cardinals TV, broadcast team
The game is nationally televised on ESPN and ABC. Joe Buck and Troy Aikman will call the game with Lisa Salters reporting from the sideline.
There will be a “Manningcast” tonight. Peyton and Eli Manning comment on the game and have guests on ESPN2.
Patriots at Cardinals streaming options
Patriots at Cardinals radio info
There is a national radio broadcast on Westwood One. Kevin Harlan and Kurt Warner will call the game.
The Cardinals’ regular radio broadcast in English will air on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM. Dave Pasch and Ron Wolfley will call the game with Paul Calvisi reporting from the sideline. You can also hear the Cardinals’ radio broadcast on SiriusXM 83 or 225 and on the SXM App. | 2022-12-12T12:27:28Z | sports.yahoo.com | How to watch, stream, listen to Cardinals-Patriots in Week 14 | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-stream-listen-cardinals-patriots-112800477.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-stream-listen-cardinals-patriots-112800477.html?src=rss |
The early signing period will be here before you know it and Penn State is hoping to take advantage of a late decommitment from an ACC school to add to its Class of 2023 haul. And according to 247Sports, it could come down to Penn State and Virginia Tech for this four-star recruit.
Linebacker Kaveion Keys, from Richmond, Virginia, decommitted from North Carolina on December 8, just weeks before the start of the early signing period (which officially begins on Dec. 21 and closes on Dec. 23). His commitment was included in a list of some of the most notable decommitments before the start of the early signing period by 247Sports. Almost as soon as Keys opened up his recruiting process, Penn State became the leading pick from recruiting analysts.
But James Franklin and his staff may have to hold off Virginia Tech for the commitment. The Hokies, with former Penn State defensive coordinator Brent Pry as head coach, would love to keep one of Virginia’s top defensive players close to home, and winning a recruiting battle with Penn State would be a solid victory for Pry and his staff in Blacksburg.
Appreciate Virginia Tech for stopping by showing much love! @CoachPryVT @Coach_Mines pic.twitter.com/GEiVefDgik
It may be fair to keep North Carolina on the radar as well, although Keys’ decision to recommit from UNC coming off an appearance in the ACC championship game suggests the Tar Heels are being left behind for another program. And Penn State appears to be in the mix as the favorite according to the recruiting analysts. | 2022-12-12T12:42:33Z | sports.yahoo.com | Penn State trending in good direction with one of 247Sports’ most notable decommitments | https://sports.yahoo.com/penn-state-trending-good-direction-105232299.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/penn-state-trending-good-direction-105232299.html?src=rss |
Paul Silas, a defensive stalwart who won three NBA championships and went on to coach for over a decade in the league, died Sunday. He was 79.
The Houston Rockets, who are coached by Silas' son Stephen, sent their "heartfelt thoughts" to the Silas family.
The NBA also released a statement, sending condolences to the Silas family.
After being selected by the St. Louis Hawks in the second round of the 1964 NBA draft, Silas emerged as a defensive stalwart over 16 seasons in the league. Silas showed promise in his early years and took a big step forward during the 1967-68 season, when he averaged 13.4 points and 11.7 rebounds per game. It was the first time Silas averaged a double-double over a full season. He repeated that feat seven more times in his career.
Silas played in St. Louis for four seasons and spent one year with the Hawks in Atlanta. After the 1968-69 NBA season, he joined the Phoenix Suns, where he continued to excel on the court. Silas averaged a double-double in all three seasons with the Suns. He was also named to the second team NBA All-Defensive team in his final two seasons in Phoenix. He received his first of two All-Star selections in his last year with the team.
Silas then joined the Boston Celtics, where he experienced the most success in his career. In four seasons with the team, Silas averaged 11.5 points and 12.3 rebounds. Silas was named to the NBA All-Defensive second team in his debut season in Boston and went on to make the NBA All-Defensive first team in the 1974-75 season and the 1975-76 season. He also experienced success in the playoffs with Boston, winning two NBA championships in four seasons with the team.
After one year with the Denver Nuggets, Silas spent his final three seasons with the Seattle Supersonics. He won another championship during the 1978-79 season.
Over his career, Silas averaged 6.9 points and 9.4 rebounds. He made the All-Defensive team five times, won three NBA championships and was a two-time All-Star.
Paul Silas, left, speaks with LeBron James, right, after a game in 2011. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Paul Silas was LeBron James' first NBA head coach
After retiring, Silas immediately was named the head coach of the San Diego Clippers. The team went 78-168 in three seasons under Silas. After a few years away from basketball, Silas returned to the game and spent 11 seasons as an assistant coach.
Silas eventually got another shot as a head coach with the Charlotte Hornets. He spent four seasons with the team and one after the franchise moved to New Orleans. He then joined the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he became LeBron James' first NBA head coach. Silas coached James during his first two seasons in the NBA. The Cavaliers went 69-77 under Silas, but James played like a superstar, averaging 24.1 points, 6.6 assists and 6.4 rebounds in his first two years in the NBA.
After spending a few years away from the league, Silas returned to coach the Charlotte Bobcats for two more seasons. His coaching career ended following the 2011-12 NBA season.
Hornets chairman Michael Jordan released a statement calling Silas "an incredible leader and motivator." Jordan also called Silas, "One of the all-time great people in our game."
Silas' son, Stephen Silas, followed in his footsteps and took up coaching in the NBA. Stephen spent two decades as an assistant coach all around the NBA before being hired as the head coach of the Houston Rockets prior to the 2020-21 NBA season. Stephen has a 44-135 record in 2 1/2 years with the team.
The Rockets are slated to play the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday night. Stephen will not coach the team Sunday, per Mark Berman of Fox 26. John Lucas will serve as the head coach while Stephen is away from the team.
Game Recap: Rockets 97, Bucks 92
The Rockets defeat the Bucks, 97-92. Jalen Green recorded 30 points, seven rebounds and three assists for the Rockets, while Kevin Porter Jr. added 18 points and seven assists in the victory. Giannis Antetokounmpo tallied 16 points and a season-high 18 rebounds for the Bucks in a losing effort. The Rockets improve to 8-18 on the season, while the Bucks fall to 19-7. | 2022-12-12T13:26:30Z | sports.yahoo.com | Paul Silas, three-time champ and LeBron James' first NBA coach, dead at 79 | https://sports.yahoo.com/paul-silas-3-time-champ-and-le-bron-james-first-nba-head-coach-dead-at-79-180745721.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/paul-silas-3-time-champ-and-le-bron-james-first-nba-head-coach-dead-at-79-180745721.html?src=rss |
An ugly win counts all the same.
You’ll probably be hearing that a lot about the Kansas City Chiefs this week, but when it comes to keeping pace in the AFC conference it’s the truth. The Chiefs need to keep winning, whether it’s a blowout or a one-point margin.
It’s frustrating for fans to see the game start out the way it did against the Denver Broncos and to squander an opportunity to bury their opponent. It’s especially frustrating when the same mistakes that have cost them games against better teams continue to pop up.
So what exactly did we learn about the Chiefs in their Week 14 win? Here are four of our biggest takeaways after the game:
Patrick Mahomes is superhuman and human all at once
There is no denying that Mahomes had an off-game, but he’s going to come out on the other side of it alright. Mahomes even admitted that he wasn’t at his best afterward and pointed to specific decisions he made with the football that he’d do differently if given the chance. It’s important to remember the context of the performance, though.
While Mahomes nearly handed the game to the Broncos on a silver platter with his turnovers, he also completed over 67% percent of his passes for over 300 yards and three touchdowns. I know style points don’t count for anything, but two of those touchdowns were some of the most iconic plays of the season. Even in what we might consider a game that was less-than-perfect, Mahomes was still superb and helped will this team to victory.
Isiah Pacheco & Jerick McKinnon have become a dynamic 1-2 punch
Early on this season, the running back situation was dreadful for Kansas City. In recent weeks they’ve really seemed to find their stride with the duo of Isiah Pacheco and Jerick McKinnon. This game was the perfect example of what that duo can accomplish when they both perform their best too.
Pacheco rushed for 70 yards on 13 attempts, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. He also managed three receptions on three targets for 23 yards. McKinnon had just six carries for 22 yards, but he was deadly in the passing game. He averaged 16 yards per reception with seven catches on nine targets for 113 yards and two touchdowns. The two players combined 206 yards of total offense, which was nearly half of the team’s total yardage (431) on Sunday.
The defense has some work to do
The defense didn’t have their best performance in Week 14. It’s a bit surprising because if I told you the defense had six sacks, seven tackles for loss, seven passes defended and two interceptions including a pick-six, you’d probably think otherwise. This was really about a few moments of some bad situational football and allowing a season-high of 28 points to the lowest-scoring offense in the NFL.
Yes, they were put in some bad situations with Patrick Mahomes turning over the football. They also squandered some really nice opportunities on third down and distance-to-gain situations. The leaders of the team were happy with the end results (win), but they were hardly happy with the performance.
Accountability is a good thing to see from this team given their Super Bowl aspirations.
The fullback trap is no longer an effective short-yardage play
I’ve been a big proponent of the Chiefs running the ball more often on short down-and-distance scenarios, but there is a specific play that the team just needs to trash. In the fourth quarter on a third-and-1 situation, Andy Reid called a fullback trap to Michael Burton. Everyone knew exactly what was coming from the formation — fans, media, and the Broncos’ defense.
Now, I spoke to Burton this offseason and he’s very big on justifying his roster spot via his performance. He doesn’t get many opportunities and needs to make the most of them when he gets them. This was simply a no-win situation for him. You’re not catching anyone off guard with that play call. If you call that play, you’re basically saying that you believe your guys can win even if the defense knows what’s coming. Now, if you’re using it to get it on film and set up some look or play off of it in the future, that’s a different story. If you’re not doing that, it’s time to scrap the play and find a better short-yardage run play. Perhaps an I-Formation look with Pacheco running behind Burton? | 2022-12-12T14:31:21Z | sports.yahoo.com | 4 takeaways from Chiefs’ Week 14 win over Broncos | https://sports.yahoo.com/4-takeaways-chiefs-week-14-124545510.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/4-takeaways-chiefs-week-14-124545510.html?src=rss |
The 49ers have business of their own to attend to, but Sunday’s NFL slate couldn’t have gone much better for them.
Step One for San Francisco was getting a win. They handled that with a 35-7 blowout of the Buccaneers.
Step Two was getting a Vikings loss in the morning. Minnesota fell to their NFC North rival Lions 31-23, which dropped their record to 10-3 on the season, just one game ahead of the 49ers for the No. 2 seed in the NFC.
Since the 49ers and Vikings don’t play against each other this season, the first tiebreaker will be conference record, where the 49ers now hold a one-game advantage. Minnesota is 6-3 vs. the NFC, while San Francisco is 7-2 against the conference. The Vikings face the Colts at home next week.
Step Three, and the biggest help the 49ers could’ve gotten Sunday, was a Seattle loss. The Panthers went into Lumen Field and knocked off the Seahawks 30-24 in a game that wasn’t as close as the final score indicated.
The Seattle loss dropped them to 7-6 on the season, a full two games back of the 49ers. That sets the stakes extremely high for their matchup Thursday night. If San Francisco wins, they clinch the division since they’ll hold the head-to-head tiebreaker and Seattle could at best tie them by season’s end.
It was overall a very good Sunday for the 49ers.
Follow along with Lauren Carpenter as she keeps you updated on all of the action from around the league during the 1:00 and 4:00 pm ET game slates. (Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports) | 2022-12-12T14:31:27Z | sports.yahoo.com | 49ers can clinch NFC West with win vs. Seahawks | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-clinch-nfc-west-win-140013135.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-clinch-nfc-west-win-140013135.html?src=rss |
Mike Boone’s season is probably over.
The running back left Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first half after suffering an ankle injury. Before leaving the contest, Boone rushed three times for two yards and caught two passes for 27 yards.
After an eventual 34-28 loss, KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis reported that Boone suffered a “serious high ankle sprain.” It’s the same injury — and the same ankle — that sidelined the Denver Broncos’ running back for four weeks earlier this season.
With just four games remaining this year, Boone’s season is likely over (Denver was eliminated from playoff contention on Sunday). The running back totaled 198 yards from scrimmage in nine games this year. Boone is now set to become a free agent in 2023.
Elsewhere on the injury front for the Broncos, quarterback Russell Wilson has entered the NFL’s concussion protocol. If the quarterback passes through the protocol’s five phases, it’s possible that he could return in time for Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals, but it’s probably more likely that Brett Rypien is set to start in Week 15. | 2022-12-12T14:31:59Z | sports.yahoo.com | Broncos RB Mike Boone has a potentially season-ending injury | https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-rb-mike-boone-potentially-140003700.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-rb-mike-boone-potentially-140003700.html?src=rss |
The Arizona Cardinals’ Week 15 opponent are the Denver Broncos. Their starting quarterback, Russell Wilson, could miss the game.
Wilson exited the Broncos’ 34-28 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth quarter with a concussion and did not return.
The Cardinals face the Broncos on Sunday in Week 18 in Denver.
Wilson is now in league concussion protocols, which could put his availability for the game against the Cardinals in doubt.
If Wilson is unable to play, the Cardinals would face Brett Rypien.
The Colts moved up a few spots in the 2023 draft order amid their bye week. | 2022-12-12T14:32:05Z | sports.yahoo.com | Broncos’ Russell Wilson exits game with concussion vs. Chiefs | https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-russell-wilson-exits-game-123346911.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-russell-wilson-exits-game-123346911.html?src=rss |
The Kansas City Chiefs bounced back with a win on the road over the Denver Broncos in Week 14, winning 34-28. It was a much-needed road victory following the disappointing finish in Cincinnati, allowing the Chiefs to keep pace in the AFC standings.
Here’s a look at how the stock is trending for some players after the Week 14 win over Denver.
Stock Up: Jerick McKinnon
A steady option all season on third downs, McKinnon showed his value in the passing game throughout Sunday’s victory. The veteran running back finished with six catches for 115 yards and two touchdowns, making life easier for Patrick Mahomes. He also had six rushes for 22 yards continuing to be utilized in various ways.
Stock Up: Willie Gay Jr.
One of the game’s biggest defensive plays for the Chiefs was made by Gay Jr. deflecting a Russell Wilson pass into an unexpected pick-six. A solid day outside the play for the young linebacker, who led the team in tackles with five. Since returning from suspension, Gay Jr. is now beginning to find a groove in the defense just in time for the postseason.
Kelce secured his milestones early on Sunday with a substantial completion in the first quarter. The Chiefs All-Pro tight end eclipsed 10,000 career receiving yards, making him only the fifth tight end to reach such heights. He also clinched his seventh straight 1,000-yard season, adding to his legend as an all-time great player. He finished the game with 71 yards on four catches.
Stock Up: JuJu Smith-Schuster
Dec 11, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) celebrates his touchdown reception in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
A solid game from Smith-Schuster, who took full advantage of his opportunities whenever Travis Kelce was double-teamed. He hauled nine catches for 74 yards and a touchdown in the victory. The chemistry between Smith-Schuster and Mahomes was on display during the touchdown connection in the second half as the latter was scrambling to buy time.
Stock Down: Joshua Williams
Williams brings plenty to the table with his size and ability, but he’s stuck in a slump following consecutive rough performances in coverage. He was targeted often when matched up with Jerry Jeudy, who finished the game with three touchdown receptions. Williams has a high upside and needs consistency against top-tier receivers.
Stock Down: Trent McDuffie
McDuffie has garnered plenty of well-deserved praise for his performance this season, but he’s still a rookie that will make the occasional mistake. Similar to the issue Williams faced when covering Jeudy, McDuffie struggled against his quickness. He committed a pass interference penalty in the second half that kept a scoring drive alive for the Broncos and surrendered a touchdown to Jeudy. There was also the near-interception that he had early in the game which bounced off his facemask. | 2022-12-12T14:32:18Z | sports.yahoo.com | Chiefs stock watch: Which players impressed during Week 14 vs. Broncos | https://sports.yahoo.com/chiefs-stock-watch-players-impressed-134530191.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/chiefs-stock-watch-players-impressed-134530191.html?src=rss |
The Indianapolis Colts got plenty of help moving up the 2023 NFL draft order through their bye week from the teams slotted ahead of them in Week 14.
Entering the bye week with the No. 9 overall pick, the Colts moved up two spots and have a chance to move up even further depending on how the Monday night game goes between the Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots.
The Colts hold the No. 7 overall pick in the draft after two teams (Rams and Jaguars) both pulled off upsets to move the Colts up. Now, Indy needs the Cardinals to do the same against the Patriots on Monday night in order to move up to No. 6 overall, according to Tankathon.
The next four games for the Colts will obviously determine where they eventually sit in the draft. But it will be interesting how they get there. Three of those games are against teams with winning records, but they are much closer in competition to the New York Giants (Week 17) and Houston Texans (Week 18) than they are the Minnesota Vikings (Week 15) and Los Angeles Chargers (Week 16).
Two of those games will be in nationally televised slots against the Vikings and Chargers.
There is a lot of time before the draft arrives, and the Colts still need to make their decisions on the front office and coaching staff before truly diving into the scouting process.
But the Colts seem to be well on their way to securing a top-10 pick and could approach the top-five selections if no upsets take place. | 2022-12-12T14:32:25Z | sports.yahoo.com | Colts move up 2023 draft order amid bye week | https://sports.yahoo.com/colts-move-2023-draft-order-121746193.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/colts-move-2023-draft-order-121746193.html?src=rss |
During the Miami Dolphins’ Sunday night loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, the defensive front was doing everything that they could to get after Justin Herbert and make life difficult for him.
They were able to bring the former Oregon product down four times, but it should’ve been five.
During the third quarter, on third-and-9, Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips put a spin move on the Chargers’ right tackle before taking Herbert down to the ground. It was a play that’s been seen a million times, but for some reason, this time, there was a flag for roughing the passer.
After the game, Phillips explained that he was told the flag was thrown because his body weight landed on the quarterback. This isn’t exactly the type of play you want to see taken out of the game if you’re a fan.
Phillips took to Twitter and posted (since deleted) his reaction to the call.
Phillips has every right to be upset, and if he does receive a fine, he should appeal immediately. | 2022-12-12T14:32:44Z | sports.yahoo.com | Jaelan Phillips tweets, deletes opinion on roughing-the-passer call | https://sports.yahoo.com/jaelan-phillips-tweets-deletes-opinion-132423854.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/jaelan-phillips-tweets-deletes-opinion-132423854.html?src=rss |
The New England Patriots head off to the desert for a must-win game against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football.
There’s a love-hate relationship between the Patriots and State Farm Stadium in Glendale, the site of their perfect season going up in smoke at the hands of the New York Giants at Super Bowl XLII. However, it’s also the place where they knocked the Seattle Seahawks’ Legion of Boom off the mountaintop to capture their fourth Lombardi Trophy at Super Bowl XLIX.
What kind of memories will the venue hold after Monday’s game against the Cardinals?
The Patriots are hoping for good ones after dropping their last two consecutive games to the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills. They’re currently on the outside looking into the playoffs and desperate for a win.
The Cardinals have one of the worst defenses in the NFL, but they also pose a significant offensive threat with quarterback Kyler Murray throwing to his star-studded receiving duo, DeAndre Hopkins and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown.
Can the Patriots defense hold them in check, and more importantly, can the offense match fire with fire when necessary?
Monday, Dec. 12, 8:15 p.m. ET
SiriusXM: New England (226) and Arizona (225)
SiriusXM App: New England (821) and Arizona (800)
Money line: Patriots -130, Cardinals +110
Against the spread (ATS): Patriots -2, Cardinals +2
Scholars have provided different interpretations of who the 'wise men' were who visited Jesus soon after his birth. Christophe Lehenaff/Collection Moment via Getty imagesChristmas Nativity scenes around the world feature a familiar cast of characters: Jesus, Mary, Joseph, an angel or two, some barnyard animals, shepherds and, of course, the three wise men led by a star. Within the New Testament, the story of the wise men is found only in the Gospel of Matthew. It spans 12 short verses, and is si | 2022-12-12T14:33:02Z | sports.yahoo.com | Patriots vs Cardinals 2022 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online | https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-vs-cardinals-2022-live-133415809.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-vs-cardinals-2022-live-133415809.html?src=rss |
The Seahawks suffered yet another brutal home loss, this time to the Carolina Panthers. It was a day where hardly anything went right for Seattle, and it cost the Seahawks dearly.
However, there seemed to be an unexpected discovery on Sunday that ended up being one of the lone bright spots.
With Kenneth Walker and DeeJay Dallas both inactive, the Seahawks had to make some roster moves to bolster their ailing running back stable. One move was elevating journeyman running back Godwin Igwebuike from the practice squad to make his Seattle debut.
Igwebuike rewarded his new team as he made an immediate impact in the return game. He had three returns for 104 yards, including one for 50 yards. Igwebuike’s big return set Seattle up at Carolina’s 46-yard line and helped set up a touchdown drive to make the score 20-14 right before the half.
When asked if Igwebuike will be featured more in this position moving forward, coach Pete Carroll was quick to affirm.
“Yes,” exclaimed Carroll. “Yeah, he did great. I thought he was a real surprise for us today to pop up like that, and he did great at it. Tough, fast, explosive.”
Igwebuike has bounced around the league his entire career, having short stints with the Buccaneers, 49ers, Eagles, Jets, Lions, and even Seattle’s XFL team, the Dragons. If Igwebuike can keep this up and give Seattle a more defined return man, perhaps he will find a more permanent NFL home. | 2022-12-12T14:33:08Z | sports.yahoo.com | Pete Carroll: Godwin Igwebuike was a ‘real surprise for us’ | https://sports.yahoo.com/pete-carroll-godwin-igwebuike-real-140056339.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/pete-carroll-godwin-igwebuike-real-140056339.html?src=rss |
ARLINGTON, Texas — Everyone is fully aware that the Houston Texans are in a rebuild situation, and it is going to take some time, draft picks, and free agents to get them back to winning AFC South titles again. General manager Nick Caserio will have to continue to piece together the franchise, which will require patience from the fan base. He will need to have cornerstone pieces in place during that process.
Rookie safety Jalen Pitre has emerged as one of those foundational pieces of the house that Caserio is building. Figuratively speaking, he is considered part of the concrete that is being laid. Literally speaking, he is hitting opposing receivers and running backs like a ton of bricks.
On Sunday, in the Texans’ 27-23 loss to interstate rival Dallas Cowboys, Pitre made his presence known early and often as he made plays across the field with his hard-hitting and ball awareness to be in the right place at the right time.
Coach Lovie Smith attributes the outstanding job the former Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year has done recently to the move from strong safety back to free safety, where he can utilize more of his skill set.
“I am trying to do whatever makes the team better,” said Texans rookie safety Jalen Pitre. Whether that is turnovers or imposing my will on people coming across the middle.” #WeAreTexans #Sarge @TheTexansWire pic.twitter.com/ZnioxeiUP2
Since his transition three weeks ago, Pitre has averaged 11.8 tackles per game and has led the team in that category in all three games.
“We made the move with him back in the middle of the field, and it’s paying dividends,” said Smith. “He’s a good player. It seems like it’s his natural position. He was active, tackling, playing the ball like all of the guys were today.”
Pitre was instrumental in keeping the Cowboys’ prominent wide receiver corps, consisting of CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup, from making big plays down the field. During the last two minutes of the first half, Dallas was looking to take the lead over Houston; Pitre’s presence was felt as he broke up three passes on the drive and held the Cowboys to a field goal.
The rookie also came up big in the third quarter when Dallas threatened to retake the lead. After running back, Dameon Pierce fumbled on the first possession of the second half, the Cowboys drove the ball down to inside the red zone.
On third-and-goal from the 3-yard line, Pitre stopped Dallas running back Ezekiel Elliott from scoring, forcing the Cowboys to go for it on fourth down. The Texans’ defense would prevent Dallas from scoring and give the offense the ball back.
“I am trying to do whatever makes the team better,” Pitre told reporters after the game in front of his locker. “Whether that is turnovers or imposing my will on people coming across the middle. Just making tackles and helping the team out as much as possible.” | 2022-12-12T14:33:27Z | sports.yahoo.com | Texans rookie Jalen Pitre showcased potential at free safety in 27-23 loss to the Cowboys | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-rookie-jalen-pitre-showcased-141409549.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-rookie-jalen-pitre-showcased-141409549.html?src=rss |
Travon Walker began his rookie season with a few highlights that showed why the Jacksonville Jaguars picked him first overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. But that strong start gave way to several weeks of Walker mostly being a non-factor for the Jaguars defense.
That finally changed Sunday when Walker had a strip sack that resulted in a turnover. It set up the Jaguars deep in Titans territory and the team took advantage on a touchdown that tied the score 7-7 early.
After the game, Walker was asked if he’s had difficulty keeping his head up during his underwhelming rookie season.
“I wouldn’t say it’s been a challenge to keep my confidence, but it’s been a challenge to keep myself from pressing to make plays,” Walker said. “Once I start pressing make plays, then sometimes things just don’t go as I want them to go. So I just focus in and try to make the plays that I’m supposed to make.”
Walker began his year with a sack and an interception in his first regular season game, but he then had a streak of five straight games without a sack before he recorded his second of the year.
Similarly, the Jaguars defense started strong, forcing eight turnovers in the first three weeks and allowing only 55 rushing yards per game over that stretch. Since then, the Jaguars have allowed an average of 133.5 rushing yards.
Here's how to watch the Monday Night Football game between the Patriots and Cardinals. | 2022-12-12T14:33:40Z | sports.yahoo.com | Travon Walker: ‘It’s been a challenge to keep myself from pressing’ | https://sports.yahoo.com/travon-walker-challenge-keep-myself-134516113.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/travon-walker-challenge-keep-myself-134516113.html?src=rss |
WATCH: Full highlights of the Bills’ 20-12 win over the Jets
The Bills (10-3) secured a 20-12 win over the Jets (7-6) in Week 14. That’s the positive.
However, it was a sloppy Orchard Park afternoon and we don’t just mean the weather. The mix of snow and rain didn’t help, but the offenses struggled against the forecast and two good defensive units in the contest.
But there were a couple of flipping sights to worth seeing.
For the full highlights from the Bills’ win, see the attached video above. | 2022-12-12T14:34:09Z | sports.yahoo.com | WATCH: Full highlights of the Bills’ 20-12 win over the Jets | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-full-highlights-bills-20-141552613.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-full-highlights-bills-20-141552613.html?src=rss |
Neither the Arizona Cardinals or the New England Patriots are a fun team to bet on.
The Patriots are average. They're 6-6, and 6-5-1 against the spread. They're good on defense, below average on offense and as a whole it settles in the middle.
The Cardinals are worse than average. They're 4-8 and have lost six of their last eight. The are a middling 6-6 against the spread so they haven't ruined bettors. But they're not good.
That's the backdrop for Monday night's matchup. The Patriots are 1.5-point favorites at BetMGM. It's tough to pick, because neither team is that much better than the other.
Perhaps it's as easy as picking the better coach, and that's not hard for this one. Bill Belichick is still great, keeping a roster that isn't great in playoff contention. Kliff Kingsbury has followed up a couple of late-season collapses with the Cardinals by not even starting fast this season. He's probably on the hot seat, though he did just sign an extension this past offseason.
Injuries are an issue for the Patriots though. Jakobi Meyers, New England's best receiver, is out with a concussion. Running back Damien Harris is doubtful, and while Rhamondre Stevenson is having a great year, Harris is a capable back too and can keep Stevenson fresh.
It's just hard to trust either team. The Patriots are the better team but they're no sure thing and they're a long way from home. The Cardinals aren't that bad, but Belichick vs. Kingsbury seems like a severe mismatch. It could end up being a fun Monday night game, just not an easy one to bet.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray takes on the Patriots on Monday night. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Here's the first look at the sports betting slate for Monday:
The NBA has a few decent matchups on Monday night, and the best could be the Boston Celtics at the Los Angeles Clippers. The Celtics are 4.5-point road favorites. The Celtics are 21-6 and easily the best team in the NBA through about one-third of the season. The Clippers are a bit of a disappointment at 15-13 but still have top-end talent. Kawhi Leonard has played in only eight games this season, but the Clippers are 6-2 in those games and Leonard is expected to play Monday night.
College basketball continues
It's a fairly light night for college hoops, though four top 25 teams are in action. The best game of the night is No. 21 Creighton, off to an uninspiring start with four straight losses (and likely to be out of the top 25 when the new poll is announced Monday afternoon), vs. Arizona State. Creighton is a small favorite for the neutral-site game in Las Vegas.
Devils-Rangers highlights NHL
There are six games on the ice, and the best of the bunch is the New Jersey Devils at New York Rangers. The Devils are a -115 favorite. New Jersey is 21-5-1 and has been one of the best teams in the league. The Rangers are just 14-10-5 but have won three in a row.
I have a lukewarm Patriots pick. For betting purposes I feel better about the Clippers getting points at home, considering by all accounts they should be fully healthy. They can keep it close with Boston and maybe win it. | 2022-12-12T14:57:35Z | sports.yahoo.com | The Daily Sweat: Patriots at Cardinals is a tough call | https://sports.yahoo.com/the-daily-sweat-patriots-at-cardinals-is-a-tough-call-144741410.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/the-daily-sweat-patriots-at-cardinals-is-a-tough-call-144741410.html?src=rss |
Dalton Kincaid is the man who most centrally prevented USC from winning the Pac-12 championship and making the College Football Playoff in 2022, wanted to play in the 2023 Rose Bowl for Utah against Penn State. At the very least, one should operate under that assumption, given how special it is for the Utes to play in the Granddaddy.
The Rose Bowl is a huge deal for Utah players and fans. Playing in that game is not something Utah could ever take for granted. It’s a sign of how far those players have come in their evolution. Any reasonable person would assume that Dalton Kincaid badly wanted to play in that game.
Therefore, when Kincaid announced that he won’t play in the game due to an injury, the revelation should be viewed not as a bowl opt-out, but as an injury-based absence due to a lack of sufficient time for recovery.
Kincaid will not be able to go against Penn State on Jan. 2, 2023:
#Utah TE Dalton Kincaid says he won't be able to play in the Rose Bowl due to injury & announces he will enter 2023 NFL Draft: https://t.co/WsGpYNHhzP
Kincaid should be a superb NFL tight end. He’s a gamer and a baller.
His excellence is a reminder that USC had a defense which could not rise to the challenge of stopping him. USC has to make substantial upgrades in the transfer portal to stop the next downfield pass-catching tight end which comes along in the Pac-12. | 2022-12-12T15:53:57Z | sports.yahoo.com | Dalton Kincaid, who prevented USC from making the College Football Playoff, won’t play in Rose Bowl | https://sports.yahoo.com/dalton-kincaid-prevented-usc-making-152113107.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/dalton-kincaid-prevented-usc-making-152113107.html?src=rss |
Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs have offered a scholarship to Kent State wide receiver Dante Cephas. Cephas, a former three-star recruit, is currently in the NCAA transfer portal.
Dante Cephas got a first-hand look at the atmosphere in Athens, Georgia, when Kent State played at Georgia on Sept. 24. The Golden Flash competed well against Georgia in a 39-22 loss to the Bulldogs. Cephas finished that contest with three catches for 25 yards.
Cephas caught 48 passes for 744 yards and scored three touchdowns for Kent State this past season. In 2021, Cephas hauled in 82 passes for 1,240 yards and finished the year with nine touchdown receptions.
The junior receiver would be immediately eligible at his new home. Dante Cephas is the No. 16 player in the transfer portal, per 247Sports. Cephas is currently projected to commit to Penn State.
The 6-foot-1, 190-pound receiver is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Cephas announced his scholarship offer from the University of Georgia via Twitter:
Blessed to receive an offer from the University of Georgia! 🐾 @KirbySmartUGA @CoachToddMonken pic.twitter.com/j9xMn0x2z9
Colorado, Miami, Maryland, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, and more elite college football programs have offered scholarship offers to Dante Cephas. | 2022-12-12T15:54:03Z | sports.yahoo.com | Georgia football offers transfer portal WR from Kent State | https://sports.yahoo.com/georgia-football-offers-transfer-portal-130241516.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/georgia-football-offers-transfer-portal-130241516.html?src=rss |
Besides New York, the busiest city in America is Los Angeles and that goes for the sports scene. There is a lot of competition in terms of getting attention in L.A. and to USC’s credit, it’s doing its best in order to get eyeballs on the program.
But the Trojans still have some work to do.
With the Dodgers (MLB) and the two NFL teams, the Chargers and Rams, there is a lot on the plate for an L.A. fan. The Lakers are swimming in mediocrity right now, so there’s some room on that plate for the Trojans.
However, USC did itself a big disservice by losing out on the Pac-12 title and ultimately the College Football Playoff. To find out more about how the Trojans are handling everything, we went to Trojans Wire editor Matt Zemek.
USC was on the verge of playing the likes of Michigan or Ohio State, but now the Trojans play Tulane. The Green Wave are a very good team, but let’s face it, they’re not the Wolverines or Buckeyes, Here’s Zemek’s take:
The fact that Tulane is the opponent is the key. If USC was in the Rose Bowl playing Penn State, people would be excited. If USC was playing Tennessee in the Orange Bowl, people would be excited … but it’s Tulane. A lot of USC fans reasonably and understandably view this game as something with little upward value if USC wins, but a lot of negative impact if USC loses. Caleb Williams might not play, too, so that would devalue the game even more.
More proof that USC is still fighting on for space in the LA sports scene is the all-important television market and the ratings. Although the Trojans were playing for a title and a playoff spot, people weren’t tuning in as much as one would hope. The Pac-12 Championship Game received just a 6.0 in the LA market. Zemek did some research and offered an explanation.
It takes time for L.A. fans to warm up to USC football after a period of irrelevance. Crowds this season were steadily in the low 60,000s, well below full capacity of 78,500,” he said. “That’s just the reality. Also note that unlike in the Pete Carroll era, the Rams and Chargers are both in town. No NFL teams were in town during the Carroll years. The Rams returned to Los Angeles in 2016. The Chargers returned to L.A. in 2017. Fans don’t have unlimited dollars. They get spread around more. People relocating to Los Angeles might not be USC fans, either.
It’ll be interesting to hear how The Big Ten, USC’s new home in 2024, react to those numbers.
Texas men's basketball coach Chris Beard was arrested early Monday on a felony family violence charge, according to Travis County Jail records. The Travis County Sheriff’s Office said the 49-year-old Beard was arrested by Austin police and booked at 4:18 a.m. on a charge of assault on a family or household member in which their breath was impeded, or choking, in common terms. The charge is a third-degree felony in Texas, with a possible punishment of two to 10 years in prison.
Andy Reid is just third coach in NFL history with 10-plus wins in eight straight seasons
Chiefs’ Andy Reid joined a shortlist of NFL coaches to reach the milestone. | 2022-12-12T15:54:22Z | sports.yahoo.com | USC is struggling in fight for viewers in LA, and their Cotton Bowl opponent doesn’t help | https://sports.yahoo.com/usc-struggling-fight-viewers-la-142750670.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/usc-struggling-fight-viewers-la-142750670.html?src=rss |
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