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The Bengals defeated the Browns 23-10 on Sunday in a game both teams would just as soon prefer to forget before the sun goes down. Joe Burrow did enough to lead Cincinnati to a win, but if he were still in a Heisman race, nothing from this game would go on his hype reel. He did have one sweet little touchdown pass to Ja’Marr Chase that Chase didn’t even see until he turned around and it was three yards away:
The real quarterback story of the afternoon, though, was on the other side of the ball, where Deshaun Watson was making just his second start since his long suspension related to multiple allegations of sexual assault. Last week against Houston, Watson failed to guide the Browns to a single offensive touchdown, and that streak continued deep into the third quarter of Sunday’s game.
Watson looked sharp between the 20s, but struggled in crucial situations. The Browns converted just four-of-15 third-down attempts, and failed to score on a do-or-die first-and-goal late in the fourth quarter. On that sequence, standing at the 6-yard line with less than six minutes remaining in the game, Watson threw three straight incompletions to all directions of the field — right, center, left — and that effectively ended Cleveland’s hopes for a sixth straight victory over Cincinnati.
The Browns now sit at 5-8. Their postseason hopes are all but dead, but this year wasn’t about the postseason anyway. With Watson out the first 11 games of the year, 2022 was about setting the stage for the future, such as it may be. Watson displayed some flashes of the ability that made him one of the league’s best quarterbacks early in his career, like when he flexed his way out of a certain sack and hit Donovan Peoples-Jones for a 16-yard gain and a critical first down with one ankle wrapped up late in the fourth quarter.
But then he showed his rust, as when on the very next play he threw an interception that hit Cincinnati safety Jessie Bates in the numbers. Watson finished with 26 completions on 42 attempts for 276 yards, a touchdown and an interception.
The Bengals (9-4), meanwhile, will add this to the win column and move on to prepare for next Sunday’s marquee QB matchup against the Buccaneers. Burrow finished with 239 yards on 18-of-33 passing attempts, two touchdowns and an interception, and Joe Mixon added another 96 yards on the ground.
The game also featured a bit of drama right from the jump, as Cincinnati receiver Tee Higgins was yanked with an undisclosed injury after playing just one snap. Cincinnati head coach Zac Taylor said Higgins was injured during warmups. The severity and extent of the injury remains unknown.
For Cleveland, there's still time for Watson to recover his old form and salvage a hope for the future, if not 2022. Still, there are troubling signs — not billboard-sized yet, but signs all the same.
It was a second rough game in as many weeks for Deshaun Watson to start his Cleveland Browns career. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
A report details how much time Tyler Boyd could miss.
OKC Blue: Notable performances, highlights in 122-111 loss to G League’s Warriors
A quick recap of the OKC Blue's loss to the Santa Cruz Warriors on Sunday. | 2022-12-12T18:00:56Z | sports.yahoo.com | Deshaun Watson continues to struggle as Browns fall to Bengals | https://sports.yahoo.com/deshaun-watson-continues-to-struggle-as-browns-fall-to-bengals-221128991.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/deshaun-watson-continues-to-struggle-as-browns-fall-to-bengals-221128991.html?src=rss |
Tests performed Monday have confirmed what the Cowboys feared Sunday. Starting right tackle Terence Steele suffered a torn ACL during the team’s 27-23 win over Houston in Week 14 and will be lost for the rest of the season and playoffs.
Steele, the 25-year-old in his third season after going undrafted out of Texas Tech, had played over 95% of the offensive snaps for Dallas this season before the second-quarter injury in which he was rolled into during a pass play.
He needed considerable help from the team’s training staff in getting off the field.
Josh Ball came on in relief of Steele, but was largely ineffective. Ball was replaced for the game’s final drive by nine-time Pro Bowler Jason Peters. Peters is a traditional left tackle who had also seen time playing left guard this year for the Cowboys, his first with the team. The 40-year-old had not taken a snap at the right tackle position since 2005.
“Man, I had no idea that I was gonna do that,” Peters said following the win, via the team website. “The O-line started going down, and they dressed me for a reason, so I just went in and tried to help the team out and get the win.”
Steele saw 14 starts in his rookie season of 2020 and then saw profound improvement in 2021 filling in for the suspended La’El Collins and even starting in place of an injured Tyron Smith at left tackle. The 320-pounder capped off his sophomore year by catching a touchdown pass against Washington.
Steele’s more-than-solid performance helped make Collins expendable in the offseason and cemented his own place in the 2022 Cowboys starting lineup at right tackle.
Peters as a break-glass-in-case-of-emergency option worked on Sunday. But with Steele lost, now the Cowboys will need to devise a plan for the regular slate’s final four games and the postseason.
Houston Texans rookie Jalen Pitre demonstrated the potential that exists if the second-rounder continues to play free safety on defense.
The mean of analysts' price targets for Couchbase, Inc. (BASE) points to a 29.5% upside in the stock. While this highly sought-after metric has not proven reasonably effective, strong agreement among analysts in raising earnings estimates does indicate an upside in the stock. | 2022-12-12T18:30:33Z | sports.yahoo.com | ACL tear claims Cowboys RT Terence Steele for rest of season, playoffs | https://sports.yahoo.com/acl-tear-claims-cowboys-rt-171952464.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/acl-tear-claims-cowboys-rt-171952464.html?src=rss |
Speculation abounded surrounding the Houston Texans’ claim of wide receiver Amari Rodgers off waivers in November, and fans finally got a glimpse of his talent in the team’s Week 14 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Rodgers was among the team’s most effective receiving threats with both Brandin Cooks and Nico Collins inactive due to injury, and capitalized on every opportunity he was given to make an impact for the struggling franchise.
The second-year wideout caught four passes on five targets for 57 yards and a touchdown in the game. His yardage was enough to set a new career high in his Texans debut, and the touchdown he caught off the arm of quarterback Jeff Driskel was the first of his young career in the NFL.
It is unclear whether Houston will elect to continue activating him on Sundays through the end of the season, but judging from his performance against Dallas, he can clearly make a difference in their lackluster offense.
Rodgers was a highly coveted prospect when he declared for the draft in 2021 and seemed to have found a long-term home when the Green Bay Packers drafted him in the third round with the 85th overall selection. However, things didn’t go to plan for him in Green Bay, and the Packers decided to waive him in the middle of November to cut their losses on their failed investment.
Houston has a rare chance to develop this talented prospect in their offensive system, and should not take Rodgers’ talent for granted just because they got him for a bargain. The team is headed into the 2023 season with some serious work to be done in terms of roster construction, and Rodgers could be an elegant solution to their lack of high-end playmakers who could thrive with a high volume of targets and usage within their various passing schemes. | 2022-12-12T18:30:40Z | sports.yahoo.com | Amari Rodgers set career high in receiving in Texans debut | https://sports.yahoo.com/amari-rodgers-set-career-high-180434422.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/amari-rodgers-set-career-high-180434422.html?src=rss |
The Chicago Bears are coming off a much-needed bye week, where they’re preparing to face the NFL’s best team in the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15. And there’s good news on the injury front as the Bears are getting back their top rookies, cornerback Kyler Gordon and safety Jaquan Brisker.
Gordon and Brisker have missed the last two games with concussions. But Bears coach Matt Eberflus shared that both had cleared concussion protocol, which means they’re in line to return to the lineup Sunday.
“It’s important that we do a good job of ramping them up,” Eberflus told WBBM Newsradio 780, via Audacy. “They haven’t done much for the last three weeks.
“It’s going to be exciting to get those guys back. They’re both really good rookies and having a good year. We’re excited about that.”
Gordon has totaled 55 tackles, one interception, four pass breakups and one forced fumble in 11 games this season. Meanwhile, Brisker has totaled 73 tackles, one interception, three sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one pass breakup in the same span.
Chicago will host a red-hot Philadelphia squad that’s trending toward a Super Bowl appearance. They’ll need all the help they can get when they face MVP-candidate, quarterback Jalen Hurts, and this high-powered Eagles offense, featuring receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.
6 things we're watching for in the Bears' final four games of 2022 | 2022-12-12T18:30:52Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bears rookies Kyler Gordon, Jaquan Brisker have cleared concussion protocol | https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-rookies-kyler-gordon-jaquan-162839276.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-rookies-kyler-gordon-jaquan-162839276.html?src=rss |
Purdy conjures memories of another 49ers rookie's starting debut originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
SANTA CLARA — The day Brock Purdy became a member of the 49ers, coach Kyle Shanahan cited one recognizable player as his top comparison.
And after Purdy's first NFL start, that similarity became even more striking.
In 2017, the 49ers signed Nick Mullens as an undrafted rookie from Southern Mississippi. This year, Brock Purdy was available for the 49ers to select with the 262nd and final pick in the draft.
“I think there’s some traits that are very similar to Nick Mullens,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said on April 30, immediately following the selection of Purdy.
“People want to know how he can do it at this level, and that’s probably why we got him where we did. But this is a very hard position to play, and he does it extremely consistent.”
Purdy was a central figure Sunday in the 49ers’ 35-7 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in his starting debut at Levi's Stadium.
Purdy stepped in after injuries to Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo, and he delivered.
He completed 16 of 21 pass attempts for 185 yards with two touchdowns, no interceptions and a passer rating of 134.0. Purdy also scrambled 2 yards for a touchdown on the first play of the second quarter.
The performance brought back memories of Mullens’ first career start.
In Week 9 of the 2018 season, Mullens was pressed into action after Garoppolo had already been lost for the season due to a torn ACL and backup C.J. Beathard was sidelined due to wrist and thumb injuries.
Mullens was called upon and, like Purdy on Sunday, was nearly perfect in a 34-3 victory over the then-Oakland Raiders at Levi’s Stadium on a Thursday night.
RELATED: Grading 49ers' offense, defense in complete win over Bucs
He completed 16 of 22 pass attempts for 262 yards with three touchdowns, no interceptions and a passer rating of 151.9.
Mullens, now the Minnesota Vikings’ backup quarterback, went on to start eight games in both 2018 and 2020 with the 49ers. At the time, only Patrick Mahomes had thrown for more yards through his first 16 starts than Mullens.
Many Milwaukee-area restaurants are offering specials on Christmas or Christmas Eve. It's an easy way to avoid the crowded Christmas kitchen. | 2022-12-12T18:31:05Z | sports.yahoo.com | Brock Purdy's performance conjures memories of Nick Mullens' 49ers debut | https://sports.yahoo.com/brock-purdys-performance-conjures-memories-170017911.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/brock-purdys-performance-conjures-memories-170017911.html?src=rss |
Coming out of the bye week, quarterback Matt Ryan will be the starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts when the team travels for a Saturday afternoon game against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 15.
When the Colts went into the bye week, there were a few questions surrounding the quarterback position, especially considering the condition in which we last saw it during the 54-19 romping against the Dallas Cowboys.
In that game, Ryan completed 21-of-37 passes for 233 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. He also lost a fumble.
However, interim head coach Jeff Saturday told the media Monday after the bye week that Ryan is expected to be the starter against the Vikings.
We say expected because we’ve seen how quickly this can change. When Saturday took on the job as interim head coach, they said Sam Ehlinger was going to be the starter. That didn’t even stay true for the first game under Saturday as Ryan wound up being the starter.
The Colts have a ton of question marks at the quarterback position and none of them have instilled any hope. Ryan is likely gone after this season, Ehlinger didn’t show much in a small sample size, and we already know what Nick Foles is.
Regardless, Ryan is expected to be the starter going into Saturday’s game against the Vikings, but it’s best to take everything they say with a grain of salt. | 2022-12-12T18:31:31Z | sports.yahoo.com | Colts’ Matt Ryan will start vs. Vikings in Week 15 | https://sports.yahoo.com/colts-matt-ryan-start-vs-164846312.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/colts-matt-ryan-start-vs-164846312.html?src=rss |
Giants punter Jamie Gillan: The ball just slid out of my hands, it just sucks it happened originally appeared on Pro Football Talk
The New York Giants were completely outmatched and outclassed by the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 14, and that was a very humbling experience.
At first glance, it would seem that the U.S. economy is in pretty good shape, at least from an unemployment perspective. Over the past number of weeks, a number of large companies have begun laying off workers to conserve costs. It's for these reasons that financial guru Suze Orman warned on a recent podcast episode that workers shouldn't get too comfortable with today's low unemployment rates. | 2022-12-12T18:32:02Z | sports.yahoo.com | Giants punter Jamie Gillan: The ball just slid out of my hands, it just sucks it happened | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-punter-jamie-gillan-ball-163143324.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-punter-jamie-gillan-ball-163143324.html?src=rss |
In front of a stunned home crowd, trailing the worst team in the league with under four minutes to play and 98 yards to go, Cowboys right guard Zack Martin was grinning ear to ear as the offense took the field for one last gasp.
“Zack was smiling,” quarterback Dak Prescott recalled for reporters after it was all over. “You’ve got to love it. You’ve got to love these moments, you’ve got to love being in that position. If you don’t, you shouldn’t be there. You shouldn’t be in that huddle; damn sure not with the guys that we have and the culture and the things that we’re building and trying to accomplish.”
It turns out the veteran lineman wasn’t the only one feeling positive. Prescott, who at that point had posted a shaky 18-for-32 day passing with just 205 yards and two very costly interceptions, put it all behind him as he gathered his troops.
“I told them, ‘We are going to go win this game,” Prescott said.
What ensued was a brilliant 11-play march. Prescott went 6-of-7 for 79 yards and added another 15 on the ground. Then running back Ezekiel Elliott punched the ball into the end zone for a game-winning touchdown that may have seemed improbable to fans, given the way Dallas had played for the previous 56 minutes.
After oddsmakers had them listed as 17.5-point favorites, and some outlets were predicting a 30-point blowout, the Cowboys managed to win their ugliest game of the season by just a 27-23 score.
“Right there on that play, I told the offensive line, ‘Hey, I’m giving this to Zeke, no ifs, ands, or buts about it,” said Prescott. “‘Y’all come off the ball and if there is one guy left over, don’t chase it. Zeke will handle him.’ Maybe some other words, but, ‘Let’s go finish this game off.’ That’s exactly what those guys did.”
But Prescott said he actually knew the team’s shot at redemption was coming several minutes earlier, even in the afternoon’s darkest moment. With under six minutes to go, Prescott’s second turnover of the day gave the Texans possession just 12 feet away from the goal line.
A Houston touchdown that would have extended their lead to 10 looked like a given.
“Honestly, I said it after the interception, just having faith and trust in the defense, knowing that those guys were going to go out there and make a play,” the seventh-year quarterback explained. “Then once they did that, I had the opportunity. I told them, ‘One play at a time, heighten the focus.’ That is something I am always reminding the guys. ‘Hey, we are going to win this game, don’t blink,’ and none of those guys did. You could tell it in their eyes; they believed it.”
To a man, they swear they did.
“I knew we were going to go down there and score,” Elliott said after his own 62-yard day. “Dak leading us, taking charge of us in that two-minute drive, there’s not a quarterback I’d rather have in there on those game-winning drives. He’s so poised, he doesn’t blink an eye. He was ready to go, and he made all the plays he needed to to get down there.”
“You could feel the confidence,” Tony Pollard added. “I wasn’t in on that last drive, but the play before when I was in, you could feel that the offense was confident. We knew the defense would come up big for us and we would have a chance to come out and get the victory, and that’s what we did.”
Even head coach Mike McCarthy admitted that the businesslike mood on the sideline made the prospect of taking the ball 98 yards on the final drive seem inevitable.
“It felt that way on the sideline,” McCarthy said in his postgame press conference. “I think every time something doesn’t go right everybody wants to go, ‘Oh their energy is not good.’ I’m with these guys every day. We’re not the high-pitched cartwheel outfit some people are, and that works for some people. The focus was good.”
“We knew that was a defining moment for this team,” rookie lineman Tyler Smith said at his locker. “We knew what we had to do. Everyone was locked in at that point, we were on a mission. There was no fear in that huddle. There was pure drive, guys knew what needed to be done in order to win that game and keep us on the track that we want to be on. We just came together in a way we never have before and executed.”
Week 10’s heartbreaking loss to the longtime rival Packers, when Dallas blew a 14-point lead in head coach Mike McCarthy’s return to Lambeau Field, was supposed to be the scared-straight moment of the Cowboys’ 2022 season, the loss that everyone looks back on and points to as the lesson we needed.
But the lowly one-win Texans gave the Cowboys a stomach-churning close call of a refresher course.
“I think today is clearly a fourth-quarter finish that will pay dividends during the course of the season,” McCarthy said. “And I’m talking about December, January football.”
“I think this will serve us more than the Minnesota game or even the way that we finished last game,” Prescott offered. “We are going to play some tough games as we get going. You’ve got to play one-score games here in the back end, against our division, or in the playoffs. Just for us to have that confidence and trust in one another and continue to tighten our bond is something that we are going to need.”
“I think we need that,” Elliott admitted to media members. “We need that as a team. We can’t keep getting used to blowing guys out, winning by multiple scores, especially with playoff football coming up. We’ve got to have games like this. We have to see how we respond when we get put in tough moments.”
The moments won’t get much tougher than the one the Cowboys put themselves in Sunday afternoon against the unlikeliest of opponents.
But hopefully, they’ll come out smiling then, too.
Shawn Michaels: Ava Raine Has Been A Huge Kick In The Shorts For The Schism
Shawn Michaels is very happy with how Ava Raine has […] | 2022-12-12T18:32:09Z | sports.yahoo.com | ‘We are going to win this game’: Dak Prescott called Cowboys victory after throwing late interception | https://sports.yahoo.com/going-win-game-dak-prescott-165021628.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/going-win-game-dak-prescott-165021628.html?src=rss |
The New York Giants fell to the Philadelphia Eagles, 48-22, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday, their most disappointing showing of the season.
Here are some things that we learned from the Week 14 loss.
There's a big difference between these teams
The narrative coming into the game was that the Giants were ‘Eagles Lite,’ and were on the same path as their rivals. There were a lot of similarities between the two teams. Last year, Philadelphia made the postseason in head coach Nick Sirianni’s first season and turned the corner as an elite team this season.
The Giants are in Brian Daboll’s first season and stole a bunch of wins early on, but since Week 7 when they were 6-1, they’ve gone 1-4-1 and have not looked like last year’s Eagles, who finished the season strong by winning six of their last eight games.
There’s still time for the Giants to finish strong. There are four games left (Washington, Minnesota, Indianapolis and Philadelphia) and they can still salvage this season with a few wins and a playoff berth.
The Giants were completely outgunned and overmatched by Philadelphia on Sunday. They were embarrassed in the trenches and their skill players failed to step up.
Philadelphia is the class of the NFC and the Giants saw how far away they are from being considered a serious contender. The Giants were beaten in all phases of the game, which was essentially over at halftime.
The NFC stinks
Philadelphia (12-1) may be the best team in the NFC, but what is that saying? Look at the rest of the conference. They’re all flawed.
NFC North leader Minnesota, the second seed with a 10-3 record, could be a paper tiger. They just lost to 6-7 Detroit and have been skating by most of the season. San Francisco (9-4), the NFC West leader, is hot but they are playing with their very inexperienced backup quarterback.
Tampa Bay leads the NFC South but is a very weak 6-7. Dallas is the top wildcard at 10-3, but needed a miracle to overcome the one-win Texans at home on Sunday.
Washington and the Giants are both 7-5-1 and hold the fan on two playoff spots. Neither is close to being championship timber. Seattle (7-6) has surprised but they were slammed by 5-8 Carolina at home this week.
The rest of the conference is littered with sob stories. The Rams have gone from the Super Bowl to the toilet bowl. Green Bay, Atlanta, Arizona, New Orleans and Chicago are all having forgettable seasons.
Outside of the Eagles and 49ers, the Lions appear to be the only team playing like a playoff club.
Hard to evaluate this team
It’s difficult to determine where the Giants really are right now as a team. Their roster is full of holes thanks to another spate of inexplicable injuries.
Their secondary is working with just one starter at the moment (Julian Love) and their defensive line is without Leonard Williams. The result: weaker versus the pass and the run.
The offensive line has never gotten any traction. This week, they finally started the same five from the week before but they were pitted against the Eagles’ front, which is among the league’s best.
They still have no idea how good (or bad) Daniel Jones is because of the uncertainty along the line and the lack of quality playmakers in the receiving corps.
What have the Giants accomplished this year? Well, it’s Year 1 under general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll and they now know they still have a lot of work to do.
What happened to winning graciously?
When the Giants win, their fans rarely get in the face of the opponent. When the Eagles win, their fans make it a point to get in the face of the opponent.
On Sunday, Eagles fans didn’t even wait for the game to start to being their antics. Reports of brawls in the parking lot before the game where law enforcement had to be summoned, spread throughout social media.
What happened to winning graciously? Why can’t everyone just attend the games and root for their team and then go home in peace?
It’s not like the Eagles fans are starved for a championship. They won the Super Bowl in this generation’s lifetime. A few years ago as a matter of fact.
Beating an inferior Giants team should be part of the process of having a great season, not a reason to denigrate their fans in a very ugly fashion.
It’s a bad look that seems to be getting worse. | 2022-12-12T18:32:39Z | sports.yahoo.com | What we learned from Giants’ 48-22 loss to Eagles | https://sports.yahoo.com/learned-giants-48-22-loss-175505150.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/learned-giants-48-22-loss-175505150.html?src=rss |
When you first checked the betting lines for Week 14 of the NFL season early last week, one line immediately jumped off the page. The 5-7 Detroit Lions quickly became the betting favorite over the 10-2 Minnesota Vikings. Sure, Detroit was the home team, but it was still a line that seemed awfully suspicious.
The Vikings have won a lot of one-score games this season and their analytical profile is far from that of a typical elite team, so some have been questioning the validity of their record. Even if you acknowledge that they might not be as elite as its record suggests, most would still have them favored over the Detroit Lions.
If you bet the Vikings, you probably didn't feel great about it. It felt like you were missing something. That's probably why a lot of people went the other way. The Lions-Vikings game was the most bet on game of the early window. Overall at BetMGM, 56% of the bets and 72% of the money was backing the Lions to cover as a 1.5-point home favorite. The Lions were the most popular bet of the early slate. Additionally, 78% of bets were on the game to go over 51.5-points.
The teams exchanged touchdowns in the first quarter with Jameson Williams scoring the first touchdown of his career for the Lions before Dalvin Cook answered for Minnesota. D.J. Chark gave the Lions a 14-7 lead with a 48-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Late in the first half, it looked like the Vikings were going to answer and tie the game, but Dalvin Cook fumbled inside the 5-yard line.
The Vikings opened the second half with the ball but punted. On Detroit's ensuing drive, Jared Goff found Josh Reynolds to open a 21-7 lead. This lead ended up being too much for Minnesota to overcome. Kirk Cousins found Adam Thielen for a 23-yard touchdown to cut the lead to eight points, but Detroit immediately answered with a Justin Jackson touchdown to extend the lead to 15.
The teams exchanged field goals before Cousins found K.J. Osborn to cut Detroit's lead back to eight. After an unsuccessful onside kick, Minnesota's defense needed a stop, but the Lions had a trick up their sleeve to make sure they didn't get it. On third-and-7, Goff hit right tackle Penei Sewell for a nine yard gain. With 22 seconds left, the Lions kicked a field goal to extend their lead to 11. That's how the game ended.
The 23-point explosion in the fourth quarter helped the game go over the total, but most importantly, the Lions pulled off the victory and cover. Detroit now sits at 6-7 after winning five of its last six games. After losses by the New York Giants and Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, suddenly, the playoffs appear like a realistic goal for Detroit.
As they make their push toward the postseason, the Lions have been money for bettors. They've covered in six straight games. Over that stretch, they've won five games outright, including three games where they were the underdog. Their one outright loss over this stretch was Thanksgiving, where they lost on a last second field goal by the Buffalo Bills. They covered as a 9.5-point underdog.
Next up for the Lions is a trip to MetLife Stadium where they are just a 1-point road underdog against the New York Jets. Can they keep the streak going both on the field and the betting window?
The Detroit Lions have covered in six straight weeks and are making a push for the NFL playoffs. (Jorge Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Jets use late safety, field goal to get backdoor cover
Earlier this season, the New York Jets did a good job of shutting down the Buffalo Bills and beat them outright as a 10.5-point home underdog. This time around, with the venue changed to upstate New York, the Buffalo Bills were 10-point home favorites.
Bettors liked the Jets to keep it close. At BetMGM, 68% of bets and 59% of the money was backing New York to cover as a 10-point underdog. New York has been surprising all season long, and they have the defense to keep them in every game.
Through the first half, the defense was doing just that. Jets bettors must have been feeling good. It looked like we were getting ready to go to halftime scoreless. However, on a fourth-and-1 from their own 39-yard line with 1:17 left in the half, the Bills lined up to go for it. They likely weren't going to snap the ball. Then, Jets' linebacker C.J. Mosley decided to channel his inner-Troy Polamalu.
The Bills' took advantage of the egregious mistake and drove down the field to find the end-zone before halftime. Dawson Knox leaped, flipped and somehow held on to the ball while just barely crossing the goal line.
The Jets got the ball to open the second half, and they evened the score with a 13-yard rushing touchdown from Zonovan "Bam" Knight. Jets' bettors were feeling good. Outside of one mistake, the defense was balling. The score was tied in the second half and they were getting ten points.
However, the Bills answered with a touchdown of their own as Josh Allen scored from five yards out. Meanwhile, the Bills' defense was putting on a clinic of their own as they literally tried breaking Mike White in half. White was in and out of the game multiple times in the second half as he was taking massive shot after massive shot to the midsection.
On one play when White was out of the game, the Bills' defense took advantage. On second-and-10 from midfield, Joe Flacco fumbled the ball to set the Bills up for a field goal. After another Jets' punt, the Bills tacked on another field goal. Suddenly, the Bills were up 13-points and covering the spread.
After another Jets' punt, the Bills were pinned deep. The Jets' defense stepped up and forced a Bills' punt from their own end zone. The Jets blocked the punt, but it rolled through the back of the end zone for a safety. Buffalo's lead was down to 11, but they were still covering.
Off the ensuing free-kick, the Jets' offense drove into scoring range before Michael Carter fumbled. It was a tough break for Jets' bettors as they were well within field-goal range. Nevertheless, the Bills punted the ball back to the Jets and they still had life.
On a fourth-and-1 from the Bills' 9-yard line, the Jets faced a decision. They needed two scores to tie the game, so Robert Saleh elected to kick the field goal to cut it to a one-possession game. Greg Zuerlein connected from 26 yards out and the Jets were down just eight. They got the ball back and couldn't tie the game, but the Jets did enough for their bettors.
A late safety from a blocked punt and then a field goal isn't the script most envisioned to get the Jets within the number when they bet them. However, they'll certainly take it. The Jets improve to 8-5 against the spread this season.
Cowboys survive epic embarrassment
The Dallas Cowboys closed as a 17.5-point home favorite over the Houston Texans. It made sense. The Cowboys have dominated teams in recent weeks while the Texans have looked non-competitive. The Cowboys are viewed as a Super Bowl contender while the Texans have one win. It was the biggest spread of the NFL season to date.
Despite the epic mismatch on paper, the game was way too close for comfort for Cowboys fans. Dallas bettors never had a chance of covering.
The Cowboys opened the scoring with a Tony Pollard touchdown, but the Texans immediately answered. The Texans led 10-7 after the first quarter and they led 20-17 at halftime. Still, nobody actually thought the Cowboys were in danger of losing the game. Most expected them to pull away in the second half, win comfortably and maybe even cover the spread.
That never happened. It was a low scoring second half as the teams exchanged field goals. Houston maintained a 23-20 lead. The Texans punted the ball back to Dallas with eight minutes left, pinning them at the 1-yard line. Despite the circumstances, the Cowboys were down just three points and everyone on the planet expected them to put together one drive and get the win.
However, that plan almost came undone when Dak Prescott threw an interception that the Texans returned to the 4-yard line. On second down, it looked like Chris Moore was going to score to put the game away, but Carlos Watkins made a game-saving tackle to get him down just short of the end-zone. The defense stepped up and pulled off the goal line stand, including a fourth down stop.
Prescott needed to go 98 yards. A field goal would force overtime, while the touchdown would likely win Dallas the game. After struggling almost all game, Dak finally put together the drive he needed. Long completions to Dalton Schultz twice and Noah Brown set up an Ezekiel Elliott rushing touchdown with 46 seconds left.
Davis Mills was intercepted on the ensuing Houston drive, and the Cowboys survived. Of course, they didn't come close to covering as a 17.5-point favorite, but they avoided the biggest upset of the NFL season. Those big spreads are always scary in the NFL when you're laying the points, and this is just the latest example of why. Clearly, the Cowboys overlooked the Texans and were nowhere near the top of their game, meaning their bettors never had a chance.
Chiefs can't cover despite 27-0 lead
The Denver Broncos have been the biggest disappointment in the NFL this season. Russell Wilson has come nowhere close to meeting expectations or giving the Broncos' a decent return on their investment. On Sunday, the Broncos closed as 9-point home underdogs against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Kansas City came out to a 27-0 lead in the second quarter. Based on what we've seen from Denver's offense this season, it looked like Chiefs' bettors were going to have a no-sweat winner. However, Patrick Mahomes threw two interceptions late in the first half and the Broncos turned both of those turnovers into Jerry Jeudy touchdowns. Suddenly, Denver was down just 13 points at halftime.
Denver opened the second half with Marlon Mack housing a screen pass for 66-yards. All of a sudden, it was a 6 point game. Late in the third quarter, Mahomes found JuJu Smith-Schuster for a touchdown to extend the Chiefs' lead back to 13 points.
On Denver's ensuing drive, Russell Wilson scrambled for 14 yards on a third-and-11 but took a hit that concussed him and knocked him out of the game. Brett Rypien was forced to enter on first-and-goal from the 1-yard line. A false start, two incompletions and a play for no-gain set up a fourth-and-7. Denver went for it and Rypien found Jeudy for his third touchdown of the game to cut the margin back to 6 points.
The Denver defense stepped up, forcing a punt and a third Mahomes' interception, but Rypien and the offense couldn't find a go-ahead score. The Chiefs ended up with the 34-28 victory. Denver didn't get the victory, but they got the cover which seemed improbable when the score was 27-0 early on. Chiefs' bettors can't be happy with Mahomes and his three interceptions, which let Denver back in the game. | 2022-12-12T18:32:46Z | sports.yahoo.com | NFL betting recap: Detroit Lions prove oddsmakers right, cover for sixth straight week | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-betting-recap-detroit-lions-prove-oddsmakers-right-cover-for-sixth-straight-week-170814437.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-betting-recap-detroit-lions-prove-oddsmakers-right-cover-for-sixth-straight-week-170814437.html?src=rss |
CHARLES ROBINSON: Let's move on to the Honda Hybrid Players of the Week. As we close out a recap of week 14, we want to highlight two of the league's top hybrid performances of the day, thanks to Honda and the rugged all-new CR-V Hybrid, which can run on gas, electric, or both. Frank, who was the best two way player of the day on Sunday? Who put up the best air and ground attack?
FRANK SCHWAB: Charles, I was really on the fence about this. But since you decided to make fun of me and my Brock Purdy love, I'm going to Brock Purdy. I'm just going to jump on the bandwagon, both feet, let's go. Brock Purdy, the story of the year. He's 16-21 today, 185 yards passing, and 2 touchdowns, also ran for a touchdown. It was a short one.
But you highlighted it before, this guy can move around. He can make plays. He can bring something to that offense, a different dimension, really, than Jimmy. Will see where it goes from here. But I thought Brock Purdy was pretty much the star of the show today. And let's give him some love with the Honda Hybrid Player of the Week.
Who was your Honda Hybrid Player of the Week, Charles?
CHARLES ROBINSON: I'm gonna go with Jalen Hurts, 21-31 passing, 217 yards, 2 touchdowns, and then 77 yards rushing, 1 touchdown rushing as well. I think-- I just feel like this was the weekend where Hurts once again showcased that versatility, showcased being a player that is in the same class as, I think, Patrick Mahomes in terms of being able to do off-script stuff and really attack a team in a different way, or Lamar Jackson.
So to me, this was one of those performances that I think injects him a little further into the MVP conversation. So I think Jalen Hurts would be my selection this week.
All right, that's it for our two Hybrid Players of the Week. Thanks to Honda and the rugged all-new CR-V Hybrid, which can run on gas, electric, or both.
A 12-Year-Old Ohio Boy Could Be The Latest 'Blackout Challenge' Victim
The "blackout challenge" swept TikTok in 2021, and experts have been warning users not to try it since the early 2000s. Here's what you need to know: | 2022-12-12T18:32:58Z | sports.yahoo.com | NFL Week 14: Honda Hybrid Players of the Week | You Pod to Win the Game | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-week-14-honda-hybrid-162300328.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-week-14-honda-hybrid-162300328.html?src=rss |
Few teams made as great a use of their resources as the New Orleans Saints have in recent years, and much of that credit goes to Khai Harley. His official position within the organization is listed as the vice president of football administration, but Harley’s day-to-day responsibilities have centered on managing the salary cap so they can field a competitive roster. He’s been a key part of their behind-the-scenes work, staying out of the limelight to such an extent that the combined photo galleries of the USA Today Network, Getty Images, and the Associated Press don’t have a clear shot of him.
Many teams use the cap as an excuse to field subpar teams and save dollars for cheap ownership groups, but Harley has spearheaded New Orleans’ efforts to work around the cap and get the most bang for their buck. Few people around the league know the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement better. It’s largely because of him that the Saints were able to be active in free agency and keep a talented core together for so many years, winning the second-most games (62) over the last six seasons.
Obviously that’s more laudable when the team is winning games, which they haven’t done much of this season, but the strategy works when the team has competent coaching and quarterback play. And it’s put Harley on the national radar. He’ll be participating in an upcoming Front Office Accelerator in Dallas on Dec. 13 and 14 alongside diverse general manager candidates from 28 different teams and the league office.
This program highlights people of color and women from many backgrounds who are on the rise in executive roles, giving them greater exposure ahead of the next NFL hiring cycle. They’ll attend professional development seminars and network with decision-makers from around the league. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement, “Club owners and executives are focused on building on the successful momentum of our Coach and Front Office Accelerator Program by continuing to engage with and develop this group of talented men and women.”
Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II, chairman of the NFL Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, added “The goal of our Accelerator Program is to foster relationships between owners and potential candidates for front office positions. … Both the clubs and the Accelerator participants understand the importance of the exposure, professional development and networking opportunities of the Accelerator.”
The Saints have lost one talented front office executive recently with the Atlanta Falcons hiring Terry Fontenot as their general manager, and Harley is another candidate who could be picked up as a GM elsewhere. As a minority candidate, his departure would bring the Saints a pair of third-round compensatory draft picks, but that’s a pittance for the value he’s added to the organization. Still, he owes it to himself and his family to pursue better opportunities, and joining programs like this one will raise his standing among his peers.
And the team has taken steps to prepare for Harley’s eventual move. There’s just one other person listed within the football administration department on their front office roster: Tosan Eyetsemitan, who shares Harley’s background in financial analysis with experience in NFL pro personnel departments. New Orleans has had a good thing going with Harley, Jeff Ireland, and Mickey Loomis working together in the front office with pro personnel director Michael Parenton, but other teams are going to continue poaching talent from them. It doesn’t feel like we’ll have to wait very long for their post-Harley plans to be tested in earnest. | 2022-12-12T18:33:24Z | sports.yahoo.com | Saints salary cap whiz Khai Harley to participate in NFL Front Office Accelerator event | https://sports.yahoo.com/saints-salary-cap-whiz-khai-171416907.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/saints-salary-cap-whiz-khai-171416907.html?src=rss |
There is no secret that the Minnesota Vikings didn’t play their best football on Sunday afternoon. The 34-23 score was not completely reflective of the Vikings’ performance, as there were more negative performances than there were positive ones.
This is a crossroads for the Vikings. While they still remain one win or Lions loss away from winning the NFC North title for the first time since 2017, there are some real issues with this team.
Everybody can be a Monday morning quarterback, but sleeping on things can help bring some clarity. Here are the main storylines coming out of Sunday’s loss to the Lions.
The Vikings cannot run the football
The Vikings tried to establish the run against the Lions on Sunday and it was an utter failure. They ran the ball 17 times for 22 yards and failed to do much of anything. The biggest example of this was in the first half when the Vikings got a fourth and one after an offsides penalty. They ran a handoff out of the shotgun and ended up getting stuffed for no gain. That theme continued throughout and it has been a struggle in multiple games this season.
The Vikings could not get pressure all day
One of the easiest ways to impact the Lions offense is by pressuring quarterback Jared Goff. He plays really well in rhythm and plays really well from within the pocket. When pressured, Goff can get rattled and make some poor decisions. The Vikings weren’t able to see that side of Goff because they couldn’t get pressure on the former first-overall pick. That explains a lot about the success of the Lions offense.
The secondary is a problem
Oct 2, 2022; London, United Kingdom; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Cameron Dantzler Sr. (3) successfully disrupts a pass to New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (12) during the second half of the NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY Sports
The idea of how the Vikings wanted to build this defense is sound in nature. Keep things in front of you and don’t let the receivers get behind you. The big problem with that is poor communication can ruin that style of defense.
The Vikings had that happen on the first Lions touchdown where Camryn Bynum was supposed to carry Jameson Williams on the deep post but got caught up with the dig route underneath. That is one major issue with the other being talent and awareness. Cameron Dantzler allowed D.J. Chark to get behind him in cover-3 which is a big no-no. If Josh Metellus disguises the look as 2-high coverage a little better before rotating down, that could have been avoided as well.
The Vikings have secondary issues, but how much of it can be fixed? Right now, not a whole lot can be done. The three secondary players that the Vikings’ drafted to help fortify the defense are all on injured reserve and the Vikings can’t get them valuable experience while they continue to go through these growing pains. They will also need to look at fortifying the unit going into next season, likely with a free agent or two.
The offense won't always be enough
Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson makes a one-handed catch against Bills Cam Lewis to keep a late drive alive.
Despite the issues on the defensive side of the football, the offense was pretty good. Kirk Cousins threw for over 400 yards and Justin Jefferson set a team record with 223 yards receiving, a number that could have been higher if he was awarded the touchdown where he was ruled out of bounds.
The concern is that the offense isn’t enough anymore to overcome the defensive struggles. Cousins and Jefferson have the ability to have great games each week, but it’s now at a point where they can’t be expected to carry the team each week. Putting up 30 points every week isn’t sustainable, as it showed against the Lions and they need some help. The return of Christian Darrisaw to the offense should make an impact, as the rushing game is nearly twice as effective with him in the lineup.
Is it time to hit the panic button?
Without being too hyperbolic, the answer is yes.
We knew coming into the year that the defense didn’t have the talent to be a great unit this season, but it’s turning out to be a bigger disaster than we anticipated. The secondary is struggling to play with any form of consistency and the pass rush can’t get to the quarterback either.
It’s not a long-term panic button, especially with the offense flush with pieces to be successful for years to come, but rather just for the success of this season. They need to have some form of defensive renaissance and that is extremely unlikely considering the personnel that they have at their disposal.
We will be talking more about this on Monday night’s episode of The Real Forno Show, including a preview of Saturday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts with Nate Atkins of The Indianapolis Star.
Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell news conference: Live updates Monday at 2:15 p.m.
Jameson Williams’ first career catch goes for Lions touchdown
Jameson Williams' first NFL catch goes for a touchdown | 2022-12-12T18:33:36Z | sports.yahoo.com | Time to panic? The Morning After the Vikings’ 34-23 loss vs. Detroit | https://sports.yahoo.com/time-panic-morning-vikings-34-175411068.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/time-panic-morning-vikings-34-175411068.html?src=rss |
After transferring to Utah State in the off-season, former Alabama wide receiver Xavier Williams has re-entered the transfer portal. The news was first reported by On3’s Matt Zenitz. Williams had previously spent three seasons at Alabama.
Williams was a part of the 2018 recruiting class. He was ranked as a four-star out of Chaminade-Madonna Prep School. As a member of the Tide, he served as a reserve wide receiver for three seasons. In his fourth season, he was unable to play for medical reasons.
After transferring to Utah State, he played sparingly on the Aggies’ offense. He hauled in just one reception for seven receiving yards. Now, it appears that Williams will be looking to play for a third school.
🚨BREAKING🚨 Utah State WR Xavier Williams, a former Alabama transfer, has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal, per @mzenitz.
More HERE: https://t.co/aujgUodnrQ pic.twitter.com/GawxsA2K0Q | 2022-12-12T18:48:04Z | sports.yahoo.com | Former Alabama WR set to re-enter transfer portal | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-alabama-wr-set-enter-180111037.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-alabama-wr-set-enter-180111037.html?src=rss |
In a decision that came as no surprise, star LSU edge rusher BJ Ojulari officially announced his intentions to leave the Tigers and declare for the 2023 NFL draft on Sunday. News of Ojulari’s decision first circulated earlier in the weekend, and Ojulari made things official with an announcement on Twitter.
An on and off-field leader for the Tigers who represented the team at SEC Media Days and was chosen to wear the No. 18 jersey this fall, Ojulari finished the 2022 season with 36 solo tackles, five sacks and a forced fumble. He was named a First Team All-SEC selection for his efforts, and he’s considered one of the top edge rushing prospects in the 2023 draft.
The loss of Ojulari and Ali Gaye, as well as Desmond Little, who enters the transfer portal, leaves LSU a bit thin on the edge heading into 2023. | 2022-12-12T18:48:23Z | sports.yahoo.com | LSU edge rusher BJ Ojulari officially declares for 2023 NFL draft | https://sports.yahoo.com/lsu-edge-rusher-bj-ojulari-174754191.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/lsu-edge-rusher-bj-ojulari-174754191.html?src=rss |
Trey Holly played in his third state championship in a row for the Union Parish Farmers, and for the third year in a row, the Farmers came up short.
Union fell to the Many Tigers 35-13 in the Division III non-select championship game. Holly had a great game as he rushed for over 100 yards (including this 63-yard touchdown in the first quarter to tie the game 7-7.)
Holly committed to playing in LSU back in May and is one of the 23 players in the 2023 recruiting class. As early signing day nears, Brian Kelly and the Tigers coaches hope that he will stand firm on his commitment and come to the Bayou. Coach Kelly and the Tigers are preparing to play against the Purdue Boilermakers in the Citrus Bowl on January 2nd.
The recruiting class currently ranks as No. 7 overall after LSU lost two four-star defensive linemen last week. We will see how it all plays out.
🤫 pic.twitter.com/ODmpZedvnU
— Trey Holly (@DrippyTrey2) December 10, 2022 | 2022-12-12T18:49:46Z | sports.yahoo.com | Watch: LSU commit Trey Holly scores on a long touchdown run in the state championship | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-lsu-commit-trey-holly-172026702.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-lsu-commit-trey-holly-172026702.html?src=rss |
Baker Mayfield's wild 48-hour journey that concluded with him leading the Los Angeles Rams to a comeback win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 14's first game wasn't just impressive – it was also prophetic.
Soon after he asked for and was granted a release from the Carolina Panthers on Dec. 5, Mayfield told NBC Sports' Peter King that he purchased a plane ticket that would leave Charlotte at 4:48 p.m. ET on Tuesday for Los Angeles. Mayfield allegedly did this before he knew the Rams would claim him off waivers even though there were three other teams ahead of Los Angeles – the Houston Texas, the Chicago Bears and the Denver Broncos.
So, just in case Mayfield and his agent's hunch was wrong, Mayfield said he bought flight insurance.
“You checked the box for the flight insurance," King asked, "so you could get the refund if you don’t take the trip?”
At 4:10 p.m. – 38 minutes before the flight was scheduled to leave Charlotte Douglas International Airport – Rams general manager Les Snead called Mayfield to tell him he'd been claimed. Soon after, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Mayfield had "a shot" to play Thursday night after the Rams attempted to send him a condensed playbook to study on the flight. Problem was, Mayfield wasn't able to download the file until after he landed in Los Angeles because of the plane's Wi-Fi.
“Plane Wi-Fi was not friendly on that one," Mayfield told King, "so I was pretty stressed out."
Mayfield's crash course in the Rams' offense
Starting Tuesday night and over the next two days, Mayfield learned enough of the playbook not only to suit up for the Rams but to take over as the starting quarterback by Los Angeles' second series. But he didn't have much time.
After all that, McVay said after the game that he felt comfortable enough with Mayfield's grasp of the offense to let him go out and play.
"I've felt good about his ability to come in and do some of the things that we were asking because I've seen him do it previously, but you never know," McVay said, per ESPN. "... But I think he plays fast. You could see, when he sees things, he can speed it up.
Mayfield stumbled a bit when he came in: Though he completed 3-of-6 passes for 65 yards in the first half, Mayfield went just 1-for-6 for five yards in the Rams' first two second-half possessions. But thanks to a few mistakes by the Raiders on offense and defense, Mayfield led the Rams on two scoring drives in the fourth quarter – the final being a 98-yard drive that ended with a 23-yard touchdown pass to Van Jefferson.
"I was really impressed," McVay said. "I don't know if I would say surprised, because I've always been a fan of the things that he was capable of, but to say that I expected this, certainly exceeded our expectations. But it was a lot of fun watching him go to work tonight."
But after those four games are over? Who knows. Mayfield will be a free agent this offseason and the Rams signed Stafford to a four-year $160 million deal with $135 in guaranteed money nine months ago – meaning he isn't going anywhere. Mayfield could return as a backup for Stafford in 2023, but that might not be something he would even want. Especially if other opportunities present themselves this offseason.
Mayfield's return to the spotlight is fun and certainly a great story. It's just unclear how long that will last given his and the Rams' respective futures.
Baker Mayfield's journey will only get more uncertain from here. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | 2022-12-12T19:22:48Z | sports.yahoo.com | Baker Mayfield's wild journey to the Rams included a premeditated plane ticket (with travel insurance) | https://sports.yahoo.com/baker-mayfields-wild-journey-to-the-rams-included-a-premeditated-plane-ticket-with-travel-insurance-185409458.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/baker-mayfields-wild-journey-to-the-rams-included-a-premeditated-plane-ticket-with-travel-insurance-185409458.html?src=rss |
Costeen Hatzi and Nick Kyrgios - Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
Iga Swiatek was honored as WTA Player of the Year for the first time on Monday after rising to No. 1 in the rankings in April and remaining there for the rest of the season thanks in part to two Grand Slam titles. Swiatek, a 21-year-old from Poland who was the WTA Newcomer of the Year in 2020, led the tour with 67 match wins and eight titles. “I felt like everything clicked this season,” Swiatek said in a video interview with The Associated Press during her unbeaten streak.
Kemi Badenoch will not discuss Indian demands for hundreds more student visas, she said on Sunday night, as she flew to Delhi to “reboot” stalled trade talks.
Wizards express resilience after 9 losses in 10 games
The Wizards are dealing with a lot of injuries, but also see some areas they can clean up to get back on track. | 2022-12-12T19:22:55Z | sports.yahoo.com | Nick Kyrgios to play in French Open because his girlfriend wants to visit Paris | https://sports.yahoo.com/nick-kyrgios-play-french-open-164432809.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nick-kyrgios-play-french-open-164432809.html?src=rss |
UConn head coach Geno Auriemma talks with associate head coach Chris Dailey, left, during a recent game. Injuries have sidelined multiple UConn players for various amounts of time this season. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
Connecticut head coach Geno Auriemma looked down his bench on Sunday to a group of players in street clothes. The Huskies had dropped to seven available players after Nika Mühl entered concussion protocols in Thursday’s slim win over Princeton.
Auriemma wasn’t the only coach looking down the bench to see a top player unable to take the court. The injuries are piling up early in the season, before conference play is underway for many teams, and impacting title contenders.
It’s a loss for the entire sport that these established star student-athletes aren’t able to play, and play against one another. It could also shake up the early favorites for the Final Four.
Loser: Injuries impacting top contenders
UConn’s situation is the headliner in the shorthanded team department. The Huskies are without 2021 National Player of the Year Paige Bueckers (ACL), top freshman recruit Ice Brady (dislocated knee), 2023 National Player of the Year contender Azzi Fudd (right knee), fifth-year forward Dorka Juhász (thumb) and Mühl (concussion). Lou Lopez Sénéchal is also dealing with a foot issue she is playing through.
The Huskies (7-2, 1-0 Big East) have made it through the toughest of their nonconference schedule despite the injuries and should have Juhász and Mühl back soon with Fudd estimated to return anywhere from Dec. 27 to Jan. 17. They have the week off before playing Florida State in the Basketball Hall of Fame Women’s Showcase at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut, on Sunday.
Tennessee (6-5) has not had as easy of a time with its eighth-ranked schedule and had been without senior Rickea Jackson for two games. The Lady Vols’ outlook moving forward took another hit when the team announced that senior center Tamari Key would miss the rest of the season with blood clots in her lungs. They still have a meeting with Stanford on Sunday before SEC play.
Iowa (8-3, 2-0 Big Ten) found its proper footing again in an impressive rivalry win over Iowa State, 70-57, last week, but might be without one of its starters. Senior guard Kate Martin left in the third quarter of Saturday’s win against Minnesota with what head coach Lisa Bluder said that night looks to be a deep bone bruise to her shin. She was scheduled to receive X-rays Sunday or Monday.
The Hawkeyes need more senior partners in the Law Firm of (Caitlin) Clark and (Monika) Czinano to make a Final Four run. Martin had stepped up in big games recently to be that, first shooting 70% overall, 6-of-6 from 3, and scoring a career-high 20 points against UConn and then going 5-of-8 for 13 points, including 3-of-4 from 3, to defeat Iowa State. Martin averaged a career-high 7.2 points per game last season.
Iowa has a little time to have her back in the starting rotation, as long as she’s healthy. The Hawkeyes play Northern Iowa and Dartmouth before Christmas, but return out of the mini-break to face Purdue (9-2) and Illinois (9-2) in Big Ten play. Both clubs have taken top teams to the final possessions.
NC State (9-1) is without senior forward Jada Boyd and junior point guard Diamond Johnson, who sustained an ankle injury on Sunday. Texas (5-4), a preseason Final Four favorite, was without point guard Rori Harmon for five games. Indiana has been without Grace Berger for four games and is still undefeated (10-0), but will have that tested come January with the highly competitive Big Ten schedule.
Oregon (7-1, 1-0), already without Sedona Prince, is without freshman center Kennedy Basham for a few more weeks after injuring her knee in the season opener. She should return by the end of the month or January. And Baylor (7-2), who started the season without Caitlin Bickle, remains without transfer guard Aijha Blackwell, who sustained a lower leg injury in the third game. Head coach Nicki Collen said Blackwell has not signed off on sharing medical information. The Bears kept it tight with Maryland and Michigan, and defeated Villanova.
Winner: Players stepping up
The flip side of injuries is someone has to step up, and sometimes it’s in a big way.
Kansas State’s chances nearly bottomed out in many’s eyes when Ayoka Lee, who holds the NCAA record for points in a single game (61), was ruled out for the season after knee surgery in August. She averaged 22 points, shooting 56.3%, 10.3 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per game.
The Wildcats (9-2) have taken it in stride and notched a win over Iowa for their resume. Big 12 play begins on Dec. 31 at Texas.
Sophomore guard Serena Sundell is hitting a higher percentage of shots (36.4% to 43.2%), rebounding more (3.4 to 4.6) and is limiting her turnovers (2.9 to 1.6) while Jaelyn Glenn has doubled her scoring output (6.6 to 13.6 ppg) in the same minutes.
Bigger still for the Wildcats is Oklahoma transfer Gabby Gregory averaging a career-high 21.2 points (41.9% FG), 6.1 rebounds and two assists per game.
As is always the case in Storrs, the UConn reserves are stepping up to fill the voids. Aubrey Griffin was crucial against Princeton and Aaliyah Edwards put up another solid game with 25 points against Maryland. But it is freshman guard Inês Bettencourt who has been most impressive.
Bettencourt was ready to head to Northwest Florida, a junior college, to get into the U.S. college system as a prospect from Portugal. In August, after Bueckers tore her ACL, she caught the eye of UConn coaches after the U18 European Championships.
She flew to Connecticut the day classes started and is now “getting baptism by fire,” Auriemma said, with so many more injuries forcing her into the starting point guard role.
“The kid’s never been in a situation like this in her life,” Auriemma said after her free throws helped seal the Princeton win.
Bettencourt then started against the ranked Maryland squad and performed better than the box score showed. She’ll have a full week of practice at the position before Sunday’s game.
Maryland guard Diamond Miller brings the ball up court during the second half against Connecticut on Dec. 11, 2022, in College Park, Maryland. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Winner: Maryland’s historic victory
For the first time in eight tries, Maryland defeated UConn, 85-78, on Sunday and added another solid win to the resume — this time without needing the buzzer-beating theatrics.
The Terrapins, who were ranked No. 20 last week, hit bumps with losses to DePaul and Nebraska (a loss to South Carolina was expected). They were sandwiched around the Notre Dame game won by a buzzer-beating bucket by Diamond Miller. And on Thursday, Maryland escaped an upset at the hands of Purdue with a buzzer-beating 3-pointer by Shyanne Sellers.
It looked like it would come down to another Terrapins winner at Maryland’s Xfinity Center, but UConn trailed by four with 1:05 to play. Miller hit a 3-pointer to make it 83-76 and essentially end it after struggling in the first half.
Miller scored 17, Sellers added 19 and Abby Meyers led the offense with 20 in a well-balanced game for Maryland. They scored 42% of their output from 3-point range (12-of-30), better than their 28.7% clip on the season. Their 21 points off 22 UConn turnovers were crucial and they celebrated in front of 12,566 fans, the most since Maryland last played UConn at home in December 2016.
It’s the first time since December 2010 the Huskies have committed at least 20 turnovers in back-to-back games.
Notre Dame's Olivia Miles and Lauren Ebosmile as they walk off the court after beating Merrimack on Dec. 10, 2022 in South Bend, Indiana. (AP Photo/Michael Caterina)
Loser: Record books
Aneesah Morrow, the 2021-22 Freshman of the Year, is out to crash through record books. DePaul’s 6-foot-1 sophomore power forward crossed 1,000 career points in a 81-63 win over Northwestern on Saturday. It took her 43 games to reach it, ranking 13th fastest in Division I history. She’s averaging 28.5 points per game through 10 games this year and 23.4 points per game over her career.
Her 45 points against Northwestern broke the program’s single-game record previously held by Beth Hasenmiller, who set it at 42 points against Valparaiso in March 1991. Morrow came one point shy of the mark last February. She also fell one rebound shy of DePaul’s single-game rebound record of 28 set by Latasha Byears in 1996.
Olivia Miles continues to write her name into Notre Dame’s books. The sophomore point guard became the first player in program history with three triple-doubles after a 13-point, 13-rebound and 14-assist game against Merrimack on Saturday. She played 28 minutes.
It pushes her past Notre Dame greats Skylar Diggins-Smith and Jackie Young, who each have two.
No. 1 South Carolina (9-0) at South Dakota State (6-4), ESPN2 at 7 p.m. ET — South Dakota State will have another chance at a resume-builder after wins against Louisville and Kansas State. It fell short against Creighton and UCLA.
UCLA (9-1) at USC (9-0), Pac-12 Networks at 10 p.m. ET — It’s the Pac-12 opener for both teams. USC is one of the 12 remaining undefeated teams as of Monday morning, but has been largely untested.
Arkansas (12-0) at Creighton (8-1), FloHoops at 2 p.m. ET — The Razorbacks are one of those undefeated programs and the one with the most wins. Their current signature win is Kansas State.
Florida State (10-1) at UConn (7-2), ESPN at 1 p.m. ET — UConn will have had time to rest and possibly have healthy players back. Florida State’s Ta’Niya Latson is averaging 25.5 ppg and the team ranks top-50 in field-goal percentage (45.9%).
Florida Gulf Coast (8-2) at Kentucky (7-2), SECN+ at 1 p.m. ET — FGCU remains the Division I leader in 3-point attempts (33.8 per game) and in makes per game (11).
Tennessee (6-5) at Stanford (10-1), ABC at 3 p.m. ET — Four players are averaging between 10.5 and 12.4 points per game for a balanced Stanford team. They’re out-rebounding teams by a margin of 19, ranking third behind LSU and South Carolina.
Iowa State (7-2) vs Villanova (9-2), 3:30 p.m. ET — It’s the second game of the Hall of Fame Women’s Showcase in Uncasville, Connecticut. Iowa State’s Ashley Joens is averaging 19.6 ppg and 9.1 rpg. Stephanie Soares is averaging 16 and 9.1, respectively, in 23.6 minutes per game.
Notre Dame (8-1) at Virginia Tech (10-0), ACCN at 4 p.m. ET — Notre Dame’s offense ranks fourth (88.2 ppg) and Virginia Tech’s defense is third allowing 48.5 ppg.
Arizona (7-1) vs Baylor (7-2), ESPN2 at 7:30 p.m. ET — Arizona is coming into the week off a crushing loss to Kansas, 77-50.
Oregon State (6-2) vs. LSU (9-0), Pac-12 Networks at 11 p.m. ET — LSU will play its first Power Five team after a lopsided nonconference schedule.
16t. Oregon (7-1)
16t. Creighton (8-1)
White Lotus boss Mike White breaks down THAT death in season 2 finale. | 2022-12-12T19:23:27Z | sports.yahoo.com | Women's college basketball winners and losers: Injuries impacting top contenders; Maryland's historic win | https://sports.yahoo.com/womens-college-basketball-winners-and-losers-injuries-impacting-top-contenders-marylands-historic-win-183712014.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/womens-college-basketball-winners-and-losers-injuries-impacting-top-contenders-marylands-historic-win-183712014.html?src=rss |
Kevin Harvick 2022 season in review
Driver: Kevin Harvick
Car: No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford Mustang
Crew chief: Rodney Childers
Key stats: 2 wins, 9 top fives, 17 top 10s, 119 laps led
How 2022 ended: Harvick was one of four drivers — a group that also included two-time champ Kyle Busch — to be dropped from title contention after the Round of 16 elimination race at Bristol Motor Speedway, a race Harvick had won just two years prior. It was a somewhat abrupt end to the 2014 champion’s shot at a second Cup title after coming alive just a few weeks prior with back-to-back wins at Michigan and Richmond as the regular season wound down. Issues at Darlington (exhaust, P33) and Kansas (crash, P36) put him in must-win mode at Bristol, and his 10th-place run was not enough to advance. His best remaining finish after being eliminated came at the Charlotte road course, with a runner-up showing.
Best race: This is a bit of a cop-out, but Harvick’s two wins at Michigan and Richmond in back-to-back weeks — the only driver to do this in 2022 — really feel inextricably connected given the tense build-up to Michigan’s victory and the questions that followed the win in Virginia. Many had written Harvick off as a legit title contender by midseason and rumblings that he might be cooked in general were louder than the No. 4 driver would’ve preferred. After all, the win in the Irish Hills snapped a 65-race winless streak dating back to 2020 and he’d looked way off in 2022 to that point. Neither win was particularly dominant (38/200 laps led at Michigan, 55/400 at Richmond) but many were touting the awakening of a “sleeping giant” at such a time that could disrupt the playoffs majorly. Had it not been for the issues at Darlington and Kansas, it’s fair to wonder just how far a dialed-in No. 4 team would’ve fared the rest of the way had it remained in contention.
RELATED: Harvick snaps drought, wins Michigan | ‘Happy’ keeps hot hand rolling at Richmond
kevin harvick celebrates a richmond win
Other season highlights: There weren’t a ton of them in relation to how Harvick typically performs (he did win a whopping nine races in 2020, after all), but he did manage to muster seven top-five finishes from the Coca-Cola 600 (third) through the end of the season, in a noticeable uptick from where he and the No. 4 started the year (just two top fives in first 12 races). He nailed down a win and runner-up in the two Richmond races in 2022, as well as running in the top five at some of his other mainstays (Darlington, Sonoma, Loudon and Phoenix).
Stat to know: While Harvick did turn in a pair of victories, it was an overall significantly down year by his standards. Plenty of numbers stand out — a career-worst 119 laps led perhaps chief among them — but Harvick also failed to record an average starting spot in the top 10 for just the second time since 2013. A rough 17.5 average starting position definitely hindered the No. 4 car’s results in 2022, but it’s worth wondering if Childers and Harvick failed to grasp the Next Gen changes out of the gate and were battling against a speed deficit all season. Qualifying improvements will certainly be on their radar for 2023.
Quotable: “I think as you look back at (being one spot below Dale Earnhardt in career wins after Richmond), I don’t think as you start your career, you don’t say, well, I want to — it’s easy to say, I guess, I want to win 70-some races and be close or win 60, and then you start doing this on a week-to-week basis, and I think that’s the hardest thing, especially I see it a lot in today’s world. You come out of the Xfinity Series and you see these guys winning a lot of races and you come — I tell (son) Keelan, you’re a go-kart racer. When you want to go big-boy racing, you go Cup racing.
“It’s just a lot harder because everyone in this garage is just a killer, from the crew chief to the drivers to the guys changing the tires. It’s the best of the best, and it’s not easy to keep your team and everybody within your organization competitive, keep yourself competitive. It’s hard.”
RELATED: Harvick to decide future before Daytona 500
Looking ahead: Any driver who wins two races in a season — let alone in back-to-back weeks — will typically feel pretty good about the next campaign on tap, but there are some legitimate concerns for Harvick and SHR as the longtime pairing has now looked like a shell of its former self the past two seasons with two different car generations. Harvick, however, is one of the all-time greats, and the same can be said about his cerebral crew chief in Childers. An offseason of continued tinkering on Next Gen setups and overall preparation ahead of what might be the Californian’s final season in Cup should have them back in winning contention more consistently in 2023, but it’s far from a guarantee. | 2022-12-12T19:35:58Z | sports.yahoo.com | Kevin Harvick 2022 season in review | https://sports.yahoo.com/kevin-harvick-2022-season-review-092712491.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/kevin-harvick-2022-season-review-092712491.html?src=rss |
Watchdog group StopAntisemitism.org named Ye, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West, as the group’s “Antisemite of the Year” after he became embroiled in controversy over a string of derogatory comments against Jews. The group had named Ye and two other figures who made recent antisemitic comments as finalists late last month. “Kanye West’s threats…
White House official details Brittney Griner's first moments after prisoner swapCNN
Octavia Spencer gets a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
When Octavia Spencer moved to Los Angeles from Alabama with goals to become an actress, the Walk of Fame in […] The post Octavia Spencer gets a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame appeared first on TheGrio. | 2022-12-12T19:44:34Z | sports.yahoo.com | Brittney Griner continues reintegration processes on US soil after prison swap | https://sports.yahoo.com/brittney-griner-continues-reintegration-processes-210724361.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/brittney-griner-continues-reintegration-processes-210724361.html?src=rss |
Full interview: The Shargi family on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan"
Watch the full version of an interview with the family of detained Iranian-American Emad Shargi that aired on Dec. 11, 2022, on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."
Brittney Griner is not expecting to make any immediate future plans, including whether to resume her career with the Mercury, according to espn.com. | 2022-12-12T19:44:53Z | sports.yahoo.com | Brittney Griner’s road to recovery | https://sports.yahoo.com/brittney-griner-road-recovery-072621574.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/brittney-griner-road-recovery-072621574.html?src=rss |
Kieran Culkin Reunites With Steve Martin and Martin Short in 'SNL's 'Father of the Bride' Parody
Last night's episode of Saturday Night Live included a Father of the Bride sketch, which saw SNL reunite Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Kieran Culkin.
Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Kieran Culkin reprised their characters for "Father of the Bride" sketch on "Saturday Night Live."
Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has had hundreds of shipping containers placed on the state's border with Mexico in an effort to secure the boundary before he leaves office. | 2022-12-12T19:45:06Z | sports.yahoo.com | President Biden faces criticism as Paul Whelan remains in Russian custody | https://sports.yahoo.com/president-biden-faces-criticism-paul-120650764.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/president-biden-faces-criticism-paul-120650764.html?src=rss |
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner shoots against the Chicago Sky during the first half of Game 1 of the WNBA Finals on Oct. 10, 2021, in Phoenix. (Ralph Freso / Associated Press)
“When you have one incident, you have a whole trail of traumatic consequences, but when the events are repeated, the consequences are not additive, they are multiplicative,” said Priscilla Dass-Brailsford, a clinical psychologist and an associate professor of psychiatry at Georgetown University who's an expert in trauma recovery. “So it’s harder and the therapy becomes very long-term.”
In this image made from video provided by Russian Federal Security Service, WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner sits in the plane as she flies to Abu Dhabi to be exchanged for Russian citizen Viktor Bout, in Russia, on Dec. 9, 2022. (Russian Federal Security Service via Associated Press) | 2022-12-12T19:45:12Z | sports.yahoo.com | What's next for Brittney Griner? Experts discuss a road to recovery | https://sports.yahoo.com/whats-next-brittney-griner-experts-120052468.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/whats-next-brittney-griner-experts-120052468.html?src=rss |
There are four games left in the 2022 NFL regular season, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are still searching for their identity.
After Sunday’s 35-7 blowout loss to the San Francisco 49ers, one thing they’re not right now is a good football team.
“We have to decide what team we want to be,” Bowles said after the game. “We can’t be one set of Bucs and another set of Bucs. It’s got to mean something. We’ve got a one-game lead – with four games to go. Either we want it or we don’t. You can’t care more than everybody else. As a coach you don’t go on the field. But we got out-coached, so we’re not excused from this at all. We got out-played as well. So as a team, as a group, we have to buckle down and we have decide what our fate is in the next couple of weeks.”
The fact that the Bucs are about to head into Week 15, and their head coach is still saying things like this, is a red flag about the size of the one that towers over One Buc Place.
Star wide receiver Mike Evans, who had a 68-yard touchdown on the Bucs’ first offensive possession called back for holding, echoed Bowles’ sentiments, but placed the lion’s share of the blame on himself and his teammates (via Fox Sports’ Greg Auman):
Video: Mike Evans says Todd Bowles is right, that the Bucs must decide what kind of team they are and stop the inconsistent up-and-down play. pic.twitter.com/IIpGZgZmHs
There’s not much the Bucs have done well so far this season.
They’re among the worst teams in the league when it comes to scoring points or running the ball effectively, they continue to beat themselves with penalties and other self-inflicted errors, they can’t create big plays on defense, and plenty of coaching decisions have been questionable at best.
As they look to salvage a division title in a dismal NFC South, and hope to find some magic once they get into the postseason, the Bucs still have no clue who they are. | 2022-12-12T20:19:23Z | sports.yahoo.com | 14 weeks in, the 2022 Bucs still have no clue who they are | https://sports.yahoo.com/14-weeks-2022-bucs-still-194137615.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/14-weeks-2022-bucs-still-194137615.html?src=rss |
Johnson could start if Purdy unable to play in 49ers-Seahawks originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
As the 49ers begin preparations to face the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday, there is the distinct possibility they could turn to veteran quarterback Josh Johnson.
Rookie Brock Purdy sustained an oblique strain in the 49ers’ 35-7 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. Purdy did not play the final 13 minutes of game action.
"I think it was a challenge for him, just talking to him and seeing him after the game,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday during a conference call with Bay Area reporters.
“I think he really toughed it out and did some real good things with it. I know he’s sore today. Hopefully the MRI will be good and it will give him a chance to play Thursday.”
The 49ers were awaiting the results of an MRI examination of the muscles that are integral to core control and rotation.
“I believe (the strain is) on his left side, but your oblique is a big muscle that goes across everything,” Shanahan said. “So when you throw, it’s your whole core. I feel like it’s not good either way.”
Purdy is believed to have sustained the injury on the 49ers’ second drive of the game when he made a third-down dive along the sideline. The play was nullified by a holding penalty.
“I believe that’s when he felt it, and it got worse on him throughout the game,” Shanahan said.
If Purdy is unable to play Thursday night in Seattle, the 49ers will turn to Johnson, 36, who has just nine career starts since entering the NFL in 2009 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Johnson saw his first regular-season action as a member of the 49ers on Sunday — one week after agreeing to leave the Denver Broncos’ practice squad for a spot as Purdy’s backup. Johnson played 11 snaps, and completed one of two pass attempts for 10 yards. His completion went for rookie Danny Gray’s first career reception.
RELATED: Purdy conjures memories of another 49ers rookie's starting debut
Shanahan said Johnson will be as ready as possible if he is called upon to play this week.
“That’s one of the reasons we brought him here because Josh is really good at picking things up,” Shanahan said. “We just put him in the game for the whole quarter, where he had to handle the jet sweep, timing of motions and things like that.
“Those weren’t very normal formations and runs. So he can go in and have a real good command of the offense.” | 2022-12-12T20:19:42Z | sports.yahoo.com | 49ers' Josh Johnson ready to start if Brock Purdy unable to play vs. Seahawks | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-josh-johnson-ready-start-193318009.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-josh-johnson-ready-start-193318009.html?src=rss |
The Eagles don’t have many weaknesses, but Punter Arryn Siposs has been a player to watch all season, and things could be heating up.
Siposs suffered a lower leg injury after trying to advance a blocked punt on Sunday and he’ll be out for an indefinite amount of time.
Here are five punters Philadelphia could have in for a tryout ahead of Sunday’s matchup at Chicago.
Miller’s tryouts are an annual event, and the left-handed punter could be an option.
Entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2014, Miller has yet to see game action while bouncing around the league from the practice squad to the practice squad.
Miller signed a futures contract with the San Francisco 49ers in January 2017 but was cut later that offseason in May.
He’s also spent four different occasions on the Giants’ practice squad and most recently signed with the Los Angeles Rams during the 2019 preseason.
Nas 0808 Titans 008
A 14-year NFL vet, Kern is a former All-Pro named to the Pro Bowl three times and has a career punting average of 45.9 yards, with 39.7% of his kicks landing inside the 20.
Kern played for the Titans in 2022, averaging 44.8 yards per punt, with a net of 40.4 yards.
Syndication Democrat And Chronicle | 2022-12-12T20:19:48Z | sports.yahoo.com | 5 punters the Eagles could target after Arryn Siposs suffered leg injury against Giants | https://sports.yahoo.com/5-punters-eagles-could-target-195537353.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/5-punters-eagles-could-target-195537353.html?src=rss |
Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz is officially back. The Commanders activated Wentz from injured reserve Monday, and he will now serve as Taylor Heinicke’s backup.
Wentz fractured the ring finger on his right [throwing] hand in a Week 6 win over the Chicago Bears. Wentz finished the game but went on IR afterward with a 4-6 week timeline for his return.
Taylor Heinicke returned to the starting lineup for the Commanders and proceeded to lead Washington to back-to-back wins over the Green Bay Packers and Indianapolis Colts. Heinicke and the Commanders led a late lead over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 9 before losing on a late field goal.
Washington’s biggest win came in Week 10 against the previously unbeaten Philadelphia Eagles. Overall, since Wentz’s injury, the Commanders have gone 5-1-1 and stand at 7-5-1 on the season.
Head coach Ron Rivera stated weeks ago that Wentz would back up Heinicke when he returned and that he had spoken to both players before anyone else.
In six games, Wentz completed 62% of his passes for 1,489 yards, with 10 touchdowns and six interceptions.
The Commanders have four games remaining, beginning with Sunday Night Football’s rematch with the New York Giants that has major NFC playoff implications.
Gayle King Chimes In On Amy Robach And T.J. Holmes: 'Very Messy And Very Sloppy'
CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King is giving her two cents about the drama involving Amy Robach and T.J. | 2022-12-12T20:20:27Z | sports.yahoo.com | Commanders activate Carson Wentz from reserve/injured list | https://sports.yahoo.com/commanders-activate-carson-wentz-injured-194824718.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/commanders-activate-carson-wentz-injured-194824718.html?src=rss |
Third-round rookie Desmond Ridder will replace Marcus Mariota as the starting quarterback for the Falcons' Week 15 game against the New Orleans Saints, head coach Arthur Smith announced Monday. Smith called the decision "performance-based" but also added that Mariota is likely headed to injured reserve with a knee injury.
As Yahoo Sports' Charles McDonald wrote in his weekly Four Verts column last week, the Falcons needed to explore what they have in Ridder before the season ended, rather than ride it out with the veteran Mariota. Ridder had a solid preseason, too. He completed 60.1% of his passes for 431 yards and three touchdowns in three games, though he also threw two interceptions. Ridder was prolific in college as well, with 3,334 passing yards and 30 touchdowns in the University of Cincinnati's 13-1 season that ended in the College Football Playoff semifinal.
Ridder might not save the Falcons' season, but starting him at least gives Atlanta a glimpse of his potential while the organization evaluates the roster before the 2023 offseason.
Ravens announce inactives for Week 14 matchup vs. Steelers
The Ravens announced their inactive players for Week 14 against the Steelers
49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw wanted a souvenir after intercepting Tom Brady on Sunday, and the legendary quarterback obliged. | 2022-12-12T20:20:46Z | sports.yahoo.com | Falcons reportedly plan to start rookie QB Desmond Ridder, replacing Marcus Mariota | https://sports.yahoo.com/desmond-ridder-to-start-week-15-for-falcons-replacing-marcus-mariota-195321277.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/desmond-ridder-to-start-week-15-for-falcons-replacing-marcus-mariota-195321277.html?src=rss |
Over the last few weeks, slandering Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has become an unfortunate cottage sub-industry that tells us a lot about what’s wrong with the business of sports talk disguised as analysis. Those who have decided that Herbert has not unlocked that mythical “next level” required of all “elite” quarterbacks would like us to know that they have gone beyond the highlight plays, and revealed the soft underbelly that tells us the truth.
At that moment, their analysis is not about Justin Herbert at all — it’s all about the guy making noise. When Emmanuel Acho insists that Herbert is just a “social media quarterback” (i.e., capable of a few highlight plays, and a whole bunch of meh around them), and when other, more respected analysts charry-pick stats without the benefit of tape to ostensibly bring us a deeper, greater, truth? You are now watching the World Series of Woolgathering, as opposed to anything relevant or true. Acho has now recorded a “Social Media Freestyle” to triple down on his alleged analysis… so again, this is just a few people attaching themselves to Herbert as if they were pilot fish. This isn’t legitimate analysis.
Even if you want to perform a mea culpa now, it’s still going to be all about you. Justin Herbert is your innocent bystander.
If we want to get into the reality of where Herbert is at this point in his career, well, let’s do that. Because the evidence is pretty clear that Herbert, in his third NFL season, is playing the position about as well as anybody could in his circumstances. Other top-tier quarterbacks (and yes, Herbert is just that) have receivers who can gain separation. They have offensive lines that are at least functional, for the most part. They have offensive play-callers who aren’t actively working against their attributes.
Right now, Herbert has none of those things. But he is still the quarterback you want — the quarterback you win because of, not the one you win with or in spite of. He is transcendent, because he keeps transcending all the little disasters around him, and if you can’t see that (probably because you’re not looking on purpose), I don’t know what to tell you.
With that, let’s take ourselves out of the equation, and take a good look at where Justin Herbert is right now. Stats and tape and nothing else.
We promise.
Refusing to give Herbert the benefit of the doubt.
Someone is refusing to give Herbert the benefit of the doubt, and we’re not talking about the outside naysayers. We are talking about Chargers offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi. He is the grandson of Vince Lombardi, who had a more expansive passing game with the Green Bay Packers of the 1960s than his grandson has constructed in the Year of Our Lord 2022.
Our own Laurie Fitzpatrick got into this in November, and it all rings true as we speed past Thanksgiving into the year-end holidays. Laurie called what the Chargers are doing “a reductive West Coast offense with a gunslinger at quarterback,” and I couldn’t put it any more perfectly. In a general sense, Lombardi is more about the elimination of bad plays than the creation of explosive plays, and there’s only so far you’re ever going to get with that.
The Chargers are wasting Justin Herbert’s talent with a disappearing passing game
Coming into Week 14 though, Herbert had bailed his OC out in the most grievous of situations. When facing third- or fourth-and 10 or more, Herbert had completed a league-high 10 passes of 10 or more air yards on a league-high 19 attempts for 254 yards (only Patrick Mahomes had more), a league-high 218 air yards, one touchdown, and a passer rating of 115.6.
Herbert had two such situations against the Dolphins on Sunday night, and he converted one of them. The conversion was this 18-yard throw (18 air yards) to Josh Palmer on third-and-10 with 1:24 left in the first half.
Through Week 13, no quarterback in the NFL had more attempts that didn’t travel past the sticks than Herbert’s 330. He also led the NFL in completions that didn’t travel past the sticks with 285. The second- and third-most prolific throwers this season avoiding the sticks have been Tom Brady (279 completions short of the sticks) and Matt Ryan (227). Mahomes ranks fourth in completions short of the sticks with 220.
But Mahomes also has a league-high 12 touchdowns and just two interceptions on such throws (compared to Herbert’s four touchdowns and three interceptions) in part because Mahomes’ passing game is designed to win after the catch. Herbert’s passing game isn’t really designed to do anything. He has to play beyond and outside of the structure he’s given, and the extent to which he’s able to do that is a bold check mark in his favor, and a bold black mark for the Chargers’ coaching staff.
Receivers without separation.
Per Next Gen Stats, Herbert’s receivers are not going to consistently gain separation on their own.
Keenan Allen ranks 13th in the league with 3.8 average yards of separation per target. He leads the team.
Josh Palmer has averaged 3.4 yards of separation per target.
DeAndre Carter has averaged 3.2 yards of separation per target.
Gerald Everett has averaged 3.1 yards of separation per target.
Mike Williams has averaged 2.6 yards of separation per target.
The average yards of separation per target for the entire NFL this season is 3.0 — so, at best, Herbert is dealing with a just above average baseline group of targets when it comes to getting open of their own accord.
Here’s another time where Herbert had to bail everybody out in a situation that would have been impossible for the vast majority of NFL quarterbacks. This is against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 13. The Chargers had fourth-and-12 at the Las Vegas 35-yard line. There was 8:44 left in the fourth quarter, and the Chargers were down, 27-12. Basically, if Herbert doesn’t do something ridiculous here, it’s Game Over. Hebert threw what might have been the pass of the season to Keenan Allen for a 35-yard touchdown, and watch how Allen ran his vertical route from the right outside slot.
If you don’t think this is good quarterback play, it’s possible that you and I are watching different sports.
Thriving under pressure.
When you are a quarterback dealing with mostly unimaginative route concepts, an injury-plagued offensive line, and receivers who can’t consistently separate, you know what happens? You face a lot of pressure. This season, Herbert has the NFL’s most dropbacks (207), most attempts (170), and most completions (94) under duress. He’s thrown for 933 yards, 5.5 yards per attempt, five touchdowns, and four interceptions under pressure, which tells you that the dominant response is to check it down.
That said, there are times when Herbert will cork one off under pressure, and you just wonder how you were lucky enough to witness it. This throw to Mike Williams with 5:40 left in the third quarter of the Dolphins game is Mozart as it should be played — and a throw not many quarterbacks could (or would dare to) make.
You have got to be @#$%ing kidding me. pic.twitter.com/5gTRM0S7Yr
Rolling right, across your body, 39 yards in the air, a perfectly-timed rope. If that’s a social media quarterback, sign me up.
The big play was all Herbert. Williams benefited from this to an interesting degree.
Mike Williams aligned across from Xavien Howard on 32 of his 39 routes (82% shadow).
Williams had 3 receptions for 97 yards with Howard as the nearest defender, all three of which came on vertical routes vs a single-high coverage shell.#MIAvsLAC | #BoltUp pic.twitter.com/MHgBd01nvP
We need to elevate the discussion.
Mythbusting is valuable in any kind of analysis. If you see a wave of opinion heading in one direction, and you have irrefutable evidence that the wave is wrong, that’s an important addition to the discussion. What is not an important addition to the discussion is the practice of cherry-picking a pre-determined argument you’re making to get eyes on your work, right or wrong.
That’s not analysis. It’s yelling, disguised as junk science.
In the case of Justin Herbert, and the sudden need to take him down a few pegs, there is the player, there are the players around him, there is the scheme, and there is what actually happens on the field. Herbert has made the very best of circumstances that would take most quarterbacks down, and he’s made plays that most other quarterbacks couldn’t make. If the idea here is to denigrate him for the inconsistencies in his play without considering the ancillary factors that play into those inconsistencies, what are we doing here?
There will always be screamers who are paid to be loud as opposed to being right. That’s an unfortunate inevitability in any industry. But taking that curse and bending it into the guise of actual analysis cheapens the work done by others who are trying to get it right in an honest fashion. It reduces the effective impact of actual tape and analytical study, and that’s a dangerous thing when we already have a fairly massive misunderstanding and mistrust in and around the NFL when it comes to what analytics actually mean, and where they’re valuable.
More than ever, with more tools at our disposal than ever, we should feel obligated to get it right, the right way. | 2022-12-12T20:21:05Z | sports.yahoo.com | If you don’t think Justin Herbert is great, that’s a you problem | https://sports.yahoo.com/don-t-think-justin-herbert-193340349.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/don-t-think-justin-herbert-193340349.html?src=rss |
Eagles searching for punter after Siposs injury originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
The Eagles need to find a new punter and soon.
The ankle injury Arryn Siposs suffered on Sunday is going to keep him out for a while, head coach Nick Sirianni confirmed on Monday afternoon. Sirianni also confirmed the Eagles will be bringing in a replacement in time for next week's game in Chicago.
“Arryn’s (injury) is looking like it’s going to be a little longer than we expected,” Sirianni said. “And so we will have to bring somebody in. Don’t really know how long it’s going to be. But we’re planning and we’ll obviously bring somebody in. We’re working through that right now.”
Siposs, 30, was seen in the locker room with a walking boot on his leg, the first sign that he’d miss some time.
Without Siposs, the Eagles will obviously need to add a punter and they are already bringing in 36-year-old Brett Kern for a visit, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported. Kern hasn’t played this year but is a three-time Pro Bowler and was an All-Pro in 2019. He has played 14 full seasons in the NFL with the Broncos and Titans.
There’s a chance the Eagles might bring in some other punters for a look too. Earlier this season, they worked out a couple lefty punters before facing Washington’s Tress Way.
Siposs injured his ankle in the second quarter of the Eagles’ 48-22 win over the Giants. On the play, the Eagles were backed up and Siposs had his punt blocked. He made an athletic move to scoop the ball and nearly ran for a first down but was hit awkwardly near the sideline. He needed help to get back to the Eagles bench.
After a brief trip to the blue medical tent at MetLife Stadium, Siposs was carted inside and did not return.
In his absence, kicker Jake Elliott assumed punting duties. His only punt traveled 35 yards.
And rookie receiver/punt returner Britain Covey filled in as the field goal holder and did a solid job. Covey warmed up on the sideline and there weren’t any issues between him, Elliott and long-snapper Rick Lovato.
This season, Siposs has performed pretty well. He’s punted 44 times and is averaging 45.6 yards per punt, up from 43.9 last season. And he has downed 36.4% of his punts inside the 20-yard line, up from 30.9% last season. | 2022-12-12T20:21:18Z | sports.yahoo.com | Eagles punter Arryn Siposs out indefinitely after freak injury vs. Giants | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-punter-arryn-siposs-indefinitely-193846779.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-punter-arryn-siposs-indefinitely-193846779.html?src=rss |
The Atlanta Falcons will start rookie Desmond Ridder at quarterback when they take on the New Orleans Saints in Week 15, head coach Arthur Smith confirmed during his Monday afternoon press conference.
Smith said that Marcus Mariota is dealing with a knee injury and will likely be placed on the injured reserve list, although he was clear about it being a performance-based decision.
Mariota has had an up-and-down year as Atlanta’s starting quarterback. While the team undoubtedly overachieved if you look at what most NFL analysts said prior to the season, Mariota wasn’t doing enough to hold off Ridder.
With the team at 5-8, the bye week felt like the right time for Smith to make the move. Mariota likely finishes his season with 2,219 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, nine interceptions and a passer rating of 88.2.
The former No. 2 overall pick also rushed for a career-high 435 yards on the ground and four rushing touchdowns. | 2022-12-12T20:21:24Z | sports.yahoo.com | Falcons expected to place QB Marcus Mariota on injured reserve | https://sports.yahoo.com/falcons-expected-place-qb-marcus-200236229.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/falcons-expected-place-qb-marcus-200236229.html?src=rss |
USA midfielder Gio Reyna has responded to reports that he was almost sent home from Qatar for a perceived lack of effort during the team’s preparations for their World Cup opener against Wales. The Athletic reported that Reyna was “walking around” while the rest of the team trained intensely in one session a few days before the Wales match, USA’s first game at a World Cup since 2014. It was not clear whether the 20-year-old’s performance was due to injury or disappointment that he was unlikely to start against Wales. | 2022-12-12T20:21:37Z | sports.yahoo.com | Full list of NFL teams eliminated from 2022 playoff contention | https://sports.yahoo.com/full-list-nfl-teams-eliminated-190900534.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/full-list-nfl-teams-eliminated-190900534.html?src=rss |
No, it’s not deja vu. It’s just really great play from Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff once again.
For the second week in a row, Goff is one of three finalists for the FedEx Air Player of the Week. Goff earned the nomination for a fantastic outing in Detroit’s win over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 14.
Goff completed 27-of-39 passes for 320 yards and three TDs in the 34-23 Lions win. He was also nominated for the Week 13 win over the Jaguars, as well as back in Weeks 2 and 4. He has yet to win, however.
Here’s how to vote for Goff, via the press release from the NFL and FedEx:
FedEx gives fans the opportunity to recognize weekly top-performing quarterbacks and running backs in games played on Thursday through Sunday through the FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Week Awards. Voting is open until Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. ET at NFL.com/FedEx each week of the season. Fans can also vote on Twitter via the @NFL published polls and on the NFL Mobile App. | 2022-12-12T20:22:15Z | sports.yahoo.com | Jared Goff once again nominated for FedEx Air Player of the Week | https://sports.yahoo.com/jared-goff-once-again-nominated-193739084.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/jared-goff-once-again-nominated-193739084.html?src=rss |
The Jets had a few injury scares during Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills. For the most part, that’s all they were, just quick scares.
Head coach Robert Saleh provided updates on the injuries from Sunday, including the statuses of quarterback Mike White (ribs) and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (calf).
Both players are considered day-to-day. Saleh is hopeful White can start on Sunday and that the Jets are preparing as if White will start in Week 15 against the Lions.
“He’s tough as nails,” Saleh said about White. “He was playing really, really well.”
White took numerous shots during the game and went to the hospital as a precautionary measure. He was cleared and flew home with the team.
Quinnen Williams is closer to 50/50 at this point. Saleh said it’s too early in the week to know for sure. The calf injury is similar to the one Williams had during training camp.
Everyone was holding their breath when Williams went down, hoping it wasn’t a serious non-contact knee injury. He was taken to the locker room and was ruled questionable to return before eventually being ruled out with a calf injury, not a knee injury, which was a positive sign.
Wide receiver Corey Davis is in concussion protocol. He exited Sunday’s game with what was described as a head injury. The good news is Saleh said Davis was “feeling really good today” and that the team is hopeful he’ll be available for Sunday.
Two players are out this week, including one whose season could be over. Cornerback Brandin Echols will not play Sunday with a quadriceps injury and linebacker Marcell Harris is out with an ankle injury. Saleh added that Harris’ injury could be season-ending. | 2022-12-12T20:22:21Z | sports.yahoo.com | Jets provide injury updates on Mike White, Quinnen Williams | https://sports.yahoo.com/jets-injury-updates-mike-white-200454474.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/jets-injury-updates-mike-white-200454474.html?src=rss |
During the 2021 NFL season, the Buffalo Bills had a chance to find out who truly was superior with the New England Patriots.
The Bills and Patriots split their season series last year and ended up meeting in the playoffs to separate the two in a type of “best of three” series.
New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh predicts that could happen for his team and the Bills (10-3) in 2022.
After Buffalo beat his team 20-12 in Week 14, Saleh said he thinks the Jets (7-6) will “see these guys again.”
That is possible. Time will tell.
As Sunday unfolded, New York still hold the final wild-card spot in the AFC. That could change on Monday if the New England Patriots (7-6) defeat the Arizona Cardinals on prime time.
It would also require another loss from the Bills, as Buffalo leads the AFC currently and are on track for a first-round bye in the postseason… or as things stand, the Jets would have to beat the Kansas City Chiefs (10-3) on the road in the first round in order to head to Orchard Park again.
For Saleh’s full statement on potentially playing the Bills again, see the attached clip below: | 2022-12-12T20:22:27Z | sports.yahoo.com | Jets’ Robert Saleh on Bills: ‘We’re going to see those guys again’ | https://sports.yahoo.com/jets-robert-saleh-bills-going-191559562.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/jets-robert-saleh-bills-going-191559562.html?src=rss |
Bucs' Neal 'surprised' by roughing-the-passer call vs. 49ers originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
Buccaneers safety Keanu Neal's would-be sack of rookie quarterback Brock Purdy certainly wasn't how San Francisco's offense wanted to start its first drive -- but it turned out to be in the 49ers' favor when Neal was called for a roughing-the-passer penalty after making helmet-to-helmet contact with Purdy.
After the game, Neal said the penalty call shocked him.
"I was [surprised], honestly, because I wrapped up and I didn’t lead with my head," Neal told reporters. "I felt like I led with my chest a little bit. I was surprised. I didn’t expect a flag, but like I said, the refs are making decisions in split seconds and they made that call. I can’t argue with it, just have to move forward.”
Both Purdy and 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed after the game that the 22-year-old called the wrong audible on the play, though the QB was thankful for Neal's hit, interestingly enough.
"Yeah, it was a hard hit," Purdy, who made his first NFL start Sunday, said after the game. "I was in the wrong play actually, so that was on me, but honestly, it felt good to sort of just get hit and just feel like I was in the game, and I was like, OK.
"So, it sort of turned out to be a good thing.”
Neal explained that he wasn't aiming for the rookie's head, nor did he remember making helmet-to-helmet contact with Purdy.
"I wasn’t trying to hit him in the head. That wasn’t my goal," Neal said. "My goal was to get the sack with force, obviously. It’s football. It’s a physical sport ... It wasn’t his blind side.
"I thought he saw me, honestly, that’s why I came in. But as I got closer, I expected him to step into the pocket or step out. Yet he didn’t see me, so I just drove through him. But my goal wasn’t to hit him in the head. That’s never my intention. I’m not that kind of player."
Instead of an 8-yard loss on the play, the penalty awarded the 49ers 15 yards and a first down -- which was all Purdy and the offense needed to begin their five-play, 67-yard scoring drive and go up 7-0 in the game's first three minutes.
"Well, [Neal] tried the lowest target.. [Purdy] was a smaller quarterback to begin with," Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said of the play. "We talk about it all the time. We work at it all the time. He understands that we can't add a penalty.”
RELATED: Ward feels ‘football gods’ are against 49ers after Deebo injury
The 49ers never looked back after that first possession, with Purdy and Co. ultimately walking away with a blowout win over Tampa Bay and legendary quarterback Tom Brady.
And that was no surprise to the 49ers Faithful. | 2022-12-12T20:22:34Z | sports.yahoo.com | Keanu Neal 'surprised' by roughing-the-passer penalty vs. Brock Purdy, 49ers | https://sports.yahoo.com/keanu-neal-surprised-roughing-passer-200004603.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/keanu-neal-surprised-roughing-passer-200004603.html?src=rss |
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) Andy Reid made it clear Sunday night that he wouldn't simply forget about the uncharacteristic three interceptions that Patrick Mahomes had thrown against the Denver Broncos.
''Every quarterback that has played in this league for a while has a game like that,'' Reid said. ''The one great thing about him is he kept firing and had a lot of big plays, and so you can't take away the three interceptions, but there sure were some good ones in between those. And it's a great learning experience. But every great one's had that as well. It's one of those days and we were able to work through and everyone kept battling and finished the game.''
Mahomes has lamented for weeks the ''one dumb play'' he seems to make each game.
''I promise you,'' Mahomes said, ''I know I'm messing up. When I go to the sidelines, I'm hot. Those coaches come to me and they know I understand, but they still let me know what I can get better at. I just cannot put our team in that situation.''
''You are not going to play your best football every week,'' Mahomes said, ''but how can you build on your past week for the rest of the season to make sure you are playing your best football when the playoffs come around?''
DENVER (AP) Just when he started to look like his vintage self - scrambling for first downs and diving for the goal line - Russell Wilson was knocked out of the game with a concussion Sunday. Wilson, who hasn't had a lot of things go his way in his first season in Denver, left the Broncos' 34-28 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs after suffering a head injury at the end of a 14-yard scramble to the Kansas City 2 early in the fourth quarter. Wilson had rallied the Broncos (3-10) from a 27-0 deficit with a trio of touchdown drives. | 2022-12-12T20:22:46Z | sports.yahoo.com | Mahomes' brilliance for KC blighted by more turnover trouble | https://sports.yahoo.com/mahomes-brilliance-kc-blighted-more-185731703.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/mahomes-brilliance-kc-blighted-more-185731703.html?src=rss |
No NFL team that started the season 1-6 has ever made the postseason. And when the Detroit Lions owned that miserable record, it sure seemed impossible for this to be the team that breaks that historical trend.
Since that 1-6 start, the Detroit Lions are 5-1. The latest win, Sunday’s 34-23 triumph over the 10-3 Vikings, elevated the Lions from the fringe of the “in the playoff hunt” graphics to prominently in the picture. Detroit won in Week 14, while two teams immediately above them in the playoff standings, the Giants and Seahawks, both lost.
At 6-7, the Lions are now nipping at the heels of those two teams in the race for NFC wild card berths. Entering the Monday night game (Cardinals vs. Patriots) of Week 14, here are the NFC standings:
The Lions are one game back of the Seahawks and 1.5 behind the Giants and Commanders, who tied in Week 13. We’re not going to worry ourselves with anyone behind the Lions for playoff purposes.
Detroit has four games left to make up 1.5 games. The Lions play the New York Jets (7-6), Carolina Panthers (5-8), Chicago Bears (3-10) and Green Bay Packers (5-8).
It’s a manageable schedule but not necessarily as easy of one as it might appear from the outside; the Jets have lost three of four and have starting QB Mike White battling injured ribs to start the game week. Carolina has quietly won three of four, including a win on Sunday in Seattle. The Panthers cannot be taken lightly. The final two foes are NFC North rivals and nothing is ever easy within the division even as badly as Chicago and Green Bay are playing this season.
The Lions do need some help. Detroit lost to Seattle early in the season, giving the Seahawks the head-to-head tiebreaker. If the two teams finish with the same record, Seattle would earn the playoff berth.
Detroit owns the tiebreak with both Washington and New York, but when those two teams tied in Week 13, it effectively negated the tiebreaker advantage for the Lions. In short, the Lions have four weeks to earn two games over two of three teams.
Various outlets put the odds for the Lions to pull that off at right around 20 percent.
The Lions are longshots to qualify for the postseason, to be sure. They need help from the upcoming foes of the three teams they are battling with for the final two spots.
The clearest path
Washington and New York play in Week 15. If the Commanders win, that basically (but not mathematically) gets them in. More importantly, the loss would drop the Giants to 7-6-1. The Giants would then need to lose at least two of their final three: at Minnesota, home for the Colts and the finale in Philadelphia against an Eagles team that could very well have the No. 1 seed locked down already. The Giants would end up 8-8-1 in that scenario. The way the Giants have been playing lately, those are fair odds to occur.
Seattle would also need to lose at least three of its final four: home for San Francisco this Thursday night, then at the Chiefs, home for the Jets and then the Rams. Going 1-3 in those games would leave Seattle at 8-9. That’s plausible but far from bankable.
The 6-7 Lions could then go 3-1 to finish 9-8 (or 4-0 to finish 10-7) and qualify. Again, plausible but not necessarily bankable. Of course, if the Lions don’t take care of their own business, nothing else matters. | 2022-12-12T20:23:18Z | sports.yahoo.com | Playoffs? Evaluating the Lions chances to make the postseason | https://sports.yahoo.com/playoffs-evaluating-lions-chances-postseason-185518327.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/playoffs-evaluating-lions-chances-postseason-185518327.html?src=rss |
Steelers open as 2.5-point underdogs in Week 15
After dropping a home showdown against the Baltimore Ravens, the Pittsburgh Steelers must now regroup minus their starting quarterback and take on the red-hot Carolina Panthers on the road.
Tipico Sportsbook opened up this week’s like between the Steelers and Panthers with Pittsburgh as 2.5-point underdogs. Considering Pittsburgh is coming off of a big loss and the Panthers are coming off of a huge upset win over the Seattle Seahawks on the road, 2.5 points feels generous.
Both teams come into the game at 5-8 and have been completely hot and cold all season. Pittsburgh is staring up at a long offseason from the bottom of the AFC North. But for the Panthers, things are different. Despite their record, they are still in contention for the NFC South and this gives them far more to play for. | 2022-12-12T20:23:37Z | sports.yahoo.com | Steelers open as 2.5-point underdogs in Week 15 | https://sports.yahoo.com/steelers-open-2-5-point-195419094.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/steelers-open-2-5-point-195419094.html?src=rss |
The 2022 NFL season is winding down for the Chicago Bears, who sit at 3-10 with four games left on their schedule.
There’s been some good and plenty of bad this season, where the team is currently on a six-game losing streak with the NFL’s toughest remaining strength of schedule ahead of them.
While the focus is starting to shift to the 2023 offseason, there are still some things to watch out for during this final stretch of games, including the continued development of second-year quarterback Justin Fields.
There were no shortage of standout performances — both good and bad — over the first 13 games. Here’s a look at our studs and duds from the Bears’ season (so far).
STUD: QB Justin Fields
Justin Fields has emerged as one of the NFL’s most electrifying players since the mini-bye week, where he’s made plenty of history since Week 9. Fields leads all NFL quarterbacks in rushing with 905 yards and eight touchdowns, and he’s made opposing defenses pay with his elite athleticism. Fields has also completed 61.7 percent of his passes for 1,896 yards and 13 touchdowns with 10 interceptions. It hasn’t been perfect, but the Bears have found their franchise QB in Fields.
DUD: WR Velus Jones Jr.
The third-round wide receiver hasn’t lived up to expectations this season, where he hasn’t carved out a role on offense and has underwhelmed on special teams. On offense, Jones has six carries for 48 yards and three catches for 24 yards and a touchdown. On special teams, he’s returned five punts for 35 yards (and muffed two punts). He’s returned 11 kickoffs for 296 yards.
STUD: RG Teven Jenkins
It’s hard to believe there was a time when many believed Teven Jenkins was done in Chicago. Instead, he’s established himself as the Bears’ best offensive lineman, where he’s found a new home at right guard. Jenkins is the highest-graded offensive lineman for Chicago at 80.1, per PFF. With questions along the offensive line heading into the 2023 offseason, Jenkins made it clear right guard isn’t an issue.
Meanwhile, it hasn’t been the same story for Jenkins’ draft mate Larry Borom. Borom, who entered the season as the starting right tackle, but he’s since been relegated to a backup role. Jenkins was replaced by veteran Riley Reiff, who stepped in when Borom was in concussion protocol. He’s retained the starting job ever since, while recently sharing reps with Alex Leatherwood, who has a chance to make a case for playing time over the last month. Borom has recently been dealing with injury that’s also sidelined him.
STUD: RB Khalil Herbert
Khalil Herbert has been the beneficiary of Luke Getsy’s scheme, where he’s been Chicago’s best running back. Herbert has rushed for 643 yards on 108 carries for four touchdowns. He’s added six catches for 62 yards and a score. Herbert has more rushing yards than David Montgomery (641) despite playing two less games. Herbert has the highest yards per rush average of qualifying running backs at 6.0 yards per carry.
DUD: WR Byron Pringle
The Bears didn’t sign a top wideout this offseason, but Byron Pringle was the “big name” from free agency. Which is why his lack of involvement — given his $4 million salary cap hit — has been such a disappointment. Pringle has five catches for 57 yards and one touchdown in seven games. Granted, the Bears passing game has been the worst in the NFL all season, and it seems like they’re just getting things going. But given the contract and hype, Pringle has ultimately been a dud this season.
Jack Sanborn has been one of the most impactful rookies for the Bears this season, and it’s still a shock that he went undrafted out of Wisconsin. Sanborn got his opportunity to start at the MIKE linebacker role after Roquan Smith was traded to the Ravens. Sanborn has totaled 59 tackles, including five for a loss, two sacks and a fumble recovery this season, most of which game when he took over the starting gig in Week 9. Sanborn has shown impressive instincts and has been lauded for his consistency over the last five games. He’s certainly making a case to be a permanent starter moving forward.
DUD: DE Al-Quadin Muhammad
The Bears pass rush has been nonexistent since early in the season, which wasn’t helped by Robert Quinn’s departure. After trading Khalil Mack in the offseason, GM Ryan Poles brought in Al-Quadin Muhammad to help fill the void. But the void hasn’t been filled (not even close). Muhammad has just one sack in 13 games this season, and he’s been an overall disappointment. Chicago signed Muhammad to a two-year deal worth $8 million, and you have to wonder if he’s a candidate for be a cap casualty this offseason.
STUD: S Eddie Jackson
Eddie Jackson has benefited most from the arrival of Matt Eberflus, where he’s made the most of his fresh start under this new regime. Jackson has been arguably the best player on defense this season, where he’s recorded four interceptions, his most since 2018, when he had six. Unfortunately, Jackson’s season was cut short after he suffered a season-ending foot injury. But Jackson will a prime piece of this defense moving forward in 2023.
DUD: DE Trevis Gipson
As previously mentioned, Chicago’s pass rush has been disappointing. Still, the hope was Trevis Gipson, who was coming off an impressive second season, would step up in his absence. That hasn’t been the case. Gipson has just 2.0 sacks on the year, both of which came against the Packers back in Week 2. Gipson benefited last season from having Quinn on the other side, but with Quinn gone, Gipson has struggled to find the same production. Still, he’s a young guy who’s still developing.
STUD: TE Cole Kmet
It might’ve taken a few weeks, but Cole Kmet finally got going in this Bears offense, where he’s proven himself to be one of Justin Fields’ favorite and most-reliable weapons. After not scoring a touchdown last year, Kmet has five touchdowns on the season, which came during the span of three weeks (Weeks 8-10). Kmet is second in receiving with 408 yards, and he has a chance to end the season as the team’s leading receiver with Darnell Mooney sidelined for the year. The arrow is pointed up for the Arlington Heights native, who will be an important part of this passing game in 2023.
DUD: C Sam Mustipher
If not for Lucas Patrick breaking his thumb at the beginning of training camp, it’s hard to imagine we would’ve seen much of Sam Mustipher this season. Mustipher, who started all 17 games for Chicago at center in 2021, has had his struggles, but his experience made him perfect as Patrick’s replacement. There was a point this season when Mustipher was benched in favor of Patrick, who was finally able to snap the ball. But Patrick suffered a season-ending foot injury that forced Mustipher back into the lineup. Safe to say, center will be a focal point this offseason, although Patrick still has another year left on his deal.
STUD: S Jaquan Brisker
Jaquan Brisker has had an impressive rookie season for the Bears, where he’s established himself as the kind of hard-hitting strong safety that’s the perfect complement to Eddie Jackson. Brisker is the team’s highest-graded defensive rookie by PFF (69.9), and his physical play has been impactful on defense. Brisker has 73 tackles, including five for a loss, 3.0 sacks and a fumble recovery in nine games this season. He’s missed the last two games while in concussion protocol, but he’s gearing up to return in Week 15.
DUD: WR Chase Claypool
The Bears traded their 2023 second-round pick to the Steelers for Chase Claypool, who provided an upgrade for an underwhelming receiving corp. Unfortunately, Claypool hasn’t been as involved in his first five games with Chicago. Claypool has 12 catches for 111 yards and one touchdown. Given the Bears gave up their second-round pick — which will essentially be a late first-round pick — it’s not encouraging. But it’s a move Poles felt he had to make given the lack of big names entering free agency in 2023. While this move might wind up helping Chicago, right now it hasn’t been a hit.
STUD: OC Luke Getsy
Finally, we have to talk about offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, who deserves a lot of credit for the offense’s turnaround since the mini-bye week. Getsy has been far from perfect this season, which makes sense as he’s a first-time play caller at the NFL level. But the job he’s done with Justin Fields this season, which has helped make his young QB more confident and comfortable, has been huge for this offense. Getsy still has some work to do when it comes to situational play calling, but how he’s helped cater this offense to meet the strengths of Fields and the rest of this offense has been paramount. | 2022-12-12T20:23:44Z | sports.yahoo.com | Studs and duds from Bears’ first 13 games of 2022 season | https://sports.yahoo.com/studs-duds-bears-first-13-193920844.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/studs-duds-bears-first-13-193920844.html?src=rss |
The Houston Texans took a unique approach to moving the ball against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 14.
After going 0-2 with Kyle Allen, and producing eight total turnovers in that span, the Texans went back to Davis Mills as the starter. However, the Texans gave backup Jeff Driskel significant snaps throughout the game.
The signal caller, who was elevated the day before from the practice squad, complete 4-6 for 38 yards and a touchdown while also contributing seven carries for 36 yards.
The offense generated 327 total yards, the most since Week 10.
While most of the Texans’ receiving corps had never played with quarterbacks splitting snaps throughout a 60-minute game, the experience was not jarring in terms of keeping them out of rhythm.
“As a receiver, you just get open and if the ball is around you, you’ve just got to catch it,” said wideout Amari Rodgers, who had a career-high four catches for 57 yards and a touchdown. “To me, it doesn’t matter who’s out there at quarterback. I’ve got to do my job and get open. If the ball comes my way, I’ll make the play.”
Rodgers caught a 28-yard touchdown pass late in the first half that wasn’t even supposed to go his way, but Driskel saw Rodgers could make a play on the ball against safety Donovan Wilson.
“They both did a great job today, Driskel and Davis, they did a great job handling the game management and keeping the offense rolling,” said Rodgers. “They did a great job. Maybe we will keep rolling with that because they did a great job.”
Mills completed 16-of-21 for 175 yards and his interception was the result of a Hail Mary attempt on the game’s final play to overcome Dallas’ 27-23 lead.
Receiver Chris Moore, who had 10 catches for 124 yards, called the operation with two quarterbacks “seamless.”
Said Moore: “I feel like we did a good job of practicing that all week and we went out there and executed the game plan pretty well.”
The Texans fall to 1-11-1 with the loss and host the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 15 at NRG Stadium. | 2022-12-12T20:24:03Z | sports.yahoo.com | Two quarterback solution did not affect the Texans’ receivers against the Cowboys | https://sports.yahoo.com/two-quarterback-solution-did-not-190832874.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/two-quarterback-solution-did-not-190832874.html?src=rss |
On Saturday, USC quarterback Caleb Williams became the 19th passer — and the eighth Trojan, if you count Reggie Bush, which we do and always will — to win the Heisman Trophy.
As the most prestigious individual award in the sport, you would think it would prove to be a decent bellwether for NFL success. However, that hasn’t exactly been the case historically.
More Heisman winners have gone undrafted (15) than made the Pro Football Hall of Fame (10). It’s not surprising then that Joe Burrow, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2019 at LSU and already looks like one of the top young quarterbacks in the NFL, leading the Cincinnati Bengals to a Super Bowl appearance in 2021, has already been one of the most successful in recent memory.
In a ranking of the last 25 Heisman winners in terms of NFL success from USA TODAY Sports, Burrow came in fourth despite having just two full seasons and change under his belt at the professional level.
Burrow certainly still has some room to grow if he’s going to reach elite status, but he’s on the inside track and has already proven to be a valuable first-overall selection for the Bengals, with whom he ended the NFL’s longest postseason victory drought last season.
Rough Play Is Good For Your Kids—Here’s Why
Rough play allows kids to gain confidence and body awareness while they manage their strength and hone their coordination skills. Parents can add to the benefits by joining in.
FSU landed its first offensive transfer addition of this recruiting cycle with South Carolina TE Jaheim Bell. | 2022-12-12T20:24:15Z | sports.yahoo.com | Where does Joe Burrow’s NFL career rank among recent Heisman Trophy winners | https://sports.yahoo.com/where-does-joe-burrow-nfl-192647428.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/where-does-joe-burrow-nfl-192647428.html?src=rss |
“I’ve struggled my entire life with being comfortable in my own skin,” House wrote. “I have purposefully distanced myself from people for the sake of trying to protect myself. It’s disheartening how one simple thing can change an individual's opinion of you in a matter of seconds. It has taken me years to wake up every morning and tell myself that you are loved for you, the one that’s deep down inside that you’ve never truly let out. | 2022-12-12T21:03:01Z | sports.yahoo.com | MLB: Ex-Blue Jays, Indians pitcher T.J. House comes out as gay | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-blue-jays-indians-pitcher-tj-house-comes-out-as-gay-203621267.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-blue-jays-indians-pitcher-tj-house-comes-out-as-gay-203621267.html?src=rss |
The Atlanta Braves have traded for Oakland A's catcher Sean Murphy in a three-way deal involving the Milwaukee Brewers, ESPN's Jeff Passan reports.
The Braves are sending 24-year-old All-Star catcher William Contreras to the Brewers and 35-year-old catcher Manny Piña to the A's as part of the deal, per the report. Full terms of the trade were not initially clear.
Murphy, 28, has played all four of his MLB seasons with the A's after the franchise selected him in the third round of the 2016 draft. He was the regular starter behind the plate in Oakland the last three seasons, including the COVID-19 shortened 2020 campaign. He won a Gold Glove in 2021 and has developed into a reliable source of power at the plate.
The Braves featured two All-Star catchers in their rotation last season. Travis d'arnaud, 33, anchored home plate while slashing .268/.319/.472 with 18 home runs and 60 RBI in 107 games. Contreras joined him as an All-Star despite his part-time status. He slashed .278/.354/.506 with 20 home runs and 45 RBI in 97 games. He projects for a bigger role in Milwaukee.
Piña played in just five games last season and projects as a backup in Oakland. 2019 first-round pick Shea Langeliers saw limited action in 40 games as a rookie in 2022 and projects to take over as Oakland's starting catcher next season.
Air Force conducts first launch of operational ARRW hypersonic missile | 2022-12-12T21:03:26Z | sports.yahoo.com | Report: Braves trade for Gold Glove A's catcher Sean Murphy | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-braves-trade-for-gold-glove-as-catcher-sean-murphy-201648042.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-braves-trade-for-gold-glove-as-catcher-sean-murphy-201648042.html?src=rss |
2021 was seen as a feel-good story, but just a one-off. However, the Wolverines proved that last season was no fluke, as the maize and blue ran the table, beat Ohio State on the road in Columbus, won the conference again, and are the 2-seed in the impending College Football Playoff.
J.J. McCarthy entered 2022 with all the promise in the world as a former five-star. He started out the year impressively, winning the starting job outright over incumbent Cade McNamara, but as the season wore on, the narrative became that McCarthy couldn’t pass the ball except on short or intermediate routes. Looking much like a game manager for the bulk of Big Ten play, McCarthy returned to his early-season form in the biggest game of the year, at Ohio State, throwing multiple deep balls with precision, taking advantage of the Buckeyes’ desire to stop the run, thus pulling the safeties in, allowing for the pass game to thrive.
Jim Harbaugh hasn’t had a quarterback who has McCarthy’s capability, and with him being unleashed, it could take the offense to the next level.
The sophomore tailback appears to be the type who gets better as the game goes on as he continues to get carries. Though Ohio State fans will call his performance in The Game a ‘fluke,’ Edwards has had similar performances throughout the season, even including in the Big Ten Championship game.
Edwards won the MVP in the Big Ten Championship game, and he’s been as impressive as Blake Corum, who was thought a Heisman contender all year before he was sidelined with injury. The big games haven’t been too big for him, and the College Football Playoff is but another opportunity for him to increase his newfound legendary status in Ann Arbor.
After Week 2, pretty much every college football team that Michigan faced decided the best course of action was to play two deep safeties to keep J.J. McCarthy from going off, therefore allowing more capability for the Wolverine run game. It helped elevate Blake Corum’s game, but when teams sold out to stop the run (a la Indiana) eventually McCarthy would burn you.
Donovan Edwards, aforementioned, has been electric in service of Blake Corum, while multiple edge rushers have come on strong with Mike Morris out. Corum isn’t likely to play in the playoff, but Morris should be back, playing alongside Jaylen Harrell, Braiden McGregor, and Eyabi Okie, who all did admirable jobs in rushing the passer in his absence.
Offensively, other players have stepped up when needed. Ronnie Bell made some huge catches in the past two games, as has Cornelius Johnson. Colston Loveland has been a revelation, and looks similar to Erick All in his pass-catching ability. Luke Schoonmaker returned and made a couple huge plays in the Big Ten Championship game. Will Johnson has emerged as a bona fide star in the secondary, despite being a first-year player. Michael Barrett has played phenomenally, and Junior Colson has been solid.
Team has seen what it takes firsthand
After losing to Georgia, 34-11, in last year’s College Football Playoff semifinal, multiple Michigan players stayed behind to watch Georgia hoisting the Orange Bowl trophy. Those players were all pivotal to this year’s team — Blake Corum (who is likely out for the playoff), J.J. McCarthy, Donovan Edwards, Mike Morris, and Andrel Anthony. They were soaking the moment in, realizing how close, yet how far, they were, and now knowing what it takes to face off against a monolith like the Bulldogs.
There’s something to be said about visualization. J.J. McCarthy meditates before every game, and multiple of his teammates have taken to doing the same thing. We’ll get to this more later, but there’s also a difference between being happy to be there and understanding what it takes to win it all. Last year, Michigan’s main goals were to beat Ohio State and win the Big Ten. Now? They want more. And they know what it takes to get it.
Now that the Wolverines have a better idea of what to expect should they face the Bulldogs again, that will help tremendously. They’ll understand the type of physicality needed. The offensive coaches will know better than to run long-developing plays against that SEC defense. The defense will know better what to do against that offense.
No one thought that Minter would hold the explosive Ohio State offense the way he did. Purdue did a solid job scoring 9 — which still isn’t a heckuva lot. We’ll see if TCU can do better, and if it cannot, then it will be up to either Georgia or Ohio State (again) to do better. But whatever the defense is doing in the second half, it bodes well for the Wolverines down the stretch.
Easier track this year than in previous
This isn’t to say that Michigan’s lines are better than Georgia’s but it’s probably the only team in football that can compare. And that gives the Wolverines a chance.
The team is confident, not just happy to there
Mike Miles Jr. returned to the TCU lineup with 18 points and the 24th-ranked Horned Frogs extended their winning streak to six games with an 83-75 victory over SMU on Saturday night. Miles was one of five players scoring in double figures for the Horned Frogs (8-1). Eddie Lampkin Jr., Micah Peavey and Emanuel Miller each had 11 points, and Chuck O’Bannon Jr. had 10. | 2022-12-12T21:24:40Z | sports.yahoo.com | 10 reasons Michigan football will win the 2022 national championship | https://sports.yahoo.com/10-reasons-michigan-football-win-191331419.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/10-reasons-michigan-football-win-191331419.html?src=rss |
Coastal Carolina quarterback Grayson McCall announced Monday that he will explore transfer opportunities after playing in the Chanticleers' bowl game. CCU is set to face East Carolina in the Birmingham Bowl on Dec. 27. McCall's name officially appeared in the portal on Monday afternoon.
The Chanticleers went 9-3 this season and saw head coach Jamey Chadwell depart for Liberty following a loss to Troy in the Sun Belt title game. While ex-NC State offensive coordinator Tim Beck will be the program's new head coach, defensive coordinator Chad Staggs will serve as the interim head coach for the bowl game.
Coastal Carolina has a combined 31-6 record over the past three seasons, and McCall's emergence as a star has been a key reason for the program's rise.
“I think recreating the Trinity test without the use of computer graphics was a huge challenge to take on," he said. Yes, Christopher Nolan Used Practical Effects to Recreate Nuclear Explosion in Oppenheimer Wren Graves | 2022-12-12T21:25:07Z | sports.yahoo.com | College football transfer portal tracker | https://sports.yahoo.com/college-football-transfer-portal-tracker-coastal-carolina-qb-grayson-mc-call-to-explore-transfer-after-bowl-game-200714002.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/college-football-transfer-portal-tracker-coastal-carolina-qb-grayson-mc-call-to-explore-transfer-after-bowl-game-200714002.html?src=rss |
Florida Gators senior offensive lineman Richard Gouraige accepted an invitation to play in the 2023 Reese’s Senior Bowl.
Last season, the Jets and Lions — both teams that held top-five picks in the 2022 draft — provided their sideline gurus for the event. The coaches for the 2023 Senior Bowl have not been announced yet.
As the season progressed, the Gators’ rushing attack emerged as the offense’s strong suit, with Gouraige playing an integral role in that success. The Florida offense finished the season No. 1 in SEC yards per carry (5.8), and second in the SEC in sacks allowed (12) and tackles for loss allowed per game (4). Gouraige was the offensive lineman with the most experience heading into the 2022 season.
🐊🐊🐊 Officially Accepted! OL Richard Gouraige @Richardg813 from @GatorsFB is headed to the 2023 Senior Bowl #GoGators #TheDraftStartsInMOBILE™️@JimNagy_SB @PaniniAmerica #RatedRookie pic.twitter.com/Jq6KijeQ6o
Gouraige is expected to play in Saturday’s Las Vegas Bowl against Oregon State. With All-American O'Cyrus Torrence sitting out due to his NFL draft prospects, Gouraige will need to step up and provide the offensive line unit with the leadership he has shown all season long if the rushing attack is going to be as successful as it has been during the regular season.
Top players like Anthony Richardson and Ventrell Miller will join Torrence in sitting out the bowl game. In addition, over a dozen players have entered the transfer portal since the end of the season. That lack of depth is concerning for their game on Saturday, which starts at 2:30 p.m. EST and will be broadcast on ESPN.
The 6-foot-3, 232-pound Bell spent three seasons with the Gamecocks, catching a combined 56 passes for 757 yards and seven touchdowns. | 2022-12-12T21:25:13Z | sports.yahoo.com | Florida offensive lineman named to Senior Bowl ahead of 2023 NFL draft | https://sports.yahoo.com/florida-offensive-lineman-named-senior-202318533.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/florida-offensive-lineman-named-senior-202318533.html?src=rss |
Florida only had one game this week and it ended in a 20-point loss to the Connecticut Huskies. That didn’t do the Gators any favors on Monday when the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll was updated.
Losing to No. 3 UConn isn’t the worst loss in the world for Florida, but it is the latest failed test for a club still searching for its identity under first-year head coach Todd Golden. It will take a strong performance against the conference for Florida to muster up any support in the Coaches Poll over the coming weeks.
UF has just one game scheduled for the coming week, a Wednesday night matchup with the Ohio Bobcats. Florida should have a chance to get back in the win column in that one and then comes Oklahoma, the final game of the non-conference slate.
Florida needs all the kinks to be worked out by the end of the second half against the Sooner, and hopefully, Kyle Lofton will be back in the starting lineup by then. Golden is still trying to find the right mix of minutes for what appears to be a talented roster.
Alex Fudge has emerged as a potential starter at the four over CJ Felder, and Kowacie Reeves is back on the court after Golden flubbed the rotations and left him on the bench for most of a three-game stretch.
No. 20 Iowa State; No. 21 Creighton; No. 22 San Diego St.; No. 24 Iowa
Marquette 46; Iowa State 46; Iowa 46; West Virginia 32; Memphis 29; Charleston 24; Creighton 20; Saint Mary’s 15; Xavier 14; UNLV 13; New Mexico 9; San Diego St. 8; Kansas State 6; Utah St. 4; Texas Tech 4; Arizona State 3; Rutgers 2; North Carolina 1; Michigan St. 1.
The Supreme Court clears the way for California to enforce a ban on the sale of most flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes. | 2022-12-12T21:25:19Z | sports.yahoo.com | Florida still unranked in USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll after 20-point loss to UConn | https://sports.yahoo.com/florida-still-unranked-usa-today-202444045.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/florida-still-unranked-usa-today-202444045.html?src=rss |
Mississippi State coach Mike Leach was hospitalized in critical condition Monday, the day after what the university called ''a personal health issue'' at his home in Starkville forced him to be airlifted to a medical facility in Jackson.
''Mike's family is with him and appreciates the overwhelming expressions of love and support for the coach, but also requests that their family's privacy be respected at this time,'' the school said Monday.
''Our thoughts and prayers are with Mike Leach, his wife Sharon, their family and the doctors treating him,'' Alabama coach Nick Saban said in a statement. ''Mike's infectious personality and passion for the game have impacted the sport in so many positive ways during his career.'' | 2022-12-12T21:25:51Z | sports.yahoo.com | Mississippi State's Mike Leach listed in critical condition | https://sports.yahoo.com/mississippi-states-mike-leach-listed-160017444.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/mississippi-states-mike-leach-listed-160017444.html?src=rss |
Associated Press (AP) The NCAA placed Missouri Southern State's football program on three years of probation after finding that former coach Jeff Sims acted as if he and his staff did not have to follow compliance regulations.
In a report released Friday by the NCAA's Division II Committee on Infractions, Sims is accused of running a program where he ''actively promoted an atmosphere of noncompliance'' with NCAA regulations.
For example, Simms persuaded a booster to pay $8,080 in back tuition for a former Garden City Community College player so he could play for Missouri Southern, the NCAA said. Sims also threatened his staffers' jobs if the athletes did not perform will academically and promoted a confrontational relationship with athletics administration and compliance officials, according to the report.
An investigation found that Bradforth's death was caused by ''a striking lack of leadership'' by top college officials, including Sims.
Bradforth's family settled a lawsuit against the college in 2020 for $500,000.
''I have 100% confidence that under Coach Bradley's leadership that Lions' football is operating with the highest levels of integrity and transparency,'' Van Galen said.
Sims, who was fired in 2020 during his second season at Missouri Southern, did not immediately return messages seeking comment left on phone numbers listed for him. His team went 2-9 in his first year and didn't play in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic. | 2022-12-12T21:25:57Z | sports.yahoo.com | Missouri Southern on probation for football violations | https://sports.yahoo.com/missouri-southern-probation-football-violations-194226616.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/missouri-southern-probation-football-violations-194226616.html?src=rss |
The Reese’s Senior Bowl has become one of the more important evaluation times for college prospects and pro scouts during draft season. Joining Eric Gray, Wanya Morris, and Jalen Redmond at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., is Sooners tight end Brayden Willis.
Willis led the Oklahoma Sooners in touchdown receptions and was second on the team in yards while finishing the 2022 season third in receptions behind Marvin Mims and Drake Stoops.
In his fifth year, Willis nearly matched his reception (36) and yardage (484) totals from the previous four seasons. In the previous four seasons, had just six touchdown receptions. That’s what a breakout season looks like.
Now with an opportunity to attend the Senior Bowl, Willis can further display his talents to NFL scouts and coaches. As his receiving numbers took a jump, his blocking ability remained at the forefront for Oklahoma, who often ran behind Willis to spring Eric Gray and the Sooners’ backfield.
Baker Mayfield used the Senior Bowl to meet with the Cleveland Browns and alleviate any concerns a team might have about taking him with the No. 1 overall pick. For seniors entering the NFL, the week-long festivities provide prospects their first opportunity to showcase their talents in practice and in the game.
Though the NFL Scouting Combine is one of the more popular events on the draft calendar, the Senior Bowl puts players through individual 1-on-1s and team drills, which provides better insight into how a player looks against some of the best competition in college football. | 2022-12-12T21:26:13Z | sports.yahoo.com | Oklahoma tight end Brayden Willis receives invite to the Reese’s Senior Bowl | https://sports.yahoo.com/oklahoma-tight-end-brayden-willis-185735410.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/oklahoma-tight-end-brayden-willis-185735410.html?src=rss |
Texas and Oklahoma’s move to the SEC may happen earlier than expected.
Brett McMurphy of The Action Network reports the Longhorns and Sooners are “gaining momentum” towards joining its new league ahead of the 2024 season. A whole year prior to the initially expected timeframe.
Texas and Oklahoma’s departure from the Big 12 to the SEC back in July of 2021 sparked a wave of conference realignment across the nation.
The Big 12 Conference went out and acquired BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF, leading to a new television deal for the league.
The Big Ten made a splash out west by landing the Pac-12’s most prominent brands in USC and UCLA.
A 2024 move would put the SEC on the same timeline as the Big Ten for expansion. This happens to be the same year the College Football Playoff moves to the 12-team format.
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) Chris Beard, who coached Texas Tech to the 2019 NCAA championship game and was hired away by Texas with expectations he'd elevate his alma mater to the same elite level, was arrested early Monday on a felony family violence charge after a woman told police he had strangled her. Beard was arrested by Austin police and booked in the Travis County jail 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. | 2022-12-12T21:26:33Z | sports.yahoo.com | Report: Texas and Oklahoma may depart to the SEC ahead of the 2024 season | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-texas-oklahoma-may-depart-184720956.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-texas-oklahoma-may-depart-184720956.html?src=rss |
Alabama was able to move up to No. 4 in the latest AP Poll after defeating top-ranked Houston. This is the program’s highest ranking in the poll since 2006.
The Tide have been able to knock off two No. 1 programs this season with wins over North Carolina and Houston. Head coach Nate Oats has harped on the fact that his team is dialed in and eager to improve on a game-to-game basis.
The team has already picked up three ranked wins with the other coming against the previous No. 12 Michigan State Spartans. These non-conference wins will certainly help Alabama’s resume as the season progresses.
The Tide will play host to a good Memphis team on Tuesday that is led by former NBA player Penny Hardaway. Tip-off is set for 9 p.m. EST. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN2.
Updated College Basketball AP Poll🚨https://t.co/zODjq8vGux pic.twitter.com/qezCEhkOkQ
New research confirmed a link between a debilitating heart condition called postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or POTS, and a Covid infection. NBC News' Berkely Lovelace explains the symptom of POTS and how a vaccine could reduce the odds of triggering it. | 2022-12-12T21:55:14Z | sports.yahoo.com | Alabama MBB lands at No. 4 in latest AP Poll | https://sports.yahoo.com/alabama-mbb-lands-no-4-205846941.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/alabama-mbb-lands-no-4-205846941.html?src=rss |
Meyers, Sellers help No. 20 Maryland past No. 6 UConn 85-78 originally appeared on NBCSports.com
Officers with the Snoqualmie Police Department are searching for a man after a suspected hit-and-run and crash in North Bend, according to police. According to police, a white Ford F-250 was stolen Sunday in Covington, where it was involved in a hit-and-run on Highway 18 and Interstate 90. According to the Washington State Patrol, the driver of the truck was described as likely DUI, based on their driving behavior. | 2022-12-12T21:55:28Z | sports.yahoo.com | Meyers, Sellers help No. 20 Maryland past No. 6 UConn 85-78 | https://sports.yahoo.com/meyers-sellers-help-no-20-173603105.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/meyers-sellers-help-no-20-173603105.html?src=rss |
Michigan State basketball picked up a pair of wins this past week but remains unranked in the latest Associated Press (AP) Top 25 poll.
The Spartans received five votes in this week’s updated poll released on Monday afternoon. Michigan State fell 16 spots outside of the rankings at No. 41.
Big Ten teams that cracked the Top 25 included Purdue (No. 1), Indiana (No. 14), Illinois (No. 18), Maryland (No. 20), Wisconsin (No. 22) and Ohio State (No. 23).
Check out the complete poll below:
Michigan's 2-1 victory over Michigan State on Saturday helps the Wolverines split series with the Spartans.
The six-race 2023 World Supercross Championship schedule boasts two returning countries and a round in Southeast Asia. | 2022-12-12T21:55:34Z | sports.yahoo.com | MSU basketball receives votes, remains unranked in latest AP Top 25 poll | https://sports.yahoo.com/msu-basketball-receives-votes-remains-190215789.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/msu-basketball-receives-votes-remains-190215789.html?src=rss |
Oregon's Will Richardson earns Pac-12 Player of the Week honors, presented by Nextiva, after first triple-double
Oregon's Will Richardson was named Pac-12 Men's Basketball Player of the Week, presented by Nextiva, for Dec. 12. Richardson recorded the first triple-double in Oregon men's program history since 2002 with 19 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists in Saturday's 78-65 victory over Nevada. He became the first Pac-12 player to reach totals of 19p/10r/11a since Arizona's Damon Stoudamire (32/12/14) in 1995. Richardson shot 7-of-12 from the floor, including 4-of-7 behind the arc. This is his third career Pac-12 Player of the Week honor (1/3/22, 1/17/22), tied for the fourth-most in program history and one shy of matching record four (Dillon Brooks, Chris Duarte, Blair Rasmussen). | 2022-12-12T21:56:07Z | sports.yahoo.com | Oregon's Will Richardson earns Pac-12 Player of the Week honors, presented by Nextiva, after first triple-double | https://sports.yahoo.com/oregons-richardson-earns-pac-12-195702212.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/oregons-richardson-earns-pac-12-195702212.html?src=rss |
The Oklahoma Sooners have found lightning in a bottle with transfer point guard Grant Sherfield. He’s scored 20 or more points in four of the Sooners’ last five games and been the spark that’s driven the offense for Oklahoma’s 7-3 start to the season.
For his efforts in a win over Kansas City and the Sooners tough loss to Arkansas, Sherfield was named Big 12 Newcomer of the Week.
Sherfield averaged 23.5 points per game, three rebounds, 2.5 steals, and 2 assists per game for the Sooners last week. He shot 58.3% from the field on 14 of 22 shooting and 66.7% from three.
In 33.9 minutes per game, Sherfield’s averaging 17.7. points on the season and is shooting 45.3% from the field and 54.9% from three.
🏀 #Big12MBB Newcomer of the Week 🏀
Grant Sherfield, @OU_MBBall
📰 https://t.co/7I9DB8GMW0 pic.twitter.com/3G1deBtALh
The Oklahoma Sooners have some big wins in nonconference play, beating Nebraska, Seton Hall, and Ole Miss. They dropped games to Villanova and Arkansas to put more pressure on these final nonconference games before Big 12 play begins.
The Sooners next take on Central Arkansas on Saturday before hosting the Florida Gators next Tuesday. Then the daunting slate of Big 12 play begins when they host the Texas Longhorns on New Year’s Eve. | 2022-12-12T21:56:14Z | sports.yahoo.com | Sooners Grant Sherfield named Big 12 Newcomer of the Week | https://sports.yahoo.com/sooners-grant-sherfield-named-big-195806917.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/sooners-grant-sherfield-named-big-195806917.html?src=rss |
Tyler Greenawalt and Jeff Eisenberg
University of Texas men's basketball coach Chris Beard was arrested early Monday morning on a felony domestic violence charge.
Beard, 49, was charged with third-degree assault on a family or household member/impeding breath circulation, according to the Travis County Sheriff’s Office.
An Austin Police spokesperson told Yahoo Sports that they received a Priority 1 "disturbance hot shot call" at 12:15 a.m. The Austin Police Emergency Communications website defines hot shot calls as "incidents which are in progress and are an immediate threat to life and/or public safety."
Officers were then dispatched to a home on the 1900 block of Vista Lane in Tarrytown, an upscale Austin neighborhood near the UT campus. According to the Austin Police Department, the officers then "located a woman who stated she had been assaulted and strangled by Christopher Michael Beard."
Baseline Group LLC is listed as the current owner of a home in the 1900 block of Vista Lane, according to the Travis County Tax Office. Christopher Beard is listed as the head of that group, according to OpenCorporates.
In a statement, the University of Texas said it is "aware of the situation regarding Chris Beard."
"We are continuing to gather information and monitoring the legal process," the statement said.
Beard was booked into Travis County Jail at 4:18 a.m and remained in custody into the mid-afternoon. He answered no questions from reporters as he and his attorney exited the jail shortly before 3 p.m. local time and climbed into the back of a waiting silver SUV.
Earlier on Thursday afternoon, Beard appeared at a bond hearing, handcuffed and clad in a black-and-gray-striped prison jumpsuit. Bail was set at $10,000 on the condition that for two months Beard does not go within 200 yards of the alleged victim or the Vista Lane home. He has the right to communicate with the victim from afar as long as it's not in "a threatening or harassing manner."
Chris Beard (Austin Police Department)
The standard contract for a Texas coach includes a suspension and termination clause. This gives the university the right to suspend or fire a coach with cause for "any conduct (a) that the University administration reasonably determines is clearly unbecoming to a Head Coach and reflects poorly on the University, the Program, or The University of Texas System; or (b) resulting in a criminal charge being brought against Head Coach involving a felony, or any crime involving theft, dishonesty, or moral turpitude."
— Jay Hart contributed to this story
Chris Beard, who coached Texas Tech to the 2019 NCAA championship game and was hired away by Texas with expectations he'd elevate his alma mater to the same elite level, was arrested early Monday on a felony family violence charge after a woman told police he had strangled her. Beard was arrested by Austin police and booked in the Travis County jail 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. | 2022-12-12T21:59:29Z | sports.yahoo.com | Texas men's basketball coach Chris Beard arrested and charged with assault | https://sports.yahoo.com/texas-mens-basketball-coach-chris-beard-arrested-and-charged-with-assault-142738791.html | https://sports.yahoo.com/texas-mens-basketball-coach-chris-beard-arrested-and-charged-with-assault-142738791.html |
The Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Chargers met on Sunday night at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California with Brandon Staley’s team taking the victory.
Miami’s loss was their second in as many weeks and their fifth on the season which significantly impacted their postseason odds. Next week, they have a tough battle on Saturday night with the AFC East leaders – the Buffalo Bills – that could really end the quest for a division title for Mike McDaniel’s team.
Here are a few things that we learned from the Dolphins’ prime-time defeat.
Tua Tagovailoa has struggled with his accuracy.
Over the last two weeks, Tagovailoa has posted his lowest completion percentages of the season – 54.6% against the San Francisco 49ers and 35.7% against the Chargers.
Teams are starting to clog the middle of the field with either linebackers or defensive backs, which is where Tagovailoa does most of his work. The quarterback and head coach will need to work on a plan to adjust.
Wide receivers drops and miscues
While Tagovailoa didn’t have his best day, his wideouts didn’t help him out too much.
There were multiple balls that were in the hands of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle that probably should’ve been brought in for receptions. There were also two plays, one for each, that the targets weren’t aware of the location of the ball. During Hill’s example, it could’ve been a long touchdown that may have helped them win this game.
Josh Boyer's play-calling at the end of the first half was questionable
The Chargers brought their final possession of the first half into the red zone, and on back-to-back plays, they lost eight total yards. This led to a third-and-goal attempt from Miami’s 17-yard line.
Boyer forced most of his defense back near the goal line, essentially allowing Los Angeles to take up as much field as they wanted on third down without scoring. And, that’s exactly what they did. Justin Herbert hit Austin Ekeler for a 16-yard gain, putting the ball at the one-yard line.
Staley, known for his risk-taking nature, went for it on fourth down, and they were successful.
Instead, Boyer could’ve called a normal defensive front and made it more difficult, perhaps forcing a field goal attempt.
Injuries continue to pile up
The aforementioned Hill suffered an ankle injury just before the half which caused him to be in and out for the remainder of the game. When he wasn’t in, he was getting his ankle taped and iced.
On top of that, running back Jeff Wilson Jr. suffered a hip injury in the second quarter, and he didn’t return to action.
With the game against Buffalo coming on a short week, it will make it harder to get these offensive contributors back to full health before the contest.
A teen will face a judge on Monday for allegedly making threats against a Sammamish High School student, according to the Bellevue Police Department. The 18-year-old man allegedly made a threat against a Sammamish student on Friday, Dec. 9. As a result of the threat, the high school went into lockout until the man was arrested at his Seattle home by Seattle police.
December 12, 2022 Amsterdam, the Netherlands – argenx SE (Euronext & Nasdaq: ARGX), a global immunology company committed to improving the lives of people suffering from severe autoimmune diseases, announced that during the extraordinary general meeting of shareholders held today at 12:00pm CET, Ana Cespedes was appointed as non-executive director to its Board of Directors. Ana Cespedes brings robust experience across a broad range of critical areas for commercialization and access, as well as f | 2022-12-12T22:03:51Z | sports.yahoo.com | 4 quick-hit takeaways from Dolphins’ loss vs. Chargers | https://sports.yahoo.com/4-quick-hit-takeaways-dolphins-212605632.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/4-quick-hit-takeaways-dolphins-212605632.html?src=rss |
The Kansas City Chiefs are 10-3 after defeating the Denver Broncos in Week 14. Andy Reid addressed media members on Monday, providing some updates after the win. He spoke about the team’s injury situation, what they’ll need to work on coming out of the game, the running back room, and his decision to accept a penalty in the fourth quarter.
Here are some quick takeaways from what Reid had to say:
No new injuries to report
The best news coming out of Week 15 was that the team escaped the game against the Broncos injury-free. Reid confirmed as much after the game and reiterated the fact on Monday.
“So, again, don’t have any injuries for you,” Reid said. “Guys are just coming in. I don’t know that we (have any new injuries). I haven’t heard of anything since last night. So, we really kind of came out of it fairly clean last night, I think. We’ll see today.”
Considering the injury report had a dozen names on it leading into the game against Denver, this is great news as far as getting the team as healthy as it could possibly be for its playoff push.
There are things to work on, but the win mattered most
There are things to work on after every game, but this particular game will leave the Chiefs working on turnovers and the situations that succeed them. The most important thing coming out of this game was that the team was able to get the victory.
“We got up by 27 points and we had a couple of the interceptions take place,” Reid said. “(It) allowed (the Broncos) to get back in it. We’ve got to do a better job with those. We’ve got to do a better job transitioning after those on the defensive side. Not letting them score. We’ll go back to work on that. The important thing is that we won the game and played for the four quarters and came out on top. That inevitably is what’s important here.”
Andy Reid joked in the locker room after the game that Patrick Mahomes threw the three interceptions just to see how good the defense was.
Why Andy Reid didn't decline holding penalty
One of the more confounding decisions during the course of the game came in the fourth quarter. The Chiefs had the Broncos in second-and-24 at the K.C. 29-yard line. Russell Wilson threw an incomplete pass on the play, but there was a holding penalty. Reid accepted the penalty to make it second-and-34 instead of third-and-24.
Asked about the decision, he explained that field position was the thought.
“Yeah, I think the first one might have been field position on that,” Reid said. “I’m not sure exactly just recalling it, but field position was one of the thoughts.”
Basically, he wanted to take the Broncos out of field goal range back to the 39-yard line. He believed that the defense had a shot to keep them out of range of scoring points. Unfortunately, they allowed the Broncos to gain 23 yards on second down and convert on third down.
Chiefs are pleased with their running back situation
It took the bulk of the season, but it appears the Chiefs have found the right combination of players at the running back position. Isiah Pacheco and Jerick McKinnon accounted for over 200 yards of offense for the team in Week 15. Coach Reid had nothing but good things to say about the duo and how they’ve become a nice 1-2 punch for Kansas City.
“Yeah, listen, I do think they complement each other,” Reid said. “Completely two different types of games and we’ll just keep bringing (Isiah) Pacheco along as we go. I also feel (Ronald) Jones, who we have sitting on the bench is a good player. So, it’s really a pretty good situation right there at that position. Knock on wood. But you have a good balance there.”
Jones didn’t play any snaps on offense or special teams in Week 15, but it’s good to hear Andy Reid giving him some praise as well. There will certainly be a time when they’ll need to get him more involved on offense.
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. (Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports)
Late-night legend and Indianapolis native David Letterman traveled to Ukraine to interview President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his Netlix series. | 2022-12-12T22:03:57Z | sports.yahoo.com | 4 takeaways from Chiefs HC Andy Reid’s Monday media availability | https://sports.yahoo.com/4-takeaways-chiefs-hc-andy-210722667.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/4-takeaways-chiefs-hc-andy-210722667.html?src=rss |
What Shanahan told Purdy in locker room chat after QB's big win originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
After the 49ers' 35-7 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Kyle Shanahan was seen sitting in the locker room having a quiet conversation with Brock Purdy.
The rookie had just made history as the first quarterback in his first start to win a game when future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady was on the other side of the field. The head coach shared on Monday that he was checking in with Purdy after his noteworthy performance.
Purdy has not yet experienced the compacted schedule that is a result of playing on a short week due to a Thursday night matchup. The club will not do any full-speed reps on the field, but will work on their physical recovery and game planning for the Seattle Seahawks.
Purdy wasn’t yet looking ahead to the club’s divisional matchup in the Pacific Northwest. The Iowa State product was still thinking about what he could have done better during the week leading up to the 49ers' Week 14 win.
“He said how much fun he had,” Shanahan said. “He brought up a couple plays that he missed in practice during the week that were killing him. He was like ‘I knew I would get it by game day. Sorry about some of the things during the week.’ Which was unbelievable because he had a great week of practice.
“We weren’t concerned about that aspect at all. It just shows you that the kid is a perfectionist and everything he does he wants to see what he can do better.”
Purdy, who is known for his perfectionist ways, has not only impressed his head coach but his teammates as well. The young play-caller is known for being hard on himself when he does make mistakes which he works his best to eliminate.
The former Cyclone finished the night completing passes to eight different targets, and a 76.2-percent completion rate. Purdy not only recorded two passing touchdowns but ran the ball in himself for a rushing score turning the lead into a rout. | 2022-12-12T22:04:30Z | sports.yahoo.com | Brock Purdy, Kyle Shanahan's viral locker room chat explained by 49ers coach | https://sports.yahoo.com/brock-purdy-kyle-shanahans-viral-201429140.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/brock-purdy-kyle-shanahans-viral-201429140.html?src=rss |
The Cowboys have signed an experienced wide receiver with Pro Bowl pelts on the wall.
But it’s not Odell Beckham Jr.
Dallas announced the signing of 10-year veteran T.Y. Hilton on Monday. Hilton is a former third-round draft pick who played for the Indianapolis Colts for ten seasons, has been named to four Pro Bowls, and led the league in receiving yards in 2016.
While he’s been a free agent watching from home for the 2022 season, the Miami native is healthy, ready to step in and start playing immediately. That’s an important note following last week’s OBJ sweepstakes, as the Cowboys have made no bones about expecting any late-season add to help them on the field before the regular season is over.
On the addition of TY Hilton a team source tells me “He’s a proven WR with some juice & experience. He can play multiple spots and a team guy that could potentially add some depth to a team.” More importantly keeps Dallas liquid and able to make other moves this year if they need
CeeDee Lamb is currently the team’s undisputed WR1, ranking in the league’s top 10 in targets, receptions, and receiving yards. Michael Gallup has played well since returning from injury, Noah Brown leads the team in yards per reception, and veteran James Washington made his Dallas debut during Sunday’s game against Houston.
Hilton, who turned 33 years old in November, started the 2021 season on injured reserve due to a disc issue in his neck. After a five-game absence, he returned and suffered a quad injury in Week 6, costing him one game. He then suffered a concussion in Week 8 and missed a single outing while in protocol.
For what it’s worth, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said after Sunday’s 27-23 win over the Texans that the team has not moved on from the prospect of also adding Beckham.
“Not at all, with a big exclamation,” he told reporters.
But the team is already looking to Hilton to help punctuate a double-digit-win season. | 2022-12-12T22:05:02Z | sports.yahoo.com | Cowboys sign veteran wide receiver T.Y. Hilton | https://sports.yahoo.com/cowboys-sign-veteran-wide-receiver-212953095.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/cowboys-sign-veteran-wide-receiver-212953095.html?src=rss |
The Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins will square off in a crucial AFC East matchup next weekend. The Saturday prime-time matchup could prove to be the deciding factor in who wins the division in 2022.
A massive piece of the battle will be Tyreek Hill.
The All-Pro receiver did not have a banner day against Buffalo when Miami defeated them, 21-19, in Week 3. However, he’s still leading the NFL in most receiving categories.
Hill is going to have a tough time maintaining that if he can’t play next weekend. There’s an early-week spotlight on just that.
On Sunday Night Football, the Dolphins (8-5) lost 23-17 to the Los Angeles Chargers. In the contest, Hill sustained an ankle injury.
In the slightly shortened upcoming week, Hill will be monitored according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Even though Hill played through the issue, that doesn’t guarantee he’ll suit up against the Bills.
Following the loss for Miami, head coach Mike McDaniel said “there is legitimate concern” regarding the injury, later adding “nothing has been significantly ruled out” for next weekend.
McDaniel then noted the Dolphins’ training staff will take another look once they get back from their cross-country trip from LA.
For the full Monday update on Hill’s injury, see the Rap Sheet update via NFL Network in the clip below: | 2022-12-12T22:05:10Z | sports.yahoo.com | Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill dealing with injury ahead of facing Bills | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-tyreek-hill-dealing-injury-201537035.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-tyreek-hill-dealing-injury-201537035.html?src=rss |
Former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton is reportedly signing with the Dallas Cowboys, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network on Monday.
Hilton has been a free agent throughout the entire season since his contract expired with the Colts following the 2021 campaign. It wasn’t clear if he was going to join a team this season but a late-season addition for the stretch run was always possible.
Now, Hilton will play for only the second team in his career since being drafted by the Colts in 2012.
Throughout the offseason, we often heard that the Colts were leaving the door open for Hilton, but nothing ever came to fruition. Even with the need at depth wide receiver amid some injuries, the Colts didn’t make a big move to bring Hilton back.
Now, the Ghost will be joining one of the best offenses in the NFL while joining a wide receiver room that currently consists of CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup, James Washington and Noah Brown.
We’ll see what kind of impact Hilton can make, but this will give the veteran another chance to make some big plays in the playoffs.
Aquarius Surgical Technologies Inc. (CSE:ASTI), is pleased to announce that has entered into a Debt Settlement Agreement, to settle $196,000 of accrued debt by issuance of 3,920,000 common shares.
North Carolina will get $1 billion from recent investigations and lawsuits related to the opioid crisis.
The $219-million agreement with CVS and Walgreens comes nearly a month after another tentative agreement with Walmart for $59.4 million.
CVS, Walgreens to pay combined $10.7 billion for alleged opioid prescription lapses
CVS and Walgreens agreed to a combined $10.7 billion to settle allegations they failed to adequately oversee opioid prescriptions, thus contributing to America's addiction crisis. | 2022-12-12T22:05:23Z | sports.yahoo.com | Ex-Colts WR T.Y. Hilton signs with Cowboys | https://sports.yahoo.com/ex-colts-wr-t-y-205652622.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/ex-colts-wr-t-y-205652622.html?src=rss |
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) and quarterback Jordan Love (10) listen to head coach Matt LaFleur during the fourth quarter of their game Sunday, December 4, 2022 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill. The Green Bay Packers beat the Chicago Bears 28-19.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: How Packers could still make NFL postseason with four games remaining
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell had good news and bad news for his team’s offensive line during his Monday news conference. Via multiple reporters, O’Connell said left tackle Christian Darrisaw and center Garrett Bradbury are set to return in Week 14 against the Colts. Darrisaw has been out since suffering a concussion during the Week [more] | 2022-12-12T22:06:03Z | sports.yahoo.com | Postseason for the Packers? Exploring the avenues Green Bay could still get in the playoffs | https://sports.yahoo.com/postseason-packers-exploring-avenues-green-212830342.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/postseason-packers-exploring-avenues-green-212830342.html?src=rss |
Ravens players got pumped up to ‘Renegade’ in epic fashion during Week 14 matchup vs. Steelers
The Baltimore Ravens faced off against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 14 of the 2022 season, coming out of the contest with a 16-14 victory. The win moved their record to 9-4 on the year, and 3-0 within their own division in the AFC North with three divisional matchups remaining.
During the fourth quarter, Pittsburgh played “Renegade” by Styx, as is their tradition. However, Baltimore’s players used the song to pump themselves up, dancing and waving towels around in epic fashion as they matched the energy of the Steelers’ crowd and made sure to let the crowd know that they weren’t going to lay down in a hard-fought game.
Bengals coach Zac Taylor responds after Burrow's first win over Browns
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor talks to the press on Monday, December 12, 2022; a day after quarterback Joe Burrow lead the team to a victory of the Browns for the first time in his career. The Bengals will next face Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Morocco's Ines Laklalech becomes the first golfer from North Africa to qualify for the LPGA tour after being inspired by her country's World Cup run. | 2022-12-12T22:06:17Z | sports.yahoo.com | Ravens players got pumped up to ‘Renegade’ in epic fashion during Week 14 matchup vs. Steelers | https://sports.yahoo.com/ravens-players-got-pumped-renegade-211937205.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/ravens-players-got-pumped-renegade-211937205.html?src=rss |
The Buffalo Bills could have escaped their win against the New York Jets with a clean bill of health.
In the 20-12 win, the Bills (10-3) only lost one player due to injury: Ryan Bates.
Buffalo’s starting offensive lineman left the contest due to an ankle injury which occurred when quarterback Josh Allen scored a rushing touchdown.
Greg Van Roten went on to replace Bates for the remainder of the contest. However, Bates might not miss much time.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Bates sustained a low-ankle sprain. Compared to a high-ankle injury, lower ones are much more manageable and have a shorter healing time in general.
Per the report, Bates’ injury is “not expected to be a long-term issue.”
That’s good news for Buffalo, who will face a talented defensive line against the Miami Dolphins (8-5) in Week 15.
Bates’ status on the injury report during the lead up to Buffalo’s matchup with Miami will be monitored throughout the week. Bills Wire will bring you those updates.
Vegas Golden Knights leading scorer Jack Eichel was placed on injured reserve because of a lower-body injury, the club confirmed Monday. The designation means Eichel must miss at least seven days dating back to when he couldn't physically play. Eichel has missed three of the past four games. | 2022-12-12T22:06:23Z | sports.yahoo.com | Report: Bills’ Ryan Bates not expected to have long-term injury | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-bills-ryan-bates-not-203816934.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-bills-ryan-bates-not-203816934.html?src=rss |
If the Carolina Panthers are to somehow capture the NFC South, they’ll probably need to be at full strength. And luckily for them, their top pass catcher isn’t feeling too bad after all.
As reported by NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport and later confirmed by interim head coach Steve Wilks on Monday, wideout DJ Moore was sent for an MRI to gauge the seriousness of an ankle injury he sustained in yesterday’s win over the Seattle Seahawks. Now, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, that injury isn’t too serious.
Moore missed three of the offense’s 72 snaps in the Week 14 triumph—one in which he totaled zero receptions on three targets. Sunday marked just the second game in Moore’s career where he did not record a single catch, with the first coming in his NFL debut back in 2018.
Through 13 games, the fifth-year receiver has amassed 605 receiving yards and a career-high four touchdowns off 46 grabs. | 2022-12-12T22:06:31Z | sports.yahoo.com | Report: Panthers WR DJ Moore’s ankle injury ‘nothing significant’ | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-panthers-wr-dj-moore-203501834.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-panthers-wr-dj-moore-203501834.html?src=rss |
When Los Angeles Lakers' star LeBron James said he wanted to play with his son in the NBA, we all assumed he was talking about Bronny James. Well, maybe he was actually talking about Bryce James.
But if Bryce's star continues to grow and it looks more and more likely he'll also play in the NBA, LeBron better get on the Tom Brady plan in order to have a chance to play with Bryce. | 2022-12-12T22:34:28Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bryce James, youngest son of LeBron James, already has an NIL deal with Klutch Sports | https://sports.yahoo.com/bryce-james-youngest-son-of-le-bron-james-already-has-an-nil-deal-with-klutch-sports-212700153.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bryce-james-youngest-son-of-le-bron-james-already-has-an-nil-deal-with-klutch-sports-212700153.html?src=rss |
Gio Reyna said he was devastated after being told that his role on the USMNT would be "very limited" in Qatar. (Photo by John Todd/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
DOHA, Qatar — Gio Reyna publicly acknowledged in a Monday Instagram post “that I let my emotions get the best of me” at the 2022 World Cup. But in the statement, his first public comments since the tournament began, he clapped back at recent reports — and their sources — detailing how his behavior with the U.S. men’s national team almost got him sent home.
Reyna released the statement roughly 24 hours after a newsletter published comments from USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter detailing how an anonymous player “was clearly not meeting expectations on and off the field” at the World Cup. The comments were made at a Tuesday leadership summit that, according to a U.S. Soccer spokesman, was “explicitly off the record,” meaning Berhalter believed his words would not be published.
After they were published, fans quickly concluded that the anonymous player was Reyna, whose playing time had been mysteriously limited in Qatar. Hours later, multiple reports confirmed the assumptions. The Athletic reported that Reyna had shown an alarming lack of effort and intensity in training and a pre-World Cup scrimmage.
Reyna, who said he felt “the need to make a brief statement” because “statements have been made that reflect on my professionalism and character,” confirmed some basic details but offered new ones that painted a slightly different picture.
“Just before the World Cup, Coach Berhalter told me that my role at the tournament would be very limited. I was (devastated),” Reyna wrote. “I am someone who plays with pride and passion. Soccer is my life, and I believe in my abilities. I fully expected and desperately wanted to contribute to the play of a talented group as we tried to make a statement at the World Cup.
“I am also a very emotional person, and I fully acknowledge that I let my emotions get the best of me and affect my training and behavior for a few days after learning about my limited role,” he continued. “I apologized to my teammates and coach for this, and I was told I was forgiven.”
He did not address the reports that, as Berhalter said, he and the team’s leadership group — a half-dozen experienced players including captain Tyler Adams — were “prepared to” send the then-anonymous player home.
Reyna then continued: “I am disappointed that there is continuing coverage of this matter (as well as some highly fictionalized versions of events) and extremely surprised that anyone on the U.S. men's team staff would contribute to it.
“Coach Berhalter has always said that issues that arise with the team will stay ‘in house’ so we can focus on team unity and progress. I love my team, I love representing my country, and I am focusing now only on improving and growing as a soccer player and a person. I hope that going forward each person involved in U.S. Soccer focuses only on what is in the best interest of the men's national team so we can enjoy great success at the World Cup in 2026.”
Reyna, 20, is widely considered one of the most talented players in the U.S. program.
Berhalter’s contract expires this month. He and U.S. Soccer are both currently deciding whether to extend it through the 2026 World Cup. | 2022-12-12T22:34:38Z | sports.yahoo.com | Gio Reyna responds after his World Cup drama was revealed: 'I let my emotions get the best of me' | https://sports.yahoo.com/gio-reyna-responds-after-his-world-cup-drama-was-revealed-i-let-my-emotions-get-the-best-of-me-194926461.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/gio-reyna-responds-after-his-world-cup-drama-was-revealed-i-let-my-emotions-get-the-best-of-me-194926461.html?src=rss |
The Toronto Blue Jays "have some degree of interest" in Eovaldi, along with free agent pitcher Carlos Rodon and others, per Sportsnet's Shi Davidi.
Eovaldi was one of Boston's top pitchers in 2022. He started 20 games with a 6-3 record, a 3.87 ERA, 103 strikeouts and 20 walks over 109 1/3 innings. The Red Sox acquired Eovaldi in 2018 and he's posted a 26-18 record with a 4.05 ERA in 96 appearances (84 starts).
Chris Sale is still a quality pitcher when healthy, but staying off the injured list for a long period of time has proven challenging for the veteran left-hander. Michael Wacha went 11-2 with a 3.87 ERA last season, but he's also a free agent and might not return. Nick Pivetta had a nice 2022 season, but he's not a true No. 1 or No. 2 starter on a contender.
Pitching is the most important ingredient in making a World Series winner, and the Red Sox are sorely lacking in this department right now. The Red Sox shouldn't massively overpay to retain Eovaldi, but losing him to a division rival a couple weeks into free agency would hurt quite a bit. | 2022-12-12T22:34:58Z | sports.yahoo.com | MLB rumors: This AL East team has interest in Red Sox free agent Nathan Eovaldi | https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb-rumors-al-east-team-214203368.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb-rumors-al-east-team-214203368.html?src=rss |
The Toronto Blue Jays are signing former New York Mets starting pitcher Chris Bassitt to a three-year, $63 million deal, ESPN's Jeff Passan and The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal report. The deal is pending a physical, per the reports.
Bassitt, 33, played a single season with the Mets in 2022, where he posted a 3.42 ERA and 1.145 WHIP with 167 strikeouts and 49 walks in 181.2 innings pitched. He previously played six seasons with the Oakland A's, where he was a 2021 All-Star and received Cy Young votes in 2020 and 2021.
A right-hander, Bassitt primarily relies on his sinker while mixing in a cutter and four-seam fastball among other pitches. He started 30 games with the Mets last season and 27 with the A's in 2021.
Bassitt was one of the most coveted free-agent starters on the market and joins a Blue Jays team that finished second in the AL East last season and earned a wild-card bid with 92 wins. He projects to fill the anticipated void left by starter Ross Stripling, who remains a free agent after playing on a one-year deal last season. He'll help anchor a rotation that features All-Stars Alek Manoah and Kevin Gausman.
The AL East is expected to remain competitive in 2023 with the reigning champion New York Yankees projected as favorites again. The Blue Jays may be their top challenger in a division where the Tampa Bay Rays and emerging Baltimore Orioles also project to compete.
Analyzing the usage of Elijah Moore in the Jets' loss to the Bills | Jets Post Game Live
On Jets Post Game Live, Bart Scott, Willie Colon, and Connor Rogers analyze the usage of WR Elijah Moore in New York's offense and say he should get more opportunity in this system.
Brock Purdy's first career start went about as well as could be expected on the field. Purdy remained in the game and finished with two touchdown passes and a TD run that led the Niners to a 35-7 win over Tampa Bay on Sunday, but he now has only three days to recover before playing at Seattle. “I think it was a challenge for him, just talking to him and seeing him after the game," coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday. | 2022-12-12T22:35:05Z | sports.yahoo.com | Reports: Blue Jays signing ex-Mets starting pitcher Chris Bassitt to $63M deal | https://sports.yahoo.com/reports-blue-jays-signing-ex-mets-starting-pitcher-chris-bassitt-to-63-m-deal-213450692.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/reports-blue-jays-signing-ex-mets-starting-pitcher-chris-bassitt-to-63-m-deal-213450692.html?src=rss |
DAN WETZEL: They've been trying at Purdue for a long time. I don't think they don't care about football. I think they do. It's just you're just sort of there.
What's possible at Purdue? What's reasonable for Purdue to hope to be? What do you think, Pat? You've been up there a bunch.
PAT FORDE: Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. You know, boy, they've got nice infrastructure. I know everybody kind of does now. But having been around several other places-- their indoor is humongous and new and it's a good facility. They've got all the other stuff. So they've invested. They've done all those sorts of things.
Tough recruiting territory. You got Michigan and Notre Dame to the north. You've got Wisconsin over there. You're in the Big Ten West, but for how long when they could do away with divisions? So does the upward mobility there that allowed Purdue to get to the Big Ten Championship game this year still exist going forward? I don't know.
One thing, they loved the fact that Brohm played an exciting style that filled the seats. And so they are going to look offense again. They definitely want somebody else who can dial it up and move the ball and score and be exciting and fan friendly. Because while they have good fans, it's still more of a basketball program. The basketball fans, they ain't leaving no matter what.
The football programs can be like, eh, we can take it or leave it. If we're 3 and 8, 3 and 9, never mind. So can they be in the upper half of the Big Ten? Yeah. But they can also slip down and be in the bottom four too. It's not guaranteed. But you've got at least a chance there.
ROSS DELLENGER: Yeah. One of the big perks is being part of the Big Ten. it seems like coaches, obviously, their moves to different jobs are determined a lot on money and salary and historical success and stuff like that.
I think that one of the things that's becoming apparent is the position moves and coaching moves, they're starting to be about conference. And it does seem like people are jostling to, whether it's the school or administrator or coach, to get into the Big Ten or SEC, get into the two richest leagues.
I'll say that. And, obviously, Satterfield-- or Brohm left to go out, although that was in kind of a unique situation. But they do have Big Ten, which means they have Big Ten money, which means they should be able to pay more and renovate facilities more and probably have a nicer NIL situation than others too. So that's probably a key factor.
But I think you nailed it, Pat. I think somewhat younger, offensive-minded. They want to try to keep, I think, that whole situation their identity as far as their next coach.
DAN WETZEL: It's such a tough job. The location-- they have nice facilities. I make fun of the Lafayette, West Lafayette thing, but it's a great little college town if that's what you're looking for. It's kind of equidistant between Indianapolis and Chicago.
The region up in Gary. Merrillville has got some players. You can recruit a lot of areas. They call Indianapolis crossroads of America because you can get, via interstate-- the trucks all go through there because they can get to anything. And you're not that far from that.
So you're kind of located-- you're just surrounded. I mean, when there's a top-100 kid in Indiana, Notre Dame is the favorite for him. And there aren't a ton. There's maybe one a year. But if you look, Notre Dame gets that guy. Having Notre Dame right there, and it's not even in your conference, is tough.
If you can't control your state in the Big Ten, you're in a lot of trouble. It's hard, and especially when you're not in a state with a gazillion guys. And Indiana just doesn't produce enough players. So it's not-- that's your struggle. And if Illinois gets a little bit.
You have to make people believe that Purdue football matters and this is the place to go. Because like you said, everyone's got facilities, everyone's on TV, everyone's got money. But you're a state without a ton of talent. And you've already got Indiana there, and they're closer to Indianapolis. And the whole southern part of the state is a long way from Purdue.
And then you got Notre Dame. And if they want to pick off that top-100 kid in the state, they're going to go get him most of the time. So it's a tricky job on that way. And so you hate to think there's a cap. Because you get the right guy in there, and all of a sudden they start winning, and you go, oh yeah, this makes total sense, right? They just picked-- you know what, they're really recruiting Chicago suburbs well.
And they got this good-- this kid was overlooked. And they got this small target. Bang, all of a sudden, there it is. And all of a sudden, they're pretty good. But it's just historically-- they've been trying at Purdue for a long time. I don't think they don't care about football. I think they do. It's just--
PAT FORDE: No, they do.
DAN WETZEL: You're just sort of there. I don't know if Indiana always cared about football.
PAT FORDE: No, that's--
DAN WETZEL: Indiana cared more about basketball. But certainly Matt Painter has done an incredible job with the basketball program. But it's tricky. So this is going to be a very interesting hire on what they do. And, yeah, what is that upside? And is this a team that can-- they get rid of the divisions. And even if they don't, and they bring in UCLA and USC, it's just one of those programs where it's like the bigger the Big Ten gets, I don't know any of it's any better.
DAN WETZEL: Everyone's making more money, but I don't know what your path to success is. | 2022-12-12T23:48:31Z | sports.yahoo.com | What does the future of Purdue football look like without Jeff Brohm? | College Football Enquirer | https://sports.yahoo.com/does-future-purdue-football-look-222916379.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/does-future-purdue-football-look-222916379.html?src=rss |
Florida’s O’Cyrus Torrence named an AP All-American
Florida right guard O'Cyrus Torrence made the Associated Press All-America First Team on Monday capping off his only season at the university.
Torrence has already declared for the upcoming NFL draft and will forgo the team’s bowl game next week in Las Vegas, but he’s still collecting postseason accolades before he departs. He anchored an offensive line that allowed just 15 sacks all year and averaged 213.7 rushing yards per game. This latest honor only solidifies him as one of the top offensive linemen in all of college football.
Pro Football Focus gave him the highest grade of any offensive guard in the country, so it’s not too surprising to see Torrence pick up the First Team nod from the Associated Press.
A three-star recruit out of high school, Torrence burst onto the national scene under Billy Napier at the University of Louisiana and then followed his coach to prove that he could find the same success in the Southeastern Conference. He didn’t commit a single penalty while at UF and is an expected first-round pick in the upcoming draft.
Torrence is the first Gators offensive lineman named to the All-America First Team since Mike Pearson in 2001, per the university’s athletic association. | 2022-12-12T23:48:37Z | sports.yahoo.com | Florida’s O’Cyrus Torrence named an AP All-American | https://sports.yahoo.com/florida-o-cyrus-torrence-named-221344398.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/florida-o-cyrus-torrence-named-221344398.html?src=rss |
LSU will be without veteran receiver Jaray Jenkins in the Citrus Bowl as he will opt out to begin preparing for the 2023 NFL draft.
Despite having an extra year of eligibility, it’s no shock to see Jenkins off to the league. Taking place in the senior day festivities signaled his plan. As for the bowl game absence, LSU should be fine. Most, if not all, of the receivers suiting up against Purdue will be guys expected to return in 2023.
Jenkins was never the most prolific player, but he showed up in big moments and was a veteran presence in a receiver room that lacked experience. The fifth-year senior led LSU in touchdowns since the beginning of 2021.
Jenkins’ best game as a Tiger came in 2021’s regular-season finale, in which he racked up 169 yards and caught the game-winning touchdown to send LSU to a bowl game.
His 2022 game-high came in the SEC Championship game with 72 yards and a touchdown. Jenkins finishes his LSU career with 1,370 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Clayton Keller with a Spectacular Goal vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Clayton Keller (Arizona Coyotes) with a Spectacular Goal vs. Philadelphia Flyers, 12/11/2022 | 2022-12-12T23:48:43Z | sports.yahoo.com | LSU receiver Jaray Jenkins declares for draft, opts out of Citrus Bowl | https://sports.yahoo.com/lsu-receiver-jaray-jenkins-declares-220509245.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/lsu-receiver-jaray-jenkins-declares-220509245.html?src=rss |
George Rooks, a sophomore from New Jersey, is transferring, the Free Press has learned. He played in six games this season for the Wolverines and just three — against Rutgers, Nebraska and the Big Ten championship game against Purdue — against conference foes. He had a solo tackle against the Cornhuskers. He also played in three games, with no tackles, last season.
Rooks, listed at 6 feet 5 and 278 pounds, had a fumble recovery Sept. 17 against UConn. He was a four-star recruit, according to 247Sports, when he committed to the Wolverines.
Michigan will play TCU at 4:30 p.m. New Years Eve at the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona. The winner of that game moves onto the national championship and will play either Georgia or Ohio State, who play at 8 p.m. New Years Eve at the Peach Bowl in Atlanta.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan football DL George Rooks enters transfer portal | 2022-12-12T23:48:50Z | sports.yahoo.com | Michigan football defensive lineman George Rooks enters transfer portal | https://sports.yahoo.com/michigan-football-defensive-lineman-george-233716128.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/michigan-football-defensive-lineman-george-233716128.html?src=rss |
Penn State still has one more game to be played in the 2022 season, but the plans for next season are already being laid out. On Monday, Penn State announced the date for next season’s annual spring game.
As is typically the case, Penn State will hold its spring game in the middle of April. It was announced the Blue-White Game will be played on Saturday, April 15, 2023. It will be the highlight of Penn State’s Blue-White weekend, which typically serves as a good off-season homecoming of sorts for fans and can be used as a nice recruiting weekend for the program.
Details about the rest of the weekend’s schedule and possible television coverage for the spring scrimmage will be shared at a later time.
Penn State will be facing Pac-12 champion Utah in the Rose Bowl on January 2, 2023.
What does Penn State's bowl history look like since 2000?
1 sentence in Grayson McCall’s transfer announcement sent oddsmakers into a panic over Coastal Carolina’s bowl game | 2022-12-12T23:49:15Z | sports.yahoo.com | Penn State announces date for Blue-White Game | https://sports.yahoo.com/penn-state-announces-date-blue-214853004.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/penn-state-announces-date-blue-214853004.html?src=rss |
Utah’s defense is no joke, but the Pac-12 champions will be facing Penn State without one of its top defensive leaders in the Rose Bowl. Cornerback Clark Phillips III announced on Monday he is opting out of the Rose Bowl and declaring for the NFL draft.
The decision by Phillips is not an unexpected one for Utah, as he is ready to go to the pros now and pursue a career in the NFL. But his loss for the Rose Bowl should be good news for Penn State as he was a defensive playmaker for the Utes.
Phillips III had six interceptions this season, two of which were returned for touchdowns. Not having to worry about that should be good news for Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford and the rest of the Penn State offense, which knows it will be up against a tough battle with the Utah defense.
Penn State will be without its leading receiver, Parker Washington. Washington had a season-ending injury and has announced he will be declaring for the NFL draft.
Utah will also be without its leading receiver, tight end Dalton Kincaid. Like Clark III, Kincaid has announced his decision to declare for the NFL draft. An injury is said to be blamed for him not playing in the Rose Bowl.
Behind Clark Sr. a Utah spokesperson now also confirming to The Salt Lake Tribune that Clark Phillips III will not play in the Rose Bowl.
Penn State faces Utah in the Rose Bowl on January 2, 2023. | 2022-12-12T23:49:41Z | sports.yahoo.com | Utah’s top cornerback opts out of Rose Bowl, declares for NFL draft | https://sports.yahoo.com/utah-top-cornerback-opts-rose-222055168.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/utah-top-cornerback-opts-rose-222055168.html?src=rss |
Penn State won’t be the only team playing in the Rose Bowl without its leading receiver. Utah will also be looking to fill some big shoes in its passing game in Pasadena on January 2.
Utah tight end Dalton Kincaid announced he will be opting out of the Rose Bowl and declaring for the NFL draft. Kincaid announced he is not playing in the Rose Bowl due to an injury suffered in the regular-season finale against Colorado, although he did return for the Pac-12 championship game against USC. Kincaid caught four passes for 40 yards in Utah’s Pac-12 championship game victory.
Kincaid caught 70 passes for 890 yards and eight touchdowns for the Utes this season. All three are team highs for Utah this season.
Penn State will also be without its leading receiver, Parker Washington. Washington’s status for the Rose Bowl was endangered by a season-ending injury, but he also has announced he is declaring for the NFL draft as well.
Penn State faces Utah on January 2, 2023. | 2022-12-12T23:49:47Z | sports.yahoo.com | Utah to be without leading receiver for Rose Bowl | https://sports.yahoo.com/utah-without-leading-receiver-rose-220321105.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/utah-without-leading-receiver-rose-220321105.html?src=rss |
The San Francisco 49ers announced on Monday that wide receiver Deebo Samuel has ankle and MCL sprains after being injured on Sunday, but that they anticipate that he'll return during the regular season.
Samuel sustained the injury the second quarter of Sunday's 35-7 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His left ankle and leg got rolled underneath an opponent's body, and he writhed on the ground in pain after the injury.
Huge injury for the 49ers as Deebo Samuel is carted off the field after a lower leg injury #TBvsSF pic.twitter.com/LCHxqujK0R
— The Spotting Board (@SpottingBoard) December 11, 2022
Samuel left the field on a cart, leading to speculation that he sustained a significant knee or leg injury. News of his expected return during the regular season is certainly welcome in San Francisco.
The 49ers also announced that quarterback Brock Purdy is considered day-to-day with oblique and rib injuries sustained on Sunday. He was listed as limited on an estimated practice report for Monday. The 49ers recently signed veteran journeyman quarterback Josh Johnson, who would presumably start next Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks in the event that Purdy couldn't play.
Purdy completed 76.1% of his passes for 185 yards with two touchdowns and no turnovers in Sunday's win, his second appearance in relief of injured starter Jimmy Garoppolo. The 49ers have won six straight games and hold a two-game lead over the Seahawks in the NFC West with a 9-4 record.
Deebo Samuel is expected to return during the regular season. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The 49ers didn't offer a precise timeline for Samuel's expected return with four games remaining on the schedule. They conclude the regular season with games against the Seahawks, Washington Commanders, Las Vegas Raiders and Arizona Cardinals.
Samuel, 26, is coming off his best season as a pro, tallying 1,405 receiving yards, 365 rushing yards and 14 total touchdowns during a 2021 All-Pro campaign. In 12 games this season, he has 54 catches for 612 yards, 228 rushing yards and five total touchdowns. He's an invaluable offensive weapon on a team that leans on his playmaking ability, especially now that its lost its top two quarterbacks to injury in Garoppolo and Trey Lance. | 2022-12-12T23:49:53Z | sports.yahoo.com | 49ers All-Pro Deebo Samuel has ankle, knee sprains, expected to return during regular season | https://sports.yahoo.com/49-ers-all-pro-deebo-samuel-has-ankle-knee-sprains-expected-to-return-during-regular-season-230224287.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/49-ers-all-pro-deebo-samuel-has-ankle-knee-sprains-expected-to-return-during-regular-season-230224287.html?src=rss |
The MRI examination came back with news about as good as could have been expected for 49ers' All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel.
Samuel sustained sprains to his left knee and ankle but his injuries are expected to allow him to return to action at some point before the end of the regular season, the 49ers announced on Monday.
Samuel's knee injury is to the medial-collateral ligament and will not require surgery or too much time on the sideline, according to the team.
Samuel's status comes as a pleasant surprise for the 49ers, who might have been thinking the worst after he was carted off the field on Sunday. The 49ers wrap up the regular season with games against Seattle, Washington, Las Vegas and Arizona.
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If the 49ers advance to the postseason, their first game would be five weeks from now, on either Jan. 14 or 15.
Quarterback Brock Purdy's exam on Monday revealed injuries to his oblique and rib area. The club lists him as day-to-day. If he is unable to play this week, veteran backup Josh Johnson would become the fourth different player to start at quarterback for the 49ers this season.
The 49ers have a quick turnaround this week and face the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday night. The 49ers (9-4), riding a six-game winning streak, have the opportunity to clinch the NFC West title with a victory over the Seahawks (7-6).
The news was not as good with veteran defensive back Dontae Johnson, whom the 49ers elevated from the practice squad to appear in Sunday's game. Johnson is out for the season with a torn ACL in his left knee. | 2022-12-12T23:50:00Z | sports.yahoo.com | 49ers' Deebo Samuel has MCL, ankle sprain; regular-season return expected | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-deebo-samuel-mcl-ankle-230521646.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-deebo-samuel-mcl-ankle-230521646.html?src=rss |
The 49ers appear to have avoided a catastrophe with WR Deebo Samuel. An MRI on Monday revealed an MCL sprain, and the club expects him to return in the regular season per NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco.
Samuel was listed as a non-participant in the projected practice report for Tuesday with knee and ankle injuries. He went down awkwardly in the second quarter of Sunday’s win over the Buccaneers and left the field on a cart.
The team confirmed there were no broken bones, and now an MRI confirmed there was no major damage that will keep him out for the final four weeks of the regular season.
It’s hard to imagine Samuel is ready to go on a short week with a game Thursday in Seattle, but with the NFC West race in the final stretch and possible playoff seeding on the line, having Samuel back even for the season finale against the Cardinals would be a significant boost for San Francisco as they aim to gear up for a playoff run.
6 takeaways from 49ers' 6th-consecutive victory | 2022-12-12T23:50:12Z | sports.yahoo.com | 49ers expect WR Deebo Samuel to return in regular season | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-expect-wr-deebo-samuel-230639208.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-expect-wr-deebo-samuel-230639208.html?src=rss |
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson has entered the NFL’s concussion protocol after being knocked out of the game in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs.
There are five phases in the protocol that Wilson would need to pass through in order to be cleared for this week’s game against the Arizona Cardinals. If Wilson is not cleared before Sunday, Brett Rypien will start in his place.
Elsewhere on the injury front, running back Mike Boone suffered a high-ankle sprain on Sunday, and coach Nathaniel Hackett said Monday “it doesn’t look good” for Boone to be able to play again this season.
Boone totaled 198 yards from scrimmage in nine games this year. He is scheduled to become a free agent in 2023.
Broncos wide receiver Kendall Hinton (hamstring) and outside linebacker Jacob Martin (knee) also left Sunday’s game with injuries. Hackett said those injuries are still being evaluated.
We’ll know more on the injury front when Denver returns to the practice field and releases an updated injury report on Wednesday. | 2022-12-12T23:50:31Z | sports.yahoo.com | Broncos QB Russell Wilson in concussion protocol; RB Mike Boone likely done for season | https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-qb-russell-wilson-concussion-223829564.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-qb-russell-wilson-concussion-223829564.html?src=rss |
Tennessee redshirt senior wide receiver Cedric Tillman announced his NFL draft decision Monday.
Tillman will enter the 2023 NFL draft and not play for the Vols in the Capital One Orange Bowl versus Clemson.
“Though I battled through injury this season, I am grateful I returned for my for 2022 senior year and now I turn my attention to the next level,” Tillman announced. “In order to be fully healthy and ready to go as I prepare for the 2023 NFL draft, I will not play in the Orange Bowl, but will fully support my teammates.”
Kickoff on Dec. 30 between the Vols and Tigers is slated for 8 p.m. EST (ESPN) at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. | 2022-12-12T23:50:50Z | sports.yahoo.com | Cedric Tillman announces NFL draft decision | https://sports.yahoo.com/cedric-tillman-announces-nfl-draft-224814170.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/cedric-tillman-announces-nfl-draft-224814170.html?src=rss |
Detroit Lions cornerback Jeff Okudah (1) warms up before action against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022 at Ford Field.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions 'can't afford to lay an egg' with playoffs on the line
Good news: Military members return home to surprise their loved ones at school
Students learn math, science, and what matters most in life...family! Watch soldiers, sailors, and aviators surprise their loved ones at school. | 2022-12-12T23:51:09Z | sports.yahoo.com | Detroit Lions wary of hangover after big win vs. Vikings: 'We can't afford to lay an egg' | https://sports.yahoo.com/detroit-lions-wary-hangover-big-222319654.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/detroit-lions-wary-hangover-big-222319654.html?src=rss |
Thin at safety, Eagles might turn to familiar face originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
The Eagles are thin at the safety position and they might be turning to a familiar face to help them down the stretch.
Veteran safety and former Eagle Anthony Harris visited the NovaCare Complex on Monday, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported.
The Eagles were already without C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who is on IR with a lacerated kidney, and then rookie backup Reed Blankenship suffered a knee injury on Sunday against the Giants.
While the Eagles don’t believe Blankenship’s injury is a long-term one, it does leave them really light at the position. And Gardner-Johnson isn’t eligible to return until Week 17 against the Saints.
So Harris would be a logical solution.
Harris, 31, spent last season with the Eagles as a starter but was surprisingly released at final cuts as the Eagles pulled off a trade with the Saints to bring in Gardner-Johnson to start next to Marcus Epps.
After he was released, Harris joined the Eagles practice squad for less than a week before he and the Eagles mutually agreed to part ways in early September before the season opener.
Harris was then signed to the Broncos’ practice squad and eventually played in three games for the Broncos as a practice squad elevation and then as a member of the 53-man roster. But Harris was released by the Broncos last week, cleared waivers and has been a free agent since.
After spending last year with the Eagles, the transition for Harris would be pretty easy. He already knows Jonathan Gannon’s defense from his time in Philly and Minnesota and he would obviously have a pretty high level of familiarity re-joining the Eagles.
He would also be a better option to start a couple games than K’Von Wallace, who would likely get the nod without a move.
In his career, Harris has played in 98 games with 61 starts and has 10 interceptions and 356 tackles. He’s carved out a nice eight-year career as an undrafted player.
And now he might be able to help the Eagles down the stretch.
The Eagles became the first team in the league to clinch a playoff spot when they throttled the Giants on Sunday. Their 48-22 win moved them to 12-1 on the season and followed a formula that they’ve been using all season. The offense showed great balance while churning up 437 yards and the defense racked [more] | 2022-12-12T23:51:15Z | sports.yahoo.com | Eagles bring in Anthony Harris for a visit, per report | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-bring-anthony-harris-visit-221119315.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-bring-anthony-harris-visit-221119315.html?src=rss |
Kittle joins illustrious tight end club in 49ers' win vs. Bucs originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
After registering four receptions for 28 yards in the 49ers' 35-7 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday at Levi's Stadium, Kittle now has tallied 500 receiving yards for the 2022 NFL season.
In doing so, the 29-year-old became the fifth tight end in NFL history to have 500 or more receiving yards in each of his first six seasons, per the 49ers. Kittle's run currently is tied with former New York Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey (2002-07).
Rookie Brock Purdy made his first NFL start in Sunday's game after Trey Lance sustained a broken ankle in Week 2 and Jimmy Garoppolo broke his foot against the Miami Dolphins in Week 13.
Kittle's best season came in 2018 when he had 88 receptions for 1,377 yards.
RELATED: Kittle's lack of work with Purdy not a factor in win vs. Miami | 2022-12-12T23:51:25Z | sports.yahoo.com | George Kittle joins exclusive tight end club in 49ers' win over Buccaneers | https://sports.yahoo.com/george-kittle-joins-exclusive-tight-221155955.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/george-kittle-joins-exclusive-tight-221155955.html?src=rss |
Mike McCarthy: T.Y. Hilton is ready to go originally appeared on Pro Football Talk
US Supreme Court rejects hearing case over MSU's swim and dive team
Michigan State University's swim and dive team will not go before the US Supreme Court.
Lizzo rocked Z100’s annual 2022 iHeartRadio Jingle Ball at Madison Square Garden on Friday (Dec. 9) dressed like the Grinch; Dua Lipa wowed with the penultimate set of her “Future Nostalgia” album cycle; Charlie Puth played to an adoring hometown crowd; and Demi Lovato knocked it out of the park. It was a fully stacked […] | 2022-12-12T23:51:57Z | sports.yahoo.com | Mike McCarthy: T.Y. Hilton is ready to go | https://sports.yahoo.com/mike-mccarthy-t-y-hilton-214013749.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/mike-mccarthy-t-y-hilton-214013749.html?src=rss |
The New England Patriots are boosting their linebacking corps ahead of a pivotal showdown with the Arizona Cardinals and their electric quarterback, Kyler Murray.
ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported on Monday that the team was elevating veteran linebacker Jamie Collins and second-year defender Cameron McGrone from the practice squad for the primetime matchup.
One of the primary weaknesses for the Patriots defense has been their struggles against mobile quarterbacks. Coming into a game against a player like Murray, who is notorious for scrambling around, buying extra time and making plays with his legs, New England will need to match the right personnel to ensure they don’t suffer the same issues they had against Lamar Jackson, Justin Fields and Josh Allen.
Linebackers Cameron McGrone and Jamie Collins have been elevated from the practice squad for tonight’s game.
Collins is obviously in the twilight of his career, but he won a Super Bowl and developed into an All-Pro player by being one of the more versatile and athletic linebackers in the league.
McGrone, who is being elevated for the first time, showed similar abilities in training camp. This could be an opportunity for him to make a name for himself and stick on the main roster.
The Patriots are likely facing a must-win scenario against one of the more dangerous offensive teams in the league. So they’ll clearly need all of the help they can get.
3 key positional matchups for Patriots' Week 14 game vs Cardinals | 2022-12-12T23:52:10Z | sports.yahoo.com | Patriots elevate two linebackers from practice squad ahead of Monday’s game vs Cardinals | https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-elevate-two-linebackers-practice-222007069.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-elevate-two-linebackers-practice-222007069.html?src=rss |
Jacob Harris was diagnosed with a torn pec for the Los Angeles Rams in the team’s victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday and his season is officially over. Following the unfortunate news pertaining to the young wide receiver, the Rams officially placed Harris on injured reserve on Monday.
Harris suffered the injury on special teams and will require surgery on his torn pec. Even if Harris’ injury wasn’t serious, the decision to put him on injured reserve would have ended his season as only four games are remaining in the regular season.
The second-year wideout saw 110 total snaps for the Rams this season, with 109 of those snaps coming on special teams. The fourth-round pick out of Central Florida caught one pass for six yards, which came on the impressive fake punt versus the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12.
Injuries have limited Harris in his short tenure with the Rams and it’s unfortunate to see his first two seasons in the NFL both end prematurely due to injuries. Despite his injury woes to begin his career, hopefully Harris can have a healthy offseason and bounce back in 2023. | 2022-12-12T23:52:29Z | sports.yahoo.com | Rams place Jacob Harris on injured reserve due to torn pec | https://sports.yahoo.com/rams-place-jacob-harris-injured-220545346.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/rams-place-jacob-harris-injured-220545346.html?src=rss |
The Kansas City Chiefs might be able to strengthen their running back room even further for the stretch run.
On Monday, the Atlanta Falcons released veteran RB Damien Williams from their injured reserve list. Williams was placed on IR back in September with a rib injury, but according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, he’s both rested and healthy.
Williams spent three seasons in Kansas City and was pivotal during the team’s Super Bowl LIV run. He amassed 1,127 scrimmage yards on 214 touches with 13 total touchdowns across the 2018 and 2019 regular seasons with Kansas City. The veteran running back still holds a franchise record for the most career postseason touchdowns (10) between the 2018 and 2019 playoffs.
The now 30-year-old running back didn’t play during the 2020 NFL season, opting out amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chiefs would ultimately release him ahead of the 2021 free-agency period.
Williams appeared in just one game for the Falcons this season recording only one carry for two yards prior to his injury. In 2021, he played in 12 games with the Bears, carrying the ball 40 times for 164 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught 16 passes for 103 yards and a score.
While Williams hasn’t been able to produce at the same level since leaving Kansas City, he’d be a great emergency option for the team in this final stretch of the regular season and the postseason. His versatility to be able to contribute as a runner, a pass-catcher, a pass-blocker and even on special teams would make him an extremely valuable asset. There’s also something to be said about his chemistry with Patrick Mahomes, even if it’s a few years removed.
The only question surrounding a potential addition is the NFL’s waiver wire. As one of the winningest teams in the league, the Chiefs don’t have great waiver priority. They’ll need a lot of teams to pass on claiming Williams in order to place a successful claim. That’s probably a little easier to accomplish with a player who is being waived from injured reserve. It’s also a possibility that no one claims Williams, which could allow the team to add him to the practice squad.
4 takeaways from Chiefs HC Andy Reid's Monday media availability
This might be the perfect White Elephant gift. The post Over 49,000 Amazon shoppers love this cozy (and hilarious) burrito blanket — and it’s on sale appeared first on In The Know. | 2022-12-12T23:52:42Z | sports.yahoo.com | Reunion with RB Damien Williams makes too much sense for Chiefs | https://sports.yahoo.com/reunion-rb-damien-williams-makes-221022642.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/reunion-rb-damien-williams-makes-221022642.html?src=rss |
Jacksonville Jaguars rookie outside linebacker Travon Walker got an MRI on his injured ankle, according to coach Doug Pederson.
Pederson said Monday afternoon that he hadn’t yet received the results of the test, so he didn’t have an update on Walker. The first overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft exited the Jaguars’ 36-22 win over the Tennessee Titans in the second half and was ruled questionable to return.
According to ESPN’s Michael DiRocco, Walker wasn’t wearing a boot on his ankle when he left the locker room after the game Sunday.
Walker, who turns 22 this week, began his season with a sack and an interception in his regular season debut, but he’s had a mostly quiet rookie year. Against the Titans, he had one of the best performances of the season, recording a strip sack early in the game that set up the Jaguars’ first touchdown of the day.
Through 13 games, Walker has 3.5 sacks and eight quarterback hits. | 2022-12-12T23:53:07Z | sports.yahoo.com | Travon Walker got an MRI on his injured ankle Monday | https://sports.yahoo.com/travon-walker-got-mri-injured-230506338.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/travon-walker-got-mri-injured-230506338.html?src=rss |
It's looking more and more like Bo Horvat's time with the Vancouver Canucks is nearing the end. (Getty)
The ninth-overall pick in the 2013 draft isn’t the only Canuck surfacing in the rumour mill, as fellow forward Brock Boeser could also find himself in a different sweater come the March 3 trade deadline. Vancouver recently gave Boeser’s agent permission to talk to opposing teams about a potential trade, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.
a Goal from Vancouver Canucks vs. Minnesota Wild
(Minnesota Wild) with a Goal from Vancouver Canucks vs. Minnesota Wild, 12/10/2022
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) Halfway through the season, the New York Giants were one of the biggest surprises of 2022. The second half has given Giants fans another surprise. The 6-2 start under first-year coach Brian Daboll might have been a blip, with New York looking more like the team that won four games last season.
Texas Tech’s Tyree Wilson tabbed second team All American by AP, Malik Dunlap returning for final year
Texas Tech’s Tyree Wilson garnered another award following a stellar season that was cut short due to a foot injury.
The players on the Coachella Valley Firebirds were able to skate on the main ice rink at Acrisure Arena on Monday morning | 2022-12-13T00:05:49Z | sports.yahoo.com | Report: Canucks looking to trade Horvat amid stalled contract talks | https://sports.yahoo.com/nhl-canucks-horvat-trade-stalled-contract-talks-222558016.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nhl-canucks-horvat-trade-stalled-contract-talks-222558016.html?src=rss |
The Toronto Blue Jays have agreed with former New York Mets starting pitcher Chris Bassitt on a three-year, $63 million deal, ESPN's Jeff Passan and The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal report. The deal is pending a physical, per the reports.
Bassitt, 33, played a single season with the Mets in 2022, posting a 3.42 ERA and 1.145 WHIP with 167 strikeouts and 49 walks in 181 2/3 innings pitched. Previously, he played six seasons with the Oakland A's, with whom he was an All-Star in 2021 and received Cy Young votes in 2020 and '21.
A right-hander, Bassitt relies primarily on his sinker while mixing in a cutter and four-seam fastball, among other pitches. He started 30 games with the Mets last season and 27 with the A's in 2021.
Bassitt was one of the most sought free-agent starters on the market and joins a Blue Jays team that finished second in the AL East last season, earning a wild-card bid with 92 wins. Bassitt will help anchor a rotation that features All-Stars Alek Manoah and Kevin Gausman. He projects to fill the anticipated void left by starter Ross Stripling, who remains a free agent after playing on a one-year deal last season.
The AL East is expected to remain competitive in 2023, with the reigning division champion New York Yankees projected as favorites again. The Blue Jays might be the top challengers in a division in which the Tampa Bay Rays and emerging Baltimore Orioles are expected to compete.
The Toronto Blue Jays strengthened their rotation on Monday, agreeing to a $63 million, three-year deal with Chris Bassitt. Toronto is coming off its second playoff appearance in three years, but it hasn't won a postseason series since it advanced to the 2016 AL Championship Series. Bassitt joins a rotation fronted by Alek Manoah and Kevin Gausman. | 2022-12-13T00:06:01Z | sports.yahoo.com | Reports: Blue Jays agree with former Mets starter Chris Bassitt to $63M deal | https://sports.yahoo.com/reports-blue-jays-agree-with-former-mets-starter-chris-bassitt-to-63-m-deal-213450394.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/reports-blue-jays-agree-with-former-mets-starter-chris-bassitt-to-63-m-deal-213450394.html?src=rss |
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham plays against the Atlanta Hawks on Oct. 28, 2022. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Detroit Pistons second-year guard Cade Cunningham will have season-ending surgery on his left shin, sources confirmed to Yahoo Sports. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski was first to report the decision.
He had been dealing with the pain since preseason and had seen multiple doctors looking for ways to continue his sophomore season.
He was out since Nov. 12, as the team termed it left shin soreness but the prognosis has gotten more dire, sources said.
Cunningham, the No. 1 pick in the 2021 NBA draft, played 12 games this season, averaging 19.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and six assists on 41% shooting. He finished third in Rookie of the Year voting and looked to have a promising second season. | 2022-12-13T00:06:08Z | sports.yahoo.com | Sources: Pistons' Cade Cunningham will have season-ending shin surgery | https://sports.yahoo.com/sources-pistons-cade-cunningham-will-have-season-ending-shin-surgery-230800071.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/sources-pistons-cade-cunningham-will-have-season-ending-shin-surgery-230800071.html?src=rss |
Less than two hours before tipoff of its game against Rice on Monday night, Texas confirmed its embattled men's basketball coach won't be on the sideline.
The university announced it has suspended Chris Beard without pay "until further notice" following the second-year coach's arrest early Monday morning on a felony domestic violence charge.
“The University takes matters of interpersonal violence involving members of its community seriously," the Texas statement read. "Given the information available, The University has suspended Chris Beard from his position as head coach of Men’s Basketball and will withhold his pay until further notice."
Beard, 49, is accused of choking a woman at a home in Tarrytown, an upscale Austin neighborhood near the UT campus. An Austin Police spokesperson told Yahoo Sports that they received a 911 call at 12:15 a.m. and immediately dispatched officers to the 1900 block of Vista Lane.
According to Beard's arrest affidavit first obtained by the Austin American-Statesman, a woman answered the door and identified herself as Beard's fiancee. She said that she and Beard "had been upset with each other for a couple days regarding relationship issues." When asked by police if the argument turned physical, the woman allegedly said yes.
"He just snapped on me and became super violent," she said, according to the arrest affidavit.
The woman told police that the argument escalated when she she became frustrated with Beard, took his reading glasses out of his hand and broke them. Beard, the woman alleges, according to the affidavit, then "choked me, threw me off the bed, bit me, bruises all over my leg, throwing me around, and going nuts."
Officers on scene were able to observe the following injuries on the woman, according to the affidavit: Bite mark to the right forearm, cut to the left thumb and abrasions to the right eyebrow and left leg. The woman also complained of labored breathing during and after the alleged strangulation, per the affidavit.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 06: Texas Longhorns head coach Chris Beard looks on during the second half of the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Madison Square Garden on December 06, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
Beard was booked into Travis County jail at 4:18 a.m. and then released shortly before 3 p.m. after posting $10,000 bail. He faces a charge of third-degree assault on a family or household member/impeding breath circulation, according to the Travis County Sheriff’s Office.
When interviewed by officers on the scene, Beard, according to the arrest affidavit, claimed to have audio recordings that would prove he wasn't the primary aggressor. Asked if he would share them, he allegedly declined.
When news of Beard's arrest first broke on Monday morning, Texas initially released a statement saying only that it was aware of the situation and gathering information. The university did not suspend Beard until further details surfaced.
Beard appeared at a bond hearing on Thursday afternoon, handcuffed and clad in a black-and-gray-striped prison jumpsuit. Bail was set at $10,000 on the condition that for two months Beard does not go within 200 yards of the alleged victim or the Vista Lane home. He has the right to communicate with the victim from afar as long as it's not in "a threatening or harassing manner."
Beard remained in custody at Travis County jail until the mid-afternoon. He answered no questions from reporters as he and his attorney exited the jail shortly before 3 p.m. local time and climbed into the back of a waiting silver SUV.
Associate head coach Rodney Terry served as acting head coach for Monday night's game against Rice. Terry was a longtime Texas assistant under Rick Barnes before becoming the head coach at Fresno State from 2011-2018 and UTEP from 2018-2021. | 2022-12-13T01:15:58Z | sports.yahoo.com | Texas suspends Chris Beard without pay following domestic violence arrest | https://sports.yahoo.com/texas-suspends-chris-beard-without-pay-following-domestic-violence-arrest-000011536.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/texas-suspends-chris-beard-without-pay-following-domestic-violence-arrest-000011536.html?src=rss |
The 49ers’ one-sided win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday came with a bit of a dark cloud. It was the fear that the team could be without Deebo Samuel for an extended period of time. Perhaps even that his season was over entirely.
Monday brought great news, all things considered. What was feared to be a high-ankle sprain for the All Pro receiver turns out to be an MCL and ankle sprain. And the 49ers announced they expect him to return for the regular season. This puts him squarely in the timeline of a return to face the Raiders Week 17 on New Year’s Day.
New 49ers QB Brock Purdy was helped greatly in his debut by having Samuel available in the offense. Samuel touched the ball eight times for 64 yards and a touchdown. And the 49ers cruised to a 35-7 win over the Buccaneers.
Sitting at 9-4 on the season, the 49ers should still have plenty to play for come Week 17. Even if the Raiders don’t, they would still have pride to play for, with nothing to lose but draft position and that’s something the 49ers can’t take for granted. | 2022-12-13T01:28:24Z | sports.yahoo.com | 49ers WR Deebo Samuel gets good injury news, could return by Week 17 vs Raiders | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-wr-deebo-samuel-gets-004627948.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-wr-deebo-samuel-gets-004627948.html?src=rss |
The Los Angeles Rams are thin along the defensive line and they are bringing in some depth on Monday. After being released by the Tennessee Titans on Saturday, the Rams have claimed defensive tackle Larrell Murchison off of waivers.
Murchison was a fifth-round pick by the Titans in the 2020 NFL draft out of North Carolina State. He spent the past three seasons with the Titans, logging 15 combined tackles and two tackles for loss in 26 games (five starts).
The Rams have endured injuries to Aaron Donald, A’Shawn Robinson, and Marquise Copeland in the trenches on the defensive side of the ball. Donald has missed two straight games, Robinson is out for the season, and Copeland suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 14 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
If Donald and Copeland are ruled out in Week 15, then the Rams are down to four healthy defensive linemen on the active roster. While he likely won’t have a large role immediately, Murchison may be adding much-needed depth on the defensive front.
The Vikings will be without multiple starters on Sunday
Multiple members of the Philadelphia 76ers were just in awe of Joel Embiid dropping 53 points on the Charlotte Hornets.
Linebacker Josey Jewell hesitated for a second after picking off Patrick Mahomes with the Denver Broncos trailing the Kansas City Chiefs 27-0 on Sunday. Surely that would be a bad look for a team down by four scores and one whose plummet toward the NFL basement will only benefit the Seattle Seahawks, who stand to get the second overall pick in the 2023 draft as part of the trade that sent Russell Wilson to Denver. This was the fifth-year pro's first career interception, and by game's end, he'd have a pair of them.
They're both on their "vigilante s**t."View Entire Post › | 2022-12-13T01:29:35Z | sports.yahoo.com | Rams claim DT Larrell Murchison off of waivers following release from Titans | https://sports.yahoo.com/rams-claim-dt-larrell-murchison-234123542.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/rams-claim-dt-larrell-murchison-234123542.html?src=rss |
"First of all, we just got kicked in the gut," Niumatalolo told ESPN’s Heather Dinich. "I was a little bit numb prior to him saying that, so most of it I couldn't comprehend. I'm just like, 'Chet, why don't you take some time to relax.' He said, 'Well, it's been building up.'"
"That has been the constant bar we strive for, is to achieve those two goals, which are, I believe, very realistic, very reasonable, and have been consistent for 20 years and therefore this does not come as any surprise," Gladchuk said. "It's just an expectation that unfortunately fell short."
"I spoke directly to his representatives who asked me exactly that question," Gladchuk said. "I conveyed it to them and I conveyed it as I mentioned for 20 years to the head coach ... There's no confusion with regard to what the expectations are. And I think they're realistic. They're reasonable. They're attainable. They're expected. They're resourced, at a minimum to that. I can't make it any clearer."
“I just want to finish my contract. We're finally coming out of the pandemic. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed. I thought we stood for something different."
Niumatalolo said he doesn’t think he was dealt a fair hand compared to the other academies, either. Navy's facilities weren’t great, for one thing. The team had to share their indoor facility and practice outside in inclement weather at times, he said. Midshipmen are required to graduate in four years, too, meaning the team can’t have any players with a fifth or sixth year of eligibility like other programs do.
"I'm a competitor," Niumatalolo said, via ESPN. "It's hard for me to think that we got the ball on the six-inch line, and that's my last game. That's hard to fathom. If we win, he's not firing me. How do you fire a guy after you win the Army-Navy game? That's not going to happen."
Navy head coach Ken Niumatalolo was fired after the Midshipmen fell to Army last weekend. He is the program's all-time winningest head coach. (Andrew Bershaw/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | 2022-12-13T01:37:31Z | sports.yahoo.com | Ex-Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo surprised by sudden firing: 'I thought we stood for something different' | https://sports.yahoo.com/ex-navy-coach-ken-niumatalolo-surprised-by-sudden-firing-i-thought-we-stood-for-something-different-000251716.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/ex-navy-coach-ken-niumatalolo-surprised-by-sudden-firing-i-thought-we-stood-for-something-different-000251716.html?src=rss |
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