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Former Alabama defensive lineman Braylen Ingraham announced that he is transferring to Syracuse via his Twitter account. Ingraham spent three seasons with the program before missing this past season after medically retiring due to a knee injury.
Ingraham recently graduated from Alabama. It is unclear how many years of eligibility he has remaining. However, he was listed as a redshirt sophomore on Alabama’s official website for this season.
Ingraham recorded five tackles over the course of three seasons in Tuscaloosa. He will now be headed to a Syracuse program that finished the season with a 7-5 record. It will be interesting to see how he performs elsewhere. | 2022-12-13T02:02:21Z | sports.yahoo.com | Former Alabama DL Braylen Ingraham transferring to Syracuse | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-alabama-dl-braylen-ingraham-005107306.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-alabama-dl-braylen-ingraham-005107306.html?src=rss |
Oklahoma has made it clear that they are looking for seasoned wide receiver help this winter. They’ve sent out multiple offers to wide receivers in the transfer portal and continued that trend with an offer to Idaho State transfer Xavier Guillory on Monday.
Guillory stands 6-foot-2 per Idaho State’s official roster. In his collegiate career, Guillory has 91 catches for 1,373 yards and nine touchdowns. He’s averaged 15 yards per reception. Guillory was also a Big Sky All-Conference selection.
With Oklahoma’s interest, it brings his offer total to 14.
Thankful to receive a scholarship offer from @OU_Football pic.twitter.com/VmM1gXMxvv
— Xavier Raphael🪶 (@GuilloryXavier) December 12, 2022
Guillory has received offers from Arizona State, Colorado, Hawaii, Louisville, Miami (Ohio), Montana, Montana State, Nebraska, Oklahoma State, Utah, and Washington State, among others.
Guillory communicated with Brandon Huffman of 247Sports and had a few thoughts about his Sooners offer. “The Oklahoma offer is huge,” said Guillory. “They want me to go and compete to be a WR1.”
Guillory also made it known to Huffman that he really wants to find a way to get a visit in with the Sooners.
Prior to the Oklahoma offer, it seemed like a two-horse race between Arizona State and Washington State. With Oklahoma tossing its crimson cap into the mix, it’s officially a three-team race, with the Sooners coming in hot. A visit to Norman could give Oklahoma a serious chance at turning this recruitment on its head and putting itself in the driver’s seat.
Oklahoma offers the brightest lights out of any of his offers, but Guillory is from Spokane, Washington. That could give Washington State an advantage if playing close to home means a significant amount for the sophomore wide receiver.
With the departure of Theo Wease and other depth options via the portal, Oklahoma is looking for talent for the wide receiver room. You can never have enough playmakers at the wide receiver position.
Peter King provides insight from Baker Mayfield about his whirlwind arrival in L.A. and unpacks how remarkable the Rams' Week 14 win was with him at QB.
KU’s undefeated women’s basketball team ranked in AP poll for first time since 2013
The Kansas women’s basketball team remained undefeated after a lopsided win over Wichita State on Sunday. As a result, the Jayhawks have broken into the top 25. | 2022-12-13T02:02:27Z | sports.yahoo.com | Idaho State standout WR Xavier Guillory earns an Oklahoma offer | https://sports.yahoo.com/idaho-state-standout-wr-xavier-010535445.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/idaho-state-standout-wr-xavier-010535445.html?src=rss |
The Crimson Tide had the Nos. 1, 3 and 5 finishers in the Heisman voting. They played one game decided by fewer than 14 points. They bested an SEC-only schedule by an average of 30.2 points per game. Their defense struggled early but allowed only 15 points per game after mid-October. This was the best Nick Saban team ever and quite possibly the best of the 21st century.
South Florida faces off against Northern Iowa for the first time in program history tonight at the McLeod Center in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The game is available on ESPN+.The Bulls (3-6) are back in action after ten days off following a 79-59 home victory over Charleston Southern on Dec.
Mississippi State football added to its defensive back room Monday night as LSU's Ray'Darious Jones announced he's transferring to MSU.
The “Golden Globes” have announced that Emmy-winning comedian Jerrod Carmichael will serve as the host for the 2023 return of the awards show. Carmichael is hosting the ceremony scheduled for next month on NBC. The awards show and NBC issued the announcement jointly earlier today via Twitter. Jerrod Carmichael To Host 80th Anniversary Of ‘The […] | 2022-12-13T02:02:46Z | sports.yahoo.com | Was LSU’s 2019 team the greatest College Football Playoff squad of all time? | https://sports.yahoo.com/lsu-2019-team-greatest-college-000005337.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/lsu-2019-team-greatest-college-000005337.html?src=rss |
On Monday afternoon, we began to see the effects of head coach Luke Fickell in his early days at the helm. A pair of players who were former Cincinnati commits decided to take their talents to Madison.
Wisconsin landed former Bearcats commit Jonas Duclona after he took an official visit to campus this past weekend. The three-star cornerback was an All-American Bowl attendee and held offers from the likes of Kansas, Louisville, Florida, Minnesota, and Iowa.
He is ranked as a top-100 cornerback in the class of 2023 by 247Sports.
Here is a look at his official announcement from his personal Twitter: | 2022-12-13T02:03:18Z | sports.yahoo.com | Wisconsin lands former Cincinnati commit Jonas Duclona | https://sports.yahoo.com/wisconsin-lands-former-cincinnati-commit-002640803.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/wisconsin-lands-former-cincinnati-commit-002640803.html?src=rss |
Under new head coach Luke Fickell, a concern was keeping Paul Chryst’s recruits in Madison and keeping the next Badger class in tact. The flip side of that concern? Wisconsin will likely attract recruits who were previously committed to Fickell at Cincinnati. That’s exactly what happened on Monday.
Wisconsin landed four-star safety Braedyn Moore who initially committed to the Bearcats but understandably decided to withdraw his commitment after Coach Fickell made it to Madison. Moore is now a Badger commit, and the 2023 safety announced his decision Monday afternoon on Twitter. He held offers from the likes of Boston College, Indiana, Tennessee, and Illinois among others. | 2022-12-13T02:03:24Z | sports.yahoo.com | Wisconsin lands a four-star safety who was previously committed to Cincinnati | https://sports.yahoo.com/wisconsin-lands-four-star-safety-000358787.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/wisconsin-lands-four-star-safety-000358787.html?src=rss |
McCoy is 1-1 with 296 passing yards, zero touchdowns and one interception in two career games versus the Patriots. He has played in two games this season, including a Week 10 win over the Los Angeles Rams. McCoy has completed 70.4 percent of his passes for 456 yards with one touchdown and one interception in 2022. | 2022-12-13T03:09:06Z | sports.yahoo.com | Cardinals QB Kyler Murray carted off field with non-contact injury vs. Patriots | https://sports.yahoo.com/cardinals-qb-kyler-murray-carted-011938659.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/cardinals-qb-kyler-murray-carted-011938659.html?src=rss |
The Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots face off on Monday night at State Farm Stadium. The Pats are 6-6 and trying to stick around the in the AFC playoff race. The Cardinals are mathematically still alive but are simply trying to salvage the season.
Keep up below with updates in this game. | 2022-12-13T03:09:19Z | sports.yahoo.com | Cardinals vs. Patriots Week 14 live scoring updates, highlights, more | https://sports.yahoo.com/cardinals-vs-patriots-week-14-012321655.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/cardinals-vs-patriots-week-14-012321655.html?src=rss |
A very disappointing season for the Arizona Cardinals might have just had the worst thing that could happen. Quarterback Kyler Murray injured his knee and had to leave the game in the first quarter of their Monday night game against the New England Patriots.
On just the third play from scrimmage in the game after James Conner had a nine-yard catch and a six-yard run, Murray scrambled and ran to his right, gaining three yards. He had more open field in front of him, but his left knee gave out and he fell to the ground.
It was a non-contact injury to his knee, which seemingly always indicates a torn ACL.
He was carted off the field with a towel draped over his head, visibly upset with what happened.
The official announcement was that he was questionable to return, but it appeared that it could be a season-ending injury that could keep him out of even the first part of next season.
With a 4-8 record in a season when they expected to be serious competitors in the NFC, losing Murray to a serious injury is the absolute worst-case scenario. | 2022-12-13T03:09:47Z | sports.yahoo.com | Kyler Murray carted off field with non-contact knee injury | https://sports.yahoo.com/kyler-murray-carted-off-field-013328150.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/kyler-murray-carted-off-field-013328150.html?src=rss |
Harris, a sixth-round pick out of South Carolina, had four yards on four career carries before Monday night. He had to get extra snaps at running back for the New England Patriots when Stevenson went down with an ankle injury. Damien Harris was inactive. Harris was listed way down on those first TD odds at BetMGM, and it hit when he scored on a 14-yard run.
(Reuters) -FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried was arrested in the Bahamas at the behest of U.S. prosecutors on Monday, the day before he was due to testify before Congress about the abrupt failure last month of one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges. The arrest marks a stunning fall from grace for the 30-year-old entrepreneur who rode a boom in bitcoin and other digital assets to become a billionaire many times over until FTX's rapid demise. The exchange, launched in 2019 and based in the Bahamas, filed for bankruptcy Nov. 11 after it struggled to raise money to stave off collapse as traders rushed to withdraw $6 billion from the platform in just 72 hours. | 2022-12-13T03:10:00Z | sports.yahoo.com | NFL betting: Long shot Kevin Harris joins list of little-known first TD scorers in prime time | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-betting-long-shot-kevin-harris-joins-list-of-little-known-first-td-scorers-in-prime-time-024943586.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-betting-long-shot-kevin-harris-joins-list-of-little-known-first-td-scorers-in-prime-time-024943586.html?src=rss |
The incident happened late in the first quarter of Monday's matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Parker caught a second-down pass from Mac Jones, and his head slammed to the turf when he was tackled. He was slow to stand up, and his knees buckled as he gathered himself to his feet. He appeared woozy once he stood up.
The Patriots hurried to line up for the ensuing first-down play as it wasn't clear that Parker maintained control of the ball through the catch. Agholor lined up in the slot with Parker out wide to his left. He looked out at Parker, then began to frantically wave his arms in an apparent bid to call for a game stoppage.
During the break in play, Parker left the field for the Patriots locker room. The Patriots later announced that Parker was ruled out with a head injury. Officials upheld the ruling on the field of a catch.
The NFL employs expert spotters to identify when a player potentially sustains a head injury and updated its concussion protocols midseason to protect players who demonstrate motor instability after a blow to the head. The update was in response to Tua Tagovailoa's head injuries in consecutive weeks, the second of which left him hospitalized after a Week 4 collision against the Cincinnati Bengals. Tagovailoa returned to a Week 3 game against the Buffalo Bills after demonstrating motor instability following a blow to his head. | 2022-12-13T03:10:14Z | sports.yahoo.com | Patriots WR Nelson Agholor pleads for game stoppage after spotters appear to miss DeVante Parker head injury | https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-wr-nelson-agholor-pleads-for-game-stoppage-after-spotters-appear-to-miss-de-vante-parker-head-injury-021452949.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-wr-nelson-agholor-pleads-for-game-stoppage-after-spotters-appear-to-miss-de-vante-parker-head-injury-021452949.html?src=rss |
The Giants were 18th in MLB.com's midseason farm-system rankings in August, and with the off-season in full swing, the front office is likely seeing which prospects can help the squad in 2023.
Former Giants first baseman Will Clark provided a couple of names that the organization should consider as possible prospects that can make an impact if given an opportunity during an appearance on 95.7 The Game's "Damon & Ratto" last Friday.
The first name that Clark gave was Vaun Brown. The outfielder is currently San Francisco's 10th-ranked prospect in their system after the team selected the outfielder in the 10th round of the 2021 MLB Draft.
"It's a gentleman by the name of Vaun Brown," Clark said. "And [he's a] big kid, 6'2", 6'3", can flat out fly, plays the game the right way.
"He is a leader in the clubhouse. He went from Low-A to High-A to Double-A last year and really kind of opened up a bunch of eyes. I saw Vaun three times last year, and I was very happy with what I saw. So that would be number one."
The second prospect that the 58-year-old spotlighted that should be on Giants fans' radar is Casey Schmitt, who, in Clark's eyes, can be a stellar defensive player.
"Number two, if I give you a little dark horse, is a gentleman by the name of Casey Schmitt," Clark continued. "He had a decent year [with the San Jose Giants] a few years ago, and then last year, he had a breakout year in High-A and then wound up in Double-A.
"He is a Gold Glove third baseman right now, without a shadow of a doubt. This boy can flat-out pick it, and he's starting to come around as far as offensively. So those are two prospects right there from the offensive side that the Giants do need to pay attention to."
Regarding both players' estimated time of arrival, MLB.com has Brown potentially arriving in the Bay in 2024. Meanwhile, Schmitt could be coming to the Giants as soon as 2023.
Kaapo Kakko with a Goal vs. New Jersey Devils
Kaapo Kakko (New York Rangers) with a Goal vs. New Jersey Devils, 12/12/2022
Kylie Rae Wrestles On 12/12 WWE Main Event Taping As Briana Ray
Kylie Rae competed at the WWE Main Event taping before […] | 2022-12-13T06:11:33Z | sports.yahoo.com | Will Clark reveals two Giants prospects he covets within farm system | https://sports.yahoo.com/clark-reveals-two-giants-prospects-051700367.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/clark-reveals-two-giants-prospects-051700367.html?src=rss |
An injury-plagued night with ugly offensive efforts on both sides fell in the New England Patriots’ favor on Monday, as they pulled away late and held on for a 27-13 road victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
The Patriots caught a break on the third play of the game, when Cardinals starting quarterback Kyler Murray went down with what looked like a serious knee injury.
And yet, even with Murray out, the Cardinals continued to put up a significant fight against the Patriots. The defense consistently generated pressure on Patriots quarterback Mac Jones and even came away with an interception. On the offensive side of the ball, they were able to get their running game going with James Conner against a Patriots’ defensive front that has typically shut down opposing rushers.
Things looked bleak early on.
But then the tide turned with a shocking mistake made by Cardinals star wideout DeAndre Hopkins, who coughed up a forced fumble by Kyle Dugger that was returned for a touchdown by Patriots linebacker Raekown McMillan.
Not long after that play, Mac Jones led the Patriots on a touchdown drive after linking up with tight end Hunter Henry on a 39-yard reception to put the team on the goal line. Rookie running back Pierre Strong Jr. did the honors in running the ball into the end zone and ultimately putting the game out of reach.
It was a big night for the rookies with Strong and Kevin Harris both getting their first NFL touchdowns, along with cornerback Marcus Jones coming away with his first interception.
The victory over the Cardinals put the Patriots back in the playoff picture with the No. 7 seed. Of course, they’ll have their work cut out for them in keeping that spot with games against the Las Vegas Raiders, Cincinnati Bengals, Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills left on the schedule.
A win is a win, but it’s hard to feel confident about the Patriots considering how flat they looked offensively against a Cardinals team that ranks among the worst teams in the league on defense. There were still a lot of snuffed out screens and a lack of vertical plays downfield to keep the defense honest.
The opportunity to take a victory lap is surely there, but don’t be surprised if some Patriots fans are just fine with breathing a sigh of relief that they didn’t lose in an upset to a McCoy-led Cardinals team. | 2022-12-13T06:21:00Z | sports.yahoo.com | Instant analysis of Patriots’ desperation win in desert over Cardinals | https://sports.yahoo.com/instant-analysis-patriots-desperation-win-044546478.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/instant-analysis-patriots-desperation-win-044546478.html?src=rss |
Monday Night Football: Patriots defense shines in 27-13 romp over Cardinals originally appeared on Pro Football Talk
The Cardinals fell to 4-9 after turning the ball over twice, giving up six sacks and allowing the Patriots to score 20 unanswered points.
A third-team all-state performer from this past season, he held offers from FBS Pittsburgh and Murray State in addition to his offer from the Bears. | 2022-12-13T06:21:19Z | sports.yahoo.com | Monday Night Football: Patriots defense shines in 27-13 romp over Cardinals | https://sports.yahoo.com/monday-night-football-patriots-defense-043542018.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/monday-night-football-patriots-defense-043542018.html?src=rss |
The Lions will have a top-10 pick in the 2023 NFL draft from the Los Angeles Rams, and it will probably be in the top five. Heading into Monday night's game the Lions were slated to pick fourth.
A few weeks ago it seemed obvious that the Lions would use that pick on a quarterback. Now it's not a sure thing.
Since two rough games against the New England Patriots and Dallas Cowboys, Jared Goff has been excellent. Over the past seven games he has thrown for 1,769 yards, 11 touchdowns and one interception. He has a 104.6 passer rating over that time. His 97.9 passer rating for the season ranks seventh in the NFL. In a league that has seen many teams struggle to find any answer at quarterback or suffer through the option they have, Goff has been at least in the top half of the league, and that's being conservative.
Back to that classic Detroit offseason of choices. When the Lions brought on Goff, they were mostly taking on just salary so the Rams could get Matthew Stafford. Goff has been better than a temporary option. Goff just turned 28. He is a former first overall pick of the draft, and made two Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl with the Rams. Goff is not singularly great but this season is reminiscent of his best years with the Rams. With good talent and good coaching around him, you can win with Goff at quarterback. You just can't ask him to do it all, and the Lions should be pretty good around the quarterback position for a while.
But does Goff's hot streak mean the Lions pass on a quarterback in next year's draft? Everyone is aware that Goff's ceiling is limited and Detroit will have more exciting yet unproven options. Ohio State's C.J. Stroud could fall to the Lions. Kentucky's Will Levis seems like a good bet to be available, as long as the Rams don't win a lot down the stretch. If the Lions believe in the talent of Stroud, Levis or anyone else in that range, it could be a big mistake to put all their faith in Goff and pass a top QB prospect.
In 2020, the Lions screwed up. They didn't make a strong decision on Stafford's future. They drafted Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah third overall, passing on Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert. They traded Stafford a year later. They blew it. Will the Lions have the same regret passing on a top quarterback in 2023? Those chances don't come along often if you're not a bad team, and the Lions hope to not have another top-10 pick for a while.
There's also Goff's contract. The Lions could get out of it after this season with 2023 salary-cap savings of about $20 million. Goff's cap hit in 2023 is $30.65 million and in 2023 it's $31.65 million. That's not excessive for a quarterback (his 2023 hit is projected to be 11th most among QBs at the moment) but it's significant. It complicates things.
Here's what the Lions have to decide next offseason: Would you rather have Goff at a cap hit of more than $30 million and a much-needed future star for the defense like Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter, Alabama defensive end Will Anderson Jr. or Clemson's Myles Murphy, or a young, unknown quarterback with more theoretical upside than Goff and about $20 million in extra cap space for 2023? Also there would be a lot of cap flexibility over the new QB's rookie deal. Goff could also stick around for another year as a bridge quarterback, though that is expensive. If the Lions choose the Goff/defensive lineman route and Goff regresses next season, it would be another massive regret to go with the Tagovailoa/Herbert mistake.
Goff's play is a reason the Lions have jumped back into the playoff race. They've rebounded from a 1-6 start to win five of six, with the one loss coming in the final seconds to the Buffalo Bills on Thanksgiving. But Goff's play has also complicated what happens next.
It's not the worst place to be. The Lions will likely get either a stud defensive foundation piece to go alongside 2022 first-round pick Aidan Hutchinson, or a quarterback they hope stars for them over the next decade. That doesn't mean the decision is easy.
How many more victories will Jared Goff be celebrating with the Detroit Lions? (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
A win over the Cowboys would have made the Texans' season a lot brighter. It would have given that team's fans something to feel good about. Blowing it by screwing up a goal-to-go situation and then giving up a 98-yard touchdown drive to lose in the final minute just makes a miserable season worse. Oh well, at least the Texans are closer to the first overall draft pick.
There is an odd amount of optimism in Colorado over the Broncos' loss Sunday. They came back to make it interesting after trailing the Chiefs 27-0, and Denver's offense showed signs of life before Russell Wilson's scary concussion. But it shows how low the bar is for the 2022 Broncos that Sunday's performance is a highlight.
The Bears' next two opponents: Eagles and Bills. Justin Fields needs to be tested to gauge what he needs to work on next offseason, and those will be two significant tests.
Baker Mayfield leading that comeback win, less than 48 hours after he landed in Los Angeles, was one of the best moments of the NFL season. It certainly was a shining light in a horrible season for the Rams. And the Rams didn't have to worry about the win messing with where they'll pick in the first round next year.
The injury to Kyler Murray makes a bad season worse for the Cardinals. Now they have to start worrying if Murray will be ready for the start of next season, which is the last thing that franchise needed.
It's not too early to wonder what happens next with the Colts' coaching situation. Team owner Jim Irsay was very excited to make Jeff Saturday his interim head coach. Does that mean he gets the full-time job after some sham interviews to satisfy the Rooney Rule? Does Saturday need to win a few games down the stretch? Will someone talk Irsay out of making Saturday the full-time coach? It's hard to say when it comes to Irsay.
The one thing the Saints can still chase this season (they're still mathematically not out of the playoff race, but come on) is getting Chris Olave the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Olave has 60 catches for 887 yards and the race is still close. If Olave has some big games down the stretch he can take the award.
Rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder gets the start, and it's a smart move. The offense had fallen apart with Marcus Mariota. Maybe Ridder adds something. If he doesn't, at least the Falcons tried to salvage the season before it's done. It was time.
That collapse against the Rams had countless mistakes and almost all of them can be traced back to coaching. After the game the Raiders cut guard John Simpson, who played 93 percent of the snaps Thursday. I was unaware that Simpson was responsible for the Raiders playing press coverage on the final drive of the game when the Rams had no timeouts.
There should be plenty of questions over how rookie Kenny Pickett was put in the concussion protocol after he was allowed to play another series following a big hit. Everyone saw the sack from Roquan Smith; it's not like there was some hidden hit. Mike Tomlin didn't have many answers after the game, saying, “I don’t know about the sequence or the details regarding the sequence.” The concussion protocol is never going to be perfect, but it needs to be better than what we saw in Pittsburgh on Sunday.
The Panthers' upset win at Seattle combined with the Buccaneers' loss at the 49ers makes things tighter in the NFC South. Carolina already beat the Buccaneers once this season, and they play again on Jan. 1. The Panthers' other three remaining games (vs. Steelers, vs. Lions, at Saints) could produce a win or two. The Panthers could still steal the NFC South if they finish the sweep of the Bucs in a few weeks.
What happened to the Browns' defense? It looked like Cleveland was building on that side of the ball, but there are no playmakers aside from Myles Garrett. Garrett has 12 sacks and nobody else on the Browns has more than 2.5. No Browns defender other than Garrett has more than four quarterback hits, which is hard to believe given the attention Garrett demands. Nobody on the Browns has more than one interception all season. Garrett and linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah have two forced fumbles, and nobody else has more than one. How can an entire defense — Garrett excepted, of course — be this bad at making any impact plays?
The Buccaneers are a bad team. The offense is a mess. The defense is usually good but it was picked apart by Brock Purdy and the 49ers on Sunday. The Bucs are still the favorites to win the NFC South but look at their upcoming schedule: vs. Bengals, at Cardinals, vs. Panthers, at Falcons. If Tampa Bay loses to the Panthers on Jan. 1, there's a chance they blow an easy path to win one of the worst divisions in NFL history.
I hate to play the "if the Packers win out they can make the playoffs" game. You can maybe talk yourself into the schedule not being impossible — vs. Rams, at Dolphins, vs. Vikings, vs. Lions — but there are a lot of potential losses and more important, the Packers aren't the caliber of team to win four straight games.
Trevor Lawrence is on a roll. Over the Jaguars' past five games he has 1,362 yards, 10 touchdowns and no interceptions. He has had a 106.1 rating in four of those five games. There are still consistency concerns, but that's probably overblown because he hasn't had a sustained stretch like this. Lawrence might already be a star. Based on the past five games, it looks like he has arrived.
Saquon Barkley's first nine games: 198 carries for 931 yards (4.7 yards per carry), 29 catches for 197 receiving yards (6.8 yards per catch). Barkley's past four games: 50 carries for 152 yards (2.9 yards per rush) and 13 catches for 64 receiving yards (4.9 yards per catch). Barkley's drop hasn't been all his fault, but it's not the best news for him as he approaches free agency. And Barkley's production falling is the biggest reason the Giants' offense is struggling.
Geno Smith pressed a bit but he's not atop the Seahawks' list of issues. The run game has disappeared, the offensive line isn't playing great and the defense is getting pushed around. People want to blame Smith because they can't believe he's emerging out of nowhere as a good quarterback, and that's unfair.
The Commanders play the Giants on Sunday night and it's practically a playoff game. The winner will have a huge edge to get an NFC wild-card spot. The Commanders have to feel good about their chances to win that home game, especially off a bye.
Derrick Henry had just 2 yards on three second-half carries after rushing for 119 in the first half. The Titans aren't going to win like that. The Titans' next two opponents are the Chargers and Texans, two of the worst run defenses in the NFL, so Henry will have a chance to put up some big numbers.
Another week in which the Chargers had the biggest change in their playoff odds at Football Outsiders. After beating the Dolphins, they have a 46.6% chance to make it heading into the Patriots-Cardinals game on Monday night. That's a 21.3% improvement from last week, the biggest shift in the NFL. The Chargers, and particularly head coach Brandon Staley and quarterback Justin Herbert, need to take advantage and make it to the playoffs.
This is not a great Patriots team. But Bill Belichick is still really good at getting the most out of the talent on hand. If the season ended now, the Patriots would be a playoff team.
The Jets keep losing players. If defensive tackle Quinnen Williams misses time with a calf injury that's a huge blow. He'd probably be an All-Pro if the voting happened today. Receiver Corey Davis and quarterback Mike White were banged up in the game too. Injuries are piling up for the Jets.
It's OK to say Tua Tagovailoa looked terrible on Sunday night and not have it be a referendum on his worth as an NFL player. Good players have bad games. But Sunday night was really bad. You won't see many competent quarterbacks with a stat line of 3-of-17 for 25 yards, like Tagovailoa had in third quarter. The person on the spot, maybe even more than Tagovailoa, is head coach Mike McDaniel. After a great start this season, McDaniel has to adjust to how the Dolphins are being defended the past two games.
Sunday's win over the Steelers was ugly. Why would the Ravens care? Winning on the road against an improving Steelers team, when Baltimore was down to its third-string quarterback, is impressive. The Ravens ran the ball well, played good defense and got out of Pittsburgh with a physical win that keeps them even with the Bengals in the division. That's not bad.
The Vikings are an oddity, a 10-3 team with a negative point differential and pretty much every other negative advanced stat you can think of. I still don't believe the Vikings are bad. They're just not as good as your typical 10-3 team. What is concerning is the defense. Minnesota has given up at least 400 yards in five straight games. That will cost the Vikings in the playoffs if they don't clean it up.
Trey Hendrickson broke his wrist Sunday and played through it in the fourth quarter according to NFL Media. He'll miss a few weeks and that's bad news for a Bengals team that is tied for first place in the AFC North. Hendrickson, a Pro Bowler last season, is second on the Bengals with six sacks.
The Brock Purdy story is tremendous. It's hard to believe that a third-string rookie quarterback taken with the last pick of the draft could lead a team to a Super Bowl, but in the past two weeks the 49ers look the part of a title team. Maybe Purdy will be exposed in an adverse situation — on the road, when the 49ers fall behind, in a tense playoff game, and so forth — but maybe this is an awesome all-time story we're seeing unfold. It's certainly making the 49ers must-watch TV the rest of the way.
Let's not start picking apart Patrick Mahomes. Sure, he threw three interceptions against Denver. He also had 352 yards and three touchdowns and the Chiefs won. Let's not forget that Mahomes lost Tyreek Hill, who will be an All-Pro this season and has a chance to break the NFL's single-season receiving yards record, yet leads the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns. And the Chiefs are 10-3. Nothing against Jalen Hurts, but Mahomes still should be the MVP favorite, even as the odds flipped in Hurts' favor.
I'll give the Cowboys a pass, to some extent. The Cowboys didn't seem to take the Texans seriously enough and it almost cost them a win. That happens, whether we like it or not. Still, Dallas needs to make sure that some issues weren't exposed in that ugly win.
The Bills don't want to see the Jets in the playoffs. The Bills have 20 first downs in every non-Jets game, and had 19 and 14 against the Jets. Buffalo has gained 326 yards in all games that weren't against the Jets, and had 317 and 232 against New York. That defense gives the Bills problems. Getting the win on Sunday despite not being able to move the ball was huge.
For all Southgate has achieved, there remains scrutiny over his in-game changes and whether he has that truly exacting quality to get England over the line | 2022-12-13T06:21:25Z | sports.yahoo.com | NFL Power Rankings: Jared Goff's hot streak will give Lions a tough decision for 2023 | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-does-jared-goffs-hot-streak-force-lions-to-pass-on-drafting-qb-in-2023-045804593.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-does-jared-goffs-hot-streak-force-lions-to-pass-on-drafting-qb-in-2023-045804593.html?src=rss |
Keith Gavin must have felt like Macaulay Culkin in “Home Alone 2” on Sunday, because for much of Pitt’s dual with Columbia, the Panthers looked Lost in New York. Take your pick as to whether Holden Heller, James Lledo or Jake Slinger played the role of the pigeon lady but, in the end, the Panthers were able to “Escape from New York” with a 19-18 victory. After dominating Illinois last week and crushing Jordan Leen’s Brown squad 41-3 on Friday night, it looked like the Panthers (5-1) were going to head into the Christmas break on a roll – at least until weigh-ins. | 2022-12-13T06:55:04Z | sports.yahoo.com | Arizona State wins 8th straight, holds off Creighton, 73-71 | https://sports.yahoo.com/arizona-state-wins-8th-straight-045353233.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/arizona-state-wins-8th-straight-045353233.html?src=rss |
Last week the Pittsburgh Steelers fell flat against the Baltimore Ravens and all but ended their season. But with four more games left on the schedule, the first up being the Carolina Panthers. The two teams share the same record but the Panthers seem to be playing with more momentum and actually have something left to play for. Here is what we are worried about this week.
Quarterback, obviously
As of now, we don’t know what the status of Kenny Pickett is after entering the concussion protocol Sunday. Earlier in the season Pickett suffered a concussion but didn’t miss a start. This muddies up the practice reps and leaves some doubt as to who will be on the field on Sunday.
These are two teams coming into this game from different directions. Both teams are 5-8 but the Steelers are in the basement of the AFC North and the Panthers are in second place in the NFC South just behind the 6-7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Carolina likes to run the football
Even after trading away Christian McCaffrey, the Panthers are still not afraid to run the football. Last week against the Seahawks, Carolina rushed the football 46 times for 223 yards. If the Steelers defense has a weakness, it’s stopping the run so look for the Panthers to take it right to them. | 2022-12-13T07:56:06Z | sports.yahoo.com | Steelers vs Panthers: Big worries for this week’s game | https://sports.yahoo.com/steelers-vs-panthers-big-worries-063024772.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/steelers-vs-panthers-big-worries-063024772.html?src=rss |
The New England Patriots traveled out west with the hopes of returning with a 8-6 record and control of their fate in the playoff picture.
Despite battling a slew of injuries, the Patriots dug deep and managed to snag a pivotal road win over the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in a primetime Monday Night Football game. By the end of the game, they were down cornerback Jack Jones, running back Rhamondre Stevenson, wide receiver DeVante Parker and safety Devin McCourty.
But the next man up mentality proved too strong to be outdone for a Patriots team that desperately needed a win. Make no mistake, it wasn’t all sugar and rainbows in the matchup, and there are still legitimate concerns surrounding the team. However, they did what they had to do and finished strong with a victory over a Cardinals team that’s clearly better than their record indicates.
Here are the winners and losers from the game.
Here’s to hoping someone buys Patriots quarterback Mac Jones a nice pair of Brooks shoes because he was running for his life against the Cardinals. The unit as a whole has struggled this season due to guys being in and out of the lineup.
There’s also the fact that former longtime defensive coordinator Matt Patricia is the de facto offensive line coach, along with handling offensive play-calling duties. He has clearly struggled on both fronts this season.
On Monday, the Patriots faced a blitz-happy Cardinals defense and looked overwhelmed at times on the offensive front. Keep in mind, the team was starting Conor McDermott at right tackle with Isaiah Wynn once again out of action.
Marcus Jones can do it all—offense, defense and special teams. If he said he could also coach, I’d probably believe him at this point.
He hauled in a reception for 12 yards against the Cardinals, along with nabbing an interception on Colt McCoy to help put the Patriots over the top on the road.
It’s becoming clear why coach Bill Belichick was so confident in taking Jones in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft. The rookie is positioning himself to be a star for the team for years to come.
Loser: Nelson Agholor
Nelson Agholor looked like he stepped into a time machine and went back to his days with the Philadelphia Eagles in this game. He clearly had a bad case of the dropsies on Monday night, with at least one play nearly being ruled a fumble returned for a touchdown.
It’s even more frustrating considering he has the second-highest cap hit behind tight end Hunter Henry this season. The Agholor experiment clearly hasn’t worked for the Patriots, and they’ve paid a lot of money in the process of seeing it fail.
It’s scary to think the team might need to depend on him to step up if DeVante Parker misses time with the injury he suffered during the game.
Winner: Josh Uche
Josh Uche is really starting to make a name for himself on the Patriots defense. He’s consistently finding a way to impact the game, even when he isn’t coming up with sacks.
Granted, he was feasting on sack lunches (3) against the Cardinals, but he also forced a bad pass from Colt McCoy that led to Marcus Jones getting an interception. The combination of Uche and Matthew Judon is a force to be reckoned with regardless of who the Patriots are facing on the schedule.
They clearly have the potential to take the team to heights that weren’t believed possible earlier in the season, assuming the offense doesn’t completely kill the momentum.
Winner: Rookie running backs
Things thinned out quickly for the Patriots at running back after Rhamondre Stevenson went down with an ankle injury. Damien Harris was already sidelined with a thigh injury, and the only other option left for the team was relying on the two rookies, Pierre Strong Jr, and Kevin Harris to help carry the load in the offensive backfield.
And boy did they carry the load.
Kevin Harris turned heads with his bludgeoning running style that eventually ended with him powering his way into the end zone for six points in the first half of the game.
Not to be outdone, Strong found his way into the end zone as well in the second half after demonstrating his speed on multiple plays. On a night when the Patriots desperately needed the extra offensive help, both of their rookies scored the first touchdown of their NFL careers.
Winner: Hunter Henry
Much has been made about the tight end struggles for the Patriots, but on Monday night, Hunter Henry silenced critics by hauling in three passes for a team-high 70 receiving yards. There is no offensive success without the involvement of the tight ends.
Henry was one of Mac Jones’ favorite targets in 2021, and that’s starting to become the case again later in the season. Here’s to hoping he can get back to being a threat in the red zone, where the Patriots have clearly struggled this season.
But there’s a tendency for a bit of a see-saw effect when it comes to Patriots receivers. They’ll have a big game one week and then go without a single catch the next week.
Winner: Ja'Whaun Bentley
Ja’Whaun Bentley was flying all around the field making plays on a night when the Cardinals leaned heavily on their running game with James Conner, who found some success against the Patriots on the ground.
The starting linebacker finished the game with 10 tackles on a night when the Patriots needed it the most. This wasn’t a case where the Cardinals offense had a meltdown after losing Kyler Murray on the third play of the game. They continued to play hard on the offensive side of the ball, and it took the consistency from Bentley and others to deliver the knockout blow.
The Patriots will surely need more of that effort with a murderer’s row slate of opponents remaining on the schedule.
Winner: Raekwon McMillan
Perhaps the biggest winner of the night was linebacker Raekwon McMillan, who tipped the game in the Patriots’ favor with a scoop and score off a DeAndre Hopkins’ fumble.
Kyle Dugger deserves credit for forcing the fumble, but it was McMillan that picked the ball up and ran it into the end zone to put the Patriots ahead. New England never looked back after scoring that touchdown.
When a play needed to be made, the defense came up big with McMillan’s heads-up play leading the way.
LIVING CONDITIONS: Children raised in the age of social media now have every moment of their lives documented and preserved on their parents’ feeds, writes Ceri Radford. Should we be worried? | 2022-12-13T07:56:12Z | sports.yahoo.com | Winners and losers from Patriots’ 27-13 road win over the Cardinals | https://sports.yahoo.com/winners-losers-patriots-27-13-064752243.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/winners-losers-patriots-27-13-064752243.html?src=rss |
Here we are 12 days until Christmas and17 until Notre Dame takes on South Carolina in the Gator Bowl. College football postseasons feel a whole lot different since the start of the College Football Playoff combined with the transfer portal and early signing periods.
As we count down the days until Santa drops off gifts and until we see this 2022 Notre Dame squad take the field for a final time, there are a few things to be aware of this Tuesday. Some have to do with the transfer portal, some have to do with Notre Dame players receiving national honors, and others have to do with that hated word, de-commitment.
Here are your five things to know with Notre Dame football for Tuesday, December 13.
Updated Team Recruiting Rankings
It’s been a topsy-turvy run for Notre Dame on the recruiting trail as the finishing touches are being put on the 2023 class ahead of early signing period. A one time Notre Dame commitment, five-star edge defender Keon Keeley announced his decision to attend Alabama on Monday.
It’s a case of the rich getting richer as the Tide’s top-ranked class gets even stronger. Can Notre Dame hold onto a top-three spot? Here is how things grade out following Keeley’s commitment.
Notre Dame vs. Miami - Rivalry Renewed
No, Notre Dame and Miami aren’t set to play again until 2024 when they’ll meet in South Bend. However, the two are battling for a spot in the Sweet 16 of our College Football Helmet Bracket at the USA TODAY Sports College Wires. You can vote in the Notre Dame region here. Also, check out the bracket of the remaining teams below.
2022 College Football Helmet Bracket (Round of 32)
Notre Dame loses 2024 recruiting commitment
Dame lost one of their seven commitments in the 2024 recruiting class as defensive lineman [autotag]Brandon Davis-Swain[/autotag] announced his de-commitment from the Fighting Irish. Davis-Swain was early to commit to the Irish but appears to been really drawn in by a recent visit to Ohio State as well as a new offer from Luke Fickell at Wisconsin.
Cane Berrong transferring out
AP Photo/Robert Franklin
Former top-ranked tight end in the 2021 recruiting class Cane Berrong is on his way out at Notre Dame. The Georgia native is entering the transfer portal after an ACL injury his freshman year has kept him further down on the depth chart than we could have anticipated at this point.
We discuss his injury, being buried on the depth chart, and a little of the future outlook for the position here.
Associated Press announced their All-American teams on Monday. Making the first-team were Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer as he earned the spot over Georgia’s Brock Bowers. Joe Alt also received first-team honors. Meanwhile, Isaiah Foskey earned second-team honors from the AP.
Notebook: Al Golden's defensive script considers youth, challenges veterans
When No. 21 Notre Dame takes the field against No. 19 South Carolina in the Gator Bowl, it will be both an encore and an audition for the Notre Dame defense. Since the Irish concluded the regular season with a 38-27 loss to then-No. 6 Southern California, they have adapted to change and shifted gears. To close out the season, Notre Dame will be without star vyper end Isaiah Foskey on Dec. 30 in Jacksonville, Fla. The program’s all-time sack leader declared for the NFL draft and opted out of the bowl game.
'Bardo: False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths' is a semi-autobiographical film from director Alejandro G. Iñárritu. Daniel Giménez Cacho stars.
With the release of Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s “Bardo: False Chronicles of a Handful of Truths,” Netflix invited guests to experience the sights and sounds of the Academy Award-winning director’s most personal film. Through a series of conversations, the audience learned more about the design and craft of the project and had the opportunity to view […]
Starz has canceled “Dangerous Liaisons” after one season — despite that the historical drama was renewed just last month, Variety has confirmed. Though executives at Starz had much faith behind the series, sources say the team decided to axe the show due to it not finding its audience. The remaining three episodes in the first […] | 2022-12-13T11:33:35Z | sports.yahoo.com | Notre Dame football: 5 things to know for December 13, 2022 | https://sports.yahoo.com/notre-dame-football-5-things-110042125.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/notre-dame-football-5-things-110042125.html?src=rss |
2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL BOWL SCHEDULE: The complete list of all 42 matchups
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Caleb Williams threw for 4,075 yards and 37 touchdowns this season for USC.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: All-America college football teams: USC has three first-team picks | 2022-12-13T11:33:48Z | sports.yahoo.com | USC QB Caleb Williams leads USA TODAY Sports' All-America college football teams | https://sports.yahoo.com/usc-qb-caleb-williams-leads-110831383.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/usc-qb-caleb-williams-leads-110831383.html?src=rss |
Game 28 Detroit Red Wings (13-8-6) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (15-6-6)
Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit.
MORE:Red Wings recall G Magnus Hellberg. What this means for week ahead
RELATED: Red Wings' David Perron as effective as ever, hits 1,000-game milestone
Game notes: The Red Wings haven't played a team with a losing record since beginning a four-game road trip Dec. 4, but have held their own and are back at home. They ended the solid road trip (five points in eight games) with two straight losses high-quality competition, most recently dropping a 3-2 decision in overtime to the Dallas Stars. Ville Husso made 30 saves Sunday and Dylan Larkin scored along with David Perron (playing in the 1,000th game of his career). It was the second straight overtime win for the Stars, who are second in the Central Division (though they lost in regulation on Monday night in Pittsburgh).
The Hurricanes, second in the Metropolitan Division, have a slim plus-seven goal differential — but allowing just 73 goals over 27 games (2.67 goals against per game) will keep you in it most nights. Andrei Svechinikov leads the team with 15 goals, but is a minus-three while playing 18:24 a game. Rookie goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov (2.21 GAA and two shutouts) has been great this season after being selected in the second round of the 2019 NHL draft.
Expect to see a lot of red, white and black on the ice in this one, as the Wings will be wearing their red-and-black striped "Reverse Retro" uniforms for the second time this season.
These teams meet again March 30 at Little Caesars Arena and then again April 11 in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Wings play at the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday. The Hurricanes host the Seattle Kraken on Thursday to start a four-game homestand.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Red Wings game score vs. Hurricanes: TV, time, radio | 2022-12-13T12:25:49Z | sports.yahoo.com | Detroit Red Wings game vs. Carolina Hurricanes: TV channel, time, radio info | https://sports.yahoo.com/detroit-red-wings-game-vs-104918556.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/detroit-red-wings-game-vs-104918556.html?src=rss |
After falling behind 27-0 early, Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson threw three touchdown passes against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday to help his team get back into the game.
Trailing 34-21 in the fourth quarter, Wilson was leading another promising drive before being knocked out of the game with a concussion. Denver then turned to backup quarterback Brett Rypien.
Rypien threw a touchdown pass to Jerry Jeudy to make it 34-28, but he wasn’t able to complete the comeback effort that Wilson started.
“It’s not ideal but the mindset is, ‘Go win the game,'” Rypien said of entering a game cold. “Whatever it takes. Obviously, I’ve never been in a situation like that before, especially when you come in and you’re down on their five-yard line. It’s kind of nice. I wish every drive started like that.
“I’m just frustrated. Frustrated that I couldn’t get it done. Especially after how hard ‘Russ’ fought. How hard our offense fought. We’ve been through a lot this year and just seeing him battle every single day. I’m just so proud of that [offensive] room. It’s just tough.”
Before leaving the game, Wilson went 23-of-36 passing for 247 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. He also rushed four times for 57 yards.
Rypien was hit while throwing in the fourth quarter and that hit ultimately forced an interception that sealed a win for Kansas City. He wasn’t able to complete the comeback, but Rypien’s touchdown pass to Jeudy helped Denver stay in the game after Wilson’s injury.
Rypien might get an opportunity to redeem himself when the Broncos host the Arizona Cardinals in Week 15. Wilson is now in the NFL’s concussion protocol and if he’s not cleared before Sunday, Rypien will start in his place. | 2022-12-13T12:30:14Z | sports.yahoo.com | Broncos QB Brett Rypien frustrated he wasn’t able to complete comeback | https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-qb-brett-rypien-frustrated-110009620.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-qb-brett-rypien-frustrated-110009620.html?src=rss |
Roob stats: The most preposterous batch of Jalen Hurts numbers yet originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
In the span of a few months, Jalen Hurts has gone from a promising young quarterback with a chance of locking down the starting job to quite possibly the best quarterback in the NFL.
The only thing more incredible that Hurts’ progression is Hurts’ stats. And that’s why we’re gathered here today.
Stats. Numbers. Records.
Hurts is putting up numbers that defy belief, and we’ve got 10 of the best ones here in this week’s edition of what seems to be turning into a regular weekly feature: Roob’s 10 Insane Jalen Hurts Stats!
1. Hurts on Sunday lowered his career interception ratio to one every 60.5 attempts on 16 interceptions in 968 passes. He passed Patrick Mahomes - who threw three INTs Sunday - and now has the 4th-best interception ratio in NFL history among quarterbacks who’ve thrown at least 500 passes. Hurts has had 10 games this year where he’s thrown 25 or more passes without an interception. Only four QBs have had more in a season (Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Dak Prescott, Jason Campbell).
2. Along similar lines, Hurts’ interception ratio this year – one INT every 129 attempts – is 6th-best in NFL history (minimum 300 pass attempts) with four weeks to go. Only Aaron Rodgers three times and Tom Brady and Nick Foles once apiece have had a better interception ratio in any season in NFL history.
3. With three more touchdowns – two passing, one rushing – Hurts increased his season total to 32, already the 5th-most in franchise history and just five off the franchise record of 35 set in 1990 by Randall Cunningham. Also over 30: Donovan McNabb in 2004 (34), Carson Wentz in 2017 (33), Sonny Jurgensen in 1961 (32) and Norm Snead in 1967 (31).
4. Hurts is only the second quarterback in NFL history to lead a team to a 12-1 record before his 25th birthday. In 1984, Dan Marino – still only 23 – led the Dolphins to a 12-1 record. They lost their 14th game to the Raiders, falling to 12-2. So if the Eagles beat the Bears, Hurts becomes the only quarterback to go 13-1 before his 25th birthday.
5. Hurts extended his streak of games with a passser rating of at least 94 to eight straight, now two more than Carson Wentz had in 2018. Hurts’ streak is 12th-longest in NFL history and longest since Matt Ryan of the Falcons had a 94 rating or higher in 10 straight games in 2018. The longest such streaks of all-time belong to Steve Young in 1994 and 1995 and Peyton Manning in 2004 with 14 games in a row.
6. In his last eight games, Hurts has completed 68 percent of his passes, thrown for 225 yards per game with 18 touchdowns and one interception and recorded a 115.9 passer rating. Not only is that highest in the NFL over the last eight games – Joe Burrow is next-highest at 111.0 – it’s second-highest in Eagles history over any eight-game span. Here’s a look at the top eight-game stretches in Eagles history:
126.3 ... Nick Foles, Week 9-16, 2013
115.9 ... Jalen Hurts, Week 6-13, 2022
110.6 ... Carson Wentz, Week 4-11, 2017
109.7 ... Donovan McNabb, Week 6-13, 2004
109.6 ... Carson Wentz, Week 1-8, 2018
7. With touchdown passes of 33 yards to A.J. Brown and 41 yards to DeVonta Smith, Hurts increased his total of 25-yard TD passes this year to 11, tied with Derek Carr for most in the league this year and most by an Eagles quarterback since Randall Cunningham threw 12 in 1987. Sonny Jurgensen holds the franchise record for 25-yard TDs in a season with 14, which he did in both 1961 and 1962. Tommy Thompson in 1948, Norm Van Brocklin in 1960 and Norm Snead in 1967 had 12. Hurts had three TD passes of at least 25 yards against the Titans and two more Sunday, making him the first Eagle QB with consecutive games with multiple 25-yard touchdowns since Nick Foles against the Raiders and Packers in 2013 and the fourth in history. Before that, Tommy Thompson did it against the Giants and Boston Yanks in 1948, Ron Jaworski vs. the Giants and Cards in 1977 and Donovan McNabb against the Packers and Cowboys in 2006,
8. Hurts’ 10th rushing touchdown of the season made him the first quarterback in NFL history with consecutive seasons with 10 or more rushing touchdowns. The only other QB with more than one season with 10 rushing TDs is Cam Newton, who did it three times – but never twice in a row (2011, 2015, 2020). Only 10 other players in Eagles history have scored 10 TDs in a season twice, and the only other ones to do it in consecutive years are Steve Van Buren (1947-49), Pete Pihos (1953, 1954), Tommy McDonald (1959-62, Timmy Brown (1962-64, Wilbert Montgomery (1978-81, Ricky Watters (1995, 1996) and Brian Westbrook (2006-08).
9. With 14 more rushing yards, Hurts will join Lamar Jackson, Cam Newton and Michael Vick as the fourth quarterback in NFL history with 700 rushing yards in two seasons. Only Robert Griffin III in 2012 and Lamar Jackson in 2019 have had 700 rushing yards in a season and a passer rating over 100.
10. Hurts and A.J. Brown have connected on six TD passes of 25 yards or more in their first season playing together. That’s the most by any Eagles quarterback-receiver duo since Donovan McNabb and Terrell Owens hit on seven touchdowns of at least 25 yards in 2004, and it’s two shy of the franchise record of eight 25-yard TDs set in 1962 by Hall of Famers Sonny Jurgensen and Tommy McDonald. Other Eagles combos with seven in a season: Tommy Thompson to Pete Pihos in 1948, Norm Van Brocklin to McDonald in 1960, Jurgsensen to McDonald in 1961, Norm Snead to Ben Hawkins in 1967 and Randall Cunningham to Mike Quick in 1987. | 2022-12-13T12:30:31Z | sports.yahoo.com | Eagles stats: The most preposterous batch of Jalen Hurts numbers yet | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-stats-most-preposterous-batch-120000702.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-stats-most-preposterous-batch-120000702.html?src=rss |
The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 14 by the final score of 16-14 in a slugfest. The two teams made sure to grind out every yard for the entirety of the contest, but it was Baltimore that came out on top in an ever-so important divisional matchup.
In the game, running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards were on the field together for the first time since the 2020 season, and led the Ravens to a dominant performance on the ground. Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh talked about the duo, saying it was good to see Dobbins and Edwards back together while also giving a shoutout to running backs Justice Hill and Kenyan Drake.
“Yes, it’s good to see those guys [J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards] back together, and I also feel great about Justice [Hill] and feel great about Kenyan [Drake]. But those guys are guys that we kind of built the team around, right? So, to see those guys coming back and possibly becoming what we envisioned originally – after the really tough, gruesome injuries – is really encouraging, and I don’t think either one of them would tell you that they’re fully there yet. So, let’s just keep heading in this direction, is what our goal would be.”
Dobbins carried the ball 15 times for 120 yards and a touchdown, while Edwards had 13 rushes for 66 yards. Both were key pieces in Baltimore’s win, and should be called upon in many different ways as the season begins to wind down and the playoffs approach. | 2022-12-13T12:30:57Z | sports.yahoo.com | Ravens HC John Harbaugh shares thoughts on RBs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards playing together again | https://sports.yahoo.com/ravens-hc-john-harbaugh-shares-045902088.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/ravens-hc-john-harbaugh-shares-045902088.html?src=rss |
Todd Rosiak, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
William Contreras hit .278 with 20 home runs and 45 runs batted for the Braves in 2022.
In addition, Oakland sent catcher Sean Murphy to Atlanta for catcher Manny Piña and three pitching prospects in right-handers Freddy Tarnok and Royber Salinas and left-hander Kyle Muller.
"We’re excited about what we were able to accomplish today for the team," general manager Matt Arnold said. "These three-team deals are complicated and take a lot of time but when everybody signs off, it’s a pretty good feeling to get it done."
Contreras, who turns 25 on Dec. 24, hit .278 with 20 home runs and 45 runs batted in with an OPS of .860 in 97 games in 2022. He made 89 starts in all – 57 at catcher, 31 at designated hitter and one in left field.
He split time behind the plate with Travis d'Arnaud while Piña missed most of the season with an injury.
Contreras started the All-Star Game as the designated hitter for the National League and over his final 48 games, he hit .304 with nine homers and 22 RBI.
With the Brewers, he'll become the primary backstop with Victor Caratini the backup. The team also has Payton Henry and Mario Feliciano on the 40-man roster and another catcher with limited major-league experience in the system in Alex Jackson.
Defensively, Contreras could use some polishing up. But the Brewers have had great success in coaching catchers up in recent years so there's no reason to believe they won't be able to do the same in this case.
"Certainly, losing Omar Narváez is a big loss for us and we feel good about having Victor Caratini in our mix," Arnold said. "We feel good about being able to add Payton Henry back to the organization recently, but if we were able to add another guy, especially with the pedigree of somebody like William Contreras, that was something we were very open to doing and something we had our eye on trying to accomplish over the last couple months.
"So once he became a possibility, it was something we really tried to narrow down and ultimately, we were able to come together (on a deal)."
Offensively, he figures to be a terrific fit as a right-handed bat with pop in the middle of the lineup. He hit .354 with a 1.036 OPS against left-handed pitching this past season, an area of huge need for Milwaukee.
"With what he’s been able to accomplish offensively, he brings a solid middle-of-the-order bat particularly against left-handed pitching, as we’ve seen," Arnold said. "Obviously, having William here at his age gives us additional flexibility to explore other things and that’s important to us.
"We value flexibility, roster flexibility, positional flexibility, so just the opportunity to remain flexible with our roster is something we value quite a bit here as well."
Making Contreras an even better fit from the Brewers’ perspective is the fact he's is under team control through 2027.
"That’s a big part of this," Arnold said. "He’s somebody who’s not a rental, (that) we think has a chance to be here and be a Brewer for a long time. Just having those kind of ingredients, we’ve talked a lot about the exciting young ballclub we’re trying to put together here and we feel like he can certainly be a part of that -- especially already having been an all-star at a very young age."
Contreras is the younger brother of St. Louis Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras, the longtime Chicago Cub who has had several run-ins with the Brewers in recent seasons.
"Obviously, we’ve seen a lot of his brother over the years," Arnold said. "So it’ll be exciting to see the two of them in the same division for the next several years."
In 82 career appearances with Arizona, Toronto, Kansas City and Oakland, Payamps has posted a 3.35 ERA and WHIP of 1.29 with 84 strikeouts in 113 innings.
And like Contreras, he's under team control through 2027.
"Payamps is a guy we’ve had our eye on for a couple of years and when he was over in Oakland," said Arnold. "When he became available, we thought he was a really good arm who could fit into our mix in the major leagues immediately. He has really good ingredients, multiple pitches. He’s been a starter in the past (119 in the minor leagues, one in the majors in 2021) so he can go multiple innings if needed.
"Just fits a lot of ways on our roster today, so we feel really good about adding that arm to our major-league mix."
"Justin Yeager’s a guy with high upside and electric stuff," said Arnold. "We feel good about him. Our scouts did a really good job identifying this guy. Being able to add two arms to our organization is something we feel good about."
But with the amount of young talent Milwaukee has already amassed in the outfield, he quickly became an expendable piece.
"Obviously, losing somebody like Esteury Ruiz is tough," Arnold said. "As you guys know, we certainly value athleticism and that type of player but at the same time, we feel like we were able to convert that athlete into another athlete in William Contreras who also fits our team exceptionally well.
"We’re excited."
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Brewers obtain catcher William Contreras, 2 pitchers in 3-team trade
A new six-CD boxed set from the Beach Boys, titled “Sail On Sailor,” represents a point in time — specifically 1972 and the beginning of 1973 — when the venerable band was trying to get away from its classic image a bit and fit in more with some of the other rock music that was […] | 2022-12-13T13:49:39Z | sports.yahoo.com | Brewers land catcher William Contreras and two pitchers in a three-team trade | https://sports.yahoo.com/brewers-reportedly-land-catcher-william-220132100.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/brewers-reportedly-land-catcher-william-220132100.html?src=rss |
Deebo Samuel would like to have this one back.
After stepping over a cameraman that he accidentally knocked down on Sunday, the San Francisco 49ers wide receiver apologized on Monday.
Samuel scored the first touchdown in Sunday's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a 13-yard run. As he crossed the front right corner of the end zone, he fell to the turf and barreled through a camera operator working the sideline. He got up, stepped over the fallen cameraman and joined his teammates to celebrate.
Samuel didn't acknowledge the cameraman or offer him any help as he appeared to be in pain on the ground. The incident drew joking comparisons to Allen Iverson's infamous step over Tyronn Lue during the 2001 NBA finals, a moment that can be mildly described as disrespectful.
Samuel, of course, wasn't playing said cameraman in a high-stakes championship and almost certainly doesn't know him, much less have any sort of beef with him. After he went back and watched the tape, he issued an apology on Twitter on Monday.
The explanation adds up. Samuel was clearly hyped after the score and didn't think twice about the guy he knocked over while caught up in the moment. Given time to look back, he feels bad about it.
Unfortunately for Samuel, Sunday's step-over wasn't the only bit of drama from his day. He left the field on a cart after sustaining a reported high-ankle sprain. The good news is that he reportedly avoided a significant long-term injury and damage to his knee. But the ankle injury is expected to sideline him for several weeks as San Francisco looks to secure the NFC West.
The 49ers are arguably the hottest team in football having secured six straight wins to improve to 9-4. They've won two straight with Brock Purdy playing quarterback and appear to maintain legitimate Super Bowl aspirations despite the loss of quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance to injury. Losing Samuel for any amount of time adds up to another significant blow.
Deebo Samuel clearly didn't intend to run the man over. But he'd like to have the step-over back. (Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) | 2022-12-13T13:49:45Z | sports.yahoo.com | Deebo Samuel apologizes after stepping over cameraman he knocked down during TD run | https://sports.yahoo.com/deebo-samuel-apologizes-after-stepping-over-cameraman-he-knocked-down-during-td-run-194715180.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/deebo-samuel-apologizes-after-stepping-over-cameraman-he-knocked-down-during-td-run-194715180.html?src=rss |
MATT HARMON: All right, Andy, it's week 15, it's fantasy football playoff time. It's time to get serious. Let's give the people some seriously great wide receivers they could pick up here heading into week 15.
ANDY BEHRENS: Yeah, I want to remind folks that Mecole Hardman can return from IR. There's a good chance he's going to make it back for week 15. If he does, he's got Houston, then Seattle, then Denver. It's a pretty friendly schedule.
The other thing we need to remind people, is that he was a huge piece of the Chiefs' goal line offense before he went down. Had scored five touchdowns in his last three games. And it was all near the goal line stuff. They have found the highest and best use for Mecole Hardman, and it is really friendly for fantasy purposes.
So when he comes back, I assume that he's going to step right back into that role. And it's an offense that can put 40 points on anybody. So he's going to be a big piece of it. He's going to make a lot of fantasy noise down the stretch.
MATT HARMON: It's going to be absolutely beautiful when the Kadarius Toney bros, and the Skyy Moore bros, are all pushed to the side and it's just more Mecole Hardman down the stretch. Well, hey, I'll talk about one of my guys. I am for sure an Elijah Moore bro. And I've been very, very encouraged by his sort of reemergence as a full time player for the New York Jets these last couple of weeks.
Now I know, obviously, last week, Corey Davis against the Bills left the game. He is now officially in the concussion protocol. But Elijah Moore again, was still getting that role promotion before the Corey Davis injury, and that's great to see for a guy that we know he can ball. Like, he's just unfortunately been beefing with his team earlier this year.
But we know he's a good player. We know he's been in that slot receiver role. He got 10 targets against Buffalo Bills, caught six of them, played 82% of the snaps. And we talked about this a lot as it relates to Mike White and Elijah Moore, and pretty much all of these Jets guys down the stretch, Andy, on the podcast. The schedule is incredible for passing game players.
They get the Lions this week, then the Jaguars, then the Seahawks. So if Elijah Moore is out there, I think you can play him, or you can pick him up and probably play him with some confidence if he's going to be the clear cut number two option in this passing game, which based on his talent, based on the role that he's had the last couple of weeks. I think he will be. Man, that schedule is pretty enticing for again, for Mike White, if he's healthy, for Elijah Moore, if he's out there, looks pretty good for the Jets right now.
ANDY BEHRENS: What a journey for Elijah Moore this season, by the way.
MATT HARMON: What a journey.
ANDY BEHRENS: From having to step away from the team to potentially finishing the season with this layup line opponent.
MATT HARMON: Hey, if that's how this story ends, I will absolutely take it. It's sort of the diet version of what we got with Brandon Aiyuk last year, right. So again, I've said this on a lot of programs, I am in the lab trying to figure out how I end up way too excited and way too overboard and over-weighted based on reception perception on the like second year receiver who gets in fights with his teams. I'll figure that out for next year.
But for now, I think you could pick up Elijah Moore and I think you could play him down the stretch with these matchups here. All right, go pick up those guys heading into week 15, and good luck in your fantasy football playoff push. | 2022-12-13T13:49:52Z | sports.yahoo.com | Fantasy football waiver wire pickups — Week 15 | https://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy-football-waiver-wire-pickups-234443163.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy-football-waiver-wire-pickups-234443163.html?src=rss |
STORY: A suspect accused of making the bomb that killed 270 people after it blew up on a commercial airliner in 1988 made his first appearance in a Washington federal court on Monday, ahead of being formally charged in the attack. Former Libyan intelligence operative Abu Agila Mohammad Mas'ud Kheir Al-Marimi appearance comes 34 years after Pan Am flight 103 exploded in the air over Lockerbie, Scotland, en route from London to New York City, killing everyone aboard and 11 people on the ground below.Among them, Kara Weipz's 20-year-old brother Richard Monetti. “He was hysterical and had a wicked sense of humor, but he also could be a big brother and be a pain in the butt at times, and I could be a bratty little sister so it was a very normal relationship in that respect.”Weipz told Reuters agents alerted her that Mas'ud was in U.S. custody after more than three decades."It was a surreal moment, ‘is this really happening?’ I had been cautiously optimistic., When? I didn’t know, obviously, but I had a lot of confidence in our officials to get it done and gain custody of him”Court documents described Mas'ud as an expert bombmaker who joined one of Libya's intelligence services in the 1970s and took part in a number of operations, reaching the rank of colonel.He was indicted for the bombing in 2020. Two other suspects had previously been charged. One was convicted, the other acquitted.Paul Hudson lost his daughter Melina in the bombing. He stood outside the court on Monday and said not a day goes by that he doesn't think of her."We did get something back from her. Her belongings were scattered all over the Lockerbie countryside. We did get her passport, and we got her notebook. And the notebook had on the cover, the quote, "no one dies, unless they're forgotten." And I try to live by that."
Selena Gomez responds to claim she was "always skinny" when she dated Justin Bieber
Selena Gomez has responded to a claim that she was "always skinny" during her relationship with Justin Bieber.
Deutsche Bank analyst Sidney Ho downgraded his rating on the chipmaker's stock to Hold from Buy. | 2022-12-13T13:49:58Z | sports.yahoo.com | Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups, Week 15: Help for your playoff run | https://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy-football-waiver-wire-pickups-week-15-help-for-your-playoff-run-132509464.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy-football-waiver-wire-pickups-week-15-help-for-your-playoff-run-132509464.html?src=rss |
When the Cheez-It Bowl kicks off, college football fans will be in for a high-scoring affair. The matchup between the Oklahoma Sooners and Florida State Seminoles on Dec. 29 will serve as an appetizer to the College Football Playoff.
Florida State had a resurgent season, finishing 9-3, and had a top-20 offense and defense this season. Led by Jordan Travis and Jared Verse, the Seminoles rattled off five-straight wins to close out the regular season, winning by an average margin of victory of 28.2 points per game.
Oklahoma had a disappointing season. They went 6-6 and 0-4 in one-score games. It was a frustrating 3-6 finish in Big 12 play after starting the year 3-0 with each win coming by 30 or more points. The Sooners’ offense was good enough in several of those losses, but the defense struggled to get stops in losses to Kansas State, Baylor, and Texas Tech. Against West Virginia, the defense was good for three quarters, but it was the offense that struggled on a wet day in Morgantown.
Which Oklahoma team will the Florida State Seminoles see in the Cheez-It Bowl? That remains to be seen, especially with players opting out of the bowl game at critical positions.
Nevertheless, the Sooners should have enough offensive firepower to have a shot to finish the season above .500, with Dillon Gabriel and Marvin Mims leading the way. And that’s why this game has been viewed so favorably despite Oklahoma’s struggles in 2022. In College Football News’ bowl rankings for 2022, Pete Fiutak had the Cheez-It bowl as the seventh-best game in this year’s bowl season.
There should be lots of offense, lots of energy in the stadium, and lots of storylines going into 2023 no matter what. – Fiutak, College Football News
The Sooners’ defense will have a tough task against Jordan Travis, and Oklahoma will be starting two new offensive tackles for the game, with Anton Harrison and Wanya Morris opting out. Tyler Guyton figures to be one of the starters, and then it will come down to Jacob Sexton, Jake Taylor, and Aaryn Parks.
The Sooners’ offensive line will have a difficult challenge trying to slow down Jared Verse, who has 7.5 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss on the season.
Oklahoma and Florida State could serve as a springboard for the Sooners to get back into Big 12 title contention in 2023. It will be an intriguing matchup between two proud programs when they kick off in the Cheez-It Bowl. | 2022-12-13T13:57:29Z | sports.yahoo.com | Cheez-It Bowl viewed as one of the best matchups by College Football News | https://sports.yahoo.com/cheez-bowl-viewed-one-best-121238046.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/cheez-bowl-viewed-one-best-121238046.html?src=rss |
USC is hitting the transfer portal early by adding more depth to a lackluster defense, escpially at the linebacker position.
Jamil Muhammad is just the start of a long and difficult process to beef up a defense which needs more bodies and more reinforcements.
Muhammad, a Madison, Ala., native, was originally a highly-recruited three-star quarterback before transitioning to linebacker. This past season at Georgia State, he wrapped up 44 tackles and had five tackles for loss and one interception.
Muhammad, whom USC offered earlier this week, chose USC over offers from Arkansas, Indiana, Ole Miss, North Carolina, Virginia Tech, Mississippi State, Texas A&M and California.
The 6-foot-2, 245-pound Muhammad played in 12 games for Georgia State with 34 game appearances, 70 total tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. | 2022-12-13T13:57:35Z | sports.yahoo.com | Georgia State linebacker comes to USC in the transfer portal; Trojans try to build defensive depth | https://sports.yahoo.com/georgia-state-linebacker-comes-usc-133327944.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/georgia-state-linebacker-comes-usc-133327944.html?src=rss |
The good news for the Kansas City Chiefs is that they didn’t drop any lower in the AFC this past weekend, and they eliminated the Denver Broncos from playoff contention.
The bad news for K.C. is that the Buffalo Bills won, keeping the Chiefs away from the No. 1 seed.
Let’s take a look at the AFC playoff picture following Week 14 and heading into Week 15:
2. Kansas City Chiefs (10-3) [AFC West leader]
7. New England Patriots (7-6) [wild card]
If the playoffs started today, the Chiefs would host the New England Patriots in the wild-card round.
The Bills defeated the Chiefs earlier this season, giving them a playoff-seeding tiebreaker over the Chiefs. That’s why Buffalo is in the No. 1 spot. It’s unlikely the Bills drop two more games this season, so the Chiefs will probably need to win out and hope the Bills lose one game along the way. Chiefs fans should circle the Bills’ Week 17 game against the Cincinnati Bengals as a pivotal matchup in the AFC playoff race.
Losing one more game could actually send the Chiefs further down the seeding chain depending on how the Bengals and Baltimore Ravens do moving forward. The Bengals would hold a tiebreaker over the Chiefs if they held the same record, and the Ravens could end up with a tiebreaker over K.C. too if the Chiefs lose against more AFC opponents.
Long story short: The Chiefs really need to win out and hope for one more Bills loss.
7:15 p.m. CT on NFLN | 2022-12-13T14:01:49Z | sports.yahoo.com | AFC Playoff Picture: Where Chiefs stand after Week 14 | https://sports.yahoo.com/afc-playoff-picture-where-chiefs-134543992.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/afc-playoff-picture-where-chiefs-134543992.html?src=rss |
Cole Beasley is returning to Buffalo.
Beasley, the wide receiver who said in October that he was retiring, is signing with the Bills’ practice squad, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.
The Bills released Beasley in March and he was out of the NFL for the entire offseason before signing with the Buccaneers in September. He lasted in Tampa Bay only long enough to play two games and catch four passes, and he then said he was retiring and was released by the Bucs.
But he apparently has decided to give it another try, on a Bills team he knows well, for a chance to win a Super Bowl.
The 33-year-old Beasley caught 82 passes for 693 yards for the Bills last season. Originally an undrafted free agent with the Cowboys, Beasley played seven seasons in Dallas and three in Buffalo.
Bills bring Cole Beasley back originally appeared on Pro Football Talk
Spoiler alert! The Season 2 finale of "The White Lotus" answered some questions, but raised a whole lot more.
Josh Bell signed a two-year, $33 million deal with the Guardians that includes a player opt-out after the 2023 season.
Peabody police are searching for a man who was last seen after he was locked out of his vehicle in the Massachusetts town. What makes this case unusual is that a Peabody police officer was one of the last people to see this man before he disappeared. | 2022-12-13T14:02:04Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bills bring Cole Beasley back | https://sports.yahoo.com/bills-bring-cole-beasley-back-130917467.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bills-bring-cole-beasley-back-130917467.html?src=rss |
The Denver Broncos have a first-round pick to use in the 2023 NFL draft thanks to the Bradley Chubb trade, but it won’t be an early pick.
Denver acquired the San Francisco 49ers’ first-round pick through the Miami Dolphins in exchange for Chubb. A pick late in the first round is obviously better than no first-round pick at all, but San Francisco’s hot streak is an unfortunate development for the Broncos.
The 49ers have won six-straight games and the team has shown no signs of slowing down even after turning to third-string quarterback Brock Purdy. We won’t know exactly where San Francisco’s pick will be in the first round until after their playoff run is complete, but it’s on track to be in the 20th-32nd range.
Meanwhile, Denver’s original first-round pick that was shipped to the Seattle Seahawks as part of the Russell Wilson trade is on pace to end up being 2nd overall. Only the Houston Texans (1-11-1) have a worse record than the Broncos (3-10), ensuring that Seattle will get a premium pick in 2023.
Right now, Denver is scheduled to have six picks to use in April.
27 vintage photos of the Golden Globes show Hollywood icons through the years
From Marilyn Monroe to Marlon Brando, every big name in Hollywood history has appeared at the awards. | 2022-12-13T14:02:10Z | sports.yahoo.com | Broncos’ first-round pick in 2023 keeps getting worse | https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-first-round-pick-2023-130003453.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-first-round-pick-2023-130003453.html?src=rss |
The Jacksonville Jaguars opened the second half of their Week 14 win over the Tennessee Titans with a 12-play drive that was capped by a one-yard touchdown run for Trevor Lawrence.
But according to Jaguars coach Doug Pederson, he never called for a Lawrence run. The play was designed to go to running back Travis Etienne Jr., but Lawrence ad libbed on the spot and took it himself.
“It wasn’t a read. It wasn’t a QB pull, it was a handoff,” Pederson said Monday. “He’s a sharp guy, and the linebacker, 53, came off the edge, and he saw him kind of flash and kind of bend off the corner, and he instinctively pulled the football, stiff-armed him, and dove into the end zone.
“Sort of a bewildered look on the sideline from me and everybody else, like ‘What is he doing?’ He knew what he was doing. It was just a good play.”
On Sunday, Lawrence told reporters after the game that he didn’t think he made the right call when he pulled back the ball from Etienne.
“Honestly, I probably should have handed it, but, like I had like 53 linebacker on the edge, he stepped down one or two steps and I really felt like I could out-run him to the pylon and that’s just what I did,” Lawrence said. “Luckily, got the stiff arm but he recovered a little better than I thought he would so it was close to being a [tackle for loss]. That’s one of those plays if you make it, it’s great like it was, but if you don’t make them, it’s a bad play to take a TFL on the goal line.”
Ultimately, it worked out well and the legend of Lawrence grew just a little bit larger. | 2022-12-13T14:02:24Z | sports.yahoo.com | Doug Pederson: Trevor Lawrence freelanced on his touchdown run | https://sports.yahoo.com/doug-pederson-trevor-lawrence-freelanced-134512949.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/doug-pederson-trevor-lawrence-freelanced-134512949.html?src=rss |
New York Giants assistant general manager Brandon Brown will be the franchise’s candidate at this week’s Front Office Accelerator Diversity Initiative taking place in Dallas on December 13-14.
In an “effort to continue to increase executive diversity,” each NFL team is sending a candidate to the conference “as part of the NFL’s ongoing commitment to promote greater diversity across the NFL.”
The Front Office Accelerator will provide rising people of color and women front office prospects with the opportunity to strengthen relationships with club ownership and executives. Additionally, the League has curated content sessions with football operations experts and business and academic leaders to further drive participants’ success in future front-office opportunities.
“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,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
“The goal of our Accelerator Program is to foster relationships between owners and potential candidates for front office positions,” said Steelers President Art Rooney, II, the chairman of the NFL Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. “Both the clubs and the Accelerator participants understand the importance of the exposure, professional development and networking opportunities of the Accelerator.”
The conference will be led by management counsel director Kevin Boothe, a former Giants offensive lineman who was a member of two Super Bowl championship teams. Boothe is a 2005 graduate of Cornell University who earned an MBA from George Washington University in 2013.
Brandon Brown, 33, is in his first season as general manager Joe Schoen’s assistant after coming over from the Philadelphia Eagles’ front office this past offseason.
Brown interviewed for the Minnesota Vikings GM position before taking the assistant role in New York. He is expected to draw further interest this coming offseason.
Mario Andretti is one of 64 drivers who have scored single wins in the NASCAR Cup Series. | 2022-12-13T14:02:30Z | sports.yahoo.com | Giants’ Brandon Brown attending NFL’s front office accelerator program | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-brandon-brown-attending-nfl-125536393.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-brandon-brown-attending-nfl-125536393.html?src=rss |
Touchdowns were hard to come by for the New England Patriots in their battle with the Arizona Cardinals on Monday night. The defense ruled the evening, and it even led to points for New England.
Linebacker Raekwon McMillan made a heads-up play on Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, leading to a touchdown for the Patriots.
The Cardinals were driving down the field, and quarterback Colt McCoy targeted Hopkins. The receiver began to turn upfield on a slant route. McMillan punched the ball out of Hopkins’ hand, scooped it up and ran it into the end zone for a touchdown.
McMillan’s play was just another example of New England’s stout defense. The Patriots came into Monday night’s game ninth in the league with 23 opponent turnovers, per StatMuse. Plays like the scoop and score illustrate why New England is high on that list. | 2022-12-13T14:02:37Z | sports.yahoo.com | Highlight of the game: Raekwon McMillan’s scoop-and-score touchdown | https://sports.yahoo.com/highlight-game-raekwon-mcmillan-scoop-132648113.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/highlight-game-raekwon-mcmillan-scoop-132648113.html?src=rss |
For years, the number 33 Chicago Bears jersey was donned by one of the best cornerbacks to ever play at Soldier Field, Charles Tillman. Nowadays, that number is worn by another young up-and-coming cornerback in Jaylon Johnson, who hopes to follow in the footsteps of Tillman both on and off the field.
Johnson is establishing a connection with Tillman upon being named the Bears’ 2022 nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award thanks to his philanthropy and impact in the community. Johnson was able to meet Tillman, who won the award in 2013, personally for the first time and spoke about the experience during his weekly radio hit on 670 The Score’s Parkins & Spiegel show.
“I just met [Tillman] for the first time during the Walter Payton interviews,” Johnson said. “Being able to talk to him, up close and personal, talk about personal things, talk about football. Just us two, not seeing him in a team setting or him giving the team a speech, but actually being able to shake his hand, talk to him, look him in the eye. I just got his number so that relationship will end up growing.”
If there’s one cornerback to learn from, it’s Tillman. From 2003-2014, Tillman was a physical defender who crafted a skill of stripping the football away from ball carriers that no one has been able to replicate with the “Peanut Punch.” Tillman has 44 career forced fumbles and hold NFL records for most forced fumbles in a season (12) and in a game (4).
He was a leader for years on some of the greatest Bears defenses of all time and now hopefully he shares his secrets with Johnson. The third-year pro has one forced fumble and one interception as he gets ready to play the final four games of the 2022 season.
The Walter Payton Man of the Year Award will be announced during the NFL Honors prior to the Super Bowl in February. | 2022-12-13T14:02:43Z | sports.yahoo.com | Jaylon Johnson developing connection with Charles Tillman | https://sports.yahoo.com/jaylon-johnson-developing-connection-charles-133603281.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/jaylon-johnson-developing-connection-charles-133603281.html?src=rss |
The outcomes of Week 14 did not create much movement for the picks in the first two rounds of the 2023 NFL draft that pertain to the Detroit Lions. Instead, the Lions’ victory over Minnesota and even an unexpected Los Angeles Rams win over the Las Vegas Raiders brought some stability to the draft order.
The Rams improved to 4-9 with their win, a game that’s much more a Raiders loss than a victory for Sean McVay’s Rams. Their first-round pick still sits at No. 4 overall. That pick conveys to the Lions as part of the Matthew Stafford/Jared Goff trade.
Detroit’s own pick sticks in the middle of the first round at 15 overall. The Lions beat the Vikings to improve to 6-7. Weirdly enough, the Lions are one of just two teams with 6-7 records. The other, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is in first place in the NFC South.
In the second round, Detroit’s own pick sits at No. 47 overall. Beating Minnesota did nothing to where the Vikings’ pick later in the round slots; it’s still at No. 61 after the loss. The Vikings traded that pick in the package to acquire TE T.J. Hockenson.
Lions picks
No. 79 – third round
No. 151 – fifth round
No. 179 – sixth round
Preliminary data from lead-in phase further validates AB-729’s capacity to reduce HBsAg Initial data from IFN phase expected in the first half of 2023 WARMINSTER, Pa., Dec. 13, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (Nasdaq: ABUS), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company leveraging its extensive virology expertise to develop novel therapeutics that target specific viral diseases, today announced preliminary data from the AB-729 lead-in portion of its Phase 2a clinical trial co | 2022-12-13T14:02:44Z | sports.yahoo.com | Lions 2023 NFL draft slot update after Week 14 | https://sports.yahoo.com/lions-2023-nfl-draft-slot-123910736.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/lions-2023-nfl-draft-slot-123910736.html?src=rss |
The Detroit Lions have been terrible for a long time.
After experiencing three winning seasons among the past four following the 2017 season, the Lions fired Jim Caldwell and ushered in the Matt Patricia era. The Lions never saw another winning season, and the same was true for rookie coach Dan Campbell in 2021.
With the Lions starting 1-6 in 2022, it appeared to be more of the same.
However, Detroit has turned things around quickly, going 5-1 since and loitering in the lobby for the playoffs. They will need a little fortune, and to do their part, but it is looking more likely.
It wasn’t supposed to be this bad in Denver. However, it just keeps getting worse, and with Russell Wilson expected to miss time, the quarterback play may take a step back with Brett Rypien. The offseason can’t come fast enough for Denver.
The Bears were on a bye. They get back into action against the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field.
The Colts were on a bye. They get back in action on the road at the Minnesota Vikings.
It would be one thing for the Raiders to lose to the Rams after being up 16-3 with four minutes left in the game with Matthew Stafford as the starting quarterback. Las Vegas couldn’t hang on to a two-score lead with Baker Mayfield, a guy who had just been with the team for a little over 48 hours, leading the charge. If the Raiders had any shot of making the playoffs, it flamed out at SoFi Stadium.
It is a weird thing to say given what Cleveland gave up to get Deshaun Watson, but the Browns have quarterback problems. As long as it takes Watson to get back into playing shape and on the same page with his wideouts, the offense will still be suboptimal compared to what it was with Jacoby Brissett. However, it should prove to be a minor setback and ought to rectify by the end of the season.
It is a testament to the Panthers how they haven’t given up to gear themselves for a road date with the Seattle Seahawks and come away with a win. A lot of Carolina’s problem was coaching. They still need to settle on a quarterback for the future in the offseason.
The disappointing part of the Cardinals’ 2022 season is it feels like the end of an era, but when exactly was the era? Arizona may themselves amid a soft rebuild in the offseason as the Kliff Kingsbury experiment hasn’t net them the success they thought. Get ready for more Colt McCoy, too, as Kyler Murray left Week 14 with a non-contact knee injury.
The Saints are on a bye. They return with a home date against the Atlanta Falcons.
The Falcons are on a bye. They get back into action against the Saints on the road.
Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com-USA TODAY NETWORK
The Giants were favorites to secure a wild-card spot to start November. Now, the Giants will be lucky if they don’t choke it away by the end of December. New York’s last win was against the Houston Texans in Week 10, and even that game signaled some of the weirdness that has permeated since in that Saquon Barkley wasn’t a big factor on offense. The Giants have to find their September identity quick.
Pittsburgh was making progress with Kenny Pickett at the helm, but he was knocked out against the Ravens. The sooner Pickett can return to the lineup, the better as it gives the rookie valuable reps. The 2022 season is probably over for the Steelers, but the games can give meaningful experience for their hopeful franchise quarterback.
To be fair, no one really expected the Seahawks to be in contention for the NFC West this season, but to see them let the opportunity slip creates its own disappointment. Seattle has to find a way to beat the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday Night Football in Week 15 or else their path to the playoffs goes the wild-card route.
In a conference with no quarterbacks, the Ravens would be kings. However, there are great quarterbacks in the AFC, and that is the governor that will keep Baltimore down. Nevertheless their way to find wins in the absence of Lamar Jackson is commendable. The Ravens have a quick turnaround with a Saturday afternoon tilt with the Cleveland Browns.
The Jaguars are the definition of “spoiler” this December. Their record may not be salvageable and they are long shots to make the playoffs. However, they are giving playoff teams fits and aren’t the easy W on the schedule they were in September. The Jaguars’ continued success generates sugarplums of what the Trevor Lawerence and Doug Pederson pairing will look like in 2023.
The Buccaneers are falling apart, but the NFC South is so incompetent that it really doesn’t matter. The Bucs can inspire confidence with a win over the streaking Cincinnati Bengals, who come into Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay just needs to show down the stretch they have flushed the dysfunction that has wracked them all season long.
The Packers are on a bye. They return against the Los Angeles Rams at Lambeau Field.
The last time the Jets had a winning record was in 2015 when they went 10-6. Of course, that wasn’t the last time they made the playoffs as they were in a highly competitive wild-card race and choked away their chances. Even with an extra playoff spot added since then, it feels this Jets season will end up about the same.
The Patriots won’t catch the Buffalo Bills, but they are in as a wild-card if the playoffs started next week. As New England starts to get back to their fundamentals and Mac Jones settles at quarterback, they will be a road team few will want to see in January.
Washington is on a bye. They return with a home date with the New York Giants.
Like the Buccaneers, the Titans probably won’t lose their division just because of how terrible everyone else’s records are. However, Tennessee is hardly a contender in the AFC unless something drastically changes on their roster.
The Chargers’ win over the Dolphins will assuredly help them with their tiebreakers as they endeavor for a wild-card spot. The struggle Tennessee Titans will be a test for the Chargers in Week 15.
The Cowboys appeared they were going to deep-six the Texans after the opening drive, but then played a sloppy game that allowed Houston to hang around and even take the lead. The final drive from Dak Prescott to win the game was a silver lining, but the overall performance has to cost them something in the power rankings when looking at the rest of the league.
The Bengals take their five-game winning streak and put it to the test at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, at the New England Patriots, and then at home against the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens. This final stretch will define whether the Bengals enter the playoffs as a division champion, wild-card, or not at all.
What was a little concerning about their win over the Broncos was the way they let Denver hang around and cut it to 27-21 early in the third quarter after Kansas City led 27-0 late in the second quarter. At least Kansas City’s offense came back to life to add a cushion, and the defense stiffened up in the fourth quarter.
Brock Purdy’s job just got a little harder with Deebo Samuel sidelined. Nevertheless Kyle Shanahan should still be able to develop a game plan that allows his rookie quarterback to make prudent decisions. The defense is still ferocious enough to have their offense’s back.
The Eagles are in a class of their own. They continue their three-game road trip with a trip to Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears. All eyes are on Christmas Eve as they close out the season series with the Dallas Cowboys, against him they already notched a win. Philadelphia inches ever so closely towards locking up the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
The Shootouts, a Northeast Ohio-based vintage country and Western Swing band, will perform at the legendary Grand Ole Opry on Feb. 24.
Geely premium brand Zeekr seeks $1 bln U.S. IPO
STORY: Chinese car giant Geely could have its eyes on a big U.S. share sale. Reuters sources say the firm's upmarket electric vehicle brand Zeekr plans a public listing. It’s reportedly looking to raise more than $1 billion. That would value Zeekr at over $10 billion. The plans come as the brand gets ready to market its first model in Europe next year. Sources say Zeekr lodged all necessary paperwork with U.S. regulators last week, and is aiming to go public as early as the second quarter of 2023.If it happens, it will be the first major Chinese share flotation in the U.S. in over a year and a half.Overseas listings have largely been put on hold after Beijing cracked down on such moves.However, two of the sources say New York was chosen over Hong Kong in hopes of a higher valuation. There was no official comment from Geely, which handles PR for Zeekr. Competing with Tesla is the company’s target. Zeekr’s debut model is priced very close to the Model Y SUV from the U.S. EV pioneer, which remains far ahead on sales in the Chinese market.
Hoda interviews Wynonna Judd, Shania Twain and more for new season of 'Making Space'
Gonna go watch The Bold Type because I can't bear to not watch a new Meghann Fahy episode every week.View Entire Post › | 2022-12-13T14:02:50Z | sports.yahoo.com | NFL Week 14 Power Rankings: Detroit Lions surge into the top-10 | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-week-14-power-rankings-125734875.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-week-14-power-rankings-125734875.html?src=rss |
The Detroit Lions continue their impressive run with a 34-23 victory over their division rival, the Minnesota Vikings, winning five of their last six games.
The Lions continue to put the league on notice as they are no longer the pushover team or redemption game from the past, but the team who knock you down if you aren’t careful. Through aggressive play calling, stout defense and strong execution, the Lions are now making noise in the playoff hunt.
Even though the Vikings continued to fight back, the Lions were in control throughout the game and never surrendered the lead. It might not have been the cleanest game, but the mistakes that would’ve brought down past Lions teams, this year’s squad has learned to bounce back and fight to the last second. The offense looked in sync, the defense played strong, and even special teams were spot on. When you play complementary football, this is what you get and something many people can get used to seeing.
There are many high fives to hand out, as many had strong performances this week, but unfortunately, some did not have the greatest showings. So here are this week’s studs and duds.
Stud: Jared Goff
Goff is playing some of his best football as of late, and this week was no different as he seemed poised and in control against the Vikings. Through the adversity and doubt he has received, he is displaying a confidence we haven’t seen from him in quite some time. Goff has developed a binding chemistry with his playmakers that makes this offense quite dangerous, as he can throw it to anyone at will.
He takes what the defense gives him and makes them pay in the process. The coaching staff and front office have believed in Goff since Day One, and maybe we shouldn’t have been so quick to doubt them.
Dud: Mike Hughes
Hughes was thrust into action as the Lions nickel corner as Will Harris was inactive with an injury, and this was a game he wishes he could have back. However, the Vikings took advantage of the mismatch and put their best receiver, Justin Jefferson, on Hughes for most of the game, which paid dividends for them. Jefferson set a franchise record in receiving yards (223), and most of it came against Hughes from the looks of it.
He also got turned around on Adam Thielen’s touchdown, where he looked out of position. Jefferson is already a tough matchup, but this will be a learning experience for Hughes as he hopes to rebound.
Stud: Isaiah Buggs
The improved defense has been a main selling point to the Lions turnaround as of late. They are receiving performances from every facet, and most go unnoticed and underappreciated, as Buggs falls under the category. He quietly has turned into one of the more underrated defenders for the Lions, creating havoc up the middle while making life difficult for anyone in front of him.
He came up big as he smelled a rat on the Vikings offense and caused Dalvin Cook to fumble as the Vikings were threatening the score before halftime. He is one of the leaders of this team, and Coach Campbell recognizes it as Buggs was presented with one of this week’s game balls.
Dud: Running game
The Vikings have a strong run defense, with Dalvin Tomlinson manning the middle, which created a tough atmosphere for the Lions running game to get going. The running game was quiet outside of Justin Jackson’s touchdown run. Excluding C.J. Moore’s fake punt run and runs from Amon-Ra St. Brown and Goff, the Lions running backs mustered only 77 yards on 26 carries. Sure, the Lions were trying to run the clock out at the end, running into a stacked box, but the rushing attack couldn’t get a rhythm throughout the matchup.
Stud: Rushing defense
On the flip side, the Lions run defense was absolutely dominant, as the Vikings had no answer for the onslaught they received. The usual dominant Dalvin Cook was kept in check, rushing for only 23 yards on 15 carries, coming to paltry 1.5 yards per carry, and Mattison didn’t fare better with -1 yards on two carries. Sure, Cook scored a touchdown, but at the goal line, that should be expected from him.
If it weren’t for the stout run defense shutting down Cook, this might’ve been a different game, considering how successful the Vikings were in the air. The defense should be proud as they executed the game plan to perfection.
Dud: Jarren Williams
With the injuries surrounding the cornerback position, the Lions brought up Williams from the practice squad for much-needed depth. It wasn’t a play on defense that earned Williams a spot on this list; it was an unnecessary penalty on special teams. Kalif Raymond broke off a 35-yard punt return that put the Lions in fantastic field position, but Williams received a taunting penalty bringing it back 15 yards. Jalen Reagor should’ve received one, too, with his head butt, sure, but Williams should’ve stayed quiet, to begin with. In the end, the Lions scored on the following play, so there was no harm, but these are the plays that are unnecessary and easily avoidable.
Here's How To Get Rid of Your 'Stress Belly,' Expert Says
Feeling stressed out is never a good thing. As a matter of fact, anxiety can cause many health issues that may surprise you. Did you know that even your abdomen can be impacted by too much stress? If you're wondering, "What is a stress belly and how do I get rid of it," we've spoken to an expert and are here to explain the details. Keep reading to learn more, and next up, don't miss Get Rid of Your Balloon Belly With These Free Weight Exercises.What is a stress belly?Mike Bohl, MD, MPH, ALM, the
Foods Preventing You From Losing Weight After 50, Dietitians Say
It's no secret that your body experiences many changes as you age. It's not a fun fact to hear, but according to ACE Fitness, it's common for people to be less active, burn fewer calories, and therefore put on additional pounds as they get older. This makes staying fit at 50 and beyond pretty challenging. How do you get around it? Daily exercise is key, along with eating at a calorie deficit. The formula for gaining and losing body weight is pretty simple. You will gain weight if you consume mor
Most health experts agree that getting the essential nutrients we need should come from food, but when that isn't possible turning to vitamins can help support what you're lacking. "Supplements are never a substitute for a balanced, healthful diet," says Dr. JoAnn Manson, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and professor of epidemiology at Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health. "And they can be a distraction from healthy lifestyle practices that confer much greater benefits." | 2022-12-13T14:02:57Z | sports.yahoo.com | Studs and Duds from the Lions Week 14 victory over the Vikings | https://sports.yahoo.com/studs-duds-lions-week-14-124911102.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/studs-duds-lions-week-14-124911102.html?src=rss |
ARLINGTON — Heading into Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys, the Houston Texans did not have many positives going their way.
Two offensive weapons in starting wide receivers, Brandin Cooks and Nico Collins, were ruled out of the game due to injuries. That would leave players like Chris Moore and Phillip Dorsett to pick up the slack, even though they did not have a lot of first-team reps with Mills.
Yet, with just over three minutes left in the game, they had a lead on the team that most have predicted to make it to at least the NFC Championship Game. | 2022-12-13T14:03:03Z | sports.yahoo.com | Texans RT Tytus Howard pleased with game plan against the Cowboys, laments not scoring on goal line | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-rt-tytus-howard-pleased-130355907.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-rt-tytus-howard-pleased-130355907.html?src=rss |
Beasley, 33, spent three years in Buffalo from 2019-2021 where he tallied 231 receptions for 2,438 yards and 11 touchdowns as a reliable slot receiver in the Bills' offense. Buffalo released Beasley in March after they originally granted his permission to seek a trade. After a few months as a free agent, Beasley signed with the Buccaneers but caught just four of five targets for 17 yards in 13 total offensive snaps over two games before he decided to retire. | 2022-12-13T15:20:53Z | sports.yahoo.com | Cole Beasley reportedly unretired and plans to sign with Bills practice squad | https://sports.yahoo.com/cole-beasley-reportedly-unretires-plans-to-sign-with-bills-practice-squad-140909884.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/cole-beasley-reportedly-unretires-plans-to-sign-with-bills-practice-squad-140909884.html?src=rss |
The Golden State Warriors are the defending NBA champions. On Tuesday night, the Warriors are in Milwaukee to meet the Bucks, who won the championship in 2021. The NBA's two most recent champions go head-to-head in what should be a very good regular season game. The Bucks are 4.5-point home favorites.
The Bucks have been solid all season long. At 19-7, they have the second best record in the NBA behind only Boston. Milwaukee has also been good to bettors, covering at a 58.3% rate through the first third of the season. That's the fifth best cover rate in the league.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has gotten off to a tremendous start. He's averaging over 31 points and 11 rebounds per game to open the season. Giannis is currently +275 to win NBA MVP, which makes him the co-favorite alongside Jayson Tatum.
On the other side, the Warriors have gotten off to a completely average start. In fact, if the season ended today, they would be in the play-in tournament in the Western Conference. Golden State is just 14-13 on the season, but we know what they're capable of. They put that on display in their most recent game on Saturday, as they defeated Boston, the aforementioned best team in the league, by 16 points at home.
Nobody would be surprised if this matchup ended up being the NBA finals. The Bucks have been the better team to open the season and they're at home on Tuesday night. The spread seems about right. It should be a good midseason NBA game on what is usually a slow night in the sports world.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks are home favorites over Golden State on Tuesday. (Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
What about the rest of the NBA schedule?
There's four other games on Tuesday's NBA schedule. In Philadelphia, the 76ers are 5.5-point home favorites over the Sacramento Kings. Joel Embiid looks to continue his dominance, as he's coming off a 53 point performance. Embiid has scored 35+ points in four straight games.
Elsewhere, the Phoenix Suns are 5.5-point road favorites over Houston, the New Orleans Pelicans are 1.5-point road favorites over Utah and the Los Angeles Lakers are 3.5-point home underdogs against the Boston Celtics. LeBron James and Anthony Davis are both probable to play for the Lakers.
World Cup Semi-Finals get under way
Unfortunately, the World Cup is winding down. Just four teams and four games remain before we wrap things up this weekend. The first semi-final match is on Tuesday afternoon as Croatia and Argentina meet.
Croatia sent Brazil packing in the quarterfinals, but they are sizable underdogs to do the same to another South American giant. Croatia is +180 to advance to the finals, while Argentina is a -250 favorite to get there.
Four of Croatia's first five games to this point have ended in a draw at the end of regular time. You can bet on a draw at +225.
Another popular bet will certainly be Lionel Messi to score. Messi is +130 to score at anytime and +300 to score the first goal. Messi has scored in four of five games to this point.
Large NHL slate on deck
The NHL has a nice sized slate on Tuesday night as 24 teams are in action on a 12-game slate.
The Boston Bruins are yet to lose in regulation at home this season. They host the New York Islanders on Tuesday night. The Bruins are sizable -225 favorites.
However, that's not the biggest favorite of the night. That honor would go to the Toronto Maple Leafs, who are eye-popping -500 favorites on the moneyline against the Anaheim Ducks.
First look at Week 15
Week 14 of the NFL season wrapped up on Monday night, with the New England Patriots' defense coming through to earn them a comfortable 27-13 victory as a 2.5-point road favorite against the Arizona Cardinals.
Fantasy football playoffs are here, which means bye weeks are over. We also see the introduction of Saturday games this weekend. It's a full 16 game slate with games on Thursday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. It should be a football filled weekend, especially with bowl games getting underway this weekend as well.
Here's a first look at early betting lines at BetMGM for all 16 games this weekend:
San Francisco 49ers (-3.5) @ Seattle Seahawks
Miami Dolphins @ Buffalo Bills (-7.5)
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Carolina Panthers (-2)
Arizona Cardinals @ Denver Broncos (-2.5)
Los Angeles Rams @ Green Bay Packers (-8)
Cavaliers rally comes up short in one-point loss to San Antonio Spurs
Keldon Johnson scored 21 points and blocked a late shot by Donovan Mitchell as the San Antonio Spurs held off the Cleveland Cavaliers 112-111 Monday.
Ben Simmons reacts to Nets’ win over the Washington Wizards
Ben Simmons reacts to methodical win over the Washington Wizards on Monday. | 2022-12-13T15:21:18Z | sports.yahoo.com | The Daily Sweat: Milwaukee Bucks host Golden State Warriors on Tuesday | https://sports.yahoo.com/the-daily-sweat-milwaukee-bucks-host-golden-state-warriors-on-tuesday-150903634.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/the-daily-sweat-milwaukee-bucks-host-golden-state-warriors-on-tuesday-150903634.html?src=rss |
In a pleasant surprise, the New York Giants started the season 6-1 under their new regime led by head coach Brian Daboll. With that, despite going 1-4-1 in their last six games, the Giants are playing meaningful football in December.
A win on Sunday Night Football against the Washington Commanders will go a long way toward the Giants securing a playoff berth. Meaningful December football also means that the Giants likely won’t be picking near the top of the draft as they have unfortunately grown accustomed to in recent memory.
The Giants are currently slated to pick 23rd overall in the 2023 NFL draft, per Tanktathon. That’s unfamiliar territory for Big Blue. In fact, the Giants have had a top-12 pick entering the draft in eight of the last nine years.
With many calling for the team to move off of Daniel Jones despite a strong 2022 campaign, this upcoming draft may not be the year for that as most of the top quarterback talent will likely be gone by the time the Giants are on the clock.
The roster has plenty of room for improvement and will be addressed by general manager Joe Schoen going into his second draft with the team this spring. The Giants will likely address the offensive line and their secondary at some point this offseason, whether it be via free agency or in the draft.
Big Blue has some great pieces to build around, especially given the players getting heavy consideration for the Pro Bowl. The Giants will indeed look to add to their youthful talent in the upcoming draft.
What we learned from Giants' 48-22 loss to Eagles
Stock up, down after Giants' 48-22 loss to Eagles | 2022-12-13T15:33:17Z | sports.yahoo.com | 2023 NFL draft: Giants currently slated to select 23rd overall | https://sports.yahoo.com/2023-nfl-draft-giants-currently-145513350.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/2023-nfl-draft-giants-currently-145513350.html?src=rss |
00:00 – Is Deshaun Watson the most catastrophic trade/signing in pro football history?
05:43 – Now that Penei Sewell has exploded onto the scene, which other NFL offensive tackle might be able to make his bones as a receiver?
08:51 – Is there any reason to take the Vikings seriously as a playoff contender?
12:56 – Where are we with Justin Herbert, and what does it all mean?
Is there any way for Deshaun Watson to transcend his reality?
(Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports)
We’ve avoided talking about Deshaun Watson since he was reinstated by the NFL after serving an 11-game suspension for a number of sexual assault allegations, but after two games with the Browns, it’s time to deal with Watson on the field. In a 27-14 win over the Texans, and a 23-10 loss to the Bengals, Watson has completed 38 of 64 passes for 407 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions, and a passer rating of 70.3.
This is in comparison to Jacoby Brissett, who completed 236 of 369 passes as the Browns’ starter for 2,608 yards, 12 touchdowns, six interceptions, and a passer rating of 88.9. Not that Brissett is a top-level quarterback, but if Watson doesn’t get it back together before the season ends… we’re not even talking about the off-field stuff. Is this the most catastrophic trade/signing in pro football history? Sports history, even?
Doug: Imagine that you traded a bevy of draft picks and a few good players for Russell Wilson, signed Wilson to a massive contract, and then saw it all fall apart. Then, add in the multiple accusation of sexual assault, and the fact that you have to devote a certain percentage of organizational resources to making sure everything doesn’t fall apart OFF the field. I have no doubt that Watson will eventually regain some of the skills that made him such a great quarterback in 2020, but to what end? Who cares? We avoided talking about him at all in his first two weeks back, and that was a conscious choice. We do tape on everything over at Touchdown Wire, and we haven’t covered Watson at all. Again, a conscious choice. That’s how toxic he is.
Even if he’s able to become an MVP-level quarterback again – and I have my doubts there – the well has been so poisoned, it almost doesn’t matter. Let’s say he takes the Browns to the Super Bowl next season. So what? What does it mean? I don’t think Watson will ever shake this, nor should he, and it’s always going to be the worst thing the Browns have ever done, maybe outside of moving to Baltimore in 1996.
Luke: This was a terrible trade before Watson ever took a snap, and like you said, I think it’ll still be a terrible trade even if he wins a Super Bowl in Cleveland. I’ve seen so many Browns fans, lifelong fans, who have had their passion for their team ruined by this move, and it has nothing to do with football. Obviously, the on-field results since he’s returned have also been bad, but it still pales in comparison to willingly handing the keys to your entire franchise (both from a branding perspective, and all the resources it took to acquire him) to someone with this kind of off-field situation. It takes a lot to get die-hard fans, especially Browns fans, to go looking for a new team to root for. This was a terrible decision in every way.
Who is the ultimate offensive line weapon in the passing game?
The Lions preserved their win over the Vikings on Sunday by throwing a nine-yard pass to offensive tackle Penei Sewell on third-and-7 with two minutes left. Sewell went in motion pre-snap, which made the play even niftier. He had gone in motion from a stack formation a few plays before on a handoff to running back Jamaal Williams. Head coach Dan Campbell said after the game that they also have a red zone package for Sewell as a receiver, and that Sewell could be a Hall of Fame tight end if he dropped a few pounds from his svelte 331-pound frame.
Which other NFL offensive tackle might be able to make his bones as a receiver beyond the occasional gimmick play?
Doug: Eagles left tackle Jordan Mailata is 6-foot-8, 365 pounds, and when he’s on the hoof, he looks like he could run about a 4.9 40-yard dash. He has a history in Australian rugby, which led him to the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program. The Eagles didn’t get him because he could perfectly execute a wham block. They got him because he’s an absolute freak of an athlete. Eagles O=line coach Jeff Stoutland, the best in the business, had to teach Mailata the position from the ground up.
Are you going to tell me that Mailata couldn’t learn a red zone route package, and completely destroy opposing defenses with it? Especially in the Eagles’ offense as it’s constructed right now? As the President of the THICC-SIX fan club, I now want to see this more than anything.
Luke: I’m obviously biased, but Tristan Wirfs is pound-for-pound one of the best athletes in the NFL. This is the same guy who was jumping out of swimming pools at 6-5, 320 pounds. I think the Bucs are much better off keeping him in as a blocker to protect Tom Brady (he earned All-Pro honors last year in just his second NFL season), but I wouldn’t hate it if he got to show off that ridiculous athleticism more often.
Are the Vikings a 10-3 mirage?
Speaking of the Vikings, they are now 10-3 after their loss to the Lions, and they would be the NFC’s second seed behind the Eagles if the regular season ended today. But they also have a negative point differential (minus-1), and they’ve allowed more than 400 yards in five straight games, which is a record for a franchise that’s been around since 1961. Is there any reason to take them seriously as a playoff contender when they get to the postseason?
Doug: I think the Vikings are the NFC’s version of the Titans. They have a pretty good quarterback, a passing game that can be great, a top-level running back, and a defense that can be blown apart by a half-stiff breeze. This is not a recipe for a deep playoff ruin. They are a good team with a record that’s much better than they are, and this has happened to the Titans over the last couple seasons. They’re 10-3, but they have 5.3 estimated wins, per Football Outsiders.
That defense, against, say, the Eagles, who beat the brakes off of them, 24-7, in Week 2? Uh-huh. Not gonna happen. They’re a good, not great, team who have played far above their heads in a record sense, and unless they shore up a lot of things before the postseason starts, they could easily be one-and-done. Who are they better than in the NFC playoff race? The Eagles? No. The 49ers with Brock Purdy? No. The Cowboys on a good day> Doubt it. The Buccaneers? Maybe, but that’s about where I put them – a good but fundamentally flawed team, no matter their record.
Luke: The Vikings have been showing us who they are all year, and it’s about time we believed them. They have arguably the best receiver in the league, one of the best running backs in the league, a decent quarterback, a really good tight end. Everything else makes me nervous. The fact that they’ve won so many close games is a double-edged sword, because while it’s important to find ways to win those games, it means they’re not that far away from being a sub-.500 team is the ball bounces a different way a few times. They may be the No. 2 seed right now, but there’s a galaxy between them and the Eagles at the top of the NFC.
Why do we have such a hard time recognizing Justin Herbert's greatness?
We’re to the point with Justin Herbert where we have to start unpacking the truth about this player, and separating it from the hot takes, because the hot takes are… well, what they are. In the Chargers Sunday night win over the Dolphins, Herbert became the most prolific passer in the first three years of a career, passing Andrew Luck (13,056 yards to 12.957 yards) from 2012-2014. This morning show host calls him a “Social Media Quarterback,” whatever that means. This respected analyst falls back on half-baked analysis and reaches for the critical take. Where are you with Justin Herbert, and what does it all mean?
Doug: Let’s start with this. I think a few people have glommed into Herbert in a negative sense because they want to make it about themselves. They want to be the ones to “discover” that, hey, Herbert isn’t as good as we think he is, and I know better. Well, guys, you don’t know better. And you need to stop. Herbert is one of the quarterbacks you want. There are quarterbacks you win because of, quarterbacks you win with, and quarterbacks you win despite their presence.
You win because you have Justin Herbert, and you win with Herbert despite a group of receivers who aren’t great at getting separation, an offensive line that is beyond banged-up, and an offensive coordinator in Joe Lombardi that seems to be actively working against his own quarterback at times. The fourth-down motion screen to DeAndre Carter at the end of the Chargers’ first drive against the Dolphins, which gained no yards and marooned the Chargers at the Dolphins’ two-yard line, is an imperfect example. Herbert is transcending everything around him, and if you don’t see that, I don’t know what to tell you, or how to help you. He’s amazing. Next!
Luke: I agree with all of that, and I’ll add that so much of modern sports television exists solely to manufacture these adversarial topics out of thin air, despite the fact that they’re completely unnecessary and unhelpful to any substantial conversation about the game. There are so many logical fallacies flying around when it comes to these kinds of things, and it’s just mind-numbing. As far as Herbert goes, I think he’s still got all the mental and physical tools that we’ve raved about all along, and what he’s doing despite his current circumstances is impressive. He’s a stud, and that would be true even if social media didn’t exist. | 2022-12-13T15:33:30Z | sports.yahoo.com | 4-Down Territory: Deshaun Watson, THICC-SIXes, Vikings mirage, Justin Herbert’s greatness | https://sports.yahoo.com/4-down-territory-deshaun-watson-145500849.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/4-down-territory-deshaun-watson-145500849.html?src=rss |
The Bills didn’t leave Von Miller out.
After topping the Jets (7-6) by a 20-12 final in Week 14, the Bills (10-3) shared some photos of their post-game celebrations in the locker room.
There were a couple of hugs, head coach Sean McDermott addressing his team, and a warm image on Dion Dawkins’ phone.
In a picture of the offensive lineman, Dawkins is holding his mobile device and there’s a familiar face on the screen: It’s Miller. He was evidently tuning in as he recovers from his recent knee surgery.
Check out Miller on the line with Dawkins below: | 2022-12-13T15:33:49Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bills had Von Miller on video chat during post-game locker room celebrations | https://sports.yahoo.com/bills-had-von-miller-video-135515020.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bills-had-von-miller-video-135515020.html?src=rss |
The New York Giants were already one of the NFL’s most-injured teams entering a Week 14 game against the Philadelphia Eagles and that only got worse over those four quarters.
Several players were forced to exit due to injury and the team is now operating on fumes.
“I think that’s what happens to every team if you take a look around the league. So, we make no excuses,” head coach Brian Daboll told reporters on Monday.
Daboll also offered injury updates on nearly 10 players and many were not optimistic in nature.
After taking a helmet-to-helmet hit on his touchdown in the final seconds of Sunday’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, wide receiver Richie James Jr. is in concussion protocol.
“He is,” Daboll said when asked.
This does not appear to be precautionary. James was clearly rattled and this puts him at risk of missing a Week 15 game against the Washington Commanders.
Just two weeks after returning from a serious eye injury, rookie tight end Daniel Bellinger is again banged up. He took a hard shot to the ribs in Week 14 and left the game.
Although Bellinger tried to return, it was short-lived.
“I’d say Daniel’s sore today,” Daboll said. “I’d say he’s pretty sore today, so we’ll see how he goes during the week.”
Daboll did not sound optimistic about Bellinger playing on Sunday Night Football.
Rookie linebacker Micah McFadden left Sunday’s game with an ankle injury and was replaced by Tae Crowder.
“McFadden’s sore. They’re all sore,” Daboll said.
If McFadden misses Sunday’s game against the Commanders, all 11 of the Giants’ 2022 draft picks will have missed at least one game due to injury.
Running back Saquon Barkley was pulled from Sunday’s loss to the Eagles but that was more likely due to the score than a reaggravation of his neck injury.
Barkley, who suffered a stinger in practice last week, says he has “no doubt” he’ll play against Washington. Daboll also remains hopeful.
“Hopefully, he’s a little bit better this week than he was last week. So, I’m hopeful,” the coach said.
There does seem to be some crossed lines on the exact nature of Barkley’s injury but that’s largely irrelevant. The bottom line is that the Giants need him healthy for a Week 15 game.
Cornerback Adoree’ Jackson (knee), guard Ben Bredeson (knee), defensive lineman Leonard Williams (neck) and safety Xavier McKinney (hand) are all inching closer to a return but there’s still no guarantee they’re back on Sunday night.
“Too early to tell,” Daboll said.
Getting even two of them back ahead of the Washington game would be a significant boost. Getting all four back might tip the scales, even if they’re on pitch counts. | 2022-12-13T15:34:17Z | sports.yahoo.com | Giants’ Richie James in concussion protocol and other injury updates | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-richie-james-concussion-protocol-135533434.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-richie-james-concussion-protocol-135533434.html?src=rss |
NFL power rankings: Eagles stay golden, Cowboys stumble originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
This year's Eagles are just a total juggernaut.
They can beat you by scoring 48. They can beat you by scoring 17. They can beat you with the run game or the pass game. They can beat you with smothering defense. They're completely overwhelming, and they're the best team in the league.
Luckily, after weeks of wavering in October and early November, prognosticators around the league have coalesced around that fact.
Let's scour six outlets around the internet and see what they're saying about the Birds after yet another win:
This week: 1 (+0)
"The punishing versatility of the Eagles' offense is a sight to behold. Nick Sirianni's team did whatever it wanted against an overmatched Giants defense, piling up 253 yards on the ground and 217 through the air in a 48-22 wipeout of Big Blue at the Meadowlands. Jalen Hurts' magnificent season -- he's up to 32 total touchdowns against just five turnovers -- is worthy of NFL MVP honors, but a stellar year from Miles Sanders shouldn't be overlooked. The running back scored twice and set a career high with 144 ground yards against New York, and he's over 1,000 yards rushing with four games to play. The Eagles are going to beat you when they have the ball -- it's just a matter of how they choose to do it."
"A team brimming with stars – and possibly the MVP given how well QB Jalen Hurts is playing – is also home to one of the league's more underappreciated talents. LB Haason Reddick, who happens to be a Temple product, made a little history Sunday by becoming the first player to record double-digit sacks in three consecutive seasons while playing for three different teams. Rest easy, Philly fans, he's not going anywhere for a minute, currently under contract through the 2024 season."
"It's been a special year for the Eagles on both sides of the ball. The offense has set a team record for rushing touchdowns in a season with 27, while Jalen Hurts ranks first in quarterback rating (108.4) and fourth in completion rate (68%) to pace the air attack. The defense is tops against the pass (178.7 yards per game) and takeaways (24). It's been an adventure on special teams, but even that unit seems pointed in the right direction."
"The Eagles, who became the first team to clinch its spot in the playoffs with a blowout win over the Giants, are in an interesting phase of their roster life cycle. This season has felt ahead of schedule, but the offseason promises significant change with nine starters scheduled for free agency, including seven on defense. Add on the expectation of coaching staff turnover and the possibility of a long-term contract for MVP front-runner Jalen Hurts, and there’s an under-the-surface concern that this is not a season to be wasted."
"The Philadelphia Eagles’ offense wins in so many ways. Their run game is multi-faceted and explosive. Their passing attack has two receivers that can seemingly separate at will, and another with outstanding speed to complement it all. And that’s before getting to their offensive line, which may be the best in the game.
"The most consistent team in the NFL also showed that when they want to, they can match their NFC East rival Cowboys in ceiling during their blowout win against the New York Giants. Jalen Hurts is one of the most intelligent rushers in the NFL, regardless of position.
"They’re a complete team."
"The Eagles, after the upset loss to the Commanders and a late midseason lull, are back to their dominant passing and/or rushing ways backed by relentless situational defense. Jalen Hurts' MVP case is revving up as Philadelphia looks like a heavy Super Bowl favorite from the NFC."
A second straight clean sweep, which is wholly unsurprising. There's no reason to have any questions about this football team: they're clearly the NFL's premiere squad, top to bottom.
That doesn't mean they'll win the Super Bowl, because football will football and sometimes chaos reigns.
But I like their chances to bring home the Lombardi better than any team's right now, which is a wild feeling.
Meanwhile the Cowboys stumbled against by far the worst team in the league, needing a last-second touchdown drive to stave off the Houston Texans. They subsequently dropped in the power rankings:
NFL: 6 (-4)
USA: 4 (-2)
ESPN: 4 (+0)
Athletic: 6 (-1)
PFN: 3 (+0)
SN: 5 (-2)
The Eagles are tantalizingly close to the NFC East title and the No. 1 seed. We'll see if they can continue to take care of business and lock it all down over the next few weeks. | 2022-12-13T15:35:11Z | sports.yahoo.com | NFL power rankings: Cowboys stumble while Eagles stay golden | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-cowboys-stumble-142155028.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-cowboys-stumble-142155028.html?src=rss |
Week 14 is complete, which means we are officially more than three quarters of the way through the NFL season. With just four games remaining, most teams are either gunning for playoff berths, or moving around the draft order. The Raiders are leaning more toward the latter.
With the loss to the Rams on Thursday Night, the Raiders’ already slim playoff hopes took a huge hit. Now they sit at 5-8 on the season, needing to run the table and have a lot more things go their way to get to the postseason.
Currently they are closer to the top of the draft than they are to being among the playoff teams.
With the final game of the week now complete, and the Cardinals losing to the Patriots, the top ten draft order looks like this:
2. Seahawks (via DEN)
4. Lions (via LAR)
5. Eagles (via NO)
The range for the Raiders is still close to wide open. This means they technically could end up anywhere in the draft order from 1-32. Albeit quite unlikely they would hit either end of that spectrum as one would require losing out and the other would be winning out, including the playoffs.
Though, a top-three pick isn’t far-fetched at all. Currently, those spots are occupied by three-win teams followed by a group of four-win teams.
From here on out, that window of possible draft positions will get smaller. | 2022-12-13T15:35:30Z | sports.yahoo.com | Raiders take No. 8 spot in 2023 NFL Draft order following Week 14 | https://sports.yahoo.com/raiders-no-8-spot-2023-145602064.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/raiders-no-8-spot-2023-145602064.html?src=rss |
In a clear acknowledgment that they needed to upgrade at wide receiver, the Buffalo Bills signed Cole Beasley to their practice squad, the team announced on Tuesday.
Cole Beasley looks for extra yards on one of his ten catches.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Wide receiver Cole Beasley back with the Buffalo Bills
In 1995 Princess Diana sat down in Kensington Palace with Martin Bashir and gave an interview that would shock the entire world. "An Interview with HRH The Princess of Wales aired as part of the BBC documentary series Panorama broadcast on BBC1 went down as one of the most controversial interviews involving the Royal Family of all time. Not only did Diana reveal what happened behind closed doors between herself and the father of her children, the now King Charles, but also opened up about her me
Seth Henigan explains why he decided to return to Memphis next season, why he didn't want to wait to decide after the Tigers' bowl game. | 2022-12-13T15:35:42Z | sports.yahoo.com | Wide receiver Cole Beasley unretires, reunites with Buffalo Bills | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-wide-receiver-cole-beasley-143446305.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-wide-receiver-cole-beasley-143446305.html?src=rss |
Seattle Seahawks defensive end Shelby Harris was inactive Week 14 against the Carolina Panthers with an illness but the hope is that he is able to return in time for Thursday Night Football and the San Francisco 49ers.
During his Monday press conference, coach Pete Carroll said that Harris is still sick with what is assumed to be the same illness that has been circulating throughout the Seahawks locker room.
“Most all of the guys, it has been a 48-hour deal and he’s kind of at the tail end of it,” Carroll told reporters. “We’ve had a number of guys get sick and he’s one of the last guys getting it, hopefully, but we will see. I don’t know, each guy has been individually tasked with it.
“We will see if he can get through.”
Harris was listed as “did not participate” on the Seahawks’ estimated practice report for Monday.
Someone shot at Bryant Fancher's car as he drove through the intersection of Earl Avenue and South Street about 4:50 a.m. Tuesday, police said.
Hong Kong-listed Italian fashion group Prada said on Tuesday it has picked former Dior executive Gianfranco D'Attis as chief executive officer for its flagship Prada brand, starting from January 2. "His proven experience in the luxury sector, with a specific focus on retail, will help Prada to increase its growth potential in all geographies," the group said in a statement. The move comes days after the appointment of former Luxottica chief Andrea Guerra as new chief executive officer of the Prada group, to ease a transition at the helm to the next generation of the founding family. | 2022-12-13T15:35:55Z | sports.yahoo.com | Seahawks hope Shelby Harris can pull through illness to play Thursday night | https://sports.yahoo.com/seahawks-hope-shelby-harris-pull-150005444.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/seahawks-hope-shelby-harris-pull-150005444.html?src=rss |
The Miami Dolphins were defeated by the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday at SoFi Stadium, but the loss hasn’t knocked them out of the playoff picture just yet.
With all Week 14 contests completed, the Buffalo Bills are currently the top seed in the conference after defeating the New York Jets in a game where they knocked out Mike White.
The second spot still belongs to the Kansas City Chiefs, as they took down the Denver Broncos despite Patrick Mahomes throwing three interceptions. They’re followed by the Baltimore Ravens, who outlasted the Pittsburgh Steelers with Tyler Huntley and Anthony Brown in for Lamar Jackson.
In the fourth spot are the Tennessee Titans. They took a 14-point loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars this week, shrinking their division lead to just two games. The Bengals stayed at fifth after beating the Deshaun Watson-led Cleveland Browns, remaining just a half-game back of the AFC North lead.
Then, we find the Dolphins in the sixth spot at 8-5, and the New England Patriots rounding out the current playoff teams at 7-6.
Just outside the seventh seed are the Los Angeles Chargers and New York Jets, who both have the same record as the Patriots.
Mike McDaniel’s squad takes on the division-leading Bills on Saturday night this week, in a game where a win could boost their postseason odds from 70% to 89%, according to FiveThirtyEight.
If they continue to skid, losing a third game in a row, they drop to a 64% chance of making the playoffs and could be hanging on the outside looking in again.
Elon Musk's SpaceX is raising money at a $140 billion valuation, up from about $125 billion, Bloomberg reported. It's a milestone.
Poll: Will the Miami Dolphins turn things around and make the playoffs?
The Dolphins’ two-game road trip in California was one to forget, as Miami lost consecutive games to the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Chargers. | 2022-12-13T15:36:01Z | sports.yahoo.com | Updated AFC playoff picture after Week 14 | https://sports.yahoo.com/updated-afc-playoff-picture-week-150006534.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/updated-afc-playoff-picture-week-150006534.html?src=rss |
The Chicago Bears didn’t suffer a loss for the seventh straight week, thanks to a much-needed bye week. But they still sit at 3-10 and have been officially eliminated from playoff contention.
The Bears have lost six straight games, and they’re competing for a top-three (possibly top-two) draft selection. Chicago currently holds the third overall pick, and they’ve found their franchise quarterback in Justin Fields, so it’s not all bad.
T-23rd | 2022-12-13T15:36:14Z | sports.yahoo.com | Where the Bears rank statistically after Week 14 | https://sports.yahoo.com/where-bears-rank-statistically-week-150200526.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/where-bears-rank-statistically-week-150200526.html?src=rss |
Mississippi State coach Mike Leach looks across the field during a game against Georgia on Nov. 14. (Rogelio V. Solis / Associated Press)
I told him I was from Shreveport, La., which felt good because I knew Leach would actually know where that was — not always a given.
Leach, through the guys he groomed, has his handprints on just about everything, it seems. But while Riley’s mantle is going to run out of room by the time he’s 40, his mentor has never coached a conference championship team or a Heisman winner in all this time, largely due to the places he chose to port his ship.
Now, it must be said, in locales off the beaten path, Leach had full control to do things his way and that didn't always sit well with others. The man did not like being told what to do, a point he drove home throughout the pandemic, as federal, state, conference and school protocols were thrust upon him.
I asked him whether he had ever thought of running for office. I have to think the guy could win.
Marveling at the turn my afternoon took, I asked Leach why he’s so tolerant of folks like me compared with his peers.
In hindsight, the whole thing was crazy. I can’t stop thinking about that nasty cough. I have since read that Leach told ESPN after the season he had been struggling with pneumonia. The experience could not have been easy on his body.
Investing money in a brokerage account is a great way to grow wealth, and also, to generate a solid return on cash you don't need to reserve for emergencies. As a result of all that volatility, a lot of people are now seeing year-to-date losses -- in some cases, big ones -- in their brokerage accounts. Unfortunately, we could be in for many more months of stock market volatility, and there's just no way to know when the market will finally settle down and start staging its recovery.
Yahoo Sports looks at the latest betting information as the Memphis Grizzlies host the Atlanta Hawks | 2022-12-13T16:12:33Z | sports.yahoo.com | Appreciation: 'Call anytime.' Football great Mike Leach always seemed eager to learn from others | https://sports.yahoo.com/appreciation-call-anytime-football-great-145729661.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/appreciation-call-anytime-football-great-145729661.html?src=rss |
USC quarterback Caleb Williams won the 2022 Heisman Trophy on Saturday night, earning college football’s most treasured individual honor in his first year with the Trojans.
Williams became the eighth Heisman winner from USC and the first since 2005 (Reggie Bush).
“To now be a part of this historic fraternity is truly an honor and something I will cherish for the rest of my life,” Williams said during his acceptance speech at Saturday night’s ceremony in New York City. “While this may be an individual award, I certainly understand that nothing — and absolutely nothing — in this sport, nor life, is done alone.”
Williams currently leads the FBS in passing touchdowns (37) and ranks fourth in passing yards (4,075). He and Lincoln Riley both left Oklahoma following the 2021 season and settled at USC, helping to quickly turn the program around.
Caleb Williams made the rounds in national media circles, appearing on The NFL Today on Sunday on CBS. He then appeared on ABC’s weekday morning show, Good Morning America:
Williams beat out TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Max Duggan, Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud, and Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Stetson Bennett to win.
Caleb Williams will be one of the favorites to win the Heisman next season in 2023, and USC will be a top-10 preseason poll team when the rankings come in next year. | 2022-12-13T16:12:36Z | sports.yahoo.com | Caleb Williams made the rounds with national TV shows after winning the Heisman Trophy | https://sports.yahoo.com/caleb-williams-made-rounds-national-135941308.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/caleb-williams-made-rounds-national-135941308.html?src=rss |
Jordan Hall is favored to commit to the Georgia Bulldogs. The four-star is also considering LSU, Florida, and Alabama.
The Georgia Bulldogs and Kirby Smart have 23 commitments in the senior class. Right now, Georgia has the second-ranked class of 2023 in the country. Jordan Hall would join four-star defensive tackle Jamaal Jarrett as Georgia’s only defensive line commitments. The Bulldogs also have commitments from a pair of edge defenders.
Jordan Hall received a scholarship offer from Georgia football in 2021. The four-star defensive lineman announced his commitment date and top schools via Twitter: | 2022-12-13T16:12:37Z | sports.yahoo.com | Elite DL Jordan Hall sets commitment date | https://sports.yahoo.com/elite-dl-jordan-hall-sets-155701981.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/elite-dl-jordan-hall-sets-155701981.html?src=rss |
Former five-star and Alabama offensive tackle Tommy Brockermeyer recently announced that he was entering the transfer portal. On Thursday, TCU Insider Jeremy Clark placed a crystal ball prediction for him to land at TCU.
This comes as somewhat of a surprise considering he and his brother (James) are Texas legacies. His father, Blake, played offensive tackle for the Longhorns. His older brother, Luke, played linebacker for the Longhorns.
However, Fort Worth is where the Brockermeyers are from. Tommy played sparingly in two seasons at Alabama while being plagued with injuries.
If he lands at TCU, he will likely be able to see significant playing time. The Horned Frogs have established themselves as a program on the rise after reaching the College Football Playoff this season. This would likely be beneficial for both parties. Brockermeyer gets a fresh start and the Horned Frogs gain a highly-touted offensive lineman. | 2022-12-13T16:12:43Z | sports.yahoo.com | Former 5-star Alabama OT Tommy Brockermeyer predicted to transfer to TCU | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-5-star-alabama-ot-155345456.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-5-star-alabama-ot-155345456.html?src=rss |
One former Alabama player expressed his belief that Alabama quarterback Bryce Young should return for his senior season. Former edge rusher Tim Williams made it clear that Young should elect to play one more season in Tuscaloosa.
Williams elaborated as to why it makes sense for him to come back. “He needs to show he can win a ring under heavy pressure like the quarterbacks before him,” he said.
Young has cemented himself as one of the best quarterbacks to ever play at Alabama much less in the history of college football. The California native passed for over 8,000 yards with 75 touchdowns over the course of three seasons.
Many draft experts believe that Young will land at either No. 1 or No. 2 in the 2023 NFL draft. While he hasn’t declared or opted out of the bowl game, the expectation is that he will forgo his senior season to enter the draft.
Williams’ statement might make sense to a few, but there is no denying that Young is ready to play at the next level.
Former Alabama LB Tim Williams says Bryce Young needs a ring like the other former Alabama QBs before he leaves Tuscaloosa. pic.twitter.com/CdKwgQGZLO
Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow news surrounding the Alabama football program. | 2022-12-13T16:12:49Z | sports.yahoo.com | Former Tide LB believes Bryce Young should return for his senior season | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-tide-lb-believes-bryce-154731302.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-tide-lb-believes-bryce-154731302.html?src=rss |
Mike Leach compiled a 158-107 record in 21 seasons as a head coach. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Back when he coached Washington State, Mike Leach preferred to walk to work, about a 3.5-mile trek. He was never much into driving a car. Walking (or biking or even rollerblading) felt right, and not just for the exercise, but for the randomness of life it could provide.
In the winter, when the snow would cover the ground, it wasn’t unusual for Leach to see some animal prints and decide to do some “tracking.” Maybe it was a deer, maybe a fox. He couldn’t help but wonder where the animal had gone. “I was just curious where this raccoon lived,” he once explained.
Capable of noticing something that others just zombie past yet also so endlessly curious that he would fully apply himself into discovery. Not knowing, or, more specifically, not at least trying to know, was just not possible for him, even if it meant the most famous guy in town was tromping through someone’s backyard in search of a critter.
Leach passed away Monday night at age 61 following a recent health incident at his home in Starkville, where he coached Mississippi State the past three seasons. He’d battled pneumonia and other ailments all season.
He leaves behind his wife, Sharon, four grown children, a Bulldogs team and a football community that loved him almost as much as he impacted it.
His news conferences — just like any conversation with Leach — could flow into absurd topics from ranking which Pac-12 mascot could win a fight (“Just in terms of a beast alone, a [Colorado] Buffalo is going to be pretty hard to tangle with.”) to wedding-planning advice for the groom (“Stay out of the way.”) to the existence of Big Foot (he wanted to believe but wasn’t optimistic).
Occasionally, he’d talk about his team’s third-down conversion rate or something mundane like that.
He had a law degree from Pepperdine and too much intelligence to just be content talking football. He seemed to spend large swaths of his day discussing pirates and military history and macroeconomics and how coffee should be consumed (“Black, it should taste horrible.”) and Key West and politics and the importance of gravy at Thanksgiving and, man, you just never knew.
He never did anything like anyone else. This was an innovative football mind who never really played football — he was a bench warmer as a high school junior in little Cody, Wyoming. He was a busy coach who found time to teach a class at Washington State: “Insurgent Warfare and Football Strategies.”
During a stretch between jobs, he hosted a radio show on Sirius and decided to multitask by getting his workouts in during commercial breaks. That meant, say, hammering out a couple minutes of pushups, which left him gasping for breath as he returned to the air.
If anything, the comedy act and self-deprecation took away from his impact on football. It is not too much to say the sport — from high school to the NFL — would not be played as it is if not for Leach.
He was an architect of the Air Raid offense with his mentor, Hal Mumme. In the simplest terms, they tried to answer the age-old question: What if you just ran two-minute offense all the time?
First, it was as an assistant at small programs and big ones before Leach broke out on his own at Texas Tech, Washington State and Mississippi State.
His thinking ran counter to everything. He once described how he ideally would have 10 players stretched equidistant from each other from one sideline to the other, with just the QB sitting back and picking his target.
“It’d be unstoppable,” he declared, and while football rules prohibit the offensive line from spreading out that much, “The Spread” became mainstream because coaches watched his teams with a mix of curious horror and then awe.
In his 21 seasons as a head coach, his teams delivered 13 seasons of 8 or more victories, a remarkable accomplishment because all three of his programs were among the least resourced in their leagues. Everyone always wondered if he and his system could win a championship, but he was too eccentric, and at times too controversial, for some schools' tastes.
He pointed to the Super Bowl champs who ran some version of what he did as proof of concept.
Leach was an American original, a football savant, a guy who wouldn’t just run around barking motivational sayings — “Be the hammer, never the nail.” … “Swing your sword.” — but lived it himself. He never played scared. He never shied away from being entertaining. He didn’t put on airs. He’d talk to anyone, anywhere for hours.
Maybe he’d have been a lawyer or a politician or a scientist or a talk-show host or a professor or maybe he’d just be that guy wandering around in the snow trying to find out where a raccoon slept, because who wouldn’t want to know that?
In many ways, it was all the same. A mind and a man too big for a game, now gone too soon for a sport, and a fan base near and far, which adored and appreciated him for it. | 2022-12-13T16:13:15Z | sports.yahoo.com | Mike Leach, a bolt of personality, is dead at 61 | https://sports.yahoo.com/mike-leach-a-bolt-of-personality-and-football-savant-is-dead-at-61-141503206.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/mike-leach-a-bolt-of-personality-and-football-savant-is-dead-at-61-141503206.html?src=rss |
The college football world woke up to devastating, heartbreaking news on Tuesday morning.
Mike Leach, one of the foremost innovators of the passing game in major college football in the 21st century, and the creator of a very large coaching tree which includes USC head coach Lincoln Riley, died at age 61 after suffering a heart attack over the weekend.
Leach was the head coach at Texas Tech for 10 seasons. In 2002, he coached a walk-on quarterback named Lincoln Riley, who played behind a quarterback named Kliff Kingsbury. A member of the 2002 Texas Tech coaching staff was Sonny Dykes, who hired Garrett Riley — Lincoln’s younger brother — as his offensive coordinator at TCU. Garrett Riley was named the 2022 Broyles Award winner as college football’s best assistant coach. The Riley brothers coached the top two Heisman vote-getters this season, Caleb Williams (Lincoln) and Max Duggan (Garrett).
That came from Mike Leach’s influence and his teaching of passing concepts, which have spread throughout college football and revolutionized the sport.
Earlier in 2022, Lincoln Riley and Mike Leach both lost a friend they cared about: Dave Nichol, who was hired by Riley as USC receiver coach but died just months after taking the job. Nichol had to step away to tend to his own medical care, and he died in late March at age 45. Both Nichol and Riley worked for Mike Leach. Riley credits Nichol as a central, formative influence in coaching and a core reason he got into the profession. Mike Leach inspired Dave Nichol and moved him along the path in this industry.
Lincoln Riley, Sonny Dykes, and Dave Nichol are just three of the many former assistant coaches who learned how to teach offense from Mike Leach. That offers a sense of how vast Leach’s influence is.
It should also be noted that USC defensive coordinator and longtime Riley assistant Alex Grinch coached under Mike Leach at Washington State, serving as WSU’s defensive coordinator.
There will be more to say about Mike Leach … and Lincoln Riley will offer a reaction.
Our prayers to Mike Leach, his family, and to the many people he touched in his life. | 2022-12-13T16:13:21Z | sports.yahoo.com | Mike Leach, who coached Lincoln Riley at Texas Tech, dies at age 61 | https://sports.yahoo.com/mike-leach-coached-lincoln-riley-145853488.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/mike-leach-coached-lincoln-riley-145853488.html?src=rss |
Mississippi State head football coach Mike Leach died Monday night at the age of 61.
Leach suffered what the university initially described in a news release as a “personal health issue” at his home in Starkville on Sunday, which required him to be airlifted to the UMMC in Jackson, about 125 miles from Mississippi State.
His death was attributed to complications suffered after a heart condition.
Leach, who was named Mississippi State’s head football coach on January 9, 2020, was finishing his third season in Starkville and 21st overall as a head coach.
Leach had a 19-17 record with the Bulldogs, 8-4 this season. He was at Texas Tech from 2000-09 and Washington State from 2012-19.
The family released a statement:
The school president spoke about Leach:
Coach Mike Leachcast a tremendous shadow not just over Mississippi State University, but over the entire college football landscape. His innovative “Air Raid” offense changed the game. Mike’s keen intellect and unvarnished candor made him one of the nation’s true coaching legends. His passing brings great sadness to our university, to the Southeastern Conference, and to all who loved college football. I will miss Mike’s profound curiosity, his honesty, and his wide-open approach to pursuing excellence in all things.
Leach is survived by his wife, Sharon; children Janeen, Kim, Cody, and Kiersten; and three grandchildren.
Tributes came in on social media:
One of my favorite Saturday night college football games ever. This was when the Big 12 was just a shootout every week, and the leader of the high flying offense out in Lubbock was Mike Leach. https://t.co/FH3L5qwyYQ
It’s a very sad day as we join the college football community in mourning the passing of a great one in Mike Leach. You will be missed Coach, but never forgotten. Rest in Peace https://t.co/QsInL7Gbaj | 2022-12-13T16:13:46Z | sports.yahoo.com | Mississippi State head football coach Mike Leach dies at 61 | https://sports.yahoo.com/mississippi-state-head-football-coach-153033643.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/mississippi-state-head-football-coach-153033643.html?src=rss |
On the morning of Tuesday, Dec. 13, it was reported that Mike Leach, the head coach of the Mississippi State University football team, had passed away. Leach had been hospitalized since Sunday morning and was receiving care.
After head coaching stops in Texas Tech and Washington State, Leach made the move to the SEC in 2020. In his three seasons of coaching in the conference, he had an overall record of 19-17, with an improved record every season.
Fellow SEC West head coach Nick Saban commented on the untimely passing of Leach.
“Mike Leach was a friend, and we are deeply saddened by his unexpected passing. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Mike over the last several years. I never knew quite where our conversations were going, but they always made me smile. He was an offensive innovator who always did things his way and was admired for it. His teams were well-coached and extremely challenging to defend. They played with poise and toughness, which is a credit to his leadership. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Sharon, their children and the entire Mississippi State family.” | 2022-12-13T16:13:56Z | sports.yahoo.com | Nick Saban comments on the passing of Mississippi State HC Mike Leach | https://sports.yahoo.com/nick-saban-comments-passing-mississippi-143307057.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nick-saban-comments-passing-mississippi-143307057.html?src=rss |
"We are thrilled for Coach Ryan Walters and his family to join us here at Purdue University," Purdue athletic director Mike Bobinski said. "From an early point in the search process, Coach Walters stood out because of the energy, passion and intelligence he displayed as a defensive coordinator in both the Big Ten Conference and Southeastern Conference. His meteoric rise in the coaching profession is in large part due to his unique ability to connect with his student-athletes as both a coach and mentor.”
CHAMPAIGN, IL - NOVEMBER 05: Defensive coordinator Ryan Walters of the Illinois Fighting Illini is seen during the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Memorial Stadium on November 5, 2022 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
"I am incredibly humbled and honored to serve as the head football coach at Purdue University," Walters said. "I am grateful to Director of Athletics Mike Bobinski and to President Daniels for this incredible opportunity. Purdue is a world-class university, and our football program will pursue the same excellence exhibited across our campus. My wife Tara and I, along with our boys, are beyond excited to join the Purdue and West Lafayette communities."
Purdue, which won the Big Ten West this season, is set to face LSU in the Citrus Bowl on Jan. 2. Walters will “spend the remainder of the month appointing his staff, recruiting and observing Purdue's preparation” for the bowl, the school said. | 2022-12-13T16:14:10Z | sports.yahoo.com | Purdue hires Illinois defensive coordinator Ryan Walters as head coach | https://sports.yahoo.com/purdue-hires-illinois-defensive-coordinator-ryan-walters-as-head-coach-155329033.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/purdue-hires-illinois-defensive-coordinator-ryan-walters-as-head-coach-155329033.html?src=rss |
College football, or football in general, has turned into a passing league and most of the time a quarterback will win the award. Which is why it’s not shocking to see J.J. McCarthy getting some way too early 2023 Heisman love.
Brad Crawford with 247Sports listed his top 10 Heisman contenders for 2023. He labeled Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy as an early contender.
If J.J. McCarthy plays the way he did against Ohio State this season every week next fall, go ahead and make him one of the favorites. But Michigan’s offense doesn’t have to rely on McCarthy’s heroics through the air for the most part. This team will still be a well-oiled on the ground and only ask McCarthy to do what he has to in the passing game. McCarthy has 24 total touchdowns this season and his star may be even brighter coming out of the playoff if the Wolverines are able to finish the deal against TCU and the winner of Georgia-Ohio State.
ESPN also had its top 2023 Heisman Trophy contenders and Edwards was under the ‘momentum players’ tab. He does have momentum after all. Edwards has run for 216 and 185 yards against Ohio State and Purdue, respectively.
We don’t yet know the intentions of Michigan’s star back, Blake Corum, who recently underwent season-ending surgery on an injured knee. If he chooses to return to Michigan and again finds fifth gear, then he automatically becomes a front-runner. But if he doesn’t, the Wolverines’ run game might not miss a beat with Edwards taking over instead. In two games as the feature back, he rushed 47 times for 401 yards and three TDs against Ohio State and Purdue, and he’s already proved himself one of the nation’s better receiving threats out of the backfield. He’s the total package. — Connelly
USC quarterback Caleb Williams is officially college football’s best player, winning the 2022 Heisman Trophy on Saturday night. His triumph makes USC the first school to win the player of the year award eight times. He is the first Trojan since 2005’s win by Reggie Bush, whose award was later vacated when an investigation found […] | 2022-12-13T16:14:22Z | sports.yahoo.com | Two Michigan football players receiving way too early 2023 Heisman hype | https://sports.yahoo.com/two-michigan-football-players-receiving-144159853.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/two-michigan-football-players-receiving-144159853.html?src=rss |
After escaping with a 27-23 win over the Houston Texans on Sunday, the Cowboys travel to Florida on Sept. 18 to face the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Cowboys (10-3) are in second place in the NFC East, trailing the Philadelphia Eagles (12-1) with four games remaining.
Jacksonville (5-8) is in second pace in the AFC South. The Jaguars upset Tennessee 36-22 in Nashville on Sunday.
Last meeting: The Cowboys beat the Jaguars 40-7 on Oct. 4, 2018, at AT&T Stadium.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Visiting Music City has been nothing but misery and agony for the Jacksonville Jaguars for too many years. On Sunday, the Jaguars made sure the Tennessee Titans felt that pain while keeping their AFC South hopes alive with four games remaining. Trevor Lawrence threw for a career-high 368 yards and three touchdowns and also ran for a score and the Jaguars routed the division-leading Titans 36-22 Sunday for their first victory in Nashville since 2013.
The Jaguars (5-8) defeated the Tennessee Titans (7-6) 36-22 in one of the team's most stunning wins of the season. The team forced four turnovers in a win.
The Tennessee Titans suffered one of their worst losses in recent memory Sunday, struggling in all phases at home vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars
NEW YORK (AP) American midfielder Gio Reyna almost was sent home from the World Cup because of a lack of hustle in training, for which he later apologized. U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter revealed the team's concerns about a player when he spoke last week at the HOW Institute for Society's Summit on Moral Leadership in New York. ''In this last World Cup, we had a player that was clearly not meeting expectations on and off the field,'' Berhalter was quoted as saying.
St. Louis Blues vs. Nashville Predators - Game Highlights
Watch the Game Highlights from St. Louis Blues vs. Nashville Predators, 12/12/2022 | 2022-12-13T16:51:54Z | sports.yahoo.com | Dallas Cowboys vs. Jacksonville Jaguars TV, time, kickoff, line | https://sports.yahoo.com/dallas-cowboys-vs-jacksonville-jaguars-221306768.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/dallas-cowboys-vs-jacksonville-jaguars-221306768.html?src=rss |
Major NL East activity continues with Braves' big trade originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
It had been a quiet offseason for the Braves prior to Monday's three-team, nine-player trade with the Athletics and Brewers that sent Oakland's former catcher, Sean Murphy, to Atlanta.
The Braves get a 28-year-old starting catcher in Murphy who was a Gold Glover in 2021 and one of the better backstops in the game in 2022 when he hit .250/.332/.426 with 37 doubles and 18 homers, numbers suppressed by Oakland's giant ballpark. He has consistently graded out as a top defensive catcher.
Murphy should slot into the five-six range in the Braves' lineup, which currently doesn't have Dansby Swanson and might not have him at all. The Braves and Swanson appear to be far apart in their valuation of his next contract and reportedly have not communicated much this offseason. Atlanta is also up against the first luxury tax threshold of $233 million and is much less likely to pay the tax than the Mets or Phillies.
If Swanson doesn't return to the Braves, it will likely be Vaughn Grissom at shortstop. The Braves broke in the soon-to-be-22-year-old last season to fill in for injured second baseman Ozzie Albies and Grissom hit .291 with an OPS just under .800 in 156 plate appearances, finding instant success like so many other Braves rookies in recent seasons.
Beyond Swanson, the Braves lost free agent Kenley Jansen to the Red Sox. Jansen did have his stumbles late in the year but led the National League with 41 saves and 54 games finished, striking out 85 in 64 innings with a 3.38 ERA. Raisel Iglesias can slide into the closer's role but it could create another hole in the seventh or eighth inning.
The Braves' only offseason addition of note other than Murphy has been former Rays reliever Nick Anderson, an elite bullpen arm in 2019 and 2020 who has dealt with major injury the last two seasons. Anderson and former Padres closer Kirby Yates, an All-Star in 2019 when he had 41 saves with a 1.19 ERA, are X-factors in that Atlanta bullpen as both are looking to recapture their form after several injury-plagued years.
The Mets, coming off a 101-win season that ended abruptly, have been much more active. They've added starting pitchers Justin Verlander, Jose Quintana and Kodai Senga, re-signed closer Edwin Diaz and outfielder Brandon Nimmo and agreed to a one-year deal with former Phils reliever David Robertson.
New guys make up 80% of the Mets' rotation with Carlos Carrasco the only holdover. Gone are Jacob deGrom (Rangers), Chris Bassitt (Blue Jays) and Taijuan Walker (Phillies).
The Mets' MLB-record payroll is well past the fourth and final luxury tax threshold of $293 million. Their current payroll estimate from a luxury tax perspective is $349,573,333, according to Roster Resource. That would result in a tax bill of an estimated $76 million.
For perspective, the Mets' payroll from a luxury tax perspective -- excluding the penalty they'll pay -- is currently $108 million higher than the Phillies' and $160 million more than the Dodgers'. They're outspending the Yankees by more than $80 million.
Under owner Steve Cohen, the Mets have been trying to contend immediately without a strong farm system and with relatively few homegrown stars. They have built a roster that can win a bunch of games again in 2022 but also one that is overly dependent on Verlander and Scherzer entering their age-40 and age-39 seasons, respectively. That duo accounts for a quarter of the Mets' payroll.
It should be another three-team race in the NL East, with the Marlins and Nationals bringing up the rear. MLB's schedule is now balanced to allow for every team to face the other 29, so there won't be as much of an opportunity for one head-to-head matchup to skew the standings. The Phillies went 5-14 against the Mets in 2022 but 16-3 against the Nationals, the best record any MLB team had against another. Instead of six series and 19 games apiece, there will be four series and 13 games for division rivals in 2023.
Atlanta Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos acknowledges he paid a substantial price to acquire Sean Murphy from the Oakland Athletics in a three-team trade. Anthopoulos believed adding one of the game's top catchers was worth the cost. “We definitely gave up a ton,” Anthopoulos said Monday. | 2022-12-13T16:52:13Z | sports.yahoo.com | MLB free agency: How Braves' Sean Murphy trade affects NL East | https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb-free-agency-braves-sean-143500271.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb-free-agency-braves-sean-143500271.html?src=rss |
Chicago Bulls' Michael Jordan looks at the MVP award presented to him before the Bulls-Indiana Pacers playoff game Tuesday, May 19, 1998 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Frank Polich)
The bronze Michael Jordan Trophy is one of six renamed trophies unveiled by the NBA on Tuesday and features a player breaking out of a rock to reach for a crystal basketball that consists of 23 points, a nod to Jordan's jersey number. The trophy's namesake badge is six-sided, a nod to the six NBA championships Jordan won with the Chicago Bulls while its five-sided base is a nod to the five league Most Valuable Player awards he won during his Hall of Fame career.
NBA unveils stunning new ‘Michael Jordan Trophy’ MVP award
The NBA renamed its league MVP award after Michael Jordan and designed an incredible new trophy.
The NBA's regular season most valuable player trophy is now named after Michael Jordan and features several homages to the Chicago Bulls legend. | 2022-12-13T16:52:19Z | sports.yahoo.com | NBA names MVP trophy after Michael Jordan | https://sports.yahoo.com/nba-names-new-mvp-trophy-after-five-time-mvp-michael-jordan-133841261.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nba-names-new-mvp-trophy-after-five-time-mvp-michael-jordan-133841261.html?src=rss |
Brady jokes Greenlaw's bold autograph request was 's--t for me' originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
Dre Greenlaw went viral Sunday night for having the gall to ask Tampa Bay star quarterback Tom Brady to autograph the football the 49ers linebacker intercepted in the third quarter of San Francisco’s 35-7 victory over the Buccaneers.
It was a moment to remember for Greenlaw. But how did Brady feel about the exchange?
“It was s--t for me, to be honest,” Brady joked to comedians Adam Sandler, Bill Burr and Tracy Morgan on his “Let’s Go!” podcast. “It was complete s--t. But I try to be a gentleman.
“No, actually, I mean, look, it was a great play he made. I’m happy he’s got the ball. I wish I didn’t throw it but I’m trying to be a good sport. Because a lot of times I’m not a good sport. I can be a pretty bad sport. In the moment when they get me in the right frame of mind I’m actually a good sport."
“You looked good. You looked like you meant it,” Sandler said. “You liked nice, Tommy, when you were signing the ball. There were a lot of cameras on you, too. You were forced into that one.”
The interception was one of two picks Brady threw against the stellar 49ers defense, the other captured by safety Tashaun Gipson.
It has been a rough season for Brady, who came out of retirement for another dance with Tampa Bay. Through 13 games, Brady has thrown just 17 touchdown passes. He had a league-high 43 touchdown passes in 17 contests last season.
Still, despite another tough loss for arguably the greatest quarterback to ever step on the gridiron, Brady was able to recognize the bigger picture and put the loss behind him.
“Man, the worst thing he could tell me is no,” Greenlaw said after the game. “I was always told, if you don't ask, you’ll never know. He is a good guy to be able to sign that ball after he threw them pick. That’s big time. I appreciate it. He is the greatest. He’s the GOAT.”
“I went like a little fangirl," Greenlaw later added. "I tried to soothe him up and make him feel better, ‘Man, you’re the greatest ever.’ But, he is. He really is. I was like, ‘Man, you don’t even got to sign the balls.’ ”
RELATED: Whitner claims 49ers' offense at its best with Purdy at QB
Fellow linebacker Fred Warner also joined Greenlaw in the postgame exchange, and seemed to enjoy the moment watching his teammate get the football signed.
"We came prepared. Strolled up to him, 'Hey Tom, can you sign the balls for us?' Like some 5-year-olds. It was great." | 2022-12-13T16:52:25Z | sports.yahoo.com | Tom Brady jokes Dre Greenlaw's bold autograph request was 's--t for me' | https://sports.yahoo.com/tom-brady-jokes-dre-greenlaws-160921314.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/tom-brady-jokes-dre-greenlaws-160921314.html?src=rss |
Lionel Messi is now just two steps away from a World Cup trophy that's eluded him throughout his illustrious career. He and Argentina are in a semifinal against Croatia (Tuesday, 2 p.m. ET, Fox/Telemundo), who overwhelmed him four years ago in Russia, and who’ll likely tackle and crunch and hack him just as the Dutch did Friday.
Will Argentina persevere and move on to the final? Or will the relentless Croatians pull off another stunner in this tournament?
Perennial overachievers Croatia have made it to another semi-final after a penalty shoot-out victory over Brazil in Qatar. They will face Argentina, who also made it through on penalties following a tetchy 2-2 draw with the Netherlands.
Croatia continue to punch above their weight both in their production of talented players and in their ability to elevate the lesser lights on the grandest stage | 2022-12-13T16:52:32Z | sports.yahoo.com | World Cup scores, updates: Croatia vs. Argentina | https://sports.yahoo.com/world-cup-scores-updates-argentina-vs-croatia-161836551.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/world-cup-scores-updates-argentina-vs-croatia-161836551.html?src=rss |
After suffering their latest and most brutal loss of the season last Monday night, the New Orleans Saints are coming out of their Week 14 bye week. The time off can sometimes equip teams with the time that they need to make changes on the coaching staff. For a 4-9 football team, said changes would not be far from reality. In his day-after conference call with New Orleans media though, head coach Dennis Allen may have put the kibosh on any such changes coming to fruition before the season’s end.
“No, I don’t see any dramatic changes happening,” Allen told ESPN’s Kat Terrell after the Buccaneers loss. “When you’re sitting in, really going into Week 14… I don’t think any drastic changes are what’s going to fix, you know, the win-loss column. I think our execution, I think us as coaches, players, everybody, I think we’ve all got to just keep grinding and working to improve.”
The commitment to the status quo was further cemented with Allen’s announcement that quarterback Andy Dalton would remain under center in the team’s Week 15 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons. A decision that has continued to draw criticism as the Saints offense has struggled on third downs, in the red zone and even to find the endzone as of late. But the team feels that the offense around Dalton could be better. How that happens without changes elsewhere is the question.
While “dramatic changes” may be ruled out when it comes to the coaching staff, there are some adjustments that could be made without “upsetting the apple cart,” a concern once voiced by Allen. One of which would be addressing play-calling. Considering the talent the Saints have on the roster, the idea that things could be better around the quarterback does not feel like an insurmountable task to achieve. Offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael has done wonders with the organization in long and good-standing tenure with the franchise. However, he has not impressed as a full-time play-caller this season.
Some of that can be tied to execution, sure. But even decisions like taking the team’s top-three pass catchers off of the field at pivotal moments, the offense’s inability to get running back Alvin Kamara involved and the disappointing numbers on third down and in the red zone, it feels like at least shaking the apple cart is warranted.
There are a couple of ways to do this. The first may be too drastic for what the organization has shown it is willing to do in-season. That would be to replace Carmichael at play caller. They could do this with quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator Ronald Curry for some portion of the final four games if they went that route. Everyone on the Saints staff that has spoken with media has sung Curry’s praises and Carmichael even stated once that Curry was “ready” to be a play caller in the league.
If that is too much for New Orleans at this point in the season, at least considering a change to the overall approach might be a more comfortable shift. Being more aggressive on third and fourth downs, leaning on the playmakers like Kamara and offensive weapons Taysom Hill more in the red zone, implementing a more aggressive game plan early rather than waiting to dig into the play sheet. Easier said than done, of course. But something’s going to have to shift somewhere if the team believes they should be getting more from the offense.
And that sentiment has not gone without acknowledgement from Allen. “Andy’s done some good things,” he said. “I think we’ve got to do a lot of other things around him to help him. And that includes, you know, us a coaching staff putting everybody in better positions.” But saying it is one thing, actively taking the steps to getting it done might require some of those “dramatic” adjustments. | 2022-12-13T17:05:24Z | sports.yahoo.com | ‘Dramatic changes’ not expected for Saints coaching staff coming out of their bye week | https://sports.yahoo.com/dramatic-changes-not-expected-saints-155501317.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/dramatic-changes-not-expected-saints-155501317.html?src=rss |
Mike Leach was an originator and an original thinker, and he wanted you to know it. He was also utterly unafraid to deliver smoke to those in football who he deemed behind the schematic times.
Leach brought his own iterations of things you see in the NFL now all the time — quick tempo, five-receiver packages out of empty formations, heavy shotgun usage, and the requirement that receivers learn their positions all along the formation. But it was not always so, and some of the same coaches who are now using those concepts derided his offenses as gimmick-laden, and unusable in the NFL back in the day.
Leach was never unafraid to counter with his own views on that. In 2016, he railed against those NFL traditionalists who insisted that pro-style quarterbacks were the ones taking the ball from under center.
“The things I did that were easily transferable—the coaches would call the play into me,” Mahomes said a couple weeks before the Chiefs selected him with the 10th pick in the 2017 draft. “I had to signal to the receivers, and tell the linemen and running backs what the protection was. So, I had a lot on me to do that stuff, plus I had the freedom to change the play. So, those two things are things that NFL quarterbacks already do; to see if this play works against this coverage. Is it the coverage we wanted, and what does it look like pre-snap?”
Mike Leach did what every coach dreams of doing, and what most coaches aren’t courageous, creative and curious enough to do — he took what he believed to be true about his side of the ball, he perfected it as much as he possibly could, and in that perfection, he changed the game he loved at every possible level, forever. The staid power-based concepts that preceded him were ripe for the picking, and he was the one who picked them apart. | 2022-12-13T17:06:25Z | sports.yahoo.com | How Mike Leach helped the NFL to reinvent itself | https://sports.yahoo.com/mike-leach-helped-nfl-reinvent-155652521.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/mike-leach-helped-nfl-reinvent-155652521.html?src=rss |
The Morning After is here, and the New England Patriots find themselves sitting at 7-6 after a 27-13 primetime victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Monday night.
Throughout the early portion of the game, Patriots fans, including myself, fell into the “here we go again” mindset, as the Patriots struggled heavily against a lackluster Cardinals team.
Colt McCoy pulling out an upset looked like it was going to be the latest storyline, as he stepped up admirably for the injured Kyler Murray. Not only was he able to make some good throws, but the Patriots had no answer for running back James Connor early on.
At halftime, the game was tied 13-13, and then the Patriots made the necessary adjustments that seemingly sealed the game, shutting out the Cardinals in the second half.
One thing is for sure: The Patriots are still on thin ice offensively, and things need to change if they hope to go on a run in these last four games against tough opponents.
Things are still at a standstill after last night, but let’s get into this week’s leftover notes.
Josh Uche and Matthew Judon cannot be stopped
Josh Uche and Matthew Judon saved the day with multiple pressures and 4.5 sacks combined as the Patriots defense shut down the Cardinals and McCoy’s efforts.
Judon and Uche should both be considered Pro-Bowlers after their string of performances this season. Both are now over the 10-sack mark, and this is the first time in a long time that the Patriots have had a dynamic pass-rushing duo.
Uche is a bright spot for the defense given his young age and the fact that the Patriots selected him as a raw pass-rusher with upside in 2020. He has really come along this season and has seen increased opportunities as he has improved mightily against the run.
Judon has continued his tear since being signed by the Patriots in 2021, and the pair of edge rushers are beginning to strike fear in opposing offensive lines.
Patriots OL handled business, for the most part
The Patriots offensive line gave Mac Jones more time to throw, and it showed in the second half. Trent Brown seemed to struggle again, even against a weak Cardinals defensive line, and Connor McDermott held his own starting for Isaiah Wynn at right tackle.
Although the offensive front held its own, they were facing a bottom-tier defensive line. So they clearly need to continue to build their success through the remaining of the season.
The Patriots could make a run here with better offensive line play giving concepts time to develop more than behind the line of scrimmage.
Rookie RBs save the day
Rookie RBs Pierre Strong Jr. and Kevin Harris seized their opportunities given due to injuries suffered by Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson.
Both rookies scored their first NFL touchdowns, and Strong Jr. specifically showed his explosiveness and speed with a 44-yard run in the second half.
The Patriots owe a lot of credit for the victory to the rookies because without their performance, it is likely the offense would have stalled out.
Missing your WR1, WR2, RB1, RB2 and starting right tackle is not a sufficient way to win a game, but the two young running backs filled in nicely and allowed the Patriots to mix in play-action and passing plays. | 2022-12-13T17:06:31Z | sports.yahoo.com | The Morning After: Did Week 14 win change season outlook for Patriots? | https://sports.yahoo.com/morning-did-week-14-win-163936517.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/morning-did-week-14-win-163936517.html?src=rss |
Marcus Jones is first player in Super Bowl era to achieve this feat originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Rookie cornerback Marcus Jones has been a tremendous all-around player for the New England Patriots this season, and Monday night's 27-13 road win over the Arizona Cardinals was another shining example.
Jones tallied seven solo tackles, two passes defensed and one interception on defense, while catching one pass for 12 yards on offense. He also tallied 54 return yards between two kickoff returns and one punt return.
Here's how the 2022 third-round draft pick made NFL history with his performance on both offense and defense:
Jones' interception -- the first of his NFL career -- came late in the third quarter as the Cardinals were trying to tie the score trailing 20-13.
Jones has produced some impressive moments this season.
He scored on a 48-yard catch and run in the Patriots' Week 13 loss to the Buffalo Bills, and he was the hero in New England's Week 11 win over the New York Jets with an 84-yard punt-return touchdown in the final minute of the fourth quarter.
Whether he's playing wide receiver, cornerback or returning kicks, Jones consistently finds ways to impact winning. It would behoove the Patriots to get Jones as many snaps as possible in all three phases as they try to hold on to their wild card playoff spot in the AFC over the final four games. | 2022-12-13T17:06:44Z | sports.yahoo.com | Patriots CB Marcus Jones is first player in Super Bowl era to achieve this feat | https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-cb-marcus-jones-first-161213560.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-cb-marcus-jones-first-161213560.html?src=rss |
Mac Jones addresses outbursts vs. Cardinals, Patricia's game plan originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Mac Jones' body language was hard to ignore Monday night.
The Patriots quarterback seemed visibly frustrated at several points during New England's matchup with the Arizona Cardinals, and ESPN's cameras caught Jones dropping a loud f-bomb after his team was forced to burn a timeout early in the third quarter.
Jones had good reason to be frustrated: The Patriots managed just 13 offensive points through three quarters against the NFL's worst defense and struggled to move the ball for most of the night before finally pulling away in the fourth quarter to earn a 27-13 victory.
When asked if he was frustrated with the Patriots' offense after Monday night's game, however, Jones was quick to respond, "No."
"I think the biggest thing for me is not letting it affect my play and bringing the best out of my guys," Jones said of his on-field demeanor. "I thought we all did a good job with trying to play the next play, play the next series."
Several Patriots players expressed frustration with the team's conservative approach after New England's Week 13 loss to the Buffalo Bills, and the Patriots didn't exactly change their strategy in Week 14, throwing the second-most screen passes (12) of any team in a game this season.
Patriots offensive play-caller Matt Patricia took plenty of heat on social media for this strategy, but Jones came to his boss' defense Monday night.
"Matty P. did a great job," Jones said. "He’s trying to call the game so that we can win. Sometimes it might be this thing that people don’t know about, like the quick passes for whatever reason, and that’s our game plan. We knew that's what we had to do to win, and he called a great game and stayed calm.
"Matty P. is a very calm person, very stoic. We're just going to continue to grow together and do what we can do to win games."
It's hard to criticize a play-caller too much after a victory, and aside from one Jones interception on a deflected pass, the Patriots' "don't screw up" philosophy worked in their favor Monday night. Cameras also showed Jones hugging Patricia late in the game, so it appears there wasn't any lingering animosity between the two.
That said, it's also hard to imagine New England keeping pace with the likes of the Cincinnati Bengals, Miami Dolphins and Bills down the stretch by throwing 10 screen passes per game.
The Patriots play another subpar defense next weekend in Josh McDaniels' Las Vegas Raiders, so they'll need to show signs of improvement to avoid more questions about whether Patricia is qualified for his job. | 2022-12-13T17:06:50Z | sports.yahoo.com | Patriots' Mac Jones downplays outbursts vs. Cardinals, endorses Matt Patricia | https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-mac-jones-downplays-outbursts-165000135.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-mac-jones-downplays-outbursts-165000135.html?src=rss |
We’ve come out of the New Orleans Saints bye week to find some minor shuffling on their 53-man roster, with veteran running back David Johnson signed from the Saints practice squad and offensive lineman Josh Andrews waived to make room. Both of these roster moves may be related to injuries for other players.
Backup running back Mark Ingram II is likely done for the year after suffering another knee injury in Week 13’s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, so Johnson is stepping into a bigger role in his absence. Ingram has missed time earlier this season with MCL issues, but this injury is more serious, and it’s unlikely he’ll recover in time to play again this season.
As for Andrews: he initially started at center in Erik McCoy’s absence but was demoted in New Orleans’ last game. Cesar Ruiz moved to center (his college position) with his backup Calvin Throckmorton stepping into the right guard spot. McCoy should be eligible to return from injured reserve soon, though, so if the Saints expect McCoy back soon it makes sense to waive Andrews in hopes of him returning to their practice squad.
We’ll see more changes in the weeks ahead as the Saints finish out their season. Expect them to audition players in different roles to see who should be in the plans for 2023 and beyond. It’s a shame that this is what their 2022 campaign has been reduced to, but the Saints still need to make the most of it. | 2022-12-13T17:07:16Z | sports.yahoo.com | Saints sign RB David Johnson to their 53-man roster, waive OL Josh Andrews | https://sports.yahoo.com/saints-sign-rb-david-johnson-154404422.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/saints-sign-rb-david-johnson-154404422.html?src=rss |
Everybody hates to lose, but Tom Brady might hate it just a little bit more than the rest.
The GOAT had plenty of reasons to leave the field immediately Sunday after a 35-7 blowout loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Despite a homecoming of sorts for the Bay Area native, complete with nearly 100 tickets reserved for his friends and family, Brady and the Bucs were dominated from start to finish.
Bu even in defeat, Brady remained on the field to exchange postgame pleasantries with his opponents, many of whom were starstruck in the presence of a childhood hero, asking for autographs and pictures:
Brady threw a pair of interceptions, his first game of the year with multiple picks, and autographed each ball after the game for the player who caught it.
It was a rough day for Brady and the Bucs, but kudos to the GOAT for being gracious in defeat with a bunch of his new peers who grew up idolizing him throughout his legendary career.
Bernard Laporte, the president of the French Rugby Federation (FFR), has been a player, coach and even a minister, overcoming controversy and setbacks to become one of the most powerful figures in the sport. | 2022-12-13T17:07:41Z | sports.yahoo.com | WATCH: Tom Brady gracious in defeat as starstruck 49ers ask for postgame pictures, autographs | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-tom-brady-gracious-defeat-164120228.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-tom-brady-gracious-defeat-164120228.html?src=rss |
Red Wings Stars Hockey
Dallas Stars defenseman Nils Lundkvist (5) is hugged by left wing Jamie Benn , left, after making the winning goal against the Detroit Red Wings during overtime of an NHL hockey game in Dallas, Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Brandon Saad with a Shorthanded Goal vs. Colorado Avalanche
Brandon Saad (St. Louis Blues) with a Shorthanded Goal vs. Colorado Avalanche, 12/11/2022
Mikko Rantanen scored in the final seconds of regulation and the first minute of overtime to complete his fifth career hat trick and give the Colorado Avalanche a 3-2 win over the St. Louis Blues on Sunday. “We’re missing a lot of guys, a lot of veteran guys, especially up front,” Rantanen said. Rantanen's second goal of the game came with nine seconds left in regulation, forcing the extra period. | 2022-12-13T18:05:41Z | sports.yahoo.com | Stars win in OT again, 3-2 over Detroit on Lundkvist winner | https://sports.yahoo.com/stars-win-ot-again-3-215739810.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/stars-win-ot-again-3-215739810.html?src=rss |
Florida football scored big-time in the transfer portal last offseason when offensive lineman O'Cyrus Torrence decided to follow his head coach from the bayous of Louisiana to the swampland of north Florida. The big man left no doubt as to who was in charge in the trenches, resulting in an avalanche of accolades following his junior season.
The latest publication to express its cumulative confidence in the young man’s talents is ESPN, where senior writer Chris Low published his 2022 All-America first and second teams. Here is what he had to offer on the cornerstone of the Gators’ superlative offensive line this year.
It wasn’t a lengthy stay for Torrence at Florida, but it was a successful one. The 6-5, 346-pound junior had already made a big impression at Louisiana, but he was equally impressive in his one season with the Gators after transferring. Going back to his freshman year at Louisiana, Torrence has 46 career starts. He has another year of eligibility remaining but instead has declared for the NFL draft.
Torrence officially declared for the 2023 NFL draft and will not play in the Las Vegas Bowl against the Oregon State Beavers. He will, however, play in the Reese’s Senior Bowl which will be held on Feb. 4 in Mobile, Alabama, with kickoff scheduled for 2:30 p.m. EST. | 2022-12-13T18:23:25Z | sports.yahoo.com | ESPN give First-Team All-American nod to Gators’ offensive lineman | https://sports.yahoo.com/espn-first-team-american-nod-170922828.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/espn-first-team-american-nod-170922828.html?src=rss |
As of Monday, 13 of Alabama’s scholarship players had entered the transfer portal. One of them was sophomore wide receiver, Christian Leary. UCF Insider Stephen Knight put in a crystal ball prediction for Leary to land at UCF.
Leary is a native of Orlando, Florida which is where the Knights’ campus is located. He was recruited by the Knights coming out of high school but ultimately chose to attend Alabama. In two seasons, he hauled in three receptions for 10 receiving yards and one touchdown. His role this season lessened with all of the true freshmen that got playing time.
If he chooses to transfer to Central Florida, he will reunite with former Alabama wide receiver Javon Baker. It will be interesting to see if Leary actually lands there or elsewhere.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Tuesday said he expects a yearlong government funding bill to include more funding for Ukraine and measures to reform the way Congress certifies presidential elections. The Senate should be ready to vote on a bill to keep the federal government operating for one week past a Friday deadline, as negotiations continue between Democrats and Republicans over the longer-term measure, Schumer said on the Senate floor. Both parties agree on support for Ukraine as it battles Russia and reforms aimed at avoiding a repeat of the turmoil of Jan. 6, 2021, Schumer said.
It's one of several campaign finance-related violations that US authorities accuse Sam Bankman-Fried of making during his time as the CEO of FTX. | 2022-12-13T18:23:32Z | sports.yahoo.com | Former Alabama WR Christian Leary predicted to transfer to UCF | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-alabama-wr-christian-leary-172527045.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-alabama-wr-christian-leary-172527045.html?src=rss |
Illinois football offers condolences to Leach family originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
On Tuesday, the sports world was saddened to hear about the passing of Mississippi State football head coach Mike Leach, who passed of heart-related complications, the school announced.
After hearing the news, multiple sports figures reacted to the news and offered condolences, grievances and stories about the legendary head coach. Along with those who spoke, Illinois head football coach, Bret Bielema, and athletic director, Josh Whitman, contributed to Leach's memory and showed their sympathy to the family.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Mike Leach’s family," Bielema said in a statement. "Today is a sad day for college football. We lost a great coach, a great person, and one of the legendary personalities in our sport. Mike and I built a long friendship after first meeting at the Alamo Bowl in the early 2000s. We shared so many memories over the years. RIP, Mike."
"On behalf of Illinois Athletics, we are saddened to hear of the passing of Mike Leach," Whitman said in a statement. "Coach Leach was one of our game’s great innovators and a beloved figure in college football. Our thoughts are with the Leach family, his former players, and everyone with Mississippi State Football."
Leach, 61, has been in the coaching scene since 1987. During 2000-09, he earned his first break as the head coach of Texas Tech. From 2012-19, he then went on to become the head coach of Washington State's football team. He spent the last three seasons at Mississippi State.
He has a head coaching record of 158-107 and a bowl record of 8-9. He won the college football head coach of the year award in 2018.
According to Leach's family, in a statement released by the school on Tuesday, he participated in organ donation at the University of Mississippi Medical Center as "a final act of charity."
Its a rare moment in the Middle East when the publics voice roars louder than those of the governments. But Moroccos surprise wins at the World Cup have stirred a joy and pride among many Arab fans that have, at least for a moment, eclipsed the regions many political divisions. Perhaps most striking is the Palestinians enthusiastic embrace of the Moroccan team, despite the Moroccan governments normalization of ties with Israel.
Katie Holmes divides social media users by bringing back controversial Y2K look
The 43-year-old wore a strapless mini dress over trousers to the iHeart Radio Jingle Ball. | 2022-12-13T18:23:44Z | sports.yahoo.com | Illinois football offers condolences for head coach Mike Leach | https://sports.yahoo.com/illinois-football-offers-condolences-head-161724334.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/illinois-football-offers-condolences-head-161724334.html?src=rss |
The awards, recognition and accolades just keep rolling in for Michigan football.
A player must be named All-American by at least three of the five following bodies − The Associated Press, the American Football Coaches Association, the Football Writers Association of America, the Walter Camp Football Foundation and the Sporting News − to be considered "consensus".
A WILD RIDE: From Harbaugh rumors to a perfect fall, Michigan football's 2022 is almost too crazy to believe
Michigan Wolverines offensive lineman Olusegun Oluwatimi (55) lines up against the Purdue Boilermakers during the first half of the Big Ten championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022.
Oluwatimi was given first team honors by Sporting News, FWAA and WCFF as he became the first Michigan lineman to earn the distinction since 2011 (David Molk).
Oluwatimi was named the Rimington Award winner last week, given to the best center in the nation, and less than 30 minutes later was also awarded with the Outland Trophy, bestowed annually to the nation's top interior lineman. He was the first Michigan lineman to win the award in its 76-year history.
The transfer from Virginia, a first-team All Big Ten lineman, was the best lineman on what may have been the best line in the country; Michigan is a finalist for the Joe Moore Award (best OL in college football) after having won the award last season.
SABIN:How a bizarre week further revealed mettle of a perfectly strange Michigan football team
He paved the way for a dominant offense, which for the vast majority of the season was powered by Blake Corum and the running game. Corum, a junior, ran 247 times for 1,463 yards (5.9 yards per carry) and 18 touchdowns. He was on pace toward becoming a Heisman finalist but was injured late in the first half against Illinois on Nov. 19. He carried the ball four times for eight yards over the final 2½ games (second half Illinois, at Ohio State, Big Ten Championship vs. Purdue).
Prior to that, he'd scored at least one touchdown in every game and ran for at least 100 yards in every Big Ten game (not counting his two-carry day at Ohio State).
Corum was named first team All-Big Ten running back and was one of three Doak Walker Award Finalists (Texas' Bijan Robinson won the award, Illinois' Chase Brown was the other nominee) for the nation's top running back.
Corum, who was named to the first team by the Associated Press, Football Writers Association of America, Walter Camp Football Foundation and Sporting News, is the first Wolverine running back to be named a consensus All-American since Chris Perry in 2003.
Should Corum earn the nod from the AFCA as well, he will be named unanimous All-American − Jabrill Peppers (2016) and Aidan Hutchinson (2021) are the only two Michigan players to do so in the Jim Harbaugh coaching era.
This is the second consecutive season Michigan has had two consensus All Americans − last year it was Hutchinson and Jake Moody. The Wolverines have had nine since the start of 2016, and only had one full season in that time frame without one (2019).
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan football's Corum, Oluwatimi earn consensus All-America honors | 2022-12-13T18:23:57Z | sports.yahoo.com | Michigan football's Blake Corum, Olusegun Oluwatimi named consensus All-Americans | https://sports.yahoo.com/michigan-footballs-blake-corum-olusegun-180152299.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/michigan-footballs-blake-corum-olusegun-180152299.html?src=rss |
Purdue place kicker Mitchell Fineran, center, is congratulated by teammates after making a 45-yard field goal during the first half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game against Michigan, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Purdue hired Illinois defensive coordinator Ryan Walters as its new coach Tuesday, a change of direction for the program dubbed the ''Cradle of Quarterbacks'' and one best known for its high-scoring, explosive offenses.
The move comes less than a week after athletic director Mike Bobinski promised to make an expeditious decision because of the early-signing date later this month and the impact of the transfer portal.
''We don't want to rush into it, but I also know we know the calendar,'' Bobinski said Thursday, shortly after Brohm was introduced as the new coach at his alma mater. ''I believe completely we are positioned for higher levels of success in the years ahead and we hope that our next head coach fits as well as our previous head coach did.''
It's the first time Walters, a former safety at Colorado, has held a head coaching job.
''I am incredibly humbled and honored to serve as the head football coach at Purdue University,'' Walters said. ''Purdue is a world-class university, and our football program will pursue the same excellence exhibited across our campus.''
Walters becomes the fourth Black head coach currently in the Big Ten and the second in Purdue history. Darrell Hazell left Kent State to take charge of the Boilermakers following the 2012 season and went 25-43 in 3 1/2 seasons.
The Boilermakers expect better results under Walters, who made previous stops at Arizona, Oklahoma, North Texas, Memphis and Missouri before taking the Illinois job last season.
''We believe the best days and most enjoyable days of Purdue football are still ahead of us and we want and encourage them to all be part of that,'' Bobinski said last week, explaining the message he delivered to players following Brohm's departure.
It's been a historic season for the Boilermakers (8-5), who won their first Big Ten West Division title before a loss to Michigan in the conference championship game. The LSU game will come in front of a national television audience with a shot at a second consecutive bowl win. | 2022-12-13T18:24:29Z | sports.yahoo.com | Purdue hires Illini coordinator Ryan Walters as new coach | https://sports.yahoo.com/purdue-hires-illini-coordinator-ryan-160507321.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/purdue-hires-illini-coordinator-ryan-160507321.html?src=rss |
The past week and a half has been a complicated time to be a USC football fan on a purely emotional level. College Football Playoff hopes were real and alive on the morning on Friday, Dec. 2, when the Trojans prepared to face Utah in the Pac-12 Championship Game in Las Vegas. Utah was far from 100-percent healthy. The Trojans were intent on getting revenge.
Then they grabbed a 17-3 lead and had the ball in Utah territory. In that one moment, everything seemed possible.
Then Caleb Williams got hurt. Then the Utah lines — on both sides of the ball — began to wear down the Trojans. Then the game snowballed in the other direction. Before Lincoln Riley knew it, USC had been blasted by a 47-24 score, and the playoff dream had died.
There’s no need to avoid the uncomfortable truth: That was painful. It will continue to sting into the offseason. Losing twice to Utah hurts.
Yet, as much as this loss will linger — missing the playoff by one game is a big deal — it remains that USC transcended most expert predictions in 2022. The Trojans won 11 games, played for the Pac-12 title, and reached a New Year’s Six bowl game while producing the eighth Heisman Trophy winner in school history, Caleb Williams.
We talked about this complicated season and its mixed emotions with Mark Rogers at The Voice of College Football:
Walt Disney (NYSE:DIS) shareholders have endured a 37% loss from investing in the stock a year ago | 2022-12-13T18:24:42Z | sports.yahoo.com | Putting the 2022 USC football season in perspective: no playoff, but so many other achievements | https://sports.yahoo.com/putting-2022-usc-football-season-163201130.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/putting-2022-usc-football-season-163201130.html?src=rss |
MORE: Mississippi State football coach Mike Leach dies at 61
QUITE THE QUOTE: Mike Leach's funniest moments: From candy corn to Bigfoot to wedding advice
During Leach's three seasons at Mississippi State, the Bulldogs went 19-17, including 8-4 in 2022. His passing offense threw the ball more than any team in college football this season, averaging nearly 50 attempts and 314 yards through the air per game.
Mike Leach, football, 1961-2022
The offense combined elements of a no-huddle scheme, where the quarterback is exclusively in the shotgun formation, with the offensive lineman spread out, sometimes nearly two yards apart. This allows the quarterback to make quick decisions and avoid the pass rush. Sometimes, the short passing game was an extension of the running game, which was used more infrequently over the years. Nine times in the past decade, Leach's teams were in the top ten in passes attempted.
On hot dogs: I don’t like hot dogs. I’ve never liked hot dogs even when I was a kid,” Leach said at the 2017 Pac-12 media days. “I think some of that started when I was a really young kid. You know, I’ve had bologna sandwich after bologna sandwich, so anything that even remotely resembled bologna, I hated. And you know, everyone always says, ‘Go to the ball game. Or, eat a hot dog.’ Not me. And no, it’s not a sandwich. I’m not into hot dogs."
I forgot Mike Leach made a cameo appearance in Friday Night Lights 😅 https://t.co/8YofZUhw1K
— Leah Vann (@LVann_Sports) December 13, 2022
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mike Leach's impactful career: What to know about coach, coaching tree | 2022-12-13T18:24:48Z | sports.yahoo.com | Remembering the legendary Mike Leach: What to know about coach's family, football legacy | https://sports.yahoo.com/remembering-legendary-mike-leach-know-170810659.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/remembering-legendary-mike-leach-know-170810659.html?src=rss |
We all should have known to buckle up on Sunday when Week 14 started with a Baker Mayfield comeback victory. But, as expected, the NFL weekend didn't disappoint. I'm still reeling from the fact Todd Bowles devised a game plan to beat Patrick Mahomes in Super LV, but watched helplessly as his defense got unmercifully cooked by a rookie quarterback drafted in the seventh round. 49ers futures found new life, while it appears it's time to send any Bucs bets to the shredder. Whether it was Tua Tagovailoa turning in his worst performance of the season, or Davis Mills giving the Cowboys' defense all it could handle, the unpredictable performances always present a tough test for bettors.
We all know the rules. Don't fall victim to recency bias. There is a reason it's called "Overreaction Monday." However, putting on your blinders when the odds open for the upcoming week is easier said than done. Instead of ignoring the crazy events each NFL weekend, sometimes you can find value in betting against them. We went 1-1 on last week's buy-low teams, so let's give it another swing this week.
The Lions' DJ Chark celebrates his touchdown reception during the first half against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
The Jets were the Lions a few weeks ago. A young team with a second-year coach trying to prove they belong in the playoff conversation. But consecutive losses against the Vikings and Bills have cooled the Jets' expectations, and this week they host the hottest team in the NFL.
This is the week to sell high with Detroit and buy low with New York. Jets QB Mike White appears to be likely to play, and I think the offense will be able to move up and down the field against the Lions. The massive difference between these two defenses is a big factor in betting on New York. The Jets allow only 4.8 yards per play, tied with Philadelphia, Dallas, and San Francisco for the fewest in the league. That's pretty good company.
On the other hand, the Lions allow the most at 6.2 yards per play. They are 30th in passing yards per game and 31st in yards allowed per passing attempt. Detroit's offense has been one of the season's biggest surprises, but the Lions' are heavily reliant on the offense carrying the team weekly. They are 1-5 in games in which they were held to 28 points or less, and I can't imagine them putting up those numbers in New York. The Jets allowed 28 or more points only once this season, 13 weeks ago in the second week of the season in a win over the Browns.
Jared Goff has had some forgettable games in cold weather, but the Jets' pass rush will give him the most problems. Robert Saleh's defense is currently tied for the third-most sacks, and its 79.7 pass-rushing grade is behind only Philadelphia and Dallas — two teams that beat Detroit this season. It's a bad spot and an even worse matchup for the Lions, who will struggle on the road against one of the strongest defenses they have faced. So take the Jets to cover this short number at home.
A lot has changed for both teams since the Saints beat the Falcons in Week 1 but didn't cover as 5.5-point favorites. The Saints have turned the offense over to Andy Dalton, while Falcons rookie QB Desmond Ridder will make his first career start for Atlanta. Quarterbacks drive the market, and the uncertainty on Ridder is a big factor in why we are getting a good number with Atlanta. Of course, there is risk in backing a rookie in his first start, but if Brock Purdy taught us anything, uncertainty isn't a blind fade.
A strong running game is a young quarterback's best friend. Atlanta dials up runs at the second-highest clip in the league, so expect an even-heavier dose. Atlanta ranks in the top five in yards per rush, rushing yards per game, and rushing first downs per game. The Saints' rush defense has improved as the season progressed, but it's not strong enough to force the Falcons out of their comfort zone. So I will take the dog with a strong running game and a rookie quarterback against a Saints team that can't stop turning the ball over and making mistakes in critical situations. I am betting Atlanta doesn't have to do much outside of letting the Saints find another way to lose. The points are too valuable to pass up.
It is impossible to talk about “Avatar: The Way of Water” without sounding hyperbolic. No matter if you’ve spent a second of your life in the past 13 years thinking about what’s happening on Pandora or how Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) are getting on, assuming you remember their characters’ names. “The Way of Water” will make awe-struck believers out of even “Avatar” agonistics like me, at least for three hours and 12 minutes. | 2022-12-13T18:25:26Z | sports.yahoo.com | NFL odds, betting: It is prime time to fade the scorching-hot Lions | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-odds-betting-it-is-prime-time-to-fade-the-scorching-hot-lions-175734727.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-odds-betting-it-is-prime-time-to-fade-the-scorching-hot-lions-175734727.html?src=rss |
Michigan State basketball remains outside the top 25 in the latest USA TODAY Coaches Poll.
The updated coaches rankings were released on Monday, and the Spartans picked up one lone vote in the updated poll. Michigan State picked up a pair of wins last week and are 7-4 overall on the season.
A handful of Big Ten teams cracked this week’s rankings — including Purdue who is the new No. 1 team in the country. Others ranked from the Big Ten were Indiana (No. 16), Maryland (No. 17), Illinois (No. 19), Ohio State (No. 21) and Wisconsin (No. 23).
Check out the complete rankings by clicking on the link below:
.@BoilerBall rises to the No. 1 spot in the USA TODAY Sports' men's basketball coaches poll, meanwhile, @AlabamaMBB moves into the top five and four new teams join the rankings. https://t.co/0l4eolW4aT pic.twitter.com/Oy2605aiQ0
Leinenkugel's Barrel Yard at American Family Field is expected to open in March. | 2022-12-13T20:07:40Z | sports.yahoo.com | MSU basketball remains unranked in latest USA TODAY Coaches Poll | https://sports.yahoo.com/msu-basketball-remains-unranked-latest-153348484.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/msu-basketball-remains-unranked-latest-153348484.html?src=rss |
Christian McCaffrey is still a huge asset for the Carolina Panthers.
This past Sunday, the do-it-all running back does what he often does (it all) and led a Week 14 thrashing of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. McCaffrey ran for 119 yards and a touchdown off 14 carries and added another 34 yards and a score through the air in the 35-7 win.
Around the same time, McCaffrey’s friends from Carolina were taking care of business over in Seattle—topping the Seahawks for a 30-24 upset. So, when asked about his former team’s recent success on Monday, the All-Pro rusher was absolutely glowing with pride.
“I had a lot of good years,” he said. “I really enjoyed my time in Carolina. And I know we didn’t have the results, but obviously they’re killin’ it, man. I’m happy for those guys. Obviously, beating Seattle’s big for us. Us beating Tampa—big for them. So, kinda hats off to those guys, man. I’m proud of ’em and I love everybody in that locker room.”
McCaffrey left that locker room back on Oct. 20, when Carolina traded him to San Francisco for a package of four future draft picks. Since then, the Panthers have gone 4-3 and are just a game behind the Bucs for NFC South’s No. 1 spot while McCaffrey and the Niners have rolled off six straight dubs to a 9-4 mark.
And if these two teams just happen to keep winning, maybe we’ll get a nice little reunion come playoff time.
Bankman-Fried was charged by a grand jury on multiple counts, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud. | 2022-12-13T20:07:44Z | sports.yahoo.com | 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey on surging Panthers: They’re killin’ it | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-rb-christian-mccaffrey-surging-191507498.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-rb-christian-mccaffrey-surging-191507498.html?src=rss |
Baker Mayfield didn’t just take what the defense gave him and check the ball down in his Rams debut last week against the Raiders. He made things happen by pushing it down the field and giving his receivers a chance.
In a season that’s lacked big plays for the Rams, it was fun to see him taking shots downfield for the likes of Van Jefferson, Ben Skowronek and Tutu Atwell – even if not all of them were completed.
He did complete a few of them, of course, including the game-winner to Jefferson with 9 seconds left. That throw, along with two others to Skowronek, ranked among the 20 most improbable completions in the NFL in Week 14.
According to Next Gen Stats, Mayfield’s 23-yard touchdown pass to Jefferson was the 14th-most improbable completion of the week, coming in with a completion probability of 30.4%. His 32-yard pass to Skowronek ranked 19th (31.4%), and his 22-yarder to Skowronek earlier in the game was 20th (31.8%).
Below is a highlight of each of those throws.
Baker Mayfield 🎯 Ben Skowronek on 3rd & 13!pic.twitter.com/4KEwh3k9yf
— LA Rams Nation (@RamsNationCP) December 9, 2022
It’s been a dreadful season for both the Rams and for Mayfield, but they saw each saw a glimmer of hope on Thursday night in what was a miraculous comeback against Las Vegas.
Hopefully they can carry that over into Week 15 against the Packers. | 2022-12-13T20:08:00Z | sports.yahoo.com | Baker Mayfield had 3 of NFL’s 20 most improbable completions of Week 14 | https://sports.yahoo.com/baker-mayfield-had-3-nfl-192455377.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/baker-mayfield-had-3-nfl-192455377.html?src=rss |
The Arizona Cardinals lost much more than a game on Monday.
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray was injured three plays into the defeat against the New England Patriots.
The non-contact injury on a play Murray was running is a torn ACL and that will sideline him for the rest of the 2022 season.
What remains to be seen is how long it could keep Murray out for the 2023 campaign as the injury takes a long rehab.
Colt McCoy replayed Murray in the loss to the Patriots and the journeyman veteran should be the starter for Arizona going forward.
Breaking: Kyler Murray suffered a season-ending torn ACL injury last night. pic.twitter.com/JzTaf0zQtW | 2022-12-13T20:08:20Z | sports.yahoo.com | Cardinals QB Kyler Murray suffered season-ending torn ACL | https://sports.yahoo.com/cardinals-qb-kyler-murray-suffered-185616891.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/cardinals-qb-kyler-murray-suffered-185616891.html?src=rss |
While the Miami Dolphins are 8-5 through the first 14 weeks of the 2022 season and currently hold a postseason spot, their last two contests have resulted in losses.
On top of that, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who looked like an MVP candidate through the first 11 games, has fallen back to the pack. Against the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Chargers, he completed just 45.9% of his attempts for 440 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions.
The dropoff has allowed talking heads and detractors of the quarterback to once again speak negatively of Miami’s captain.
One member of Miami’s secondary, cornerback Keion Crossen, took to Twitter to have his quarterback’s back.
It don’t matter how long your loyalty has been to a team, if that’s your team ride‼️ I’ll take Tua any day let that sizzle in yah spirit‼️
— Kei_ (@KeionCrossen) December 13, 2022
It’s great to see the players rally around their guy and protect him from the vitriol that’s shouted on social media. | 2022-12-13T20:08:40Z | sports.yahoo.com | Dolphins CB calls out portion of fan base in defense of Tua Tagovailoa | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-cb-calls-portion-fan-185721672.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-cb-calls-portion-fan-185721672.html?src=rss |
The Eagles announced four practice squad moves, signing safety Anthony Harris and punter Brett Kern while releasing Auden Tate and Marquise Blair.
Kern was brought in to replace Arryn Siposs who was placed on injured reserve, while Harris will replace Reed Blankenship in the lineup.
Philadelphia has one open roster spot ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Bears and it expected that tight end Dallas Goedert will return to the lineup.
Kern averaged 45.9 yards per punt in 13 seasons with the Titans and was voted to the Pro Bowl from 2017-19. He was named a second-team All-Pro in 2017 and a first-team All-Pro in 2019.
Anfhony Harris
(AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)
Harris was initially signed by the Eagles in 2021 after playing with Minnesota for six seasons.
Harris was released from the practice squad just before the start of this regular season when the Eagles traded for safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and Harris then spent a few weeks with the Broncos in 2022.
Auden Tate released
Cincinnati Bengals At Detroit Lions Week 6
The Eagles announced on Tuesday that they have released wide receiver Auden Tate from the practice squad.
A seventh-round pick of the Bengals out of Florida State in 2018, Tate played in 35 games (12 starts) in four seasons with Cincinnati. Tate amassed 61 receptions, 799 yards, and two touchdowns.
Tate was signed to the Eagles practice squad just prior to the season opener in Detroit.
Marquise Blair released
Blair was released from the Panthers’ practice squad in November, and signed by the Eagles.
He’s a versatile player that was a 2019 second-round pick of the Seahawks out of the University of Utah. | 2022-12-13T20:08:53Z | sports.yahoo.com | Eagles sign safety Anthony Harris and punter Brett Kern to the practice squad | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-sign-safety-anthony-harris-193627934.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-sign-safety-anthony-harris-193627934.html?src=rss |
The Dallas Cowboys needed an epic, late-game drive on Sunday to beat in-state rival Houston, 27-23. It was a contest that went down to the wire, with the Cowboys playing one of their worst games of the season but finding a way to win in the end.
Wins don’t need to be pretty, they just need to happen, and the Cowboys put another ‘W’ in the left-hand column on their record. It was ugly and it took almost the entire 60 minutes to put away the one-win Texans, but a late rushing score from running back Ezekiel Elliott gave Dallas a lead they would need just seconds to secure.
This was the type of game that gives haters pause in believing in the Cowboys, who are now 10-3 on the season. It would have been an embarrassing loss for Mike McCarthy’s team, but they found a way to pull out the victory.
Here’s the good, the bad, and the ugly from the performance.
The Good: Goal line stand
The Cowboys were close to being down double-digit points with under five minutes to play in the game, but the defense stepped up with their biggest stand in the contest. After quarterback Dak Prescott threw his second interception of the game, the Texans had the ball on the four-yard line with a fresh set of downs.
Dallas’ defense came up with a goal line stand that saw the Texans lose yards on two rushes, including on third-and-goal from the one. On third down, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence sliced into the backfield and brought down running back Rex Burkhead for a two-yard loss.
It was a huge play that forced the Texans to make a decision on fourth down. Lovie Smith chose to go for the kill on and the touchdown, but the Cowboys had other plans. On the quarterback keeper, defensive tackle Neville Gallimore and linebacker Anthony Barr stopped Jeff Driskel short of the end zone and gave the Cowboys’ offense a chance to tie or win the game.
One of the best defensive series I’ve seen from this defense all season. DeMarcus Lawrence and Anthony Barr came up huge. pic.twitter.com/J9XHX2cAFP
The Cowboys don’t win if the defense doesn’t make that goal-line stand.
The Bad: A little bit of everything
It was supposed to be a laugher, the Cowboys were favored by 17 points and the Texans had just one win on the season. Early on, the Cowboys jumped on the scoreboard with a touchdown that looked easy.
However, things got tighter when rookie kick returner KaVontae Turpin fumbled a punt that led to a Texans touchdown. Houston took the lead briefly on their next possession, but the Cowboys answered with a drive that was sealed with a Prescott to running back Tony Pollard for a 10-yard score.
Late in the second quarter, Prescott threw yet another late, first-half interception that led to another Texans score.
Dallas’ defense would also allow a 40-second drive that gave the Texans a field goal at the end of the first half. The Texans led 20-17 after two quarters, and it was the first time Houston had scored 20 points in a game in seven weeks.
Two turnovers and a defense that couldn’t put pressure on the Texans wasn’t something expected in this game. For the first time all year, the Cowboys’ defense didn’t have a sack.
In the second half the Cowboys were stopped on a fourth-and-goal play that had no shot at being successful and Prescott threw a near game-sealing pick.
It was a poor game all-around for the Cowboys.
The Good: Tony Pollard
It was another good game from the one the of NFL’s best game breakers. Pollard opened up the scoring for the Cowboys with an 11-yard touchdown run on the offenses first possession and followed that up with a receiving score two series later.
Pollard’s first score came on a misdirection, where he bounced off a tackler inside the five-yard line and went in for the touchdown.
Touchdown Tony Pollard back at it. 11th total TD of the season for the Memphis product whose career year just keeps getting better. pic.twitter.com/3ubmzYM53k
On his second score, Pollard broke a tackle and showed incredible balance to not go out of bounds.
Tony Pollard with his second touchdown of the game!
(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/DlqG8rsML9
It was Pollard’s first game with a rushing and receiving score in his career.
Tony Pollard's breakout season continues.
The Cowboys running back notched his first career game with one rushing and one receiving touchdown, giving him 12 TDs on the season.
Entering the year, Pollard had scored 11 career touchdowns. He has 12 through 14 weeks. pic.twitter.com/V33qfyxoo3
The Cowboys inexplicably didn’t get Pollard many touches in the second half, giving him just five carries. Pollard had zero carries on Dallas’ seven first-and-goal plays, which could have been an issue if the Cowboys lost.
Pollard’s career-season continued with another big game against the Texans.
The Ugly: The passing game
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 11: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys throws a pass in the first half of a game against the Houston Texans at AT&T Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
It wasn’t a sharp game for the Cowboys’ passing attack. Prescott finished with 284 yards, but he also threw two interceptions, had a few more balls batted down and his receivers weren’t a big help.
Tight end Dalton Schultz led the team in receiving, yet he dropped a perfect ball that should’ve been a touchdown. Wide receiver Michael Gallup failed to bring in the possible game-winning score as well. Both would’ve been tough plays, but both should’ve been catches for touchdowns.
Fellow wide out Noah Brown also had a drop that led to an interception.
Prescott was off for most of the game, missing high and was inaccurate on a few throws that he normally makes look easy. The passing game picked it up late on the winning drive, but it was an ugly operation for most of the afternoon.
The Good: 98-yard drive
Dec 11, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) reacts after scoring the game winning touchdown against the Houston Texans during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports
A team can play poorly for most of the game, but if they get it done at the key moments, that’s all that matters. As ugly as it looked for most of the contest, the Cowboys were money when they had to be.
Dallas played their best football on defense with the goal line stand, while Prescott and the offense picked a perfect time to get it going on their game-winning 98-yard drive.
With 3:20 left on the clock and armed with three timeouts, the Cowboys were 98-long yards away from possibly winning the game. The path to tying it with a field goal was closer, but the Cowboys weren’t interested in going to overtime on the day.
On the winning drive, Prescott’s first pass was a perfect throw to Schultz for 21 yards to get out of the shadow of their own end zone and the offense went down the field with an 11-play, 98-yard scoring drive. Prescott was 5-6 for 79 yards and ran for 15 more on the possession. The only miss was the ball Gallup dropped in the end zone on second-and-goal.
Elliott punched it in on third down from the two-yard line, it was a short yardage score when the Cowboys had struggled to convert in that situation earlier in the game.
The Cowboys had issues for most of the game, but had no problems executing in the clucth. | 2022-12-13T20:09:13Z | sports.yahoo.com | Good, bad and ugly as Cowboys eek out win over Texans, 27-23 | https://sports.yahoo.com/good-bad-ugly-cowboys-eek-184812683.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/good-bad-ugly-cowboys-eek-184812683.html?src=rss |
Jaire Alexander has had a phenomenal 2022 season in the Green Bay Packers secondary and is looking to add to his list of achievements with a big game against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 15. He is currently tied for fourth place on the NFL’s list of players with the most interceptions this season and could climb higher with a few more picks before the season comes to a close.
Matched up against the Rams’ struggling offense, Alexander will have to compete against the likes of wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Van Jefferson to ensure that Green Bay maintains an edge over Los Angeles’ air attack. The 5-8 Packers cannot afford to let quarterback Baker Mayfield keep this game within striking distance after he orchestrated an outstanding comeback against the Las Vegas Raiders last week.
Though Alexander will have his work cut out for him against the defending Super Bowl champions, it isn’t out of the question that he could make an outsized impact on the final outcome of this crucial tilt. Los Angeles has struggled to move the ball on the ground all season, and will likely resort to a pass-first strategy as they pursue their fifth win of the year.
Green Bay is sure to be hard at work studying the Rams’ offensive tendencies and readying themselves for the challenge of playing an exceptionally well-coached team that will never be an easy out on Sunday. Even without Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles has shown grit and tenacity in 2022 that any team or fanbase would be envious of, and the Packers would be wise to not overlook their opponent, despite their losing record.
If last week’s comeback win by the Rams was any indication, Green Bay is in for an exceptionally demanding game that should give Alexander plenty of chances to make a difference on the outcome. | 2022-12-13T20:09:26Z | sports.yahoo.com | Jaire Alexander tied for fourth place in NFL for interceptions ahead of Week 15 matchup vs. Rams | https://sports.yahoo.com/jaire-alexander-tied-fourth-place-193744142.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/jaire-alexander-tied-fourth-place-193744142.html?src=rss |
Perry: Bourne changes tune about offense after hearing from Patriots originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Kendrick Bourne wasn't looking to make headlines again late Monday night.
After the Patriots lost to the Bills last week, he filled reporter notebooks with his commentary on his team's offense. He said in plain terms that the staff needed to scheme things up better on third down. He wasn't shy discussing how a more attacking game plan would've yielded better results.
Not surprisingly, he heard from his bosses following those comments, he told me after Monday's win over the Cardinals.
"Of course," he said. "I just gotta be careful with the things I say. Just emotions, too. Just saying how I feel and being careful ... [Coaches] understand. I love this team. I'm riding to the end. I just want to win. That's all it is.
"That's from the heart. I don't mind, even if I'm on the bench, whatever. I just want to be there for my teammates. That's the heart I have. It's not about me. I just hate that it looks like that sometimes, but I think my guys know where my heart is."
Asked if he felt as though he and his coaches were "in a good place," Bourne said they were.
"I always think we are," he said. "Football is football. It's hard. We want to grow. You have to have tough conversations. You have to do tough things. Coaches have to yell at players. Players have to tell them how they feel. Things like that. It's so we can grow. It's all to grow. It's not to point anybody out. We're in a good place, man. That's where I'm at."
Despite commentary that might've been deemed worthy of a playing-time decrease, Bourne was busy on Monday Night Football. He tied for the team lead with five catches for 47 yards, including a critical 15-yard diving catch along the sidelines on a third-and-five snap at the end of the third quarter that helped lead to a Patriots touchdown.
With Jakobi Meyers (concussion) inactive going into the game and DeVante Parker (concussion) having to leave in the third quarter, Bourne (42 snaps), Nelson Agholor (57) and Tyquan Thornton (52) played large percentages of the game. And it looked like Bourne picked up some of Meyers' responsibilities in the running game.
On a 14-yard touchdown run from rookie Kevin Harris, and on a 44-yard scamper by rookie Pierre Strong, Bourne sealed off hard-hitting Cardinals safety Budda Baker to help make those plays successful.
"Just doing what we're asked to do," he said. "Kobi does a great job of [blocking]. We practice it, man. We all know what we're supposed to do. Blocking is a want-to thing. What you do without the ball says a lot about your character and who you are.
"It's not always going to be perfect, but when it's at the point of attack like that, it's a must get. Budda's a Pro Bowl player. If we don't get him, nine out of 10 times he'll get the tackle. Just good scheme by us today -- very good scheme -- and it all played out into our hands. It was good."
Bourne wasn't shy about lobbing credit toward his coaches and their plan inside the visitor's locker room at State Farm Stadium. Even though the Patriots passing game was among the shortest-throwing attacks in football in Week 14, and even though Mac Jones threw a career-high 12 screens, Bourne said he was encouraged that -- in his mind -- the offense was a little more aggressive in Arizona.
"I feel like we were attacking the defense more, attacking the scheme more," he explained. "Hunter [Henry] had some big catches down the field. It's all about playing smart. I think the coaches are doing a great job of being conservative but getting down the field at the same time.
"We gotta play smart. I think we're doing a good job of that. Not turning the ball over. Only one turnover today? Yeah. Just trying to take care of the ball is the biggest thing. When you take care of the ball and you've got a defense like we got, I think we'll be all right."
He added: "I think our coaches did a great job this week. We just want to improve. It doesn't matter what we say or what they say, it's just about improving and I feel like we did that this week. It's good to lose sometimes, man. You find out what you need to work on. That's the biggest thing, seeing the things we worked on applied and getting a win this week." | 2022-12-13T20:09:45Z | sports.yahoo.com | Kendrick Bourne changes tune, says Patriots' coaches are in a 'good place' | https://sports.yahoo.com/kendrick-bourne-changes-tune-says-184000821.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/kendrick-bourne-changes-tune-says-184000821.html?src=rss |
The Arizona Cardinals lost on Monday night 27-13 to the New England Patriots, but that wasn’t the biggest story.
The biggest story of the game was the non-contact knee injury that Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray sustained on the third play of the game, which is expected to end his season.
But Murray wasn’t the only key player to get hurt in the loss.
Let’s run down the injuries we know were sustained.
Kyler Murray (knee)
Murray likely tore his ACL. That is the expectation. It ruins the already bad season the Cardinals have had.
He will be done the rest of the season and could miss the start of next season.
Allen injured his hand and did not return to the game. He returned to the sideline in street clothes and with a cast on his hand, suggesting a broken hand.
We will see if it ends his season or if he tries to play through it for the final four games of the season.
CB Marco Wilson (stinger)
Wilson exited the game and did not return as well. | 2022-12-13T20:10:04Z | sports.yahoo.com | Kyler Murray not only Cardinals player to get hurt vs. Patriots | https://sports.yahoo.com/kyler-murray-not-only-cardinals-184441059.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/kyler-murray-not-only-cardinals-184441059.html?src=rss |
It was feared and expected. Now it is official.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray’s season is over after an MRI confirmed he tore his ACL, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported.
Murray went down after the third play of the Cardinals’ 27-13 loss to the New England Patriots. He ran for three yards and then his left knee buckled and he went down.
It was a non-contact injury.
Murray will have to have surgery to repair the ligament and will have a long offseason.
Because the injury comes so late in the season, being ready for the start of the 2023 season is definitely in doubt. | 2022-12-13T20:10:10Z | sports.yahoo.com | Kyler Murray’s season over after MRI confirms ACL tear | https://sports.yahoo.com/kyler-murray-season-over-mri-185619853.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/kyler-murray-season-over-mri-185619853.html?src=rss |
Though it’s been a rough first year with the Colts for Matt Ryan, the quarterback is still under contract for 2023.
With Indianapolis’ record at 4-8-1, it doesn’t look like the club is postseason bound. But Ryan remains the team’s starting quarterback heading into its Week 15 matchup with Minnesota.
Coming off a bye, Ryan was asked in his Tuesday press conference if he’s thought about playing in 2023.
“I don’t think so,” Ryan said, via Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan. “I’ve always tried to handle the day that is in front of you, and particularly during the season. It’s one of those things that after the season certainly, as you get older, those are always discussions that you have to have, and you go through.
“But during the year, you try and make sure Wednesday is the best Wednesday it can be. … I don’t go much further than that.”
Ryan, 37, has completed 67.8 percent of his passes for 2,875 yards with 13 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions this season. He’s also fumbled a league-high 14 times, losing five.
Ryan may want to continue playing in 2023. But it will be interesting to see what the market would be like for his services in Indianapolis and around the league.
Matt Ryan not currently thinking about whether he’ll play in 2023 originally appeared on Pro Football Talk
Following one of the least volatile years in recent memory, all three major U.S. stock indexes have plunged in excess of 20% from their highs to enter a bear market. The thing about bear markets is that, while they can be scary in the short term, they're historically the perfect time to put your money to work. With the exception of the current downturn, every single double-digit-percentage decline in the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite has eventually been erased by a bull market.
Deni Avdija with a first basket of the game vs the Brooklyn Nets
Deni Avdija (Washington Wizards) with a first basket of the game vs the Brooklyn Nets, 12/12/2022 | 2022-12-13T20:10:29Z | sports.yahoo.com | Matt Ryan not currently thinking about whether he’ll play in 2023 | https://sports.yahoo.com/matt-ryan-not-currently-thinking-182551753.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/matt-ryan-not-currently-thinking-182551753.html?src=rss |
What the Cardinals feared has now been confirmed.
According to multiple reports, an MRI revealed that quarterback Kyler Murray indeed suffered a torn ACL on a non-contact play at the beginning of Monday’s loss to the Patriots.
The injury ends Murray’s season and puts into question when he may be able to return in 2023.
Murray ends his fourth season with having completed 66.4 percent of his passes for 2,368 yards with 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also rushed for 418 yards with three TDs.
The Cardinals will now presumably turn to Colt McCoy to start at quarterback for the rest of the 2023 season. Arizona went 1-1 in the two games he started earlier this year after going 2-1 with him behind center in 2021. The 36-year-old McCoy has completed 69.4 percent of his passes for 702 yards with one touchdown and a pair of interceptions in 2022.
The Cardinals play three of their last four games on the road this season. They play at Denver in Week 15 before being home against the Bucs on Christmas night. Then they’ll play at Atlanta and at San Francisco to end the year.
At 4-9, Arizona’s offseason was already shaping up to be murky. Murray’s injury makes things even cloudier, as there’s no way to know at this point when the quarterback will be ready to return in 2023.
MRI confirms Kyler Murray suffered torn ACL originally appeared on Pro Football Talk | 2022-12-13T20:10:42Z | sports.yahoo.com | MRI confirms Kyler Murray suffered torn ACL | https://sports.yahoo.com/mri-confirms-kyler-murray-suffered-185334345.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/mri-confirms-kyler-murray-suffered-185334345.html?src=rss |
Despite the momentum of their comeback win the week before, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers came crashing back down to earth Sunday, falling 35-7 on the road against the San Francisco 49ers.
The Bucs’ offensive struggles continued, and they were dominated in every phase of the game as the 49ers sent them back below .500 with the crushing defeat.
Even with the loss, and a 6-7 record, the Bucs remain in first place in the lackluster NFC South, with just four games remaining in the regular season.
Let’s see how far the Bucs fall in this week’s NFL power rankings, courtesy of Touchdown Wire: | 2022-12-13T20:11:01Z | sports.yahoo.com | NFL power rankings: How far do Bucs fall after blowout loss to 49ers? | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-far-bucs-193730212.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-far-bucs-193730212.html?src=rss |
The New England Patriots are out to disprove the notion that you're only as good as your weakest link. Because if that were true, the Patriots wouldn't be sitting in playoff position with an offense that still holds more questions than answers.
It was the Patriots' stout defense that stepped up and led them to a 27-13 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Monday, a victory that brought them to 7-6 on the season and into the seventh and final AFC playoff position with four games to play.
If the Patriots do make the postseason, it will likely be a result of their defense carrying them there.
The New England defense registered six sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery for a touchdown in Monday's win, taking advantage of a Cardinals team that lost quarterback Kyler Murray just three plays into the game to a knee injury.
SEASON OVER: Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray out for season with torn ACL
"Our defense hung in there and made some big plays, big stops and a big turnover," Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said after the game. "I thought they did a pretty good job tonight. (Arizona) has a lot of firepower and moved the ball but fortunately, we got a couple red-area stops and they didn't get much in the second half."
The strong performance wasn't an outlier. The Patriots' defense has been one of the top units in the NFL this season, ranking fifth in points allowed per game (18.4), sixth in yards per game (312.6) and fifth in takeaways (21). The unit has also been disciplined, boasting the fewest penalties committed and accepted (57).
One hallmark of the defense, which leads the AFC with 45 sacks, has been its pass rush. Matthew Judon, who registered 1.5 sacks Monday, is tied for the NFL lead with 14.5 sacks this season. Josh Uche has 10 sacks. They are the only duo in the NFL with respective double-digit sack totals. The Patriots also rank first in quarterback hurries per dropback (11.4%) and second in quarterback pressures per dropback (25.8%).
"Judon has been a blessing in my life," Uche said of his teammate after the game. "That's big bro. I don't know where I'd be without him or without the rest of the guys. ... We're gonna work hard until the whistle blows."
The Patriots have even tried sprinkling their defensive magic on the offense. In their Week 13 loss to the Buffalo Bills, rookie defensive back Marcus Jones scored the team's lone touchdown with a 48-yard reception in his first career offensive touch. Jones also registered a catch on offense Monday as well as an interception.
Marcus Jones has a receiving TD, a punt return TD, and an interception this season. The only other player in the Super Bowl era with at least one receiving TD, one punt and/or kickoff return TD, and one interception in the same season was Deion Sanders in 1992. #ForeverNE pic.twitter.com/CmPe4Aojnx
— Elias Sports Bureau (@EliasSports) December 13, 2022
"Fatigue is real," Jones said after Monday's game in which he took snaps in all three phases. "I'm not winded, winded. Just making sure my body is good and recovered. Nobody in this league can play every down on each side but the coaches know when to put me out there."
Jones has provided a unique look to a Patriots offense desperately searching for momentum. On Monday, there was an overdose of screen passes to nowhere and costly mistakes compounded with questionable play-calling. The offense had 328 yards and two rushing TDs. Quarterback Mac Jones went 24 of 35 for 235 yards and an interception.
De-facto offensive coordinator Matt Patricia, who is officially listed as a senior football advisor, has been the subject of criticism all season. Even Mac Jones was seen questioning the team's offensive plan last week — and his tempers flared again Monday when the Patriots were forced to take a timeout to avoid a delay-of-game penalty in the second half.
The suspect play-calling caught the attention of ESPN play-by-play announcer Joe Buck, who, while calling the game on Monday Night Football, questioned an "odd play-call" that saw Jones handing off to his running back at the Cardinals 28-yard line with 10 seconds left in the second quarter. New England fumbled the exchange, and Jones had to fall on the football to preserve a field goal that cut the Cardinals' lead to 13-10 at the half.
The New England offense ranks 24th in total yards and 18th in points (21.2 per game). The group is routinely forced into field goals (second in field goals made) thanks to its NFL-worst 38.9% touchdown ratio while inside the 20-yard line in 2022. The Patriots posted a 61.9% mark last season.
The Patriots showed some improvement in that area Monday — they scored touchdowns on two of four trips to the red zone against the Cardinals — but it's still an area of concern.
Although New England controls its own destiny, games loom against the Las Vegas Raiders, Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins — three of whom are currently in playoff positions. Given the current state of their offense, the Patriots will likely need their standout defense to power them through that gauntlet.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Can Patriots make playoffs despite Mac Jones, Matt Patricia offense? | 2022-12-13T20:11:13Z | sports.yahoo.com | With offense struggling, can Patriots' defense really carry them to playoffs? | Opinion | https://sports.yahoo.com/offense-struggling-patriots-defense-really-193305577.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/offense-struggling-patriots-defense-really-193305577.html?src=rss |
The Houston Texans are shuffling their running backs ahead of their Week 15 encounter with the Kansas City Chiefs.
According to Aaron Wilson from KPRC-TV, the Texans waived running back Eno Benjamin. The former Arizona Cardinals 2020 seventh-round pick was active in two games for Houston, carrying three times for a yards among his 12 offensive snaps with the Texans.
Houston re-signed running back Gerrid Doaks, who previously was on the team’s practice squad. The Texans initially picked up Doaks on Sept. 7 after the Miami Dolphins released him as part of their cut to a 53-man roster at the end of preseason. Houston released Doaks from their practice squad on Nov. 16. | 2022-12-13T20:12:07Z | sports.yahoo.com | Texans waive RB Eno Benjamin, re-sign Gerrid Doaks | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-waive-rb-eno-benjamin-185458720.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-waive-rb-eno-benjamin-185458720.html?src=rss |
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