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Former Michigan State wide receiver Germie Bernard has a new home and it shouldn’t come as a surprise where he’s heading.
It was announced on Saturday that Bernard has committed to Washington. Bernard had previously intended to play for the Huskies out of high school but flipped to Michigan State after previously committing to Washington.
Bernard is a former four-star prospect in the 2022 class, and earned playing time right away as a true freshman this past season. He finished this year with seven receptions for 128 yards and two touchdowns.
Bernard will return to Spartan Stadium next fall when Michigan State hosts Washington in a non-conference battle. The Spartans and Huskies will battle it out on the gridiron on Sept. 16, 2023.
Devin Vassell with a dunk vs the Miami Heat
Devin Vassell (San Antonio Spurs) with a dunk vs the Miami Heat, 12/17/2022
Top alley oops from San Antonio Spurs vs. Miami Heat
Top alley oops from San Antonio Spurs vs. Miami Heat, 12/17/2022 | 2022-12-18T01:47:34Z | sports.yahoo.com | Former MSU WR Germie Bernard commits to Washington | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-msu-wr-germie-bernard-012129685.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-msu-wr-germie-bernard-012129685.html?src=rss |
Martinez is also a former teammate of Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts. In 2018, they were the two best hitters on a Red Sox team that defeated the Dodgers in the World Series.
Boston's J.D. Martinez runs toward first after hitting a three-run home run against the Tampa Bay Rays on Oct. 5. (Steven Senne / Associated Press)
Martinez, who finished fourth in American League MVP voting that season, has seen his stats regress in recent years.
The Chicago Cubs and Dansby Swanson agreed to a seven-year, $177 million contract on Saturday, adding the All-Star shortstop to their rebuilding project. | 2022-12-18T01:51:55Z | sports.yahoo.com | J.D. Martinez agrees to one-year, $10-million deal with Dodgers | https://sports.yahoo.com/j-d-martinez-agrees-one-000544737.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/j-d-martinez-agrees-one-000544737.html?src=rss |
Louisville volleyball vs Texas: Live updates, score, highlights from NCAA championship
Jake Adams, Louisville Courier Journal
Texas Longhorns players celebrate their win over San Diego in four sets in the semifinals of the NCAA women's volleyball tournament, Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022, in Omaha, Neb.
The Texas Longhorns will take on the Louisville Cardinals at 7 p.m. Saturday in the NCAA volleyball championship in Nebraska. Here's how to watch. | 2022-12-18T01:52:08Z | sports.yahoo.com | Louisville volleyball vs Texas: Live updates, score, highlights from NCAA championship | https://sports.yahoo.com/louisville-volleyball-vs-texas-ncaa-170641452.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/louisville-volleyball-vs-texas-ncaa-170641452.html?src=rss |
Minnesota's completion of the biggest comeback in NFL history hit plenty of speed bumps. Cornerback Chandon Sullivan had not one, but two, fumble returns for touchdowns foiled by the whistle in the 39-36 overtime victory over Indianapolis on Saturday. The first one came in the second quarter, with the Vikings already trailing 23-0.
This is his second elevation for the season. | 2022-12-18T01:52:20Z | sports.yahoo.com | Walt Anderson explains ruling that took scoop-and-score off the board in Colts-Vikings | https://sports.yahoo.com/walt-anderson-explains-ruling-took-234601462.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/walt-anderson-explains-ruling-took-234601462.html?src=rss |
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are adding some reinforcements as they prepare for Week 15.
Wide receiver Deven Thompkins and linebacker J.J. Russell have been elevated from the practice squad to the active roster for Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Thompkins made the most of his first chance to be the Bucs’ primary return man last week against the San Francisco 49ers, providing a spark after replacing the recently waived Jaelon Darden.
Russell will provide depth on defense and special teams for a Bucs team dealing with plenty of banged-up players this week. | 2022-12-18T02:18:14Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bucs make roster moves ahead of Sunday’s game vs. Bengals | https://sports.yahoo.com/bucs-roster-moves-ahead-sunday-010200992.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bucs-roster-moves-ahead-sunday-010200992.html?src=rss |
There’s not much to say after blowing the largest lead in NFL history.
The Indianapolis Colts (4-9-1) lost an overtime heartbreaker to the Minnesota Vikings (11-3), 39-36, in what was once a blowout victory in the making. Instead, it turned into the biggest collapse in NFL history.
The questions continue to build heading into the offseason, but one player who had himself a day was defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo.
The second-year player out of Vanderbilt finished the day with five total tackles and two sacks. He stepped up when the Colts needed him, and had a huge sack on third down in the fourth quarter. He also added a tackle for a loss.
Unfortunately, his efforts and the rest of the defense fell short. The 4-9-1 Colts will continue to live out what has been an embarrassment of a season.
Fortunately, players like Dayo show that this team has plenty of young talent to turn things around, even if it takes some time. | 2022-12-18T02:18:20Z | sports.yahoo.com | Colts’ player of the game vs. Vikings: DL Dayo Odeyingbo | https://sports.yahoo.com/colts-player-game-vs-vikings-010341910.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/colts-player-game-vs-vikings-010341910.html?src=rss |
Ward's versatility at safety, nickel corner 'huge' for 49ers originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
Jimmie Ward showing he can play all over the 49ers' defense has been valuable down the stretch.
After Ward missed the first four weeks of the 2022 NFL season with a hamstring injury, the veteran safety then suffered a broken bone in his hand during San Francisco's Week 5 win over the Carolina Panthers, allowing Tashaun Gipson to carve out a starting role for himself at free safety opposite of strong safety Talanoa Hufanga.
Ward then was thrust into action at the nickel cornerback position.
Coach Kyle Shanahan not only has been thankful for Ward’s flexibility but also for his level of play on the field.
“Jimmie’s been huge for us,” Shanahan said on Friday via conference call. “To be able to use his versatility at nickel when we really needed it. And I personally think it puts him in position to have more opportunities to make plays. He’s the best down there. I thought his best game of the year was versus Tampa. He was all over the place and he continues to do it.”
According to Next Gen Stats, Ward was targeted 18 times in the 49ers' Week 14 win over the Buccaneers, and the defensive back only allowed 10 receptions for 52 yards or 2.9 yards per target.
In the 49ers' 21-13 win over the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on Thursday night, Ward allowed six receptions on seven targets for only 27 yards, helping lock down the middle of the field against Seattle's offense.
While San Francisco's defense is on a roll, only allowing 11 points per game over their last seven matchups, Ward knows they cannot take their foot off the pedal. Their next two opponents, the Washington Commanders and Oakland Raiders still are trying to keep their playoff hopes alive.
“You have to work hard because every team is going to come in and give us their best shot,” Ward said after the game. “I can guarantee you these coaches are going to get their players hyped, [saying], ‘This is a playoff team and this and that.’ Washington is going to come in hot and it’s going to be a big challenge.”
Ward’s willingness to play wherever the defense needs him has been evident throughout his nine-year career, which has been entirely with the 49ers. The former first-round draft pick has played at cornerback, linebacker and both safety positions prior to his role at nickel back.
“Everyone knows how good of a safety he is,” Shanahan said. “That’s why he more than deserved to be one of the top 100 players in the league last year. I can’t say enough good things about Jimmie. He’s been one of our best players this year.”
The 49ers will have an extra few days of rest before the Week 16 matchup with Washington at Levi's Stadium on Saturday.
Jaelan Phillips of the Miami Dolphins chose not to wear a shirt while warming up for the game in Buffalo
Prepare for endless self-discoveries.
Hear what Eric Musselman, Jordan Walsh and Anthony Black had to say after Saturday's 76-57 win over Bradley. | 2022-12-18T02:18:33Z | sports.yahoo.com | Jimmie Ward's versatility as safety, nickel cornerback 'huge' for 49ers | https://sports.yahoo.com/jimmie-wards-versatility-safety-nickel-002050680.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/jimmie-wards-versatility-safety-nickel-002050680.html?src=rss |
Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills found their rhythm late in the first quarter Saturday in Buffalo.
Allen found Dawson Knox, Devin Singletary, and finally, Quintin Morris for the score on a 75-yard touchdown drive that took less than two minutes.
The Bills led 7-3 after the PAT on a cold but not snowy evening in Western New York.
If you are wondering who Morris is, he was undrafted in 2021 out of Bowling Green. | 2022-12-18T02:18:39Z | sports.yahoo.com | Josh Allen TD pass sets off snowball throws in Buffalo | https://sports.yahoo.com/josh-allen-td-pass-sets-015555450.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/josh-allen-td-pass-sets-015555450.html?src=rss |
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Matt Ryan has won an NFL MVP award, been named Offensive Rookie of the Year and risen to seventh in the league in all-time passing yards over a standout 15-season career.
''I don't think anybody had, at least from my perspective, that it was over,'' Ryan said. ''I've played in this league a long time to know that a lot of different things can happen, anything can happen. You just have to keep your head down and keep going and find ways to make plays when they present themselves.''
''It's on the football team,'' Colts interim coach Jeff Saturday said, when asked if the offense is to blame. ''Listen, everybody in that room knows it's on everybody. We don't point fingers. We don't place blame. Again, you're up big in the first half. You have opportunities throughout the game to close the game on both sides of the ball. We didn't make plays.''
''Tough one to swallow,'' Ryan said. ''A lot of really good in the first half, but it's more of the same when you have opportunities to finish drives with touchdowns, speaking from the offensive perspective. Even early in games, when you get those chances, you've got to be opportunistic. Ultimately, we didn't make enough plays to get the job done.''
''We've converted a bunch this season and I felt like we had the matchup we wanted,'' Saturday said. ''Would have closed the game out and ended the game. I'm in. Everybody's in. We didn't convert.''
''We were still putting the ball up in the air,'' Saturday said, when asked if the team was too conservative in the second half. ''We still felt like there were shots to be had. We just didn't convert them. There was nothing about the game or the way the game played out other than, again, we don't make the plays and they continue to make them that I look back in disappointment.''
Yahoo Finance’s Daniel Howley joins the Live show to discuss the banning of Elon Musk’s jet-tracking Twitter account.
The residents of San Bernardino County, California, voted to begin researching options to secede from the state due to rising crime and soaring costs of living. | 2022-12-18T02:18:46Z | sports.yahoo.com | Matt Ryan on the wrong side of history again in Colts' loss | https://sports.yahoo.com/matt-ryan-wrong-side-history-010121028.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/matt-ryan-wrong-side-history-010121028.html?src=rss |
Brandon Smith was just getting started here in 2022. And unfortunately, his year might’ve just come to an end.
Ahead of their Week 15 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Carolina Panthers placed the rookie linebacker on injured reserve. That’ll put Smith, who sustained an ankle injury in last week’s 30-23 win over the Seattle Seahawks, on the shelf for at least the next four weeks.
Carolina drafted the Penn State University product in the fourth round of the 2022 draft. He has played in 12 of the Panthers’ 13 games this season.
Smith was almost strictly a special teams contributor from Weeks 1 to 10, having played in just 10 defensive snaps through his first nine outings. Over the past three contests, the 6-foot-3, 241-pound defender racked up 33 looks on defense, totaling three combined tackles.
If the Panthers clinch a playoff berth, which can happen with four straight wins to close out the campaign, Smith can be eligible to return.
Federal judge approves Panthers' bankruptcy settlement over Rock Hill | 2022-12-18T02:18:58Z | sports.yahoo.com | Panthers place rookie LB Brandon Smith on IR | https://sports.yahoo.com/panthers-place-rookie-lb-brandon-011309474.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/panthers-place-rookie-lb-brandon-011309474.html?src=rss |
Kentucky hasn't struggled with turnovers this season. But UK couldn't hold onto the ball Saturday in a 63-53 loss to No. 16 UCLA.
No. 23 Ohio State led for the majority of the game, but North Carolina pushed it to overtime and emerged with a thrilling win.
(Columbus Blue Jackets) with a Goal from Boston Bruins vs. Columbus Blue Jackets, 12/17/2022 | 2022-12-18T03:40:50Z | sports.yahoo.com | No. 16 UCLA wins battle of the blue bloods against No. 13 Kentucky | https://sports.yahoo.com/no-16-ucla-wins-battle-020504447.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/no-16-ucla-wins-battle-020504447.html?src=rss |
Classic Buffalo.
There was once a projected lake-effect snowstorm heading toward Orchard Park. While it detoured ahead of Week 15’s kickoff on Saturday evening, plenty still fell earlier in the day.
Because of that, there was snow all over the seating at Highmark Stadium
Because of that, Bills fans started to use it–throwing snowballs onto the field during the contest.
Because of that, the NFL threatened the fans.
At the 8:18 mark of the second quarter, the game was delayed. A message (which can be found in the photo above) was flashed on the video screens at the stadium.
It asked fans to stop throwing snowball at player. The league even went a step further as the referees announced a penalty would be called against the home team:
A wild scene. But some fans are justifying it.
Against the Dolphins in Week 3 the Bills lost, 21-19. The contest featured the opposite weather, scorching heat, and it’s a known fact that the Dolphins’ stadium is designed so the visiting team is in the intense and hot sun.
The Bills clearly struggled with it that day… but not throwing snowballs is probably a smart safety measure.
Jim Dayman, of Buckingham, provides a behind-the-scenes look at his residential holiday light show known as Green Heather Lights. | 2022-12-18T03:49:26Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bills-Dolphins game delayed due to fans throwing snowballs | https://sports.yahoo.com/bills-dolphins-game-delayed-due-023305651.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bills-dolphins-game-delayed-due-023305651.html?src=rss |
The Bills are down center Mitch Morse against the Dolphins in Week 15.
During the third quarter, Morse left the game and went to the locker room. The team announced that he is being evaluated for a head injury.
Morse has a history of head injuries, making the injury even more concerning for him.
At this time, the Bills did not provide an injury status for Morse, but one can likely say he’s questionable to return at the time… even leaning toward likely being out for the remainder of the night.
Without Morse, Greg Van Roten moved from right guard, where he was starting for the injured Ryan Bates, to center. David Quessenberry then came into the contest at guard.
Bills Wire will provide updates when information is made available. | 2022-12-18T03:49:45Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bills’ Mitch Morse heads to locker room during Dolphins matchup | https://sports.yahoo.com/bills-mitch-morse-heads-locker-032937983.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bills-mitch-morse-heads-locker-032937983.html?src=rss |
If you want to feel old, consider that Southern Miss running back Frank Gore Jr., the son of longtime NFL running back Frank Gore, ran 20 times for 329 yards and two touchdowns in Southern Miss’ 38-24 win over Rice in Saturday’s LendingTree Bowl.
Nobody had ever run for more yards in a bowl game… ever.
If you really want to bend time and space, consider that Frank Gore Sr. last played in the NFL on December 27, 2020, for the New York Jets.
Gore Jr., a third-year sophomore, ran 207 times for 1,053 yards and seven touchdowns in the 2022 regular season, but nobody was quite ready for this outburst.
Rice’s defense seemed particularly unprepared.
Gore also threw this pretty touchdown pass on a direct snap.
Like father, like son? Perhaps. Gore Sr. was a good player in the loaded backfields of the Miami Hurricanes in the early 2000s, was selected in the third round of the 2005 NFL draft by the San Francisco 49ers, and went on to run the ball 3,735 times for an even 16,000 yards and 81 touchdowns in his long and distinguished career with the 49ers, Colts, Dolphins, Bills, and Jets. Gore also caught 484 passes for 3,985 yards and 18 touchdowns.
That’s a lot to live up to. That said, Gore Jr. has one thing on Gore Sr. — dad never threw a touchdown pass in college, or the NFL.
Gore set an NCAA record for rushing yards in a bowl game, leading the Golden Eagles past the Owls and to their first bowl win since 2019. | 2022-12-18T03:50:06Z | sports.yahoo.com | Frank Gore Jr. sets all-time bowl game record with 329 rushing yards, adds TD pass | https://sports.yahoo.com/frank-gore-jr-sets-time-030400972.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/frank-gore-jr-sets-time-030400972.html?src=rss |
Just call Josh Allen the Buffalo Wing. Or at least name a red-hot version after the Bills quarterback.
What could have been an awful end to the first half for the home team on Saturday against the Miami Dolphins turned into a third touchdown pass for the star quarterback.
The Bills had no timeouts and 8 seconds left. Throw the ball away and try for a field goal, right?
Not if you are Allen. As the seconds ticked down, he finally threw a pass to the end zone, where James Cook corraled it for a touchdown.
Great players make great plays and this turned a possible gaffe into six points.
Tyler Bass kicked the PAT and the Bills, who were to receive the second-half kickoff, had a 21-13 lead.
On 16 December, Ukraine's defence forces repelled Russian attacks near more than 20 settlements. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as of 06:47 on 15 December. Details: Over the past 24 hours, units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have repelled attacks by Russian occupiers in the areas of over 20 settlements, such as Ploshchanka, Chervonopopivka, Bilohorivka in Luhansk Oblast; Bakhmut, Opytne, Zelenopillya, Andriivka, Marinka, Pobieda and Novomykhailivka in Donetsk Oblast.
(Philadelphia Flyers) with a Spectacular Goal from Philadelphia Flyers vs. New York Rangers, 12/17/2022 | 2022-12-18T03:50:25Z | sports.yahoo.com | Josh Allen throws third TD pass in first half as time runs out | https://sports.yahoo.com/josh-allen-throws-third-td-025538024.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/josh-allen-throws-third-td-025538024.html?src=rss |
Through the first quarter and into the second quarter of the Miami Dolphins’ Saturday night game against the Buffalo Bills, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa continued the struggles with timing and accuracy that had marked his last two games against the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Chargers. So, head coach and offensive shot-caller Mike McDaniel turned to his run game, and specifically running back Raheem Mostert, to balance things out.
As NFL Films’ John Facenda was fond of saying, “It was a wise decision.”
In the first quarter alone, Mostert ran eight times for 101 yards, including this 67-yard scamper with 1:05 left in the first quarter.
It was a rare occurrence.
.@RMos_8Ball is the 2nd player to rush for 100 yards in the 1Q of a game this yr. The other was QB Jalen Hurts on Nov. 27, 2022 vs. Green Bay.
He's only the 2nd NFL RB in the past 3 years to top 100 rushing yds in the 1Q of a game. The other is Jonathan Taylor on Jan. 3, 2021.
— Brett Brecheisen (@bbrech) December 18, 2022
Because of Tagovailoa’s struggles, though, the Dolphins were unable to capitalize on these plays with touchdowns, and that will not generally do against the Bills’ explosive offense.
Dick Vitale teared up as Kansas and Indiana fans gave him an emotional standing ovation
Welcome back, Dickie V! | 2022-12-18T03:50:45Z | sports.yahoo.com | Raheem Mostert bullies Bills’ run defense in first quarter | https://sports.yahoo.com/raheem-mostert-bullies-bills-run-021655335.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/raheem-mostert-bullies-bills-run-021655335.html?src=rss |
CLEVELAND (AP) Justin Tucker worked his way around Baltimore's locker room, apologizing to some of his teammates for two mistakes.
''We just have to start scoring touchdowns,'' Harbaugh said. ''In terms of what really needs to change, we have to do things better. You can't turn the ball over; you have to run routes the right way to get between defenders and free the ball; you can't fumble the ball; you have to put the ball away when you're getting up field.
''That's winning football. Our guys know that.''
''Very frustrating,'' Huntley said. ''You have to score to win, so I'm very mad that we didn't.''
''We have a heck of a quarterback sitting right here,'' Harbaugh said, pointing toward Huntley. ''This guy knows what he's doing. He plays with his heart. He's very much capable of doing all the things that we need to do in the passing game.
''It's not that. It's everything else. We just have to improve on all of those things.''
''As someone who feels like I am a leader in this locker room, I think that is the example that needs to be set,'' he said. ''Any time any one of us feels like we fall short, we do acknowledge it.''
''Everybody in the locker room was like, `Don't ever say that again,''' Humphrey said. ''He has won us too many games. He's the best for a reason. There's never a time when Justin Tucker loses us a game. He's great.
''That is the last person I think anyone is worried about at all.'' | 2022-12-18T03:50:46Z | sports.yahoo.com | Ravens miss scoring chances, field goals in loss to Browns | https://sports.yahoo.com/ravens-miss-scoring-chances-field-032716848.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/ravens-miss-scoring-chances-field-032716848.html?src=rss |
The Miami Dolphins were giving the Buffalo Bills a tussle in Western New York on Saturday night.
In the third quarter, the Fish’s speed took hold as Tua Tagovailoa found Jaylen Waddle and the former Alabama star was off and running on a 68-yard touchdown play.
Mike McDaniel decided to try and tie the game early in the third quarter by going for a 2-point conversion.
It failed and the Bills held a 21-19 lead. | 2022-12-18T03:50:52Z | sports.yahoo.com | Tua Tagovailoa finds Jaylen Waddle for 68-yard Dolphins touchdown | https://sports.yahoo.com/tua-tagovailoa-finds-jaylen-waddle-032234764.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/tua-tagovailoa-finds-jaylen-waddle-032234764.html?src=rss |
The Indianapolis Colts (4-9-1) found themselves on the wrong side of history Saturday in an epic collapse that resulted in a 39-36 overtime loss against the Minnesota Vikings (11-3).
Despite holding a 33-0 lead at halftime, the Colts were outscored 36-3 in the second half. The Vikings tied the game just before the end of regulation and then won the game on a 40-yard field-goal attempt as time expired in overtime.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to the epic collapse: | 2022-12-18T03:50:59Z | sports.yahoo.com | Twitter reacts to Colts’ historic collapse in loss to Vikings | https://sports.yahoo.com/twitter-reacts-colts-historic-collapse-025429469.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/twitter-reacts-colts-historic-collapse-025429469.html?src=rss |
By the time the sun set on Saturday, the current group of Vikings had a victory that might have been even more miraculous and will be worthy of celebration for years to come. The fact this win clinched the Vikings’ first NFC North title since 2017 made it even sweeter.
The Vikings (11-3) come back from a 33-0 deficit for 39-36 overtime victory over the Indianapolis Colts at U.S. Bank Stadium left coach Kevin O’Connell nears near tears as he addressed his team in the postgame locker room.
“I’m absolutely exhausted right now,” O’Connell said after watching his team get booed off the field at halftime and then score five touchdowns in the final two quarters before Greg Joseph hit the game-winning, 40-yard field goal with 3 seconds remaining in overtime. A tie also would have given the Vikings the division crown, but the win gave them the biggest comeback in NFL history.
That record had been held by the Buffalo Bills, who rallied from a 32 points down to beat the Houston Oilers in the AFC wild card round in January 1993. That Bills team was led by quarterback Frank Reich, who was fired by the Colts as their coach earlier this season and replaced by Jeff Saturday.
The fact the Vikings won a close game was no surprise. This was their 10th win by one score this season, tying the 2019 Seattle Seahawks and the 1978 Oilers for the most in NFL history, according to ESPN Stats and Information.
But this one was hard to comprehend, even by the Vikings’ standards. Consider that teams leading by 30 points at any point of the game had been 1,548-1-1 in the regular season and playoffs since 1930, according to ESPN. The Bills had the lone victory and the tie came in a 1960 game between the Bills and Broncos in which Buffalo led by 31 points in the third quarter before Denver rallied to tie it at 38.
The Vikings played their 1,000th game in their 62nd season on Saturday and had never done anything like this. Their biggest comeback had come in December 1977 when they erased a 24-point deficit for a 28-27 victory over San Francisco at Met Stadium. Kramer also led that comeback.
“I will never discount this team’s ability to overcome, and continue to play for each other,” O’Connell said. “Sometimes the culture stuff gets challenged in our league, but you don’t win a game like that without it. Now, we’ve got to continue to work and continue to improve to be the best possible football team we can be through the rest of the month of December and, we know, into January.”
O’Connell made it clear he wasn’t satisfied with much of what he saw. The Vikings, coming off a loss at Detroit in which the defense gave up 400-plus yards for a franchise record fifth consecutive game, played about as poorly as a team can play in the opening 30 minutes. Embarrassing might not have been a strong enough word to describe the Vikings’ performance.
The offense looked clueless, the special teams was awful and the defense gave up 19 points and 209 yards. There was absolutely no reason to believe the Vikings were capable of rebounding.
But in the locker room at halftime, O’Connell heard veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson make his way over to the offense with a message that would have made many laugh and roll their eyes.
“I’ll never forget it as long as I live,” O’Connell said, “I walked out to address the team before we went back out there and I just overheard (Peterson say), ‘We’re going to get stops, you just need five touchdowns and that’s nothing.’ It was a nice little moment for me to lead in off of.
I said, ‘Pat, you’re exactly right.’ That’s what we needed at the time and it was probably the most motivated I’ve been to kind of challenge our players. Just so they knew, regardless of the outcome today, that first half was not good enough and will never be acceptable to have that kind of performance, regardless of the outcome today.”
The Vikings responded with touchdowns on their second, third and fourth drives of the second half as the 4-8-1 Colts began to tighten up and the opportunistic Vikings pounced. Veteran Matt Ryan, who had played well for the Colts in the first half, began to resemble the quarterback who had played a role in the Falcons being part of the biggest blown Super Bowl lead. The Falcons led 28-3 at halftime of Super Bowl LI over the Patriots but ended up with a 34-28 loss.
The Vikings, of course, are nowhere near the Super Bowl and won’t be if they continue to play like they did on Saturday. As impressive as the comeback might have been, it wouldn’t have happened against a good team and you can bet O’Connell will spend plenty of time focusing on what went wrong.
But that will come starting on Sunday. On Saturday, O’Connell’s voice cracked as he told his players how much he loved them and how they had reached their goal of an NFC North title in his first season.
They had done it in one of the most improbable and historical ways possible. How far these Vikings can go remains up for debate — Saturday’s game isn’t going to cause their doubters to believe — but this much is certain: This group of players, just like their 1980 counterparts, now have a memory that will be celebrated for years to come. | 2022-12-18T03:51:05Z | sports.yahoo.com | Zulgad: Vikings’ putrid start ends with a comeback for the ages and an NFC North title | https://sports.yahoo.com/zulgad-vikings-putrid-start-ends-021056454.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/zulgad-vikings-putrid-start-ends-021056454.html?src=rss |
Comedian Jimmy Kimmel, center, greets Fresno State running back Jordan Mims (7) and defensive lineman Devo Bridges (5) after the Bulldogs' win over Washington State in the Jimmy Kimmel L.A. Bowl at SoFi Stadium on Saturday. (Ashley Landis / Associated Press)
No other bowl game is named after a living person, let alone a late night host. No other bowl game has a camel mascot that has a striking resemblance to Jimmy Kimmel named Jimmy Kamel. It's meant to be quirky and fun.
Before kickoff, Kimmel was the star of the show. The 55-year-old comedian joined the Washington State marching band as they took the field. Equipped this year as he was last year with a clarinet, Kimmel stumbled along trying to execute WSU's complex drill, missing all his dots.
After his big performance, the bowl's namesake addressed the sparsely filled stadium — attendance was listed as 32,405 — calling the game a "tax write-off" and joking that most of the attendees were holding their seats for Taylor Swift's sold-out concert run at SoFi Stadium in August.
The first half of Fresno State's 29-6 win over Washington State matched the wonky energy of the bowl's host with Bulldogs quarterback Jake Haener nearly injuring himself after colliding with a cameraman and Cougars quarterback Cam Ward running out of the back of the end zone for a safety.
Washington State coach Jake Dickert credited the Bulldogs defense, but ultimately chalked up the loss to his team's inability to find its tempo.
"I think it was just a rhythm thing. I don't think we ever got into a rhythm," said Dickert, whose team ended the year 7-6. "We never established running the football, which is obviously a key piece to what we always want to do."
Running back Jordan Mims shined bright for Fresno State (10-4) with 209 rushing yards and two touchdowns, including a two-yard scoring run with 8:29 left in the fourth quarter. His performance led to him wearing the bowl's unique championship belt around his waist after the game.
Fresno State running back Jordan Mims scores a first-half touchdown against Washington State on Saturday. (Ashley Landis / Associated Press)
"It's been, you know, surreal," Mims said of his performance and his team's nine-game win streak. "It just feels good to leave a mark like this on a 10-win season."
Fresno State fan Courtney Findley had plenty to root for during the game. The 20-year-old is transferring to the school next year and is married to assistant student coach Nathanael Findley, who relays signals on the Bulldogs sideline.
"I drove all the way from Bakersfield today to be here," said Courtney Findley, who also works as a preschool teacher. "I drove from Fresno to Bakersfield and Bakersfield here — it's been like a five-hour drive."
Findley enjoys being able to get an "inside look of the game" thanks to her husband's stressful job.
Speaking on the peculiarity of bowl's nature, Findley found the event's quirks amusing.
"I think it's kind of funny that celebrities can kind of attach their name to certain events," she said. "So I think it's kind of cool though, too, at the same time."
Elsewhere in the stadium, Guillermo Rodriguez, Kimmel's lovable sidekick and breakout star of "Jimmy Kimmel Live" was enjoying the atmosphere at SoFi.
"It's a lot of fun. Everybody's so happy, everybody wants to see a good game," Rodriguez told The Los Angeles Times. "After all this pandemic and all this, we had to wear a mask and right here you feel free, you know? You watch the game and everything is good."
Jimmy Kimmel performs with the Washington State marching band before the L.A. Bowl at SoFi Stadium on Saturday. (Ashley Landis / Associated Press)
Contributing to his lightness was the fact that he was taking questions at the event and not asking them. He is usually sent out to interview the biggest athletes at Super Bowls and NBA Finals for "Jimmy Kimmel Live."
"I think here ... because I work less," Rodriguez said while letting out a laugh. "Super Bowl media, oh my God, it's a lot of work. It's intense because we have to accommodate [to when players] have time.... this is more fun."
"You gotta help if [someone] needs something, you know? If you have it, it's good to give," he said. "If you can help anybody, any charities, it's good."
"He loves to play the clarinet, that's one of his hobbies," Rodriguez shared. "He loves that and he's playing for reals."
"Oh, the camel is a lot of fun. Just be careful — he might throw up on you."
Southern Miss 38, Rice 24: LendingTree Bowl what happened, player of the game, and what it all means
Oregon MBB recap: Ducks shoot their way past Pilots
Oregon was hot from the outside as the Ducks sank 12 three-pointers to blast Portland 78-56. | 2022-12-18T05:07:46Z | sports.yahoo.com | Fresno State and fun vibes win the day at Jimmy Kimmel L.A. Bowl | https://sports.yahoo.com/fresno-state-fun-vibes-win-031013387.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/fresno-state-fun-vibes-win-031013387.html?src=rss |
Not much has come easy for the Tigers to start the season, with most games against even mid-major opponents being a bit too close for comfort. Saturday night’s game against Winthrop — a solid mid-major team that, despite its current 5-6 record, was picked to finish second in the Big South — was another such example.
Despite trailing by one point entering halftime against the Eagles, LSU managed to pull away in the second half to earn an 89-81 win and move to 10-1 to begin the Matt McMahon era.
Both team shot above 50% in this game, but after trading the lead back and forth for much of the first half, it looked like the Tigers were going to pull away in the second. They stretched their lead out to as much as 12 in the second frame, but Winthrop never went away, cutting the lead to four points with just 1:21 to play.
Still, thanks to an offensive onslaught from LSU, it wasn’t enough. The Tigers were unstoppable on offense in the final 20 minutes, shooting 67.7% for the period.
After exiting late in the win over NC Central with a cramp, Cam Hayes led the team in scoring with 25 points. KJ Williams (18 points) and Adam Miller(14) also scored in double figures. Still, this was about as vulnerable as the Tigers have looked defensively all year.
Winthrop’s Cory Hightower (25 points), Kelton Tarford (23) and Sin’Cere McMahon (18) were electric offensively, and the Eagles had 14 second-chance points. Unfortunately, the mistakes ultimately proved costly. Winthrop turned the ball over 12 times and LSU took advantage, scoring 21 points off those turnovers.
The Tigers have one-more tuneup against East Tennessee State on Wednesday night before SEC play begins against Arkansas on Dec. 28.
K-State survived a closing-minute run from Nebraska on Saturday evening at T-Mobile Center to beat Nebraska 71-56. Nebraska started the game just 1-for-6 from the field. K-State also struggled to gain momentum early despite Nebraska providing them plenty of chances. | 2022-12-18T05:21:34Z | sports.yahoo.com | Instant Analysis: LSU basketball survives shootout against Winthrop to win 5th-straight game | https://sports.yahoo.com/instant-analysis-lsu-basketball-survives-022439129.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/instant-analysis-lsu-basketball-survives-022439129.html?src=rss |
Romanowski believes Purdy has 'some Joe Montana in him' originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
After the rookie quarterback defeated the Seattle Seahawks 21-13 at Lumen Field on Thursday night, the 49ers' seventh-round phenom continues to put the league on notice.
Former 49ers linebacker Bill Romanowski joined the "Zach Gelb Show" on Friday, where he explained which traits of Purdy's remind him of 49ers Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana.
"I have to admit, I'm pretty blown away -- he's got some Joe Montana in him," Romanowski said. "He's got crazy confidence, and he's calm. The moment isn't too big for him. He's executing, he's smart. I mean, how the guy was the last person taken in the draft, I don't get it. Because I see a phenomenal player... I think he's their franchise quarterback."
"The only wild card in this is, there's not a lot of tape on Purdy," Romanowski explained. "Because of it, defensive coordinators don't really have a good feel on how to attack him yet. That might be the wild card here... As soon as they figure out where his weak points are and tendencies are, they may start attacking strengths. That might be a difference-maker. But, as far as what I see, I see a franchise quarterback of the 49ers for the next, call it, 15-20 years."
Purdy, the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, is the 49ers' third quarterback to start under center this season. Second-year quarterback Trey Lance, whom San Francisco traded three first-round picks to move up and select in the 2021 draft, was believed to be the 49ers' franchise quarterback of the future after taking over for veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who previously held that title.
Regardless of who the 49ers' quarterback will be in 2023 and beyond, Purdy is the guy now and appears to be rising to the occasion.
With several starters out on Friday, Kevon Looney rose to the challenge with a career night despite the Warriors' loss.
Mims rushed for a career-high 205 yards and two scores, Haener threw two TD passes and the Bulldogs rolled to a 29-6 victory over Washington State in the LA Bowl on Saturday. Fresno State - which won the Mountain West Conference title - is the first team to get to 10 wins after dropping four of the first five. The Bulldogs (10-4) were 1-4 in early October before winning their final nine games. | 2022-12-18T05:22:44Z | sports.yahoo.com | 49ers' Brock Purdy has 'some Joe Montana in him,' Bill Romanowski claims | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-brock-purdy-joe-montana-033255516.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-brock-purdy-joe-montana-033255516.html?src=rss |
The Buffalo Bills continue their streak: They’ve made the NFL playoffs once again.
The Bills defeated their AFC East rivals, the Miami Dolphins, 32-29, in Week 15. With the victory, Buffalo moved to a 11-3 overall record and it gives the team a postseason berth again.
It’s the fourth-straight playoff appearance for the club that previously had the longest playoff drought in all of sports.
While locked into a chance to make it to the Super Bowl, the Bills have plenty to play for.
Buffalo is not yet locked in as the division, plus the No. 1 overall seed is still up for grabs. But the Bills currently hold that spot, so it’s their race to lose.
a Goal from Colorado Avalanche vs. Nashville Predators
(Colorado Avalanche) with a Goal from Colorado Avalanche vs. Nashville Predators, 12/17/2022 | 2022-12-18T05:22:56Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bills clinch fourth-straight playoff berth with win over Dolphins | https://sports.yahoo.com/bills-clinch-fourth-straight-playoff-045109998.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bills-clinch-fourth-straight-playoff-045109998.html?src=rss |
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor exited Saturday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings due to an ankle injury after just the second offensive play from scrimmage.
Though Taylor never returned to the game after leaving, it appears he avoided a major injury. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, initial tests showed Taylor’s injury is a sprain and that it’s “nothing major.”
Considering where the Colts currently stand, however, with a 4-9-1 record, it may be wise to shut the star back down for the remaining three games.
Taylor has been battling the ankle injury all season. This injury is slightly different in the sense that it happened because a defender rolled up on the ankle through the tackle rather than it being sprained due to overuse or a lack of fully healing.
Even so, Taylor is the engine of the offense and will be as long as he’s wearing the horseshoe. The Colts may tell the media they are competing to win over these final three games, but it’s not worth sacrificing his future, regardless of how minor an injury may seem.
We’ll see what the Colts ultimately decide to do with three games remaining, but this could be the final time we see Taylor in 2022. | 2022-12-18T05:23:30Z | sports.yahoo.com | Colts’ Jonathan Taylor ankle sprain is ‘nothing major’ | https://sports.yahoo.com/colts-jonathan-taylor-ankle-sprain-050049552.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/colts-jonathan-taylor-ankle-sprain-050049552.html?src=rss |
Thomas Morstead is back known for the onside kick in the Super Bowl that was the catalyst for the New Orleans Saints’ win over the Indianapolis Colts in XLIV.
On Saturday against the Buffalo Bills, the Miami Dolphins’ punter was clobbered while booting the ball in the third quarter.
Instead of the Bills having the ball and a 21-19 lead, it was Miami’s possession at the Buffalo 35.
Tua Tagovailoa took advantage of the fortuitous play for the Dolphins, finding Tyreek Hill with a 20-yard TD pass.
The PAT put Miami up 26-21 in the key AFC East clash.
Road trip provides glimpse at what the Blue Jackets are trying to become through the NHL's painful transformation process
A 60-year-old man was fatally stabbed in the Harlem Park neighborhood Saturday night, according to Baltimore Police. Officers called to the 1300 block of Edmondson Avenue around 7:40 p.m. found the man suffering from serious stab wounds, police said. He was taken to a hospital, where he later died, according to police. Homicide detectives ask that anyone with information contact them at ... | 2022-12-18T05:23:36Z | sports.yahoo.com | Dolphins capitalize on roughing the punter penalty to take lead | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-capitalize-roughing-punter-penalty-035123773.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-capitalize-roughing-punter-penalty-035123773.html?src=rss |
Prepare to hear and read about how the Indianapolis Colts (4-9-1) blew the biggest lead in NFL history Saturday in the 39-36 overtime loss to the Minnesota Vikings (11-3).
Holding a 33-0 lead at halftime, it seemed like the Colts were going to be able to cruise to a victory. Then, the momentum started to build for the Vikings, and the offense couldn’t get their bearings enough to put the game away.
The conservative play-calling led to short drives, which in turn exhausted the defense. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the defense was gassed, and the Colts couldn’t get out of their own way.
At the end of regulation, the Colts were outscored 36-3 during the second half, allowing the largest comeback in NFL history. The Vikings iced off the comeback with a field goal at the end of overtime to complete the wild day and clinch the NFC North.
Here’s a look at what went right, what went wrong and the bottom line from the historic loss:
The first half was all Colts as they jumped out to a 33-0 lead. The defense was extremely stout, seemingly having an answer for everything the Vikings were doing.
On the seven drives of the first half, the defense got a blocked punt returned for a touchdown, forced a fumble, got two turnover on downs, a punt, and interception and a punt.
WR Michael Pittman Jr. had 10 receptions for 60 yards. It certainly wasn’t his best day as he had a couple drops, but he was the only reliable pass catcher.
DT DeForest Buckner, DE Kwity Paye and DL Dayo Odeyingbo combined for four sacks, seven quarterback hits and five tackles for loss.
K Chase McLaughlin converted all eight of his kicks—five of which were field-goal attempts. His 52-yard field goal broke Adam Vinatieri’s franchise record for converted field goals of 50+ yards in a single season.
S Rodney Thomas II had an interception while TE Jelani Woods had a 36-yard catch.
The defensive line as a whole was solid, registering seven sacks, 11 quarterback hits and eight tackles for loss.
The loss, while embarrassing, helped the Colts improve their draft stock.
While the Colts scored 36 points, the offense was responsible for just one touchdown.
The offense converted 6-of-19 (32%) on third down, 1-of-4 (25%) in the red zone and averaged 4.3 yards per play.
The Colts committed a season-high 11 penalties.
In a mix of stagnant offensive play exhausting the defense and just poor play from the latter as a whole, the Vikings offense scored a touchdown on five of their nine drives in the second half.
Somehow, this team continues to find a new rock bottom. We knew Jeff Saturday would be dealing with growing pains as an inexperienced coach, but they continue to bite the Colts, who refuse to evaluate for the future. The offense continues to be hot garbage, overshadowing some strong defensive performances. This offseason should be an interesting one.
Insiders: Colts take historic loss to Vikings
Insiders Joel A. Erickson and Nate Atkins recap the Indianapolis Colts historic loss to the Minnesota Vikings. | 2022-12-18T05:23:43Z | sports.yahoo.com | Instant analysis of the Colts’ historic loss to the Vikings | https://sports.yahoo.com/instant-analysis-colts-historic-loss-042721623.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/instant-analysis-colts-historic-loss-042721623.html?src=rss |
The Miami Dolphins were defeated by the Buffalo Bills, 32-29, on Saturday night, suffering their third loss in as many weeks and granting Sean McDermott’s team another AFC East championship.
Miami’s offense was as balanced as they could be, as they were finally able to get their rushing attack going. Raheem Mostert ran the ball 17 times for 136 yards, and Salvon Ahmed even got in on the action, scoring a touchdown of his own.
Tua Tagovailoa got back to what made him successful prior to the start of the losing streak, hitting Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle consistently. The pair totaled 183 yards and two touchdowns on 12 receptions. However, there were a number of dropped passes and inaccurate passes that had the former first-round pick completing just 56.7% of his attempts.
Defensively, Miami had some big plays, including a strip sack by Jaelan Phillips, but their lack of depth in the secondary ended up being a killer. Josh Allen completed 62.5% of his passes for 304 yards and four touchdowns. He also added another 77 yards on the ground.
On the final drive, undrafted rookie Kader Kohou was called for a 21-yard pass interference that set up the game-winning field goal for Tyler Bass.
Speaking of special teams, Jason Sanders continued his solid run in recent games, making all three of his field goal attempts from 21 yards, 39 yards and 47 yards.
The loss drops Miami to an 8-6 record and could bump them out of a postseason spot at the moment, depending on the results of some other contests this weekend. | 2022-12-18T05:23:49Z | sports.yahoo.com | Instant analysis from Dolphins’ disappointing Week 15 loss vs. Bills | https://sports.yahoo.com/instant-analysis-dolphins-disappointing-week-045059181.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/instant-analysis-dolphins-disappointing-week-045059181.html?src=rss |
What seemed like a blowout victory for the Indianapolis Colts turned into an absolute nightmare comeback by the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday.
The Colts held a 33-0 lead coming out of halftime. In true 2022 Colts’ fashion, they found a way to blow the largest lead in NFL history, being outscored 36-3 during the second half. In overtime, the Vikings pulled through with a game-winning field goal to complete a wild start to the weekend.
A game that truly was a tale of two halves, here are the studs and duds from the historic collapse:
STUD: DT DeForest Buckner
Few Colts have played with the consistency that Buckner has this season. He continued to be a menace in the middle of the defensive line throughout the entire game. Even when the defense was clearly gassed, Buckner still recorded one sack, three quarterback hits and two tackles for loss.
DUD: QB Matt Ryan
Just when Ryan thought he might be escaping the “28-3” memes, he finds himself on the wrong end of another historic collapse. The Colts don’t really have a better option, but Ryan just does nothing for the offense. He completed 19-of-33 (57.6%) pass attempts for 182 yards for one touchdown and an 83.1 passer rating. The advantage we thought he’d bring in pre-snap recognition is nowhere to be found, and his pocket presence is nearly evaporating before our eyes.
STUD: DL Dayo Odeyingbo
Quietly, Odeyingbo has been stringing together some solid games over the course of the last month. He and Buckner were constantly in the backfield Saturday, and Odeyingbo led the way with two sacks. He added two quarterback hits and a tackle for loss while getting consistent pressure on Kirk Cousins.
DUD: HC Jeff Saturday
You can’t not have the head coach be a dud when his team is on the wrong end of the largest blown lead in NFL history. Saturday had two weeks to prepare his squad for this game and while the first half was great from a defensive and special teams standpoint, the offense continues to struggle. They are an abysmal group in the red zone and on third downs while they averaged 4.3 yards per play on the day. The team had a season-high 36 points, but the offense was only directly responsible for seven of those points. The Colts also committed 11 penalties, which is a disciple issues that follows squarely on the shoulders of the head coach.
STUD: K Chase McLaughlin
McLaughlin has been a stud for the entirety of his time with the Colts this season. He made all five of his field-goal attempts and all three of his extra-point attempts. He converted his eighth attempt of the season over 50 yards, which broke the single-season franchise record previously held by Adam Vinatieri. Some of his production stems from the abysmal offense failing to score touchdowns, but he’s been a major weapon.
DUD: WR Alec Pierce
Sometimes, a wide receiver can only do so much when the quarterback and entire passing game is struggling. Even so, the rookie had four targets and didn’t come away with any receptions despite going up against one of the worst defenses against perimeter wide receivers. We may need some more context from the All-22 on who was more at fault, but this was an extremely disappointing result for Pierce on Saturday. | 2022-12-18T05:24:14Z | sports.yahoo.com | Studs and duds from Colts’ embarrassing loss to Vikings | https://sports.yahoo.com/studs-duds-colts-embarrassing-loss-033835023.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/studs-duds-colts-embarrassing-loss-033835023.html?src=rss |
Former Alabama football teammates Tua Tagovailoa and Jaylen Waddle have become two of the brightest young stars in the NFL for the Miami Dolphins.
Their connection was on full display on Saturday night as the two teamed up for a 67-yard touchdown to close the gap to just two on AFC divisional rival, the Buffalo Bills.
Waddle beat the Buffalo defenders on a post route on third down and four and Tua hit the speedster in stride as Waddle raced passed the Bills’ secondary as if they were standing still.
Currently, the Dolphins and Bills are in a tight one as they near the end of the third quarter with Miami holding a 26-21 lead. | 2022-12-18T05:24:27Z | sports.yahoo.com | WATCH: Jaylen Waddle races past the Buffalo defense for a 67-yard touchdown | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-jaylen-waddle-races-past-034736421.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-jaylen-waddle-races-past-034736421.html?src=rss |
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) Cornerback Jakon Robinson stopped SMU quarterback Tanner Mordecai on a 2-point conversion try with eight seconds left in the game, and BYU beat the Mustangs 24-23 Saturday night in the New Mexico Bowl.
''I'd go for it again a heartbeat,'' SMU coach Rhett Lashlee said of the decision. ''I trust these guys and I wanted to give them a chance to win.''
''I think we knew we could play with three quarterbacks,'' Cougars coach Kalani Sitake said. ''I kind of hinted that we had three guys we were comfortable playing. And we would kind of were going with the hot hand.''
''I knew they had three receivers out there and there was only two of us so 3-on-2,'' Bywater said. ''I knew they liked their odds so I knew they were going to throw it. When that happened, I knew they weren't going to hand off. I jumped it and when I looked the ball was right in my hands.''
''For us, we had a chip on our shoulder,'' he said. ''We showed how resilient we are.''
''For me, my mentality is still the same,'' he said. ''I'm in the back. I know I'm going to have to fight in the offseason for the job. There's a lot of people coming in, I have to keep my head humble for sure.''
Bywater's pick-6 in the third quarter for BYU was the first in the bowl's history. ... Ran Rehkow's fourth-quarter, 67-yard punt for the Cougars was a bowl record, extending by two yards the mark he set in the third quarter.
''We're excited to go to the Big 12,'' Sitake said. ''It will be a lot of fun. We've known about it for awhile now but we've asked the kids not to talk about it. Now let's go. Now we go to work. The emphasis going into the offseason is to work. These guys know and they're ready to get uncomfortable and grow and get better in the offseason. We're going to have a fun spring ball, get after it, but we have to be a more physical team.'' | 2022-12-18T06:43:49Z | sports.yahoo.com | BYU stops late SMU comeback try, wins New Mexico Bowl | https://sports.yahoo.com/byu-stops-smu-comeback-try-043038620.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/byu-stops-smu-comeback-try-043038620.html?src=rss |
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) Tyler Bass hit a 25-yard field goal as time expired, and the Buffalo Bills clinched their fourth consecutive playoff berth on a snow-slick field in rallying to a 32-29 win over the Miami Dolphins on Saturday night.
''Can't win a Super Bowl unless you make the playoffs. That's goal No. 1 down,'' Allen said of a team that entered the season with Super Bowl aspirations and, thanks to tiebreakers, has the inside track to finish first in the AFC standings.
And Allen didn't rule out the potential of facing Miami for a third time this year, in reference to the playoffs by saying: ''Who knows if we'll see them again. I'm pretty positive we will.''
''I've said this before, it's not even surprising at this point - there's Josh being Josh again,'' Knox said.
''We had a very good performance against a very, very good team,'' Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said. ''I know a lot of people would like to make it about the weather, but our team never did.''
''I'm very proud of the way our team leaders stepped up in this game,'' Tagovailoa said. ''I think our team is taking a step in the right direction.'' | 2022-12-18T06:52:19Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bills clinch 4th straight playoff berth; beat Dolphins 32-29 | https://sports.yahoo.com/bills-clinch-4th-straight-playoff-050020484.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bills-clinch-4th-straight-playoff-050020484.html?src=rss |
The Buffalo Bills won a critical game against the Miami Dolphins 32-29 in Week 15 action. Buffalo clinched a playoff berth with the victory over their long-time divisional rival.
The game was quite the roller coaster ride for the Bills. Miami and Buffalo traded the lead multiple times, with the Bills taking the lead for good with Tyler Bass’ 25-yard field goal as time expired.
Josh Allen continued his stellar play against the Dolphins, going 25-of-40 for 304 passing yards and four touchdown passes. With the Bills floundering in the second half, Buffalo shifted their focus and put the ball in Allen’s hands. The MVP candidate did not disappoint, leading the Bills back into the lead. Allen led the Bills in rushing with 77 yards on 10 carries.
The game was not easy for the Bills, as they struggled to match the speed of the Dolphins. Miami’s skill players found space throughout the game, breaking tackles and entering Buffalo’s secondary. Raheem Mostert ran for 136 yards on 17 carries. Salvon Ahmed added 43 yards on seven carries and a touchdown run.
Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill both found the end zone on the evening. Waddle smoked the Buffalo defense on a crossing route, going 67 yards untouched to the end zone. Tyreek Hill led the Dolphins in receptions, catching nine passes for 69 yards.
Buffalo matched Miami’s scores throughout the game. Buffalo scored touchdowns on three consecutive drives, taking a 21-13 lead into half time. Quinton Morris, Nyhein Hines, and James Cook were on the receiving end of Josh Allen touchdown passes.
The Bills were outworked in the third quarter. The aforementioned Waddle touchdown pulled the Dolphins within two points. Late in the fourth quarter, Hill added his score to put Miami ahead.
The Bills shifted their game plan as the game entered the fourth quarter. Buffalo went back to its tried and true formula of riding their MVP candidate to the bitter end. Allen played some sandlot football and extended plays to give the Bills a chance to get back into the game. Allen connected with Dawson Knox on a familiar play, one in which Allen rolls to his right and throws against his body just before going out of bounds.
The magic continued when Allen rushed for the two-point conversion. He fumbled just after breaking the plane of the goal line. The play, which was originally ruled a fumble, was overturned. It was not a guessing game at all, as both teams loaded up on their respective lines for the play. Allen went over the top of his linemen to complete the two-point conversion.
The Bills defense put more pressure on Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in the closing drives of the game. Buffalo relinquished only a field goal in the fourth quarter. It was a massive positive swing for Buffalo’s front four, as they had trouble getting into the backfield throughout the game. They showed up when Buffalo needed it the most.
Buffalo also shifted to a run-heavy focus on their final drive. The Bills run game sputtered for most of the game. However, the offensive line took control in the trenches, and Devin Singlearty ground out multiple runs that put Buffalo in a good spot. As the time ticked down, it was apparent that Tyler Bass would be on stage as the hero.
Buffalo’s revival in the fourth quarter was massive, as it ultimately put the Bills in a position to take home the victory. Buffalo travels to Chicago to take on the Bears on Christmas Eve. With the playoff-clinching victory, the Bills now shift their focus to maintaining the top spot in the AFC playoff race. | 2022-12-18T06:52:51Z | sports.yahoo.com | Instant analysis: Bills put Dolphins on ice late in Week 15 | https://sports.yahoo.com/instant-analysis-bills-put-dolphins-053331441.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/instant-analysis-bills-put-dolphins-053331441.html?src=rss |
The Minnesota Vikings' resurrection from a 33-0 halftime deficit to beat the Indianapolis Colts 39-36 in overtime marked the biggest come-from-behind victory in the NFL ... ever. Requiring nearly a full 70 minutes of game time, it also gave the Vikes their first NFC North crown since 2017. And before the clock struck midnight on the East Coast, the Buffalo Bills dispatched the Miami Dolphins 32-29 to complete the day's second comeback affair.
Kansas City Chiefs: Had the Dolphins held onto their 29-21 fourth-quarter lead Saturday, a smooth path to the AFC's top seed would have opened to K.C. Now Patrick Mahomes and Co. must keep up with Buffalo.
Mike McDaniel: The Dolphins coach, whose team required heated benches in its Week 14 loss in Los Angeles to the Chargers, tried to convince his team that the weather in Western New York was no big thang. Oops. And Monday could get chillier, especially if Miami winds up in a four-way logjam of 8-6 AFC teams vying for two wild-card spots.
Cade York: The Browns' rookie kicker? He misfired on a pair of field goals ... for the second time this season. York was 2-for-4 from three-point land Saturday, dropping his accuracy to 73.3% for the season. | 2022-12-18T06:53:22Z | sports.yahoo.com | Winners and losers from NFL's Week 15 Saturday tripleheader: Vikings make history; Josh Allen shines | https://sports.yahoo.com/winners-losers-nfls-week-15-063300809.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/winners-losers-nfls-week-15-063300809.html?src=rss |
Perk believes Warriors are 'finished' as title contenders originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins joined ESPN's "First Take" on Friday morning, where he declared that the Warriors were "finished" as title contenders after Golden State's disappointing 14-16 start to the 2022-23 NBA season and the recent injury to superstar Steph Curry.
"When we say 'are the Warriors finished?' we're not just talking about the playoffs ... We're talking about championships, that's what the Warriors are based on, it's championships or bust," Perkins explained. "So when we say 'are they finished,' we know they can get into the play-in tournament and make the postseason, we're talking about the championship, can they compete for a championship? Are they finished when it comes down to a championship? And the answer is hell yeah they are."
Perkins believes a more competitive Western Conference, plus the Warriors' lack of depth off the bench are reasons why Golden State will not contend for its fifth championship in nine seasons.
"Second of all, the West is too stacked up right now," Perkins added. "There's too many teams I could say are better than the Golden State Warriors. I'm looking at the [Los Angeles] Clippers ... I'm looking at the Memphis Grizzlies ... Here's the thing, I don't trust the Warriors' depth, I don't trust their bench, they lost too many pieces that contributed last season off the bench to help them with their title run.
"When I look at the Warriors, they just don't have it. Are they finished? Yes. And by 'finished,' I mean winning a championship."
Grayson Allen with a deep 3 vs the Utah Jazz
Grayson Allen (Milwaukee Bucks) with a deep 3 vs the Utah Jazz, 12/17/2022
Nets’ Jacque Vaughn reacts to come-from-behind win over the Raptors
Jacque Vaughn reacts to the come-from-behind win for the Nets over the Raptors. | 2022-12-18T08:15:06Z | sports.yahoo.com | Warriors are 'finished' as NBA title contenders, Kendrick Perkins believes | https://sports.yahoo.com/warriors-finished-nba-title-contenders-015726482.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/warriors-finished-nba-title-contenders-015726482.html?src=rss |
FRISCO, Texas (AP) Boise State quarterback Taylen Green accounted for 256 yards and three touchdowns and the Broncos beat North Texas 35-32 on Saturday night in a back-and-forth Frisco Bowl.
''The message at halftime was just keep doing what we're doing and don't stress,'' Green said. ''We've been in this position before. We trust the game plan, we trust the coaches. We told ourselves to stay calm and do what we do.''
''It's so gratifying to be able to see these guys celebrate,'' Boise State coach Andy Avalos said. ''It's tough to leave the locker room right now being around the guys, just because they deserve this.''
''I know we're not here for effort,'' Bennett said. ''But I just really think that what (the players) gave with the situation being what it was, I was very proud of them.''
''I feel like we were playing well the whole game,'' Ragsdale said. ''But in the second half I felt like we just had to keep scoring. ... We had motivation to go out there and score every drive.''
Boise State: Avalos continues his pursuit to return the Broncos to national prominence after Boise State finished with four losses for the second straight season - the first time that's happened since 1996-98, Boise State's first three years in the FBS. The Broncos did finish with 10 wins for the 18th time in 24 seasons, and have gone undefeated in MWC play three of the last four seasons. But they haven't cracked the AP Top 25 in either of Avalos's two seasons after being ranked every season from 2002-2020. | 2022-12-18T08:19:21Z | sports.yahoo.com | QB Green and Boise State beat North Texas in Frisco Bowl | https://sports.yahoo.com/qb-green-boise-state-beat-062130504.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/qb-green-boise-state-beat-062130504.html?src=rss |
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) Down but not defeated. And definitely not done.
Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins believe they're still taking positive steps toward making the playoffs despite being in the midst of a three-game skid following a 32-29 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Saturday night.
''I am a very optimistic person,'' Tagovailoa said. ''I would like to look at all the good that our team has displayed tonight against a really tough divisional opponent.''
''That is night and day from the football we have played since the bye,'' coach Mike McDaniel said. ''Had we played like that for the whole season, we would be feeling a lot different because it wouldn't be the third in a row.''
''It started with the running backs,'' McDaniel said. ''They knew it was their time. They wanted to carry the load. They had the right mindset. And it's a credit to the offensive line for really going after a team that plays hard, that if you don't after, they make you look pretty stupid, pretty fast.''
''I am really proud of the way our leaders stepped up in this game,'' Tagovailoa said. ''In crucial moments of the game, our leaders made big plays. Our team is taking a step in the right direction.''
''After this performance, we are able to put that to rest,'' Tagovailoa said. ''That we can't play cold-weather teams, that we can't compete with cold-weather teams.''
''Their fans are electric,'' Tagovailoa said. ''Thank god I wasn't hit by a snowball. But there were some near misses on the sideline.''
''Perspective is important,'' McDaniel said. ''There is stuff to learn from it. It's a gut check, for sure. But I know the guys aspire to be great. Well this is one thing that only great people can do. To really go all in, really invest, spend a lot of time, do everything right, and still come up short. That's football. That's what happens when you play really, really good football teams on their home turf.''
''There is no such thing as a season without adversity,'' McDaniel said. ''I saw heads down frustration that I don't want to see. People are going to make plays. Especially good teams. You have to get used to really wanting to win and dealing with the consequences.'' | 2022-12-18T08:23:42Z | sports.yahoo.com | Skidding Dolphins see positives despite 32-29 loss to Bills | https://sports.yahoo.com/skidding-dolphins-see-positives-despite-073058967.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/skidding-dolphins-see-positives-despite-073058967.html?src=rss |
The Baltimore Ravens suffered an ugly defeat to the Cleveland Browns in Week 15 of the 2022 season by the final score of 13-3. It was a game where Baltimore could get nothing going on the offensive side of the ball, mustering no touchdowns for the second time in three games in a sluggish performance.
Quarterback Tyler Huntley completed 17-of-30 passes for 138 yards and one interception, averaging just 3.8 total yards per pass. The running game was on fire for the entirety of the contest, as the team rushed for 198 yards with running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards leading the way with 9.6 and 7.9 yards per carry respectively.
The Ravens’ defense only gave up 13 total points on the day, which is usually enough to win a game. However, in this case it wasn’t the performance they needed, and they also lost two key defenders to injury in defensive lineman Calais Campbell and cornerback Marcus Peters.
Up next for Baltimore is a Week 16 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons back at home. Their loss to Cleveland in Week 15 pushed the Ravens’ record down to 9-5 and gave them their first division loss of the year. Baltimore has plenty of soul searching to do on offense, especially when it comes to play-calling. execution, and more. | 2022-12-18T09:55:04Z | sports.yahoo.com | Instant analysis of Ravens’ 13-3 defeat to Browns in Week 15 | https://sports.yahoo.com/instant-analysis-ravens-13-3-045034620.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/instant-analysis-ravens-13-3-045034620.html?src=rss |
HOUSTON — The Houston Texans season has not had many bright spots, and with four remaining games, it has gotten dimmer.
The Texans placed rookies RB Dameon Pierce (ankle) and CB Derek Stingley on injured reserve, effectively ending their seasons.
Houston selected Stingley with the third overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft. The former All-American out of LSU has been sidelined since Week 10 after suffering a hamstring injury. He recorded 43 tackles and one interception in nine games.
The Texans found a gem in the fourth round when they used the 107th pick to select Pierce from Florida. He led all rookies in rushing this season with 939 yards rushing and four touchdowns. He went down with an ankle injury against the Dallas Cowboys last Sunday.
The Texans signed running back Royce Freeman and cornerback Cobi Francis from the practice squad to take the places of Pierce and Stingley on the active roster.
Houston needs offensive production from running backs Rex Burkhead and Dare Ogunbowale if they want to stay competitive against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Texans will also be without the services of wide receivers Brandin Cooks (calf) and Nico Collins (foot). | 2022-12-18T11:26:44Z | sports.yahoo.com | Texans place rookies RB Dameon Pierce and CB Derek Stingley on injured reserve | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-place-rookies-rb-dameon-110001962.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-place-rookies-rb-dameon-110001962.html?src=rss |
The Week 13 matchup between the Washington Commanders and New York Giants was so good that the NFL flexed their Week 15 rematch to Sunday Night Football. The Week 13 game ended in a 20-20 tie, and after the Giants lost to the Eagles in Week 14, the two NFC East rivals enter Week 15 with identical 7-5-1 records.
Currently, Washington and New York are in possession of the NFC’s final two wild-card spots, which, if that holds it, would be the first time in NFL history four teams from one division all made the playoffs.
After a much-needed week off, Washington is in the rare position of playing the same team in back-to-back games due to a scheduling quirk. Meanwhile, the Giants head into Sunday night, having lost or tied five of their last six games.
New York Giants at Washington Commanders — Dec. 18, 8:20 p.m. ET
Commentators: Mike Tirico [play-by-play, Cris Collinsworth [analyst], & Melissa Stark [sideline]
Streaming: FuboTV (try it free), Peacock
Location: FedEx Field, Landover, Maryland
Weather: 35 degrees at kickoff
Referee: John Hussey, per Football Zebras | 2022-12-18T11:26:51Z | sports.yahoo.com | How to watch Giants vs. Commanders: Time, TV and streaming options for Week 15 | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-giants-vs-commanders-time-105705142.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-giants-vs-commanders-time-105705142.html?src=rss |
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi supports adding legislation passed by the Senate this week, which would bar federal government employees from using Chinese-owned TikTok on government-owned devices, to a government funding bill. A spokesman for Pelosi said she supports including the TikTok provision in legislation to fund the government that the House of Representatives is set to take up next week. | 2022-12-18T12:49:12Z | sports.yahoo.com | Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa: We proved we can compete against cold-weather teams | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-tua-tagovailoa-proved-compete-071233361.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-tua-tagovailoa-proved-compete-071233361.html?src=rss |
The Los Angeles Rams are back at Lambeau Field again this week for the third straight year, losing their previous two road meetings with the Green Bay Packers. They’re trying to make it two victories in a row after stunning the Las Vegas Raiders in the final seconds last week, but the Packers are desperate for a win.
To preview this NFC battle, we caught up with Packers Wire editor Zach Kruse to get answers to five big questions, including a prediction for how this game will go.
How much blame does Aaron Rodgers deserve for the Packers’ offensive struggles?
Rodgers certainly isn’t without blame. He’s been a little more erratic, a little more turnover-prone and a little more inconsistent week to week, and the Packers needed him to consistently play at an MVP level while directing a young, evolving offense. It just hasn’t happened. Is Rodgers the primary problem? Absolutely not. But he’s played his part, especially in a few of the more crushing losses. Of course, he played with a broken thumb for eight weeks and had a painful rib injury recently, and his receivers and offensive linemen have been in and out of the lineup all season. It all plays a part during a difficult year and there’s never just one person to blame, as the Rams have found out during the 2022 season.
Would you say Christian Watson has become the biggest threat on this team?
Yes. His eight touchdowns over the last four games make that crystal clear. Aaron Jones is still the team’s most consistent playmaker, but Watson’s speed has changed everything for the Packers offense. He’s the deep threat they needed, and he’s consistently making big plays in big moments of games. Rodgers’ trust in him is steadily growing, too. It’s a shame Watson was hurt throughout training camp and most of the first half of the season because this Packers season probably looks a little different had he been healthy and available since the start of camp. Over the last month, Watson looked special.
What’s a weakness the Rams can exploit against the Packers?
Run defense, no doubt. The Packers have given up 150 or more rushing yards in eight games this season, and opponents are averaging 5.0 yards per carry. This defense isn’t physical at the line of scrimmage or setting edges and struggles to tackle at the second level. Not a good combo for stopping the run. It doesn’t take a special passing performance to beat this defense; the Packers have lost four games this season when giving up fewer than 200 passing yards.
How would you evaluate Jaire Alexander’s season? Is he still a lockdown corner?
Really good question. He’s made more big plays this year, but he’s also allowed more big plays. He’s still a special talent, but I’m not sure we can call him a “lockdown” corner in 2022. Teams haven’t been afraid to challenge him, even in big spots. The Packers’ win in Chicago was a good microcosm of his season: he gave up two explosive plays, but his interception helped seal the deal late in the game.
Who wins on Monday night?
I think the Packers win, and maybe comfortably, although that’s a risky thing to say about an inconsistent team that hasn’t won back-to-back games since September. But if it’s not going to click now, will it ever? The Packers are healthy, improving on offense and playing at home in the cold, and they know a 4-0 finish will give them a chance to make it in. The Rams are dealing with injuries everywhere and their season is over. The recent history of Packers-Rams also favors Green Bay. Oh, and Baker Mayfield tossed four picks in a December appearance at Lambeau Field last year.
It’s been a long and winding road for the Abbey Road Pub and Restaurant at the Oceanfront. The Beatles-themed watering hole was founded in 1982 on a whim by a trio of 20-somethings dismayed by a beer shortage at that year’s Neptune Festival. The owners want people to come together this weekend to celebrate the pub’s 40th Anniversary. Patrons don’t have to be Beatles fans to enjoy, but it might ... | 2022-12-18T12:57:42Z | sports.yahoo.com | 5 burning questions for Rams vs. Packers in Week 15 | https://sports.yahoo.com/5-burning-questions-rams-vs-120031563.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/5-burning-questions-rams-vs-120031563.html?src=rss |
The Kansas City Chiefs are set to face the Houston Texans in Week 15 of the 2022 NFL season.
It’s the first time these two teams have played since Week 1 of the 2020 NFL season. The Chiefs are looking to stack a pair of road wins, while the Texans are looking to get their first win at home this season. Which team will come out on the other side of the matchup with a victory?
Who: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Houston Texans
When: Sunday, Dec. 18, Noon CT
Where: NRG Stadium – Houston, Texas
Trent Green, Kevin Harlan and Melanie Collins
NFL odds courtesy of Tipico Sportsbook. Odds updated Saturday at 12:26 PM ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.
Moneyline: Kansas City (-990), Houston (+638) | 2022-12-18T12:57:55Z | sports.yahoo.com | Chiefs vs. Texans Week 15: How to watch, listen and stream online | https://sports.yahoo.com/chiefs-vs-texans-week-15-124522269.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/chiefs-vs-texans-week-15-124522269.html?src=rss |
Just when it looked like the Commanders might have a rematch with the Vikings in the playoffs, Kirk Cousins and the Vikings made a huge statement.
The Vikings at home, unbelievably trailed the Colts 33-0 at the half. They were going to lose to Indianapolis and lose hold on their No. 2 seed in the NFC to the San Francisco 49ers. If the Vikings finished the No. 3 seed, this meant, with the current seeds holding up, the Commanders would get a rematch with the Vikings in the playoffs.
However, Kirk Cousins threw four second-half touchdown passes, and the Vikings just as unbelievably, erased a 33-point deficit, defeating the Indianapolis Colts 39-36 in overtime Saturday.
Remarkably, the Vikings did not even get on the scoreboard until 8 minutes and 25 seconds remained in the third quarter. Meanwhile, the Vikings had given up easy scores on a Cousins interception and a blocked-punt touchdown contributing to the 33-0 halftime absolutely shocking score.
Cousins concluded his day with 34 completions for 460 yards and four touchdown passes. This after Cousins only passed for a mere 43 yards in the first half. Justin Jefferson hauled in 12 of those receptions for 123 yards and a touchdown, while K.J. Osborn collected ten more receptions for 157 yards and a touchdown.
Saturday’s huge comeback is the largest in NFL regular season history and also provided the Vikings their tenth one-score win of the season, tying an NFL record.
Commanders fans and probably some of the Commanders themselves had been thinking far enough in advance to hope for a rematch with the Vikings if the Vikings finish No 3 and the Commanders No. 6.
Speaking of which, the Commanders now need to focus on what is on their own table and take care of the Giants at FedEx Field Sunday night. The Commanders failed to defeat the Giants at MetLife Stadium two weeks ago, as the teams played to a 20-20 tie. Thus, both teams enter the Sunday night showdown with identical 7-5-1 records.
William Nylander with a Goal vs. Washington Capitals
William Nylander (Toronto Maple Leafs) with a Goal vs. Washington Capitals, 12/17/2022 | 2022-12-18T12:58:01Z | sports.yahoo.com | How Cousins and Vikings’ comeback impacts the Commanders | https://sports.yahoo.com/cousins-vikings-comeback-impacts-commanders-115803554.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/cousins-vikings-comeback-impacts-commanders-115803554.html?src=rss |
Hugh Freeze appears dissatisfied with the number of flips he has produced since taking the head coaching job at Auburn in late November.
After successfully flipping three-star cornerback Colton Hood from Michigan State, and three-star offensive lineman Tyler Johnson from Texas Tech, another talented prospect could be on his way to the Plains after de-committing from an SEC rival.
Sylvester Smith, a four-star safety from Munford who has been a Tennessee pledge since April 26, surprisingly backed off his commitment to the Volunteers late Saturday night after paying a visit to Auburn.
He announced his change of heart on Instagram Saturday. In his post, he thanked Tennessee for giving him an opportunity to continue his career as a student-athlete, but that Knoxville was not the place for him.
Of course, one could imply that his plan to decommit from Tennessee while on a visit to Auburn could mean good things for the Tigers. But, to confirm the smoke, Auburn received crystal balls on Saturday from Ryan Callahan of GoVols247, Jason Caldwell and Christian Clemente of Auburn Undercover, and 247Sports Director of Football Recruiting, Steve Wiltfong.
Smith is the No. 17 safety from the class of 2023, and the No. 16 overall prospect from the state of Alabama. According to 247Sports, Smith’s visit to Auburn was his first since taking an unofficial visit on Sept. 4, 2021.
He left the school in 2016 to teach at a high school in Pleasanton.
With the 3-0 win over Louisville, Texas earned its third NCAA title with talent, chemistry and desire. | 2022-12-18T13:45:48Z | sports.yahoo.com | Four-star safety decommits from Tennessee following visit to Auburn | https://sports.yahoo.com/four-star-safety-decommits-tennessee-130007070.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/four-star-safety-decommits-tennessee-130007070.html?src=rss |
No. 9 Arizona (10-1) defeated No. 6 Tennessee, 75-70, Saturday at McKale Center in Tucson, Arizona.
Zakai Zeigler scored a career-high 21 points and totaled six rebounds for the Vols.
Olivier Mkamhoua recorded 16 points, five assists and four rebounds. Santiago Vescovi totaled nine points and five assists for Tennessee.
Four Arizona players scored 10-plus points in the contest: Azuolas Tubelis (19), Oumar Ballo (18), Pelle Larsson (17) and Courtney Ramey (13).
Tennessee trailed by as many as 10 points in the game, which was tied, 35-35, at halftime.
Arizona opened the second half with an 8-2 run and never trailed again.
The Vols did not attempt a free throw in the first half. Tennessee converted 8-of-10 free-throw attempts in the second half. | 2022-12-18T14:16:03Z | sports.yahoo.com | No. 9 Arizona defeats No. 7 Tennessee, 75-70 | https://sports.yahoo.com/no-9-arizona-defeats-no-131739695.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/no-9-arizona-defeats-no-131739695.html?src=rss |
The NFL reportedly fined Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy $23,020 after a Week 14 eruption in which he bumped into an official after a play, according to ESPN's Adam Shefter.
The wideout was fined an additional $13,261 for removing his helmet, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
Jeudy went off for three touchdowns in his team's 34-28 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He removed his helmet, screamed on the field and bumped into an official as he moved toward the bench after a pass from quarterback Russell Wilson intended for Brandon Johnson fell incomplete.
"I know they're going to fine me," Jeudy said Wednesday. "It is what it is. I know the consequences of the situation, and I'm going to learn from it."
The reported fines are less than what the NFL could have issued.
Physical contact with an official comes with a $37,232 fine on the first offense, according to the NFL's collective bargaining agreement. Verbal or other non-physical contact with an official constitutes a $29,785 fine.
Removing a helmet isn't officially included in the list of finable offenses, but the NFL recently fined Carolina Panthers tight end Stephen Sullivan $4,583 for unsportsmanlike conduct when he took his helmet off following a touchdown by teammate D.J. Moore.
Jeudy should have been ejected from the game and subject to a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, according to the official NFL rulebook.
He told reporters after the game that he thought the officials missed a holding call on him.
“On that certain play, I got held,” Jeudy said. “I was just frustrated because we didn’t have things going, so I was out there playing with frustration, wanting to make a play for my team. I feel like at that point, I was just held, and that should’ve been called, but I have to know how to control my anger and just move on from there.”
Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett added that he talked with Jeudy as soon as the officials told him what occurred, and they immediately resolved the issue.
"We addressed it right away. Talked with him — he definitely knew that he was wrong," Hackett said. "That's unacceptable. You can't do that. We addressed that, and I know that he knows that he can't do that. I know that he was very frustrated at the time, but that's just something you can't do."
The NFL did not issue a suspension for Broncos receiver Jerry Jeudy, but he got two fines instead. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy has been fined more than $36,000 by the NFL for his blowout with an official prior to catching a career-best three touchdown passes against the Kansas City Chiefs last weekend. A person with knowledge of the penalties confirmed to The Associated Press reports that Jeudy had been levied unsportsmanlike conduct fines of $23,020 for contact with line judge Tripp Sutter, and $13,461 for removing his helmet on the field prior to his confrontation with the official. Jeudy was angry that no flag was thrown on a play late in the second quarter that he felt should have drawn a defensive holding call. | 2022-12-18T14:20:24Z | sports.yahoo.com | Broncos WR Jerry Jeudy reportedly fined $36K after making contact with official | https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-wr-jerry-jeudy-reportedly-fined-36-k-after-making-contact-with-official-184954238.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-wr-jerry-jeudy-reportedly-fined-36-k-after-making-contact-with-official-184954238.html?src=rss |
The Cincinnati Bengals hope to make it a sixth win in a row and 10 wins on the season before Christmas when they visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday afternoon.
Since the Week 10 bye in early November, Joe Burrow and Co. have bested the likes of Pittsburgh, Tennessee and Kansas City while sprinting to a 9-4 record, overcoming key injuries along the way.
Next up is Tom Brady and the Bucs, though the NFC foe is just 5-7 and losers in two of their last three. Still, it’s unlikely Burrow will permit his locker room to overlook one of the best players in their lifetimes.
It’s always interesting when uncommon cross-conference opponents link up, especially when the Bengals have so much at stake, so here’s a brief look at the viewing info.
Cincinnati Bengals at Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, December 18 (4:25 p.m. ET)
Opponent Wire site: Bucs Wire
Odds: Bengals -3.5 | 2022-12-18T14:29:13Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bengals vs. Buccaneers live stream, time, viewing info for Week 15 | https://sports.yahoo.com/bengals-vs-buccaneers-live-stream-135219537.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bengals-vs-buccaneers-live-stream-135219537.html?src=rss |
The Arizona Cardinals announced some roster moves leading up to their game Sunday on the road against the Denver Broncos. They get back a starter on the offensive line.
The Cardinals reinstated right guard Will Hernandez to the active roster, activating him from injured reserve. He had missed the last four games with a strained pec. He will return to the starting lineup against the Broncos.
The Cardinals also announced two standard elevations from the practice squad. They elevated cornerback Nate Hairston and defensive lineman Manny Jones.
Jones is an undrafted rookie who signed with the Cardinals in the offseason. He played well in the preseason. He has appeared in one game this season.
Hairston has been on the practice squad since September. He has been in the league since 2017. His presence will likely be needed because cornerback Byron Murphy has been ruled out and both Antonio Hamilton and Marco Wilson are questionable to play. | 2022-12-18T14:29:25Z | sports.yahoo.com | Cardinals activate OL Will Hernandez from IR, elevate 2 from practice squad | https://sports.yahoo.com/cardinals-activate-ol-hernandez-ir-133106290.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/cardinals-activate-ol-hernandez-ir-133106290.html?src=rss |
The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to get WR Kadarius Toney back for their Week 15 game against the Houston Texans.
After the Chiefs didn’t make any practice squad elevations on Saturday, it was clear that Toney was trending toward making a return. Now, we have confirmation from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who reports that Toney is expected to play against the Texans on Sunday.
The midseason trade acquisition hasn’t played since Week 11 against the Los Angles Chargers. In the early goings of that game, he aggravated a hamstring injury that he dealt with earlier this season with the New York Giants. He missed each of the past three games with that injury, but he has been a limited participant in practice as of late.
Some fans might disagree with the team’s decision to play Toney ahead of the playoffs, but the Chiefs feel that enough time has elapsed for the hamstring injury to subside. The front office and coaches are eager to see their investment back on the field. Toney got off to a hot start with his new team, recording six receptions on seven targets for 69 yards and a touchdown, plus two carries for 33 yards in his first two games. They’re hopeful that he can pick up right where he left on and be a key contributor down the line.
In addition to the news on Toney, Schefter reports that Mecole Hardman is expected to be activated to the 53-man roster and make his return in Week 16 against the Seattle Seahawks. Hardman was placed on injured reserve with an abdominal injury on Nov. 17 and was designated to return from injured reserve this past week. | 2022-12-18T14:29:39Z | sports.yahoo.com | Chiefs WR Kadarius Toney expected to play in Week 15 vs. Texans | https://sports.yahoo.com/chiefs-wr-kadarius-toney-expected-134501624.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/chiefs-wr-kadarius-toney-expected-134501624.html?src=rss |
If it seems like everyone is picking the Detroit Lions to beat the New York Jets on Sunday, it’s not just you. The Lions have the feel of a trendy pick and popular team nationally.
Winning five of six games will do that for a team. Even on the road in New York, the Lions are favored to win. A plurality of pundits agree with the oddsmakers and picked the Lions to come up victorious.
USA TODAY’s Nate Davis rolled with the Lions, as did six of the eight pundits at CBS Sports. Four of the eight pickers at ESPN chose the Lions. A full 64 percent of the entrants at ESPN’s pick’em fantasy chose the Lions.
That figure is pretty reflective of the overall picking. NFL Pickwatch tracked 63 percent of the overall picks around the sports world as being for Detroit. | 2022-12-18T14:30:17Z | sports.yahoo.com | Lions are a popular pick to win over the Jets | https://sports.yahoo.com/lions-popular-pick-win-over-141539743.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/lions-popular-pick-win-over-141539743.html?src=rss |
Week 15 of the 2022 NFL season kicked off Thursday with the San Francisco 49ers defeating the Seattle Seahawks, 21-13, and Saturday with three games. But there’s still plenty of action to come this weekend.
Before Sunday night’s game between the New York Giants and Washington Commanders and Monday night’s matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and Green Bay Packers, there’s a full slate of games Sunday on CBS and FOX.
Lions at Jets, 1 p.m. ET (RED)
Chiefs at Texans, 1 p.m. ET (BLUE)
Steelers at Panthers, 1 p.m. ET (GREEN)
Cowboys at Jaguars, 1 p.m. ET (RED)
Eagles at Bears, 1 p.m. ET (BLUE)
Falcons at Saints, 1 p.m. ET (YELLOW)
Patriots at Raiders, 4:05 p.m. ET (GREEN)
Cardinals at Broncos, 4:05 p.m. ET (ORANGE)
Bengals at Buccaneers, 4:25 p.m. ET (RED)
Titans at Chargers, 4:25 p.m. ET (BLUE)
It’s the New York Giants vs Washington Commanders tonight on NBC and Peacock. Live coverage begins at 7:00 p.m. ET with Football Night in America before the game kicks off at 8:20 p.m. RELATED: 2022 NFL Regular Season Schedule – How to Watch, Live Stream, Dates, Times, Matchups NBC has got you covered with all
Looking back at landmark LGBTQ Supreme Court Case Lawrence vs Texas | 2022-12-18T14:30:30Z | sports.yahoo.com | NFL Week 15 TV coverage maps | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-week-15-tv-coverage-130047042.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-week-15-tv-coverage-130047042.html?src=rss |
After an ugly blowout loss to the San Francisco 49ers last week, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers face another tough test Sunday, as the Cincinnati Bengals come to Raymond James Stadium.
It’s another marquee matchup that features two of the most high-profile quarterbacks in the game in Tom Brady and Joe Burrow, and the Bucs will be dressed in special threads for the occasion.
For the first time this season, Tampa Bay will be donning their all-pewter alternate uniforms.
Let’s see if this uniform combo brings the Bucs some good luck, as they look to remain atop the NFC South heading into the final three weeks of the regular season. | 2022-12-18T14:30:43Z | sports.yahoo.com | Which uniform combo are the Bucs wearing Sunday vs. the Bengals? | https://sports.yahoo.com/uniform-combo-bucs-wearing-sunday-135936994.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/uniform-combo-bucs-wearing-sunday-135936994.html?src=rss |
SATURDAY PM UPDATE: 20th Century Studios/Disney’s Avatar: The Way of Water minted an estimated $45M Saturday which will put the James Cameron directed sequel at a 3-day opening of $135M per sources. That’s the 6th best domestic debut in December after Spider-Man: No Way Home ($260.1M), Force Awakens ($247.9M), Last Jedi ($220M), Rise of Skywalker […] | 2022-12-18T15:52:13Z | sports.yahoo.com | UFC Vegas 66: Bloody brawl ends with Rafa Garcia needing 15 stitches for cut artery | https://sports.yahoo.com/ufc-vegas-66-bloody-brawl-ends-with-rafa-garcia-needing-15-stitches-for-cut-artery-014705974.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/ufc-vegas-66-bloody-brawl-ends-with-rafa-garcia-needing-15-stitches-for-cut-artery-014705974.html?src=rss |
Pairing of coach Mike Brown and point guard De’Aaron Fox paying off for Sacramento Kings
Sacramento Kings point guard De’Aaron Fox is showing growth at both ends of the floor under the tutelage of coach Mike Brown.
When France and Argentina take to the pitch in the World Cup final on Sunday, all eyes are expected to be on Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi, two of soccer's best-known stars, who have played together for two seasons on Paris Saint-Germain Football Club, France's top team. Mbappé, 23, will play on Sunday for the French national team, the reigning World Cup champions, which won the tournament in Russia in 2018. Messi, 35, who has played in Europe for most of his long career, will take the field for the South American challenger. | 2022-12-18T15:52:39Z | sports.yahoo.com | Deion Branch 'retires' from coaching after Louisville's Fenway Bowl win over Cincinnati | https://sports.yahoo.com/deion-branch-retires-coaching-louisvilles-134105569.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/deion-branch-retires-coaching-louisvilles-134105569.html?src=rss |
Tennessee practiced Saturday at Haslam Field in preparation for the Capital One Orange Bowl.
Second-year head coach Josh Heupel met with media following practice.
“You guys saw today we also flipped the page and started some of our bowl prep,” Heupel said. “We got some good work in with our young guys in particular, up until this point our vets have started working back into things over the last three, four days. As we get through this week, we will kind of turn the page and head towards Clemson in our preparation. Clemson, obviously, a great football team and they have been doing it at a really high level for a long time. Defensively, one of the top teams in the country, extremely aggressive in what they do. They got great personnel offensively, a new quarterback that played in a dynamic way in their conference championship game, but great skill players out on the perimeter as well and a huge test, but a great opportunity for our football program at the end of the month, I’m excited about that.
“We have a bunch of mid-year enrollees you guys got a chance to see a little bit of today, as well. Excited to have them a part of our program in what’s going on, get this experience here, practices at home, but also a lot of them will be able to go to the bowl site as well. Excited for them, I’ll talk about those guys here when we get to signing day.”
Heupel’s continued bowl discussion is listed below from a transcript provided by the University of Tennessee.
On Jake Hescock and Mike Leach
“First opportunity for me to be in front of you since a couple of tragic things have happened. First the UCF family, all the former players, everybody connected to that program, lost a great teammate and a great person, somebody that absolutely loved life in Jake Hescock. My heart goes out to his entire family and all those that know him. Another young man that is gone way too early. Also, college football lost an iconic figure in Mike Leach. Someone that changed the way people thought about the game. One of the most unique individuals that I’ve come into contact with, someone that had a huge impact on my career, how we think about the game, how we think about offensive football, but also someone that gave me a shot in college football. So grateful to him for everything he has really helped me accomplished. My heart, thoughts and prayers are with Sharon and their entire family as they go through the grieving process.”
On Coach Leach's impact on him wanting to get into coaching
“That clip, man it was a long ago and at the same time it feels like that seems like yesterday. I remember that moment really clearly. That was the last practice that he was at Oklahoma, it hadn’t become public that he was taking the job at Texas Tech yet. That opportunity to talk to him, (I was) excited for him. Obviously, he and I, in that year being able to flip what was going on offensively, what had been done there before and with Bob (Stoops) and the entire staff flipped the trajectory of Oklahoma Football. Really thankful for what he poured into me. There’s a million conversations that had nothing to do with football – they might have started out as football, but they quickly transitioned into life—that you remember with him. Had an opportunity to talk to him with maybe two weeks left to go in the regular season, late night conversation and I remember my wife wasn’t listening to the entire conversation, but she heard it start with football, go way off the beaten path, and somehow navigate back to football at the very end of it. You know, from Mike, just being with him every day in the meeting room, schematically how he thought at that time, there were very few people that were that wide open and thought differently. The way the game is played in space in today’s game is a direct reflection of him and his thought pattern. For sure, how he thought about the game, how he allowed his quarterbacks to be a part of the game and have control out there on gameday, those are all things that played a major role in me ultimately wanting to get into football and coaching.”
On the balance between onboarding mid-year enrollees and focusing on bowl prep
“You guys will make (the newcomers) a story. We won’t make them the story. It’s awesome to have those guys here. The great thing about the way recruiting is in today’s world is they’ve been around our players a bunch, and they’re already connected—that group as they come here on campus, but also to our football team. The focus for us is getting our players ready to go play here. The early part of bowl prep has been about getting our young guys a ton of reps and helping them grow as a football player as our older guys had a little bit of time to kind of heal up from the season. Having them here on campus, you get them started primarily through individual (periods), maybe some one-on-one sessions where they’re able to grow an understanding of what we want. We spent a little bit of extra time with them on the back end of practice, 10 to 15 minutes, being intentional and helping them grow where they’re gaining something out of the experience. They learn the culture. We set the parameters of who we are and what we do. It’s a great opportunity for them to spend two weeks here and kind of get a feel for that. I think the biggest thing out of this bowl preparation for the young guys that come in, is they understand the speed, the urgency that you have to have. I think it accelerates the urgency when they get back here in January, where they’re very intentional in growing every single day. They get themselves in a position to be ready for spring ball.”
On Jalin Hyatt winning the Biletnikoff Award and his decision to declare for the NFL draft
“What an awesome story, right? Proud of him. All of those individual awards come through team success and a team working together. So extremely excited for him, and excited for our football team that he gets recognized in that way. The season that he had, everybody’s heard the story. Wanting to be a great player versus working to be a great player. Man, he paid the price and he reaped the rewards. Really proud of him and what he accomplished all year long. It’s a great story that will live forever inside of this building for our future players and future teams. At the same time, the NFL process for all of our guys, we want guys to have the opportunity to go to that level, to be a high draft pick and maximize their value. The conversations, we use not just coaches’ (evaluations), but resources. You try to get them the right information in front of them, so that they can make the right decision for them and their family. Whether that’s Jalin, whether it’s Darnell (Wright), all of those guys, you feel like they have the education, they have the information, then you let them make a great decision. Excited for Jalin and his future, know he’s going to be a high draft pick. Excited that we had a huge part in his journey. This is going to be his home forever.”
On the NCAA calendar for football during the month of December
“I think there are going to have to continue to be changes to the calendar. That’s recruiting calendar, it’s the amount of dead time that you have where you can focus and emphasize what’s going on inside of your own building. There are a lot of balls that have to be juggled in the air here once it hits December. Finding the right balance, I think is something that the NCAA is going to have to take a hard look at. Obviously, our coaches’ association should be a huge part of that in trying to find the right way to structure and balance everything here throughout the 12-month calendar.”
On how he feels the team will be from a health standpoint for the Orange Bowl
“I do feel like by the time that we get to the major part of our prep, but certainly by the time that we get to Miami, we should be pretty healthy and ready to go compete with everybody.”
On the status of QB Tayven Jackson and if he'll be available for the bowl game
“I think if we continue down the stretch that we have (he will be available). He’s been back, he’s been practicing here the last week. As long as we continue on that (path) I feel like he’ll be available for us when we get to Miami.”
On Cedric Tillman's health status throughout the season and his lasting impact at Tennessee
“I think that’s a really unique situation. A young guy that obviously played extremely well a year ago and was ready to play extremely well this year too. From Week 3 or Week 4, whatever it was, obviously had the surgery, just hasn’t been at 100 percent. I love that he came back and tried to compete on the backend of the season. I think that shows his heart for his teammates, for this program. For him, as he’s getting ready for the draft process, I think it’s important that he gets to the point where he’s 100 percent. For him, this month here has got a chance to help him heal up and be ready for the backend of the NFL process.” | 2022-12-18T15:53:04Z | sports.yahoo.com | Josh Heupel discusses Vols’ preparation for Orange Bowl | https://sports.yahoo.com/josh-heupel-discusses-vols-preparation-151847083.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/josh-heupel-discusses-vols-preparation-151847083.html?src=rss |
Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be looking to get back in the win column Sunday, but they’ll face a tough task, as Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals come to Raymond James Stadium.
Here’s everything you need to know heading into Sunday’s game:
There are 36 players who have donned the green and white on the list of NBA icons ranked by the number of seasons they received votes for MVP for at least two seasons. | 2022-12-18T16:00:50Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bucs vs. Bengals, NFL Week 15 preview: Everything you need to know | https://sports.yahoo.com/bucs-vs-bengals-nfl-week-145953792.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bucs-vs-bengals-nfl-week-145953792.html?src=rss |
Despite having a losing record, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are still getting the national TV treatment this weekend, as the red-hot Cincinnati Bengals come to town.
Tom Brady may be the greatest of all time, but it’s Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow who’s playing like an MVP candidate this season. Despite dealing with injuries to his top offensive weapons all year long, and once again playing behind an offensive line that doesn’t inspire a ton of confidence, Burrow has lived up to the hype as a recent No. 1 overall draft pick.
Brady and the Bucs offense have struggled all season long, averaging just 17 points per game, and failing to move the ball consistently down the field. Tampa Bay is banged up on defense this week, so all signs point to another big day for Burrow and company, which means Brady could have to pull out some more magic if the Bucs want any chance of pulling the upset.
(Photo by Allen Kee/Getty Images)
This marks just the 13th time the Bucs and Bengals have faced one another, with Tampa Bay currently holding a 7-5 advantage in the all-time series. Cincy’s had the upper hand in each of their last two meetings, with a 37-34 win back in 2018, and a 14-13 victory in 2014.
Before that, the Bucs had beaten the Bengals six straight times, with their next loss coming back in 1989. Tampa Bay was shut out by the Bengals 21-0 during their winless inaugural season, but they returned the favor with a 35-0 win in 1998. The Bucs also dominated Cincinnati 35-7 on the way to their first Super Bowl back in 2002.
Most of Tampa Bay’s losses this year have come outside of the conference, and they’ve still only lost one game within the division so far this season. The may be their roughest patch of the road yet, but a home playoff game is still within their grasp if they finish strong.
Both teams have key starters who have already been ruled out for Sunday’s game, and plenty more are still in doubt. The Bucs will be without defensive lineman Vita Vea (calf) and cornerback Jamel Dean (toe), as well as outside linebackers Carl Nassib (pectoral) and Genard Avery (abdomen/oblique).
The Bengals have ruled out defensive end Trey Hendrickson (wrist), cornerback Mike Hilton (knee), and tight end Hayden Hurst (calf).
Among the big names listed as questionable for the Bucs are All-Pro right tackle Tristan Wirfs (ankle), Pro Bowl safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (ankle), and wide receiver Julio Jones (knee). Bengals wide receivers Tee Higgins (hamstring) and Tyler Boyd (finger) are also questionable.
Viewing info for Bengals vs. Buccaneers in Week 15.
Oprah says this Laura Geller palette 'takes the guesswork out of makeup' — and it's 67% off! | 2022-12-18T16:00:56Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bucs vs. Bengals: Top storylines for Tampa Bay in Week 15 | https://sports.yahoo.com/bucs-vs-bengals-top-storylines-142933593.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bucs-vs-bengals-top-storylines-142933593.html?src=rss |
The Jets enter the final quarter of their season with two home games in the span of five days. They host the Detroit Lions in Week 15 in a matchup of teams no one expected to be in the playoff hunt at this stage, especially the Lions, who were 1-6 at one point.
Zach Wilson makes his return to the starting lineup after doctors would not medically clear Mike White for contact due to fractured ribs. Wilson starts for the first time since Week 11.
Wilson at least has a chance to finally take over the team lead in passing touchdowns, which Joe Flacco has held since Week 3.
How much Wilson has improved remains to be seen. Sure, he has gotten reps in practice with the scout team, but now he’s back with the big boys. His connections with his teammates, both on and off the field, will be worth watching, especially after his postgame comments after the Patriots’ loss in Week 11. We’ll see if Wilson can get better at taking care of the football and making better football decisions.
The Jets need to find a way to score points and finish drives because the Lions have the ability to explode on offense, led by wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. There’s your key matchup of the day: Sauce Gardner vs. St. Brown.
Gardner has been incredible as a rookie in slowing down an opponent’s top receiving threat. That has to continue Sunday if the Jets are to defeat the Lions. St. Brown has topped 100 yards in three of his last five games with three touchdowns in that stretch. He hasn’t dipped lower than 50 yards since suffering a head injury against the Cowboys on October 23.
With Quinnen Williams “50/50” to play, the depth of the Jets’ defensive line could have their chance to shine, especially against a Lions team that ranks just outside the top ten with 127.5 rushing yards per game. With D’Andre Swift healthy, the Lions have been able to work both backs, with Swift as the pass-catching running back and Jamaal Williams — who leads the league with 14 touchdowns — as the early-down and goal-line back.
Speaking of the goal line, the Jets have to finish drives and step up their red-zone defense. The Lions have been very good in the red-zone. Check this out from Lions Wire editor Jeff Risdon:
The Jets cannot afford a repeat of what happened against the Vikings two weeks ago.
Until we see that Wilson has truly improved his mechanics and fundamentals, it’s a bit tough to lean his way, especially when the offense as a whole has struggled to find the end zone. Can Mike LaFleur cook up a recipe in time to get the Jets into the playoffs?
Maybe the Jets surprise, but we’ll go with the Lions in a close one. | 2022-12-18T16:01:21Z | sports.yahoo.com | Final score prediction for Jets vs. Lions in Week 15 | https://sports.yahoo.com/final-score-prediction-jets-vs-151951851.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/final-score-prediction-jets-vs-151951851.html?src=rss |
As the Cleveland Browns defeated the Baltimore Ravens by a score of 13-3 on Saturday Night Football, another franchise milestone was defeated as well. Notching his 25th win as the head coach of the Browns, Kevin Stefanski is now the winningest head coach since the franchise returned in 1999.
Surpassing both Romeo Crennel and Butch Davis, who coaches 12 and 16 more games respectively than Stefanski, the current head coach in Cleveland has surpassed them in just 47 games coached. With three games left to go, there is a good opportunity for Stefanski and the Browns to reach 28 by the end of the season.
Stefanski’s career record as a head coach in the NFL now sits at 25-22 in less than three seasons leading the Browns. | 2022-12-18T16:01:34Z | sports.yahoo.com | Kevin Stefanski is Browns’ winningest head coach since their return in 1999 | https://sports.yahoo.com/kevin-stefanski-browns-winningest-head-144740922.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/kevin-stefanski-browns-winningest-head-144740922.html?src=rss |
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is done for the season with a torn ACL. He is going to have surgery sometime after Christmas.
We have more information about the injury, his surgery and the timeline for his return.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said on NFL Gameday Sunday morning that Murray’s injury was a clean tear of the ACL. There was no other damage to any other ligaments but there was “associated damage” to his meniscus.
He will have surgery in a couple of weeks, probably after the new year, after having complete two to three weeks of “prehab.”
The timely for his recovery is about nine months, which will put his availability at the start of the 2023 season in doubt, something that was completely expected.
Josh Okogie with a block vs the New Orleans Pelicans
Josh Okogie (Phoenix Suns) with a block vs the New Orleans Pelicans, 12/17/2022 | 2022-12-18T16:01:40Z | sports.yahoo.com | Kyler Murray has timeline for surgery, recovery from knee injury | https://sports.yahoo.com/kyler-murray-timeline-surgery-recovery-144016398.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/kyler-murray-timeline-surgery-recovery-144016398.html?src=rss |
New England Patriots linebacker Josh Uche has been highly productive on the field as of late. He has 10 sacks on the season with all of them coming since Week 8, which is a league-best in that timeframe.
His emergence has given New England a one-two punch to go along with linebacker Matthew Judon, who leads the NFL with 14.5 sacks so far this season. However, even the NFL’s sack-leader recognizes what Uche has been able to do over the past couple weeks. Judon went as far as referring to him as the Patriots’ best pass-rusher.
Uche had three sacks against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday night, making it the fifth game in a row where he has recorded at least one sack. It was also the second time this season he has recorded three sacks in a single game.
For Uche, there isn’t a special secret as to why he is getting these sacks. However, he did admit to having one favorite pass-rushing move.
“The one where I’m not thinking; I’m just going,” said Uche, via NESN’s Dakota Randall. “I’d say that’s my favorite one, where, just out there flowing and it’s just happening.”
New England will need his pass-rushing prowess to continue with the team facing a tough stretch of games down the stretch. A playoff berth is on the line, and Uche’s emergence is coming at exactly the right time for the Patriots. | 2022-12-18T16:02:06Z | sports.yahoo.com | Patriots LB Josh Uche gives simple reason for high-level play | https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-lb-josh-uche-gives-154046450.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-lb-josh-uche-gives-154046450.html?src=rss |
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will likely be without one of their Pro Bowl pass-catchers in Week 15.
Julio Jones is not expected to play in Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Jones, who was limited in practice all week by a knee injury, was listed as questionable on the team’s final injury report Friday. The future Hall of Famer might go through pregame warmups to test the injury, but it doesn’t sound optimistic, according to Rapoport.
If Jones can’t go, look for the Bucs to once again use a committee approach to the No. 3 receiver spot behind Pro Bowlers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, with Russell Gage and Scotty Miller splitting the lion’s share of the snaps. | 2022-12-18T16:02:19Z | sports.yahoo.com | Report: Bucs WR Julio Jones (knee) not expected to play vs. Bengals | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-bucs-wr-julio-jones-154435044.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-bucs-wr-julio-jones-154435044.html?src=rss |
Hours ahead of a Week 15 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, there was some breaking news about the quarterback situation of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ next opponent, the New York Jets.
The Jets are set to turn back to Zach Wilson on Sunday, and aren’t expected to have Mike White any time soon. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, White suffered three rib fractures during New York’s 20-12 loss to the Buffalo Bills last week.
The injury is projected to keep White out “at least two weeks,” according to Rapoport, and that includes the Thursday Night Football matchup in Week 16 against the Jaguars.
Wilson, 23, was the second pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, taken one selection after the Jaguars took Trevor Lawrence. After throwing nine touchdowns and 11 interceptions as a rookie, Wilson was benched after seven games this season with four touchdowns and five interceptions.
New York was 5-2 in Wilson’s seven starts due mostly to a defense that is third in the NFL in yards allowed.
White threw three touchdowns and two interceptions in his three starts before suffering his injury against the Bills. He only missed a handful of snaps despite his rib fractures and was replaced in the lineup during those plays by Joe Flacco. | 2022-12-18T16:02:25Z | sports.yahoo.com | Report: Jets QB Mike White to miss Week 16 vs. Jaguars | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-jets-qb-mike-white-152329673.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-jets-qb-mike-white-152329673.html?src=rss |
It won’t get any easier for Seattle this coming week, as they prepare to face the Kansas City Chiefs at the fortress known as Arrowhead Stadium – where the Chiefs have gone 18-5 over the last three seasons.
“We got a lot of work to do,” exclaimed head coach Pete Carroll when asked what the message for the team was in regards to the Chiefs. “Where we picture this season ending up is a place we’re going to be really proud of if we pull it off, it ain’t going to be easy, it’s going to be hard. But that doesn’t mean we can’t do it.”
Geno Smith echoed the sentiments, stating “We gotta win, gotta figure out a way to win, it doesn’t matter. We’re going to a tough environment, should be a lot of fun. A lot of young guys will be there for the first time. so they can expect it to be a lot of fun, but execution, one play at a time.”
Despite the loss, both Carroll and Smith expressed some positivity. Both felt as if the Seahawks did make improvements from Sunday, specifically from the run game and getting better explosive plays.
Geno discusses what he felt the Seahawks improved upon since Sunday, despite the loss #Seahawks @TheSeahawksWire pic.twitter.com/KOg4JhdvLZ
— Kole Musgrove (@KoleMusgrove23) December 16, 2022 | 2022-12-18T16:02:32Z | sports.yahoo.com | Seahawks coach Pete Carroll on facing Chiefs: ‘We’ve got a lot of work to do’ | https://sports.yahoo.com/seahawks-coach-pete-carroll-facing-143123675.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/seahawks-coach-pete-carroll-facing-143123675.html?src=rss |
It hasn’t taken Tom Brady long to ascend through the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ all-time passing yards list, and he’s set to move up another spot.
With his first completion for positive yardage in Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Brady will break a tie with Josh Freeman for the No. 3 spot on the Bucs’ career list.
It took Freeman 60 games to tally his 13,534 yards through the air in Tampa Bay, while Sunday will be Brady’s 47th game with the Bucs.
Once he eclipses Freeman, Brady will trail only Jameis Winston (19.737) and Vinny Testaverde (14,820) in passing yards in Bucs history.
Brady’s 100 touchdown passes as a member of the Bucs already ranks second in franchise history, trailing only Winston’s mark of 121. | 2022-12-18T16:02:51Z | sports.yahoo.com | Tom Brady continues rapid climb through Bucs’ all-time passing yards list | https://sports.yahoo.com/tom-brady-continues-rapid-climb-152341788.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/tom-brady-continues-rapid-climb-152341788.html?src=rss |
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marquise Brown is officially questionable to play on Sunday against the Denver Broncos. He had an illness that kept him out on Thursday’s practice and had him limited in Friday’s final practice of the week.
However, he is expected to be a go for the Cardinals as they face the Broncos on the road Sunday afternoon.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Brown is expected to play.
Arizona is already without tight end Zach Ertz and quarterback Kyler Murray to season-ending knee injuries. Starting offensive linemen D.J. Humphries, Justin Pugh and Rodney Hudson all are on injured reserve, with only Hudson with a possibility of coming back before the end of the season.
Brown has only played in eight games this season. He missed five on injured reserve with a broken foot. He has 53 receptions for 565 yards and three touchdowns this season. | 2022-12-18T16:03:10Z | sports.yahoo.com | WR Marquise Brown expected to play for Cardinals vs. Broncos | https://sports.yahoo.com/wr-marquise-brown-expected-play-142526456.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/wr-marquise-brown-expected-play-142526456.html?src=rss |
Lionel Messi Scores Penalty in World Cup Final vs. France originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
It marked Messi’s sixth goal of the tournament, putting him above Kylian Mbappe for first in the Golden Boot Award race. It was his fourth goal via penalty in Qatar.
Argentina’s fans are trying to re-energize their team by singing their World Cup anthem “Muchachos” at high volume. The World Cup final is heading into extra time with Argentina and France level at 2-2. Two goals by Kylian Mbappé toward the end of the second half have put the defending champions back in the game. | 2022-12-18T17:23:31Z | sports.yahoo.com | Lionel Messi Scores Penalty in World Cup Final vs. France | https://sports.yahoo.com/lionel-messi-scores-penalty-world-153307722.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/lionel-messi-scores-penalty-world-153307722.html?src=rss |
im in awe at “L Ron Mexico”
pregame flow https://t.co/5oXkC5pvlz
This is funny.
FOURTH UPDATE, Saturday, 3:35 PM PT: Journalists’ account may have been reinstated, but that doesn’t mean they are functional. CNN’s Donie O’Sullivan appeared on the network Saturday and noted that he did not post a direct link to @ElonJet at all and has declined to remove a tweet in dispute. “There is an option to […]
Keldon Johnson with a 2-pointer vs the Miami Heat
Keldon Johnson (San Antonio Spurs) with a 2-pointer vs the Miami Heat, 12/17/2022 | 2022-12-18T17:23:37Z | sports.yahoo.com | NFL Week 15 Sunday viewers guide | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-week-15-sunday-schedule-broadcast-info-live-updates-and-more-as-season-enters-stretch-run-163018947.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-week-15-sunday-schedule-broadcast-info-live-updates-and-more-as-season-enters-stretch-run-163018947.html?src=rss |
STORY: One was in the Asian Town Cricket Stadium, while a second, adjacent fan zone was next door.The tournament, the first to be held in the Middle East, where other countries have also faced criticism over migrant workers' rights, has been mired in controversy with some soccer stars and European officials criticising Qatar's human rights record, including on labor.Britain's Guardian reported last year that at least 6,500 migrant workers - many of them working on World Cup projects - had died in Qatar since it won the right to stage the World Cup in 2010, according to the paper's calculations from official records.In response, Qatar said that the number of deaths was proportionate to the size of the migrant workforce, and included many non-manual workers, adding that every life lost was a tragedy.Hassan Al Thawadi, the secretary general of Qatar's Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, said in a TV interview with British journalist Piers Morgan that aired on November 30 that the number of migrant worker deaths at World Cup-related projects was "between 400 and 500."Qatar has changed its labor laws to dismantle much of its "kafala" sponsorship system, absolving workers of the need to get the permission of the employer who sponsored their visa in order to change jobs or leave the country.It has also set up an insurance fund to help migrants that have been cheated of their wages.
Elon Musk Suspends Washington Post’s Taylor Lorenz for ‘Prior Doxxing Action’
UPDATED, 12/18, 7:35 a.m. PT: Washington Post tech columnist Taylor Lorenz said her Twitter account was suspended Saturday after she tweeted a request for comment at Elon Musk, the tech mogul who is the social network’s new owner, on a story she was working on. Lorenz’s Twitter account (@TaylorLorenz), which she activated in 2010, had […] | 2022-12-18T17:34:22Z | sports.yahoo.com | Packers vs. Rams: 5 things to watch and a prediction | https://sports.yahoo.com/packers-vs-rams-5-things-160703478.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/packers-vs-rams-5-things-160703478.html?src=rss |
That suggests a heavy workload for Kamara, right? The Saints haven’t gotten the most out of him this season, stubbornly running him into the teeth of opposing defenses and weirdly cutting down on the number of screen plays in each week’s game plan. Kamara and his coaches talked about the need for more creativity this week (or at least more of what he’s done well in the past), but we’ll see if they seize this opportunity.
But there might be other solutions than just running Kamara until he can’t run anymore. Nominal tight end Taysom Hill has seen more rushing attempts against the Falcons (42 in 11 games) in his career than against any other team, and his usage has also trailed off in recent weeks. This is a chance for him to reassert himself as a playmaker that their stalled-out offense could really use. He’s had success against Atlanta before, posting single-game rushing totals of 83, 81, and 49 yards. He’s also scored 4 touchdown runs on the Falcons defense in past matchups.
Fullback Adam Prentice is also active for this game, so he’s an option, though the Saints rarely ask him to handle the ball — his first rushing attempt this season came in their last game, gaining 2 yards on 3rd-and-1 midway through the third quarter. New Orleans brought up wide receiver Kirk Merritt from their practice squad, too. He’s cross-trained at running back with them and saw some carries in their preseason games.
Still, it feels like Kamara will again see the lion’s share of snaps in the backfield. Hopefully the Saints can do a better job of putting him in position to make a play. | 2022-12-18T17:35:28Z | sports.yahoo.com | Saints dress out just two running backs vs. Falcons, setting up a big day for Taysom Hill | https://sports.yahoo.com/saints-dress-just-two-running-171258652.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/saints-dress-just-two-running-171258652.html?src=rss |
The Florida Gators got some expected news following their embarrassing Las Vegas Bowl loss to the Oregon State Beavers when fifth-year senior safety Trey Dean III announced his intention to enter the 2023 NFL draft on his personal Twitter account. His stint in Gainesville dates back to 2018, and after using his redshirt for the 2022 season, he is finally out of collegiate eligibility.
The 6-foot-3-inch, 207-pound defensive back had already earned his Bachelor’s degree last fall in Educational Sciences and was a four-time SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll recipient up until then. On the field, Dean appeared in 62 total games, racking up 141 solo and 118 assisted tackles along with 13.5 tackles for losses (five of them sacks), 20 passes defended, four interceptions, three fumble recoveries and a forced fumble.
🔥Always Been A Dream Since I was a Little Kid and GOD finna make my dream come TRUE -Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 🔥 Thank You GOD 💯 0️⃣- OUT ✌🏾 pic.twitter.com/MbrPywX3V4
— Trey Dean (@__TD3) December 18, 2022
Gator Nation, first off I want to Thank My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ because without Him none of this would have been possible. As a Young Kid from Atlanta, Georgia I always wanted to play for the University of Florida, especially seeing My cousin Ahmad Black and Uncle Harrison Houston play here. Orange and Blue Was always in my Blood, Dean wrote.
First, I’d like to thank Coach Mullen and Coach Napier and their entire staff for everything they have done to support and push me throughout my time here at the University of Florida. Thank you for always believing in me and developing me into the player and man that I am today. To my teammates, the bond I have with you all will stick with me forever. You all supported me through everything, and I am grateful for the friendships and connections I have made.
To the fans, it was an honor to play in the Swamp for you each and every week. You all are the best fans in the nation and I will never forget the unbelievable feeling of game day. To my family, thank you for always being there for me and always believing in my dreams. Your unwavering support and love is something I will always cherish.
My dream has always been to play in the NFL, and I am excited to finally have the opportunity to bring that dream into fruition. Therefore, I am officially announcing that I will be entering into the 2023 NFL Draft. Thank you God for blessing me with this opportunity, God’s Plan and forever.
The 2023 NFL draft begins on Thursday, April 27, in Kansas City, Missouri, starting at 8 p.m. EDT when the first round will be broadcast on ESPN and the NFL Network. Rounds 2 and 3 kick off at 7 p.m. EDT on Friday, April 28, while the final four rounds take place on Saturday, April 29, starting at noon EDT — all being broadcast on ESPN and the NFL Network. | 2022-12-18T17:53:52Z | sports.yahoo.com | Florida football’s 5th-year safety declares for 2023 NFL draft | https://sports.yahoo.com/florida-football-5th-safety-declares-170448286.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/florida-football-5th-safety-declares-170448286.html?src=rss |
It did not take long for former Alabama starter and offensive guard Javion Cohen to find a new home. On Sunday, the Alabama native announced that he was transferring to Miami via his Twitter account.
He became the fifth Alabama transfer to find his new home within the span of two weeks. The others that have announced their transfer destinations are Traeshon Holden (Oregon), Khyree Jackson (Oregon), Christian Leary (UCF), JoJo Earle (TCU), and Jack Martin (Houston).
Cohen started in 25 of the 27 games that he played in throughout three seasons. He played a key role along the Tide’s offensive front. The two-year Alabama starter will now head to Coral Gables to play for former Alabama assistant coach Mario Cristobal. It will be interesting to see how he performs at a new venue and whether it improves his draft stock or not.
Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Cohen’s college career as well as other Alabama football news. | 2022-12-18T17:53:59Z | sports.yahoo.com | Former Alabama starting OL Javion Cohen announces transfer to Miami | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-alabama-starting-ol-javion-173835010.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-alabama-starting-ol-javion-173835010.html?src=rss |
Alabama has seen several starters enter the transfer portal over the last two weeks. One of them is former starter, JoJo Earle. The Texas native recently announced that he is transferring to TCU via his Twitter account.
Earle spent two seasons in Tuscaloosa. Out of all of the transfers, this might have been one of the more surprising. As a member of the Tide’s receiving corps, he hauled in 24 receptions for 303 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Despite suffering a season-ending injury as a freshman, Earle still saw significant playing time during his sophomore season. With Earle transferring, the Tide will likely turn to players like Isaiah Bond, Kobe Prentice, and Kendrick Law in their bowl game against Kansas State.
Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Earle’s collegiate career as well as other Alabama football news. | 2022-12-18T17:54:05Z | sports.yahoo.com | Former Alabama WR JoJo Earle transferring to TCU | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-alabama-wr-jojo-earle-174502531.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-alabama-wr-jojo-earle-174502531.html?src=rss |
Penn State will be down a couple of players heading off to the NFL when it plays in the Rose Bowl, but defensive end Nick Tarburton is not going to be one of the players missing from action. On Saturday, Tarburton announced on social media he will play in the Rose Bowl and then focus on his future in the NFL rather than return to Happy Valley for the 2023 season.
James Franklin's all-time bowl game record and results | 2022-12-18T17:54:24Z | sports.yahoo.com | Nick Tarburton will play in Rose Bowl before jumping to NFL | https://sports.yahoo.com/nick-tarburton-play-rose-bowl-120037750.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nick-tarburton-play-rose-bowl-120037750.html?src=rss |
The Tigers’ hopes of reaching the New Year’s Six in the first season under coach Brian Kelly were dashed by a pair of losses to end the season, but the consolation prize is still solid.
LSU will head to Orlando to take on Purdue in the Citrus Bowl in a matchup between conference runners-up. This will be the Tigers’ sixth appearance in the Citrus Bowl and first-ever matchup against the Boilermakers.
At full strength, this would likely be one of the most interesting matchups in all of bowl season. However, LSU will be without several key players — namely edge rusher BJ Ojulari — while Purdue will be without a number of starters including quarterback Aidan O’Connell.
It will also be without head coach Jeff Brohm, who recently left to take the head coaching job at Louisville.
With this context, it’s not a surprise that this game ranked near the middle of the pack in USA TODAY Sports’ Eddie Timanus‘ rankings of every bowl game by watchability. LSU’s came in at 18th.
The Tigers still have the opportunity to reach the 10-win mark in Kelly’s first campaign, and beating the Big Ten West champion would be a solid way to end the season. LSU faces Purdue at Camping World Stadium on Jan. 2. | 2022-12-18T17:54:37Z | sports.yahoo.com | Where does LSU’s Citrus Bowl matchup against Purdue rank among bowls in terms of watchability? | https://sports.yahoo.com/where-does-lsu-citrus-bowl-154009779.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/where-does-lsu-citrus-bowl-154009779.html?src=rss |
TOPSHOT - A man passes by a mural depicting Argentine football stars Lionel Messi (L) and late Diego Maradona (R) in the eve of Qatar 2022 World Cup final football match between Argentina and France in Buenos Aires, on December 16, 2022. (Photo by Luis ROBAYO / AFP) (Photo by LUIS ROBAYO/AFP via Getty Images)
DOHA, Qatar — The Lionel Messi-Diego Maradona debate has never been all that rational. It has reappeared ahead of Sunday’s 2022 World Cup final, with Messi one step away from clearing the hurdle that Maradona memorably did in 1986. And if the debate were a rational one, the current framing would be this: Messi could settle it once and for all with a win over France, because, for now, for at least one more day, a World Cup title is the lone accolade that Maradona had and Messi still doesn’t.
In every single other category, the comparisons are borderline absurd. Messi could finish his career with three times as many goals as Maradona and four times as many trophies. Some of those gulfs are products of era and opportunity, but Messi has essentially replicated Maradona’s fleeting peak and sustained it over 15 stunning years. He is peerless.
Yet there are fans, especially older Argentines, who will argue that Messi won’t — and can’t — ever match their original soccer God.
Because the debate has always been influenced by who Maradona was and who Messi is, and what they represent, not solely by what they’ve done.
Maradona was a son of the barrios, a kid from Argentina’s suffocating slums who outran poverty toward greatness. He was flawed, terribly flawed, and struggled with a drug addiction that ultimately derailed his career — but millions of Argentines identified with the struggle. When he won it, temporarily, and lifted his countrymen with him to World Cup glory, they deified him.
By the time Messi arrived on their television screens in the early 2000s, Maradona was an unmovable legend. Messi, meanwhile, was an unknowable kid who left behind a lower-middle-class existence in Argentina for greener pastures in Spain at age 13. Whereas Maradona was brash and brutally charming, Messi was introverted, clean-cut and unemotional. He was almost alien, and no matter how hard he tried to maintain connections to his Rosario roots, the only way he could prove to Argentines that he was one of them was to win something for them.
And for years, he couldn’t.
For the first decade of his international career, Messi underperformed for his national team. His failures have been overstated — he has, after all, broken just about every Argentina goalscoring record, and almost tripled Maradona’s total — and many weren’t primarily his fault. The Argentine soccer federation was a mess; his coaches (including Maradona) were incompetent; his teams were incoherent. But none of that mattered to Maradona in ‘86; he dragged a sub-elite team to a title. Messi, consumed by public pressure to do likewise, often wilted on similar stages.
Close up of a set of twins wearing shirts featuring Argentina's Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona before the FIFA World Cup Semi-Final match at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar. Picture date: Tuesday December 13, 2022. (Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)
And there was Maradona, still a prominent figure in Argentine soccer, ready to pounce and punctuate widespread Messi criticism.
"We shouldn't deify Messi any longer," Maradona said in 2018. "He's a great player but he's not a leader. It's useless trying to make a leader out of a man who goes to the toilet 20 times before a game."
All the while, though, Messi did things at Barcelona, at the highest level of club soccer, that mortals could never dream of. He won the Ballon d’Or — his first of seven and counting — by the widest-ever margin at age 22. He scored 91 goals in a calendar year (Maradona never scored more than 60). He won Champions Leagues (Maradona never won the European Cup). He scored and assisted at ridiculous rates, from multiple positions, in multiple competitions, with a rotating cast of characters around him, with dizzying darts and superb technique and dashes of brilliance, from his teenage years to the present.
"Messi is Maradona every day. For the last five years, Messi has been the Maradona of the [1986] World Cup,” Jorge Valdano, who won that World Cup alongside Maradona, said in 2013. And he’s been, at worst, almost as good over the nine years since.
“Messi is at the level of the best Maradona,” César Menotti, who managed Argentina to the 1978 World Cup title, said in 2014.
Messi is, to most rational analysts, the best soccer player ever — the most talented, and the most accomplished. Both the eye test and numbers leave little room for doubt.
But he will never have the primacy effect that Maradona did.
He will never score an infamously devious goal and a “Goal of the Century” to win a World Cup quarterfinal against a nation, England, who’d recently defeated Argentina in a disastrous war.
He will never forge such an intimate relationship with his people. There is a reason that Maradona’s face shows up more frequently than Messi’s on flags and banners that Argentine supporters have brought here to Qatar. There is a reason that “Diego” appears three times in the anthem that has become Argentina’s unofficial 2022 World Cup soundtrack.
“From the sky we can see him,” fans sing, “along with Don Diego and La Tota [Maradona’s parents], rooting for Lionel.”
Messi’s 2022 run has captivated Argentina in its own right. Together with last year’s Copa America — which Maradona never won — it has turned most Argentine skepticism into undying love. And if it ends in a World Cup title, it will crystalize Messi as the greatest of all time, the GOAT.
But still, for some, it won’t put him on par with Maradona. Nothing can. | 2022-12-18T18:54:55Z | sports.yahoo.com | Here's the problem with the Messi vs. Maradona debate for Argentina fans | https://sports.yahoo.com/heres-the-problem-with-the-messi-vs-maradona-debate-135544378.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/heres-the-problem-with-the-messi-vs-maradona-debate-135544378.html?src=rss |
Tatum loved watching Kemba's 32-point breakout game for Mavs originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Kemba Walker can still ball, folks.
The 32-year-old signed a one-year, non-guaranteed contract with the Dallas Mavericks in late November, ending his brief period of unemployment after being waived by the Detroit Pistons on Oct. 17.
Walker made his first start with Dallas on Saturday night in place of the injured Luka Doncic and made the most of it, exploding for 32 points on 12 of 25 shooting with five rebounds, seven assists and a block in the Mavs' overtime loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
One person watching Walker's display closely? His former Boston Celtics teammate, Jayson Tatum, who showed love for Kemba on social media late Saturday night.
Walker only spent two seasons in Boston from 2019 to 2021 but was an excellent teammate to Tatum and Jaylen Brown, empowering the young duo to be the team's leaders despite Walker's status as a four-time All-Star.
Injuries have limited Walker's effectiveness since he left the Celtics -- he appeared in only 37 games for the New York Knicks last season -- but he's still capable of scoring outbursts like the one he showcased Saturday night, and his former teammates couldn't be happier for him.
The Celtics face the Orlando Magic on Sunday at TD Garden, but Tatum will miss the game due to personal reasons, per the team.
Game Recap: Cavaliers 100, Mavericks 99
The Cavaliers defeated the Mavericks, 100-99, in overtime. Donovan Mitchell recorded 25 points, four rebounds and three assists for the Cavaliers, while Darius Garland added 18 points, seven rebounds and 12 assists in the victory. Kemba Walker tallied a season-high 32 points, five rebounds and seven assists for the Mavericks in the losing effort. The Cavaliers improve to 20-11, while the Mavericks fall to 15-15. | 2022-12-18T18:55:01Z | sports.yahoo.com | Jayson Tatum shouts out Kemba Walker after 32-point outburst in Mavs-Cavs | https://sports.yahoo.com/jayson-tatum-shouts-kemba-walker-163000322.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/jayson-tatum-shouts-kemba-walker-163000322.html?src=rss |
Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce continues to make his mark in the NFL history books.
A week after becoming the fifth tight end in NFL history to reach 10,000 career receiving yards, and doing it faster than any other tight end, Kelce has hit another career milestone. With two receptions for 16 yards, Kelce now has 10,061 receiving yards over the course of his NFL career. That’s good enough to push him up to No. 4 all-time in NFL history over former Denver Broncos TE Shannon Sharpe.
… and he ain't done yet. Congrats, @tkelce 🏹 pic.twitter.com/gexNbUedTW
Only three players at the tight end position — Antonio Gates (11,841), Jason Witten (13,046) and Tony Gonzalez (15,127) — have more career receiving yards than Kelce. If the 33-year-old keeps playing for another couple of seasons, he’ll have a chance to pass both Gates and Witten, but it’ll likely be tough for him to catch Gonzalez.
Either way, Kelce continues to redefine the position with his on-field production and play. | 2022-12-18T19:03:51Z | sports.yahoo.com | Chiefs TE Travis Kelce passes Shannon Sharpe on receiving yards leaderboard | https://sports.yahoo.com/chiefs-te-travis-kelce-passes-184918556.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/chiefs-te-travis-kelce-passes-184918556.html?src=rss |
A historic comeback win 39-36 over the Indianapolis Colts was incredible for many reasons, but it also saved the Minnesota Vikings from having an atrocious week when it came to the PFF grades.
If you were to get the splits from the first half to the second half, there would be a massively stark comparison between the two. Luckily, we don’t have the splits and can just enjoy how good the grades ended up looking.
The Vikings highest graded player will surprise you, but it’s a good surprise. Here are the grades from Saturday’s win.
This was a classic O’Neill game where you didn’t know he was on the field because he was just a stalwart player. He was credited with three pressures and two sacks, but those were after Cousins was in the pocket for a long time and tried to create.
Osborn and Jefferson were tremendous. The former was making plays consistently and showing a gritty effort by trying to gain extra yards each time he touched the ball.
Jefferson is self-explanatory. He was tremendous throughout and played extraordinary football against one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL in Stephon Gilmore.
WR Jalen Reagor 38.2
Reagor’s grade is easily explained. Both of his targets were poorly run routes that ended up being interceptions, one of which was a pick-six.
Schlottmann drew a tough assignment, protecting Kirk Cousins against DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart. He allowed four pressures on the day but wasn’t an outright disaster.
Hockenson struggled on Saturday. He was targeted eight times but only caught three passes for 33 yards, along with the two-point conversion.
This was arguably the best game the Vikings defense has played all season. They only allowed 22 points and forced the Colts to kick five field goals on the game. Shelley was arguably the best player and the grade supports that. He had two pass breakups and only allowed two catches on six targets for 15 yards.
Smith only had one pressure, but didn’t allow contain to break and was a consistent force in the trenches.
Peterson, like Shelley, was really good in the secondary and allowed only one catch for 15 yards on five targets! Really impressive day from the future Hall of Famer.
Oct 30, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Camryn Bynum (24) walks off the field after the game against the Arizona Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Bynum has not had the best performance the last few weeks and it continued on Saturday. He allowed four catches for 41 yards and struggled throughout.
Kendricks was responsible for the touchdown in the first quarter and was average during the game.
Asamoah finally got some real run during the game and played 13 snaps. You could tell the explosiveness that he currently possesses but didn’t really play enough to truly judge how well he played.
NT Harrison Smith 72.3 | 2022-12-18T19:03:57Z | sports.yahoo.com | Colts vs. Vikings: Best and worst PFF grades from historic comeback | https://sports.yahoo.com/colts-vs-vikings-best-worst-182106384.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/colts-vs-vikings-best-worst-182106384.html?src=rss |
Breer: Potential landing spots for Jerod Mayo if he leaves Patriots originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Could 2023 be the year Jerod Mayo takes the next step in his coaching career?
The New England Patriots' inside linebackers coach has interviewed for multiple head coach openings over the past two years and is viewed as a rising star in the coaching ranks. Mayo doesn't have an official defensive coordinator title, however, and it's possible he'll need to become a DC first before making the leap to head coach.
Joining NBC Sports Boston's "Patriots Pregame Live" on Sunday, The MMQB's Albert Breer said he could see Mayo leaving New England after the 2022 season for either a head coach or defensive coordinator role as he tries to advance his coaching career.
"I do think there's a possibility out there that Jerod Mayo winds up leaving, not even for a head coaching job but maybe for a defensive coordinator job," Breer said.
Breer noted there's a "backlog" of talented defensive coaches like Raheem Morris and DeMeco Ryans who may be looking for head coach jobs in 2023. But if Mayo wants to take a defensive coordinator role, there might be a few intriguing options -- including the Las Vegas Raiders, who have Patriots alums at head coach and general manager in Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler.
Still, Breer doesn't see Mayo taking the Raiders DC job even if Las Vegas fires current defensive coordinator (and ex-Patriot) Patrick Graham this offseason.
"I think there is a chance that the Raiders move on from Patrick Graham after this year," Breer said. "... I just don't think that Jerod Mayo is going to move across the country to take a defensive coordinator job. I think if he does (take a DC job), it'll be with the idea of keeping his family here in New England and maybe commuting."
Curran: Patriots can change the narrative with a win in Vegas
Based on that factor, Breer believes the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns could be in play for Mayo in the offseason if either team has a defensive coordinator opening.
"If Philadelphia opens because Jonathan Gannon gets a head coaching job or Cleveland opens because Joe Woods gets fired, I can see him going to one of those places where it's sort of commutable," Breer said.
Mayo interviewed for the Eagles' head coach job in 2021 and "blew them out of the water," FOX Sports' Jay Glazer told our Phil Perry in February. So, Philly seems like a strong candidate for Mayo if Gannon leaves his post.
Mayo is in his fourth year on the Patriots' coaching staff and plays a key role as co-defensive coordinator alongside Stephen Belichick. It seems very possible this year could be his last in New England, however. | 2022-12-18T19:04:03Z | sports.yahoo.com | Could Eagles or Browns be in play for Jerod Mayo if he leaves Patriots? | https://sports.yahoo.com/could-eagles-browns-play-jerod-184000943.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/could-eagles-browns-play-jerod-184000943.html?src=rss |
The Miami Dolphins were unable to put an end to their two-game losing streak on Saturday, as they were defeated by the Buffalo Bills in a prime-time matchup.
With just a few weeks left in the regular season, fans of teams that are in contention are constantly looking at postseason odds and scenarios as the final games play out.
Entering this weekend, the Dolphins had a 70% chance of making the playoffs, and a win could’ve catapulted their odds to 89%, according to FiveThirtyEight.
With a loss, however, Miami’s odds have fallen again – this time dropping to just 65%.
Luckily for the Dolphins, there are three games this weekend that could really shift things for them. If the New England Patriots lose to the Las Vegas Raiders, the Los Angeles Chargers lose to the Tennessee Titans and the New York Jets lose to the Detroit Lions, Mike McDaniel’s team could see their odds bounce back up to 78%.
Cleveland Browns edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney in concussion protocol | 2022-12-18T19:04:16Z | sports.yahoo.com | Dolphins’ playoff odds drop again following loss to Bills | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-playoff-odds-drop-again-173039320.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-playoff-odds-drop-again-173039320.html?src=rss |
It was a tough scene. Pees received attention from team medical staff on the field before having his his neck stabilized on a stretcher and moving to a trainers’ cart. Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot, owner Arthur Blank, Saints general manager Mickey Loomis and coaches from both sidelines hurried over, as did Shaheed.
Pees, 73, is one of the most-respected defensive coaches around the NFL with a resume including stops with the New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans, and the Falcons. It’s his second year with Atlanta. The Falcons have not announced who will fulfill his duties during this game if he’s unable to return. Hopefully he’s going to be okay. We’ll wish him the best.
Bobby Keys, the legendary rock saxophonist from the small Texas town of Slaton, was perhaps best known for his hard-partying lifestyle. | 2022-12-18T19:04:23Z | sports.yahoo.com | Falcons DC Dean Pees injured in pregame collision with Saints player during warmups | https://sports.yahoo.com/falcons-dc-dean-pees-injured-173348544.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/falcons-dc-dean-pees-injured-173348544.html?src=rss |
This is a 2021 photo of Dean Pees of the Atlanta Falcons NFL football team. This image reflects the Atlanta Falcons active roster as of Wednesday, March 24, 2021 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
NEW ORLEANS (AP) Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Dean Pees was run into by a New Orleans Saints player who was trying to field a punted ball during warmups and was taken off the field on a stretcher less than an hour before kickoff of the Falcons game at New Orleans. | 2022-12-18T19:04:42Z | sports.yahoo.com | Falcons defensive coordinator Pees injured during warmups | https://sports.yahoo.com/falcons-defensive-coordinator-pees-injured-180256765.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/falcons-defensive-coordinator-pees-injured-180256765.html?src=rss |
The Detroit Lions are looking for their second win at MetLife Stadium in 2022.
They were off to a great start on Sunday against the New York Jets thanks to Kalif Raymond.
The Jets punted out of their end zone and Raymond was on the receiving end of the kick.
Forty-seven yards later, the Lions had a 6-0 lead.
The PAT made it 7-0.
This came after the Lions were stuffed on a goal-line stand by Gang Green.
The Lions downed the New York Giants in New Jersey earlier in the season.
Frank Gore Jr. ran for an NCAA bowl-record 329 yards and accounted for three touchdowns to help Southern Miss hold off Rice 38-24 on Saturday night in the LendingTree Bowl. Gore, the son of the former NFL star, had a 64-yard scoring run in the second quarter, threw an 18-yard touchdown pass in the third and ran for 55 yards for another score in the fourth. Gore, who had 21 carries, broke the mark of 317 yards set by Appalachian State’s Camerun Peoples in the 2020 Myrtle Beach Bowl against North Texas. | 2022-12-18T19:05:13Z | sports.yahoo.com | Kalif Raymond returns punt for touchdown to get Lions on the scoreboard | https://sports.yahoo.com/kalif-raymond-returns-punt-touchdown-182528837.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/kalif-raymond-returns-punt-touchdown-182528837.html?src=rss |
Co-defensive coordinator Kris Richard mentioned to New Orleans media on Thursday that the injury is one “as tolerated.” Meaning there is no hard dataset that says “Lattimore’s ready to go.” Instead, it will be all about how he can tolerate the pain and contact. Richard has also said they don’t want Lattimore’s first live contact to come in a game. He needs to work up to it in practice. He’s been a limited participant in each of the last three weeks.
With just three games left in the season and not much left to play for in terms for postseason chances, it is worth considering shutting Lattimore down for the season. This is an internal injury that one must assume has the chance to only gets worse. It will always be tough to accept that sending a four-time Pro Bowl cornerback to injured reserve to end his season is the right move. But it seems that there is no reason to risk long-term impact when you have two corners in Paulson Adebo and rookie Alontae Taylor playing well.
Taylor in particular deserves the opportunity to close out his rookie season on the field. He’s been outstanding so far since being selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL draft. Adebo has also performed better down the stretch as he has gotten healthier after battling early-season injuries. Though penalties have been a hurdle, as they have been for the entire team this season.
As for Lattimore, he has every reason to try to get back out on the field. Players have prepared their entire lives to be out there. But in this case, with returns diminishing by the week, it may be wise to just shut him down. Let him rest up and recover properly for 2023 and beyond. | 2022-12-18T19:05:39Z | sports.yahoo.com | Saints should consider shutting Marshon Lattimore down for the season | https://sports.yahoo.com/saints-consider-shutting-marshon-lattimore-174528806.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/saints-consider-shutting-marshon-lattimore-174528806.html?src=rss |
The Atlanta Falcons have turned to Desmond Ridder at quarterback. The New Orleans Saints, meanwhile, have two or three that could play in the NFL on any given Sunday.
Andy Dalton threw a touchdown pass Sunday to get New Orleans off to a quick start against Atlanta.
Just when the Falcons couldn’t solve Dalton, Dennis Allen sent out Taysom Hill.
The Swiss Army Knife of the Big Easy threw a 68-yard touchdown pass to Rashid Shaheed as the Saints doubled their lead to 14-0 not midway through the first quarter.
Ridder, meanwhile, failed to complete any of his first four passes.
Three other residents were inside when the fire broke out. | 2022-12-18T19:05:52Z | sports.yahoo.com | Taysom Hill finds Rashid Shaheed for 68-yard Saints touchdown | https://sports.yahoo.com/taysom-hill-finds-rashid-shaheed-183455460.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/taysom-hill-finds-rashid-shaheed-183455460.html?src=rss |
Messi's Argentina wins World Cup 2022 after 'greatest' final decided on penalties - latest reaction
Lionel Messi has scored his second goal of the match to put Argentina ahead 3-2. Messi scored at close range in the second period of extra time. Argentina's fans are trying to re-energize their team by singing their World Cup anthem ''Muchachos'' at high volume. | 2022-12-18T19:16:22Z | sports.yahoo.com | 'A game for the ages': How the world reacted to Argentina's 'crazy' World Cup final win | https://sports.yahoo.com/game-ages-world-reacted-argentinas-181140446.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/game-ages-world-reacted-argentinas-181140446.html?src=rss |
Auburn prioritized FIU tight end Rivaldo Fairweather and the decision paid off Sunday when he committed to the Tigers.
He is Auburn’s first transfer commitment and is a great start for what should be a big haul. He is ranked as the No. 28 player and No. 3 tight end in the portal by 247Sports.
Auburn was the first school to offer Fairweather when he entered the transfer portal on Dec. 5. The 6-foot-5, 245-pounder caught 54 passes for 838 yards and five touchdowns in 26 career games across three seasons.
He is coming off a breakout 2022 season where he caught 28 passes for 426 yards and three touchdowns. He ended his FIU career with his best game, grabbing eight catches for 152 yards and three touchdowns against Middle Tennessee State.
With the departure of John Samuel Shenker, Fairweather will have a chance to become an immediate starter when he arrives on the Plains. He and Landen King will give tight ends coach Ben Aigamaua two dynamic playmakers with Luke Deal and Tyler Fromm serving primarily as blockers.
Fairweather is Auburn’s third commit of the day with four-star safety Sylvester Smith flipping from Tennessee to start the day and three-star defensive lineman Stephen Johnson flipping from Arkansas.
Houston Texans linebacker Christian Harris was able to get a sack against Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes in Week 15.
SNL parodies Donald Trump over trading cards: ‘Seems like a scam, and in many ways it is’. | 2022-12-18T19:47:03Z | sports.yahoo.com | Auburn lands FIU transfer TE Rivaldo Fairweather | https://sports.yahoo.com/auburn-lands-fiu-transfer-te-183951648.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/auburn-lands-fiu-transfer-te-183951648.html?src=rss |
On Sunday, former Alabama defensive back Khyree Jackson announced that he was transferring to Oregon via Twitter. The Maryland native chose the Ducks over Kentucky.
Jackson transferred to Alabama out of Fort Scott Community College. During his sophomore season, he tallied 25 tackles and three interceptions. Numerous schools like Auburn, Georgia, Oregon, and Maryland were pursuing Jackson. However, he ultimately decided to commit to Alabama.
In the two seasons that he spent in Tuscaloosa, he made just two starts. Jackson tallied 14 tackles and one tackle for loss on Pete Golding’s defense. It is also worth noting that he was suspended from the team toward the end of the season this year.
After entering the transfer portal, he tweeted out offers from a number of different schools. In the end, he cut it to two: Oregon and Kentucky. It appears that he will reunite with former teammate Traeshon Holden on the West coast.
My New Family 👌 #ScoDucks 🦆 @CoachDanLanning pic.twitter.com/qDGTURgpPw
Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Jackson’s college career as well as other Alabama football news. | 2022-12-18T19:47:09Z | sports.yahoo.com | Former Alabama DB Khyree Jackson transferring to Oregon | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-alabama-db-khyree-jackson-175854864.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-alabama-db-khyree-jackson-175854864.html?src=rss |
The landscape of NCAA football recruiting is drastically changing with the transfer portal, NIL, and the early signing period coming into play almost all at once.
You’re going to win some and you’re going to lose some.
It seems like Oregon coach Dan Lanning is going to use the transfer portal to fill in some holes on the roster that needed to be addressed immediately.
That was the case in former Colorado corner Christian Gonzalez and that worked out to perfection. Lanning is going to the well once again with former Alabama corner Khyree Jackson.
He was the No. 1 player out of the JUCO ranks in 2021, but at Alabama, he wasn’t utilized all that much. Jackson is hoping to win a starting spot at the corner position and show what he can do with more consistent playing time. Jackson has just one year of eligibility remaining, so time is running short.
Here are five things to know about a possible 2023 starter in the Ducks secondary.
Jackson has had a taste of the big time
For most newcomers to a football program, their first start usually comes against a so-called cupcake such as Portland State or Sacramento State. In the SEC, there’s a week toward the end of the season called Cupcake Week where they take a break from the conference schedule and play an Alcorn State, for example.
Khyree Jackson took a different route.
His first start for Alabama came last season in the National Championship game against Georgia. Jackson had two tackles and a pass breakup in the 33-18 loss to the Bulldogs.
Jackson leaving Tuscaloosa was an obvious decision
Coming out of the Junior College ranks, Jackson was the top recruit and he could have gone most anywhere. He decided to join Alabama. But as it turned out, he obviously didn’t play as much as he had hoped.
Jackson was used mostly on special teams in 2021 before finally making his first start in that title game vs Georgia. It was the same situation in 2022 for the first nine games before Head Coach Nick Saban suspended Jackson for a reason that wasn’t disclosed to the media.
Lanning recruited him to play for Georgia
As the top JUCO player, many teams wanted Jackson’s services, including a Georgia team with Dan Lanning as defensive coordinator.
The Maryland native was a four-star prospect by 247Sports and ESPN.com and he held the No. 1 spot in the ESPN JC50 and was deemed the No. 1 junior college corner. Jackson finished the 2019 season with Fort Scott Community College with 25 tackles and three interceptions.
Jackson chose Alabama over Oregon, Georgia, Maryland, Ole Miss, and Tennessee.
It came down between Oregon and Kentucky
Once Jackson decided to leave Tuscaloosa, he quickly narrowed his choices down to Oregon and Kentucky. Both teams are in need of secondary help and the Ducks won this particular recruiting battle.
Perhaps Jackson saw how another corner transferred to Eugene, Christian Gonzalez, and his draft stock went up under Lanning’s and defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi’s tutelage. He has just one year of eligibility remaining.
Jackson isn't the only former Alabama player to transfer to Oregon
We don’t know if this is just a coincidence or perhaps a pipeline from Alabama to Oregon is beginning. But Jackson will have a familiar face in Eugene to play with as wide receiver and former Crimson Tide player Traeshon Holden also committed to the Ducks.
Both players are also from Maryland, which could have played a part in Jackson and Holden ending up at the same school. | 2022-12-18T19:47:36Z | sports.yahoo.com | Transfer Profile: 5 things to know about Oregon’s newest cornerback Khyree Jackson | https://sports.yahoo.com/transfer-profile-5-things-know-191447217.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/transfer-profile-5-things-know-191447217.html?src=rss |
Report: Red Sox 'heavily' pursuing former All-Star third baseman originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The Los Angeles Dodgers poached a talented slugger from the Boston Red Sox in free agency Saturday. Might the Red Sox return the favor?
The Red Sox are "heavily in (the) mix" for free-agent third baseman Justin Turner, MLB Network's Jon Heyman reported Sunday, adding that Turner is seeking a two-year deal.
Boston has had an underwhelming offseason to date, signing reliever Kenley Jansen and outfielder Masataka Yoshida in free agency but letting Xander Bogaerts and J.D. Martinez sign elsewhere while missing out on most of the top players on the free-agent market.
What's left on the market are players like Turner, who earned All-Star nods in 2017 and 2021 and has a proven track record of success but turned 38 in November. Turner hit a respectable .278 in 2022 with 13 home runs and 81 RBIs and likely would slot into the designated hitter role that Martinez vacated.
Still, the Red Sox signing Turner wouldn't move the needle all that much and would raise questions about the long-term future of current third baseman Rafael Devers, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2023 season.
Matt Cardona Reflects On Starring In ‘The Last Match’ Musical
Matt Cardona wasn’t sold on the idea of a wrestling […] | 2022-12-18T20:26:31Z | sports.yahoo.com | MLB Rumors: Red Sox 'heavily' pursuing Justin Turner in free agency | https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb-rumors-red-sox-heavily-195500808.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb-rumors-red-sox-heavily-195500808.html?src=rss |
On the eighteenth SKOL of Christmas, the Vikings gave to me: Teddy Bridgewater’s triumphant return to football.
The Minnesota Vikings were set up to make a real Super Bowl run in the 2016 season. They were coming off a season where they won the NFC North in dramatic fashion against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field and dominated the wild card matchup against the Seattle Seahawks but they couldn’t get it done.
The confidence level surrounding the team was sky-high and the preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers gave even more hope to Vikings fans as he ran the offense to perfection with explosiveness.
That all came to an end on August 30th which ended up being a fateful day for the franchise.
Bridgewater didn’t just hurt his knee, he destroyed it. One wrong step caused a torn ACL and a brutal dislocation that without the quick reaction of head trainer Eric Sugarman, Bridgewater could have lost his leg.
The Vikings went into somewhat of a tailspin for the next few months. They traded first and fourth-round picks for Sam Bradford and, after a 5-0 start, they missed the playoffs at 8-8.
During the offseason, there was discussion about what this team would do at the quarterback position? They had Bradford on the roster and the injury prognosis was unknown. He ended up starting the season on injured reserve and didn’t start another game for the Vikings.
Once he was healthy, there was a lot of speculation that he would end up getting the starting job over Case Keenum, as he was winning games, but making multiple bonehead decisions per game had head coach Mike Zimmer openly questioning his quarterback.
While he never made the switch, Keenum led the Vikings on quite a journey. It ultimately ended in the NFC Championship Game, but one of the best moments in Vikings history came when they hosted the Cincinnati Bengals.
It ultimately ended up being a 34-7 win for the Vikings, but it was more about the moment. It was the game where Bridgewater made his triumphant return and the standing ovation was so loud, it felt like the roof of U.S. Bank Stadium was going to shatter.
While things never were quite the same for Bridgewater, that one moment will forever live in Vikings’ lore. | 2022-12-18T20:34:48Z | sports.yahoo.com | 25 SKOL’s of Christmas: Teddy Bridgewater’s triumphant return | https://sports.yahoo.com/25-skol-christmas-teddy-bridgewater-202627060.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/25-skol-christmas-teddy-bridgewater-202627060.html?src=rss |
Bears quarterback Justin Fields has been a human highlight reel this season. Despite battling an Eagles defense considered one of the best in the NFL, Fields continues to show why he’s one of the NFL’s most dangerous playmakers.
Fields’ latest “Superman” moment came in the second quarter when he evaded a number of Eagles defenders — including avoiding a Haason Reddick sack — to pick up 39 yards with his legs.
While he stepped out of bounds inside the 10-yard line, Fields’ run did lead to a 9-yard touchdown run by David Montgomery, which gave Chicago a 6-3 lead.
Fields led the Bears with 82 rushing yards on 10 carries in the first half. Fields set the franchise single-season rushing record for a quarterback, breaking Bobby Douglass’ record of 968 yards set in 1972.
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo on Invincible’s Timeless and Queer Story
Recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Pat Benetar and Neil Giraldo chat with The Advocate about their contemporary (and queer) Romeo and Juliet set to their music. | 2022-12-18T20:35:01Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bears QB Justin Fields with another highlight-reel run vs. Eagles | https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-qb-justin-fields-another-192259555.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-qb-justin-fields-another-192259555.html?src=rss |
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have released their list of inactive players for Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals, and it’s loaded with key players on both sides of the ball.
All-Pro right tackle Tristan Wirfs (ankle), defensive tackle Vita Vea (calf), cornerback Jamel Dean (toe) and wide receiver Julio Jones (knee), outside linebacker Carl Nassib (pectoral), and outside linebacker Genard Avery (abdomen/oblique) are all inactive due to injury.
Second-year quarterback Kyle Trask is the only healthy scratch for the Bucs.
The big news on the positive side for the Bucs? Both starting safeties, Pro Bowler Antoine Winfield Jr. and Mike Edwards, are both active after missing the last two games. | 2022-12-18T20:35:20Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bucs inactives: Who’s in, who’s out vs. Bengals? | https://sports.yahoo.com/bucs-inactives-vs-bengals-200005948.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bucs-inactives-vs-bengals-200005948.html?src=rss |
The Falcons defense has gotten off to a miserable start against the Saints in Week 15, giving up two touchdowns on the first two drives. However, Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett turned things around late in the first quarter when he sacked Saints quarterback Andy Dalton.
Atlanta forced a punt and the team has since scored to make it 14-3 game in the second quarter. | 2022-12-18T20:36:02Z | sports.yahoo.com | Falcons finally force Saints punt following Grady Jarrett sack | https://sports.yahoo.com/falcons-finally-force-saints-punt-185851233.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/falcons-finally-force-saints-punt-185851233.html?src=rss |
The Chicago Bears are searching for their fourth win of the 2022 season against the 12-1 Philadelphia Eagles in their highly anticipated Week 15 matchup against the NFC’s top team by record. Through two quarters, Chicago has managed to keep this game close and is down by just four points heading into the second half.
Their offense is still trying to find a way to get into gear with Justin Fields under center, and despite some efficient play in the running game, the unit only managed to put up six points at the halftime whistle. Against such a capable opponent, they will likely need to figure out how to double that scoring output if the Bears intend to emerge as the victors in this NFC showdown.
Here are our thoughts on Chicago’s performance against Philadelphia at halftime in Week 15:
Bears defense bottled up Jalen Hurts in first half
Jalen Hurts is among the league’s most dangerous quarterbacks, but the Bears have effectively neutralized him to this point in the game. Hurts completed just 50 percent of his passes in the first half, and with the exception of a long touchdown run that gave the Eagles a lead just before halftime, he has put up a relatively pedestrian performance. Chicago’s effective strategy for bottling him up in the passing game has made the difference in this matchup so far, and if they weren’t playing such outstanding defense, the complexion of this game would surely be different at this juncture.
They’ll need help from the offense on the other side of the ball, but if the Bears can start scoring points, they could come away with a signature win under the most improbable conditions.
Justin Fields posted efficient first-half numbers
In stark contrast to Hurts, Fields is having one of his better showings of the season heading into the third quarter and has posted efficient numbers against the Eagles’ lockdown defense. Both with his feet and through the air, Fields has managed to move the ball down the field for points in the first half, even getting the Bears into the lead on a drive that was capped off by a nine-yard David Montgomery touchdown run.
The second-year quarterback has completed eight of his 12 passing attempts and added 81 yards on the ground on 11 carries.
This standout performance could not have come at a better time for Chicago fans who have been waiting for Fields to win a big game all season. If he can build on his first-half outing through the next 30 minutes of game time, the Bears just might have a chance to serve Philadelphia their second loss of the year.
Bears are losing the penalty battle early
Aside from their scoring output, the only other facet that the Bears need to focus on cleaning up is their discipline, as they are conceding more penalties than the Eagles heading into halftime. Four calls have gone against Chicago so far for a total of 19 yards that have helped Philadelphia stay in the game. If they can keep from beating themselves and giving the Eagles more opportunities to turn the game around, the Bears should have a good shot at closing out this game in the second half. | 2022-12-18T20:36:08Z | sports.yahoo.com | Halftime analysis of Bears’ Week 15 matchup vs. Eagles | https://sports.yahoo.com/halftime-analysis-bears-week-15-192904792.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/halftime-analysis-bears-week-15-192904792.html?src=rss |
Zach Wilson is starting to gain confidence again. He’s connected on some big throws in the first half and has kept the Jets in this one as the Jets are tied with the Lions at halftime 10-10.
Wilson is 8/14 for 185 yards and a touchdown to C.J. Uzomah. His quarterback rating is 125.6. He’s also doing a nice job of spreading the ball around as five difference receivers have at least one catch thus far.
Leading the way is…Jeff Smith?? That’s right, a couple of big chunk-yardage plays at the end of the first half to Smith have given him 73 yards on three catches as Smith is taking full advantage of his playing time in place of the injured Denzel Mims, who is out with a concussion.
One spot where the Jets can really use some improvement in the second half is on the ground. New York is getting no push up front and it has resulted in just 21 rushing yards compared to 71 for the Lions.
They also need some pass rush. It has been near-nonexistent without Quinnen Williams. Fortunately for the Jets, they haven’t been allowing big plays yet to the Lions. Jared Goff is 12/20 for 119 yards.
The Jets have stepped up on defense in the red zone, including a huge fourth-down stop early in the game…only to give up a 47-yard punt return to Kalif Raymond shortly thereafter.
Overall, you have to feel pretty good about Wilson’s performance thus far and how Mike LaFleur is letting Wilson sling it a little more, getting him outside the pocket and even getting some zone read in the mix.
The Jets get the ball first in the second half. | 2022-12-18T20:36:40Z | sports.yahoo.com | Jets tied with Lions at half 10-10 | https://sports.yahoo.com/jets-tied-lions-half-10-193636439.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/jets-tied-lions-half-10-193636439.html?src=rss |
Bears quarterback Justin Fields set the franchise single-season rushing record for a quarterback in the first half of Sunday’s game against the Eagles.
Fields, who entered the game with 905 rushing yards, rushed for 81 yards on 11 carries, including a highlight-reel 39-yard scramble that set up a rushing touchdown by David Montgomery.
The previous record was held by Bobby Douglass, who rushed for 968 yards in 1972.
As of the first half, Fields has 986 rushing yards, and he’s just 14 yards away from eclipsing 1,000 rushing yards on the season.
Fields is 220 yards shy of tying Lamar Jackson’s single-season rushing record for a quarterback with 1,206 rushing yards set in 2019. | 2022-12-18T20:37:05Z | sports.yahoo.com | Justin Fields sets Bears’ single-season rushing record for QB | https://sports.yahoo.com/justin-fields-sets-bears-single-193714200.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/justin-fields-sets-bears-single-193714200.html?src=rss |
During the Miami Dolphins’ losses to the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Chargers, Mike McDaniel’s offense stayed away from the run game, forcing Tua Tagovailoa to rely on his arm and decision-making.
However, against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday night, Miami’s running backs and fullback ran 24 times for 181 yards (7.5 yards per attempt). This opened up some things in the passing game, and it’s exactly how the Dolphins should plan to attack some of the league’s toughest competitors.
During the second half, Miami only ran the ball 10 times for 55 yards. In the same stretch, they completed nine of their 15 pass attempts for 133 yards.
After the game, McDaniel spoke about the decision to get away from the rushing attack.
“I mean you have to – in a game like that, you have to kind of stay ahead of what the defense is doing,” McDaniel said. “I think when they adjust – we had to give them a reason to play single safety. I think they played four snaps of man the first time we played them. So you have a choice – you can either play scared, or you can try to you know continue doing what your offense is built to do and if they’re blitzing five-man pressures to stop the run, it’s going to get ugly. I was fine with the way the game went and I think all of our players would, if given the opportunity, the offensive line and the running backs believe in our receivers and quarterback, and you have to play to each other and take what the defense is getting giving you.”
There were a few situations where the Dolphins needed short yardage, and they could’ve run the ball, but they opted to pass, resulting in an incompletion or a failure to pick up a first down or score. Those plays could’ve been the difference between a win and the loss that they ended up with.
Bills fans were throwing so many snowballs on the field that the officials threatened to call a penalty on the home team on Saturday night, and Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said it created a safety concern. According to McDaniel, Dolphins players were getting hit not just with snow but with ice, and the officials needed [more]
On a November 2021 episode of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Teresa Giudice shared a peek at the kitchen in her new home with Luis "Louie" Ruelas. While Andy said the kitchen looked "beautiful" at the time, The Real Housewives of New Jersey cast member explained they were "still waiting" on chandeliers as they continued to get settled. Throughout the past year, Teresa has shown glimpses of the kitchen in social media posts, but her most recent share finally gave a full look at the incr | 2022-12-18T20:37:31Z | sports.yahoo.com | Mike McDaniel defends decision to lean on the passing attack later in Bills game | https://sports.yahoo.com/mike-mcdaniel-defends-decision-lean-193011294.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/mike-mcdaniel-defends-decision-lean-193011294.html?src=rss |
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