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Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills has done better since getting the starting job back.
The second-year signal caller from Stanford threw an 8-yard touchdown pass for tight end Teagan Quitoriano Sunday during Week 15 against the Kansas City Chiefs at NRG Stadium.
The score, which came on a second-and-goal with 1:04 to go in the first quarter, allowed the Texans to take an early 7-0 lead over the Chiefs.
For Quitoriano, the scoring grab was his second of the season. The Texans drafted Quitoriano with a fifth-round pick from Oregon State.
Mills’ touchdown pass is his 12th on the season and his first since returning to the lineup in Week 14.
Live updates: Follow along with second-half coverage of Chiefs vs. Texans
After Harrison Butker misses an extra point at the end of the first half, Kansas City trails Houston by one point. Follow along with The Star’s live coverage and analysis of the second half. | 2022-12-18T20:39:01Z | sports.yahoo.com | WATCH: Texans QB Davis Mills throws TD pass to TE Teagan Quitoriano against the Chiefs | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-texans-qb-davis-mills-185700741.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-texans-qb-davis-mills-185700741.html?src=rss |
The Houston Texans are holding their own against the Kansas City Chiefs.
With 9:28 to go in the second quarter in a 7-7 ballgame, quarterback Davis Mills rushed for a 17-yard touchdown on second-and-10.
Mills was responsible for Houston taking an early lead in the game late in the first quarter with an 8-yard touchdown pass to rookie tight end Teagan Quitoriano, who recorded his second touchdown reception of the season.
With the rushing touchdown, Mills becomes the first Texans quarterback to throw for double-digit touchdowns and rush for multiple touchdowns since 2020. As of 7:38 to go in the second quarter of Week 15, Mills has 12 touchdown passes and two rushing touchdowns. | 2022-12-18T20:39:07Z | sports.yahoo.com | WATCH: Texans QB Davis Mills scrambles for a TD against the Chiefs | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-texans-qb-davis-mills-191132288.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-texans-qb-davis-mills-191132288.html?src=rss |
Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier is having a monster game against the Saints in Week 15, rushing for over 100 yards through the first three quarters alone.
In the third quarter, Allgeier’s 43-yard run set the team up in scoring position. Then, the rookie capped off the drive with a powerful touchdown run to keep Atlanta in the game.
Check out both highlights below, as shared by the team’s Twitter account.
📺 FOX || NFL+ pic.twitter.com/Japl40BcZW
A 17-year-old was charged with murder in Missouri three months after a 16-year-old girl, whom he met at church years before, overdosed on a fentanyl-laced pill he allegedly delivered. | 2022-12-18T20:39:13Z | sports.yahoo.com | Watch: Tyler Allgeier’s 43-yard run sets up Falcons TD | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-tyler-allgeier-43-yard-201920898.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-tyler-allgeier-43-yard-201920898.html?src=rss |
I have a confession to make: I walked out of the greatest comeback in NFL history at halftime.
It wasn’t because the Vikings’ 33-0 deficit appeared insurmountable (it did), or because I was disgusted by the Vikings’ first-half performance against the Indianapolis Colts (I was). Rather, it was a mutual decision reached by me and my SKOR North colleagues that we would go live at halftime with our Vent Line program that is on our YouTube channel after each game.
My co-host, Phil Mackey, and executive producer Declan Goff both figured that the second half would be a continuation of the first two quarters in which the fans at U.S. Bank Stadium rightfully took out their frustration on the home team. Since the purpose of Vent Line is to allow fans to do exactly that, Phil and Declan figured we might as well start early and hear from the fans while they might still watching the game.
The idea came with the Vikings down 30-0. My first thought was that NFL rules don’t allow you to do a live show from the stadium while a game is in progress and so I would have to leave in order to join my colleagues.
I had a bit of hesitation in bolting with the score 30-0, based on the extremely unlikely chance the Vikings rallied. But when the Colts’ Chase McLaughlin kicked a 27-yard field goal late in the half, any reservations that existed disappeared.
There were a few fans walking out with me as I made my way to the parking ramp for the short drive to the Hubbard Studios. One couple was engaged in a conversation in which all I heard a woman say was, “33-0?” Another couple appeared to be in a verbal spat that was more about their disgust for the Vikings than anything going on between them.
Let me make one thing clear: As a young sports fanatic, the thought of leaving any game early was a huge no-no. I was there for Tommy Kramer’s Hail Mary pass to Ahmad Rashad to end the “Miracle at the Met” in 1980, and, much to my parents’ disdain, had insisted on staying until the end of a lot of games in which the home team fell way short.
But professional obligation and the cynicism that comes with being 53 and having covered sports for many years, made it far easier to walk out of U.S. Bank Stadium and not look back.
The Vikings’ 36-point second half tied the Colts, who only got a field goal in the final 30 minutes of regulation, and as Greg Joseph’s 40-yard field goal sailed through the uprights to end the game in overtime, and give the Vikings a 39-36 win and the NFC North title, one could only laugh about a decision that had cost him an opportunity to see NFL history. Unlike the many who will say they stayed until the end, there is video evidence that I didn’t.
Being part of what turned into a 3-hour Vent Line was great. Sharing the frustration of the first half with the audience, then having that slowly turn into disbelief of what was happening and finally complete awe of what we had all witnessed.
In many ways, that experience might have surpassed having watched the game with my own thoughts from the press box. But the kid in me, the one who never left a game early and scoffed at those who did, will never forgive adult for me walking out of that stadium.
All of those games that I had stayed until the end, none of them matched what happened Saturday. And I missed it.
TNT Championship Match Announced For 12/28 AEW Dynamite
Samoa Joe will defend the TNT Championship on the December […] | 2022-12-18T20:39:20Z | sports.yahoo.com | Zulgad: Breaking childhood rule of leaving early leaves longtime Vikings follower on the outside | https://sports.yahoo.com/zulgad-breaking-childhood-rule-leaving-190724988.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/zulgad-breaking-childhood-rule-leaving-190724988.html?src=rss |
The Texas Longhorns’ resume looks stronger after Saturday. No. 15 Gonzaga, who Texas dismantled earlier this season, soundly defeated the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide.
Gonzaga is off to a rockier start than usual. The Bulldogs sit at 9-3 on the year with double digit losses to Purdue and Texas and a one-point loss to Baylor. Albeit, their schedule is not without resume-building wins.
Saturday’s 100-90 win over the Crimson Tide wasn’t the only big win the Bulldogs have secured. Gonzaga defeated Kentucky 88-72 in addition to close wins over Michigan State, Xavier and Washington. In short, they are facing a nonconference gauntlet.
Plenty of uncertainty surrounds the Texas basketball program, but the team is fortunate to have earned an early win over one of the top teams in the country.
Given its performance against Rice, the Longhorns can’t take anything for granted moving forward. For that reason, the Gonzaga win could pay dividends on Selection Sunday at the end of the season. | 2022-12-18T21:05:16Z | sports.yahoo.com | Gonzaga strengthens Texas’ resume with win over No. 4 Alabama | https://sports.yahoo.com/gonzaga-strengthens-texas-resume-win-181434580.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/gonzaga-strengthens-texas-resume-win-181434580.html?src=rss |
Last week, the Chiefs let the Broncos back in the game with some big turnovers. The same thing is happening in Houston on Sunday. With 1;25 left in the third quarter, the Texans have a 21-16 lead over the Chiefs after Jordan Akins‘ 12-yard touchdown catch. It came on third-and-goal from the K.C. 12-yard line. [more] | 2022-12-18T21:05:29Z | sports.yahoo.com | No. 2 Virginia looks to bounce back at red-hot No. 25 Miami | https://sports.yahoo.com/no-2-virginia-looks-bounce-194003221.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/no-2-virginia-looks-bounce-194003221.html?src=rss |
Texas linebacker DeMarvion Overshown officially opted out of the Alamo Bowl and declared for the 2023 NFL draft on Sunday.
“After taking time to pray about my future, it’s now the time in my journey to fulfill another dream, playing in the NFL. Thus, I have decided to opt out of the bowl game and declare for the 2023 NFL draft,” Overshown stated in his farewell social media post.
Overshown played in every game for the Longhorns this past season, totaling 96 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and four sacks. The fifth-year linebacker will be missed on the Forty Acres.
Check out the inactive list for the Broncos as they take on the Cardinals. | 2022-12-18T21:35:50Z | sports.yahoo.com | Texas LB DeMarvion Overshown officially opts out of bowl game, declares for NFL draft | https://sports.yahoo.com/texas-lb-demarvion-overshown-officially-203057199.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/texas-lb-demarvion-overshown-officially-203057199.html?src=rss |
The Pietrangelo family shared an adorable moment before the defenseman's return to action on Saturday night against New York Islanders.
Pietrangelo has missed Vegas' last nine games, in which the team went 6-3. The 32-year-old has been red-hot this season with 21 points in 23 games, second in scoring among Golden Knights defensemen behind Shea Theodore's 22 points. Theodore is currently out with a lower-body injury. | 2022-12-18T21:57:36Z | sports.yahoo.com | NHL: Alex Pietrangelo returns to play after daughter's illness | https://sports.yahoo.com/golden-knights-alex-pietrangelo-details-daughters-horrific-illness-034742591.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/golden-knights-alex-pietrangelo-details-daughters-horrific-illness-034742591.html?src=rss |
And Patrick Mahomes, too: The MVP race should be fun the rest of the way.
Mahomes completed 36-of-41 passes for 336 yards, two passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown, and after a Texans fumble in overtime, Jerick McKinnon walked it off with a 26-yard rushing touchdown. It wasn't the best win the Chiefs have had, but the 30-24 victory was a huge one in the race for the AFC's top seed.
It wasn't the prettiest game for Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, but he did enough to get the win over a heavy underdog Texans team. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Jets defense: The Jets' defense had to know that with Zach Wilson back at quarterback, they had to win Sunday's game. Wilson then played pretty well. And the Jets defense couldn't close the door.
The Jets are hanging onto playoff hopes. The Jets' offense didn't score a ton on Sunday but it was good enough. The defense couldn't get the play it needed to win. That will haunt them in the playoff race.
A once-promising Atlanta Falcons season: There was a time when the Falcons were a feel-good story. They were 4-4 after an overtime win over the Carolina Panthers. That wasn't great, but you don't need to be great in the 2022 NFC South.
The Falcons have lost five of six. Sunday's loss was particularly cruel. They were battling the New Orleans Saints with rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder taking over the offense. Ridder wasn't good but the Falcons were in the game. Then Drake London lost a fumble just before the two-minute warning, with the Falcons driving for at least a game-tying field goal. The Saints held on for the 21-18 win.
Ridder struggled most of the game, completing 13 of 26 passes for 97 yards. He wasn't the answer to fix the Falcons' issues, at least on Sunday. He'll keep getting more shots this season, but it's all about the future for the Falcons now.
They were somehow still kind of in the NFC South race until Sunday. The loss to the Saints should end those dreams. | 2022-12-18T21:57:55Z | sports.yahoo.com | NFL Winners and Losers: This is not a drill, Trevor Lawrence has arrived as a star | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-winners-and-losers-this-is-not-a-drill-trevor-lawrence-has-arrived-as-a-star-213000891.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-winners-and-losers-this-is-not-a-drill-trevor-lawrence-has-arrived-as-a-star-213000891.html?src=rss |
UConn Huskies guard Nika Muhl (10) reacts after a play against the Florida State Seminoles in the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena / David Butler II - USA TODAY
Florida State was only down 80-76 with 3:19 left after Erin Howard’s three-pointer, but that was the last points the Seminoles would score until she hit one of two free throws with 42.4 seconds remaining. | 2022-12-18T21:58:02Z | sports.yahoo.com | No. 9 UConn holds on for 85-77 win over Florida State at Hall of Fame Women's Showcase | https://sports.yahoo.com/no-9-uconn-holds-85-203059251.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/no-9-uconn-holds-85-203059251.html?src=rss |
Willis is an exciting player but he didn't look ready when the Titans had to start him twice earlier this season. With Tannehill injured, Willis had 135 passing yards total in his two starts. Willis could develop into a fun player but the entire offense changes with him at quarterback.
The Titans were once 7-3 and in control of the AFC South. They're still in good shape in the division, but the Jacksonville Jaguars' upset win in overtime over the Dallas Cowboys improved their record to 6-8. If Tannehill misses time, Willis will have to keep the offense going and come up with some wins. Jacksonville is coming on strong, and the Titans suddenly have a lot of issues to deal with. | 2022-12-18T21:58:14Z | sports.yahoo.com | Titans QB Ryan Tannehill carted off after Khalil Mack's tackle injures his leg | https://sports.yahoo.com/titans-qb-ryan-tannehill-carted-off-after-khalil-macks-tackle-injures-his-leg-214958905.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/titans-qb-ryan-tannehill-carted-off-after-khalil-macks-tackle-injures-his-leg-214958905.html?src=rss |
The Kansas City Chiefs have done it again, securing the 2022 AFC West division title.
They had a chance to lock up the division a week ago, but they didn’t get the help they needed to do so. This time around, all the Chiefs needed was to take care of business against the Houston Texans in Week 15. They managed to do so with a victory in overtime, now winning another AFC West title and clinching a playoff berth.
Kansas City has now won the AFC West for seven consecutive seasons, the longest active streak for a division winner in any NFL division. The Chiefs set the record last season for the most consecutive AFC West division titles with six and now they extend that record to seven. Each of the Broncos (2011-2015) and Raiders (1972-1976) has seen five consecutive wins.
This marks the eighth consecutive season that Kansas City has made it to the playoffs, extending a franchise record set a season ago. It’s again the longest active streak of playoff appearances by a team in the NFL.
This playoff berth marks the fifth consecutive season that a Patrick Mahomes-led Chiefs team has gone to the playoffs. They’ve still never missed the playoffs since No. 15 has been the team’s starting quarterback.
Speaking of Mahomes, he spoke about the possibility of winning yet another AFC West title after Week 14’s win in Denver.
“Our goal is just to continue to get better each and every week,” Mahomes said. “We go into every season saying we want to win the AFC West, we want to get home field in the playoffs and we want to win the Super Bowl. We have not done it yet, but if we win the AFC West, that is our first goal. It is special. I want to make sure that guys remember that it is special to win the AFC West. Our next goal is to try to establish a home-field advantage. That is going to take us playing great football week in and week out. Then we will try to win the Super Bowl. That all takes building. You are not going to play your best football every week, but how can you build on your past week for the rest of the season to make sure you are playing your best football when the playoffs come around.”
This is merely one goal on the checklist to cross off for the Chiefs. Next up, they’ll look to keep pace with the Bills in hopes they slip up and surrender the No. 1 seed.
Instant analysis of Chiefs' Week 15 win over Texans | 2022-12-18T22:02:36Z | sports.yahoo.com | Chiefs clinch playoff berth, win AFC West division for seventh consecutive season | https://sports.yahoo.com/chiefs-clinch-playoff-berth-win-211646387.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/chiefs-clinch-playoff-berth-win-211646387.html?src=rss |
Brock Wright scored on a 51-yard catch-and-run on fourth down late in the fourth quarter, and the Lions continued their drive toward the NFL playoffs with a rousing 20-17 comeback win over the New York Jets. They are now 7-7 and have won six of their past seven games.
The Lions lost in Week 3 at Minnesota Vikings in the same way, though this time, they had more than four minutes remaining to set up a response.
Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) passes against the Jets during the second quarter Dec. 18, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J.
Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) reacts against the Lions during Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions keep NFL playoff hopes alive with 20-17 win over Jets | 2022-12-18T22:02:49Z | sports.yahoo.com | Detroit Lions keep NFL playoff hopes alive with exhilarating 20-17 win over New York Jets | https://sports.yahoo.com/detroit-lions-keep-nfl-playoff-211323366.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/detroit-lions-keep-nfl-playoff-211323366.html?src=rss |
The Chicago Bears did their best to grit out a tough win in front of the Soldier Field crowd on Sunday, but couldn’t quite overcome the conference-best Philadelphia Eagles. Quarterback Justin Fields held his own on offense, rushing for 95 yards and coming back to make a daring fourth-quarter comeback attempt.
… Jalen Hurts and the Eagles’ offense converted a first down in Bears territory after the two-minute warning. Chicago had run out of timeouts and was unable to stop the clock when the Eagles went into victory formation.
QB Justin Fields: Fields led the Bears in rushing and put up almost 200 yards in the passing game along with two touchdowns and no interceptions. His comeback attempt in the fourth quarter should stick with Chicago’s fans for a long time to come, even if the Bears didn’t manage to win.
CB Kyler Gordon: The Bears’ rookie cornerback fought hard against the Eagles and came down with an impressive interception of Jalen Hurts. Philadelphia has some of the best receivers in the NFL, and this game could’ve gotten out of hand if it weren’t for the work Gordon put in against them.
6 Sacks: Chicago’s offensive line allowed six sacks on the day, which made it nearly impossible for Fields to move the ball through the air. Everything he accomplished today was in spite of his offensive line.
Running back David Montgomery found the endzone on a nine-yard touchdown run that gave the Bears an early lead in the first quarter.
Seven Bears combined for five or more tackles on the day, and the team was led by linebacker Nicholas Morrow who tallied 11 in the game.
Justin Fields ended the game with a passer rating of 119.5.
Chicago fumbled the ball four times in this matchup, losing only one.
The Bears were outscored by just five points despite being out-gained by nearly 200 yards on offense.
Chicago was penalized six times in this game for a total of 30 yards.
Byron Pringle led the team in receiving, catching two balls for 39 yards and a touchdown. | 2022-12-18T22:03:33Z | sports.yahoo.com | Instant analysis of the Bears’ Week 15 loss to Eagles | https://sports.yahoo.com/instant-analysis-bears-week-15-212712500.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/instant-analysis-bears-week-15-212712500.html?src=rss |
The Jacksonville Jaguars are 6-8 after a 40-34 win over the Dallas Cowboys that’ll go down as a special one for the franchise and will be remembered for many years to come.
Jacksonville dug its way out of a 17-point deficit, then rallied to kick a game-tying field goal to force overtime. After a three-and-out on their opening drive of overtime, it was the Jaguars defense that closed the show when safety Rayshawn Jenkins picked off Dak Prescott and took it back 52 yards for the game-winning touchdown.
The upset win over one of the top teams in the NFC means the Jaguars’ burgeoning playoff hopes are burning brighter than ever and they’re continuing to bear down the neck of the floundering Tennessee Titans.
Here’s how it all went down in a signature Week 15 win over the Cowboys:
Jaguars MVP of the game: WR Zay Jones
After a nightmarish game full of drops two weeks ago, Zay Jones had his redemption performance against the Cowboys.
Jones caught the Jaguars’ first touchdown of the game, then caught a huge 59-yard touchdown on a double-move that burned the Cowboys’ Kelvin Joseph. Not too much later, Jones put Jacksonville in front with his third touchdown of the day.
It was the first three-touchdown performance of his career, and it came in a huge moment. The cherry on top of his day was the 19-yard reception in the final seconds of regulation that set up a game-tying field goal.
Cowboys MVP of the game: QB Dak Prescott
Outside of a ball that sailed on him and was intercepted when there was pressure, Prescott was about as close to perfect as Dallas could’ve hoped in regulation. He only had a handful of incompletions and finished with three touchdowns, 256 yards, and a few sneaks for first downs that the Jaguars couldn’t stop.
With 34 points up on the board, it’s hard to fault Prescott too much for the Cowboys’ blown lead and overtime loss. Even the game-ending pick six was a pass that should’ve been caught but was bobbled right into the waiting hands of Jenkins.
Jaguars play of the game: Rayshawn Jenkins’ 52-yard pick six
There were plenty of big plays for the Jaguars against the Cowboys on Sunday, including a 59-yard touchdown for Zay Jones that turned the tables, but the play of the game really couldn’t be anything else, could it?
Stat that says it all: 503 yards of total offense for the Jaguars
For the first time in a very long time, the Jacksonville offense is legitimately dangerous and capable of going off at any moment. The Cowboys entered Sunday with the second fewest points allowed in the NFL and the fifth fewest yards allowed. Instead of bottling up the Jaguars, they gave up over 500 yards for the first time this season and Jacksonville put up 40 on the scoreboard.
Up next: The 6-8 Jaguars will head back on the road to face the 7-7 New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. On Sunday, the Jets lost to the Detroit Lions when a 58-yard field goal attempt to tie the game went wide left. | 2022-12-18T22:03:52Z | sports.yahoo.com | Jaguars 40, Cowboys 34: Jacksonville wins on pick 6 in overtime | https://sports.yahoo.com/jaguars-40-cowboys-34-jacksonville-213033890.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/jaguars-40-cowboys-34-jacksonville-213033890.html?src=rss |
The Philadelphia Eagles got a trifecta of touchdown runs from Jalen Hurts on Sunday at Soldier Field and downed the Chicago Bears, 25-20.
It wasn’t a vintage performance by Hurts, who threw for 315 yards but had a pair of passes picked by Chicago.
However, he made up for it with touchdown runs of 22 yards, 1 yard, and 1 yard. The final one came in the fourth quarter after a 68-yard pass to A.J. Brown.
That iced the game.
Justin Fields and the Bears closed within the final score on a 35-yard TD pass but could not get closer.
Fields threw for 152 yards and a pair of TDs. He rushed for 95 yards to reach the 1,000-yard mark for 2022.
Hurts rushed for 61 yards.
Zaandam, the Netherlands, December 15, 2022 – Ahold Delhaize has repurchased 350.664 of its common shares in the period from December 12, 2022 up to and including December 15, 2022. The shares were repurchased at an average price of €27.96 per share for a total consideration of €9.8 million. These repurchases were made as part of the €1 billion share buyback program announced on November 15, 2021. The total number of shares repurchased under this program to date is 36,596,304 common shares for a | 2022-12-18T22:04:05Z | sports.yahoo.com | Jalen Hurts’ 3 rushing touchdowns lift Eagles to 13-1 | https://sports.yahoo.com/jalen-hurts-3-rushing-touchdowns-212035561.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/jalen-hurts-3-rushing-touchdowns-212035561.html?src=rss |
So… here was the situation.
The New York Jets had the ball at their own 38-yard line, down 20-17 to the Detroit Lions with 58 seconds left in the game. Quarterback Zach Wilson was doing Zach Wilson things, completing insane third-reaction passes and missing on four-yard screen passes. But Wilson completed a 10-yard pass in this case to rookie receiver Garrett Wilson, putting the ball on the Jets’ 48-yard line.
And then, the Jets let the clock run down to 31 seconds left on the clock. With all three of their timeouts in the pocket of head coach Robert Saleh. Wilson threw an incompletion to receiver Braxton Berrios. Then, Wilson was sacked, taking the ball back to the 40-yard line with 25 seconds left.
Only then did the Jets call their first time out. After an incompletion to receiver Elijah Moore, Wilson made this crazy 20-yard completion to Moore, which put the ball at the Detroit 40-yard line.
But as you can see, the clock was the Jets’ enemy at this point. They called their second time out of the half with one second left in regulation, and asked kicker Greg Zuerlein to boot a 58-yard field goal to take the game into overtime.
Unfortunately for the Jets, Zuerlein could not comply.
It was a brutal loss for Gang Green, who fall to 7-7 on the season. The Lions are also 7-7, a record they’ve achieved by winning three straight games, and six of seven games, after a 1-6 start to the season. | 2022-12-18T22:04:17Z | sports.yahoo.com | Jets’ late clock mismanagement leads to heartbreaking loss to Lions | https://sports.yahoo.com/jets-clock-mismanagement-leads-heartbreaking-213813536.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/jets-clock-mismanagement-leads-heartbreaking-213813536.html?src=rss |
Jets takeaways from Sunday's 20-17 loss to Lions, including a late breakdown on defense
In his return to action, Zach Wilson passed for 317 yards and two scores, but also had a crucial interception. Wilson had driven the Jets downfield for the go-ahead touchdown with 4:41 to go, but the Lions marched downfield and scored on their next drive to recapture the lead.
The Jets tried valiantly to get back into range to send the game into overtime, but Greg Zuerlein’s 58-yard field goal attempt as time expired sailed wide, dropping them to 7-7 on the season.
- The game began ominously as the Lions – who have been one of the league’s hottest teams over the past several weeks – marched downfield all the way to the goal line, running eight minutes off the clock. The Jets came up big on fourth and goal though, as Quincy Williams, Will Parks and CJ Mosley combined to stuff the run.
- Their relief was short-lived though, as starting from inside his own two-yard line wasn’t exactly the ideal situation for Wilson to see in the first series of his return to action. After the inevitable three-and-out, ex-Jet Kalif Raymond returned the ensuing punt for a touchdown to give the Lions a 7-0 lead.
- Wilson’s next series was a three-and-out as well, as the Lions did a good job of taking the crowd out of the game early. Wilson ended the first quarter with just two completions and running back Zonovan Knight had just three yards on five carries in the quarter, with the Lions regularly putting eight men in the box.
- Wilson got going in the second quarter though, as he rolled right and hit Garrett Wilson for 33 yards and then rolled left and connected with CJ Uzomah on a 40-yard touchdown pass. The coaching staff deserves credit for dialing up some plays that Wilson was comfortable with to give him some much-needed confidence.
- After another time-consuming drive allowed the Lions to take a 10-7 lead, Wilson was indecisive on a couple of plays – an intentional grounding call and a sack – that pushed the Jets out of field goal range. He would later take two costly sacks on the last drive of the game.
- With Denzel Mims suffering an early concussion on Wilson’s first completion of the day, Jeff Smith was called upon to contribute more and delivered with three catches for 73 yards in the first half, including a deep catch that set up Zuerlein for the game-tying field goal just before halftime. Smith was only active because Corey Davis was himself inactive with a concussion.
- Star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams was ruled out before the game, which was a big blow for a Jets defense facing one of the league’s better offensive lines. Goff had plenty of time to survey the field on a lot of plays, but the Jets were able to disrupt some of Goff’s passes when they were able to get to him. They didn’t have a sack or turnover but battled well to keep the game close enough for the Jets to take the late lead.
- After one of his better first-half performances, Wilson’s first series of the second half saw him make the same kind of mistake that saw him benched in the first place. Jerry Jacobs intercepted a downfield throw and returned it deep into Jets’ territory to set up the go-ahead field goal as Wilson misread the coverage and stared down his target.
- Wilson bounced back in the fourth quarter, breaking out of a mini-slump with a downfield completion to Garrett Wilson and finding Uzomah for his second touchdown of the game on 3rd-and-goal at the one.
- Just when the Jets needed their defense to step up for them, they had a major breakdown as Brock Wright caught a short pass on 4th-and-inches from midfield and took it the distance to give the Lions the lead with 1:49 to go.
- The Jets battled to get the ball into field goal range late, but Wilson took two sacks on the drive to make it an uphill climb. He was able to convert on 3rd-and-19 and 4th-and-18 to get the Jets close enough for Zuerlein to attempt a 58-yarder as time expired, but it was well wide.
The Jets have a short week as they'll host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday night at 8:15 p.m. | 2022-12-18T22:04:30Z | sports.yahoo.com | Jets takeaways from Sunday's 20-17 loss to Lions, including a late breakdown on defense | https://sports.yahoo.com/jets-takeaways-sundays-20-17-215057699.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/jets-takeaways-sundays-20-17-215057699.html?src=rss |
The Bears still have to be better in the passing game but once the coaching staff figured out Fields has an elite ability to make plays with his legs, it has turned things around a little and has Chicagoans hopeful for the future.
Case in point: Fields surpassed 1,000 yards rushing for the season on Saturday by gobbling up 95 yards on the ground on 15 carries (6.3 avg.). He joins Lamar Jackson and Michael Vick as the only quarterbacks to surpass 1,000 yards in a season by a quarterback in NFL history.
That’s rare company, and Fields is just getting started.
And don’t look now, but Fields is within striking distance of the single-season rushing record by a quarterback. He sits at 1,000 yards exactly and is only 206 yards back of Jackson’s record. He’ll need to have two more fantastic games rushing to close out the season, but it’s at least something for Bears and Buckeye fans to root for. | 2022-12-18T22:04:36Z | sports.yahoo.com | Justin Fields becomes just the third quarterback in NFL history to hit major milestone in rushing yards | https://sports.yahoo.com/justin-fields-becomes-just-third-214711829.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/justin-fields-becomes-just-third-214711829.html?src=rss |
Bears second-year quarterback Justin Fields briefly left the field against the Eagles in the fourth quarter after sustaining an apparent hamstring injury.
The nature of the injury was unknown, but Fields was seen limping from the field before being instructed by coaches to go down to stop play.
Justin Fields is headed to the locker room after an apparent injury on the Bears last offensive drive. pic.twitter.com/rBQgfCzWEs
Fields put up a valiant effort in this tilt and had the Bears within four points of the 12-1 Eagles before exiting the game. He had completed 10 of 16 pass attempts he took, found the end zone once, and managed to keep from throwing an interception. His 95 rushing yards led Chicago in the ground game and seemed to threaten Philadelphia’s usually stout defense.
Backup Nathan Peterman took over in Fields’ absence, but with the game on the line and a chance to lead a potential comeback, Fields returned to the field, ready to give the Bears their best shot at their fourth win of the season. And he delivered.
Fields led Chicago on a six-play, 60-yard scoring drive, where he found a wide open Byron Pringle for a 35-yard touchdown to bring the Bears to within one score.
Fields has showcased his playmaking ability and toughness in this game, providing a glimpse of what he has to offer to the city of Chicago for years to come. | 2022-12-18T22:04:43Z | sports.yahoo.com | Justin Fields exits game vs. Eagles, returns to lead Bears to TD | https://sports.yahoo.com/justin-fields-exits-locker-room-210449541.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/justin-fields-exits-locker-room-210449541.html?src=rss |
Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold wasn’t atrocious in Sunday’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. But he wasn’t good enough either.
In his third start of the 2022 campaign, the fifth-year passer completed 14 of his 23 throws for a season-high 225 yards and one touchdown. And although he still has yet to commit a turnover, Darnold—as shown in his Week 15 performance—can only take the offense so far.
So, when asked by ESPN’s David Newton if Darnold played well enough to get the start next week against the Detroit Lions, interim head coach Steve Wilks wasn’t exactly committal in his response.
“We’re gonna watch the tape and evaluate everybody,” he said simply.
To be fair, the continuous evaluation at every position has been a part of Wilks’ modus operandi throughout his nine-game tenure at the helm. He has also, however, named starting quarterbacks during postgame pressers before—something he couldn’t do following Darnold’s underwhelming showing.
If Darnold somehow isn’t the man under center in Week 16, the obvious next man up would be PJ Walker—who has made five starts this season. | 2022-12-18T22:05:08Z | sports.yahoo.com | Panthers don’t commit to starting Sam Darnold in Week 16 | https://sports.yahoo.com/panthers-don-t-commit-starting-212743485.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/panthers-don-t-commit-starting-212743485.html?src=rss |
Since taking over for the Carolina Panthers, Steve Wilks has always been worried about “winning the day.” And no matter what the result, that remains the concern.
Unfortunately for Wilks and the Panthers, Sunday’s result wasn’t a favorable one. Their 24-16 defeat at the heavy hands of the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers dropped them to 5-9 on the campaign—which, at the very least, puts their quest to an NFC South title on hold.
Regardless, Wilks stated he doesn’t want anyone looking too far ahead when asked of the team’s outlook at postseason play.
“I thought the focus was fine,” he replied. “The execution did not prevail. And still not worrying about it last week, not worrying about it now. We gotta worry about trying to get ourselves right to win a football game. I don’t want anybody in this building talking playoffs.”
The Panthers entered Week 15 just one game behind the division-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If Tampa Bay loses to the Cincinnati Bengals this evening, Carolina will still have their destiny in their own hands. But if Tampa Bay wins, they’ll need some help down this final three-game stretch.
So, what is Wilks thinking to start this crucial run?
“Again, we gotta hit the reset button,” he said. “Don’t allow ‘it’ to get in the way. We’ve been down this road before. That was a setback against Cincinnati, we came back the next week and played a great game against Atlanta. So, we gotta find a way as coaches, and the men in the locker room, to make plays. And we gotta do a much better job putting them in position to make plays.”
They can start making those plays again on Saturday, when they welcome in the 7-7 Detroit Lions. | 2022-12-18T22:05:14Z | sports.yahoo.com | Panthers interim HC Steve Wilks: I don’t want anybody in this building talking playoffs | https://sports.yahoo.com/panthers-interim-hc-steve-wilks-215016452.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/panthers-interim-hc-steve-wilks-215016452.html?src=rss |
The Jacksonville Jaguars shocked the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, overcoming a 17-point deficit before earning a 40-34 victory in overtime.
The Jags got a 48-yard field goal as regulation expired to set up the extra session.
Dak Prescott attempted a pass that deflected off Noah Brown and was picked by Jenkins, who had another interception earlier in the game.
The Jags trailed 27-10 in the third quarter but scored 27 points in the second half. | 2022-12-18T22:05:27Z | sports.yahoo.com | Rayshawn Jenkins’ stunning pick-six gives Jags overtime upset of Cowboys | https://sports.yahoo.com/rayshawn-jenkins-stunning-pick-six-213034107.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/rayshawn-jenkins-stunning-pick-six-213034107.html?src=rss |
According to Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, he “didn’t have eyes” on linebacker Marcus Allen when he wandered over to talk trash to the Carolina Panthers during a timeout.
The unsportsmanlike conduct flag turned a stopped drive into a field goal for the Panthers. Pittsburgh is very fortunate the mistake didn’t figure into the final outcome of the game. According to Tomlin when asked what the impact was, he simply said, “three points”.
Allen easily had some of the most foolish penalties I’ve seen in a very long time. To go to the opposing team’s huddle during a timeout just to talk trash is dumb on an astronomical level. The fact Tomlin played it off when he is so hyper-critical of penalties at times is telling about Tomlin and his faux equality when it comes to the roster.
Fortunately, the Steelers beat the Panthers 24-16 and improve to 6-8 and the mistake didn’t cost Pittsburgh the win. Let us know in the comments what you thought of Allen’s penalty and his behavior. | 2022-12-18T22:05:41Z | sports.yahoo.com | Steelers HC Mike Tomlin downplays idiotic penalty by Marcus Allen | https://sports.yahoo.com/steelers-hc-mike-tomlin-downplays-213157423.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/steelers-hc-mike-tomlin-downplays-213157423.html?src=rss |
How France reacted
By Rebecca Rosman and agencies
As Gonzalo Montiel scored the final penalty to confirm Argentina as world champions, an eerie silence fell on a freezing and wet Champs-Elysées in Paris.
“It’s so disappointing. We came back and believed we could do it,” said Romain Cyne, who watched the match from a crowded bar in central Paris.
The main question on everyone's lips was why France had not turned up in the first half, which they finished two goals behind. An illness that swept through the French team in the week was perhaps to blame, but it came as even more of a shock when they came out of their slumber to draw level.
“We woke up too late,” Jordan Tambutte, a disappointed France fan who watched the match from Belushi’s bar in Paris. “We showed a real strength of character but when you get to penalties it’s 50-50."
“Les Bleus let us dream,” tweeted French president Emmanuel Macron, who had traveled to Qatar to watch the final from the stands. Macron, a huge football fan, was also seen consoling Mbappé in the moments after the tournament.
Emmanuel Macron consoled Kylian Mbappe after the match - Getty Images/Richard Sellers
Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo saluted the French team for a “legendary” game, while Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, France’s sports minister, tweeted: “At the end of the suspense, sadness. Our Bleus were able to raise their heads to offer us a legendary final. Congratulations to them…dry your tears, you made France proud.”
What the players and managers said
"Those first 70 minutes or so we were playing a very aggressive and dynamic opponent and we just weren't up to the same level for a number of reasons
"But, nevertheless, we managed to come back from the dead and we made a magnificent comeback from what was a very difficult situation.
"Obviously we have some regrets about that first part of the match and then we go into the extra time, where we could have won it in the last minute. Unfortunately, it didn't go in and then it went to penalties.
"We were perhaps lacking a little bit of energy. Some of our key players were lacking that energy. But, nonetheless, we had some young, more inexperienced players who came on and brought some freshness and quality and they managed to get us back into the match and keep the dream alive. | 2022-12-18T23:20:29Z | 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-181140711.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/game-ages-world-reacted-argentinas-181140711.html?src=rss |
Several celebrities and public figures have fiercely condemned Jeremy Clarkson’s “vile” and “hateful” rant against Meghan Markle in a newspaper column. In an op-ed for The Sun published on Friday (16 December), Clarkson wrote that he loathes the Duchess of Sussex “on a cellular level” and wants people to “throw lumps of excrement” at her. Now, several prominent figures – from comedians Kathy Burke and John Bishop to Countdown star Carol Vorderman – have criticised Clarkson’s comments. | 2022-12-18T23:29:31Z | sports.yahoo.com | Tiger Woods, Charlie back up to T-8 with closing 65 at PNC | https://sports.yahoo.com/tiger-woods-charlie-back-t-160430174.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/tiger-woods-charlie-back-t-160430174.html?src=rss |
Tennessee Titans cornerback Roger McCreary (21) tosses the ball to safety Joshua Kalu (28) to intercept a pass intended to Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (81) on Dec. 18, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
With the game tied at 7-7 in the final seconds of the second quarter, Herbert looked to Mike Williams in the front left corner of the end zone. Instead, he found McCreary, who was in deep zone coverage. McCreary leapt up and out of bounds to grab the ball, then threw it back into the end zone before landing on his feet. Kalu then corralled the ball while standing on his tiptoes along the sideline. He stayed in bounds just long enough to secure the catch and a touchback. | 2022-12-18T23:29:37Z | sports.yahoo.com | Titans tag-team for wild interception of Justin Herbert you have to see to believe | https://sports.yahoo.com/titans-tag-team-for-wild-interception-of-justin-herbert-you-have-to-see-to-believe-230348025.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/titans-tag-team-for-wild-interception-of-justin-herbert-you-have-to-see-to-believe-230348025.html?src=rss |
Justin Fields became just the third quarterback in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards in a season with his 95-yard outing in the Bears’ 25-20 loss to the Eagles in Week 15.
“It means a lot, of course,” Fields said after the game. “I told you guys this earlier in the week, I couldn’t be here without God and I couldn’t be here without my teammates and coaches.”
Fields, who has exactly 1,000 rushing yards on the year, also set the Bears’ single-season rushing record for a quarterback, breaking the previous record set by Bobby Douglass (968 yards) in 1962.
But just so we’re clear, Fields doesn’t plan on relying so much on his legs every season. Fields recognizes that it’s needed right now, and he knows what this offense eventually needs to become.
“I don’t plan on rushing for a thousand yards every year,” Fields said with a smile. “Like I said before, it’s an honor and a blessing from God and I couldn’t do it without my coaches and teammates.”
Fields is just 207 yards shy of breaking Lamar Jackson’s single-season rushing record for a quarterback with 1,206 rushing yards set in 2019. And given Fields doesn’t plan on rushing this much every season, he’s coming for that record.
“I’m already deep into this year, so I might as well go and get that record,” said Fields. “I think I need 206 (yards). Three games left, that’s about 70 yards a game. We’ll see what happens.”
Fields leads all quarterbacks in rushing this season, and he’s rushed for 60-plus yards in eight straight games. He’s eclipsed 80-plus yards in six games this season.
If there’s anyone that can go out there and break Jackson’s record, it’s Fields.
The Raiders have blown their four previous double-digit halftime leads. They are not starting out the second half on a high note today after leading 17-3 at halftime. Kyle Dugger‘s pick-six of Derek Carr has drawn the Patriots within 17-10 of the Raiders with 12:07 remaining in the third quarter. It was the sixth non-offensive [more] | 2022-12-18T23:37:35Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bears QB Justin Fields is coming for Lamar Jackson’s single-season rushing record | https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-qb-justin-fields-coming-231609314.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-qb-justin-fields-coming-231609314.html?src=rss |
Coming into Week 15, Carolina Panthers interim head coach Steve Wilks implored his players and fans to “defend the Bank.” But Mike Tomlin, the Pittsburgh Steelers and their fans apparently were having none of it.
Here are the top takeaways from Sunday’s 24-16 defeat.
Taste of their own medicine
The Panthers rolled into Sunday on a strong two-game winning streak—one in which they ran for a combined 408 yards and three touchdowns on 92 carries. But instead of continuing their role as the bully on Sunday, they were on the receiving (or rushing) end of the bullying.
Led by Steelers running back Najee Harris and his game-high 86 rushing yards, Pittsburgh pounded Carolina for 156 yards and three scores on 45 attempts. That establishment of the ground game allowed the Steelers to not only dominate in the time-of-possession battle (36:11 to 23:49), but it helped set up a ridiculous 75-percent third-down success rate (12-of-16).
Conversely, the Panthers couldn’t get anything done with their legs—amassing their lowest rushing output (21 yards on 16 tries) since 2012. They also converted on just four of their 11 third-down looks.
Keith Taylor Jr. had a very, very rough afternoon
When starting cornerback CJ Henderson made an early exit due to an ankle injury, Taylor Jr. was tasked with stepping up. But, unfortunately, he only got stepped on . . . and over . . . and by.
That aforementioned success on third down for Pittsburgh came, many a time, at the expense of Taylor Jr. His roughest moments came on a stiff arm by Harris, a case of Moss’ing courtesy of George Pickens and pretty much whenever he was lined up against Diontae Johnson—who finished with a game-high 98 receiving yards on 10 grabs.
If Henderson is set to miss an extended amount of time, Taylor Jr. will continue to be picked on by opposing offenses. And for that to stop, he’ll either have to make plays or make his way to the bench.
As deflating of a loss as this was, the Panthers’ playoff hopes are not yet dashed.
Thanks to the New Orleans Saints’ 21-18 win over the Atlanta Falcons, the Panthers are in a three-way tie at 5-9 right below first place. And with a 3-1 record within the division, that trumps both New Orleans (2-3) and Atlanta (1-4) in the tiebreaker scenario.
As for the first-place Tampa Bay Buccaneers—the Panthers will remain within striking distance regardless of their outcome against the Cincinnati Bengals. A Tampa Bay win would push their lead over Carolina to two games, while a loss would keep it at one.
Even in the former scenario, the Panthers would be two games back with three to play and a date with the Bucs in Week 17. So, although they’d need a little help in that situation, it’s still not over.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Mitch Trubisky threw for 179 yards and engineered three long touchdown drives as the Pittsburgh Steelers held on to beat Carolina 24-16 on Sunday, dealing the Panthers' playoff hopes a major blow. Trubisky, filling in for concussed rookie Kenny Pickett, ran for a 1-yard touchdown and played turnover-free football. Najee Harris carried 24 times for 86 yards and a touchdown and Jaylen Warren added a 2-yard TD run for Pittsburgh (6-8), which has won three of its last four. | 2022-12-18T23:37:43Z | sports.yahoo.com | Biggest takeaways from Panthers’ Week 15 loss to Steelers | https://sports.yahoo.com/biggest-takeaways-panthers-week-15-224533342.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/biggest-takeaways-panthers-week-15-224533342.html?src=rss |
Purdy's NFL OROY odds skyrocket after win over Seahawks originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
Brock Purdy has done nothing but impress since he took over as the 49ers’ starting quarterback, and the oddsmakers have taken notice.
After San Francisco defeated the Seattle Seahawks 21-13 Thursday night at Lumen Field, Purdy’s odds of winning the Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award took quite the leap.
Odds provided by our partner, PointsBet, show that the 49ers’ seventh-round pick of the 2022 NFL Draft saw his chances of winning the award go from +2200 before Thursday’s game to +1000 after the victory.
Purdy now holds the NFL’s fifth-best odds to win OROY, behind New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (+425), Green Bay Packers wideout Christian Watson (+375), Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (+300) and New York Jets receiver Garrett Wilson (+150).
In three games with two starts since veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo went down with a broken foot against the Miami Dolphins in Week 13, Purdy has compiled a 108.8 passer rating with a 69.0 completion percentage, 612 yards passing and six touchdowns compared to one interception.
Against the Seahawks, Purdy was 17-for-26 for 217 yards passing with a pair of touchdown passes to tight end George Kittle.
Purdy has played a key role in helping San Francisco keep its current seven-game winning streak alive, and now the 22-year-old has the task of leading a championship-caliber roster through the playoffs after the 49ers clinched the NFC West with their win over Seattle.
And the rookie appears up for the challenge. His teammates and coaches have praised Purdy's poise and confidence, and that character has translated to success on the field.
Since 2010, six quarterbacks have won OROY -- Sam Bradford (2010), Cam Newton (2011), Robert Griffin III (2012), Dak Prescott (2016), Kyler Murray (2019) and Justin Herbert (2020).
All of those quarterbacks, aside from Prescott, were drafted in the first round. Purdy, on the other hand, was the 262nd and final pick of this year’s draft, otherwise known as “Mr. Irrelevant.”
But since stepping up big time for the 49ers, Purdy has proven he’s anything but irrelevant.
Just as he defied the odds to make it to where he is today, Purdy very well could end up earning the prestigious award with three games left in San Francisco’s regular season.
Best of luck, rook.
Chicago Bears offensive lineman Teven Jenkins was carted off the field with a neck injury after he got hurt on the team's first drive Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles. Jenkins went down while blocking for David Montgomery on a running play with 12:31 left in the first quarter. The 24-year-old Jenkins was a second-round pick by Chicago in the 2021 NFL Draft. | 2022-12-18T23:37:50Z | sports.yahoo.com | Brock Purdy's Offensive Rookie of the Year odds skyrocket after 49ers-Seahawks | https://sports.yahoo.com/brock-purdys-offensive-rookie-odds-221228576.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/brock-purdys-offensive-rookie-odds-221228576.html?src=rss |
The Arizona Cardinals had to turn to third-string quarterback Trace McSorley in the second half against the Denver Broncos.
On their opening possession of the second half, Colt McCoy ran the ball to pick up a first down on third down, but when he dove, he landed on right tackle Kelvin Beachum’s leg.
McCoy went down and Beachum went down.
Beachum suffered a knee and ankle injury. The team announced he was questionable to return.
McCoy was ruled out with a concussion.
Trace McSorley entered the game to replace McCoy with no other quarterback active for the game. Cody Ford replaced Beachum at right tackle.
After the injuries, the Cardinals got a 55-yard field goal to take a 9-3 lead. | 2022-12-18T23:38:15Z | sports.yahoo.com | Colt McCoy, Kelvin Beachum injured in second half vs. Broncos | https://sports.yahoo.com/colt-mccoy-kelvin-beachum-injured-230204767.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/colt-mccoy-kelvin-beachum-injured-230204767.html?src=rss |
CHICAGO (AP) Javon Hargrave slung Justin Fields to the ground, and then celebrated by drawing a door with his hands and kicking it in.
Philadelphia's defensive line is tough to stop - even with an offensive line.
''We just out there fighting, because we know if we ain't on time, one of the other dudes is going to get it,'' said Sweat, who has six sacks in his last four games. ''So we out there fighting but at the same time just keeping our responsibilities so we take care of each other at the end of the day.''
''You just got to make sure you don't really get too high on your rushes or not leaving lanes and just really communicating with the defensive line just to try to keep him in the pocket,'' Hargrave said. | 2022-12-18T23:39:25Z | sports.yahoo.com | Fierce Eagles pass rush steps up again in victory over Bears | https://sports.yahoo.com/fierce-eagles-pass-rush-steps-223605956.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/fierce-eagles-pass-rush-steps-223605956.html?src=rss |
While the Green Bay Packers have fallen well short of expectations in 2022, two previously overlooked players have brought excitement to a season where there hasn’t been much to cheer about.
Of course, we’re talking about cornerback Keisean Nixon and safety Rudy Ford.
Both players are in their first seasons with the Packers. Initially, Nixon and Ford were brought in as reinforcements for a special teams unit that was dead last in Rich Gosselin’s annual rankings. However, thanks to the hiring of Rich Bissacia and an emphasis on finding more specialized players in free agency, this season Green Bay’s special teams is currently ranked 16th, according to Pro Football Focus. They haven’t finished better than 16th since 2015.
Lately, it’s been Nixon providing the biggest boost to the Packers’ “we-fense.”
For most of the season, Amari Rodgers had served as the team’s return specialist, but a fourth fumble against Dallas Cowboys finally turned the job over to Nixon and eventually led to Rodgers’ release. Since then, Nixon has put together one of the best seasons by a Green Bay kick returner in more than 20 years. His seven kickoff returns of 30-plus yards rank first in the league and have Aaron Rodgers longing for more.
“He’s been so important for us changing the kicking game,” Rodgers said after their most recent win over the Chicago Bears. “For a long time here, and I don’t mean this as disrespect, but it’s just the facts, for a long time when that ball is up in the air on kickoff, I’m thinking, ‘stay in, stay in, don’t bring it out,’ because just not a lot of good stuff happens. But I always tell Kei now when he’s about to go out there, I say, ‘bring it out,’ because he brings an extra type of juice to our football team, and you can win with guys like that, guys that care about it, guys that are tough and guys that make big-time plays.”
In that same game, with under a minute left, Nixon picked off Justin Fields for his first-career interception to seal the win.
“Kei closed that thing out,” Rodgers added. “He’s the type of player I wish I’d had over the course of my career because you feel real good going to battle with a guy like that.”
Meanwhile, Ford has also proven to be just as impactful. Before signing with the Packers on August 31, Ford spent most of his career as a special teamer. Now, he’s started the last four games at safety and has emerged as one of their better playmakers on defense.
It all started in Week 10 against Dallas after Darnell Savage was moved to the slot. Ford took his place at safety and made two game-changing interceptions to help secure an overtime win. He also provided some hard-nosed tackling, which caught the attention of Matt LaFleur.
“I thought he did an outstanding job,” LaFleur said via The Athletic. “You could really feel his speed and physicality out on the field. There were a couple of open-field tackles that he made that I thought were pretty impressive, so I thought it was, all in all, a really good day for him.”
Two weeks later, Ford forced a fumble against the Philadelphia Eagles and then recovered a fumble the following week against the Bears.
For whatever reason, the ball has a way of finding Ford, but what is impressing teammates like Jaire Alexander the most is how he’s picked up on what they are trying to do defensively.
“Rudy stepped up for us,” Alexander said Saturday. “I think he is doing better at communicating. He wasn’t out there with us for training camp, so he wasn’t even able to talk and be out there, but he’s come a long, and I’m excited for whatever plays come for him.”
Eventually, Green Bay will have to make decisions on both Nixon and Ford. The team doesn’t want to lose possibly their best kick returner in over two decades or a safety who is a super reliable tackler and a playmaker in coverage.
Currently, both are signed to cheap, one-year deals, but could seek out a contract with more years and compensation in the offseason. Eventually, the Packers need to consider whether what Nixon and Ford bring to the table is worth another investment. Right now, the answer is overwhelmingly yes. | 2022-12-18T23:40:09Z | sports.yahoo.com | Keisean Nixon and Rudy Ford have brought unexpected excitement to Packers’ season | https://sports.yahoo.com/keisean-nixon-rudy-ford-brought-230322017.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/keisean-nixon-rudy-ford-brought-230322017.html?src=rss |
It might not have been the prettiest game in the world, but these are the games you look back on and hang your hat on. The Detroit Lions were able to go on the road and grind it out against a tough New York Jets squad and walk away with a 20-17 victory and winning six of their last seven games.
With the win, the Lions continue to make noise in their NFC wild card hunt, as the Minnesota Vikings have already clinched the NFC North. Currently, the teams the Lions are chasing are the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Washington Commanders, and the Seattle Seahawks. Also, following right behind the Lions are the Green Bay Packers, Carolina Panthers, and Atlanta Falcons.
The Lions received a boost as the Seattle Seahawks lost to the San Francisco 49ers and are now tied with one another. The Cowboys dropped a heartbreaker to the Jaguars as they lost in overtime, but the Cowboys are too far ahead for the Lions to catch. The Giants and Commanders are flexed to Sunday Night and will have to wait, but the Lions are hoping for another tie in that matchup.
For the teams behind the Lions, the Packers are playing on Monday Night against the Los Angles Rams. A matchup that has playoff and draft implications, but I’m sure Lions fans are hoping on the playoff wagon and rooting for the Rams. The Panthers and Falcons dropped their matchups, giving the Lions much-needed breathing room in their hunt.
In the end, Lions helped themselves with a win on the road while hopefully getting more help with the later games that could decide the fate of others. | 2022-12-18T23:40:22Z | sports.yahoo.com | Lions bolster their playoff chances with victory over Jets | https://sports.yahoo.com/lions-bolster-playoff-chances-victory-222130453.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/lions-bolster-playoff-chances-victory-222130453.html?src=rss |
Commanders' Young reportedly could return to face 49ers originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
As the 49ers continue their pursuit of a higher NFC seed, quarterback Brock Purdy and Co. could be up for a bigger challenge than they anticipated against the Washington Commanders in Week 16.
The Commanders' defense reportedly could receive a boost from the return of pass rusher Chase Young, who has yet to play this season after suffering a torn ACL in Week 10 of the 2021 NFL season.
While there was potential for Young to make his season debut Sunday night against the New York Giants, NFL Media's Ian Rapoport reported, citing a source, that the former No. 2 overall pick will not play and instead could see the field in any of Washington's final three games.
The first of those three games is scheduled for Christmas Eve at Levi's Stadium, when the Commanders will go head-to-head with a 49ers team seeking its eighth straight win.
Young's presence, depending on how he bounces back from his devastating injury, could spell trouble for San Francisco. But the 49ers' offensive line has held strong this season despite some preseason uncertainty and is tied for the NFL's fourth-fewest quarterback sacks on the season with 24. For comparison, the Indianapolis Colts lead the league with 49 sacks allowed.
The 49ers still have their sights set on the NFC's No. 2 seed though they currently sit at No. 3, while the Commanders are clinging onto a wild-card berth as the conference's No. 6 seed.
With such high stakes, Washington certainly could use the 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year's presence.
But it makes sense that the team is wary of rushing the young star back into action too soon -- and that's a worry the 49ers likely hope will last for the Commanders until after Christmas. | 2022-12-18T23:40:41Z | sports.yahoo.com | NFL rumors: Chase Young could make season debut when Commanders visit 49ers | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-rumors-chase-young-could-231744702.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-rumors-chase-young-could-231744702.html?src=rss |
Everything that could have gone wrong went wrong for the New England Patriots in their first scoring drive in Sunday’s matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders.
And Pat McAfee summed it all up with a perfectly well-timed tweet.
“Still weird to see the Patriots do terribly dumb [expletive] that every other team does,” McAfee posted on Twitter.
It’s hard to argue with McAfee considering the ugly sequence of events that took place. The Patriots were positioned on the goal line with an opportunity to punch the ball in for six points. You’d think they’d call multiple running plays with one of the league’s best running backs at breaking tackles, Rhamondre Stevenson, in the offensive backfield.
However, for whatever reason, the Patriots called a passing play that went incomplete to Jonnu Smith, and then they had a passing touchdown to Jakobi Meyers erased due to the team calling a timeout.
But things got even worse when the Patriots lined up to go for it on fourth down. They had a touchdown on a sneak by quarterback Mac Jones that was wiped by a false start penalty.
It’s been bad football all around for a Patriots team seemingly finding new ways to beat itself every week. | 2022-12-18T23:41:00Z | sports.yahoo.com | Pat McAfee’s well-timed tweet sums up Patriots’ shockingly awful drive | https://sports.yahoo.com/pat-mcafee-well-timed-tweet-221959817.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/pat-mcafee-well-timed-tweet-221959817.html?src=rss |
That was way, way too close. The New Orleans Saints got away with one in their Week 15 win over the Atlanta Falcons — making the game so much more difficult than it needed to be with some baffling decisions. You don’t want to be negative after a victory, but moments like this are why the Saints have a 5-9 record in the first place.
It was quite literally the last play the Saints ran on Sunday afternoon, facing 4th-and-1 at the Atlanta 27-yard line. With 12 seconds left in regulation and a 3-point lead to work with, New Orleans just needed a first down to put the game away. They had just crossed midfield with a Taysom Hill run and went back to that well again, but with a fatal twist: instead of lining up in the shotgun, this time Hill took the snap from under center.
And he fumbled the exchange from Erik McCoy (who was in his first game back after returning from injured reserve this week), giving Atlanta the ball. What gives?
This was the 12th play of the afternoon for Hill at quarterback, but it was his first snap from under center. All 11 plays that preceded it were in shotgun. Of the 61 plays he’s seen at quarterback this season going into this game, 60 of them were in shotgun. This was only his second snap under center all year (and he didn’t convert a first down on his previous try, either). His inexperience with that role led to a botched exchange and a turnover on downs.
Luckily it didn’t matter. The Saints defense kept Atlanta’s offense from crossing the field before time expired, and New Orleans escaped with a win. But why did the Saints go this route in the first place? Andy Dalton has run plays out of both shotgun and under center all season, and he executed a quarterback dive on a short-yardage situation earlier in this exact game. In his career, going into the matchup with Atlanta, Dalton was 15-of-18 as a rusher when needing 3 yards or fewer on fourth down. That’s something he has done really well.
Now, Hill is a better rusher than Dalton in general, there’s no doubt about that. Giving him the nod in a short-yardage look like this is a good call (and it’s something the Saints should do more often). But it’s important the Saints keep putting him in a position to win and make a play. If they want him trying a dive play like this from under center, they need to put more time into preparing him for it.
Again: they got away with it this time. But they haven’t gotten away with poor execution often enough this season. That’s why the Saints need a ton of help from other teams to get back in the playoff picture. So celebrate the win, maybe more than you’d otherwise plan to — New Orleans probably didn’t play well enough to win this game, but they got away with it anyway.
Studs and duds from the Saints' Week 15 win against the Falcons
Just to put into perspective how long it's been since last New Year's Day, at the start of 2022 the stock market was still making all-time highs, mortgage rates were just above 3%, and most experts thought inflation was going to be "transitory." Every year, I sit down and make some bold predictions for the stock market, and I've done pretty well recently. While nobody has a crystal ball (especially me), here's a recap of how my bold predictions for 2022 played out, and five things I think have a good probability of happening in 2023.
(Bloomberg) -- Most Read from BloombergHarry and Meghan Aren't Doing Themselves Any FavorsArgentina’s World Cup Title Caps Qatar’s Surreal TournamentTrump Gets a 45-Day Extension to Provide Details on His Wealth to VotersReports of Beijing Covid Deaths Fuel Speculation China Covering Up DataTruth Is Reasserting Itself Over Trump’s LiesA top adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy warned that Russia could sharply escalate the war in a winter offensive driven by mass infantry, and that
Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill was injured in the first drive of Tennessee's game at the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday in SoFi Stadium. | 2022-12-18T23:41:26Z | sports.yahoo.com | The Saints nearly blew it on their very last snap against the Falcons | https://sports.yahoo.com/saints-nearly-blew-very-last-223051528.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/saints-nearly-blew-very-last-223051528.html?src=rss |
Due in large part to injuries throughout their defense, the Tennessee Titans have not been great against the pass this season. The Titans came into Week 15’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers having allowed 25 touchdowns to just eight interceptions, 3,928 passing yards, and an opponent passer rating of 97.2. All of those stats rank among the fourth-worst in the NFL, and it’s a big reason the Titans are 7-6 with a three-game losing streak coming into the Chargers game.
So, with 12 seconds left in the first half, and the score tied, 7-7, Titans cornerback Roger McCreary decided to do something you rarely, if ever, see. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert tried to hit receiver Mike Williams in the end zone, but McCreary caught the ball as he was going out of bounds, and while he was in the air, handed the ball to cornerback Joshua Kalu.
Insane, indeed. Not that the Titans were able to capitalize on that play with any points, but if they’re able to break that losing streak, that play will be a big deal by the score it possibly prevented. | 2022-12-18T23:41:38Z | sports.yahoo.com | Titans pick Justin Herbert with one of the most amazing interceptions you’ll ever see | https://sports.yahoo.com/titans-pick-justin-herbert-one-225133069.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/titans-pick-justin-herbert-one-225133069.html?src=rss |
No one has been detained and a suspect has yet to be identified
Olivia Miles had 16 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists and five steals to lead No. 5 Notre Dame to a 63-52 victory over No. 6 Virginia Tech on Sunday. Miles scored 13 of her points in the second half as the Irish (9-1, 1-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) rallied from a three-point deficit entering the fourth quarter. Georgia Amoore led the Hokies (10-1, 1-1) with 20 points. | 2022-12-18T23:59:20Z | sports.yahoo.com | Oregon State’s Glenn Taylor Jr.:‘I knew I had to step up’ against Green Bay | https://sports.yahoo.com/oregon-state-glenn-taylor-jr-231248253.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/oregon-state-glenn-taylor-jr-231248253.html?src=rss |
Aside from 5-star quarterback Dante Moore officially signing on the dotted line and confirming his enrollment at Oregon, Duck fans got potentially the best news that they could have asked for on Friday.
Quarterback Bo Nix officially announced that he will be returning to Eugene for one more season and looking for one last hoorah with the Ducks.
There were a lot of questions about whether or not Nix would return for his final year of eligibility or not, and a lot of factors that likely went into his decision. After finding such success in Eugene following his transfer, many believed that he would take advantage of his boost in draft stock and declare for the NFL Draft. With that option, plus the departure of former offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham, the person who brought Nix to Eugene in the first place, it seemed more likely than not that No. 10 would only play one season with the Ducks.
However, the other factors seemed to hold more weight. After an incredibly hot start to the season, Nix saw his name floated in the Heisman Trophy conversation, and the Ducks were on the doorsteps of a College Football Playoff appearance. In the end, an ankle injury suffered against the Washington Huskies derailed the end of Oregon’s season, and may have left a sour taste in Nix’s mouth.
I’m not going to speak for the quarterback, but that seems like it could have been one of the determining factors. Whatever reason you want to give credit to, what matters is that Oregon has their QB back going into the new season, and stability will remain for the time being.
Doc Rivers discusses the return of Danuel House Jr. from injury as the Philadelphia 76ers pick up a win at home. | 2022-12-19T01:04:31Z | sports.yahoo.com | BREAKING: QB Bo Nix announces return to Oregon for final season with Ducks | https://sports.yahoo.com/breaking-qb-bo-nix-announce-235113533.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/breaking-qb-bo-nix-announce-235113533.html?src=rss |
Bowl season is underway but maybe the biggest headline across the sport of college football this week is that early signing day has nearly arrived. On Wednesday some of the nation’s top talent will be signing their national letters of intent with their school of choice.
Currently, Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide sit with the top-ranked class in the country according to most recruiting services and should finish strong come Wednesday.
Alabama has 25 commitments heading into the week with several high-level prospects still on the board and within reach for the Crimson Tide.
Here are the top five names that Alabama fans should be watching come Wednesday:
Kadyn Proctor-OT-Iowa commit
Syndication: The Des Moines Register
Kadyn Proctor is arguably the best offensive tackle prospect in the entire 2023 class and has been committed to his home-state Iowa Hawkeyes since June but visited Alabama over the weekend and the Tide seem in prime position to potentially flip the five-star tackle.
James Smith-DL-uncommitted
James Smith is a five-star defensive lineman from Montgomery’s Carver High School. Smith is an absolute animal along the defensive line and as good as anyone at his position in the country. Alabama has long been considered the leader in the clubhouse for Smith but a recent visit to Auburn has some worried. In the end, I still believe Smith will choose the Tide.
Qua Russaw-LB-uncommitted
Like his high school teammate, Qua Russaw is one of the best defenders in the entire country. Russaw and Smith are expected to be a package deal and the Crimson Tide appear to be in the best position to land the dynamic duo.
Tony Mitchell-DB-Alabama commit
Tony Mitchell is a phenomenal defensive back prospect from Alabama’s Thompson High School and has been committed to Alabama since June. Texas A&M has been a strong contender for Mitchell throughout the entire process. Mitchell visited the Aggies over the weekend and a flip is not out of the question.
Damari Brown-DB-uncommitted
Damari Brown is a talented four-star defensive back prospect who seems to be very high on the Crimson Tide. The Florida native is a Miami legacy prospect as his father played for the Hurricanes in the mid-1980s. This battle for Brown looks to be between the Crimson Tide and the Hurricanes, but don’t be surprised if coach Saban pulls another defensive back from American Heritage.
For the second straight Sunday, K-State picked up a commitment in the transfer portal. Sigle appeared in 11 games this season for the Bison, who will be playing for the FCS National Championship on January 8th. In 2022, Sigle made 27 tackles and had two interceptions, while breaking up three passes as well.
How to Watch the Highly-Anticipated 'Yellowstone' Spinoff '1923' Before It Premieres Tonight | 2022-12-19T01:04:32Z | sports.yahoo.com | EARLY SIGNING DAY: 5 names Alabama fans should know about | https://sports.yahoo.com/early-signing-day-5-names-234834625.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/early-signing-day-5-names-234834625.html?src=rss |
When Aaron Anderson was initially coming out of high school, the former five-star wide receiver was committed to LSU for a while before flipping his commitment to Alabama late in the process.
Now, Anderson is coming home.
He announced via Twitter on Sunday that he is headed back to the boot to play for Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers. Anderson played his high school ball at Edna Karr in New Orleans, so he will be right at home in Tiger Stadium.
This commitment makes Anderson the No. 26 commitment of the 2023 recruiting class and the first recruit the Tigers have gotten from the transfer portal.
We are three days away from the early signing period, and it looks like this class could be legendary. It is currently ranked as the No. 5 class in the country, but signing a former five-star wide receiver will boost that rating. Not to mention, there could be more commits on the way.
BREAKING: Former Alabama WR Aaron Anderson has Committed to LSU!
The Louisiana native was ranked as a Top 40 Recruit in the ‘22 Class (No. 4 WR)https://t.co/U7u1XDAH6V pic.twitter.com/oexpDmAfEX
Nneka Enemkpali is in her second season as an assistant coach at USC. Enemkpali is also the recruiting coordinator for the Trojans, who are 9-1. | 2022-12-19T01:04:35Z | sports.yahoo.com | LSU lands massive transfer portal commitment from former Alabama receiver | https://sports.yahoo.com/lsu-lands-massive-transfer-portal-003729796.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/lsu-lands-massive-transfer-portal-003729796.html?src=rss |
All told, 49 current and former Ohio State athletes walked across the stage in the Schottenstein Center at 2 p.m. Sunday during the 2022 fall commencement. Seven players from the current team that’s in the middle of preparing for the matchup with Georgia in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal, along with one former Buckeye were a part of all of the festivities.
Ohio State RB Marcus Crowley has medically retires from football
Big Ten football and biggest game expert picks and predictions, Week 8
Ohio State lineman Paris Johnson has article published - Buckeyes Wire
Ryan Smith, Offensive Lineman
Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Ben Christman (71) runs beside Ryan Smith (60) during football training camp at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus on Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021. Credit: USA TODAY Sports
Erik Stevenson scored a season-high 22 points, Jimmy Bell Jr. had a double-double, and West Virginia celebrated Bob Huggins Hall of Fame Day by defeating Buffalo 96-78 on Sunday. With 925 wins, Huggins is third all-time in Division I behind Mike Krzyzewski and Jim Boeheim. Huggins, who was enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in September, is the 17th Division I coach with as many as 41 years on the bench.
WATCH: Warming center opening with low temperatures across the Mid-South | 2022-12-19T01:05:04Z | sports.yahoo.com | Seven Ohio State football players graduate on Sunday | https://sports.yahoo.com/seven-ohio-state-football-players-234951111.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/seven-ohio-state-football-players-234951111.html?src=rss |
How 49ers will approach final games after clinching division originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
The 49ers became the second NFC team to secure a playoff spot Thursday night with their division-clinching victory over the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
But even so, coach Kyle Shanahan isn't taking his foot off the gas pedal with just three games to go in the 2022 NFL regular season.
He will, however, use measured caution with his team that already has suffered countless injuries this season.
"I think you have to be smart," Shanahan said Friday via conference call. "I mean, you never just want to stop. You can't lose your edge. It's not something you can turn on and off.
"At the same time, you do need to be smart. It's very important to get home games. So, we'll do everything we can to do that, but by no means at the expense of risking someone that we shouldn't be doing.”
The 49ers (10-4) currently hold the NFC's No. 3 seed, behind the No. 2-seeded Minnesota Vikings (11-3). The Vikings need to stumble at least once over their last few regular-season games for the 49ers to have any hope of leapfrogging Kirk Cousins and Co. in the standings, and it's imperative that San Francisco does all it can to win its final three games.
But figuratively speaking, the 49ers have somewhat of a limp heading into the postseason. Injuries have riddled the defensive line all season, and other position groups haven't been safe, either. Stars like Nick Bosa and Arik Armstead have struggled through different injuries this season, to name just two, and Shanahan is happy for the long rest period after playing a Thursday night game on a short week.
“Oh, I think it's huge. I mean, it's imperative for anybody when you have to play that Thursday game," Shanahan said Friday of the extra rest after a quick turnaround. "I mean, that's one of the biggest challenges. I don't think anyone can understand unless you had to go through it.
"But for those players to play Sunday like they did, and then turn around and play with the energy and aggressiveness that they did [Thursday night], it takes a lot on the body. So, just getting these rest days is huge, and we're definitely going to take advantage of it.”
The 49ers will need all the rest they can get ahead of their pursuit for the No. 2 seed.
And it's on Shanahan to manage the delicate balance between winning and keeping his best players healthy for a potential Super Bowl run. | 2022-12-19T01:08:52Z | sports.yahoo.com | How 49ers will approach final three NFL games after clinching NFC West | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-approach-final-three-nfl-000038256.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-approach-final-three-nfl-000038256.html?src=rss |
Welp, here we are once again with the Indianapolis Colts being on the wrong side of NFL history in their loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
In typical fashion in how it has been this season for this team, it was another game that was the tale of two different halves. Indy jumped out to a 33-0 lead heading into halftime and it looked like they were a different team coming out of the bye week.
But, that was far from the case. The Vikings would go on to have the greatest comeback in NFL history to become NFC North champs and clinch their spot in the playoffs with the 39-36 win in overtime.
The mixture of not finishing drives with touchdowns, an untimely turnover, and the defense not getting off the field in the second half is what ended up costing Indianapolis the upset over Minnesota.
Here are my five takeaways from the second-half collapse by the Colts:
Not finishing drives
One of the many issues that have plagued the Colts this season has been their inability to put the ball in the endzone when they have the opportunity. In the end, it was their settling for field goals that gave just enough hope to the Vikings to continue their comeback throughout the second half.
It kicked off when Indianapolis was able to take the opening drive of the game all the way down to the one-yard line but a simple handoff to Zack Moss got blown up so they had to call the field goal unit in. The next stumble happened after Minnesota elected to go for it in their own territory but the Colts got the stop to force the turnover on downs.
Despite having the ball at the Vikings’ 31-yard line, the Colts were only able to one first down and had to settle for another Chase McLaughlin field goal. On the very next drive, Minnesota called a fake punt and failed, which gave Indy the ball at the 31-yard line again. But, the offense went three-and-out, and it was another field goal for the team.
The fourth missed opportunity came before halftime when Indianapolis was able to get the ball all the way to the Vikings’ 11-yard line but once again failed to find a way to punch it in for a touchdown and had to settle for another McLaughlin field goal.
The last one came in the second half when the offense was able to get to the Minnesota 34-yard line but ended up having to settle for a field goal. You can’t always be perfect but the inability to finish one of those drives with a touchdown gave the Vikings just enough room to make the comeback happen. Especially the ones coming off a turnover on downs.
This has been one of the many problems with the Colts’ offense and it yet again causes them to lose a game that they should have won.
No answer for Dalvin Cook
The Colts defense was playing on fire in the first half but in the second half, it was a different story. The Vikings’ offense was sparked by a few players but it was Dalvin Cook that was keeping drives alive and creating explosive plays that ended in the endzone. The game didn’t start well for Cook. On the second drive of the game for Minnesota, he fumbled the ball away right after breaking off a 40-yard run.
He was able to shake off that error with a great performance to cap off the game in the second half. His biggest play of the game came late in the fourth quarter to complete the comeback. After the Colts turned the ball over on downs, on the first play of the drive for the Vikings, Cook took a screen to the house for a 64-yard touchdown.
Cook ended the game with 190 total yards and a touchdown. He averaged 5.6 YPC. The Colts’ defense failed to bottle up him and he was able to take advantage when they got gassed in the second half.
Bubba Ventrone's unit delivered
As it has been this season for the Colts, it has been hard to talk about the positives when everything else seems to be going wrong for this team. If there was one unit that did its job for the entire game, it was the special teams. They got off to a great start when Dallis Flowers was able to take the opening kickoff for a 49-yard return to give the offense the ball at the Indy 48-yard line.
The first quarter was very kind to Bubba Ventrone’s unit when they blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown to end the Vikings’ first drive of the game.
BLOCKED PUNT TD ‼️ @Colts
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/gaU0Mb06UL
Then later on in the second quarter, Minnesota elected to run a fake punt but the Indy special teams were ready and forced the incompletion to get off the field and give the offense some great field goal position. The return game from Flowers made its appearance in the second half. After the Vikings scored their first touchdown, he took a kick return 48 yards to give the offense the ball at the Indianapolis 40-yard line.
Flowers averaged 35.0 yards on his five kick returns. It was also a good day for the kicking department as well. Matt Haack ended up having an average of 43.6 yards on his seven punts and placed three of them inside the 20-yard line.
While the Colts needed to score more touchdowns than field goals, Chase McLaughlin delivered when his name was called. He made all five of his field goal attempts and three PATs. He had a long of 52 yards and scored 18 of the 36 points for the Colts.
I’m not sure what will happen with Bubba Ventrone but I sure hope whoever is the next coach does keep him around for the forseeable future.
Two 2021 Draft Picks Shine
Keeping with the positive theme, one other good thing from the loss was seeing the first two selections of the 2021 NFL draft performing on the field at the same time. Kwity Paye continued his strong Year 2 and is looking like an anchor piece for this defense going forward. He finished with five tackles (five solo), two TFLs, two QB hits, and one sack.
Paye has been great against the run this season. His nine TFLs are tied for the most for the Colts despite him only playing in nine games. One thing that Indianapolis has been waiting for has been the breakout game from Dayo Odeyingbo. The second-year defensive lineman finally had a game that fans have been waiting for.
In his best performance as a pro, Odeyingbo ended the game with five tackles (four solo), one TFL, two QB hits, and two sacks. The disappointing thing is that he should have capped off his breakout game with a game-sealing sack but the offense was unable to run the clock out after this fourth down stop.
The future is murky in Indianapolis but if there is one thing that is looking promising heading into the offseason is that they have two key young players on the defensive line for the 2023 season.
Winning the turnover battle wasn't enough
For the majority of this season, the Colts have found themselves on the losing side of the turnover battle which is attributed to their 4-9-1 record. For once, things went their way in creating turnovers that should have helped them walk away with a victory.
It was kicked off with the blocked punt that was returned for a touchdown. That set up some good vibes for the Colts throughout the first half. The second turnover helped push the lead to 30-0 for Indianapolis and it looked like the day was going to end in their favor.
Julian Blackmon jumped on a ball in the middle of the second quarter and returned it for a touchdown. It was his first interception this year.
The final turnover should have helped Indy close out the game in the fourth quarter. The Vikings were driving and got past midfield but Kirk Cousins and Jalen Reagor weren’t on the same page which led to Rodney Thomas II tracking down the ball for the interception.
The Colts would go on and go three-and-out on offense and give the ball right back to Minnesota. The defense was far from perfect in the second half but they made a couple of plays in the fourth quarter to help close out the win but the offense failed to do its part to keep the Vikings offense on the sideline.
Even when Indianapolis does the right things they still seem to can’t get out of their own way. This team is desperate for a hard reset and we are three weeks away from seeing how it will begin. | 2022-12-19T01:08:59Z | sports.yahoo.com | 5 takeaways from Colts’ 39-36 loss to the Vikings | https://sports.yahoo.com/5-takeaways-colts-39-36-010116276.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/5-takeaways-colts-39-36-010116276.html?src=rss |
The Jacksonville Jaguars weren't a factor in the AFC South race a month ago. Then the Tennessee Titans let them back in it.
The past few weeks have been quite good to the Jaguars. Over the last four weeks they have gained three games on the Titans, and also got a very important head-to-head win. The Titans' once comfortable lead in the division is down to one game after they lost 17-14 to the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers allowed the Titans to tie it late but a great throw from Justin Herbert to Mike Williams in the final seconds set up the game-winning field goal.
The Jaguars are 6-8 after an upset overtime win over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. The Titans' fourth straight loss pushes them back to 7-7.
The Titans will need to be two games clear of the Jaguars to clinch the division before a Week 18 rematch in Jacksonville. If the Jaguars are no more than a game behind Tennessee going into the season finale, a win over the Titans would give them the division based on a season sweep.
At this point, it might be more realistic to wonder if the Jaguars pass the Titans by the season finale.
The Titans have fallen apart in recent weeks. The offense has looked ugly at times. The schedule got a lot tougher, but a team that wants to win a division title shouldn't drop four in a row to anyone.
The Titans couldn't get their offense going against the Chargers. Ryan Tannehill suffered an ankle injury early on and although he returned, Tennessee rarely moved the ball after that. The Chargers didn't do much either but they finally broke through with an Austin Ekeler touchdown in the fourth quarter that broke a 7-7 tie. The Titans rallied for a late touchdown but then immediately allowed Herbert to answer with a drive and a field goal that won the game.
The win was important for the Chargers. Among the other AFC wild-card contenders, the Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets and New England Patriots lost in Week 15. The Chargers were finishing up their win when the Las Vegas Raiders scored on one of the weirdest endings in NFL history, as the Patriots lateraled the ball in a tie game to Raiders edge rusher Chandler Jones, who broke a tackle and ran it in for a touchdown.
It was a big few minutes for the Chargers. They're doing well in the AFC playoff race. So are the Jaguars.
Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler, middle, runs against the Tennessee Titans. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Watch the Tennessee Titans tip-drill interception before halftime to end a Chargers drive in the endzone. | 2022-12-19T01:09:05Z | sports.yahoo.com | After Titans' crushing loss to Chargers, Jaguars are alive and well in the AFC South race | https://sports.yahoo.com/after-titans-crushing-loss-to-chargers-jaguars-are-alive-and-well-in-the-afc-south-race-003138523.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/after-titans-crushing-loss-to-chargers-jaguars-are-alive-and-well-in-the-afc-south-race-003138523.html?src=rss |
This will be replayed for decades. Possibly, eternity.
The Las Vegas Raiders’ Chandler Jones was credited with a 48-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown on the final play of the game Sunday.
You have to see how it happened.
The Patriots and Raiders were tied at 24.
Rhamondre Stevenson broke loose on a run and with time running out he lateraled the football to Jakobi Meyers.
Rather than just fall down and send the game to overtime, Meyers attempts a ridiculous lateral back to quarterback Mac Jones.
It wound up in the hands of a Jones but not Mac.
Chandler Jones of the Raiders picked it out of the air, threw the Patriots quarterback to the ground, and returned it 48 yards to give the Raiders a 30-24 win.
The play-by-play:
3rd & 10 at NE 45
(0:00 – 4th) (Shotgun) R.Stevenson up the middle to LV 32 for 23 yards. Lateral to J.Meyers to LV 40 for -8 yards. FUMBLES, RECOVERED by LV-C.Jones at NE 48. C.Jones for 48 yards, TOUCHDOWN. | 2022-12-19T01:09:11Z | sports.yahoo.com | Astonishing final-play turnover lifts Raiders over Patriots | https://sports.yahoo.com/astonishing-final-play-turnover-lifts-003852115.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/astonishing-final-play-turnover-lifts-003852115.html?src=rss |
Charlie Goldsmith, Cincinnati Enquirer
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd (83) runs with a cast on his finger as Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Logan Ryan (26) defends in the first quarter during a Week 15 NFL game, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati Bengals score 34 straight in win over Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 2022-12-19T01:09:24Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bengals show Super Bowl-caliber grit with a comeback win against Tom Brady, Buccaneers | https://sports.yahoo.com/bengals-show-super-bowl-caliber-005300870.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bengals-show-super-bowl-caliber-005300870.html?src=rss |
With starting quarterback Russell Wilson sidelined, Denver Broncos backup quarterback Brett Rypien helped the team defeat the Arizona Cardinals 24-15 at Empower Field at Mile High.
The Cardinals led the Broncos 6-3 at halftime following two ugly quarters of football that featured a Justin Simmons interception, eight sacks (including one strip-sack on Rypien) and a missed Denver field goal attempt.
In the second half, Arizona quarterback Colt McCoy was knocked out of the game with a concussion. That forced the Cardinals to turn to third-string quarterback Trace McSorley, who quickly led a field goal drive to make it 9-3.
Following that field goal, Rypien led a seven-play, 80-yard drive that ended with a three-yard touchdown run from Marlon Mack that gave the Broncos a 10-9 lead late in the third quarter.
Denver running back Latavius Murray later added a 10-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter to make it 17-9. Murray had his best game as a Bronco on Sunday, finishing the day with 24 carries for 130 yards.
Following a second Simmons interception, Rypien later threw a three-yard touchdown pass to tight end Eric Tomlinson to make it 24-9.
The Cardinals battled back and James Conner scored on a one-yard touchdown run, but after their two-point attempt failed, Arizona trailed 24-15 with just over six minutes remaining.
When the Cardinals later got the ball back, cornerback Pat Surtain intercepted a McSorely pass to seal the win.
On the injury front, Denver lost guard Quinn Meinerz to an eye injury in the first quarter and he did not return.
Up next for the Broncos is a Christmas Day showdown with the Los Angeles Rams on the road in Week 16.
This rural hamlet nestled high in the Peruvian Andes was the site of a major battle that secured South America’s independence from Spain in the 19th century. A funeral procession of a few thousand peasant farmers, led by a steady drumbeat and people speaking in their native Quechua language, carried Rojas' casket draped in Peru's red and white flag to a colonial church where a mass was celebrated, and he was later buried in a nearby cemetery. | 2022-12-19T01:09:37Z | sports.yahoo.com | Broncos defeat Cardinals 24-15 | https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-defeat-cardinals-24-15-000426527.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-defeat-cardinals-24-15-000426527.html?src=rss |
What started as the most impressive performance of the season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quickly devolved into yet another embarrassing loss Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Bucs built up a 17-0 lead in the first half, but gave up 34 straight points in their way to a 34-23 defeat.
Tom Brady committed turnovers on four consecutive drives in the third quarter, giving the Bengals short fields that turned into quick scores, erasing a three-score advantage.
After holding Joe Burrow in check in the first half, the Bucs watched the NFL MVP candidate toss four touchdown passes in the second half (each of them to a different player), while Tampa Bay’s own offense was shut out in the final two quarters.
Brady’s third touchdown pass of the game, his second to wide receiver Russell Gage, ended the Bengals’ streak of 34 unanswered points in the final minute of the game, but it was too late for the Bucs to mount another dramatic comeback.
Despite the loss, and a 6-8 record, the Bucs still remain in first place in the NFC South with three games left to play.
Morning fog this weekend in the Valley
Meteorologist Eileen Javora breaks down what to expect this weekend in Northern California. Here is the forecast from Dec. 17 at 7 a.m. | 2022-12-19T01:09:56Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bucs blow 17-point lead, give up 34 straight points in loss to Bengals | https://sports.yahoo.com/bucs-blow-17-point-lead-003126218.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bucs-blow-17-point-lead-003126218.html?src=rss |
The Tennessee Titans lost to the Los Angeles Chargers 17-14 on Sunday after coming back to tie it in the final minute.
The Titans and Chargers had held each other scoreless since running back Derrick Henry’s 4-yard touchdown early in the second quarter. But early in the final period, running back Austin Ekeler finally broke through to give Los Angeles a lead over Tennessee. Ekeler took in a 3-yard run for a touchdown, making the score 14-7, [more] | 2022-12-19T01:10:28Z | sports.yahoo.com | Chargers stay in AFC playoff race with win over Titans, who have lost four straight | https://sports.yahoo.com/chargers-stay-afc-playoff-race-004435105.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/chargers-stay-afc-playoff-race-004435105.html?src=rss |
Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes claimed a few pieces of franchise history during the team’s Week 15 win over the Houston Texans.
During the course of the game, Mahomes ran for his 11th career rushing touchdown. In doing so, Mahomes now has the most rushing touchdowns by a QB in franchise history in their career. It breaks the tie that he held with Alex Smith (10) for the most rushing touchdowns by a QB in franchise history. Keep in mind, this is only the fifth year that Mahomes has been a starter for the team. It’s also not the only record that Mahomes claimed from Smith on Sunday.
In addition to his rushing prowess, Mahomes had a dominant day throwing the ball. He completed 36-of-41 passes for 336 yards and two touchdowns in Houston. That’s an 87.80% completion percentage — which is now the highest completion percentage (minimum of 20 attempts) by a Chiefs QB in a single game in franchise history.
Patrick Mahomes completed 36-of-41 passes against the #Texans on Sunday, good for a 87.80% completion percentage. That's the highest completion percentage in a single game in #Chiefs franchise history (min. 20 attempts) per team game notes.
Smith previously held the completion percentage record with 86.36% against the Oakland Raiders in October of 2016, when he completed 19-of-22 passes. Smith actually now owns No. 2 through No. 5 on the franchise leaderboards, but he never completed more than 25 passes in those games. It makes the record by Mahomes all the more impressive and one that will likely stand for a very long time.
Best Twitter reactions from Chiefs' Week 15 victory over the Texans
Fantasy advice for Chiefs vs. Texans, Week 15
Our @Nicolas_Roesch shares some fantasy football advice for the #Chiefs' Week 15 matchup against the #Texans. | 2022-12-19T01:10:35Z | sports.yahoo.com | Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes makes franchise history in Week 15 win vs. Texans | https://sports.yahoo.com/chiefs-qb-patrick-mahomes-makes-003455891.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/chiefs-qb-patrick-mahomes-makes-003455891.html?src=rss |
Eagles’ quarterback Jalen Hurts shrugged off a slow start and tied a career-high by running for three touchdowns as Philadelphia escaped Chicago with a 25-20 win over the Bears on Sunday.
Bears quarterback Justin Fields rushed for 95 yards and joined Michael Vick and Lamar Jackson as the only quarterbacks to rush for 1,000 or more yards in a single season. He also set a franchise single-season rushing record for a quarterback.
Chicago fell to 3-11 after being unable to make enough plays on offense, or get enough stops on defense.
With preparation set to turn towards Dallas, here are the top post-game quotes from Sunday.
The Eagles are keeping Goedert’s status closet to the vest.
Eagles head coach wants to fix whatever issue Hurts had with his trajectory early on.
Brown shrugged off his 181-yard performance.
Sirianni talked about the lack of usage at running back.
Slay was more than impressed with Justin Fields.
Fields became just the third quarterback to rush for 1,000 yards in a season — leading Chicago with 15 carries for 95 yards. Fields also went 14 of 21 passing for 152 yards and two touchdowns (119.5 rating) in the loss.
Add the Eagles left tackle to the growing list of people concerned about the hits their quarterback has been taking. | 2022-12-19T01:11:12Z | sports.yahoo.com | What the Eagles are saying after 25-20 win over Bears in Week 15 | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-saying-25-20-win-002944850.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-saying-25-20-win-002944850.html?src=rss |
After the game, Bears head coach Matt Eberflus shared his thoughts, including on Fields’ 1000-yard rushing performance, Teven Jenkins’ neck injury, Velus Jones Jr.’s latest fumble and seeing progress beyond wins and losses.
Here is everything Eberflus had to say:
Okay, first thing, my hat’s off to Philadelphia. Played a good game. Congratulations to them. But overall I thought that our guys did a good job of battling, but we have to learn how to finish better. We have to learn how to finish. That’s one of the things we need to get done here in the next few games. That’s the biggest thing, biggest takeaway for me as the head football coach.
I do think there was a lot of good things out there. Defensively we had three takeaways. I thought that was outstanding. That’s what we’re more used to. Also think that we stopped them on downs on a fourth and six, which is excellent. They had that long drive, ended up missing the field goal. It was banged off the side of the goalpost.
I thought the guys had passion, had energy. I thought we tackled well overall as a group. I was pleased with that for sure.
Looking at the third downs is where we need to be better. The third down battle, they won that battle, which is sustaining drives, making critical plays when you need to. For example, that last third down. They end up throwing the slant to Brown. That was a critical down for us there.
Overall for us we sustained some injuries today, which is unfortunate. I know it was announced, but we’ll take these things day by day. EQ (Equanimeous St. Brown) had the concussion. Teven (Jenkins) had his neck, he’s out, but everything looks positive there. Just so everybody knows that. That’s encouraging. 57 (Jack Sanborn), we’ll look at, the ankle and MRI that, get a situation with that. 33, Jaylon (Johnson) with the ribs. Again, we’ll see where that is. Tomorrow we’ll get more information. Then Justin (Fields). He really just had cramps. He had to come in for an IV. He’s all set, ready to go.
Again, I was also encouraged by the last drive the offense that. That’s a two-minute situation. We were hurry up on the ball. We end up scoring a touchdown, which was outstanding by the offense. We’re certainly excited to see that going forward.
On Teven Jenkins' neck injury
He was responsive. We could see him moving his hands out there. Again, I don’t know much more than that. They just told me it’s encouraging. That’s all I got from the medical staff right now.
On any semblance of a moral victory after a narrow defeat to Eagles
Yeah, we don’t look at it that way. We really don’t. We focus on one game at a time, preparing to play our opponent and beat our opponent. We didn’t get that done.
It’s more about us. It’s always going to be about us, how we do things. Our execution in the critical moments needs to be better. Like I said, third down, in the red area. When we get takeaways, the one thing we need to do better on offense is when we do get takeaways in a short field, we got to punch it in. In one situation, we ended up fourth and 27 I want to say it is. We decided to take the delay there because we were out of kick range.
Cairo (Santos)’s kick range today was the 27 yard line. We were at the 31. I believe Philadelphia did the same thing. They were at the 33. They elected to punt and pin, too, or go for it I believe. That’s the way the wind was out there today. It was tough sledding out there in the kicking game.
Again, in the kicking game we need to do a better job. We had that big kick return to start the second half. I wasn’t excited about that. We need to do a better job covering there on the left side of our kick cover team.
Again, the rest of the day they did a nice job. I thought Trent had a couple good nice punting pins. He had a couple nice punts. It’s unfortunate that Cairo missed another extra point. That was unfortunate. We got to get the operation there squared away. Have to look at the tape, see where that is.
Overall, again, like I said, we just got to be better in critical moments.
On Jalen Hurts' touchdown run
You’ll see it when we watch it again. We had two guys in the same gap. Safety is supposed to be in the other gap. We should have had that. That’s unfortunate that that happened. I think Alan called a great pressure there in that situation. That’s what it was.
On goals for the remainder of the season
Yeah, I would just say championship habits. I put that in front of the guys every week. Doesn’t matter win, lose or draw, we want to see championship habits from the individual.
That means the minute you come into the building you are laser focused on the job at hand till the minute you leave, and afterwards you’re studying to make sure you’re going to perform at a high level.
Each guy we challenge to play at an A-plus game every week. It is based on practice and how you play in the game. Guys are rotated in and out based on that production. We challenge those guys every single week. As a football team we want to play complementary football.
We want to be able to finish the games, have the competitive instincts at the end to make sure we are focused and finishing the games the right way.
We’re getting better. I think we’re getting better as you watch it. It’s important for us. Every one of these plays, every one of these games is real important to us going forward to look at everybody and really also the morale of our team, how we’re competitive as a football team.
On Velus Jones Jr.'s fumble
I don’t like that. I don’t like it. I don’t like when guys lose the football. It’s not good. Guys have to do a better job securing the ball.
Again, I’ll look at the tape. But when you’re in traffic, you have to have five points of pressure on the ball and put your (indiscernible) over the other hand. That’s an important piece to it. Like I said, we’ll look at it and see where it is.
On Jones' fumbles being a recurring issue
The other two, you have two muffed punts because it’s different, not when you have the ball secured. We’ll look at it.
Again, he’s got to stay encouraged. He’s got to keep working and do the right things. I know he can do it right. We’ll coach him to do it that way.
On Jaylon Johnson's battle with A.J. Brown
We had him travel today. He was traveling to Brown the whole day. If he was outside, he was covering. If he was inside, we let Gordon cover him. That’s going to be a tough matchup for any corner. That’s one of the top receivers in the league. He’s got a big body. He’s very competitive, very strong. I think he caught two big fade balls today, and also Smith, No. 6, caught one also.
But those guys are dynamic players, some of the best in the league. But we got to rise up there. Really we got to finish. Those are plays that we got to finish. You’re never out of it as a defensive back. Even if you’re out the position a little bit, you can still strain to make the plays at the very end.
Jaylon did a really good job. A lot of other plays where the balls with overthrown, made a lot of competitive plays where he knocked the ball off No. 11 today. There was a lot of plays, too. He was very competitive against them at the end of the day.
On Justin Fields rushing for 1,000 yards this season
It’s great. It’s a franchise record for quarterback, goes over a thousand yards. One of three quarterbacks in the history of the league with Lamar (Jackson) and (Michael) Vick. That’s pretty special. He’s a special guy.
The run he made down there, it’s just phenomenal. He’s doing an excellent job. He’s doing a really good job of leading our football team. I think it’s where he’s growing the most over the second half of the season. He’s just getting more and more confident as he goes.
On not being able to take advantage of takeaways
Yeah, it’s called sudden change. It happens on both sides of the ball. When we take the ball into that plus field, inside that 30, 35 yard line, special teams or taking the ball away, which we did, the offense has got to score touchdowns. That’s how you put guys away. You create momentum that way.
I think that’s something we have to learn to do as a football team. Conversely, when it happens to the defense, you have to hold them to a field goal. A return comes into that situation, an interception, you’re right there, need to bow up and make them kick field goals.
On Cairo Santos' struggles
I think it’s just execution. You look at the details of where everything is. The snap, the hold, the plant foot, all those things that we look at with detail. Just look at it that way.
It’s just like anything else, any other skill that you’re trying to do, it’s about the details of it. Just got to look hard at that. We’re going to continue to coach him up and Cairo is going to be fine.
On the decision to punt from Philadelphia's 31-yard line
(Santos’) kick line was 27 yards with the wind today. When it was there at the 31, we were out of our kick line there. We were going to take a delay, punt and pin. Did a pretty good job of punting and pinning today. He did a pretty good job.
On injuries to N'Keal Harry, Chase Claypool
No, it’s just day to day. (Harry) just wasn’t ready. He’s the back. Clay has the knee. We’re hopeful for those guys coming up. Hopefully it looks good for tomorrow. We’ll know more information then.
On how they handled the Eagles' stunting
Obviously it’s not good enough because we gave up too many sacks. A lot of time that’s getting ready of the ball, handling the stunts as the offensive line versus that defensive line. They do it well. They’re aggressive. They’re violent. They have talent, a lot of talent up there.
You could see from Haason (Reddick), to (Josh) Sweat, (Javon) Hargrave, all the guys in there, they throw it in there with violence. Hard to pick up, especially when you have those five-man stunts. Pretty effective. They did a nice job.
On Fields' impressive 39-yard run
Just special. I mean, I was on the far side, moving my head, trying to figure out what he was doing. He stayed inbounds and kept going. Exciting player to watch.
On seeing progress beyond wins and losses
I think you got to have perspective. I think you have to have perspective. Again, when you’re in the game, when we’re in the game, I think that obviously it’s 100% get after it by any means necessary.
After the game, you have to evaluate the performance. It goes back to what we said, the game is the game. If you win by five or lose by five, you have to have that perspective, how do we get better next week, each individual and unit.
On trusting the process that things are going the right way
Yeah, I mean, you can look at a lot of things. You look at different teams in the past. Everybody has to go through this. We’re in the process of doing that right now.
To me, it’s more about the work habits of each guy and the work habits of the units, having that championship work habits. That to me is the most important thing. That’s what you can stand on. You can stand on that along with our hits principle. That’s the foundation that will last time. It’s always going to be there. It’s never going anywhere, okay?
As you start executing better, okay, finishing games better, wins will start to stack. That to me, you always have to have that. If you don’t have that, it’s not going to work, but we do have that. We have it. Our guys are working their tails off. We have that foundation that we’re building right now.
On believing things are going the right way despite the 3-11 record
By the tape. Watch the tape. To me, you watch the tape, sometimes the results aren’t there. But I see what I see in practice and in the games. We’re heading the right direction. | 2022-12-19T01:11:18Z | sports.yahoo.com | Everything Matt Eberflus said after the Bears lost to the Eagles in Week 15 | https://sports.yahoo.com/everything-matt-eberflus-said-bears-004313945.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/everything-matt-eberflus-said-bears-004313945.html?src=rss |
We’ll be talking about the Las Vegas Raiders’ last-second win over the New England Patriots for years, because of the ill-advised lateral pass thrown by Patriots receiver Jakobi Meyers to quarterback Mac Jones that was intercepted by Raiders (and former Patriots) edge-rusher Chandler Jones for a 48-yard touchdown. That led to a 30-24 loss to the benefit of Raiders head coach (and longtime Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels), and it knocked the 7-7 Patriots out of the playoff race — at least for the time being.
For a team as generally situationally aware as the Patriots are — and especially given Bill Belichick’s obsession with the little things — you’d expect that this has never happened to the team before, at least not under Belichick’s watch.
But the Patriots were on the wrong end of another game-losing lateral play in Week 14 of the 2018 season. This time, they were up 33-28 on the Miami Dolphins as time was running out… and then, this happened.
Absolutely insane final play from the #Dolphins. Kenyan Drake ends up with the second lateral and takes it in for a 69-yard TD to beat the #Patriots 34-33.
Wow. pic.twitter.com/oIEu4tE1w3
The Patriots were seconds away from clinching their 10th straight AFC East title, when then-Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill threw a pass to receiver Kenny Stills. Stills lateraled to receiver DeVante Parker, who lateraled to running back Kenyan Drake, who ran the last 52 yards of the 69-yard play for the game-winning touchdown.
Among the Patriots’ defenders in their prevent defense was tight end Rob Gronkowski, out there on the hands team.
“Drake runs a 4.3, and Gronk probably runs a 4.6 or 4.7, so you feel good about that matchup,” Tannehill said after the game.
The Dolphins had repped the play in practice and called it “Boise” after the famous Boise State “Hook and Ladder” play used to defeat Oklahoma in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl.
“They just made one more play than we did,” Belichick concluded after that game.
As did the Raiders, who made at least one more play than the Patriots were ever possibly expecting. | 2022-12-19T01:11:44Z | sports.yahoo.com | This isn’t the first time the Patriots were on the wrong end of a game-losing lateral | https://sports.yahoo.com/isn-t-first-time-patriots-010044218.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/isn-t-first-time-patriots-010044218.html?src=rss |
There isn’t a team in NFL South divisions over .500
The putrid play in the South divisions of the NFL in 2022 has been noted, over and over.
However, the divisions have gone about as South as teams can go.
After the results of Week 15, none of the 8 teams in the AFC South and NFC South are over .500.
That was sealed when Cameron Dicker kicked a field goal Sunday to lift the Los Angeles Chargers over the Tennessee Titans.
Mike Vrabel’s Titans are 7-7. They lead the 6-8 Jacksonville Jaguars by a game with the embarrassing Indianapolis Colts at 4-9-1 and the Houston Texans languishing in last at 1-12-1.
In the NFC South, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers collapsed against the Cincinnati Bengals to fall to 6-8. Trailing Tom Brady & Co. are the Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, and Atlanta Falcons, who are each 5-9.
The NFC South collectively is 21-35, a .375 win percentage.
The AFC South is 18-36-2, somehow a lower percentage.
And not only will a team from each of these divisions wind up with a playoff spot, but each will also have a home playoff game. | 2022-12-19T01:11:50Z | sports.yahoo.com | There isn’t a team in NFL South divisions over .500 | https://sports.yahoo.com/isn-t-team-nfl-south-005723910.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/isn-t-team-nfl-south-005723910.html?src=rss |
The Jacksonville Jaguars officially control their own destiny now after making up another game on the Tennessee Titans in Week 15.
With a 40-34 overtime victory, the Jaguars improved to 6-8 on the season while every other AFC South team lost. The Indianapolis Colts blew a 33-point lead on Saturday, the Houston Texans lost in overtime against the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Titans lost 17-14 to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Through the first 15 weeks, the AFC South standings now look like this:
The Colts are technically not eliminated in the division race, but could only win the division crown by winning their last three games while the Titans lost their last three and the Jaguars lost their next two.
Essentially, it’s a two-team race and the Jaguars only need to avoid losing ground in the next two weeks. If Jacksonville is a game behind, tied, or a game ahead of the Titans after the next two weeks, the two teams will duel for the AFC South title in Week 18.
Jacksonville will play back-to-back road games against the 7-7 New York Jets and the hapless Texans in the next two weeks. Tennessee has back-to-back home games up next against Houston and Dallas. | 2022-12-19T01:12:15Z | sports.yahoo.com | NFL standings 2022: Jaguars make up another game in AFC South | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-standings-2022-jaguars-another-002833452.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-standings-2022-jaguars-another-002833452.html?src=rss |
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) The Carolina Panthers have boasted the last few weeks about finding an identity on offense by playing smash-mouth football.
With no running game to lean on, Carolina's play-action passing game was nullified and Sam Darnold only found the end zone once while being sacked four times.
''On the offensive side of the ball, we couldn't create any momentum,'' Panthers interim coach Steve Wilks said. ''Didn't establish the run game at all. We've got to do a much better job in our protection and giving Sam an opportunity to be able to go through his progressions to get down the field.''
''That was an emphasis (stopping the run) because we knew the running game that they had,'' Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith said. ''The past couple of weeks we weren't ourselves. That starts with a great week of practice, honestly one of our best weeks of practice in a awhile. So that's where it started and set the tone for the game on the first drive.''
''They did a good job of stopping our run game and getting pressure,'' Darnold said.
''We are a better team than what we showed today,'' Darnold said. ''Obviously, we have a short week, we have a game on Saturday. We have to watch the tape tomorrow, and then we'll be watching some film of the guys we got. It was a tough one today and a lot to learn from but at the same time we have a short week, so we have to flush it quick.'' | 2022-12-19T01:12:22Z | sports.yahoo.com | Panthers' identity stolen by Steelers' D in 24-16 defeat | https://sports.yahoo.com/panthers-identity-stolen-steelers-d-001607432.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/panthers-identity-stolen-steelers-d-001607432.html?src=rss |
Once again, the Las Vegas Raiders held a double-digit lead in the second half. And once again, the Raiders allowed their opponents to come back and take the lead.
New England took a 24-17 lead with just over two minutes left in the second quarter and they needed a miracle drive by Derek Carr. He delivered, throwing a beautiful touchdown to Keelan Cole in the back of the end zone to tie the game at 24.
But then, the wildest final play in NFL history happened. Chandler Jones “recovered” a fumble thrown by Jakobi Meyers and took it to the house for the walk-off touchdown.
THE RAIDERS JUST WON THE GAME LIKE THIS. UNBELIEVABLE.
It was a back-and-forth game all day long, but the Raiders were able to get the win and get to 6-8. While they are still well outside the playoff picture, the Raiders still have a chance.
The Raiders will travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers on Christmas Eve. That game will take place at 8:25 PM ET. The winner of that game will be 7-8 with a chance to sneak into the playoffs with two more wins. | 2022-12-19T01:12:41Z | sports.yahoo.com | Raiders win in dramatic fashion, beat Patriots 30-24 | https://sports.yahoo.com/raiders-win-dramatic-fashion-beat-003204233.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/raiders-win-dramatic-fashion-beat-003204233.html?src=rss |
Another comeback in a weekend of comebacks seemed to be happening.
This one was in Las Vegas as the Patriots fell behind the Raiders 17-3 but rattled off 21 straight points to take a fourth-quarter lead.
Bill Belichick’s crew grabbed the advantage on a 34-yard run by Rhamondre Stevenson with 3:43 left in the fourth quarter.
One of the keys to the rally came when Derek Carr was picked by Kyle Dugger, who returned it 16 yards for a score. | 2022-12-19T01:12:47Z | sports.yahoo.com | Rhamondre Stevenson gives Patriots lead over Raiders | https://sports.yahoo.com/rhamondre-stevenson-gives-patriots-lead-000232070.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/rhamondre-stevenson-gives-patriots-lead-000232070.html?src=rss |
Sin City miracle: Raiders break tie with last-play defensive touchdown to stun Patriots 30-24 originally appeared on Pro Football Talk
Defensive end Chandler Jones grabbed a bizarre, unnecessary lateral by New England's Jakobi Meyers out of the air on the final play and returned it 48 yards for a touchdown, giving the Las Vegas Raiders a 30-24 victory over the Patriots on Sunday. With the game tied at 24-all, the Patriots decided to run a series of pitches in a last-ditch attempt to avoid overtime. Rhamondre Stevenson pitched the ball to Meyers, who heaved it across the field and into the arms of Jones, who had nothing but open field in front of him. | 2022-12-19T01:13:20Z | sports.yahoo.com | Sin City miracle: Raiders break tie with last-play defensive touchdown to stun Patriots 30-24 | https://sports.yahoo.com/sin-city-miracle-raiders-break-004036981.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/sin-city-miracle-raiders-break-004036981.html?src=rss |
The Los Angeles Lakers' difficult season is about to get a lot more difficult.
Lakers star Anthony Davis is expected to miss at least a month with a right foot injury, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic, while Chris Haynes of TNT says he will be sidelined indefinitely.
The injury appeared to occur during the Lakers' 126-108 win over the Denver Nuggets on Friday, when Davis pulled up limping after trying to finish a layup.
pic.twitter.com/SYHQfyg0RZ
— follow @tedbuddy8 (@HoopyHoops) December 17, 2022
The development is obviously a massive blow for the Lakers, who had somewhat recovered from their miserable 2-10 start to the season but still had a long way to go from their current record of 12-16. Davis was averaging 27.4 points, 12.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game while shooting 59.3 percent from the field.
Davis had been on a massive run as of late, averaging 40.2 points and 13.2 rebounds in his last five games played entering Friday, not counting a game in which he left early with an illness.
The Lakers obviously accrued plenty of practice playing without Davis last season, when he missed significant stretches of time with a left MCL injury and right ankle injury. In games without Davis, the team went 16-27, and they can only hope they fare better this time.
Los Angeles Lakers' Anthony Davis will miss significant time with a foot injury, which is the latest setback for a team fighting to get back into contention. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) | 2022-12-19T02:14:08Z | sports.yahoo.com | Anthony Davis reportedly out at least a month for Lakers with foot injury | https://sports.yahoo.com/anthony-davis-reportedly-out-at-least-a-month-for-lakers-with-foot-injury-172729721.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/anthony-davis-reportedly-out-at-least-a-month-for-lakers-with-foot-injury-172729721.html?src=rss |
Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner hits against the Colorado Rockies in October. Turner has reportedly agreed to a two-year, $22-million deal with the Red Sox. (Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press)
A month after the team declined an option in his contract and let him become a free agent, the veteran infielder agreed to a deal with the Boston Red Sox for two years and about $22 million, with an opt-out after next season, according to multiple media reports. | 2022-12-19T02:14:21Z | sports.yahoo.com | Dodgers fan favorite Justin Turner reportedly agrees to deal with Red Sox | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-dodgers-standout-justin-turner-230957908.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-dodgers-standout-justin-turner-230957908.html?src=rss |
The Orlando Magic just went into Boston and beat the NBA's best team twice in a row. And they wasted no time rubbing it in.
After Orlando's 95-92 victory over the Celtics at TD Garden, several Magic players posted the same video of Magic guard Rafer Alston slapping Boston's Eddie House in the back of the head during the teams' 2009 NBA playoff series.
That's quite the coordinated strike from Markelle Fultz, Mo Bamba, Cole Anthony and Wendell Carter.
Alston's bizarre slap of House came during Game 2 of the 2009 Eastern Conference Semifinals, when House exploded for a game-high 31 points off the bench. Alston joked after the game that he slapped House because he thought there was a "giant insect" on his head, prompting House to sarcastically thank him.
"When I felt something on the back of my head, I thought somebody had hit me with a pillow," House said at the time, via Bleacher Report. "I have to applaud Alston for having the softest hands I have ever felt from a man."
House was quick to clap back at the Magic in the present day, as well, calling out the Magic players and fans who tagged him on social media after Orlando "improved" to 11-20 with Sunday's win.
"They're in the Goofy Club, because they're so hype over two wins," House said Sunday night on "Celtics Pregame Live," as seen in the video above. "... Guess what, guys: You're the fifth-worst team in the NBA. With those two wins, you're still the fifth-worst team in the NBA, and we're still at the top of the league."
The Celtics shouldn't feel great about the 11-20 Magic taking victory laps after beating them in their own gym, so perhaps they can use these tweets as motivation to spark a turnaround after going 1-4 in their last five games.
Boston's next chance to earn a victory comes Wednesday against the Indiana Pacers at TD Garden. | 2022-12-19T02:14:28Z | sports.yahoo.com | Markelle Fultz, Magic troll Celtics with Eddie House video after win | https://sports.yahoo.com/markelle-fultz-magic-troll-celtics-232500447.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/markelle-fultz-magic-troll-celtics-232500447.html?src=rss |
Nix’s announcement means that he’ll play in the Holiday Bowl against North Carolina on Dec. 28. That game is one of the best matchups of quarterbacks all bowl season, with UNC’s Drake Maye playing for the Tar Heels.
Oregon quarterback Bo Nix (10) is returning for his fifth year of college and second in Eugene in 2023. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman) | 2022-12-19T02:14:40Z | sports.yahoo.com | Oregon QB Bo Nix announces he'll be back in 2023 | https://sports.yahoo.com/oregon-qb-bo-nix-announces-hell-be-back-in-2023-001024242.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/oregon-qb-bo-nix-announces-hell-be-back-in-2023-001024242.html?src=rss |
The first game of Auburn’s west coast swing got off to a shaky start in Los Angeles.
The home-standing USC Trojans tied the game at 49-49 with 10:31 remaining in the game on a free throw by Joshua Morgan. The success of the free throw erased Auburn’s five-point halftime deficit and would be enough to grab the lead for good.
Despite keeping it within six points the rest of the way, Auburn could not come away with the win, falling to the Trojans at Galen Center, 74-71.
Auburn had a chance to take the win in the final ten seconds, as K.D. Johnson was fouled twice, and cut the Trojan lead to 71-69. Following a USC trip to the line, Johnson was fouled again just inside the perimeter, which eliminated Auburn’s opportunity to tie the game. Johnson connected on both free throws to cut the Trojan lead to 72-71.
In an effort to stop the clock, Auburn fouled USC’s Boogie Ellis with two seconds remaining. Ellis connected on both free throws, which sealed the win.
Auburn could not keep the momentum that it had built in the later stages of the first half. After putting together a strong run to end the first stanza, The Tigers struggled in the turnover department over the final 20 minutes. Auburn turned the ball over 23 times, which resulted in 17 USC points. The Trojans turned the ball over 12 times in the half, but Auburn could only turn those into four points.
Auburn went cold on offense in the second half as well. The Tigers only shot 38% from the field in the second half, which was a significant drop from the 58% shooting they built in the first half.
Auburn trailed by as many as six points before ending the first half strong. The Tigers ended the half on a 14-2 run over the final six minutes to take a 39-35 lead into halftime. Tre Donaldson and Johni Broome each connected on three-pointers to tie the game at 35. The pair would end the first half in double-figures, Broome leading the way with 11 points while Donaldson reached a career-high 10 through the first 20 minutes.
Following the tying shot, K.D. Johnson was on the receiving end of a personal foul by USC’s Drew Peterson. He connected on both shots from the free-throw line, which gave Auburn the 37-35 lead with under two minutes remaining in the half.
Auburn Basketball got off to a shaky offensive start by shooting just 2-of-6 from the field at the first media timeout while allowing the Trojans to connect on 4-of-6 shots and to jump out to a 9-5 lead. Auburn would find a way back into the game quickly, as Donaldson nailed a three-pointer with 12:53 remaining in the half. Another bench player, Allen Flanigan, put Auburn back in front, 15-13, on a three-pointer just 45 seconds later.
The joy was short-lived, as the Trojans were able to spark another run to give themselves another comfortable lead.
USC tied the game at 17-17 on a layup by Reese Dixon-Waters, which ignited a 16-9 stretch over a six-minute span to give them the 33-25 lead at the 5:12 mark in the first half. Malik Thomas and Boogie Ellis were the headliners of the run, combining to score 12 of USC’s 16 points.
The shooting was poor on both sides through the first five minutes of the second half, as neither team could connect over 40% of its shots. The Trojans did the most damage in the frame, however, as they went on a 9-0 run to retake the 44-43 lead with 15:09 remaining in regulation.
Broome ended the game with 16 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks. Donaldson ended his night with ten points.
Auburn will now begin the second leg of its west coast expedition. The Tigers will travel to Seattle to face the Washington Huskies on Wednesday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. CT.
How Auburn's win over Georgia State affects their KenPom ranking
Auburn basketball is looking to make it two wins in a row by scoring a victory over USC. | 2022-12-19T02:36:19Z | sports.yahoo.com | Instant Analysis: Tigers can’t rally late, fall at USC | https://sports.yahoo.com/instant-analysis-tigers-t-rally-004720089.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/instant-analysis-tigers-t-rally-004720089.html?src=rss |
After the game, Bears quarterback Justin Fields shared his thoughts, including his impressive feats on the ground, on his hamstring cramping and building “championship habits.”
Here is everything Fields had to say:
On rushing for 1,000 yards, breaking franchise single-season record
I mean, it means a lot. Of course, I told you guys this earlier in the week, I couldn’t be here without God, I couldn’t be here without my teammates and coaches, them pushing me every day, my teammates pushing me every day at practice, us pushing each other, them blocking for me on the field, blocking downfield. I couldn’t be here without them. Of course, it’s a great honor. But it’s really because of those guys.
On what he saw on his 39-yard run
Yeah, guys were pretty covered downfield. Once I saw that, I was just trying to go ahead out of the pocket, grab him by the neck, fight off. Just got out clean. It was second and 27, I was trying to get the first down. Got the first down. There was some room to go. Of course, try to get into the end zone. I just wish I wouldn’t have stepped out-of-bounds.
On whether he knew he was out of bounds on the run
No. I’m celebrating, spiking the ball. I’m tired. I had no idea (smiling).
On his touchdown to Byron Pringle
So, we just had a quick cadence on that. Boom, everybody lined up with the ball, snapped the ball quick. They brought coverage zero on that. Usually when we get up on the line like that, snap the ball, they don’t have time to communicate who has the back. I just dropped back, cover zero, he was wide open. A perfect play call by Luke. Just props to him.
On his hamstring cramping
I have to get an IV before every game. I didn’t get one today because I thought the weather, I wouldn’t need one. I’m still exerting energy, still using my body. From now on I’m going to have to get an IV.
On wondering what things would look like if everybody was healthy
Yeah, you could wonder all you want. The reality is we don’t. You have to play with who you have out there. Everybody, like I said before, has to be prepared, ready to play.
On whether he plans on rushing for 1,000 yards every season
No sir. I don’t plan on rushing for a thousand yards every year. Like I said before, it’s an honor. It’s a blessing from God. Like I said, I couldn’t do it without my coaches and teammates.
On chance to break Lamar Jackson's single-season rushing record for a QB
I’m already deep into this year. Might as well just try to go get that record. I think need, what, 206. Three games left, 70 yards a game. We’ll see what happens. Yeah, we’ll see.
On focusing on not turning the ball over
Yeah, that’s always the emphasis for the offense, no takeaways, the defense getting plus two. That’s always the goal, not to turn the ball over. Yeah, of course, you want to go into the game never wanting to turn the ball over. Of course, they have a great D-line out there. I think the biggest thing, when we play such a force at D-line, maybe one, two reads, find a check-down to run. You’re not going to have all day with the D-line that they do have, yeah.
On returning to the field after he exited the game
It was important. Every time I get a chance to play, I’m going to want to be out there with my guys. They fight. Like I said before, they’re the only reason I play. I play for them and God and really nobody else.
On if he feels scrambling is necessary this season
Yeah, for sure. I’m going to improvise, try to do whatever I can to put as much points on the board as possible. I mean, I don’t plan to. I don’t plan to rush for a thousand yards every year, yeah.
On comparisons to Eagles, Jalen Hurts' progression
I mean, I really try not to compare myself, my team, versus others because every situation is different. So I really never compare myself. I’m in a different situation. We’re all in a different situation. You just don’t try to compare. I think you just got to focus on yourself, what can you do better, what can we do better as a team, of course as an offense.
On optimism that Bears can ascend like the Eagles
I think we’re going to keep getting better. For me, I’ve been in the league for two years. I learned two offenses in two years. I think the more I get comfortable with that offense, I think we’re just going to keep getting better as an offense, as a team, yeah.
On the defense's performance
They did a great job. I told them after the game they did a great job. Big shout out to them. Coach preaches that every day of the week. Of course, Kyler (Gordon) with the pick, that was huge. The fumble recovery. It was huge. Any time we can get those takeaways, it’s going to be great for our offense. Create short fields. Definitely huge for our offense.
On waiting for offense to have breakout game
Nowadays in the league, most defenses, they try to prevent the big play. They want you to take the underneath stuff, drive the ball down the field. When those deep shots, options do come, you have to take advantage of them and complete them. Of course, we’re always looking for an explosive play. That defense, they did a great job taking them away. Just got to drive the ball down the field, take completions, move the ball down the field.
On if he saw the play Teven Jenkins got hurt
I didn’t see anything. I saw after the play he was crawling on the ground. Teven is a tough guy. When he’s crawling on the ground, I knew he was hurt instantly. Of course I’m going to be praying for him and hope he’s okay.
On building "championship habits"
I mean, yeah, I think we do that every day. No matter what our record is, the coaches come in the same every day, the players come in the same every day. We work. That’s kind of all we know. No matter what our record is, what’s in the past, we come in every day and show up. We show up every day to get better. As long as we do that, we’ll get better. Like I said, those wins are going to start coming for sure.
On facing the Eagles defense
They’re big, strong, fast. They’re deep, too. They have guys coming in, rotating. They have vets. They do a great job rotating those guys, keeping them fresh. That makes it easier on them when they come in, only playing two plays every four plays, every five plays. They’re staying fresh. I think they did a great job putting pressure on me today. Their defense did a pretty good job. I think our O-line held up pretty good, too. I mean, yeah, give credit to them, for sure. | 2022-12-19T02:41:31Z | sports.yahoo.com | Everything Justin Fields said after the Bears lost to the Eagles in Week 15 | https://sports.yahoo.com/everything-justin-fields-said-bears-021611593.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/everything-justin-fields-said-bears-021611593.html?src=rss |
Just when you start thinking it couldn’t get any worse, the New England Patriots suffered their most humiliating defeat of the season at the hands of the hapless Las Vegas Raiders.
The NFL officials made the wrong decision in ruling Raiders receiver Keelan Cole’s fourth-quarter catch, which was clearly out of bounds, a touchdown, but the league made the right decision to save the masses the headache of watching this mess of a game in primetime.
Thank you, NFL.
Make no mistake, the Patriots are in no place to be complaining about the officiating considering they did everything possible to lose to the Raiders. The score was tied late in the fourth quarter after the officials upheld the controversial touchdown call that put the Raiders back in the game.
With time winding and the game likely headed into overtime, the Patriots offense, which has been anemic all year long, started throwing laterals in a desperate attempt to keep the game from going into overtime. Never mind the fact that they have one of the better defenses in the league, and there was probably a good chance the offense would get the ball back in extra minutes.
Instead of taking the knee and living to fight another down, the Patriots continued to force the action by calling a running play, which ultimately ended in Jakobi Meyers throwing an interception returned for a game-winning touchdown by former Patriot and current Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones.
Matt Patricia and the offensive play-calling will steal headlines for another week as the now 7-7 Patriots watched their slim playoff hopes fall off a cliff with the loss.
There’s still a possibility for them to sneak in through the backdoor, but they’ll have do so with the Cincinnati Bengals, Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills coming up on the schedule. That’s an improbable feat if the Patriots had Patrick Mahomes at quarterback and Andy Reid calling the offensive plays.
Honestly, the Patriots might actually be in a better place right now with Reid as the head coach. The team that took the field against the Raiders looked undisciplined and poorly-coached, which is the same thing people were saying about them when the teams met in the preseason finale back in August.
Yet, here we are in Week 15 and nothing has changed for the Patriots. Bill Belichick might be the greatest coach in NFL history, but he’s lying in the bed that he himself made with this mess of a football team. | 2022-12-19T02:41:44Z | sports.yahoo.com | Instant analysis of Patriots’ embarrassing 30-24 loss to Raiders | https://sports.yahoo.com/instant-analysis-patriots-embarrassing-30-011924085.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/instant-analysis-patriots-embarrassing-30-011924085.html?src=rss |
Meyers explains his intent on costly play in Patriots' loss to Raiders originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The New England Patriots suffered one of the most excruciating losses in recent NFL history on Sunday.
They had the ball on their own 45-yard line with no timeouts and 10 seconds left on the clock in the fourth quarter. Instead of throwing a Hail Mary or just taking a knee to force overtime, the Patriots ran a draw play. Rhamondre Stevenson lateraled the ball to Jakobi Meyers, who threw it back toward the line of scrimmage and into the hands of Raiders linebacker Chandler Jones.
Jones ran over Patriots quarterback Mac Jones to complete what was officially scored as a 48-yard fumble return touchdown. The Raiders won 30-24 as a result to drop the Patriots to 7-7 and outside the playoff picture in the AFC.
Here's a replay of the stunning ending to the game:
What was Meyers thinking on that play?
"I thought I saw Mac open. I didn't see Chandler Jones at the time," Meyers explained. "I just thought he was open and tried to get it to him and let him try to make a play with it. But the score was tied, so I should have just went down.
Was Meyers surprised to receive the ball in that situation?
"It's not even about Rhamondre. Once he gives it to me, I'm smart enough to know it's tied and go down with it," Meyers said. "Whether he gave the ball to me or not, he gave it to me because he trusted me. I got to be smarter with it."
Here's more reaction from Meyers:
Meyers had a clutch 39-yard reception in the fourth quarter that set up a touchdown run by Stevenson that put the Patriots ahead 24-17 with 3:43 remaining. Those two guys, who have been among the Patriots' best and most valuable offensive players all season, should have been the heroes of the game.
But the final play undid all of that, and it might end up costing the Patriots a playoff berth. | 2022-12-19T02:41:50Z | sports.yahoo.com | Jakobi Meyers explains his intent on costly play in Patriots' loss to Raiders | https://sports.yahoo.com/jakobi-meyers-explains-intent-costly-013410965.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/jakobi-meyers-explains-intent-costly-013410965.html?src=rss |
The Denver Broncos found a way to win against the Arizona Cardinals, getting their fourth victory of the season 24-15.
We take a look at some of the studs and duds from the big win.
Stud: Broncos running game
The Broncos’ running game finally came alive against the Arizona Cardinals. Latavius Murray carried the load for Denver, with 24 carries for 130 yards and a touchdown. Marlon Mack added five carries with 37 yards and a touchdown in the second half. The Broncos pounded the Cardinals in the second half, taking time off the clock and protecting the lead.
Dud: Brandon McManus
Broncos fans aren’t typically used to seeing kicker Brandon McManus miss field goals, especially a 38-yard chip shot. Those are usually a gimme for the big-legged booter, but that particular attempt sailed wide right, leaving the score at the time at a 3-0 Denver advantage. McManus did make all his extra points, but when Broncos fans saw a familiar face in Matt Prater making field goals of 45, 50 and 55 yards, it was a bit tough to swallow.
For the second straight week, the Broncos defense generated three interceptions of Cardinals quarterbacks. Justin Simmons recorded his fourth and fifth interceptions of the season, the first one coming in the first quarter, and the second one early in the fourth quarter. Pat Surtain iced the game with his second interception of the season with less than a minute left in regulation.
While the Broncos offensive line has been assailed all season by injuries, pass protection against the Cardinals was a problem. Arizona defensive end JJ Watt recorded three individual sacks and disrupted the offense on countless other plays, along with forcing a fumble. On the day, Denver quarterback Brett Rypien was sacked seven times for 41 yards. If Russell Wilson comes back for next week against the Los Angeles Rams, the offensive line will need to protect against another top-tier rushing talent in Aaron Donald.
Stud: Brett Rypien
(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
In his third career start, and second of the 2022 season, Brett Rypien was efficient in managing the offense. Rypien went 21-of-26 for 197 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The interception came at the end of the third quarter, when Rypien thought he had a free play. The interception aside, Rypien took care of the football, hit his receivers and fooled the Cardinals with a savvy play-action fake when he threw his touchdown.
For the second straight week, and for the fourth time this season, the Denver offense scored more than 20 points in a game. Maybe this is what the Broncos’ offense has supposed to look like the entire season! | 2022-12-19T02:43:09Z | sports.yahoo.com | Studs and duds from Broncos’ 24-15 win over Cardinals | https://sports.yahoo.com/studs-duds-broncos-24-15-021753749.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/studs-duds-broncos-24-15-021753749.html?src=rss |
Lions tight end Brock Wright (89) carries the ball into the end zone against Jets cornerback D.J. Reed (4) for a touchdown to take the lead late Dec. 18, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J.
Jets tight end C.J. Uzomah (87) celebrates his second touchdown of the game against the Lions during the fourth quarter Dec. 18, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: How TE Brock Wright 'totally redeemed himself' to lead Detroit Lions | 2022-12-19T02:43:16Z | sports.yahoo.com | How TE Brock Wright 'totally redeemed himself' to lead Detroit Lions to big win | https://sports.yahoo.com/te-brock-wright-totally-redeemed-015011154.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/te-brock-wright-totally-redeemed-015011154.html?src=rss |
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers gave up a 17-point lead Sunday in a 34-23 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, aided by a deluge of turnovers in the third quarter.
One of them, a botched fake punt that was mishandled by reserve running back Giovani Bernard, sparked an odd postgame interaction in the locker room.
Tampa Bay called the fake on a 4th-and-1 in their own territory, and appeared to have blocked it well enough to convert, but the snap bounced off of Bernard and was recovered by the Bengals. Bernard appeared to be surprised by the snap.
As media tried to speak with Bernard about the play, the veteran special-teamer evidently wanted to avoid the conversation, according to multiple outlets:
Interesting moment in the @Buccaneers locker room Gio Bernard didn’t want to chat with reporters but eventually did owning his mistake on the fake punt. pic.twitter.com/Tk9fiYvcGw
— JP Peterson (@FanStreamJP) December 19, 2022
After finally agreeing to answer questions, Bernard admitted that the turnover was his fault, but declined to get into the specifics when asked whether or not he knew that the fake had been called:
Bucs head coach Todd Bowles told the media that Bernard was aware of the play call, and simply didn’t catch the ball when it was snapped to him.
Whatever the reason for what transpired, it was a critical error that helped spark Tampa Bay’s epic collapse Sunday, in yet another embarrassing loss. | 2022-12-19T02:43:42Z | sports.yahoo.com | WATCH: Giovani Bernard’s awkward exchange with media after botched fake punt | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-giovani-bernard-awkward-exchange-011619113.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-giovani-bernard-awkward-exchange-011619113.html?src=rss |
It doesn’t get much better than a walk-off win in overtime.
The Jacksonville Jaguars locker room was a very, very happy place after the team’s dramatic 40-34 victory over the Dallas Cowboys.
Among those celebrating with the coaches and players in the video was general manager Trent Baalke, while quarterback Trevor Lawrence was shown having a moment with offensive coordinator Press Taylor.
“We talked last night about this being a 15-round, heavyweight, going toe-to-toe fight,” Pederson said in his speech to the team. “We talked about playing four quarters. We talked about being physical. We talked about all three phases making an impact and all three phases made an impact today.”
Pederson singled out the game hero Rayshawn Jenkins, who ended the game with a 52-yard pick six of Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott on Sunday.
With the win that was coupled with a Tennessee Titans loss later in the day, the Jaguars now control their own destiny in the AFC South.
The same storm poised to bring a covering of snow to portions of the central Plains at the beginning of the week will spread soaking rain and thunderstorms across the Gulf Coast states from Monday through Tuesday. AccuWeather forecasters say this rain may be beneficial for some, but could prove disruptive for early Christmas travelers and outdoor activities. "A slow-moving storm tracking along the Gulf coast will lead to a wet start to the busy holiday week from eastern Texas to Florida," AccuWe
Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars' offense, along with safety Rayshawn Jenkins and head coach Doug Pederson, delivered in 40-34 overtime win over Dallas Cowboys. | 2022-12-19T02:43:49Z | sports.yahoo.com | Watch: Jaguars locker room celebrates 40-34 win vs. Cowboys | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-jaguars-locker-room-celebrates-012928994.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-jaguars-locker-room-celebrates-012928994.html?src=rss |
The bizarre act that ruined the greatest moment in World Cup history - Getty Images
Lionel Messi receives a robe from Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar - GETTY IMAGES/MATTHEW ASHTON
Fifa president Gianni Infantino looks on as a robed Messi prepares to lift the trophy in front of millions watching around the world - AFP/FRANCK FIFE
An iconic moment for an iconic player ruined
By Lee Martin, Telegraph Sport Picture Editor
The moment had arrived. The moment every Argentinian had been waiting for since the great Diego Maradona pulled the rest of his team along with him in his slipstream back in 1986. And, of course, the moment most neutrals had hoped for.
This tournament was Lionel Messi's last chance of lifting the ultimate trophy, one that he seemed destined to miss out on when, just a few short weeks ago, they had lost to Saudi Arabia. Messi, though, was not going to just roll over. In his fifth and final World Cup he summoned the skill, energy and beauty to propel his side to glory and, in so doing, placed his name firmly alongside those of Maradona and Pele.
An iconic player lifting an ironic trophy. It's just a shame that the equally iconic blue and white shirt worn by Messi happened to be covered up with the type of negligee my father used to buy my mother for Christmas.
Of course it wasn't a negligee, it was an Arabic robe called a Bisht and is given as a mark of respect. That is commendable but there is a time and place. Christmas around the Martin household in years gone by perhaps, but not when the possibly the greatest player the world has ever seen is about to lift the greatest football trophy there is.
It brought back that whiff of dodgy deals and politics which may yet haunt this tournament, even if the final will go down as the greatest ever seen.
Lionel Messi says he cannot wait to return to Argentina with the World Cup trophy. Speaking to journalists after the final against France, Messi said he had “craved” this moment for so long. “I knew God would bring this gift to me, I had the feeling that this World Cup was the one,” he said. | 2022-12-19T04:03:15Z | sports.yahoo.com | The bizarre act that ruined the greatest moment in World Cup history | https://sports.yahoo.com/lionel-messi-made-wear-traditional-191037461.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/lionel-messi-made-wear-traditional-191037461.html?src=rss |
The release of “Avatar: The Way of Water” in South Korea largely lived up to expectations and delivered a major boost to the final quarter’s flagging box office. Its gross revenues between Friday and Sunday represented the second biggest opening of the year. They lifted the nationwide total to the country’s second largest weekend of […] | 2022-12-19T04:03:21Z | sports.yahoo.com | Warriors observations: Jordan Poole scores career-high 43 in win over Raptors | https://sports.yahoo.com/warriors-observations-jordan-poole-scores-013000230.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/warriors-observations-jordan-poole-scores-013000230.html?src=rss |
These three teams have a combined record of 29-13 and all of them should have something meaningful to play for against the Patriots. The Bills are chasing the AFC East title and the No. 1 playoff seed. The Bengals are trying to hold off the Baltimore Ravens for the AFC North crown, and the Dolphins are just trying to get into the playoffs. | 2022-12-19T04:11:57Z | sports.yahoo.com | 2022 NFL playoff picture: Updated AFC standings, scenarios entering Week 16 | https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-nfl-playoff-picture-updated-024729321.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-nfl-playoff-picture-updated-024729321.html?src=rss |
Terry McLaurin hits 1,000-yard mark for third straight year originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
LANDOVER, Md. -- In front of a national audience on Sunday Night Football, Terry McLaurin reminded the world, once again, just how talented he is.
In the third quarter against the New York Giants, McLaurin hauled in a 20-yard pass from Taylor Heinicke for his fifth catch of the evening. That reception gave McLaurin 65 yards on the night and put him over the 1,000-yard mark on the season for the third consecutive year.
Here's the play that it happened on:
McLaurin is the first Washington player to record 1,000 or more receiving yards for three consecutive seasons in over 25 years; Henry Ellard topped the 1,000-yard mark from 1994-1996.
McLaurin's feat is especially impressive considering the quarterback carousel he's been on the receiving end of since arriving in Washington. Through McLaurin's first four NFL seasons, he's played alongside nine different starting signal-callers.
Since 2010, only two other Washington wide receivers -- DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon -- besides McLaurin have recorded multiple 1,000-yard seasons with the franchise. Neither player was able to do such in consecutive years, however, while McLaurin has done such in three straight campaigns.
After signing a three-year extension with Washington this past July, McLaurin is under contract through the 2025 season. Each week, he continues to prove he was worth the investment. | 2022-12-19T04:12:22Z | sports.yahoo.com | Commanders' WR Terry McLaurin hits 1,000-yard mark for third straight season | https://sports.yahoo.com/commanders-wr-terry-mclaurin-hits-031500691.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/commanders-wr-terry-mclaurin-hits-031500691.html?src=rss |
LAS VEGAS (AP) New England coach Bill Belichick uttered the same word 10 times during a postgame press conference that lasted a little more than four minutes.
''Mistake.''
''Collectively made too many mistakes and gave up some big plays that were obviously the difference in the game,'' Belichick said.
''Obviously we made a mistake on it,'' Belichick added. ''Made a mistake on the play.''
''The play call was just a draw play - nothing more, nothing less than that,'' Stevenson said. ''I'm supposed to know the situation. I'm supposed to know how much time is on the clock in critical situations and I failed to do that today.''
''That ain't his fault. He gave me the ball, I got to be smart with it,'' Meyers said. ''I thought I saw Mac open. I didn't see Chandler Jones at the time. Just thought he was open, tried to get it to him, then let him try to make a play with it. But the score was tied, so like I said, I should have just laid down.''
''Obviously we've got to do a better job playing situational football and not make critical mistakes in the game,'' Belichick said. ''We need to try to eliminate all the mistakes that we made. You just can't do this in this league. Got to work to eliminate those and continue to play the good football that we play, but we just had too many mistakes and too many bad plays to win. That was obvious.'' | 2022-12-19T04:12:29Z | sports.yahoo.com | Disastrous last play sums up day of mistakes by Patriots | https://sports.yahoo.com/disastrous-last-play-sums-day-030406683.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/disastrous-last-play-sums-day-030406683.html?src=rss |
The New York Giants are dominating the Washington Commanders 14-3 at halftime in their critical Week 15 matchup from FedEx Field.
Washington dominated the football in the first quarter, holding the ball for over 11 minutes but ended the quarter with only a 3-0 lead. Head coach Ron Rivera had an opportunity to kick a 51-yard goal on one drive but instead chose to punt due to the wind.
New York’s offense struggled early, too, but it was a play from rookie defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux that changed everything for the Giants. With the Commanders deep in their own territory, Thibodeaux goes through Washington left tackle Charles Leno to sack quarterback Taylor Heinicke, who fumbles and Thibodeaux picks it up and lands in the end zone to make it 7-3.
Washington’s offense came back on the field and struggled. But, punter Tress Way crushed a punt to the New York three-yard line. How did the Giants respond?
By driving 18 plays for 97 yards and taking up over eight minutes of time before running back Saquon Barkley takes the snap and goes into the end zone to give the Giants a 14-3 lead.
On the drive, Giants coach Brian Daboll was facing a fourth-and-9, but instead of attempting a field or punting, he goes for it, and quarterback Daniel Jones completes an 11-yard pass for a first down.
That play defined the first half for the Commanders.
For Washington to turn this game around, it needs to find an answer for Thibodeaux and get something from its defense. The Commanders applied no pressure to Jones in the first half, who completed 12 of 16 passes for 104 yards.
Heinicke completed seven of 13 passes for 55 yards in the first half. Washington’s running game was working as rookie running back Brian Robinson Jr. carried the ball eight times for 54 yards. Antonio Gibson also contributed 20 rushing yards.
New York will start the second half with the football. | 2022-12-19T04:12:35Z | sports.yahoo.com | Giants lead Commanders 14-3 at halftime in critical Week 15 clash | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-lead-commanders-14-3-025438753.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-lead-commanders-14-3-025438753.html?src=rss |
Raiders ‘unbelievable’ ending vs Patriots more ‘insane’ than Tuck Rule game
We’re all still sitting in stunned disbelief in how the Raiders vs Patriots game ended Sunday. Even the players and coaches were left searching for the right words to describe what happened.
To set the scene we need to go back to the previous drive.
With just over two minutes left, the Raiders took over, down 24-17. They needed a touchdown to tie it up and they got one on a play that looked very much like it would be rule incomplete. But it was ruled a touchdown on the field and after review, they upheld it.
It meant the Raiders went from blowing a 17-3 lead to coming back to tie it up at 24-24. And it happened with the Raiders having a call go their way. Not something that they were used to having happen classically.
Derek Carr in particular remembers at least two previous occasions when the ending was crazy and things did *not* go the Raiders way.
“I remember my rookie year,” said Carr, recalling the Raiders trip to New England in week three, “We go down on two-minute drive, and we run in the end zone and all of a sudden there’s a flag. And the next play I throw it to my receiver (Denarius Moore) checking it down and Vince Wilfork picks it. I was like can we please just have one go our way, you know? And when they showed that one view where they saw [Keelan Cole’s] foot hit the grass and then his foot hit, we started going nuts and then the refs next to us said touchdown and we went nuts.”
The Patriots would take the ball with :32 seconds remaining. They could try to win it in regulation, but if not, they could just send it to overtime. Neither of those options are how it would go down.
What actually happened is hard to describe properly, so it’s best to just watch it yourself.
“They’re trying to run the clock out to go to overtime and break some tackles,” Carr recalls. “They get down there, and it’s hard as a competitor, you get down there and they start tossing it around. You get it and it’s hard to just sit down on it and give up on the play. . . Crazy he threw it back and Chandler [Jones] caught it . . .and I don’t know his 40 time, but when you stiff arm it goes down a little bit. But he made it to the end zone, it was an unbelievable play, and I’m glad we had one go our way that way.”
Jones’s head coach remember what was going through his head on the play.
“Don’t get tackled by the quarterback,” Josh McDaniels said of Jones catching the lateral. “Once Rhamondre [Stevenson] pitched the ball to Jacobi [Meyers], I figured we’d just tackle whoever had it and that would be it, we’d go to overtime. And then when he lateraled the ball, I had no idea…it didn’t seem like a lateral play to me when they handed the ball off to the back. When they handed it to the back, I was like tackle him, go to overtime and then when I saw the ball in the air and when I saw Chandler underneath it, I thought oh my God, we might have a chance at this. And when he caught it, I saw Mac was back there and I was just hoping he could avoid whatever effort Mac had to tackle him and then hopefully he had enough juice left in his body to get to the end zone.”
The result of all that craziness was Carr getting his first ever win against the Patriots. In fact, prior to Sunday, it was the closest he ever came to beating them.
“We’ve seen our fair share of things happen,” Carr added. “But I have not seen that one. I’m glad it went our way. I’ve stood up here and answered some hard questions sometimes about what happened and I don’t even know how to tell you what happened sometimes.
But Carr’s memories about Raiders vs Patriots started long before he faced them as an NFL quarterback. He was ten years old when the Raiders faced the Patriots in the snow in what would became the infamous Tuck Rule game.
“I was like; a Patriot, Raider game ending in a review,” Carr continued. “I remember I was in Bakersfield California, it was night time and I was watching Charles Woodson strip the ball from Tom Brady. I don’t know how old I was, but I was sitting there with my dad watching the game.”
Josh McDaniels certainly remembers that game as well. He was on the Patriots’ coaching staff for that game. McDaniels was also on the staff for the game in Carr’s rookie season when Vince Wilford had the game-winning interception. And McDaniels puts this ending atop any game he’s been a part of.
“It’s football. The ball bounces crazy ways,” said McDaniels. “It’s not a predictable game sometimes and obviously the ending was probably the most insane ending I think I’ve ever been a part of, but we’ll take it. We’ll take it for sure.”
It’s certainly possible that even if the game had gone to overtime that the Raiders pull out the win. But thanks to that TD catch call going their way and the Patriots making an incredibly dumb, unnecessary play, they got the win in regulation.
The Raiders improve to 6-8 on the season. Even with a loss, they wouldn’t have been officially eliminated from playoff contention, but with a winning record still a possibility, they remain in the hunt.
Next up they head to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers, followed by the 49ers at home New Year’s Day, and finally a trip to Arrowhead to face the Chiefs. | 2022-12-19T04:13:00Z | sports.yahoo.com | Raiders ‘unbelievable’ ending vs Patriots more ‘insane’ than Tuck Rule game | https://sports.yahoo.com/raiders-unbelievable-ending-vs-patriots-024843568.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/raiders-unbelievable-ending-vs-patriots-024843568.html?src=rss |
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) Ryan Tannehill has been playing on an injured right ankle for at least two weeks, and it got a whole lot worse when Khalil Mack rolled it into a thoroughly unnatural position while tackling the quarterback during Tennessee's opening series Sunday.
''It felt awful,'' Tannehill said. ''It felt probably worse than it looked. A lot of pain. Whatever the top reading on the pain scale is, it was that.''
''No question, this is not where any of us want to be,'' Tannehill said. ''Obviously didn't see it playing out this way, but it's where we're at, so we have to just keep pushing, charging forward and come ready to play next week.''
''It wasn't a good feeling initially,'' Tannehill said. ''(But) that crazy, intense pain calmed down after a little bit of time. Came in, regrouped a little bit and was going to go test it on the sideline, see where I was at. I was able to move a little bit. Felt like I could go in and be effective and move enough to protect myself and do my job.''
''Ryan is a tough guy, and he puts it on the line every day, no matter how he feels,'' Titans center Ben Jones said. ''Every time he gets hit, it hurts us.''
''I always wanted to do something like that,'' McCreary said with a huge grin. ''How it happened in my head, that's exactly the way it happened in the game. When I saw (Williams) wasn't looking at the ball, I knew it was my chance to make a play, but I knew I wasn't going to exactly catch it inbounds, so I saw my partner Kalu coming over, (and) being in an unselfish moment, I just passed it to him.''
''It's bad,'' McCreary said. ''Plays like that, people won't never remember because we lost.'' | 2022-12-19T04:13:40Z | sports.yahoo.com | Tannehill overcomes ankle injury, but Titans toppled again | https://sports.yahoo.com/tannehill-overcomes-ankle-injury-titans-033032909.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/tannehill-overcomes-ankle-injury-titans-033032909.html?src=rss |
Miss Wisconsin Grace Stanke, a nuclear engineering student, was crowned Miss America 2023. Stanke succeeds Emma Broyles, the first Miss Alaska contestant to win the Miss America title in the competition’s 100-year history.
The Bradley men's basketbal team is playing its 8th season under head coach Brian Wardle. Here's what the Braves schedule looks like in 2022-23.
Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder had 97 passing yards and 38 rushing yards in his NFL debut against the Saints. | 2022-12-19T04:59:30Z | sports.yahoo.com | AP Poll Top 25 Projection College Basketball Rankings Prediction Week 7 | https://sports.yahoo.com/ap-poll-top-25-projection-023034774.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/ap-poll-top-25-projection-023034774.html?src=rss |
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) It was a very public two-hour, father-son bonding experience between New Mexico coach Richard Pitino and his dad, noted coach Rick Pitino of Iona, on Sunday.
''I'm just really happy for him, 11-0,'' Rick Pitino said. ''This is a rebuilding job and he's done it in one year. I'm just beaming with pride with what he's accomplishing. I'm disappointed in my team but I'm so happy for him.''
''I said all week, it's not about me and it wasn't about me, especially with the nonconference that we had,'' he said. ''It's not about beating my dad. I'm grateful that my dad played here because we benefitted. That was a nationally televised game he did not need to play. Happy we won, but I don't look at like I beat him. I look at it as New Mexico beat Iona.''
''Our zone was giving them problems,'' he said of a defense that he hasn't broken out in three seasons. ''And we started attacking the rim and we got some easy buckets.''
''I would say being his son, I knew he would play some zone because he hasn't played any,'' he said. ''Working for him, he always has a zone in his back pocket.''
Asked who was buying the postgame meal, Richard Pitino said, ''I don't know if he wants to go to dinner tonight. I'm supposed to take him to dinner. You have to give him a little grace period because he's not great right away after games. But we'll get together.''
Although unsolicited , Rick Pitino had some advice for his son and the Lobos, saying, ''Richard knows how to handle it but the one piece of advice for this team, don't embrace it. Get better. Take what you did wrong and get better. Because as quickly as you get to climbing that mountain, you get knocked right off it.'' | 2022-12-19T04:59:49Z | sports.yahoo.com | Richard Pitino, New Mexico beat Rick Pitino and Iona 82-74 | https://sports.yahoo.com/richard-pitino-mexico-beat-rick-015119320.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/richard-pitino-mexico-beat-rick-015119320.html?src=rss |
It was just another blow to the Cardinals in a season full of them, the team's injury situation completely out of hand.
"The reality of this league is injuries are a part of it. So we've got a (expletive) of them. But you can't use that as an excuse because everybody has injuries and everybody has to figure it out," defensive lineman J.J. Watt said.
NFL stats: Standings | League Leaders | Injuries
Watt had three sacks, a forced fumble, a pass breakup and a tackle for loss, plus three quarterback hits in the first half. Watt's dominance stood out in an otherwise dreary first 30 minutes of action in which neither team could move the ball consistently.
"Obviously that's what I'm trying to do. Trying to go out there and play good football, trying to help us win," Watt said. "It was good, but they went in at the half and obviously they didn't want that to happen again, so they changed it all up, and credit to them. They did a good job in the second half."
"He feels the healthiest he's felt in a long time obviously this late in the season, and has been on a great run. He's been one of the great leaders in the locker room to keep this this group going and being locked in," Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury said.
"I was very honest with the guys after the game. I told them the situation is what it is. We're out of the playoffs. We're in a very difficult spot. You've got to be a professional," Watt said. "You've got to hold yourself accountable as a man, as a player. You're not only playing these last three games for this team, you're putting film on tape for next year as well. It sucks. Trust me, I don't like having to stand up there and say that but that's the truth. ... the reality is, you're playing for a job for next year, you're playing for the future."
"We want to try and get a win next week. I think that's it," Kingsbury said. "We're trying to stay weeker to week at this point. You know, see who we can get back healthy and go out there and try to execute at a high level."
"Just want to try and go in and operate and, you know, move the ball down the field, help our team out and I've got to be better at that," he said.
"We want to know what we have to do later. If we don't get it there at least we know that we need two more scores," Kingsbury said. We liked the play call. We thought we'd get a one-on-one with 'Hop.' Unfortunately, the call didn't go our way."
ASU’s starters took care of the University of San Diego early with an 91-67 win at Desert Financial Arena. | 2022-12-19T05:16:55Z | sports.yahoo.com | What we learned about the Arizona Cardinals from the loss to the Denver Broncos | https://sports.yahoo.com/learned-arizona-cardinals-loss-denver-001449155.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/learned-arizona-cardinals-loss-denver-001449155.html?src=rss |
Lionel Messi’s Argentina beat France to clinch the World Cup title in a lively game at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar Sunday evening. The South American side beat the holders 4 – 2 on penalties. Argentina is the first country from outside Europe to lift the trophy since Brazil, which did so 20 years ago […] | 2022-12-19T05:17:01Z | sports.yahoo.com | Sport at its finest: Argentina-France delivers World Cup final for the ages | https://sports.yahoo.com/sport-at-its-finest-argentina-france-delivers-world-cup-final-for-the-ages-185915601.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/sport-at-its-finest-argentina-france-delivers-world-cup-final-for-the-ages-185915601.html?src=rss |
LANDOVER, Md. (AP) Backed up at their own 10-yard line after a holding penalty in the first half of a game with little offense, the Washington Commanders curiously - and dangerously - went with an empty backfield. Quarterback Taylor Heinicke dropped back and got strip-sacked by New York Giants edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, who grabbed the ball at the 1 and ran into the end zone.
Then, in the fourth quarter, with the Commanders at New York's 5 and with a shot to pull ahead, Heinicke got sacked again - and fumbled again, this time with Dexter Lawrence doing the damage. The Giants converted that turnover into a field goal.
For a team, and a player, that had so much go its way for so long after Heinicke replaced an injured Carson Wentz, the Commanders and their QB failed to pick up a victory in a key divisional matchup because of a mix of miscues and questionable coaching choices. And those two fumbles by Heinicke loomed large in a 20-12 loss to the Giants that was only Washington's second defeat in its past nine games.
In a rematch of the NFC East rivals' 20-all tie on Dec. 4, neither club looked all that good, but it was the Giants who improved to 8-5-1 and solidified their playoff positioning, while the Commanders dropped to 7-6-1. That puts Washington still in line for the third and last wild-card spot in the conference, but it's now just a half-game ahead of the Detroit Lions and Seattle Seahawks, who are both 7-7 with three games left in the regular season.
But this was Henicke's show, and he finished 17 for 29 for 249 yards with a 19-yard touchdown pass to rookie first-round draft pick Jahan Dotson, earning chants of ''Hei-nick-ee!''
The pair of sack-fumbles were pivotal, though. So, seemingly, were some odd choices by Washington coach Ron Rivera. That included eschewing what would have been a 52-yard field-goal try and punting on the Commanders' opening drive.
And then there was Heinicke's inability to get the ball into the end zone at the close of the game.
Zach LaVine with a 2-pointer vs the Minnesota Timberwolves
Zach LaVine (Chicago Bulls) with a 2-pointer vs the Minnesota Timberwolves, 12/18/2022 | 2022-12-19T05:43:01Z | sports.yahoo.com | 2 fumbles by Heinicke hinder Commanders in loss to Giants | https://sports.yahoo.com/2-fumbles-heinicke-hinder-commanders-044616783.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/2-fumbles-heinicke-hinder-commanders-044616783.html?src=rss |
It wasn’t meant to be, as Dallas blew a 27-10 third quarter lead, eventually falling to the Jacksonville Jaguars, 40-34, in overtime. Still Dallas entered the week with five various clinching scenarios. Thanks to other results, they ended up needing the fifth, but it did finally happen when the New York Giants took down the Washington Commanders on Sunday Night Football. That victory assured the Cowboys would have one of the three best records in the NFC among non-division winners, clinching their spot in the playoffs.
In Hunt for Wild Card:
In Hunt for No. 4 seed:
Carolina, Atlanta, New Orleans (5-9)
Back-to-back playoff appearances
Things feel solemn after the way Dallas lost, somehow ending up in overtime. They made the stop they needed and appeared on their way to winning the game when a third-down pass to Noah Brown bounced off his chest and into the arms of a Jaguars defender who returned it 52 yards for the winning score.
However the Cowboys are sitting at 10-4 on the season. After finishing 12-5 last season, this is the first time the club has won double digit games since 1995 and 1996. With locking up the playoff spot, this is the first time they’ve been to the playoffs in back-to-back seasons since Tony Romo’s first two years as a starter, 2006 and 2007.
That deserves to be celebrated, regardless of the funk the team and the fanbase feels after Sunday’s loss.
Chances at No. 1 seed are almost gone
There is disappointment, of course. Dallas entered the game winners of four in a row for the second time this season. It appeared they were on a collision course with the Eagles, who were in their own dog fight in Chicago during the same time slot.
At the time the Cowboys were two games behind, with the Saturday matchup an opportunity to close the gap. But now, it’s simply a game about building momentum and earning bragging rights after Philadelphia won earlier in the season when the team was captained by backup QB Cooper Rush.
In order to be the No, 1 seed in the NFC Dallas would need to win out and get help.
The Eagles would need to lose their two remaining games (after Week 16) both at home, against the Saints then the Giants for Dallas to win the NFC East based on divisional record.
The Minnesota Vikings would also have to lose at least one of their final three games to finish 13-4 and lose the head-to-head tiebreaker.
The San Francisco 49ers would also have to lose one of their final three games to finish 12-5 or worse.
This is the longest of longshots. According to prediction website FiveThirtyEight, there’s just a 0.5% chance of that happening.
Most likely the five seed
Just like it’s more than likely Dallas isn’t getting the No. 1 seed, there’d have to be an epic collapse for them not to end up with the top wild-card seed, No. 5.
The No. 5 seed will square off against the NFC South winner, which currently projects to have a losing record. Right now Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to host that wild-card round game, but they have a 6-8 record with three to play.
There are four teams still eligible to reach the wild-card round and match Dallas’ current 10 wins. The Cowboys have the tiebreakers over both the Detroit Lions and Seattle Seahawks, but they could be caught by either division rival if they aren’t careful.
By virtue of their Week 13 tie, if either the Giants or Commanders end up with the same amount of wins as Dallas, they’d have the higher seed. That’s the case at both 10 wins and 11 wins, meaning the Cowboys cannot just coast into the playoffs without trying to win additional games. | 2022-12-19T05:43:39Z | sports.yahoo.com | Cowboys clinch playoff spot, here’s how NFC seeding can go | https://sports.yahoo.com/cowboys-clinch-playoff-spot-nfc-043005614.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/cowboys-clinch-playoff-spot-nfc-043005614.html?src=rss |
The Giants earned their first win since Nov. 13 with Week 15's 20-12 victory at the Washington Commanders, and Kayvon Thibodeaux was a big reason why.
Six things to know from Sunday's game
1. Earlier this week, Thibodeaux said, "Prime time likes me." He proved himself right.
Thibodeaux was a force, totaling 12 tackles (three for loss), one sack and a game-changing fumble recovery for a touchdown. The scoop-and-score sequence came on a second-and-18 situation at the Commanders' own 10-yard line where Thibodeaux toyed with veteran Charles Leno Jr. off the edge and swiped Taylor Heinicke's arm.
In one motion, Thibodeaux rolled and chased down the loose ball near the goal line before picking up the pigskin before Jahan Dotson could and falling into end zone. After a first quarter where the Giants struggled mightily on offense, Thibodeaux singlehandedly ignited the 7-3 lead with 13:10 to go before the half.
2. Want proof of Thibodeaux's spark? After the Giants stalled a six-play Commanders drive for a punt on the ensuing possession and took over at their own 3-yard line they marched down the field for a playoff-worthy drive.
The Giants went 97 yards in 18 plays and 8:35, capped with a 3-yard touchdown run by Saquon Barkley off a direct snap through the left tackle. New York went from lifeless and down 3-0 to a commanding 14-3 lead with 1:43 left in the second quarter.
3. With the Giants clinging to a 17-12 lead at the fourth quarter's 6:13 mark, the defense delivered on a bend-don't-break stand. Thibodeaux stuffed Curtis Samuel's first-down run for one yard, Heinicke's second-down pass for Terry McLaurin went five yards and the front seven rose to the occasion on third down.
Dexter Lawrence got after Heinicke, who -- while attempting to evade pressure -- stepped up in the pocket and rolled right but lost the ball on his way down. He was initially ruled down, but further review showed that Lawrence jarred the ball loose and Leonard Williams recovered at the 14-yard line with 6:13 left.
4. Barkley was mostly bottled up but came to life on the drive after the fumble, taking four straight carries -- three for first downs on runs of 12, 15 and 14 yards -- into Commanders territory at the 42-yard line. After the fourth touch went for a 4-yard gain, Daniel Jones kept a 7-yard read right and lowered his shoulder into Washington's defender on the edge -- Danny Johnson -- to move the chains.
The Giants ran out of gas at the 32-yard line, but Graham Gano drilled a field goal to put more points on the board and lead 20-12 with 1:55 remaining. Barkley, who fueled the charge, totaled 18 carries for 87 yards (4.8 average) and one touchdown on the night.
5. The Commanders did not go away, though, quickly working into the red zone after a kickoff return to the 43-yard line. Heinicke hit Samuel for a 27-yard pass on the first play, and the Commanders soon got on the doorstep.
However, the Giants stood their ground. A fourth-and-goal from the 6-yard line saw Darnay Holmes break up Heinicke's pass for Samuel with 56 seconds left.
6. At quarterback, Jones did not light up the Commanders, but he kept his performance clean and gave the Giants a chance to win. Jones completed 21 of 32 passes (65.6%) for 160 yards while adding 35 rushing -- and, most importantly, no turnovers.
The Giants (8-5-1) remain on the road for Week 16 in Minnesota. Saturday's game against the Vikings (11-3) is set for a 1 p.m. kickoff. | 2022-12-19T05:44:17Z | sports.yahoo.com | Giants takeaways from Sunday's 20-12 win over Commanders, including Kayvon Thibodeaux's prime-time star power | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-takeaways-sundays-20-12-043655068.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-takeaways-sundays-20-12-043655068.html?src=rss |
How 49ers are impacted by Giants' SNF win over Commanders originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
With most of the Week 15 action in the books, it's clear the 49ers likely will play an NFC East team in the wild-card round of the playoffs. But which team is still to be determined.
After the Giants beat the Washington Commanders, 20-12, on "Sunday Night Football," the No. 3 seeded 49ers would host New York in the first round if the NFC playoffs began next weekend.
Because the Giants and Commanders played to a 20-20 tie in Week 13, the tiebreaker was their records within the NFC East. Now that the Giants won the second meeting, they move up to the No. 6, which would set up a matchup with the 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Here's how the NFC playoff picture looks entering the "Monday Night Football" game between the Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Rams.
7. Washington Giants -- 7-6-1
10. Green Bay Packers -- 5-8 (Plays Monday night)
14. Los Angeles Rams -- 4-9 (Plays Monday night)
15. Arizona Cardinals -- 4-10 (Eliminated) | 2022-12-19T05:44:37Z | sports.yahoo.com | NFL playoff picture 2022: How 49ers impacted by Giants' win over Commanders | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-playoff-picture-2022-49ers-042700314.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-playoff-picture-2022-49ers-042700314.html?src=rss |
You’re probably as sick of hearing about bad officiating as we are sick of writing about it. Today, there was already the phantom touchdown pass from Derek Carr to Keelan Cole… and then, on Sunday night, there was the way the game between the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders ended.
With 56 seconds left, the Commanders had fourth-and-goal from the New York six-yard line. After a scramble, quarterback Taylor Heinicke threw incomplete to receiver Curtis Samuel. The reason the pass was incomplete is that Giants cornerback Darnay Holmes was draped all over Samuel throughout the play. But there was no flag from referee John Hussey and his crew.
After two kneeldowns by Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, the game was over, and the Giants won, 20-12.
“It’s clearly a foul,” NBC rules analyst and former NFL official Terry McAulay said right after the game. “Grabs his arm, plays through the back, it’s clearly before the ball gets there. This is defensive pass interference, and it really should be called whether it’s the end of the game, beginning of the game, doesn’t matter. It’s always a foul. It should have been called… if it’s a foul in the first minute of the game, it’s a foul in the last minute of the game. When it’s that obvious, it has to be called.”
McAulay then dove into the touchdown scored by Washington running back Brian Robinson with 1:03 left in the game, that was negated by an illegal formation penalty on receiver Terry McLaurin. McAulay said that he wouldn’t have called that one. It looked as if McLaurin checked with line judge Carl Johnson to make sure he was on the line of scrimmage, to no avail.
he doesn’t tell him to move up does he? he just starts reaching for the flag. Am I losing my mind lol pic.twitter.com/UGeIK7NdWK
“That’s just too technical,” McAulay said. “We watch the wide receivers… they’re in the vicinity… technically, he’s off the line, but it’s just too technical. Especially without warning, it shouldn’t have been called.”
Washington head coach Ron Rivera wasn’t happy about that call at all, as you might expect.
Ron Rivera on the Giants loss – “It pisses me off” pic.twitter.com/EvycJ5dZgB
Rivera was then asked about the no-call on Holmes, and the veteran coach knew that anything he said about it could and would be used against him when it came time to levy fines.
Especially late in the season, when so many games are so close, and these missed calls can affect games to such a degree, it behooves the officials to get things right as often as possible. It seems that we’ve been saying that more this season than in recent years. | 2022-12-19T05:45:08Z | sports.yahoo.com | Obvious missed pass interference call secures Sunday night win for Giants | https://sports.yahoo.com/obvious-missed-pass-interference-call-051353050.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/obvious-missed-pass-interference-call-051353050.html?src=rss |
Oddly enough, the Carolina Panthers came into Week 15 with a 5-8 record and control of their own playoff destiny. And, in an even odder development that’s so apropos of this absurd 2022 version of the NFC South, they’re coming out with a 5-9 record while still in control of their own playoff destiny.
Interim head coach Steve Wilks and his team didn’t get the result they wanted on Sunday. The Pittsburgh Steelers (and their fans) took control of Bank of America Stadium—giving the Panthers a taste of their own medicine with a dominant chokehold of a ground game—and didn’t let go in a 24-16 triumph.
But, luckily for Carolina, they got the exact results they wanted out of the other two games involving their divisional foes.
The first came courtesy of the New Orleans Saints, who topped the Atlanta Falcons to the tune of a 21-18 victory. That outcome kept Atlanta knotted with Carolina in terms of overall record (5-9), but also moved New Orleans up to a 5-9 mark in what’s now a three-way tie for second place.
A few hours later, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers coughed up 17-point lead to the Cincinnati Bengals—falling to 6-8. This kept the cats just one game behind the top spot.
Now, what do the Panthers have to do to get to the playoffs? Well, again, they can just win out.
One of Carolina’s final three opponents is Tampa Bay. As long as they take that trio of games, even if the Bucs win their other two, that puts the Panthers at 8-9 with a divisional record of 5-1. That, of course, would trump an 8-9 Tampa team with a 4-2 divisional mark.
But, if we’re sticking to winning the day, their next few ones lead up to a clash with the 7-7 Detroit Lions on Saturday. And being that they’re winners in six of their last seven tries, the Panthers can’t afford to look too far ahead just yet.
Biggest takeaways from Panthers' Week 15 loss to Steelers | 2022-12-19T05:45:14Z | sports.yahoo.com | Panthers still control their own destiny in NFC South after Week 15 loss | https://sports.yahoo.com/panthers-still-control-own-destiny-050518490.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/panthers-still-control-own-destiny-050518490.html?src=rss |
When the Washington Commanders were driving for a potential touchdown late in the Sunday night game against the New York Giants, some wondered if we could possibly be witnessing another 20-20 game heading into overtime.
Commanders rookie running back Brian Robinson Jr. scored a touchdown to make it 20-18 with under one minute remaining; Washington needed a two-point conversion to tie the game.
The officials, inconsistent and ever-present throughout the game [more on that in a bit], called wide receiver Terry McLaurin for an illegal formation. That wiped out the touchdown and moved the Commanders back to the six-yard line.
Quarterback Taylor Heinicke’s next pass was incomplete, meaning this game would come down to one more play.
With good pass protection, Heinicke found nothing open and moved around the pocket, waiting for a receiver to break loose. Finally, Heinicke realized his best shot was a throw to Samuel in the end zone. Samuel was well-covered, and the ball falls incomplete. Giants win.
Just kidding. There was no flag. But there should have been. And after the game, phrases such as “defensive PI, “NFL officiating,” and “pass interference” trended on Twitter.
Washington didn’t really deserve to win the game, but, much like the last meeting between these two teams, the officiating was terrible. How is this not called?
Welcome to the NFL, where neither of these are apparently pass interference pic.twitter.com/Zhb3m7Bb5G
If pass interference was called, which it should have been, you would have liked Washington’s chances to score from the one-yard with Robinson.
Pass interference? pic.twitter.com/bI722yhO3q
Regardless, Washington loses the game, and while it remains in the playoff hunt, a trip to San Francisco looms in Week 16. | 2022-12-19T05:45:21Z | sports.yahoo.com | ‘Pass interference’ was trending on Twitter after officials blow call in Commanders-Giants showdown | https://sports.yahoo.com/pass-interference-trending-twitter-officials-052929191.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/pass-interference-trending-twitter-officials-052929191.html?src=rss |
The Titans' Bud Dupree pursues Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, who led a spectacular drive for the deciding field goal. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Chargers linebacker Drue Tranquill (49) celebrates his sack of Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
He just passed the Rams' Matthew Stafford for the most completions through 50 games. He just became the first player to throw for at least 4,000 yards in each of his first three seasons.
Early in the fourth quarter, he dumped a perfect 31-yard pass to Keenan Allen to set up Ekeler’s three-yard touchdown run and give the Chargers a brief lead.
“The cool thing about Justin is, it doesn’t matter how bad he's played throughout the game or how tough it’s been to move the ball, he finds a way to make it happen,” said Tranquill.
Chargers fans cheer during a 17-14 victory over the Tennessee Titans. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) | 2022-12-19T05:45:27Z | sports.yahoo.com | Plaschke: Justin Herbert shows why he's potentially the greatest young QB in NFL history | https://sports.yahoo.com/plaschke-game-line-chargers-justin-041143139.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/plaschke-game-line-chargers-justin-041143139.html?src=rss |
The New York Giants and Washington Commanders entered a Week 15 game fully aware of its significance. Even if they downplayed it throughout the week, both teams recognized that it was a playoff-like situation.
And it played out accordingly.
Like an old-school NFC East game, the two teams left it all on the line. There were big hits, big plays, and big stops. And in fitting fashion, it came all the way down to the end.
Ultimately, the Giants held strong against a furious Commanders rally late in the fourth quarter. They stopped Washington on four downs inside the 10-yard line with just seconds remaining.
With the win, the Giants improve to 8-5-1 on the year and secure their first .500 or better season since 2016. Their playoff odds also improve to above 80%.
The Commanders were penalized six times for 40 yards (Giants 5 times for 30 yards).
Giants won the turnover battle, 2-0.
New York won the time of possession, 30:30 to 29:30.
Giants recorded 3.0 sacks and didn’t surrender one.
Cornerback Darnay Holmes knocked down a pass intended for wide receiver Curtis Samuel. It was arguably a defensive pass interference but it went uncalled. On the same play, Kayvon Thibodeaux got injured due to hands to the face, which also went uncalled.
The Giants got the ball back and went into victory formation.
LB Kayvon Thibodeaux (12 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 QB hit, 1 sack, 1 FF, 1 TD)
RB Saquon Barkley (120 total yards, 1 TD)
QB Daniel Jones (197 total yards)
Midway through the first quarter, rookie right tackle Evan Neal seemed to injure his leg/ankle. He stayed on to finish the series, limped off but returned on the next series.
Tight end Nick Vannett headed to the locker room late in the second quarter and underwent X-rays. He later returned to the game.
Late in the third quarter, cornerback Darnay Holmes was banged up on a third-down stop and walked gingerly to the sideline. He remained in the game.
Safety Landon Collins suffered a foot/ankle injury early in the fourth quarter. He got taped up and returned.
Kicker Graham Gano got hurt while attempting to make a tackle on a kickoff with under 2:00 remaining. He limped off the field and it’s unclear if he could have returned.
On the final defensive play of the game, linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux was poked in the eye and had to be helped off the field.
Big Blue will return to practice on Wednesday ahead of a Week 16 game against the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday, December 24 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Kickoff is 1:00 p.m. ET. | 2022-12-19T05:45:33Z | sports.yahoo.com | With playoff lives on the line, Giants survive late Commanders rally | https://sports.yahoo.com/playoff-lives-line-giants-survive-044028460.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/playoff-lives-line-giants-survive-044028460.html?src=rss |
NBC rules analyst Terry McAulay said he wouldn’t have called the illegal formation, referring to it as “too technical,” and he disagreed with the non-call for pass interference.
The Commanders had 99 more yards than the Giants, gaining 387. Heinicke was 17-of-29 for 249 yards and a touchdown. He also lost two fumbles, the one that Thibodeaux returned for a touchdown and another in the red zone.
Robinson ran for 89 yards on 12 carries, and Dotson caught four passes for 105 yards and a touchdown.
Sunday Night Football: Calls go against Commanders in 20-12 loss to Giants originally appeared on Pro Football Talk
Vote for the Varsity 845 boys basketball player of the week, until Dec. 22. | 2022-12-19T05:45:46Z | sports.yahoo.com | Sunday Night Football: Calls go against Commanders in 20-12 loss to Giants | https://sports.yahoo.com/sunday-night-football-calls-against-044052022.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/sunday-night-football-calls-against-044052022.html?src=rss |
The officials also appeared to miss a crucial pass interference penalty
The Washington Commanders have a bone or two to pick with the officials after their 20-12 loss to the New York Giants on Sunday Night Football.
Needing a touchdown and two-point conversion to send the game to overtime with a minute left, the Commanders found themselves on the Giants' doorstep when a scramble from quarterback Taylor Heinicke gave them 3rd-and-goal at the 1-yard line.
Commanders running back Brian Robinson seemingly scored that necessary touchdown on the next play, until it was called back due to an illegal formation penalty on wide receiver Terry McLaurin. The Pro Bowl pass-catcher was not lined up close enough to the line of scrimmage, wiping the score off the books.
However, a subsequent replay appeared to show McLaurin asking the line judge if he was lined up correctly and twice adjusting his position. The player confirmed that to be the case after the game.
So either the line judge changed his mind, or a different official overruled him to rule McLaurin wasn't lined up correctly. Heinicke was incensed after the game, reportedly saying “He gives the thumbs-up to Terry, what the f*** is that?”
Somehow, that might not have been the worst of it.
One incomplete pass later, the Commanders had 4th-and-goal from the 6-yard line. Heinicke danced in the pocket for a few seconds, then targeted wide receiver Curtis Samuel in the end zone for a potential game-tying touchdown.
The pass fell incomplete after some, well, let's just call it aggressive defense by Giants cornerback Darnay Holmes for now. Upon further review, though, it became clear that Holmes was much more than just aggressive while covering Samuel. He was basically pretending to be his opponent's backpack.
Many on social media were quick to call the play a missed pass interference penalty by the referees. Unfortunately for the Commanders, there wasn't much they could do from there beyond watch the Giants kneel out the clock and move into a commanding position in a close playoff race.
Commanders head coach Ron Rivera wasn't too happy about the situation after the game. Perhaps wisely, he declined to provide reporters his in-depth thoughts on the game's officiating:
“Don’t ask me about the refereeing because I can't answer the question."
Of course, the Commanders lost for more reasons than just the officials, something Heinicke noted. The team struggled to protect him for most of the game, most notably on a Kayvon Thibodeaux fumble return touchdown. But it's hard not to think the team should have had two different chances at a game-tying two-point conversion, and that's never a fun way to lose.
Terry McLaurin thought he had his best foot forward. It ended up costing the Commanders a massive touchdown against the Giants. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) | 2022-12-19T05:45:52Z | sports.yahoo.com | Terry McLaurin says ref told him he was lined up legally before penalty that cost Commanders a TD | https://sports.yahoo.com/terry-mc-laurin-says-ref-told-him-he-was-lined-up-legally-before-penalty-that-cost-commanders-a-td-052353645.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/terry-mc-laurin-says-ref-told-him-he-was-lined-up-legally-before-penalty-that-cost-commanders-a-td-052353645.html?src=rss |
The New England Patriots seemingly kept trying to find ways to lose Sunday’s road game against the Las Vegas Raiders, and then they finally succeeded.
With the game tied and likely headed into overtime, a lateral pass from wideout Jakobi Meyers with time expired in the fourth quarter sung the Patriots’ lullaby in humiliating fashion, when Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones snagged an interception and ran it into the end zone to end the night.
It’s like the Patriots forgot it was a tied game, prompting them to attempt a last-second play for the win. Sure, Meyers is the one responsible for throwing the interception, but a good coaching decision would have never put him in that situation in the first place.
And the same goes for running back Rhamondre Stevenson, who threw the first lateral to Meyers before the turnover.
As expected, it was open season for relentless jeering at the Patriots’ expense for what had to be one of the most embarrassing game endings in franchise history. Even former Patriots receiver Julian Edelman was completely dumbfounded and angry at the end of the game.
Here’s what others are saying on social media.
Argentina has won the World Cup after a wild championship game against France that went into extra time and became the third World Cup final to be decided by a penalty-kick shootout. The game ran more than two hours as Argentina and France played to a grueling draw. The score was 2-2 after 90 minutes, […] | 2022-12-19T05:45:59Z | sports.yahoo.com | Twitter making Patriots butt of joke for game-losing lateral turnover | https://sports.yahoo.com/twitter-making-patriots-butt-joke-042354277.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/twitter-making-patriots-butt-joke-042354277.html?src=rss |
The Miami Dolphins were put on ice this weekend, both on the field and by the weather as the Buffalo Bills bested their division rivals, 32-29.
In the process, the win clinched a playoff berth.
On an evening in Orchard Park that saw heavy snowfall and a Miami lead late in the game, it would take a certain mindset and determination throughout the game to ultimately make that win possible.
Tight end Dawson Knox was a big part of that, leading all Bills receivers for a second consecutive week and finishing with six catches on eight targets for 98 yards and a touchdown.
In last week’s win at home against the Jets, Knox had a leaping score to help the cause. This week he and fellow TE Quintin Morris both caught-for-TDs against a Dolphins team that came into Buffalo ranked second in the league in allowed catches to tight ends (79 ), having given up seven touchdowns to players at that position as well.
Knox spoke after the game about helping the Bills get the victory.
“Anytime I can be directly involved in the offense like this, it’s very exciting. It’s very fun,” Knox said during his media session. “I’ve always had the mindset that the best tight ends in the league are to be happy blocking and happy catching. So, whether it’s blocking a hundred plays out there to get the team to win or catching 10 balls going for 100 yards with touchdowns – just comes down to doing whatever is necessary to win.”
After finding Knox for a touchdown in Sunday’s contest, Bills quarterback Josh Allen took flight as well for a two-point conversion to tie the game.
SUPER JOSH!
📺: @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/a0Zbv1LcCz
Allen went 25-of-40 for 304 yards in the air with four touchdowns and led the team in rushing with 77 ground yards on 10 carries including a 44-yard run on a late fourth-quarter drive.
He was vocal in his support of Knox and in his confidence in the tight end’s abilities following the win.
“I thought Dawson played really big tonight,” Allen said to the press. “Used his size very well, can catch and run. He played a heck of a game, and I love throwing it to him. I felt like I missed him a couple times, got the ball behind him. So, some things to clean up, but again, he stepped up when we needed him most.”
Knox has been a key contributor to the Bills winning as of late, as they have secured a playoff spot, the number one seed in the AFC, and a lead in the AFC East.
Success the team will look to continue to have in their final three regular-season matchups against the Bears, Bengals, Patriots, and beyond in the postseason. | 2022-12-19T07:14:25Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bills’ Dawson Knox: ‘Whatever is necessary to win’ | https://sports.yahoo.com/bills-dawson-knox-whatever-necessary-065508423.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bills-dawson-knox-whatever-necessary-065508423.html?src=rss |
The Giants' 20-12 win Sunday at the Washington Commanders was not without dramatics.
Darnay Holmes broke up a fourth-and-goal pass by Taylor Heinicke intended for Curtis Samuel with 56 seconds left in the fourth quarter, but defensive pass interference immediately came into question.
When asked about the no-call result after the game, Brian Daboll was short and sweet.
"That was a good play," Daboll said. "It was a good play."
In the opposing coach's news conference, Ron Rivera stopped himself from entertaining the play.
"Don't ask me about the refereeing, because I can't answer the question," Rivera said.
The bottom line: the Giants (8-5-1) jumped the Commanders (7-6-1) for the No. 6 seed in the NFC side of the playoffs, doing so with back-to-back drives where New York stopped Washington inside the 10-yard line to keep the one-score lead.
"It was awesome," Daboll said. "... I'd say the whole team did a really good job, from the coaches to the players, executing. Players fought, competed hard. Coaches -- I thought the coordinators did a really good job of calling the game the way we needed to call it. And, again, I talked about this last week -- it's four or five plays that it comes down to and our guys, give 'em credit, they made those plays." | 2022-12-19T07:14:31Z | sports.yahoo.com | Brian Daboll: Darnay Holmes made 'good play' on Curtis Samuel to secure Giants' 20-12 win at Commanders | https://sports.yahoo.com/brian-daboll-darnay-holmes-made-053451038.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/brian-daboll-darnay-holmes-made-053451038.html?src=rss |
Commanders try to make sense of bizarre ending vs. Giants originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
LANDOVER, Md. -- Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera was short and to the point with his answers to begin his postgame press conference on Sunday evening. He knew what was coming.
"Don't ask me about the referees, because I can't answer the question," Rivera said, still visibly upset at what had just transpired.
Just minutes earlier, Washington, trailing by eight, had the football on the Giants' one-yard line late in the fourth quarter. But a pair of questionable calls from the officials went against the Commanders, which resulted in Washington's drive ending with a turnover on downs that sealed New York's 20-12 victory on Sunday Night Football.
On third-and-goal, Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. bulldozed his way into the end zone, but the rookie's touchdown was negated by an illegal formation penalty on Terry McLaurin.
According to referee John Hussey, McLaurin was lined up a yard behind the line of scrimmage, not directly on the line where he was supposed to be. McLaurin offered a different perspective when speaking with reporters postgame.
"I felt like I was on the ball the entire time," McLaurin said. "If you look through the game, I lined up there pretty much every play. I checked to see if I was good the first time and [the referee] was like 'move up a little bit.' So when I moved up, I checked to see if I was good and he said I was good. I'm not trying to get fined. ... But for it to come down like that, it's tough."
McLaurin added that when he moved up for a second time, he received confirmation from the official that he was good. That's why he was surprised to see a flag on the field following the play.
"I gave him the thumbs up twice to make sure I was good," McLaurin said. "In that event, I guess I can't make it close for a judgment call. I felt like I checked with him twice. ... He didn't say [anything]. One of the refs moved me out of the way when they talked about it."
Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke had McLaurin's back postgame, too, saying the referee "gave him a thumbs up and we get penalized for it. That play is very questionable."
The Commanders star wideout did his best to plead with the refs, but Hussey's crew ultimately decided to throw the flag anyway.
After McLaurin's penalty, following an incomplete pass, the Commanders faced fourth-and-goal from the Giants' six-yard line, one final shot to find the end zone. Initially, no receiver broke free and Heinicke scrambled in the backfield, hoping for one of his pass-catchers to become available.
Eventually, Heinicke saw Curtis Samuel in 1-on-1 coverage with New York cornerback Darnay Holmes in the end zone. However, Heinicke's pass fell incomplete after Holmes broke up the play, despite a ton of contact before the ball arrived.
“This is defensive pass interference … it’s always a foul and should have been called.†pic.twitter.com/8teYF6UBxd
Washington did its best to bargain for a pass interference penalty, but Hussey's crew kept the yellow laundry in their pockets on the pivotal play.
"Pass interference is a judgment call," Hussey said. "To the officials it didn’t rise to what they felt was a restriction, thus they didn’t call it. That’s basically the bottom line there. It’s a judgment call and they didn’t believe it was pass interference.”
Without directly saying it, Rivera made it clear postgame he believed a flag should've been thrown. Samuel didn't say one way or another whether he thought it was pass interference, instead putting blame on himself for not hauling the football in.
"All I can do is try to make the play when the ball is in the air, Samuel said. "I'm not a ref, so there's nothing I can do about that. ... He threw the ball and gave me a chance. Anytime the ball is in the air I want to make the play. I feel like I've got to make that, no matter what the situation is."
The mood was, understandably, quite somber in the Commanders' locker room following the game. Players continued to discuss the final sequence amongst themselves as they changed from their uniform to street clothes, still trying to process what had just went down.
Although those two calls didn't go Washington's direction late in the game, the club knows there were several other opportunities throughout the contest where a play or two could've changed the outcome. Red zone woes on offense continued, while the defense couldn't force any turnovers. "Missed opportunities" was a common answer when asked what went wrong on Sunday night.
Entering Sunday, the Commanders' had a 71% chance to make the postseason, according to FiveThirtyEight. A win would've boosted those chances to 91%. After Washington's Week 15 loss, their playoff odds have dipped to 35%. Simply put, a golden opportunity was squandered.
With three games remaining, the Commanders (7-6-1) still hold the seventh and final playoff spot in the NFC. But, a tough contest against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara awaits, before home matchups against Cleveland and Dallas to end the season. Washington's work is cut out for it.
"Everyone's pissed off right now and I think it's going to roll over through the week," Heinicke said. "I think that's a good thing. We're going to use this as energy to get prepared for a really good team in San Fran. You know, it's going to be a battle. But I think these guys are going to use this and roll it over into next week." | 2022-12-19T07:14:44Z | sports.yahoo.com | Commanders try to make sense of bizarre sequence to end Week 15 loss to Giants | https://sports.yahoo.com/commanders-try-sense-bizarre-sequence-062000954.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/commanders-try-sense-bizarre-sequence-062000954.html?src=rss |
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