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Penn State continues to put the finishing touches on its Class of 2022 in the days leading up to the beginning of the early signing period. On Monday evening, the Nittany Lions added a commitment from Georgia running back Cameron Wallace. Wallace announced his commitment to the Penn State program on his Twitter account.
Wallace was visited by James Franklin and assistant coaches over the weekend as Penn State had emerged to be the favorite to beat out Georgia Tech for the Georgia recruit. Wallace is a three-star recruit according to 247Sports and On3. On3 also ranks him as the No,. 43 running back in the nation.
Wallace is coming off a senior high school season where he rushed for 1,221 yards and 13 touchdowns in 10 games. He also played defense but it is at the running back position where Penn State will use him to add depth to the roster behind Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen in 2023.
Penn State’s Class of 2023 is currently ranked No. 12 in the latest 247Sports composite rankings. The early signing period will open on Wednesday, December 21 and close on Friday, December 23. It is expected Wallace will be among the majority of the recruiting class signing a national letter of intent on Wednesday.
Former Westside football coach Scott Earley is trading in his whistle for a suit and tie after a successful high school coaching career in South Carolina.
Tracker will be updated through the offseason of players leaving and joining the Colorado State football team before the 2023 season. | 2022-12-20T01:01:32Z | sports.yahoo.com | Penn State adds Georgia RB to Class of 2022 | https://sports.yahoo.com/penn-state-adds-georgia-rb-235415017.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/penn-state-adds-georgia-rb-235415017.html?src=rss |
Eustis wide receiver Tyree Patterson, who decommitted from the Gators on Wednesday, has now pledged his services to the UCF Knights.
Florida fans paying close attention might have seen this move coming when Patterson missed his official visit to the Swamp a few weekends ago and kept a date locked in with UCF for the following weekend. In the end, the Knights were the better fit and Patterson should be a weapon for them in the Big 12.
A three-star receiver, according to both 247Sports and On3’s composite ranking systems, Patterson would have to prove himself to get playing time at Florida over the three other four-star receivers in the class. The talent is certainly there — Patterson went for over 100 yards a few times to start his senior year before shutting things down to focus on getting ready for college — but there’s a clearer path in Orlando.
Patterson’s commitment to UCF is less of a loss for the Gators and more of a gain for the Knights. Plenty of three-star recruits get lost in the SEC shuffle when they could thrive at a smaller program and transfer out if necessary. UCF is the best of both worlds as he’ll be joining the Knights just as they enter the Big 12.
Hopefully, Florida won’t live to regret the flip in a matchup down the road.
Cosmos Health Inc. (the "Company") (Nasdaq:COSM), a global healthcare group with proprietary lines of nutraceuticals and distributor of pharmaceuticals, branded generics, OTC medications and medical devices, today announced that it has entered into securities purchase agreements with institutional investors for the purchase and sale of 2,828,320 shares of the Company's common stock in a registered direct offering and warrants to purchase up to 2,828,320 | 2022-12-20T01:01:38Z | sports.yahoo.com | UCF earns pledge from recent Florida WR decommit | https://sports.yahoo.com/ucf-earns-pledge-recent-florida-232313702.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/ucf-earns-pledge-recent-florida-232313702.html?src=rss |
Sabonis is riding a streak of three consecutive games with at least 20 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. If he achieves the feat again Monday night, he'll become just the second player since the franchise moved to Sacramento in 1985 to notch four consecutive games with a 20-10-5 stat line.
Webber most recently had a four-game stretch during the 2004-05 campaign. His six-game streak during the 2001-02 season is the most in the Sacramento era, although it's far behind the franchise mark.
Hall of Fame point guard Oscar Robertson notched 11 straight 20-10-5 games in 1961 and again in '62 wearing a Cincinnati Royals uniform. That's just one off the all-time record of 12, set by -- you probably guessed it -- Hall of Fame forward Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1972.
Whatever was plaguing Sabonis' start to the season is far behind the big man. He now is tied with back-to-back MVP Nikola Jokić for the league lead in double-doubles (20 in 28 games), including a current streak of seven straight.
In those seven contests, Sabonis is averaging 19.7 points, 14.6 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game. He has scored 20 points or more in six of eight December contests after notching just five 20-point games over the Kings' first 21 tilts.
"It just naturally happens," Sabonis said Sunday of his improved scoring numbers. "I try to find spots where I can shoot more and be aggressive. The more we play with each other, teammates are finding me so I'm just trying to finish. The more we can keep that up, the better it's going to be for us."
When the Kings' offense is cooking, Sabonis usually is the one leading the charge. If that comes in the form of 20 points, 10 rebounds and five assists Monday night, let the streak live on.
Kansas State put on a show Saturday night for an appreciate T-Mobile Center crowd in Kansas City. | 2022-12-20T01:22:46Z | sports.yahoo.com | Domantas Sabonis nears incredible Chris Webber stat entering Kings-Hornets | https://sports.yahoo.com/domantas-sabonis-nears-incredible-chris-235036248.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/domantas-sabonis-nears-incredible-chris-235036248.html?src=rss |
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office told local media that McGinest turned himself in early Monday morning for an alleged incident that took place at a West Hollywood nightclub earlier in December. He provided a statement, was charged and then released on $30,000 bond, per the reports. Authorities didn't release further details of the alleged assault.
Prior to joining the NFL, McGinest played football at USC. in 1991, he and teammates Michael Jones and Jason Oliver were charged with sexually assaulting a female graduate student in a dormitory. A jury found all three not guilty on the misdemeanor charges after a five-week trial. Jurors didn't believe the accuser's account and there was no corroboration from other witnesses, according to the Los Angeles Times. | 2022-12-20T01:22:52Z | sports.yahoo.com | Ex-Patriots LB, NFL Network analyst Willie McGinest charged with alleged assault at Hollywood nightclub | https://sports.yahoo.com/ex-patriots-lb-nfl-network-analyst-willie-mc-ginest-charged-with-alleged-assault-at-hollywood-nightclub-000609550.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/ex-patriots-lb-nfl-network-analyst-willie-mc-ginest-charged-with-alleged-assault-at-hollywood-nightclub-000609550.html?src=rss |
Picking 11 Players to Form the 2022 World Cup Team of the Tournament originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Griezmann has been the unsung hero for Les Bleus, making crucial clearances and tackles in the defensive third to leading the team in assists (3) on the other side of the ball. France’s midfield has often looked overwhelmed when defending, but its build-up play is elite, which is how it managed to make the final. France can thank him for, quite literally, everything — despite the loss in the final.
Twitter’s chief twit Elon Musk hinged his future at social media app to a poll, one of his favorite ways to make decisions, on Sunday evening. In the 12-hour poll, Musk asked whether he should step down as head of Twitter and promised to “abide by the results.” Well, the results are in, and the “yes” votes won. | 2022-12-20T01:23:05Z | sports.yahoo.com | Picking 11 Players to Form the 2022 World Cup Team of the Tournament | https://sports.yahoo.com/picking-11-players-form-2022-202454111.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/picking-11-players-form-2022-202454111.html?src=rss |
The 49ers on Monday worked out a trio of defensive backs. While San Francisco is dealing with some injuries in their secondary, all of their health concerns are at cornerback. Two of the three players who worked out for them Monday don’t have much, if any, experience at corner.
San Francisco after their Thursday night game against the Seahawks had cornerback Charvarius Ward in concussion protocol and CB Ambry Thomas dealing with an ankle injury. Rookie CB Samuel Womack also missed that game because of concussion protocol.
It’s unclear whether they’re aiming to add some internal safety depth, special teams help, or if they’re just keeping up to date on available free agents.
Here’s a quick look at the three players San Francisco had in Monday:
Key entered the NFL last season as an undrafted rookie with the Chiefs. He spent the 2021 campaign on Kansas City’s practice squad and was released in late August this year. Key was briefly with the Falcons practice squad this year. In four years at Western Kentucky, Key posted 344 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, six interceptions and 19 pass breakups.
Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA TODAY NETWORK
Nelson signed with the Seahawks as an undrafted free agent following this year’s draft. He was with their practice squad for most of September before being released. There was a brief stint on the Steelers’ practice squad as well that ended with his release in mid-October. Nelson ran a 4.38 at Wisconsin’s Pro Day, and in his four years with the Badgers posted 125 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and four interceptions and 15 pass breakups in 28 games.
Swilling went undrafted this year and originally signed with the Titans before making his way to the Saints’ practice squad. He’s the son of former Saints linebacker and two-time All-Pro, Pat Swilling. The younger Swilling played cornerback in college at Georgia Tech, unlike Nelson and Key who both played safety. In 39 games for the Yellow Jackets, Swilling had two interceptions and 21 pass breakups.
Juancho Hernangomez with a 3-pointer vs the Golden State Warriors
Juancho Hernangomez (Toronto Raptors) with a 3-pointer vs the Golden State Warriors, 12/18/2022 | 2022-12-20T01:31:35Z | sports.yahoo.com | 49ers work out 3 defensive backs ahead of Week 16 preparations | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-3-defensive-backs-ahead-000815442.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-3-defensive-backs-ahead-000815442.html?src=rss |
This year, the NFL has subbed out the traditional Pro Bowl for the Pro Bowl Games, a multi-day skills competition that includes flag football. It’ll be held in Las Vegas, so if nothing else Donald will get to make the trip there in February the week before the Super Bowl.
It’s been a rough year for the Rams after winning the Super Bowl last season, so they likely won’t have many Pro Bowlers in addition to Donald. Bobby Wagner and Jalen Ramsey are two players who could be selected.
The World Cup also resulted in a series of thrilling performances from some of the world's biggest musicians, which continued throughout the monthlong tournament. | 2022-12-20T01:31:41Z | sports.yahoo.com | Aaron Donald selected to Pro Bowl for 9th straight time | https://sports.yahoo.com/aaron-donald-selected-pro-bowl-005023561.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/aaron-donald-selected-pro-bowl-005023561.html?src=rss |
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) There's no surefire fix for what's ailing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Tom Brady-led offense is struggling to score points, the defense hasn't been playing up to its usual standards and mistakes on special teams have also contributed to the Bucs (6-8) not being able to take command of the NFC South.
''In football, all you can do is fight. You can fight, you can play smarter, and we have to keep fighting,'' coach Todd Bowles said in the wake of a 34-23 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals that dropped Tampa Bay two games below .500 - but not out of first place in the division.
''We understand what we're doing is not good enough by far,'' Bowles added. ''It's not even close to good enough, and we have three games left to try to save our season.''
The Bucs' stretch run begins at Arizona on Christmas night. They close with games against Carolina at home and Atlanta on the road.
''We are not playing the way we want to play, which is unfortunate, but we are still first in the division. We do have to understand that and understand that we still have a shot to get in the playoffs,'' safety Keanu Neal said.
''We really just have to look ourselves in the mirror and figure it out,'' Neal added. ''Figure out who we want to be and figure out our identity.''
While Brady continues to rank among the league leaders in passing, the sputtering offense is having trouble scoring touchdowns. Brady threw for two scores in building a 17-0 second-quarter lead against the Bengals, however he wasn't able to get the Bucs back in the end zone again until less than a minute remained Sunday. By that time, Cincinnati had scored 34 in a row to build a 17-point advantage of its own.
After spending much of the season doing a good job of taking care of the football, Brady's fortune has changed. The seven-time Super Bowl champion has turned the ball over seven times in the past three games, including four interceptions. He was intercepted twice and also lost two fumbles - all in the second half - against the Bengals.
''It's a team game. We're not placing blame on one side of the ball or the other,'' Bowles said. ''We're in this thing together and we're going to fight. We just can't turn the ball over. And when we do, we have to make stops.''
Despite Sunday's collapse, the offense did some good things in building a 14-point halftime lead against the Bengals, who were outgained 261 yards to 83 in the first two quarters.
''It shows us how good we can be ... if you're consistent,'' Bowles said.
''There was no call-off. There was just a mistake,'' Bowles said, declining to elaborate. ''We talked about it in the meeting, we corrected it, and we moved on from there.''
The Bengals turned the gaffe into a field goal that trimmed Cincinnati's deficit to 17-6.
Eight. The Bucs limited the Bengals to 184 net passing yards. It was the eighth time this season they've held an opponent under 200 net yards through the air. That's tied for third in the NFL behind Philadelphia (10) and Denver (nine). | 2022-12-20T01:32:06Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bucs aim to hold off Panthers, Falcons, Saints in NFC South | https://sports.yahoo.com/bucs-aim-hold-off-panthers-002834121.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bucs-aim-hold-off-panthers-002834121.html?src=rss |
TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) The best news for the Arizona Cardinals is that the season is nearing an end.
''Each week, it seems to be another challenge,'' Kingsbury said. ''Just game-planning - what can we do to maximize these people? Trying to figure it out is tough sometimes in that short of span. Who can we put where? How can we run plays or coverages that maximize who they are and what they know?''
''We want to try and get a win next week and that's it,'' Kingsbury said. ''We're trying to stay week to week at this point. We want to see who we can get back healthy and go out there and try to execute at a higher level.''
''It's a bad place to be with three games left, but that's what it is, and I appreciate the guys,'' Watt said. ''We've got guys going down hurt and coming back in the game. It's not like we got guys tapping out. We got guys working and trying and giving effort.'' | 2022-12-20T01:32:13Z | sports.yahoo.com | Cardinals out of playoff race, limping down stretch | https://sports.yahoo.com/cardinals-playoff-race-limping-down-005142257.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/cardinals-playoff-race-limping-down-005142257.html?src=rss |
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) The doubts about Kirk Cousins have chased him his whole career, like a relentless pass rusher bearing down on him as he's preparing to throw.
''His poise, his demeanor, his accuracy - when we needed it the most,'' coach Kevin O'Connell said after Minnesota made the largest comeback in NFL history to beat Indianapolis 39-36 on Saturday.
''Regardless of the plays that are called, that guy keeps playing at a high level. He was a huge part of us winning this game,'' O'Connell said.
''I'm kind of wired, `What's next? What's next?' It's hard for me to enjoy the process,'' Cousins said. ''I want to enjoy the product.''
Jefferson had a bruised chest from a hard hit, but O'Connell said on Monday he ''came out strong'' from the game. Cornerback Cameron Dantzler didn't play because of an illness, but should be on track to return with a full week of practice. | 2022-12-20T01:32:32Z | sports.yahoo.com | Cousins keeps delivering in clutch for comeback king Vikings | https://sports.yahoo.com/cousins-keeps-delivering-clutch-comeback-001049022.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/cousins-keeps-delivering-clutch-comeback-001049022.html?src=rss |
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) After weeks of concern the New York Giants were letting the season slip away after a 6-1 start, their dreams of making the playoffs for the first time since 2016 are very much alive.
''Every time you win a game, that's part of the joy of being a coach - seeing the players in the locker room with a smile on their face, seeing the coaches,'' Daboll said Monday. ''We all know everybody in this business puts a lot of time, effort and energy into trying to get the outcome that we hope for. And when you do, it's good to be happy about it. Our guys were excited.''
''That's what you got to be,'' Daboll said after the win. ''I just don't believe in riding roller coasters in this league.'' | 2022-12-20T01:32:51Z | sports.yahoo.com | Giants' playoff hopes are brighter after win over Commanders | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-playoff-hopes-brighter-win-010733575.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-playoff-hopes-brighter-win-010733575.html?src=rss |
Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander was named to the Pro Bowl for the 2022 season.
Alexander, a first-round pick in 2018, is now a two-time Pro Bowler. He was previously named a Pro Bowler in 2020.
Through 13 games, Alexander has a career-high four interceptions plus 12 pass breakups and a career-high four tackles for loss this season.
Alexander intercepted Justin Fields twice, Josh Allen once and Jared Goff once. His previous career-high for interceptions in a season was two.
Alexander, who signed a record-setting contract this past offseason, is the Packers’ lone Pro Bowler in 2022.
Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald was also announced as a Pro Bowler before Monday night’s showdown between the Packers and Rams at Lambeau Field. The rest of the rosters will be announced Wednesday. | 2022-12-20T01:33:29Z | sports.yahoo.com | Packers CB Jaire Alexander named to Pro Bowl in 2022 | https://sports.yahoo.com/packers-cb-jaire-alexander-named-011159953.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/packers-cb-jaire-alexander-named-011159953.html?src=rss |
The Green Bay Packers made the following players inactive for Monday night’s showdown against the Los Angeles Rams:
Bakhtiari is still recovering from an emergency appendectomy and was ruled out on Saturday. He’ll miss his second straight game and fifth of the 2022 season.
Wide receiver Romeo Doubs is returning to the field after missing four games with an ankle injury. He could play a significant amount of snaps, especially after the Packers released Sammy Watkins on Monday. Safety Darnell Savage is also returning after missing a game with a foot injury.
Neither Jean-Charles nor Barnes was given an injury designation on the final injury, so both should be considered healthy scratches for the second straight game.
Jones, an undrafted rookie, hasn’t been active for a game this season. Ford hasn’t played a single snap during his rookie season. Both are finishing up what has turned into a redshirt season.
The Rams made the following players inactive:
The Packers and Rams kick off from Lambeau Field at 7:15 p.m. CT. | 2022-12-20T01:33:35Z | sports.yahoo.com | Packers inactives for Week 15 vs. Rams | https://sports.yahoo.com/packers-inactives-week-15-vs-235337011.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/packers-inactives-week-15-vs-235337011.html?src=rss |
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) New England's 30-24 loss Sunday to Las Vegas was the latest - and easily most demoralizing - debacle for a team that managed to find a new bottom in a season brimming with lows.
The chaotic and folly-filled final sequence Sunday also underlined how much this version of the Patriots is woefully disconnected from many of the core principles that helped them hoist six Lombardi trophies and become one of the NFL's most venerable franchises under coach Bill Belichick.
He's made a reputation during his tenure of fielding the most disciplined team on the field week in and week out. ''Do your job,'' sticking to the script, and trusting that teammates would do the same became the expectation of a locker room that could be counted on to run with military-like precision on the field.
None of that was on display in the waning moments of Sunday's loss and it is emblematic of a team still looking for direction and identity at the most crucial point of its season.
Rhamondre Stevenson and Jakobi Meyers acknowledged their ill-fated series of laterals that wound up with Las Vegas' Chandler Jones ripping the ball out of the air, charging over Mac Jones and into the end zone were gambles they never should have attempted.
''Just trying to do too much. Trying to be a hero, I guess,'' Meyers said afterward.
''I would say we made a mistake on that play,'' he said.
''Lean on one another,'' he said. ''We're all we got at the end of the day. And we know that.''
Part of Dugger's confidence could stem from the fact that he was responsible for one of the Patriots' few bright spots Sunday. He helped ignite New England's second-half comeback when he jumped a screen pass early in the third quarter and returned it 16 yards for a touchdown. It was his second TD of the season. He also had a 59-yard fumble return for a score in Week 5 against Detroit.
New England's season-long issues on third down showed up again. The offense was 2 for 13 for the game. Mac Jones also regressed against a Raiders defense that came in ranked 24th in points allowed and 29th defending the pass. Jones finished 13 of 31 for 112 yards.
Marcus Jones. The rookie defensive back has already proven his value on both special teams and offense this season with punt return and receiving touchdowns. He showed his ability as a cover man Sunday, breaking up a deep pass attempt to Raiders receiver Davante Adams in the first quarter. It was part of a day in which he spent most of his time as Adams' primary defender. Jones played a big part in the Patriots limiting Adams to four catches for 28 yards on nine targets.
The Patriots had only one touchdown on 11 drives and seemed unsure of themselves offensively throughout. The same goal line series that featured the timeout that took Meyers' TD off the board was capped with having a TD by Mac Jones on a quarterback sneak erased by Jonnu Smith's false start.
6 - The number of non-offensive touchdowns for the Patriots following Dugger's pick-6. It is the most in the NFL.
Now back in eighth place in the conference standings, the Patriots have very little margin for error the rest of the way. It starts with a home matchup against Cincinnati (10-4) on Christmas Eve. That's followed by hosting Miami (8-6) on New Year's Day and finishing with a trip to division-leading Buffalo (11-3) on Jan. 8.
Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., the vice chair of the Jan. 6 committee said former President Trump’s refusal to stop the riot was “an utter moral failure." Cheney emphasized that Trump's behavior showed he is "unfit for any office."
The start of a new year is the perfect time to take stock of your life. The post 10 actually great self-improvement books to help you start 2023 off right appeared first on In The Know. | 2022-12-20T01:33:48Z | sports.yahoo.com | Patriots' latest setback emblematic of core identity issue | https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-latest-setback-emblematic-core-000311982.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-latest-setback-emblematic-core-000311982.html?src=rss |
OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) The Baltimore Ravens had their problems offensively even before Lamar Jackson's injury, so perhaps it's no surprise that the bottom finally fell out with the star quarterback sidelined.
''I think I'm just going to climb behind the barricade of, it's probably not the time to put a lot of information out there on our injuries, just for competitive purposes,'' he said. ''We're just going to let that develop and see where we go with it.''
''All of our coaches, including Greg and everybody else, are fully capable of understanding the pass game and what we've got to do to get it done,'' Harbaugh said. ''We can do things a lot better.''
''Weirdly we are in a good spot I think,'' cornerback Marlon Humphrey said. ''Everything is kind of still in front of us. I felt we had a strong week of preparation coming into this game. I think we all felt like we left one out there.''
''It wasn't that we were opposed to running the ball, but when you run the ball the clock runs,'' Harbaugh said. ''We were hitting them with some good runs, and maybe we would have popped a few runs because we were doing well. That conversation's one that we had yesterday, but by the same token, you're down two scores.'' | 2022-12-20T01:34:13Z | sports.yahoo.com | Ravens didn't take advantage of strong running game | https://sports.yahoo.com/ravens-didnt-advantage-strong-running-234416932.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/ravens-didnt-advantage-strong-running-234416932.html?src=rss |
NEW ORLEANS (AP) While the New Orleans Saints' mathematical playoff hopes might be more the stuff of fantasy than reality, they're evidently not giving up.
''It's not always pretty. It's not always easy,'' Saints quarterback Andy Dalton said after they held on for the win, thanks in part to an Atlanta turnover as the Falcons approached field-goal range inside the final three minutes.
''The good thing is we had an opportunity to win it and we took care of business and we did that.''
''Our mindset and our goal is to finish the season the right way and win the next three,'' Dalton said.
''I'd rather just deal with what's in front of us and deal with reality,'' Davis said Monday. ''Control what you can control. We know we have a game this week and that's what we're focused on - how well we can prepare to go out and beat a really good Cleveland team in a challenging environment. And that's going to take an incredible amount of focus, and so you can't focus on anything else.''
''It's going to be cold and windy for both teams and so we're not going to make too big a deal about it,'' Saints coach Dennis Allen Said. ''The focus really has to be on the team we're playing and not really about the elements.''
But while Allen said he would like to have seen better defensive numbers against the run, he added, ''The job of the defense is to minimize scoring.''
''I think that's winning football,'' Allen asserted.'' So we've got to continue to do what the ultimate goal is, to limit the number of points allowed.''
''He attacks every day,'' Allen said. ''He understands that we're fortunate to be able to do what we do for a living and I don't think he takes that for granted.''
Johnson is ''a playmaker and one of those guys we're obviously trying to get the ball in his hands,'' fellow tight end and part-time QB Taysom Hill said.
''It's hard to find guys that can run like him,'' Hill said. | 2022-12-20T01:34:20Z | sports.yahoo.com | Saints still striving for first consecutive wins this season | https://sports.yahoo.com/saints-still-striving-first-consecutive-003802387.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/saints-still-striving-first-consecutive-003802387.html?src=rss |
''Right after the game, I can't think of anything,'' Heinicke said following a 20-12 loss to the New York Giants that included him fumbling in the red zone.
''We've got to finish - we truthfully got to finish in the red zone,'' Rivera said Monday. ''Part of it is we have to not be in situations where you feel you have to throw the ball. Keeping the option of being able to run it, it opens up so much more. More of your playbook is available to you.''
''When you're down in the red zone, the windows are tighter, there's not as much space to move so the execution just has to be there that much more,'' said receiver Terry McLaurin, whose illegal formation penalty the Commanders disputed pushed them back from the 1 to the 6-yard line late against New York. ''If we don't have negative plays, we make those tough catches or grind for those yards, those touchdowns are gonna be what we need to try and get into the playoffs. Red zone is tough, but we've got to try and make it easier on ourselves.''
''We're in a very precarious situation right now,'' Rivera said. ''We have a half-game lead over a couple of teams, and the key, though, is we got to focus in and take care of them one at a time.''
''I'm still making strides,'' he said. ''I don't know when I'll be 100%. I'm sure I'll let everybody know when I feel like myself again.''
''At the end of the day, I've got to be better and I'll be better moving forward,'' Allen said. | 2022-12-20T01:34:26Z | sports.yahoo.com | Stalling in red zone is hurting Commanders' playoff chances | https://sports.yahoo.com/stalling-red-zone-hurting-commanders-005451309.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/stalling-red-zone-hurting-commanders-005451309.html?src=rss |
Injured Michigan State forward Malik Hall looks on during warmups before team's 70-63 loss against the Northwestern Wildcats at Breslin Center on Dec. 4, 2022 in East Lansing, Michigan.
Michigan State's Rocket Watts lays on the ground in celebration with Malik Hall, after hitting a 3 during the 80-69 win against Ohio State on Sunday, March 8, 2020 at the Breslin Center.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan State basketball: Malik Hall to miss Oakland game
Confidence is increasing that a major winter storm will hit lower Michigan in time for the holiday weekend.
The 6-foot-10 sophomore had 12 points and 13 rebounds. | 2022-12-20T02:10:21Z | sports.yahoo.com | Michigan State basketball's Malik Hall to miss Oakland game, Rocket Watts' return | https://sports.yahoo.com/michigan-state-basketballs-malik-hall-000856610.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/michigan-state-basketballs-malik-hall-000856610.html?src=rss |
The Spartans host Oakland on Wednesday from the Breslin Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET and can be seen on the Big Ten Network.
Izzo said today the hope is for Malik Hall to return for Buffalo Dec. 30. He won’t play vs. Oakland.
MSU basketball star Malik Hall returns to practice, won't play against Oakland this week | 2022-12-20T02:10:27Z | sports.yahoo.com | MSU basketball forward Malik Hall returns to practice, won’t play against Oakland this week | https://sports.yahoo.com/msu-basketball-forward-malik-hall-004148059.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/msu-basketball-forward-malik-hall-004148059.html?src=rss |
After winning their lone game of the week against Lehigh, the Wisconsin Badgers rose up five spots to No. 18 in the latest USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll.
The Badgers’ movement likely came from the fall of several other Big Ten teams including Ohio State to unranked, Maryland to No. 23 and Indiana to No. 21. Wisconsin is the third-ranked Big Ten team in the latest poll behind only No. 16-ranked Illinois and No. 1-ranked Purdue.
The USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll top 10 for this week is Alabama(10), UCLA(9), Arkansas(8), Texas(7), Virginia(6), Arizona(5), Kansas(4), Houston(3), Connecticut(2) and Purdue(1).
The Badgers will only play one game again this week, as they match up against the Grambling State Tigers at the Kohl Center on Friday night. | 2022-12-20T02:10:34Z | sports.yahoo.com | Wisconsin basketball rises in the latest USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll | https://sports.yahoo.com/wisconsin-basketball-rises-latest-usa-004628501.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/wisconsin-basketball-rises-latest-usa-004628501.html?src=rss |
Baker Mayfield got while the gettin’ was good . . . at least for himself.
Prior to kickoff of Monday night’s matchup between Mayfield’s Los Angeles Rams and the Green Bay Packers, the former No. 1 overall pick revealed why he requested his release from the Carolina Panthers two weeks ago. In an interview with ESPN, Mayfield said the Panthers not only planned on making him the third-string quarterback in Week 12 against the Denver Broncos, but they were also going to designate him as a healthy scratch for the contest.
With Sam Darnold having received his first start of the 2022 campaign that Sunday, Mayfield would’ve went from the top to the bottom of the depth chart that week. PJ Walker, of course, has served as Darnold’s backup.
So, instead, Mayfield and the Panthers thought the best move for both sides was to part ways. The fifth-year passer was then claimed by the Rams the day after his release, started for the defending champions 48 hours after that and led his new team to one of the craziest wins of the season.
Well played, Baker. | 2022-12-20T03:02:59Z | sports.yahoo.com | Baker Mayfield reveals what led him to request his release from Panthers | https://sports.yahoo.com/baker-mayfield-reveals-led-him-012000679.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/baker-mayfield-reveals-led-him-012000679.html?src=rss |
Brian Allen didn’t get in a full practice session all week as he was nursing a knee injury, and he didn’t last very long before going down in the first quarter against the Packers.
On the Rams’ second offensive play of the night, Allen suffered what’s being called a calf injury and had to be helped off the field. Coleman Shelton slid over from guard to center, and Oday Aboushi stepped in at guard to fill the void.
Allen is questionable to return after limping to the locker room.
Rams C Brian Allen (calf) questionable to return
Allen has struggled with injuries throughout his career, and this is just the latest ailment for the fifth-year center out of Michigan State. He signed a three-year contract extension with the Rams this offseason, earning $18 million on that deal. | 2022-12-20T03:03:06Z | sports.yahoo.com | Brian Allen leaves game vs. Packers with calf injury | https://sports.yahoo.com/brian-allen-leaves-game-vs-012649862.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/brian-allen-leaves-game-vs-012649862.html?src=rss |
''We have a really good defensive culture right now. We have a lot of guys that believe in each other,'' coach Brandon Staley said. ''What we've had to do is have people step up and play significant roles, and it has brought out the best in them. I really feel like we're playing as a unit.''
''I just think it's a belief in ourselves. I think the noise, tired of hearing how bad we are, you know? But we don't. We aren't bad,'' he said.
''Certain circumstances and things, gotta fight through that. A lot of teams do go through that in the league, but we've gone through it a lot more extremely than other teams.''
''This was a good example that we're a connected team. You guys have heard me say that and I believe that. You have to be a connected team because you're going to go through so much,'' Staley said. ''It can't just be your offense lighting it up and you'd kind of just watching them play, or maybe it's your defense lighting it up, and you're just kind of watching them do their thing. You have to have a team in all three phases that's playing together.''
The Chargers head to Indianapolis for their second appearance on ''Monday Night Football'' this season. The Chargers have lost their past three Monday night games on the road, with the most recent victory coming in the 2012 opener against the Raiders. The Colts are reeling from their 39-36 overtime loss in Minnesota after the Vikings completed the biggest comeback in NFL history and rallied from a 33-point deficit. | 2022-12-20T03:03:25Z | sports.yahoo.com | Defense comes to forefront for Chargers in past 2 victories | https://sports.yahoo.com/defense-comes-forefront-chargers-past-011804879.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/defense-comes-forefront-chargers-past-011804879.html?src=rss |
DETROIT (AP) These aren't the games the Detroit Lions win in December.
When the Lions started at their 22, tight end Brock Wright was wide open on first down and dropped the ball. Same old Lions, right? The next two plays went for 18 yards to Detroit's most explosive players - D'Andre Swift and Amon-Ra St. Brown - but the next three went for 9 and took the game to the two-minute warning.
''I expected the ball to come to me and that I'd make the catch,'' Wright said. ''I was just thinking about the first down, but when I saw how open it was, I was thinking, `End zone, end zone!'''
''Winning in this league is always a good thing,'' Campbell said Monday. ''Every good team I've been a part of has done a couple things - you win multiple games at multiple times during the season, which we've done. We've won three in a row two different times.
''And you win on the road, and we're figuring out how to do that. Our guys are playing good football right now.''
''We told them after Thanksgiving, we had a six-game season to play,'' Campbell said. ''We've won the first three, but now we have to be just as good for the last three.''
The pass defense still isn't getting the job done. Wilson only completed 18 passes Sunday, but turned them into 317 yards - an average of 17.6 yards per completion. Campbell stressed again Monday that the Lions can't keep giving up ''chunk'' plays through the air.
93 - The number of points scored in Detroit's 48-45 loss to Seattle in Week 4. Right now, the Lions and Seahawks are tied for fourth place in the NFC wild-card race at 7-7, a half-game behind the Washington Commanders, but the Seahawks have the tiebreaker because of that victory.
Find a way to stop Carolina starter Sam Darnold, who has gone 2-1 since returning to the starting lineup. He's averaging 13.1 yards per completion and has thrown three TDs without an interception - just the type of quarterback who can hurt Detroit's struggling secondary. | 2022-12-20T03:03:33Z | sports.yahoo.com | Lions finally finding ways to win in December on the road | https://sports.yahoo.com/lions-finally-finding-ways-win-013144995.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/lions-finally-finding-ways-win-013144995.html?src=rss |
Justin Tucker is unquestionably the best kicker in the NFL, but Matt Gay is right there with him as the second-best in football right now. Gay once again proved just how good he is during the first half against the Packers, drilling a 55-yard field goal in freezing conditions at Lambeau Field.
He made the kick look easy, too, and he became a part of history by knocking it through the uprights. He’s just the third kicker ever to make a 50-yard field goal in Green Bay with the temperature below 25 degrees.
The other two were Mason Crosby (shocker) and Greg Joseph.
.@MGtweetymonster with the range!
Only the third 50+ yard FG at Lambeau Field with temps under 25 degrees. pic.twitter.com/aeg8ajJ99w
With two more field goals in the first half, Gay is now 21-for-23 on the year and his only misses were from beyond 50 yards. He’s also made all 23 of his extra-point tries.
In the last two years, Gay is 53 for 57 on field goal attempts and has only missed six field goals since joining the Rams in 2020, going 67-for-73. He missed eight of his first 35 field goal attempts with the Buccaneers as a rookie in 2019. | 2022-12-20T03:03:39Z | sports.yahoo.com | Matt Gay shows he’s one of NFL’s best kickers with 55-yarder at freezing Lambeau | https://sports.yahoo.com/matt-gay-shows-one-nfl-024009197.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/matt-gay-shows-one-nfl-024009197.html?src=rss |
Green Bay Packers running back A.J. Dillon gave his team a 10-3 lead with an 8-yard touchdown run in the second quarter of Monday night’s showdown with the Los Angeles Rams.
Dillon accounted for 40 total yards on the drive, including 22 on the ground and a 17-yard reception. The touchdown run – in which Dillon ran through several defenders near the goal line – finished off a 74-yard drive for the Packers.
On the final three plays of the march, Dillon rushed three times for 17 yards. He was the hammer to the Rams’ nail.
Now in his third season, Dillon has a touchdown run in three straight games. He has four total through the first 14 games of the 2022 season.
The Rams tied the game with a field goal after intercepting Aaron Rodgers, but the Packers came right back with a scoring drive that featured four completions from the 2021 NFL MVP.
Here’s the touchdown run from Dillon: | 2022-12-20T03:03:59Z | sports.yahoo.com | Packers RB A.J. Dillon rumbles into end zone for touchdown vs. Rams | https://sports.yahoo.com/packers-rb-j-dillon-rumbles-022721443.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/packers-rb-j-dillon-rumbles-022721443.html?src=rss |
HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) The game-winning play, a day later, seems just as unreal as when it happened.
''I have friends and family that obviously thought that was just about what it was - crazy,'' McDaniels said. ''We didn't do a whole lot other than take advantage of something that was presented to us in that last situation. I don't want to take too much credit for that. We were trying to hopefully go to overtime.''
McDaniels said trying to keep up with the playoff scenarios was ''confusing'' and pointless because much of it was beyond the team's control.
''The one thing that we know we have to do in order to keep going is win,'' he said.
''There are no excuses for those,'' McDaniels said. ''We need to be able to go out and call a play in the huddle, break the huddle, get to the line of scrimmage and snap the ball without penalty before the play clock's down.''
One of Mizzou's official visitors this weekend was one of the fastest rising prospects on the board. | 2022-12-20T03:04:06Z | sports.yahoo.com | Raiders' wild last-second win over Pats still talk of NFL | https://sports.yahoo.com/raiders-wild-last-second-win-015451097.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/raiders-wild-last-second-win-015451097.html?src=rss |
Now that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is over, the focus turns to 2026 and the World Cup's return to North America. What are the logistical challenges that await?
Bullish insiders at Guaranty Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ:GNTY) loaded up on US$1.9m of stock earlier this year
Quite a few insiders have dramatically grown their holdings in Guaranty Bancshares, Inc. ( NASDAQ:GNTY ) over the past...
It is hard to get excited after looking at Middlesex Water's (NASDAQ:MSEX) recent performance, when its stock has... | 2022-12-20T04:25:35Z | sports.yahoo.com | How Emiliano Martinez's mind games created shoot-out glory for Argentina | https://sports.yahoo.com/emiliano-martinezs-mind-games-created-171221124.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/emiliano-martinezs-mind-games-created-171221124.html?src=rss |
The Week 14 game was a tale of two halves for the Dallas Cowboys. In the first, they went up by 14 points on two different occasions, successful in both rushing and passing. In addition, the defense was strong, holding the Jaguars to seven points and creating a turnover..
Unfortunately, things did an about face in the second half. The Cowboys’ defense allowed 27 points, a last-minute, game-tying drive, and allowed the majority of the whopping 500 total yards gained by Jacksonville. The offense didn’t help matters with their own turnovers and inability to score.
It’s always difficult to find stars in a loss like this. The team blew a 17-point lead to a young, inexperienced opponent with an under .500 record, losing almost any chance at winning the NFC East and the top record in the league. Someone had to help Dallas get up 17 though, and others had to do something right in order for them to take the lead back in the fourth quarter. Here were the top performers of the overtime loss to Jacksonville.
This third star was a tough battle between two players who had good games minus one major mistake. Prescott had an incredible first half, completing 15 of 16 attempts, a 94% completion rate, for 137 yards and two touchdowns. That is a top star of the game performance for the QB. Unfortunately, Prescott had a big interception in the middle of the Jaguars comeback and it led to a touchdown for Jacksonville and a major momentum shift.
Noah Brown had the other chance at this star. He had the stats, bringing in six receptions for 49 yards and two touchdowns. He had made the three stars list until the final play of the game. Brown allowed a pass to go right off his arms and into the hands of Jenkins yet again, except this time for a game ending Pick-6.
Prescott got the nod because he was so influential in the Cowboys great plays. Even in a loss, Prescott had good game overall and one bad play doesn’t change that fact.
Dak Prescott to Peyton Hendershot for the TD! pic.twitter.com/ACq6Z7trwE
Lamb has been a to-10 receiver this season and has only gotten better with Prescott’s return from injury. He was incredible against the Jaguars, catching all seven targets for 126 yards. Lamb was cutting up Jacksonville’s attempts to contain him via man coverage, and he stepped up big on the first drive in the second half.
On 3rd-and-8, with the Jaguars coming off a field goal, Dallas needed a big play so they wouldn’t have to punt the ball right back to the opposition. Lamb caught 13 yards up field, but then pulled a mean change of direction and broke loose for 39 yards.
— 🏈 🗳️ Steven Van Over (@StevenVanOver) December 18, 2022
He hit another big play the very next snap, setting up a field goal and bringing the momentum back to the Cowboys at that point in the game. The outcome wasn’t impacted by Lamb overall, but he was one of the top performers for the game.
Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports
When Terence Steele was lost for the rest of the year with torn ligaments in his knee, Tyron Smith went to the Dallas coaching staff and told them he would replace Steele at right tackle upon his return. This allowed the team to maintain consistency across the rest of the offensive line.
Smith is a four time All-Pro, two of which were first team selections. He is a member of the 2010s All-Decade team and an eight-time Pro Bowler. No one would’ve batted an eye if Smith said no to switching positions.
He did though and was the best tackle on the field for the Cowboys. Tyler Smith has his troubles on the left side, and as for Tyron’s split time with Jason Peters, Dallas averaged 6.1 yards per play with Smith at right tackle, and 3.5 yards per play when Peters was at RT.
Tyron Smith replacing to get underneath and dropping anchor at RT! pic.twitter.com/6rlox9Kozy
— Alex King (@AKing_Evals) December 19, 2022
Smith gets the top star of the game for not just doing what is best for the team, but actually showing up and playing good football. | 2022-12-20T04:34:32Z | sports.yahoo.com | Cowboys loss to Jaguars sucked, but these 3 players did their jobs well | https://sports.yahoo.com/cowboys-loss-jaguars-sucked-3-040622564.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/cowboys-loss-jaguars-sucked-3-040622564.html?src=rss |
George Fant talks Year Up partnership, defense and playing both tackle positions
Recently, many members of the NFL took part in “My Cause My Cleats”, where players wore customized cleats that show support and raise awareness for their favorite organizations.
New York Jets offensive tackle George Fant was one of those players in Week 13. Fant’s organization is called Year Up, “a tuition-free job training program that helps young adults between the ages of 18-29 across the nation receive professional and career training.”
Fant sat down with Jets Wire to discuss his connection with Year Up and what it means to him and the potential of the organization.
Year Up is a nonprofit who focuses on young adults and youth and helping them get job training. It is free job training and helping them get placements in internships at really good companies. And it was just one of those, one of those deals where, for myself, I just felt that it was a good connection for myself and my foundation because that’s what we like to do. We like to help our youth in our community and help them be able to grow and build their lives. And I thought that that was just a great opportunity to team up with a nonprofit who has the same kind of outlook on life that we have and kind of the same values as well. So that was kind of the main reasons why we wanted to partner up with Year Up.
Fant said he loves the things they’re doing and how they help people and build more partnerships. Some of those partnerships and internships include Bank of America, Uber, Sony and Buzzfeed.
I’m just happy to partner with them and do anything with them. We’re definitely going to do some more stuff with them here in their future. We love to see what they’re doing with the youth in our community and the young youth in our community. So definitely looking forward to doing more partnerships with Year Up.
Fant also shared his thoughts on the Jets defense and getting to face that defense every day in practice.
You got Sauce and D.J. man, they’re playing lights out right now. Our defense in general is just I think one of the top defenses in NFL right now. They’re putting their work in every single day. I knew that this year, this summer, we practiced against them every day in training camp thatwe had one of the best defensive lines and obviously one of the best defenses in the NFL. And then, you throw Quinnen Williams in there who I think should be in the running for defensive player of the year as well. That dude’s a beast man. Like, he’s unblockable. So those dudes are just holding it down. And I know for us in offense, we’re just trying to make sure we do our part for the defense and be able to hold it down for them. So yeah, that’s definitely one of the best defenses in the NFL right now. They’re ready to go knock these games out and win these next ones.
Fant also shared some insight on the differences between playing left and right tackle following his shifting during training camp due to the injury to Mekhi Becton and the signing of Duane Brown.
Yeah, it’s obviously it is not easy to do that, man. It’s one of those situations where I would just kind of say that it the toughest part of it is just your body. Your strengths your dominant hand. The way that you have to be able to set at certain angles or get to certain point to make contact. It’s a whole lot of different things that go with making that switch from left to right. I’m blessed to be able to do it because I’ve been in different situations where I’ve had to do it. So just being able to be happy to be able to do both positions and to be able to do whatever the team needs me to do, to go out there and get a win. So, it is not easy, but I’m willing to do it.
And again, if you want to check out Fant’s partnership, visit YearUp.org for more information.
The K-pop group will play shows in North and South America in 2023. Get debates and ticket on-sale info here. How to Get Tickets to NCT 127’s 2023 Tour Dates Mary Siroky | 2022-12-20T04:34:39Z | sports.yahoo.com | George Fant talks Year Up partnership, defense and playing both tackle positions | https://sports.yahoo.com/george-fant-talks-partnership-defense-032430053.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/george-fant-talks-partnership-defense-032430053.html?src=rss |
Reports indicate the injury isn’t believed to be serious, but the Eagles are aiming for their star QB to be fully healthy before he returns. It appears backup QB Gardner Minshew will start Saturday in Dallas.
To be perfectly clear, the Eagles could simply beat the Cowboys in Week 16 and lock up the No. 1 seed behind Minshew. He’s a capable backup who went 1-1 in two starts for Philadelphia last year.
There’s also no guarantee the injury will keep Hurts out for the duration of the regular season.
In the event the Eagles do lose out, the 49ers would also need to win out and get at least one loss from the Vikings. It’s a tall task, but it’s just a little bit shorter for as long as Hurts is out. | 2022-12-20T04:34:58Z | sports.yahoo.com | Jalen Hurts injury could make end of season more interesting for 49ers | https://sports.yahoo.com/jalen-hurts-injury-could-end-030003922.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/jalen-hurts-injury-could-end-030003922.html?src=rss |
Caps seeing offensive contributions from all over roster originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
WASHINGTON — Alex Ovechkin hasn’t scored in three games. Four in a row for Evgeny Kuznetsov and eight for John Carlson. Nicklas Backstrom, T.J. Oshie and Tom Wilson are all out dealing with injuries. The Capitals haven’t been getting goals from any of the usual suspects who have starred for them over the last half-decade or more.
And yet, the Capitals have scored nine goals on their way to back-to-back wins over the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings. That offense has come courtesy of players who usually find goals much harder to come by. After Erik Gustafsson, who entered last weekend with zero goals on the season, scored a hat trick to beat the Maple Leafs on Saturday, it was Nic Dowd playing the hero Monday with two goals 11 seconds apart against the Red Wings.
“It has to happen that way,” Laviolette said Monday of getting offense from unlikely places. “Inside of what we do, it can't just be the same one or two people every night. So I do think that we’ve gotten a team consistent effort and it’s not even about the goals and the production. It is because ultimately it drives wins, but you want to play well, you want to do the right things, you want to have the process be the right way and everybody’s got to buy into that and everyone’s got to do that and I think our guys have done a really good job with that.”
Gustafsson added a third-period tally Monday as well, raising his total to four goals in two games. The other three goals came courtesy of defensemen Dmitry Orlov and Trevor van Riemsdyk as well as winger Garnet Hathaway. That trio has combined for just nine goals between them this season, though Orlov missed over a month due to injury.
For those counting at home: That’s three defensemen and two fourth-line forwards accounting for nine goals in two games. They’ve propelled the Capitals to wins over the Maple Leafs, who have more points than two division leaders, and a Red Wings team in the thick of the race for a Wild Card spot. All while stars such as Ovechkin and Carlson have been held off the stat sheet.
“You play the game as a kid to score,” Dowd said. “I think you get up to the NHL and you gotta figure out a way to stay in the league because you got guys like Ovi and Backy and Kuzy and Oshie. The list goes on every single team that are quite honestly better than you at doing that. So you got to find a way to stick. Guys on every single team have done that including myself and tonight it was, like I said, I like to try to do the same thing every night. Some nights you get rewarded, some nights you don’t. Tonight we needed to score.” | 2022-12-20T04:56:24Z | sports.yahoo.com | ‘Tonight we needed to score:’ Capitals getting offense from all over roster | https://sports.yahoo.com/tonight-needed-score-capitals-getting-041500277.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/tonight-needed-score-capitals-getting-041500277.html?src=rss |
Prior to the game, he opened up to Andscape's Marc J. Spears about his time in Salt Lake City and his relationship with former teammate Rudy Gobert. He told Spears in an interview published Monday that "we did a lot of special things" while acknowledging that a Jazz team led by himself and Gobert that never advanced to the Western Conference finals fell short of expectations.
"Basketball just didn’t work out," Mitchell said of his relationship with Gobert.
Mitchell, who played five seasons in Utah, also spoke about the challenges of being a Black athlete in a predominantly white city, an experience that he says has shifted for him in Cleveland. He described his experience in Utah as "draining."
"If I’m being honest with you, I never really said this, but it was draining," Mitchell told Spears. "It was just draining on my energy just because you can’t sit in your room and cheer for me and then do all these different things."
"I’m not saying specifically every fan, but I just feel like it was a lot of things. A state senator saying I need to get educated on my own Black history. Seeing Black kids getting bullied because of their skin color. Seeing a little girl hang herself because she’s being bullied."
Mitchell called pushback against his advocacy for racial equality "a lot" and said that it was tough to not see many Black people in the stands at Jazz home games.
"And then to be able to not see many of us in the crowd, I tried my best to make sure I invite young Black and brown kids to games, to be around the community," Mitchell continued. "But just to not see us there, it was definitely tough.
"And being in Cleveland now, you see us courtside. It’s just refreshing. It’s a blessing to be back around people that look like me."
Monday's victory improved the Cavs to 21-11, including an NBA-best 15-2 at home. After the game, Mitchell kept the conversation about basketball while acknowledging that "it's different when you're playing against your friends, the guys you've been in a locker room with, battled with."
Monday's game was in Cleveland. He expects the Jan. 10 rematch in his return to Utah to hit differently.
“Always good to play against your guys,” Mitchell told reporters. “I think the bigger game will probably be when we go back out there."
Also worth circling on the calendar: Jan. 14 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. It will be Mitchell's first chance to face off against Gobert, whom the Jazz also traded in the offseason. Mitchell missed a Nov. 13 matchup in Cleveland with an ankle sprain.
"I’m going to give him a hug and be happy to see him," Mitchell told Spears of Gobert. "And I wish him the best. There’s no hatred. There’s no ill will towards any of that."
Congress has increasingly indicated an interest in helping the college sports industry deal with multiple issues, from name, image and likeness to antitrust clarification to athletes’ health and labor rights. Frequently, at least over the last decade, NCAA president Mark Emmert has been portrayed as the stumbling block to those efforts. Former Rep. Mark Walker, […]
The Philadelphia 76ers are focused on the positives after blowing a lead in an overtime win over the Toronto Raptors. | 2022-12-20T05:39:42Z | sports.yahoo.com | Donovan Mitchell speaks of 'draining' Utah experience, then leads Cavs in blowout of Jazz | https://sports.yahoo.com/donovan-mitchell-speaks-of-draining-utah-experience-then-leads-cavs-in-blowout-of-jazz-051230018.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/donovan-mitchell-speaks-of-draining-utah-experience-then-leads-cavs-in-blowout-of-jazz-051230018.html?src=rss |
It's also the last time the San Francisco 49ers lost.
The 49ers lost 44-23 to the Kansas City Chiefs to fall to 3-4 that day. They've won seven straight since and the average margin has been 16.6 points. Only one game, a 22-16 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, was decided by less than eight points.
San Francisco is a classic Super Bowl pick. It's at the right time. The Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs or Buffalo Bills have been the best teams over the course of the entire season but the 49ers are arguably the best team right now. They have a punishing defense and probably the best set of offensive playmakers in the NFL.
Here's the list of rookie quarterbacks who have started a Super Bowl:
Yep. Zero. Kurt Warner and Tom Brady barely played before taking over during a championship season, but they weren't rookies.
Now let's look at the list of third-string quarterbacks to start the season who have started a Super Bowl:
Correct. None. There have been more backups than you remember to win a Super Bowl — Jim Plunkett, Trent Dilfer, Brady, Warner, Nick Foles, Jeff Hostetler, and Doug Williams among others — but they were all second-team players. Third string? Hasn't happened.
The Purdy story is catching on, but the scope of it is still underrated. Purdy has played surprisingly well through his three games since taking over for injured Jimmy Garoppolo, who took over for injured Trey Lance. Because Warner and Brady came out of nowhere, it seems like a rookie quarterback has played in a Super Bowl. Since so many backups have won Super Bowls, it doesn't feel like a third-stringer doing it is that big of a deal. Since quarterbacks from all rounds of the draft have started Super Bowls, it isn't a big stretch for the last pick of the draft to do it.
If Purdy can even take the 49ers to a Super Bowl, it will be a huge blow to those who support the notion that a team needs an elite quarterback to win big. Teams can win championships with great teams around average quarterbacks. That's been done before. The Purdy experiment is pushing that idea to an extreme.
There's no reason to doubt the 49ers. Going two months without a loss is impressive. It's not like Garoppolo was indispensable. He was just asked to get the ball to the 49ers' star players in the rhythm of Kyle Shanahan's scheme, just like Purdy is doing. The defense will keep the 49ers in any game.
Are you picking the 49ers to make the Super Bowl? That's reasonable. Though you're also picking something that has never happened in NFL history, on a few layers.
The Texans haven't quit after all. They came close to beating the Cowboys and Chiefs the past two weeks. And they keep losing, which stinks in the short term but has practically ensured they draft first overall.
The Bears took a shot on receiver Velus Jones Jr. in the third round, and that was questioned because he was 25 years old and seen as a gadget player. On Sunday, he had one carry for no yards and one catch for three yards. For the season he has 75 yards from scrimmage on 11 touches. It's early but that pick doesn't look great yet.
You have to try really, really hard to blow a 33-point lead in the NFL. That's probably why it hadn't happened in NFL history before the Colts did it Saturday. The Colts were outscored 33-0 by Dallas in the fourth quarter of Week 13, had a bye, then were outscored 39-3 in the second half and overtime against the Vikings. That's pathetic.
It's hard to find positives, but Cam Akers looked pretty good on Monday night in a loss. Considering he was basically sent away from the team while they tried to trade him earlier this season, it's pretty remarkable that he's back in the Rams' plans.
Brett Rypien was 21-of-26 for 197 yards, which counts as a good game for the 2022 Broncos. The more important number to ownership from Sunday should be 18,423, which is the amount of no-shows at the stadium. There were a lot of empty seats despite tickets being less than $20 in the secondary market. It's very rare for a Broncos home game to have that many no-shows. Fans have gone from anger to apathy.
Well, Desmond Ridder didn't answer any questions at quarterback. He didn't break 100 yards passing. There's still a few games for Ridder to show he can be the quarterback of the future but his first start wasn't the best.
The door was open for the Panthers. Had they won on Sunday at home, they'd be tied for first place in the NFC South. They're not dead in the race but they can't fall two games behind the Buccaneers. Sunday's loss could cost them a division title, which would make for a nice accomplishment no matter how bad the 2022 NFC South has been.
Two last-minute comebacks have hidden how bad the Buccaneers are. In the Bucs' last nine games, they've won three times and two of the wins came on a last-second touchdowns after they were losing most of the game. They're that close to being on a 1-8 streak. Though after Sunday's collapse against the Bengals, everyone should know that the Buccaneers are simply a bad team this season.
I'm still not sure Keelan Cole Jr. was inbounds on his game-tying touchdown, and we've all seen the final play by now, and the Raiders should be thankful the end of the game went as it did. Or else the story would be that they extended their NFL record by blowing a fifth double-digit halftime lead in a single season. Life in the NFL is a lot easier when you win.
Cameron Heyward is having yet another great season. He has been first-team All-Pro two of the past three seasons. This season he has 6.5 sacks, including 1.5 in Sunday's win against the Panthers, and even at 33 years old he has been one of the best interior defensive linemen in the NFL. It looks like he has at least a couple more good seasons left, too.
Since the trade deadline, running back Kareem Hunt has 33 carries for 142 yards in six games. He hasn't had double-digit carries in any game. The Browns have a 0.5 percent chance to make the playoffs, according to Football Outsiders. The Browns not trading Hunt before the deadline, likely because they asked for too much, seems like a real mistake.
The Packers aren't dead yet. It was just against the Rams' B team offense, but the defense finally played like everyone expected it would this season.
The only thing the Seahawks have left is they have the tiebreaker over the Lions in a head-to-head situation. Detroit and Seattle are both 7-7 but couldn't look any different with three games to go. It's hard to imagine the Seahawks holding off the Lions. Next up for Seattle: a game at the Chiefs.
The Titans were up four games on the Jaguars four weeks ago. Now the lead is down to one and that head-to-head loss at Tennessee in Week 14 is a pretty big deal now. The Titans don't have a lot of offensive pop lately. The defense played better against the Chargers on Sunday but it wasn't enough. Their season is slipping away fast.
It looks like Zach Wilson will get another start, and he did play pretty well Sunday. He made some mistakes, including an awful interception down the near sideline, but overall it was a step forward. But it came in a loss, the Jets' fourth loss in five games. They're still in the playoff race but need to start winning games to stay alive.
The lateral play, one of the worst in NFL history, was more than just one bad play that led to a loss. It caused a big change in the Patriots' playoff odds. They were 37.6 percent to make it last week at Football Outsiders, and 16.7 percent after the Raiders loss. The 21.8 percent drop was the third-largest in the league this week (Commanders, Titans, Seahawks). That play could keep New England from the postseason.
Kayvon Thibodeaux had a breakout game on Sunday night. It was easy to see why he was the fifth overall pick of the draft, and maybe shouldn't have fallen that far. His strip-sack that he recovered for a touchdown was the biggest play of the Giants' biggest win of the season.
The highlight of Sunday's overtime win over the Cowboys was Trevor Lawrence looking like a future MVP. He was tremendous. But safety Rayshawn Jenkins had the game of his life too. He had 18 tackles and two interceptions, including a walk-off pick-six in overtime. What a performance.
10. Baltimore Ravens (9-5, LW: 8)
Not much more needs to be said about the Ravens other than they're going to struggle until Lamar Jackson returns, and then we'll see if Jackson fixes everything. Jackson should be back this week. The Ravens' next two games are the Falcons and Steelers at home, and if Baltimore wins both of them, then Week 18 at Cincinnati will likely be an AFC North championship game.
9. Detroit Lions (7-7, LW: 11)
It's not time for moral victories but the Dolphins should feel good after Week 15. They were unlikely to catch the Bills for the AFC East anyway. The offense looked much better after a two-game slump and they gave the Bills all they could handle in the snow, at the end of a three-game road trip. It's the rare late-season loss that should be viewed as a positive.
Cincinnati is still a bit confusing. The Bengals looked absolutely awful in the first half against the Buccaneers. Then they rolled over them in the second half. It's still a good win, especially since they're now in first place after that win and the Ravens' loss.
The Cowboys' loss on Sunday is even bigger now that we know Jalen Hurts could miss time with a shoulder injury. Had Dallas won, all they would have needed was an Eagles loss and also a win over Philadelphia on Dec. 24 to steal the division. Now the Cowboys need to win out and hope Philadelphia doesn't win again. Blowing that lead to the Jaguars wasn't the worst loss an NFL team will take, but it looked a lot worse by Monday afternoon.
The 49ers have the division clinched, and now they're in a weird place. They have almost no chance to get the No. 1 seed. Improving the seed might not even be good news — you're probably trying to avoid the Lions, if they make it, and the No. 2 seed could end up meeting No. 7 seed Detroit. They'll want to stay sharp but the next important game the 49ers play will probably be at home in the playoffs.
Not that anyone was rooting for a Jalen Hurts injury, but it does have some effect in Buffalo too. Josh Allen's MVP chances are alive again. If Allen leads the Bills to the No. 1 seed, and Hurts misses multiple games, assuming Allen has similar numbers to Mahomes by the end ... well, let's just say he's got a shot. | 2022-12-20T05:39:50Z | sports.yahoo.com | NFL Power Rankings: Nothing in NFL history would match Brock Purdy leading 49ers to a Super Bowl | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-nothing-in-nfl-history-would-match-brock-purdy-leading-49-ers-to-a-super-bowl-042706506.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-nothing-in-nfl-history-would-match-brock-purdy-leading-49-ers-to-a-super-bowl-042706506.html?src=rss |
Surprisingly (or not surprisingly given the wretched state of the NFC South) the Carolina Panthers didn’t lose any ground in their playoff push this week. Even with their 24-16 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, losses by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons kept interim head coach Steve Wilks and crew pretty much right where they were at entering play in Week 15.
But did they gain any ground in the 2023 draft order? Let’s take a look, courtesy of Tankathon.com.
Deleum Berhad (KLSE:DELEUM) has had a great run on the share market with its stock up by a significant 35% over the... | 2022-12-20T06:05:42Z | sports.yahoo.com | Which 2023 1st-round pick do the Panthers have after Week 15? | https://sports.yahoo.com/2023-1st-round-pick-panthers-050021098.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/2023-1st-round-pick-panthers-050021098.html?src=rss |
The Los Angeles Rams were defeated by the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football by the score of 24-12. After securing an impressive come-from-behind win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 14, the Rams were unable to come up with any magic to upset the Packers on the road in Week 15.
With the loss to Green Bay, Los Angeles now falls to 4-10 on the season, tying them for the second-worst record in the NFC. Following Monday night’s double-digit loss to Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, here are six takeaways from the matchup.
Cam Akers looked effective running the ball
Entering Monday’s contest, it was known that the weather was going to be frigid at Lambeau Field, and the Packers owned one of the worst run defenses in the NFL. Cam Akers would take advantage of the weather and Green Bay’s run defense despite Los Angeles going down double digits in the second half.
Akers finished the contest with 65 rushing yards on 12 rushing attempts while he also led the offense with three receptions for 35 yards. The former second-round pick averaged 5.4 yards per attempt, which were the most yards per attempt he’s had in a game since Week 14 of the 2020 season.
Greg Gaines put together another strong performance
It was another week where the Rams were without Aaron Donald and A’Shawn Robinson on the defensive line, giving more opportunities to the other guys. Greg Gaines had a productive outing in Week 14 versus the Las Vegas Raiders and he had another strong performance on Monday against the Packers.
Gaines would record six combined tackles, two tackles for loss, and one sack in the loss to the Packers on Monday night. Despite a slow start to the season due to injuries, Gaines appears to be finishing the season strong with an increased role.
Leonard Floyd was productive off of the edge
The Rams haven’t gotten consistent pressure off of the edge this season, but Leonard Floyd showed up on Monday night. The veteran edge rusher would post five combined tackles, two tackles for loss, and two sacks in the loss to the Packers.
After failing to log a sack in the first six weeks, Floyd has now tallied a total of seven sacks in his last eight games. Even though it’s been a forgettable season for the Rams, Floyd is looking to finish the season on a positive note.
Special teams unit struggled
We’ve seen the special teams unit for the Rams be underwhelming throughout the season and that carried over into Monday’s loss. There were multiple penalties on special teams, a short punt by Riley Dixon, and even Matt Gay missed an extra-point try after the Rams scored their first touchdown of the game.
For a team like the Rams that is plagued with injuries, they need the special teams unit to do a good job of avoiding plays that can put them in a hole. On Monday night, even though they don’t deserve the majority of the blame for the loss, the entire special teams group struggled for the Rams.
Penalties proved to be costly
Besides mistakes by the special teams, the Rams couldn’t get out of their own way. There were certainly questionable penalties called — or missed — for both teams on Monday night, but the Rams continued to shoot themselves in the foot.
The Rams would finish with eight penalties against the Packers, resulting in 76 yards of penalties. Whether it was a penalty on the defense to keep the Packers’ offense on the field, or a holding call on the offense to move the ball back, the Rams were unable to overcome the penalties they committed on Monday.
Baker Mayfield looked uncomfortable in the pocket
Baker Mayfield got a full week of practice with the Rams and there were certainly moments when he looked more comfortable in the offense as a whole. On the other hand, there were quite a few plays where Mayfield didn’t seem to trust the offensive line and would escape the pocket too early.
The former first-round pick witnessed Brian Allen go down on the first drive of the game, giving him his second center in his first two weeks with the Rams. Being that he was sacked five times, there were undoubtedly moments when the offensive line fell short. Meanwhile, Mayfield will need to learn to trust the offensive line — albeit a makeshift one — a little more to make some of the plays he missed on Monday night. | 2022-12-20T06:05:49Z | sports.yahoo.com | 6 takeaways from Rams’ 24-12 loss to the Packers | https://sports.yahoo.com/6-takeaways-rams-24-12-045032739.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/6-takeaways-rams-24-12-045032739.html?src=rss |
Mayfield after Week 14 loss: 'We'll be frustrated at how close we were'
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Baker Mayfield after Week 14 loss vs. Green Bay Packers: 'We'll be frustrated at how close we were'.
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) A.J. Dillon ran for two scores, Aaron Rodgers threw a touchdown pass to Aaron Jones and the Green Bay Packers kept their playoff hopes afloat with a 24-12 victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night. Dillon put Green Bay (6-8) ahead for good with a tiebreaking 8-yard touchdown run in the second quarter and also scored from 1 yard out in the third period. Rodgers went 22 of 30 for 229 yards with a touchdown and interception to win his ninth straight ''Monday Night Football'' start. | 2022-12-20T06:06:43Z | sports.yahoo.com | Mayfield after Week 14 loss: 'We'll be frustrated at how close we were' | https://sports.yahoo.com/mayfield-week-14-loss-well-045713472.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/mayfield-week-14-loss-well-045713472.html?src=rss |
When the NFL schedule first came out, the Week 15 Monday night game between the Green Bay Packers and the Los Angeles Rams looked like one of the better games of the entire season. Both teams were expected to be near the top of the NFC and compete for a Super Bowl.
However, things didn't go according to plan this season for either team. For a variety of reasons, both teams have come nowhere close to meeting expectations. The Rams entered with just four wins and the Packers were barely better, coming into the game with five wins. After losing on Monday night, the Rams were officially eliminated from playoff contention.
However, there was some intrigue. Baker Mayfield energized the football world with his performance last week. Many were excited to see him play for the Rams again after the show he put on against the Las Vegas Raiders last Thursday. On the other side, the Packers were coming off a bye and with Romeo Doubs active, Aaron Rodgers had his full compliment of weapons for the first time in quite a while.
Despite that, oddsmakers were expecting a low-scoring game. It was extremely cold in Green Bay and both offenses have been below average this season. Mayfield was amongst the worst quarterbacks in the league in his early season performances with the Panthers while the Packers have rarely looked in sync. The total closed at a low 39.5 points at BetMGM.
If you took the under, you came out a winner as the Packers won the game by a score of 24-12. However, it was an extremely heavy sweat in the final minutes. If you bet the over, you had nothing go your way down the stretch and ended up on the losing side.
A scoreless fourth quarter
Late in the third quarter, Baker Mayfield found Tyler Higbee for an 8-yard touchdown to cut into Green Bay's lead. Matt Gay missed the extra point following the touchdown, meaning the Packers had a 24-12 lead. The missed extra point was important because over bettors now needed a touchdown to cash their ticket instead of simply a field goal. The Rams also now needed two touchdowns instead of simply a field goal, touchdown and two-point conversion.
Nevertheless, over bettors still had to feel they were in good shape. They needed just four points in the fourth quarter. Green Bay was moving the ball well all night while the Rams' offense just showed signs of life with their first touchdown of the game.
Things started well on the quest for points. On the kick-off after the Rams' touchdown, Keisean Nixon ripped off a 52-yard return to set the Packers up in Los Angeles territory. A few plays later, Troy Hill was whistled for defensive pass interference, setting the Packers up at the 35. However, a first down run was stuffed, a second down pass fell incomplete, and the Rams sacked Rodgers on third down. A promising drive resulted in a punt.
On the Rams' next drive, Baker Mayfield threw an interception deep in his own territory. After securing the interception, Rasul Douglas decided to lateral the ball backwards and lose a few yards. Still, the Packers had the ball in field-goal range and were in good shape. Unfortunately for over bettors, Aaron Jones fumbled after Jalen Ramsey stood him up and ripped at the ball just inside the red zone. You could argue Jones' forward progress was stopped, but the officials didn't agree and another scoring opportunity went by the wayside.
The Rams had the ball again, and it looked like they might make this a game. Mayfield under-threw Tutu Atwell on a deep pass, but it resulted in a 40-yard gain via penalty. The Rams were set up in borderline field goal range, but Mayfield was sacked on first down putting Los Angeles behind the chains. Then, despite being down two scores and less than ten minutes remaining in the game, Sean McVay decided to punt the ball from the plus-side of midfield.
Aaron Rodgers and Baker Mayfield had a chance to put the game over the total, but couldn't get it done to wrap up Week 15 of the NFL season. (Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
One last chance for over bettors
When the Green Bay Packers got the ball back with 8:58 remaining in the game, nobody expected it to be the final possession of the game.
Green Bay ran 15 plays and gained 85 yards on the drive, taking the final 8:58 off the clock. Over bettors needed them to get 86 yards.
The Packers crossed midfield with over seven minutes left in the game. Despite the Rams having only one timeout, time shouldn't have been a factor. Of course, I wouldn't be writing this story if it didn't end up becoming a factor.
With just under four minutes left, Aaron Jones tore off a 14-yard gain on the ground, setting up a 1st-and-10 at the 12-yard line. After no gain on first down, Rodgers found Christian Watson on a crossing route on second down. Watson had one defender between him and the end-zone, and he was just barely tackled by his shoestrings, setting up a 3rd-and-2 at the four yard line.
On third down, Rodgers saw something in the coverage and issued a hand signal to Watson. Obviously in hindsight, the signal represented Rodgers changing the play and it was a way of letting Watson know the ball was coming to him. Watson either didn't see or recognize the signal, so he was blocking for the run. Rodgers' threw the ball to him and it harmlessly hit the ground. If Watson was paying attention, he likely walks into the end zone. "You want to catch touchdowns, you run the right routes," Rodgers told ESPN's Lisa Salters after the game.
A field goal would have done over bettors no good, so they caught a break when the Packers decided to go for it on fourth down. On 4th-and-2 from the 4-yard line, Jones got the ball and burst up the middle for a gain of three. He got the first down, but didn't get the touchdown.
Under two minutes remained in the game, and the Rams had just one timeout remaining. That meant victory formation for the Packers. As of Monday morning, 57% of bets were on the game to go over the total at BetMGM. Those 57% of bettors had to be cursing what they just watched.
Over bettors weren't the only ones to suffer a bad beat. Some of the most popular prop bets of the night came up short as a result of the final few plays as well.
Christian Watson's over/under for receiving yards was set at 47.5 yards. He finished with 46 yards. If he evades the shoestring tackle or picks up on Rodgers' hand signal, he gets a few more yards. Bettors also liked Watson to score a touchdown at anytime. He certainly had a chance down the stretch.
Aaron Rodgers to throw over 1.5 touchdown passes was another one of the more popular prop bets at BetMGM. Rodgers finished with just one touchdown pass. | 2022-12-20T06:06:55Z | sports.yahoo.com | NFL bad beat: Under bettors survived intense sweat on Monday night | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-bad-beat-under-bettors-survived-an-intense-sweat-on-monday-night-052252769.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-bad-beat-under-bettors-survived-an-intense-sweat-on-monday-night-052252769.html?src=rss |
The Green Bay Packers used three total touchdowns from running backs A.J. Dillon and Aaron Jones and a disruptive defensive effort to cruise past the Los Angeles Rams on “Monday Night Football” and keep the team’s slim playoff hopes alive exiting Week 15.
Dillon scored touchdowns to end the first half and start the second, and Jones’ score put the Packers up 24-7 in the third quarter.
The Rams scored a touchdown to cut the lead to 12 points but the Packers comfortably closed out the 24-12 victory at Lambeau Field.
The Packers are now 6-8 and have kept alive the possibility of finishing 9-8 with three more wins. Green Bay likely needs to win out – and get help – to sneak into the playoffs after a 4-8 start.
Monday night’s win officially eliminated the Rams – the defending Super Bowl champions – from playoff contention in the NFC.
And the final outcome was never really in doubt.
Dillon and Jones combined for 126 rushing yards and 71 receiving yards, rookie receivers Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs caught nine passes for 101 yards and the Packers defense produced five sacks, nine quarterback hits and one takeaway.
The Packers had 14 more first downs (27 to 14), 189 more total yards (345 to 156), 123 more passing yards (207 to 84), 66 more rushing yards (138 to 72), three more red zone trips (5 to 2) and almost 15 more minutes of possession (37:19 to 22:41).
The Packers have now won back-to-back games for the first time since Weeks 2-4.
Matt LaFleur’s team will go to Miami to play the 8-6 Dolphins on Christmas Day.
Austin Rivers with an and one vs the Dallas Mavericks
Austin Rivers (Minnesota Timberwolves) with an and one vs the Dallas Mavericks, 12/19/2022 | 2022-12-20T06:07:09Z | sports.yahoo.com | Packers cruise past Rams, keep slim playoff hopes alive | https://sports.yahoo.com/packers-cruise-past-rams-keep-042145239.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/packers-cruise-past-rams-keep-042145239.html?src=rss |
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) A.J. Dillon ran for two scores, Aaron Rodgers threw a touchdown pass to Aaron Jones and the Green Bay Packers kept their playoff hopes afloat with a 24-12 victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night.
Rodgers went 22 of 30 for 229 yards with a touchdown and interception to win his ninth straight ''Monday Night Football'' start. The longest ''Monday Night Football'' winning streak by any starting quarterback is owned by Kenny Stabler, who won 11 straight from 1975-80. | 2022-12-20T06:07:15Z | sports.yahoo.com | Packers defeat Rams 24-12 to keep playoff hopes alive | https://sports.yahoo.com/packers-defeat-rams-24-12-042514563.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/packers-defeat-rams-24-12-042514563.html?src=rss |
It’s been assumed for weeks, but it’s now official. The Los Angeles Rams will not be going back to the playoffs this season.
With their loss to the Green Bay Packers on Monday night, the Rams have been eliminated from playoff contention, dropping to 4-10 on the year. Coming into this game, they had less than a 0.1% chance of making the postseason anyway, but now all hope of a miraculous finish to the season is gone.
The Rams are on the verge of making history, however. Just not the type they hoped to. With 10 losses on the year, the Rams have tied the 1999 Broncos for the most losses ever by a defending champion. Los Angeles has three games left, so there’s a good chance the Rams end the year with the record by themselves.
With the loss, the Rams have tied the 1999 Broncos for the most losses by a defending Super Bowl champion (10). pic.twitter.com/shc0sGi4d4
No one could’ve seen this sort of season coming from the Rams, even after the offseason losses they suffered. The injuries along the offensive line have been too much to overcome, and the losses of Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp and Allen Robinson didn’t help.
The Rams will finish the year playing for pride, but they have one eye on 2023. | 2022-12-20T06:07:23Z | sports.yahoo.com | Rams eliminated from playoff contention, tied for most losses ever by defending champ | https://sports.yahoo.com/rams-eliminated-playoff-contention-tied-042200275.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/rams-eliminated-playoff-contention-tied-042200275.html?src=rss |
Ojabo was a second-round pick by the Ravens in the 2022 draft, selected with the 45th overall pick. However, it weren’t for an Achilles injury sustained during his Pro Day at the University of Michigan, he likely would’ve gone much sooner.
Head coach John Harbaugh addressed the media on Monday about the situation that led to Ojabo playing in Sunday’s tilt against Cleveland, and said that he and his staff intend to get him more snaps over the course of the next few weeks. He made it clear that Baltimore’s depth at the outside linebacker position made it hard to justify Ojabo’s inclusion beyond the single snap he played.
“It was circumstances, in terms of having one less DB [defensive back] available for the game, and we had an opportunity to get him [David Ojabo] up,” Harbaugh explained when asked about the rookie’s debut. “Then, the next opportunity is to try to play him more. And I was hoping he’d get five, six, seven plays. We’ve got a lot of healthy outside linebackers right now, so it’s hard to get those guys enough snaps. Our discussion among those guys right now is, ‘We’ve got a lot of really good players; when you get out there, play with your hair on fire,’ which those guys want to do. And I think David Ojabo adds into that mix. So, it does mean, if he takes more snaps, it’s fewer snaps for other guys; that’s just the way it works, because they all play the same position. And the incredible thing is look at the difference between early in the year when we didn’t have any outside backers, and I think when ‘JPP’ [Jason Pierre-Paul] got here, he played 53 snaps his first game or something like that. So, it’s a good problem, but it’s challenging, because there are going to be guys that aren’t going to get as many snaps [and] you might say, ‘Wow, he could use some more snaps; we’d like to see him.’ And definitely, David falls in that category.”
Though the first glimpse at their newest defensive contributor was limited, the speculation among Ravens fans surrounding Ojabo’s role in the team’s defense is starting to pick up steam. He was one of the most highly coveted prospects in this year’s draft class, and for good reason, so it isn’t a stretch to think that he could be an impact player in Baltimore for years to come.
For now, though, the Baltimore faithful will need to wait until Harbaugh and his staff decide that the time is right for Ojabo to be included in more key situations.
Former NBA star Carlos Boozer watches twin sons at City of Palms
Carlos Boozer watched his twin sons Cameron and Cayden help power Columbus in the City of Palms semifinals.
Sixers single out PJ Tucker’s defense on Pascal Siakam in win over Raptors
The Philadelphia 76ers single out PJ Tucker's defense on Pascal Siakam in a win over the Toronto Raptors. | 2022-12-20T06:07:35Z | sports.yahoo.com | Ravens HC John Harbaugh explains why OLB David Ojabo only played one snap in NFL debut | https://sports.yahoo.com/ravens-hc-john-harbaugh-explains-045239166.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/ravens-hc-john-harbaugh-explains-045239166.html?src=rss |
In the Rams’ last two seasons combined, they lost 11 games. This year alone, they’ve dropped 10 of their first 14 games, tying the NFL record for the most losses ever by a defending Super Bowl champion.
No one saw this type of season coming from the Rams. They looked like they were set up for another deep playoff run before the season began, even after losing players such as Von Miller, Darious Williams, Austin Corbett and Andrew Whitworth. But everything that could go wrong for the Rams, has.
After losing to the Packers on Monday night and falling to 4-10, the Rams were officially eliminated from playoff contention. Toward the end of his press conference, Sean McVay was asked if he could’ve imagined the Rams would be where they are today after winning the Super Bowl.
“I think it’s hard to say that you could. You certainly can’t, but this is the reality we’re in,” he said. “This is where we’re at. There’s a lot of things that when you look at it, especially when you get a chance to step back after the season’s over, all right, how do we try to avoid some of these things? My job is to focus on, let’s finish up the season with the right competitive spirit, with the mindset and mentality that’s reflective of who those guys are in the locker room and who those coaches are and that’s what we’ll do. There’s been a lot of things that I’ve thought about that I think you can make sense of why you’ve gotten here, but it still doesn’t make it any easier and it’s a very humbling season, for sure.”
Among the many factors that have negatively impacted the Rams this year are the injuries to their offensive line, the departure of Miller, the retirement of Whitworth, Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp going down, and then losing Aaron Donald for three-plus games to top it off.
Again, anything that could’ve gone wrong has gone wrong. It’s been a miserable season in Los Angeles, but there is a saving grace: the ring they won 10 months ago. No one can take that away from them.
6 takeaways from Rams' 24-12 loss to the Packers
Mission: Impossible 7: Tom Cruise did over 500 skydives for biggest stunt yet
The Top Gun star attempted his "most dangerous" stunt yet.
Sources say Prince Harry and Meghan Markle would like a formal apology from the royal family about the issues raised in their Netflix docuseries. | 2022-12-20T06:07:49Z | sports.yahoo.com | Sean McVay calls Rams’ post-Super Bowl season ‘very humbling’ | https://sports.yahoo.com/sean-mcvay-calls-rams-post-051558285.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/sean-mcvay-calls-rams-post-051558285.html?src=rss |
Jason Kidd with a statement after tonight's game. #MFFL | @dallasmavs on @BallySportsSW 📺 pic.twitter.com/q5myxFmatg
"I"m here because I have to be here," Kidd told reporters. "I already gave up money, so I don't want to give up any more. So no questions. We'll go back and look at the tape and see how we can get better. They were the better team tonight, and we'll go from there.
"Thanks for showing up."
The ejections both took place with 2:00 left in the third quarter and the Timberwolves leading 85-71. Doncic protested a no call when he thought he was fouled on a shot. Whatever he said prompted not one, but two quick whistles from referee Rodney Mott, who's been here before with Doncic.
Mott has ejected Doncic before and clearly has no patience for his grievances. Doncic, unsurprisingly, didn't agree with Mott's decision. But even he believes he deserved the first whistle.
Luka Doncic shares his thoughts on being ejection in Minnesota tonight. #MFFL | @dallasmavs on @BallySportsSW 📺 pic.twitter.com/BPeMjTy9pX
"I probably deserved the one, but two for sure no," Doncic told reporters. "I deserved the first one, I'm not gonna lie. But for sure not the second one. I was really shocked when I was ejected.
"It was confusing. I don't even know what was going on. Then I heard that I got ejected, I was like 'that was surprise.' So I just smiled."
While a problem, the ejections aren't the top concern for the Mavericks right now. They entered the season with hopes of making a jump in the Western Conference standings. Monday's loss was their 10th in 16 games and dropped the Mavericks below .500 at 15-16. That was good for 10th place in the West on Monday. | 2022-12-20T07:28:31Z | sports.yahoo.com | Luka Donic, Jason Kidd both tossed as Mavs woes pile up: 'I deserved the first one, I'm not gonna lie' | https://sports.yahoo.com/luka-doncic-jason-kidd-both-tossed-as-mavs-woes-pile-up-i-deserved-the-first-one-im-not-gonna-lie-060305463.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/luka-doncic-jason-kidd-both-tossed-as-mavs-woes-pile-up-i-deserved-the-first-one-im-not-gonna-lie-060305463.html?src=rss |
The Buffalo Bills welcomed Ike Boettger back to their offensive line and roster.
On Monday, the Bills (11-3) announced that Boettger has been activated from the team’s Reserve/PUP list.
Boettger had been on the injury designation for almost a year exactly. In Week 16 last season, Botteger suffered an Achilles injury. He had surgery and his season was over.
Now, Boettger is back on the 53-man roster ahead of Buffalo’s upcoming contest against the Chicago Bears (3-11)… in Week 16 of this year.
During the Bills’ 32-29 win against the Miami Dolphins, Ryan Bates did not play due to a calf injury. Bates originally got his starting job last season when Boettger went down.
It’s unclear if Bates will play against the Bears. Buffalo’s coaching staff might have to make a decision between the two… unless Mitch Morse does not play.
Morse is in the concussion protocol. If he can’t go, Bates would likely move to Morse’s center spot and if Boettger can play, he’d go in at guard.
In a corresponding move, defensive tackle Brandin Bryant was released. | 2022-12-20T07:37:06Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bills activate Ike Boettger from Reserve/PUP list | https://sports.yahoo.com/bills-activate-ike-boettger-pup-065500827.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bills-activate-ike-boettger-pup-065500827.html?src=rss |
There are three games left on the Pittsburgh Steelers schedule and they need to win them all. Head coach Mike Tomlin has never had a losing season but one more loss would put that streak in serious jeopardy. This week on the schedule the Las Vegas Raiders come to town, coming off of a miracle win over the New England Patriots. Here are this week’s early storylines.
The status of Kenny Pickett
Mitch Trubisky didn’t light up the box score on Sunday but he took care of the football and led the Steelers offense on three touchdown drives. Is this enough to keep Pickett off the field, even if Pickett clears concussion protocol?
Consistently inconsistent defense
Last week the Steelers showed what the defense is truly capable of, albeit against a pretty mediocre Panthers offense. The inconsistency of this unit, while being filled with top draft picks and where the vast majority of the salary cap is unacceptable. The Raiders are a much more balanced offense and will test this group on Sunday.
Sustaining the power run game
The formula for the Steelers success since the bye week has hinged on the team’s ability to run the ball with commitment and effectiveness. If the Steelers want to beat the Raiders, it has to happen this week as well. It is the best way to take the pressure off whoever is playing quarterback. | 2022-12-20T07:37:19Z | sports.yahoo.com | Steelers vs Raiders: 3 early storylines for this week’s game | https://sports.yahoo.com/steelers-vs-raiders-3-early-063035551.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/steelers-vs-raiders-3-early-063035551.html?src=rss |
Hear what Arkansas head coach Eric Musselman said ahead of Wednesday's game against UNC Asheville.
The next World Trade Organization ministerial conference will be held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates in February 2024, the global trade watchdog confirmed in a statement on Twitter on Monday. The UAE and Cameroon were both vying to host the event and came to an informal agreement for Abu Dhabi to host the first one and Cameroon to do the next, trade sources said last week. | 2022-12-20T09:00:01Z | sports.yahoo.com | Why Emma Raducanu's left-field coach choice could be an inspired move | https://sports.yahoo.com/why-emma-raducanus-left-field-184520857.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/why-emma-raducanus-left-field-184520857.html?src=rss |
The story of the Beam Team’s season has been an offense that has hovered around the top-scoring teams in the NBA while the defense had been just good enough to complement it more often than not.
But on Monday, the bottom gave out on the defensive end and the Sacramento Kings suffered their worst loss of the season.
“When you analyze that game and you see how we played, especially without a presence defensively ... we didn’t deserve to win,” Kings coach Mike Brown said.
The result was a 125-119 loss to a Charlotte Hornets team that had lost eight in a row and was playing on the second night of a back-to-back.
The Kings viewed the Hornets’ 7-23 record coming in as a misnomer. Charlotte had been without many key players throughout the season, including point guard LaMelo Ball, who had missed all but six games with a recurring ankle injury. They knew the Hornets could score and they were a better team than their record showed.
Ball, who has been back in the lineup for four games after missing 24, had a good one Monday. He scored 23 points and dished out 12 assists with five rebounds while Kelly Oubre Jr. scored 31 points, three off his season high, and the Hornets stunned a rowdy crowd that hadn’t seen its team play at Golden 1 Center since Dec. 4.
“You can put this in a category of a bad loss, for sure,” De’Aaron Fox said. “It’s a game that we were probably supposed to win, but we lost. You got to keep pushing.”
Sacramento wasted a 37-point performance from Fox and a 28-point, 23-rebound, seven-assist game from Domantas Sabonis. Such showings from the team’s two best players have often been enough for the Kings to win, but their defense, and bad free-throw shooting, did them in.
The Kings went 17 of 31 from the charity stripe, leaving 14 points on the board in a game they lost by six. But Brown correctly pointed out afterwards the free throws weren’t the reason his team lost. It was all about defense — or lack thereof. Particularly around the rim.
“I’m disappointed in our weakside defense,” Brown said. “It was not good at all tonight. There were countless times where guys were either late, or they were there and they moved out of the way and they didn’t want to take the hit or take the charge for the team. And so, for me, it’s going to be a fun film session tomorrow, because we’re going to see who did what on the back side.”
The Kings allowed the Hornets to score 72 points in the paint (Sacramento had 58) and get 24 second chance points (to six).
Much of it came off ball handlers beating perimeter defenders and getting into the paint. And when Sabonis, in most cases, came to help, the Kings didn’t rotate to the open player, which allowed for a slew of easy buckets. That was especially true in the first half, when 46 of Charlotte’s 66 points came in the paint. They made just three 3-pointers while taking a 66-63 lead into halftime.
“Charlotte was getting to the rim at will,” Brown said. “We didn’t have anybody who could guard tonight.”
The performance could raise long-term questions about the Kings’ defense, which have lingered throughout their encouraging start. Their offense had been good enough to mask their defensive issues while the defense continues to improve.
The Kings have ranked in the top 10 in defensive rating throughout December, and played good defense in spurts during their recent 3-3 road trip, but Monday’s performance was a stark reminder of the consistency it takes to win in the NBA, particularly against teams they should beat, like Charlotte.
“They all kind of hurt us in the paint,” Kings guard Kevin Huerter said.
One problem: the Kings lost Harrison Barnes to a quad contusion when he was hit on a layup attempt in the second quarter. He was ruled out of the game in the second half, coming after winning back-to-back Defensive Player of the Game awards during last week’s wins in Toronto and Detroit. The Kings didn’t have any answers for their perimeter defense with Barnes unavailable.
Sabonis was the best player on the floor for either side. But he played more than 40 minutes for the third straight game. That speaks to his effectiveness but also the lack of an option behind him.
Brown has been tinkering with Richaun Holmes while Chimezie Metu has struggled recently. On Monday, Neemias Queta, a two-way player, got the nod. He was minus-12 in 7:16. Brown left open the idea of the 24-year-old Portuguese center getting continued run. He’ll have to improve drastically before the team gets serious about adding a backup center ahead of the Feb. 9 trade deadline.
“I can’t run Domas 40 minutes every night,” Brown said. “So I need to find a guy in that spot who’s going to defend, run the floor, spell Domas for six, eight minutes a half, and play as hard as he as can while following the gameplan. Not fouling, boxing out, doing all the little things that need to keep that group solid for those six to eight minutes. We’ve found it in spurts. But I want to get to a point where it can be a little bit more consistent, so I’m going to keep searching until I feel like that person is there.” | 2022-12-20T10:31:20Z | sports.yahoo.com | Mike Brown says Kings have no ‘presence defensively’ in ugly loss to Charlotte Hornets | https://sports.yahoo.com/mike-brown-says-kings-no-091654084.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/mike-brown-says-kings-no-091654084.html?src=rss |
MATT HARMON: All right, Andy, minorly consequential week here heading into week 16. There's some things going on in the fantasy industry, oh, I don't know like playoff push for a lot of these folks out there. They're in desperate need though, for some help. Their roster is great, obviously. That's why they're playing in the playoffs. But maybe they need a little minor tweaking here. Let's give the folks a couple of people they can pick up heading into week 16.
ANDY BEHRENS: Yeah, I'd start with Tyler Allgeier of Atlanta. He's coming off a spectacular game, 17 carries, 139 yards on the ground, a touchdown in which he was just pinballing off defenders. He has been so fun to watch. He's up to 5 yards per carry so far on the season, tons of yards after contact. He's been one of the best after contact runners in the league.
He doesn't go down easy. And he's tied to a run game where, yeah, he's in a bit of a committee with Cordarrelle Patterson. But all they want to do is run the football. They're averaging 32.6 rush attempts per game. They'd love to run it 40 to 45 times per game. So workload is really not a concern here at all. I think he's somebody that we're going to be flexing down the stretch
MATT HARMON: Yeah, I love it. And the schedule is nice. It all lines up for Tyler Allgeier, who I think looked really good against the New Orleans Saints. I'll talk about another rookie here, Jahan Dotson. Man, Jahan Dotson is the reason I want to just take wide receiver sizeists and stuff them in a locker and never hear from them again because if you told people that a wide receiver--
And this is last night, "Sunday Night Football," classic Jahan Dotson game, averaged 16 air yards per target, 2 end zone targets, winning at the catch point. If you told sizeists that this guy was as small as he is, that he wasn't-- he's not 6' 2", he's not 220? No way!
Yeah, give me a break! Jahan Dotson, this guy is so good. We talked about it on the podcast, 15 targets the last two weeks, both games against the Giants, who are obviously vulnerable in the secondary. The 49ers, not so vulnerable this upcoming matchup. But the usage has just been so good for Dotson. He's such a good player. And he wins, again, in the areas that we want, in the end zone.
He's a trusted contested catch guy, down the field. They love him in the vertical game. That is a great profile for a fantasy wide receiver, Andy, here pushing for the playoffs.
ANDY BEHRENS: He plays like he thinks he's 6' 4" or 6' 5" and 225 pounds.
MATT HARMON: Exactly right.
ANDY BEHRENS: He plays like a big receiver. They target him in the end zone all the time. He's got 6 touchdowns in nine games. He's been great. He looks like a star.
MATT HARMON: All right, those are a couple of guys that you can pick up to help you make that final push to a fantasy football championship. Good luck here in week 16. | 2022-12-20T10:31:39Z | sports.yahoo.com | Fantasy football waiver wire pickups - Week 16 | https://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy-football-waiver-wire-pickups-231516245.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy-football-waiver-wire-pickups-231516245.html?src=rss |
Former Texas A&M quarterback Haynes King entered the NCAA transfer portal Dec. 2.
King committed to Georgia Tech on Monday.
The 6-foot-3, 205-pound King appeared in 10 games from 2020-22 for the Aggies.
He recorded 1,579 passing yards, 10 passing yards, 10 interceptions, 150 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown at Texas A&M.
King was offered by Tennessee on Jan. 18, 2019. He was recruited by former Vols’ assistant coaches Jim Chaney and Chris Weinke.
Chaney is serving as an offensive analyst at Georgia Tech and Weinke is the Yellow Jackets’ quarterbacks coach. Former Tennessee offensive analyst Chip Long served as Georgia Tech’s offensive coordinator and tight ends coach in 2022. | 2022-12-20T12:02:38Z | sports.yahoo.com | Former Vols’ quarterback target commits to former Tennessee coaches | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-vols-quarterback-target-commits-115053082.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-vols-quarterback-target-commits-115053082.html?src=rss |
Coming off a 10-2 regular season and about to make an appearance in the Rose Bowl with a pair of Big Ten teams playing in the College Football Playoff, Penn State appears to be trending in a good direction heading into next season. The mix of young running stars in the making on both sides of the football and the upside potential of quarterback Drew Allar give the Nittany Lions a good foundation to continue building off of next fall. Because of that, Penn State is among the schools that should be grouped in a conversation about teams on the rise going into next year.
Josh Pate, host of Late Kick with Josh Pate, listed off his small list of programs on the rise going into the 2023 season. Among those mentioned was Penn State.
“I believe in giving credit when people do what they’re supposed to do,” Pate said when reflecting on how Penn State ended the regular season after suffering losses to Michigan and Ohio State and having the nation essentially tune out of Penn State for the remainder of the season. “They did what they were supposed to do. There was never an ounce of quit.”
“We know what’s about to happen at quarterback. We know it’s the Drew Allar era,” Pate mentioned. “They finish 10-2 this year… program’s fine, trending in the right direction. Should be getting prepared to have some of the best quarterback play they’ve had under James Franklin.”
Other schools Pate mentioned as being on the rise included TCU, Florida State, USC, and LSU.
Penn State will face Pac-12 champion Utah in the Rose Bowl on January 2, 2023. Penn State opens the 2023 season at home against West Virginia on September 2, 2023.
Seth Lundy injured in Penn State's romp of Canisius | 2022-12-20T12:02:45Z | sports.yahoo.com | Josh Pate says Penn State a program on the rise in 2023 | https://sports.yahoo.com/josh-pate-says-penn-state-104629231.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/josh-pate-says-penn-state-104629231.html?src=rss |
It was far from smooth sailing for most of the day against the Dallas Cowboys, but when the Jacksonville Jaguars flipped the switch in the third quarter, it was a whole new game Sunday.
The Jaguars outscored the Cowboys 24-7 in the last 19 minutes of regulation and then capped the comeback with a game-winning pick six in overtime.
While it wasn’t a perfect day, it was the kind of hard earned, resilient win that so many Jaguars teams in the past wouldn’t have been able to put together. Where previous Jacksonville squads folded, this one has shown a belief that it’s never down and out.
So how could I pick any duds from the massive win Sunday? Here’s an all-studs edition of studs and duds:
S Rayshawn Jenkins
Even before his game-winning pick six, Jenkins already secured a spot in this column. He was absolutely everywhere Sunday, securing a career-high 18 tackles (his previous best was 12) and setting up the Jaguars with a short field by intercepting Dak Prescott late in the third quarter.
The grand finale of his big day was the first pick six of his life.
Jenkins became the first player in NFL history to record at least 18 tackles and two interceptions in a game.
The three-touchdown day for Zay Jones was the first of his career and the fourth in Jaguars history, joining performances from Jimmy Smith (2000), Allen Robinson (2015), and Marcedes Lewis (2017).
The second of the trio of grabs was a 59-yard bomb that came after Jones absolutely torched Cowboys cornerback Kelvin Joseph with a double-move. The last one put the Jaguars in front with 10 minutes left in the game.
While Dallas got the lead back on the ensuing possession, Jones made a clutch 19-yard reception in the final seconds of regulation to set up a game-tying field goal.
Another week, another passer rating well over 100 for the Jaguars’ fast rising star at quarterback.
Lawrence faced a little adversity Sunday, throwing his first interception since October and then fumbling away the ball on what could’ve been a game-winning drive at the end of regulation.
But the 23-year-old passer never looked shaken or anything less than supremely confident he could lead the Jaguars to a win. He threw four touchdown passes for the first time in his career and Jacksonville needed every one of them to beat the Cowboys.
DE Arden Key
Travon Walker missed the first game of his young career due to a high ankle sprain so the Jaguars turned to Arden Key to start in his place.
Key stepped up to the plate with one of the most productive pass rushing days a Jaguars player has had all season. His 1.5 sacks of Dak Prescott brought him to 4.5 on the year with the Jaguars, 0.5 behind Josh Allen and Dawuane Smoot for the team lead.
Walker will undoubtedly be back in the starting lineup once he’s cleared to return, but Key made a strong case for getting more snaps moving forward.
WR Jamal Agnew
Agnew was robbed of his first return touchdown two weeks ago when a kickoff return was wiped out by a phantom holding penalty and he hasn’t had many opportunities to take another one to the house.
All eight of the Cowboys’ kickoffs Sunday were touchbacks. So Agnew made the most of his chances elsewhere.
On three rushing attempts, Agnew ran for 52 yards. Trevor Lawrence also found Agnew twice for 17 yards as a receiver.
The finishing touch on his day was when he weaved through traffic on a 13-yard punt return in the final minute of regulation to set up Lawrence with a manageable drive into field goal range. | 2022-12-20T12:59:15Z | sports.yahoo.com | 5 studs and duds from the Jaguars’ 40-34 win vs. the Cowboys | https://sports.yahoo.com/5-studs-duds-jaguars-40-124543529.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/5-studs-duds-jaguars-40-124543529.html?src=rss |
After rushing 24 times for 130 yards and one touchdown in Sunday’s 24-15 win over the Arizona Cardinals, Denver Broncos running back Latavius Murray has been nominated for the FedEx Ground Player of the Week award on NFL.com (fans can vote for Murray here).
Murray became Denver’s first running back this season to rush for 100 yards in a single game on Sunday, but he deflected praise back to his offensive line after Sunday’s impressive performance.
“I think it has to start up front — giving us some lanes,” Murray said. “Especially on those big runs — getting outside, getting on the edge, and blocking, and just hitting it when it’s there, gaining the yards that need to be gained. Those big gains again, those guys [the offensive lineman] getting out on the edge and giving me an opportunity [to make a play].”
Murray faces tough competition this week from New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson, who rushed 19 times for 172 yards and a touchdown in Week 15. Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (17 carries for 139 yards and one TD) was also nominated.
Fans can vote for Murray on NFL.com. The winner will be announced later this week.
The NFL and Amazon recently announced that Prime Video will be streaming a newly scheduled game on Black Friday in 2023. The e-commerce giant is reportedly paying $50 million for the exclusive broadcast rights of the most popular domestic sports property on the biggest retail day of the year. The announcement indicates the NFL’s satisfaction […] | 2022-12-20T12:59:36Z | sports.yahoo.com | Broncos RB Latavius Murray nominated for Ground Player of the Week award | https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-rb-latavius-murray-nominated-110057663.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-rb-latavius-murray-nominated-110057663.html?src=rss |
When the NFL scheduled the Denver Broncos to face the Los Angeles Rams on Christmas Day in May, the game seemed like an intriguing matchup at the time.
The Matthew Stafford-led Rams would be defending their Super Bowl title this fall and a late-season showdown with the Russell Wilson-led Broncos could have big playoff implications for both teams. In theory. In May.
Seven months later, Stafford is injured, Wilson has been underwhelming and both teams are already eliminated from playoff contention.
Sunday’s game is locked into a nationally-televised spotlight on CBS, though, and it’s not eligible to be flexed into another window. The contest will actually be televised on two networks — Nickelodeon will also carry the game.
The Rams are a little more intriguing following the arrival of Baker Mayfield, and the Broncos have been playing a little better over the last two weeks. So it’s possible that Sunday’s showdown could end up being a decent game, but there won’t be any playoff implications on the line.
Merry Christmas, football fans.
What will the weather be like for the holidays? There won't be a white Christmas in Florida but it will be powerfully cold. | 2022-12-20T12:59:42Z | sports.yahoo.com | Broncos vs. Rams can’t be flexed out of Christmas Day spotlight | https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-vs-rams-t-flexed-120007025.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-vs-rams-t-flexed-120007025.html?src=rss |
For fantasy managers, Week 16 brings with it the excitement and pressure of the playoffs. The stakes are that much higher. The rewards for victory that much greater. Everything is amplified. It's a rush.
It's also a rush the Denver Broncos will be having no part of in 2022.
Last Sunday's win over the Arizona Cardinals notwithstanding, the Broncos are a dumpster fire. The Russell Wilson trade has the makings of being the biggest gaffe in the NFL since the Vikings jump-started the Dallas Cowboys dynasty of the '90s with the Herschel Walker trade. The offense has been putrid most of the season.
However, Denver's defense has been just as solid as the offense has been atrocious. The Broncos are fifth in the NFL in total defense and pass defense and third in scoring defense, allowing just 18.1 points per game. Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons was one of the heroes of last week's performance, intercepting a pair of passes. And as Nick Kosmider wrote for the Athletic, Simmons made it clear the Denver defense won't be taking its foot off the gas just because the season hasn't gone as planned.
“These next (few) weeks will tell a lot about your character as a player and as a person because you're not playing for the playoffs,” he said. “That's obviously out the window. It's a true test of character that when you are out there playing, are you still giving it 100 percent? Is this everything that you said it was and more? Everyone talks about how it's a childhood dream, something you've always wanted to play since you were little, and how you love the game. Now you are playing for the love of the game because we're not playing for that playoff spot. For me, thinking about that question, it's a no-brainer. It's going out there and doing my job at the highest level possible because that's what I get paid to do and I love doing it.”
After tallying three sacks and three interceptions last week, the Broncos rank seventh in fantasy points for the season. Now that Denver defense faces an injury ravaged Rams squad that ranks last in the NFL in total offense, 31st in scoring offense, first in the league in sacks allowed, sixth in giveaways and third in fantasy points allowed to defenses.
The Broncos may well be a hot mess. But the Denver defense is going to boost quite a few fantasy managers on to the Championship Round.
Baltimore Ravens (vs. Atlanta Falcons)
In some respects, the Ravens are like the Broncos—only good. The Ravens have also had their share of struggles on the offensive side of the ball. But thanks to a defense that ranks 10th in yards allowed and fifth in points allowed, the Ravens are 9-5 and in the heat of the Wild Card race in the AFC. Last week in his first start for the Falcons, Desmond Ridder completed just half his passes and failed to throw for 100 yards. With Ridder playing on the road in the elements against a Ravens defense desperate to get back on track after last week's loss in Cleveland, his second start probably won't go better than the first.
Buffalo Bills (at Chicago Bears)
The Bills clinched a playoff spot this past weekend in Buffalo, and the Bills defense has held up its end of the deal despite some injuries along the way. For the season, the Bills rank ninth in total defense, sixth in the league against the run and lead the AFC in scoring defense at 17.9 points allowed per game. The Bills are also a highly respectable fifth in fantasy points among defenses for the season. Quarterback Justin Fields has been fun to watch for Bears fans this year, but the Bears have also been kind to opposing defenses, allowing the sixth-most fantasy points per game.
San Francisco 49ers (vs. Washington Commanders)
The 49ers have cruised to an NFC West championship this season despite losing a pair of quarterbacks, and much of the credit for that achievement goes to a defense that has shined all season long. No team in the NFL has allowed fewer yards per game than the Niners. The 49ers are the only team in the league giving up under 75 yards per game. San Francisco is allowing over 2.5 fewer points per game than any other team in the NFL. The Niners are sixth in takeaways, ninth in sacks and lead the NFC in fantasy points ahead of hosting a Commanders team giving up the fifth-most fantasy points to defenses.
Dallas Cowboys (vs. Philadelphia Eagles)
When last we saw the Dallas defense, it didn't look like the defense we have seen most of the season. The Cowboys collapsed in the second half against the Jaguars in Jacksonville, surrendering 34 points and over 500 yards of offense. Now the Cowboys have to face an Eagles team that leads the NFL in scoring. But with Jalen Hurts looking unlikely to play this week with a sprained shoulder, the whole tenor of this matchup changes. The Cowboys are second in the league with 49 sacks, lead the league with 26 takeaways and lead the NFC in fantasy points among defenses. Playing against a backup quarterback, the Cowboys are a solid play in Week 16.
Philadelphia Eagles (at Dallas Cowboys)
There's a reason the Philadelphia Eagles are 13-1 and cruising toward the top seed in the NFC—the team is loaded on both sides of the ball. Defensively, the Eagles are second in total defense, lead the league in pass defense, rank sixth in scoring defense, pace the NFL in sacks (by a fair margin) with 55, sit second in the NFL with 25 takeaways and have posted the fourth-most fantasy points among defenses. The Cowboys aren't a good fantasy matchup for defenses (last in the NFC in points allowed), but if the Jaguars can have a decent fantasy day against the Cowboys, the Eagles certainly can.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at Arizona Cardinals)
The Buccaneers haven't imploded on the same level as the Broncos—Tampa may well still win the NFC Sucks (South, whatever). But if offered a chance to reset this season, the Bucs would absolutely press the button. However, Tampa's defense has been mostly solid this year—the Buccaneers are seventh in the league in total defense and sixth against the pass. But the reality is that the Bucs wouldn't have to be good defensively to excel in Week 16—the Cardinals had next to no success moving the ball last week with Trace McSorley at quarterback, managing just 240 yards of offense and committing three turnovers.
Los Angeles Chargers (at Indianapolis Colts)
After outlasting the Titans last week, the Chargers are very much in the mix for a playoff spot in the AFC. But a Los Angeles defense than has been hit hard by injuries this season has been more liability than asset—especially against the run. However, while the Colts piled up 33 points in the first half last week against the Vikings, the Colts are still 24th in the league in total offense and 29th in scoring offense. The Colts have allowed more sacks (51) than any other team in the NFC, Indy leads the league in giveaways with 27 and no team has given up more fantasy points to defenses.
Cleveland Browns (vs. New Orleans Saints)
The Browns haven't been much of a fantasy asset this season—after 15 weeks Cleveland ranks a mediocre 22nd in fantasy points. But last week against the Ravens, the Browns had one of their better defensive outings of the season—three sacks, two takeaways and just three points allowed. Now the Browns will play host to a Saints team that leads the NFC with 22 giveaways, has surrendered the seventh-most fantasy points to defenses this season and tends to struggle offensively in bad weather. Cleveland in December more likely than not means worse weather.
Tennessee Titans (vs. Houston Texans)
After losing to the Chargers last week, the first-place Titans have dropped four straight. The defense has struggled over that losing streak—Tennessee ranks 25th in total defense and dead last against the pass. But the Titans are actually a respectable 12th in the league in scoring defense and a so-so 17th in fantasy points. The Houston Texans showed some signs of life last week against the Chiefs, but we're still talking about a team that ranks 31st in total offense, 30th in scoring offense and second in fantasy points surrendered to defenses.
Las Vegas Raiders (at Pittsburgh Steelers)
As it turs out, all that was needed to make the Raiders a good defense to start in fantasy was for Chandler Jones to snatch a lateral out of the air, stiff-arm Mac Jones into next month and then rumble for a touchdown. Piece of cake. That admittedly isn't going to happen every week. Or ever happen again. And there is only one defense in the league that has scored fewer fantasy points than Las Vegas this season. But the Raiders face a Steelers team this week that ranks 26th in total offense, 27th in scoring offense and 10th in fantasy points allowed to defenses.
New England Patriots (vs. Cincinnati Bengals)
Last week's loss to the Raiders aside, the Patriots have played mostly excellent defense in 2022—New England ranks inside the top 10 in total defense, run defense, pass defense and scoring defense. The Pats rank inside the top five in sacks and takeaways. And no team has amassed more fantasy points among defenses. But this week the Patriots have to try to contain a Bengals team that has been on fire of late—Cincinnati has won six straight games, and over that span no team in the AFC has allowed fewer fantasy points to defenses.
The Sixers needed extra basketball Monday night, but they pulled out a 104-101 victory in overtime over the Raptors at Wells Fargo Center. By Noah Levick | 2022-12-20T13:00:20Z | sports.yahoo.com | Getting Defensive: Week 16 | https://sports.yahoo.com/getting-defensive-week-16-113216755.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/getting-defensive-week-16-113216755.html?src=rss |
The New York Giants have put themselves in a position to clinch a berth in the postseason this weekend after their thrilling 20-12 victory over the Washington Commanders on the road Sunday night.
The Giants (8-5-1) play the Vikings in Minneapolis on Saturday afternoon. A victory gets them to 9-5-1 and the most losses they can have this year will be seven. The Seahawks and Lions are both 7-7 and one loss combined with a Giants win eliminates the possibility of them overtaking Big Blue for a playoff spot.
The Vikings (11-3) are the No. 2 seed in the NFC. They have already clinched the NFC North and still have an outside shot at the top seed, held by Philadelphia. They aren’t likely to get there, so their incentive is more focused on maintaining the No. 2 seed. San Francisco (10-4) is currently the third seed. Dallas is also 10-4 but they are not a division leader.
Chicago (3-11), Arizona (4-10), the Rams (4-9), Atlanta (5-9), New Orleans (5-9), and Carolina (5-9) cannot catch the Giants in the NFC.
The Green Bay Packers (6-8) remain alive after defeating the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night. | 2022-12-20T13:00:26Z | sports.yahoo.com | Giants have playoff-clinching scenario in Week 16 | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-playoff-clinching-scenario-week-115549009.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-playoff-clinching-scenario-week-115549009.html?src=rss |
Former Buffalo Bills receiver Sammy Watkins is on the hunt for a new NFL team once again.
On Monday, Watkins was released by the Green Bay Packers.
According to Packers Wire, younger wideouts on Green Bay’s roster getting healthy is a reason for Watkins’ release.
Watkins, who signed a one-year deal to join the Packers, caught 13 passes for 206 yards and zero touchdowns over nine games in 2022. He had not caught a pass since Week 10, playing in only 11 total snaps on offense over the last two games.
The 29-year-old missed four games due to a hamstring injury this season, another reason for his lack of productivity.
But ahead of the game, Watkins said positive things about the team that drafted him.
Go vote for #Broncos RB Latavius Murray to win the Ground Player of the Week award! 👏👏👏 | 2022-12-20T13:00:45Z | sports.yahoo.com | Packers release former Bills WR Sammy Watkins after only 13 catches | https://sports.yahoo.com/packers-release-former-bills-wr-115546558.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/packers-release-former-bills-wr-115546558.html?src=rss |
The Denver Broncos are hoping to give fans a Christmas gift with a win against the Los Angeles Rams.
Denver is coming off a win against the banged-up Arizona Cardinals, while the Rams are fresh off a Monday night loss versus the Green Bay Packers.
Both teams have underwhelmed this season. The Broncos’ offense that everyone thought would be a top threat in the AFC has never quite materialized. Los Angeles are the defending Super Bowl champions, who will not repeat this year. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is going to finish the 2022 season on injured reserve with a neck injury.
Denver has a four game losing streak to Los Angeles, dating back to the Ram’s days in St. Louis. The last time the Broncos won a game was in 2002, when Brian Griese was slinging touchdowns to Ed McCaffrey, and Jason Elam was kicking field goals. Marshall Faulk starred for the Rams, and Kurt Warner was two years removed from “The Greatest Show on Turf.”
Russell Wilson looks to defeat his former NFC West foe, although he has a losing record (8-12 all-time) against them. | 2022-12-20T13:01:04Z | sports.yahoo.com | Series history: Broncos look to snap four-game losing streak vs. Rams | https://sports.yahoo.com/series-history-broncos-look-snap-120006668.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/series-history-broncos-look-snap-120006668.html?src=rss |
While the 2023 Pro Bowl Games are still a couple of months away, online fan voting concluded last week, and Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa received the most votes for any player.
Tagovailoa was voted for 306,861 times, over 35,000 times more than Patrick Mahomes, who was the quarterback with the second-most votes and third-most overall.
In between the two signal callers was Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who received 293,679 votes. Miami also had Alec Ingold (200,032) and Terron Armstead (122,914) lead the AFC in votes at their position.
The Dolphins fan base, once again, showed why they’re one of the most impressive groups on social media after dominating in a number of league polls earlier in the year.
Full rosters for the Pro Bowl Games will be announced Wednesday, December 21, on NFL Network at 8 p.m. ET. | 2022-12-20T13:01:11Z | sports.yahoo.com | Tua Tagovailoa finishes as top vote-getter by fans for 2023 Pro Bowl Games | https://sports.yahoo.com/tua-tagovailoa-finishes-top-vote-124024569.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/tua-tagovailoa-finishes-top-vote-124024569.html?src=rss |
Ronny Mauricio / Courtesy of the Binghamton Rumble Ponies
Mets prospect Ronny Mauricio was named the 2022 Dominican Winter League MVP on Monday.
Mauricio played for LIDOM's Tigres del Licey and led the league in three statistical categories -- hits (54), doubles (15) and RBI (31).
He rounded out his 46-game production by finishing second in home runs (five), runs (26) and stolen bases (11) while posting a .287 batting average that was good for the league's third-best mark.
The switch-hitting Mauricio, who turns 22 on April 4, is the No. 6 overall prospect in the Mets' system and top-ranked shortstop for the organization on MLB.com.
He spent his 2022 season with Double-A Binghamton and slashed .259/.296/.472 with 26 home runs and 89 RBI in 123 games. | 2022-12-20T13:34:04Z | sports.yahoo.com | Mets prospect Ronny Mauricio named 2022 Dominican Winter League MVP | https://sports.yahoo.com/mets-prospect-ronny-mauricio-named-221057237.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/mets-prospect-ronny-mauricio-named-221057237.html?src=rss |
There was no sense in mincing words Monday night after the Kings opened a six-game homestand with a disappointing loss to the Charlotte Hornets.
“I guess you could put it in the category of a bad loss, for sure,” Kings point guard De’Aaron Fox said. “This is a game that we were probably supposed to win, but we lost. You’ve got to keep pushing.”
Fox matched his season high with 37 points and Domantas Sabonis produced another hellacious performance, but none of that was enough in a 125-119 loss to the Hornets before a sellout crowd of 17,803 at Golden 1 Center.
The Kings made just 17 of 31 free-throw attempts while getting outscored 72-58 on points in the paint and 24-6 in second-chance points. Kings coach Mike Brown said the Hornets deserved to win and his team deserved to lose.
Sabonis had 28 points, 23 rebounds and seven assists for the Kings (16-13), who were coming off back-to-back road wins over the Toronto Raptors and Detroit Pistons. Sabonis produced his eighth consecutive double-double and his NBA-leading 21st of the season.
Harrison Barnes left the game late in the third quarter and did not return due to a right quad contusion. Brown said after the game he didn’t have an update on the veteran forward, who has been instrumental in Sacramento’s success.
Kelly Oubre Jr. had 31 points and 10 rebounds for the Hornets (8-23), who won on the second night of a back-to-back to snap an eight-game losing streak despite the absence of second-leading scorer Terry Rozier.
LaMelo Ball had 23 points, five rebounds and 12 assists before fouling out in the fourth quarter. Ball was held to seven points on 3-of-9 shooting through three quarters, but he scored 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting in the fourth.
“Melo’s a difficult player to assess just because he’s herky jerky the way he plays; 6-7, can pass the hell out of the ball, can shoot the hell out of the ball, get downhill, and he makes decisions in split seconds,” Fox said. “You don’t know if he’s going to shoot or he’s going to drop it off to a big. Melo’s a hell of a player and I think everybody’s known that since he’s gotten in the league, so when Charlotte is really winning games, I think he’ll put the league on notice.”
Fox was even better down the stretch, albeit in a losing effort. After being limited to 11 points on 4-of-9 shooting in the first half, he scored nine points on 4-of-5 shooting in the third quarter and 17 points on 6-of-11 shooting in the fourth.
“D’eAaron is a great player — real fast, and he definitely gets to us,” Ball said. “It’s always fun playing with him.”
Another interesting development in the game was the recent and possibly continuing emergence of two-way center Neemias Queta, who is apparently getting a look in the backup center role behind Sabonis. Queta had two points, four rebounds and one blocked shot, but he finished with a minus-12 net rating in seven minutes.
Brown was asked why former starting center Richaun Holmes hasn’t gotten a “longer leash” in terms of an opportunity to establish himself in a backup role. Holmes averaged 4.3 points and 2.9 rebounds in 13.7 minutes over the first seven games of the season before his minutes were reduced.
Brown is clearly searching for answers after trying Holmes, Chimezie Metu and now Queta as his backup enter.
“(Holmes) is going to get an opportunity,” Brown said. “He had a pretty long leash. I think he played over 100 minutes to start the season, and there were some things I was looking at to where I wanted to see somebody different there. I thought Mezie was good to start, but, again, trying to sustain the level that he was playing at, I’m not seeing it right now, and so I went to Neemie. I’m going to give Neemie an opportunity and if Neemie doesn’t work out, I’ll go back to another guy. That’s my decision.”
The Kings trailed 39-30 at the end of the first quarter and 66-63 at the halftime break. They were outscored 13-4 to start the second half as the Hornets extended their lead to 12 early in the third quarter, prompting Brown to take a timeout.
Following the timeout, the Kings came up with a series of defensive stops. They also got big baskets from Fox, Sabonis, Kevin Huerter, Terence Davis and Malik Monk to fuel a 17-4 run as Sacramento stormed back to take an 84-83 lead.
Hornets coach Steve Clifford could feel the playoff intensity from the Sacramento Crowd.
“I’m old,” Clifford said. “I go back to Arco (Arena) with Vlade (Davic), Chris Webber and Doug Christie and those guys. That place used to be crazy. And you can see it’s the same type of environment they are starting to build here.”
The Kings led 92-91 at the start of the fourth quarter before the Hornets staged an 8-0 run to go up 99-92. Charlotte led by nine following a putback basket by Oubre with 2:48 to play.
Fox scored the next seven points over a span of 37 seconds to cut the deficit to two with 1:24 remaining, but a jumper by Gordon Hayward and two free throws by Oubre helped the Hornets hold on for the win.
Sacramento was fifth in the Western Conference after going 3-3 during a difficult Eastern road trip with stops in Milwaukee, Cleveland, New York, Philadelphia, Toronto and Detroit. With the loss, the Kings fell into a tie for sixth in the West. They are just three games behind the first-place Memphis Grizzlies, but only two games ahead of the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors, who are tied for 10th.
“It was a good reality check for us,” Brown said. “We were feeling pretty good off the road trip coming into this game, and we talked about these guys, that their record doesn’t speak for what it truly is. They’re in the NBA, and if you let them get comfortable at the beginning of the game, it’s going to be a long night. I thought we let them get real comfortable.”
The Kings will look to bounce back when they play host to the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday. Lakers star Anthony Davis is out with a right foot injury, but Monday’s loss to the Hornets was a good reminder that the Kings can take nothing for granted as they seek to end an NBA-record 16-year playoff drought.
Teams are tightly bunched in the Western Conference. The playoff race will be hotly contested. Every game counts.
“We have to learn from this,” Kings rookie Keegan Murray said. “We can’t take this and be too down on this loss. It’s one that we know we should have gotten, but we know the Lakers are a tough team. They’ve been playing well recently, so we have to get ready for them.” | 2022-12-20T13:47:08Z | sports.yahoo.com | ‘Bad loss’: Fox scores 37 and Sabonis has 20-20 game, but Kings slip up in loss to Hornets | https://sports.yahoo.com/bad-loss-fox-scores-37-080928675.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bad-loss-fox-scores-37-080928675.html?src=rss |
A Lesson From a Former Know-It-All: How a Learning Mindset Fuels Global Collaboration
Early in my career, I relentlessly focused on goals over people. I was like a heat-seeking missile. Not only that, but because I was sure that I already had the right answers, I only went through the motions to collaborate with others. When other people talked, I smiled and nodded along, but I wasn't really listening.
He left TCU in 2003 to play pro basketball. On Saturday he earned his degree
He came to play for Billy Tubbs. More than 20 years later, he came back to TCU for his diploma. | 2022-12-20T15:05:33Z | sports.yahoo.com | Louisiana looks to end No. 7 Texas' perfect home mark | https://sports.yahoo.com/louisiana-looks-end-no-7-124431023.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/louisiana-looks-end-no-7-124431023.html?src=rss |
"Here's the thing that's so painful," Melissa Carter told ESPN, before Gallagher issued his statement indicating he would seek a legacy exception that would apply to Carter and other current athletes at service academies. "You guide your son to do the right things because it's right. And it's really disappointing that it's not reciprocated. This has been his goal since childhood, to go into the NFL. Every step of the way, that was on track, until we saw this article. That's the part that's disappointing. It's not surprising to see so many people transfer, opt out or switch teams. When loyalty is not reciprocated, that stings." | 2022-12-20T15:05:58Z | sports.yahoo.com | Provision in Senate bill set to pave way for Army DE Andre Carter to be an early 2023 NFL draft choice | https://sports.yahoo.com/provision-in-senate-bill-set-to-pave-way-for-army-de-andre-carter-to-be-an-early-2023-nfl-draft-choice-141310267.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/provision-in-senate-bill-set-to-pave-way-for-army-de-andre-carter-to-be-an-early-2023-nfl-draft-choice-141310267.html?src=rss |
Jalen Hurts has a sprained throwing shoulder, and his status for Saturday's NFC East showdown against the Dallas Cowboys is in doubt, according to multiple reports.
His agent Nicole Lynn told ESPN that they don't believe his injury is long-term, while the Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the injury could sideline him for two games.
Hurts is believed to have sustained the injury during the third quarter of Sunday's 25-20 win over the Bears on a hit by Chicago defensive end Trevis Gipson. He remained in the game and capped a fourth-quarter scoring drive with a 1-yard touchdown run after the hit.
Jalen Hurts is expected to miss Saturday's game against the Cowboys and maybe more. (Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Backup quarterback Gardner Minshew will presumably start against the Cowboys and as long as Hurts remains sidelined. Minshew is one of the NFL's most experienced backup quarterbacks, with 22 starts in his 30 NFL appearances playing for the Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Hurts has emerged as an MVP candidate in his third NFL season while leading the Eagles to an NFL-best 13-1 record. He's averaging a career-best 248 passing yards per game while tallying 22 touchdowns and five interceptions in 14 starts. He's made significant leaps with his accuracy in each of the last two seasons, with his 67.1% completion rate a career high over his 61.3% rate in 2021. Hurts is likewise a force as a runner with 747 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground this season.
With three regular-season games remaining, the Eagles have a three-game lead over the 10-4 Cowboys in the NFC East and a two-game lead over the 11-3 Minnesota Vikings for the best record in the NFC. Philadelphia closes the season with games against the Cowboys, New Orleans Saints and New York Giants. | 2022-12-20T15:06:04Z | sports.yahoo.com | Reports: Jalen Hurts has injured shoulder that could sideline him vs. Cowboys, beyond | https://sports.yahoo.com/reports-jalen-hurts-has-injured-shoulder-that-could-sideline-him-vs-cowboys-beyond-212537907.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/reports-jalen-hurts-has-injured-shoulder-that-could-sideline-him-vs-cowboys-beyond-212537907.html?src=rss |
The New York Giants had a pivotal win on Sunday Night Football against the Washington Commanders, significantly increasing their chances of making the playoffs. Big Blue moved into the NFC’s sixth seed with three weeks remaining in the season.
With the win, the Giants are now currently slated to select 24th overall in the 2023 NFL draft if the season were to end today, according to Tankathon.
Since the Miami Dolphins have forfeited their 2023 first-round pick (23rd overall), there would just be 22 teams picking ahead of the Giants as it currently stands today.
The biggest debate among Giants fans right now is over the future of Daniel Jones, despite a couple of Giants legends endorsing DJ. The uncertain status of Jones will likely continue as long as he is a part of the Giants organization.
The 2023 draft may not be the place to draft a quarterback if that is the direction the Giants choose to go as most of the talent at the position will likely be off the board when New York is on the clock.
Tankathon’s mock draft has the Giants taking Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III with their pick. Cornerback, offensive line, and wide receiver are likely as they are the biggest areas of need for New York currently. You can throw in inside linebacker, too.
Most of the talent on the Giants roster has been homegrown and that talent is flourishing for the team this year, earning Pro Bowl consideration. The Giants will hope to continue to build through the draft and add to the young talent on the roster. | 2022-12-20T15:06:23Z | sports.yahoo.com | 2023 NFL draft: Giants currently slated to select 24th overall | https://sports.yahoo.com/2023-nfl-draft-giants-currently-125531703.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/2023-nfl-draft-giants-currently-125531703.html?src=rss |
Fan voting for the 2023 Pro Bowl Games has officially come to a close and six members of the New York Giants finished among the top 10 at their position.
Thanks to a late surge, nose tackle Dexter Lawrence crept back into the top 10, but running Saquon Barkley slipped a bit. The No. 1 vote-getter for more than a month, Barkley slid down to No. 2 at his position behind Christian McCaffrey (San Francisco 49ers).
Here’s a look at all six Giants who finished among the top 10:
RB Saquon Barkley (2nd)
ST Nick McCloud (5th)
DT Dexter Lawrence (10th)
Fan voting counts for one-third of the final vote. NFL players and coaches also account for one-third of the vote each.
Full Pro Bowl rosters will be announced on Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. ET on NFL Network. The Games will be held on Sunday, February 5, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. ET at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Events will include a live Pro Bowl Skills Challenge and an AFC vs. NFC flag football game.
The AFC team will be coached by Hall of Famer Peyton Manning, while the NFC will be coached by Giants legend Eli Manning.
Which Washington defensive players stood out in Week 15? | 2022-12-20T15:06:36Z | sports.yahoo.com | 6 Giants finish among top-10 at their position in Pro Bowl fan voting | https://sports.yahoo.com/6-giants-finish-among-top-135532184.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/6-giants-finish-among-top-135532184.html?src=rss |
With just three games left to be played, we’re winding down on the 2022 season and looking ahead to a busy 2023 offseason. That includes the NFL draft, where Chicago is trending toward a top-3 draft pick to address an important need.
If the season were to end today, the Bears would hold the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. With Chicago’s loss to the Eagles and the Broncos beating the Cardinals, the Bears have reclaimed that second pick.
Game Recap: Cavaliers 122, Jazz 99
The Cavaliers defeat the Jazz, 122-99. Donovan Mitchell recorded 23 points (8-12 FG) for the Cavaliers, while Jarrett Allen (20 points, 11 rebounds, three blocks) and Darius Garland (17 points, eight assists) added a combined 37 points in the victory. Lauri Markkanen led all scorers with 24 points and six rebounds for the Jazz in a losing effort. The Cavaliers improve to 21-11 on the season, while the Jazz fall to 17-16. | 2022-12-20T15:06:49Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bears’ updated 2023 NFL draft order after Week 15 | https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-updated-2023-nfl-draft-130538368.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-updated-2023-nfl-draft-130538368.html?src=rss |
After the 15th full slate of regular season action, many fantasy football leagues are heading into either the second half of their first playoff matchups or their second.
Jared Goff, QB, Detroit Lions (47.9%)
Goff has started to turn around the narrative of his career, as he’s helped Detroit win six of their last seven contests. He’s doing so while averaging 19.8 points per game over the last four weeks, including battles against the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets, who both have strong defenses.
In Week 16, the Lions are taking on the Carolina Panthers – allowing 15.8 points to opposing quarterbacks, which is essentially the league average.
Juwan Johnson, TE, New Orleans Saints (15.6%)
Consistency has been hard to find at tight end over the last couple of years. Since Week 7, Johnson has averaged 11.01 points per game. If that number was extrapolated over the course of the full season, he’d be the second-best tight end in fantasy. There have been a few bust weeks in there, but he’s been finding the end zone with some regularity.
Hunter Renfrow, WR, Las Vegas Raiders (30.4%)
(Photo by Jeff Bottari/Getty Images)
Renfrow returned to action this week after missing the previous five with an oblique injury. He saw just 43% of the offensive snaps against a strong Patriots defense which limited him to just one reception for 14 yards on three targets. It’s been a lost season for the former Clemson wideout, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see him become a bigger part of the offense down the stretch.
Tyler Allgeier, RB, Atlanta Falcons (33.5%)
After turning their offense over to Desmond Ridder this past week, the run game was as involved as ever in Atlanta. Allgeier out-touched Cordarrelle Patterson (14 carries for 52 yards) against the New Orleans Saints this past week, recording 139 yards and a touchdown on 17 attempts.
Rams, D/ST (23.0%)
Coming off of a Monday night loss against the Green Bay Packers where their offense couldn’t do much, the Rams take on the Denver Broncos in Week 16. Nathaniel Hackett’s offense is giving up 8.9 fantasy points per week to opposing defenses – 3.3 more than the league average. | 2022-12-20T15:07:01Z | sports.yahoo.com | Best Fantasy Football waiver wire pickups for Week 16 | https://sports.yahoo.com/best-fantasy-football-waiver-wire-142030854.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/best-fantasy-football-waiver-wire-142030854.html?src=rss |
The NFL season is winding down and the Kansas City Chiefs are focusing on securing the top seed in the AFC conference. A critical part of the season requires veteran leadership to take another step forward in preparation for the postseason.
Chiefs DE Frank Clark has faced criticism constantly throughout his career. The production hasn’t always matched his price tag in Kansas City. This season has been no different for the veteran defender, who has battled injuries and illness at times. He started to show signs of improvement, beginning with his multi-sack performance against the 49ers back in Week 7. That was derailed when he was suspended for two games for a violation of the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
In Week 15, Clark put his best foot forward. His veteran savvy was on display when he caused the overtime fumble that Willie Gay Jr. recovered. Patrick Mahomes shared his reaction to the big play with reporters after the game.
“That was a big play,” said Mahomes. “That’s why we have guys like Frank (Clark) on the team. He’s a guy who makes big plays in big moments. That’s what he’s done in his entire career, especially when he’s here with the Chiefs. We punted and gave them a chance, and they make that big play, and Jet (RB Jerick McKinnon) kind of iced the game. You get those playmakers on your team, those leaders to make plays in big moments, and he did.”
Clark was a key contributor in past postseasons for the Chiefs, so his experience will be vital down the stretch. He has tallied 11 sacks in 14 career playoff games split between Kansas City and the Seattle Seahawks — a number good for fifth all-time behind Willie McGinest, Bruce Smith, Terrell Suggs and Reggie White.
The Chiefs could be getting the best version of Clark this season and he’s clearly picking up steam right now.
OJ Simpson addresses conspiracy theory that he’s Khloe Kardashian’s father on the Full Send Podcast
Here is what our @goldmctNFL is taking away from the #Chiefs' Week 15 win over the #Texans. | 2022-12-20T15:07:14Z | sports.yahoo.com | Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes praises Frank Clark’s ability to make plays in big moments | https://sports.yahoo.com/chiefs-qb-patrick-mahomes-praises-134511825.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/chiefs-qb-patrick-mahomes-praises-134511825.html?src=rss |
In many team sports here in North America, especially late in the season, coaches and players have been known to sport more facial hair.
Many avoid shaving their faces because they just don’t feel like it after a long, grueling season. Others grow beards as a superstition to prolong some type of winning streak or other protest.
In the case of New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll, less is more.
This past week, Daboll trimmed his full beard down to a goatee. The Giants then ended their four-game winless streak Sunday night in Washington.
The goatee is staying, says Daboll, who wants to close out the remaining three games of the regular season by securing a playoff berth.
Plus, quarterback Daniel Jones told Daboll he’s stuck with it now.
“Absolutely, unfortunately for everybody else,” Daboll said when asked if he’d keep the goatee. “Not really sure that really makes the difference but change it up. There’s a lot of skin underneath that beard, but so be it.”
What was the reason for the change?
“Well, look, I try to change things up when things aren’t going well. That includes looking like this, which trust me, my wife and daughters, they’re not very happy about that. But I try to do anything for a win. So, it was almost a mustache. I gained about — I don’t know how many pounds — the last couple weeks. So, I kept a little bit of the goatee on there (to) cover up some of the other parts. There’s a lot of parts.”
Sunday night games on the road are tough on everyone, especially coaches. Many get off the plane upon their return and head right back to work.
Daboll said he didn’t do that this time.
“No, I went home. Went home, got a couple hours of sleep. And then we’re back at it. So, Sunday night games, they’re fun that night. The next day, not as much,” Daboll said. | 2022-12-20T15:07:27Z | sports.yahoo.com | Giants’ Brian Daboll intends to keep his good luck goatee for now | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-brian-daboll-intends-keep-145511599.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-brian-daboll-intends-keep-145511599.html?src=rss |
Keisean Nixon used Monday night’s primetime showdown with the Los Angeles Rams to once again showcase his dynamic ability as a returner, and Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur is now ready to admit his team made a big mistake in not using Nixon on returns earlier in the season.
Nixon returned three kickoffs for 95 yards against the Rams, including a 52-yarder in the second half, and his two punt returns netted 36 yards. He had another explosive return before the half negated by a questionable holding penalty, but his returns consistently flipped field position and put the Packers in scoring areas.
“We’re probably going to get criticized for not playing him early, and that’s fair,” LaFleur said following the Packers’ 24-12 win over the Rams. “We should have had him in there earlier and we didn’t. I don’t think we knew what we had. He’s proven what he brings to the table.”
The Packers released Amari Rodgers on Nov. 13, clearing the way for Nixon to become the primary returner. Over the last five games, Nixon has returned 22 kickoffs and gained an NFL-high 580 kickoff return yards, while also returning six punts for 92 yards.
Entering Week 16, Nixon ranks second in the NFL in kickoff return yards (712) and kickoff return average (25.4), trailing only Kene Nwangwu of the Minnesota Vikings in both categories.
Nixon has a confidence and explosiveness that Rodgers simply lacked as a returner. And while Rodgers fumbled five times in 2022, Nixon – a cornerback by trade – hasn’t had any kind of ball security issues in the return game.
Sometimes, all a player like Nixon needs is a chance. And the former Raiders has run with it as a returner in Green Bay.
LaFleur and special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia gave Rodgers, a third-round pick in 2021, every chance to be the long-term primary returner, likely due to draft status and the team’s belief in his potential as a player. The unfortunate decision resulted in unnecessary turnovers from Rodgers and the lost value of having Nixon – the far better returner – on the bench during returns for much of the season.
Around the Nation opener (with new music) | 2022-12-20T15:07:46Z | sports.yahoo.com | Matt LaFleur: Fair to criticize Packers for not using Keisean Nixon on returns sooner | https://sports.yahoo.com/matt-lafleur-fair-criticize-packers-132403397.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/matt-lafleur-fair-criticize-packers-132403397.html?src=rss |
The race for the NFC North division crown has finally come to an end and not surprisingly, it’s the Minnesota Vikings who claim the title. What is surprising, however, was the way they were able to do with their historic comeback.
But when two more teams in the division, the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers, also got wins, was it enough to vault them back up to the top of the power rankings? Here’s how the division stacks up going into Week 16 of the season.
Oct 30, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver K.J. Osborn (17) celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) against the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Week 15 result: 39-36 win vs. Indianapolis Colts
There have been a handful of epic comebacks in NFL history, but none like the one the Vikings had on Saturday against the Indianapolis Colts. Trailing 33-0 at halftime, Minnesota rallied to score 36 second half points, while the Colts treaded water and allowed them in the game. The result was an overtime thrilled with the Vikings on top for the largest comeback in NFL history.
The Vikings looked like they were dead in the water and turned a spark into a raging fire to claw their way back in the game. It showed resiliency and toughness, while ensuring the NFC North was theirs. The game was enough to get them back in first place in the power rankings and now they face the New York Giants on Christmas Eve.
Oct 23, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell reacts during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Last week’s rankings No. 1
Week 15 result: 20-17 win at New York Jets
The Lions may not have had a single-game comeback quite like the Vikings, but they’re in the middle of one of the biggest single-season comebacks in recent memory. After a 1-6 start, the Lions are a .500 football team with playoff aspirations in clear sight following their win over the New York Jets. It’s something that seemed impossible back in October, but they’re now one of the most dangerous teams in football and have been since mid-November.
Detroit got their sixth win in seven weeks, defeating the New York Jets without their potent offense carrying the load. They were stifled for much of the day and were trailing late, but they found life when Jared Goff threw a risky fourth-and-one pass that resulted in a long touchdown. It was a gritty game that showed the Lions are learning how to win the close ones, something they couldn’t do earlier in the season. They take on the Carolina Panthers on Christmas Eve.
Green Bay Packers linebacker Preston Smith (91) against the New England Patriots during their football game on Sunday, October 2, 2022 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Patriots 27-24 in overtime.Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
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Week 15 result: 24-12 win vs. Los Angeles Rams
They may need a lot of help to make the playoffs, but the Packers aren’t done just yet. They needed a win in the worst way and got it against the Los Angeles Rams to give themselves a fighting chance at the final playoff spot. The Packers offense looked better coming out of their bye week against a poor Rams defense, but still isn’t what it once was. Their defense, however, gave Los Angeles problems all night long and made sure Baker Mayfield couldn’t get comfortable.
The Packers have visions of making an improbable run at the postseason, but need to win the rest of their games and get some help to make that happen. That could all fall apart on Christmas day when they face the Miami Dolphins in South Florida.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 18: Justin Fields #1 of the Chicago Bears directs his team during the first quarter in the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field on December 18, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Week 15 result: 25-20 loss vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The Chicago Bears came off their bye week to face arguably the best team in the league on Sunday when they welcomed in the Philadelphia Eagles. The result was predictable as Chicago dropped their seventh game in a row, but this was a competitive matchup that went down to the wire.
Justin Fields was once again electric and the defense came to life against the Eagles offense. They couldn’t hold them down forever though, as the Eagles jumped out to a big lead in the second half to secure a victory. For many Bears fans, that’s alright with them seeing as they’re once again in control of the second overall pick while having a stud at quarterback. They have another tough assignment this week against the Buffalo Bills in frigid and snowy conditions. | 2022-12-20T15:07:52Z | sports.yahoo.com | NFC North Week 16 power rankings: Vikings win the division | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfc-north-week-16-power-135402798.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfc-north-week-16-power-135402798.html?src=rss |
Power rankings: Do Eagles drop after Hurts' injury? originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
The Eagles are 13-1 and just one win away from the No. 1 seed in the NFC, yet things are suddenly tense in Philadelphia with news of Jalen Hurts' shoulder sprain.
It's not as if the Eagles haven't faced injuries this season - they lost Pro Bowl-caliber tight end Dallas Goedert in Week 10 and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson in Week 12, neither of whom have yet returned - but a problem with the throwing-arm of the most valuable player in football is different.
The Eagles are still an all-around elite team, but are they true contenders without Hurts? One way or another, Saturday's game against the Cowboys will give a healthy dose of confirmation bias to one side of Hurts' lively MVP debate.
In the meantime, it seems most football minds agree: even with Hurts out for the next week or two, the Eagles are the best team in the league.
Let's scour seven outlets around the internet and see what they're saying about the Birds after win No. 13:
"Sometimes it's just about taking care of business. The Bears put up more of a fight than expected but were still no match for a Philadelphia team that made the big plays when necessary in a 25-20 win at Soldier Field. Jalen Hurts threw two interceptions in a game for the first time this season, but otherwise kept his MVP credentials legitimate with three rushing touchdowns -- moving within one ground score of Cam Newton's single-season NFL record for QBs. On Monday, it was learned that Hurts suffered a shoulder sprain that could keep him out of the lineup for the Week 16 showdown with the Cowboys. Philly is now tasked with managing Hurts' health while attempting to lock up the top seed in the NFC. A delicate dance, for sure."
"One more win, and they'll lock up the NFC East plus the conference's first-round bye and home-field advantage. If that happens Saturday at Dallas, Philadelphia could have an awfully challenging month trying to manage player health while remaining sharp enough so as not to fall flat when the divisional round rolls around."
"There was no doubt Sanders was gifted and capable of a big season, but the production -- north of 1,000 rushing yards already with double-digit touchdowns -- has been a big bonus for this offense, especially after he was kept out of the end zone for the entire 2022 season. He's matured as a runner and has run more physical through contact. That, plus good health, has allowed him to thrive behind one of the best offensive lines in football and alongside Jalen Hurts."
"There is something quite beautiful about the fact that the Eagles have not played the Chiefs, Bengals, Bills or 49ers this season. While I am not saying they have had a soft schedule by any means, how they stack up against any potential Super Bowl or conference title-game opponent is still a bit of a mystery, which makes the second round of the postseason awfully fun. I'm assuming they will play it smart with Jalen Hurts and preserve his injured upper body for the postseason."
"Well, well, well. Just as it seemed the Eagles were about to waltz to the No. 1 seed in the NFC and a potential three-week mini-vacation ahead of the divisional round, all of a sudden the season has some drama. Which, underneath the anxiety over Jalen Hurts’ shoulder sprain, is probably what makes Eagles fans more comfortable anyway. We’re talking about an injury to the quarterback’s throwing shoulder, so nothing is guaranteed, even if Hurts completed 6 of 9 passes for 102 yards, including a 68-yarder to A.J. Brown, in the fourth quarter of the win over the Bears after he suffered the injury. But with just one win needed (or one loss by each of the Cowboys, Vikings and Niners) for the top seed, Gardner Minshew has a chance to play hero while also auditioning for a role elsewhere as a pending free agent."
"The Bears did everything in their power to upset the Eagles, but it wasn’t enough in the end. Philadelphia has made a living avoiding turnovers in 2022 but had three in their five-point win against Chicago.
"The Bears ran the ball well against the Eagles, which has been the team’s only weak spot this season. Philadelphia’s six sacks helped keep their defense out of trouble against Justin Fields and the Bears’ offense.
"It would take an epic collapse for them to lose out on the top seed in the NFC with just three games remaining."
"The Eagles perhaps were looking a little ahead to the Cowboys showdown in Dallas in Week 16 with their slow start in frigid Chicago against the Bears. Maybe they didn't figure out whether to run or pass more, but they eventually figured out once again it doesn't matter because they can do both at a high level with MVP front-runner Jalen Hurts."
Unsurprising.
The Eagles didn't play to their ceiling against the Bears, and Hurts is hurt and might not play Saturday, but no one is wavering in their assessment of this team.
I think they've earned it. Hurts is the engine that drives the offense, and frankly the team, but on Sunday in Chicago the pieces around him showed that they can hold up their end of the bargain. The pass rush was tremendous. The secondary kept Justin Fields in check through the air (not a tall task, but they still succeeded).
This is a top-to-bottom great team. They might lose Saturday, and they might get dinged in the power rankings by one or two writers the following week because of the loss, but at this point in the season I doubt many are going to be moved off this stance: when the Eagles are healthy, they're the NFL's greatest power. | 2022-12-20T15:07:59Z | sports.yahoo.com | NFL power rankings: Does Jalen Hurts' injury drop Eagles from top spot? | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-does-jalen-130940148.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-does-jalen-130940148.html?src=rss |
Nick Sirianni on Jalen Hurts: We’ll see what happens this week originally appeared on Pro Football Talk
The Philadelphia Phillies gave general manager Sam Fuld a contract extension that will take him through the 2025 season. The National League champion Phillies also extended the contracts of assistant general managers Ned Rice and Jorge Velandia through the 2025 season. The 41-year-old Fuld has been with the Phillies since November 2017 and spent the last two seasons as general manager.
Florida State continues to do work n the transfer portal, landing offensive lineman Jeremiah Byers on Monday night. Byers started 12 games and was an all-Conference USA pick in 2022 at UTEP. The 6-foot-4 and 331-pound Byers signed with UTEP In 2019 after playing on both the offensive and defensive lines at Austin (Texas) LC Anderson High. | 2022-12-20T15:08:11Z | sports.yahoo.com | Nick Sirianni on Jalen Hurts: We’ll see what happens this week | https://sports.yahoo.com/nick-sirianni-jalen-hurts-ll-125001987.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nick-sirianni-jalen-hurts-ll-125001987.html?src=rss |
This past Sunday marked the first loss for the Carolina Panthers under the watch of quarterback Sam Darnold in 2022. But given his solid play at times, it’s difficult to pin the result solely on him.
The story of the 24-16 defeat was the dominance in the trenches. Whether it was through their running game, one that produced 156 yards and three touchdowns, or against Carolina’s—the Pittsburgh Steelers put the Panthers on hold nearly all afternoon.
But as for Darnold, he did what he could to put his team in another position for a victory. He completed 14 of 23 passes for a season-high 225 yards and a touchdown.
After their ground attack got shut down, it was clear that Carolina was attempting to keep a balanced attack—one that would protect their quarterback from being hit and making mistakes under pressure. That, however, ultimately did not work given that Sam was sacked four times by a ferocious and relentless Steelers front.
While Darnold did not turn the ball over and was smart in throwing it away when needed, it is a bit concerning that offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo was clearly trying to mask his quarterback. Darnold hit big offensive plays, including two passes of at least 40 yards, but it still seems like he was being held back for fear of turnovers or being hit.
Although protecting your quarterback is, of course, important, we are left wondering if Darnold could have pushed the Panthers over the top if he had been allowed to let it rip a few more times with bolder play calling.
Week 15 grade for Darnold: B- | 2022-12-20T15:08:36Z | sports.yahoo.com | Panthers QB Sam Darnold solid, but not enough in loss to Steelers | https://sports.yahoo.com/panthers-qb-sam-darnold-solid-145549455.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/panthers-qb-sam-darnold-solid-145549455.html?src=rss |
The Seahawks are signing wide receiver Laquon Treadwell to their active roster for the rest of the season, according to a report by Adam Schefter at ESPN. Treadwell has been on Seattle’s practice squad for the last several weeks and has been elevated for a few games.
Treadwell is a former first-round pick by the Vikings who has five career touchdowns. He’s played three games for Seattle this year, posting one catch for one yard.
The Seahawks need Treadwell due to a hand injury for Tyler Lockett. First reported as a broken finger, we now know that Lockett is dealing with a broken hand that will require surgery. Coach Pete Carroll told reporters on Friday he’s hopeful that Lockett can return before the season ends.
The global smart mining market growth is fuelled by rapid adoption of industrial internet of things (IIoT), transforming the mining sector to be more productive and sustainable and growth in mining projects.New York, Dec. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Insight Partners published latest research study on, “Smart Mining Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth and Technologies Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis By Component (Hardware, Software and Solution, and Service) and Mining | 2022-12-20T15:08:55Z | sports.yahoo.com | Seahawks signing WR Laquon Treadwell to their active roster | https://sports.yahoo.com/seahawks-signing-wr-laquon-treadwell-143205164.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/seahawks-signing-wr-laquon-treadwell-143205164.html?src=rss |
Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa tops 2023 Pro Bowl Games voting by fanshttps://t.co/rVlNtekbQE pic.twitter.com/gQoMhiOKJ9
Seattle Seahawks rookie Tariq Woolen is having a stellar rookie season and can now add another honor to his impressive resume. The final fan votes for the upcoming 2023 Pro Bowl Games have been tallied and Woolen was the NFC’s top vote-getter at the cornerback position.
Woolen racked up an impressive 166,954 total fan votes.
The Pro Bowl games roster is determined by votes from fans, coaches and players, with each group’s vote given one-third weight. Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa topped the charts to lead all players in the fan balloting.
The 2023 Pro Bowl Games rosters will be announced at 5:00 p.m. PT on Wednesday, Dec. 21, live on the NFL Network. | 2022-12-20T15:09:02Z | sports.yahoo.com | Seahawks Tariq Woolen tops NFC with most Pro Bowl fan votes at CB | https://sports.yahoo.com/seahawks-tariq-woolen-tops-nfc-140038025.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/seahawks-tariq-woolen-tops-nfc-140038025.html?src=rss |
Projected 2023 NFL Draft order through Week 15 originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
The Houston Texans do not have a good record heading into the home stretch of the 2022 NFL season, but they have something else to look forward to: the 2023 NFL Draft.
Houston is among the teams in contention for the No. 1 pick in April. There are a couple of other struggling franchises lurking, though.
Week 15 is in the books, so here is a breakdown of the teams that could land top picks at the 2023 draft:
Which team is projected to get the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft?
The 1-12-1 Texans are projected to get the No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft entering Week 16 of the NFL regular season.
The Chicago Bears are just behind the Texans with a 3-11 record. The next two picks after that are in line to be made by teams that acquired the selection via trade. The Seattle Seahawks have the Denver Broncos' first-rounder at No. 3 and the Detroit Lions have the Los Angeles Rams’ first-rounder at No. 4. The Arizona Cardinals currently hold the fifth pick with a 4-10 record.
Who will have the most draft picks in the 2023 NFL Draft?
Houston will have the most draft picks in the 2023 NFL Draft with 12, including two in the first round. The team owns the Cleveland Browns’ first-rounder, which currently sits at No. 12 overall.
Who will have the fewest draft picks in the 2023 NFL Draft?
The Broncos, Saints, Carolina Panthers and Minnesota Vikings are tied for the teams with the fewest draft picks in the 2023 NFL Draft with five.
Who are the top prospects heading into the 2023 NFL Draft?
Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud and Kentucky quarterback Will Levis will all hear their names early in the draft.
Here are other notable prospects to monitor between now and the draft:
Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OL, Clemson | 2022-12-20T15:09:08Z | sports.yahoo.com | Texans projected for top 2023 NFL Draft pick through Week 15 | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-panthers-projected-top-2023-183000207.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-panthers-projected-top-2023-183000207.html?src=rss |
No Jacksonville Jaguars player has spent more time playing with quarterback Trevor Lawrence than running back Travis Etienne Jr.
Before the two were picked in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Jaguars, they were teammates together for three seasons at Clemson. The duo won a national championship together in January 2019 and reached the College Football Playoff all three years.
All that collegiate success didn’t translate into an easy road in the pros for Lawrence and Etienne, though. Etienne missed the entire 2021 season due to a Lisfranc injury, while Lawrence led the NFL in interceptions. Earlier this season, he admitted that his rocky rookie year even shook his confidence, at times.
Plenty has changed since then. Lawrence has thrown 14 touchdowns and only one interceptions in his last six games.
“You see him out there just making plays, just being the playmaker and I just love that he’s got that swagger back about himself,” Etienne said on SiriusXM Radio. “I’m excited to see it continue to grow as he gets more comfortable in the offense, keeps learning the game, and keeps feeling the NFL out, he’s going to be something special.”
Etienne broke out of a slump Sunday with 103 rushing yards and 24 receiving yards against the Dallas Cowboys. On the year, he now has 917 rushing yards with 238 receiving yards and he’s on the verge of becoming the fifth player to record 1,000 rushing yards in a season with the Jaguars.
But more important than the emergence of Etienne this season has been the ascendence of Lawrence from prospect with potential to NFL superstar. The reclamation of his Clemson swagger has had a lot to do with that swift improvement. | 2022-12-20T15:09:14Z | sports.yahoo.com | Travis Etienne: Trevor Lawrence ‘got that swagger back’ he had at Clemson | https://sports.yahoo.com/travis-etienne-trevor-lawrence-got-144526123.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/travis-etienne-trevor-lawrence-got-144526123.html?src=rss |
Jackson State star Travis Hunter, the top-ranked overall player in the 2022 class per 247Sports, has entered the transfer portal after announcing his decision Sunday night.
Hunter finished with 18 catches for 188 yards and four touchdowns in eight games. The star freshman helped force overtime in the Celebration Bowl with a 19-yard TD catch as time expired. Hunter finished his final game with JSU with four catches for 47 yards and two TDs.
On defense at cornerback, Travis Hunter had 20 tackles, two interceptions and 10 pass breakups.
Hunter’s departure comes on the heels of Tiger head coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders departing to take the same position at Colorado on Dec. 3.
In the weeks following his hiring, Sanders has brought key pieces of his Jackson State regime to Boulder. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Deion’s son, entered the transfer portal shortly after the Celebration Bowl, and is expected to join his father with the Buffaloes alongside a few others, potentially including Hunter.
Colorado still has to be considered the favorite to land Hunter; several of his Jackson State teammates are expected to follow Sanders to Boulder.
Keep an eye out for USC, Miami and Georgia as well, however. Hunter is a Georgia native and UGA has had the best defense in the country the past two seasons.
BREAKING: Travis Hunter Jr. has entered the transfer portal.
Former No. 1 Player in the 2022 Class that shocked the nation on Signing Day when he flipped from FSU to Jackson St.https://t.co/U7u1XDA9hn pic.twitter.com/LNoV4n5fz9
USC and Miami are places where Hunter — who some people have called the next Prime Time — could play both ways on offense and defense. Hunter is projected to play corner at the next level but is an amazing red zone threat on offense with his 40-inch vertical and 6-2 frame. | 2022-12-20T16:02:12Z | sports.yahoo.com | Could USC land former No. 1 overall recruit Travis Hunter? | https://sports.yahoo.com/could-usc-land-former-no-135927109.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/could-usc-land-former-no-135927109.html?src=rss |
Former Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Dorian Singer, the Pac-12’s leading receiver, is set to transfer to USC, continuing a trend of top wideouts joining the Trojans.
Singer earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors this season, recording 1,105 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 66 receptions for Arizona. He his best game versus USC when he had seven receptions for 141 yards and a career-high three touchdowns in an Oct. 29 loss to USC, which included a career-long 73-yard reception.
The 6-foot-1, 180 pound incoming junior said one of the appeals of playing at USC is having Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams as his quarterback.
“He’s a playmaker and is great at getting the ball to his playmakers,” Singer said.
The first NCAA transfer window, which is new this year, opened on Mon., Dec. 5, and will remain so through Jan. 18, 2023.
Here is what Bruce Pearl said after Auburn basketball’s loss to USC
Pearl discussed foul trouble, the team's execution and more.
The West Coast may be known for its nearly flawless weather, but the varied climate of the East Coast definitely has its unique advantages—namely, smaller states that mean you can experience a wide range of history and culture even while taking a quick weekend trip. And the wintertime proves to be a particularly magical time of year in this part of the U.S."There's something special about the East Coast in winter," says Pradeep Guragain, co-founder of the travel site Magical Nepal. "Maybe it's t
Nick Patti's long journey at Pittsburgh could end with one more unlikely start. The senior quarterback is in the mix to play in the Sun Bowl. | 2022-12-20T16:02:13Z | sports.yahoo.com | Dorian Singer points to Caleb Williams in explaining his decision to transfer to USC | https://sports.yahoo.com/dorian-singer-points-caleb-williams-152648660.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/dorian-singer-points-caleb-williams-152648660.html?src=rss |
One of the biggest questions that Oregon Duck fans had over the past few weeks was answered on Sunday night.
Who is going to be the starting QB in 2023? Bo Nix.
This has caused a few other questions to pop up, though, many of which are unanswerable at the current time. However, we wanted to take a look at one of those questions and see if we could drum up some potential answers.
Who are the Ducks going to go after to fill out the quarterback room this off-season? Who is going to be backing up Nix in 2023 and potentially in line to start in 2024?
There are a lot of options on the table, whether it be a recruit or someone in the transfer portal. Let’s look at a few names.
Oregon QB Ty Thompson
It has been projected all season that Oregon’s sophomore quarterback Ty Thompson is going to hit the transfer portal this offseason. After coming to Eugene as the highest-rated QB commit in school history, Thompson has yet to get his chance to shine, losing to both Anthony Brown and Bo Nix in QB competitions. Are we sure he’s going to leave, though? Thompson hasn’t entered his name in the portal just yet, and a cryptic tweet after the announcement that Bo Nix was coming back has many wondering if the former 5-star QB might stick around for another year behind Nix.
— ty thompson (@ty_thompson7) December 19, 2022
Will Thompson end up staying in Eugene for one more season, knowing that he can be in line to start in 2024? It seems unlikely, but Thompson would have two years of eligibility going into the 2024 season and a chance to lead Oregon’s offense. I’m not ready to rule it out at this point.
This is a name that has been picking up some buzz in Oregon Duck circles over the last couple of days once it became clear that Dante Moore may be moving on.
4-star QB Austin Novosaid is currently committed to the Baylor Bears as the No. 9 QB in the 2023 class and No. 86 overall player in the nation. There are multiple reports out there that Oregon is working hard to flip him now that Moore is out of the picture, and a relationship between Novosad and new Ducks’ offensive coordinator Will Stein is said to be at the center of it. According to 247Sports, Stein was in Texas on an in-home visit last week.
Should the Ducks be able to successfully flip the 6-foot-3 passer, it will give them a prep QB in this cycle who can learn for a year under Nix and potentially compete for the starting job in 2024 with whoever else fills out the QB room as well. The plan has been for Novosad to sign with Baylor on Wednesday and enroll early, but we will keep a close eye on this and see if it changes.
It’s portal season, and that means we can look to outside players who might potentially choose to come to Eugene to play for the Ducks. Hudson Card is certainly a player that could fit the bill, having played for new offensive coordinator Will Stein in high school in Texas. Could that be enough reason for Card to transfer to Oregon to compete for the starting job?
As a former 4-star recruit, the No. 2 dual-threat QB and No. 59 overall player in the 2020 recruiting class, Card certainly has the upside. He’s thrown for 11 touchdowns and 2 INT in his three years at Texas. I have been told that he is at least interested in coming to Eugene to serve as a backup for a year under Nix with the prospect of starting for the Ducks in 2024.
There are rumors out there that Card was on a visit to Eugene last week, which I have not been able to confirm as true just yet. However, this would be a home run for the Ducks in the transfer portal to fill out the QB room in 2023.
Definitely a long shot, and not a transfer that I expect to end up happening, but I still think there’s something to the fact that the Ducks could potentially get both DJ Uiagalelei and his brother Matayo Uiagalelei to Eugene this offseason.
Matayo, a 5-star recruit, is set to make his decision between Oregon, USC, and Ohio State next week, with the Trojans acting as the new favorite to get him. That doesn’t mean that Oregon is out of the race, though, with the thought being that the Uiagalelei brothers want to play college ball together. It’s hard to see Uiagalelei starting for either of those three teams in 2023, but there are some paths to competing for the starting job in 2024.
The odds of this one happening are very slim, but I wouldn’t quite put them at zero just yet.
The past week has been a whirlwind for the Oregon native QB ranked as the No. 23 passer in the 2023 class, and No. 374 player overall. Committed to the Washington State Cougars since July, Leavitt took a visit to Michigan State in early December, was offered by Washington, and then ultimately de-committed from the Cougars and flipped to the Spartans.
What would happen if the Ducks came calling this week?
As the starting QB for West Linn’s 6A State Championship team in Oregon this year, it may be intriguing for Leavitt to be pursued by the Ducks late in the game here before signing day. I’m not saying that he would flip his commitment again just a few days after landing with the Spartans, but we know how much Dan Lanning has talked about wanting to keep the best players in the state of Oregon in the state of Oregon. He could certainly do worse than Leavitt.
My Best Guess
If I’m going to call my shot here and give a prediction on where I think the Ducks are planning to end up going behind Nix at the QB spot, my guess is that a couple of these options are will come to fruition. I wouldn’t be shocked to see Oregon land Hudson Card through the transfer portal, and flip Baylor QB Austin Novosad before the early signing period. Both players have close connections with Oregon OC Will Stein, and both can be promised a year of learning under one of the best QBs in college football with a chance to compete for the starting job in 2024 on one of the top offenses in the nation.
That may seem like a greedy prediction, but I’m willing to go for it. I think the Ducks make a big splash here in the wake of losing Dante Moore.
Maryland Varsity previews the field for the 2023 track state championship while naming our favorite, contenders, and mor | 2022-12-20T16:02:19Z | sports.yahoo.com | Who fills out Oregon’s quarterback room behind Bo Nix in 2023? | https://sports.yahoo.com/fills-oregon-quarterback-room-behind-135758915.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/fills-oregon-quarterback-room-behind-135758915.html?src=rss |
kam martin, who played running back at Auburn for Malzahn from 2016-19, and later became a member of his coaching staff at UCF, has landed a coaching job with a Football Bowl Subdivision program. Martin will serve as running backs coach for newly-hired head coach G.J. Kinne at Texas State.
Martin follows Kinne from Incarnate Word, where he was the running backs coach during the 2022 season. During Martin’s time at IWU, the Cardinals went 12-2, which included a win over FBS participant Nevada. IWU running back Marcus Cooper rushed for 1,476 yards and 12 touchdowns during the 2022 season.
Kinne says that Martin is a perfect fit for the position as running backs coach due to his success at playing the position at a high level.
“Kam is another great addition to Texas State and our coaching staff,” Kinne said in a press release. “He is Texas high school legend and great role model for our student-athletes. He knows the running back position because he played it at a high level and is a rising star in the profession.”
Martin rushed for 1,564 yards during his four-year career on the Plains, scoring eight touchdowns. He reunited with Malzahn at UCF in 2021 by joining his staff as a recruiting assistant before returning to his home state of Texas to become the running backs coach at Incarnate Word.
He joins former Auburn linebacker Deshaun Davis as former Malzahn players to join the coaching ranks. Davis was named the linebackers coach at North Alabama earlier this month after spending the 2022 season as a graduate assistant on Malzahn’s staff at UCF.
𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐨𝐬
Introducing the new running backs coach, @TeamKamMartin! #EatEmUp pic.twitter.com/HmTzpgw4XX | 2022-12-20T16:02:29Z | sports.yahoo.com | Former Tiger hired as assistant coach for Group of Five program | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-tiger-hired-assistant-coach-140025659.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-tiger-hired-assistant-coach-140025659.html?src=rss |
LUSAIL, Qatar — Argentina’s World Cup life flashed before its collective eyes in the 123rd minute of the eternal game. This was before King Leo’s coronation and after most of the madness. In stoppage time of extra time of the World Cup final for all time, France’s Randal Kolo Muani had escaped from a drained defense and, 8,000 miles away, from Buenos Aires to Córdoba to Rosario, Argentine tears readied themselves beneath hope and faith.
They’d been flowing for three decades, uncontrollably after successive soccer heartbreaks. Emiliano Martinez was one of the millions who’d cried them. He was, throughout the last decade, a journeyman backup goalkeeper scrounging together a career in the lower leagues of England. Four years later, after thoughts of retirement, he traveled with his brother to the 2018 World Cup as a fan. He was, and still is, in his own words, “Just a regular guy.”
But here at the Lusail Stadium on Sunday, with Kolo Muani racing onto a bouncing ball, and with Lionel Messi’s last World Cup chance suddenly imperiled, the 30-year-old Martinez crept out of his goal mouth, chopped his feet and spread his wings.
He became an Argentine legend with a sprawling save, and then with his penalty-shootout heroics. With shenanigans and classic s***housery, he slithered into the minds of nervous French players, then repelled one penalty and saw another flash wide of the post. He punched the air in celebration. He shimmied, mischievously, to celebrate mind-games won and a World Cup trophy within reach.
And then he collapsed to the grass, to a stage he never even imagined he’d grace. He dabbed at tears as he scanned a delirious crowd for his family, and as he processed his critical role in Argentina’s first World Cup title in 36 years.
“This,” Martinez said in a postgame interview, through a translator, “is beyond my dreams.”
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez saves the penalty from Kingsley Coman of France in the shootout during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on Dec. 18, 2022, in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
The need to support his family
Argentina’s latest flamboyant hero grew up in Mar del Plata, a port city on Argentina’s Atlantic coast where, as Martinez said this weekend, “You’re not born with a silver spoon in your mouth.”
He was raised, instead, in a house without doors and toilets. Dinners sometimes consisted of white rice. His dad, Alberto, worked long hours as a truck driver delivering fish throughout the region. His mom, Susana, cleaned apartments, trying to provide for the young family. She’d drop off Emi and his brother, Alejandro, at the bus stop around 6:30 or 7 a.m. Or, at times, Emi would walk to school alone.
He then ventured alone into the soccer world. He left home at age 12 for Buenos Aires, to join Independiente, one of Argentina’s Cinco Grandes, its Big Five clubs. He lived out of a hotel with youth teammates. His parents, hesitant to spend hard-earned pesos on gas, could only visit him twice a month.
All of which is why he eventually left Argentina, like so many ambitious teens unfortunately must. At age 17, Arsenal invited him to England for a trial, then offered him a youth contract. His mom and brother cried and begged him: “Please don’t go.” But he’d also seen his dad crying, late at night, under the stress of unpaid and unpayable bills.
He remembered the evenings when his parents didn’t eat so that he and Alejandro could.
He knew the Arsenal contract would change his life and theirs, even if the language would be foreign and the journey arduous.
“I left when I was very young, before I got the chance to play for Independiente, because I needed to support my family financially,” he’d later explain.
So he said goodbye, and promised his mom after settling in London: “I don’t want to come back to my country with nothing. I want to make a career here.”
What he soon learned, though, was that contracts did not guarantee opportunity. From his 2010 arrival through 2019, he made just six Premier League appearances at Arsenal. The club shipped him out on “emergency loans” to Oxford United, Sheffield Wednesday and Rotherham. His English debut ended in a 3-0 defeat in the fourth division.
He hopped from those clubs to Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he suffered an injury and subsequently lost his starting spot. He went to Getafe in Spain, where he barely played, and there, at age 25, he pondered giving up. “I was that low,” he recently told The Athletic. He pushed on, and went to Reading United on loan in 2019.
And all the while, of course, he’d slipped far out of the national team picture. He watched the 2014 World Cup final at an asado, a barbecue, with friends back home in Argentina. He went with his brother in 2018 to Russia, where Argentina’s goalkeeping was calamitous.
“That's why I can and do relate to fans,” he’d later say here in Qatar, “because I'm just another Argentine.”
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez kissing the World Cup during the trophy ceremony following the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on Dec. 18, 2022, in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
Martinez's big break
His first break arrived, finally, in 2020, at age 27, when Arsenal lost a goalkeeper to injury and called on him as games resumed amid the COVID-19 pandemic. He started and won the FA Cup final that year, a trophy which brought him to a different type of tears.
His exploits there earned him a transfer to Aston Villa, his current club — and the platform he needed to impress Argentina.
“It wasn't until I was 26 or 27 that Argentina saw me the way I deserved or wanted to be seen,” he said this past weekend.
In fact, ahead of last year’s Copa America, 34-year-old River Plate keeper Franco Armani remained Argentina’s No. 1. Then Armani caught COVID. Martinez stepped in for his national team debut in a June 2021 World Cup qualifier. And he never looked back.
He sustained Argentina’s breakthrough Copa America run with three saves in a semifinal shootout against Colombia. He shut out Brazil in the final, and he’d later realize that it was the first time, in his 28 years of consciousness, that he’d seen his nation, in unison, erupt into celebration. But it was nothing compared to Sunday.
Martinez came to Qatar as La Albiceleste’s undisputed starter. He spared a few moments upon arrival to reflect, he said, on “the hard work needed to get here.” Then he toggled back into character, into the free-spirited smack-talker who has won over English hearts at Aston Villa. He first popped up in a quarterfinal shootout, pushing away two Dutch penalties. Then he repeated the feat in a frantic final.
He made the stunning save on Kolo Muani at the end of extra time, then one-upped himself in the shootout. In the tensest of moments, with Messi’s legacy essentially in the palms of his — Martinez’s — hands, he danced side to side on his goal line, flapping his arms. He nearly clawed away Kylian Mbappé’s opening attempt. Then he smothered Kingsley Coman’s.
As Aurélien Tchouaméni stepped up next, Martinez grabbed the ball and naughtily rolled it to the side of the penalty box, forcing Tchouameni to break stride and rhythm to retrieve it. Tchouameni then missed. Martinez gloated.
Later, after claiming the golden glove award as the tournament’s top goalkeeper, he turned it into a prop for a lewd gesture, with hundreds of millions of people watching.
Later still, he appeared to mock Mbappé in the locker room.
He had won a World Cup for his people; for Messi, and the country they both left as teens. He had become one of the World Cup’s, and Argentina’s, most improbable heroes.
Importantly, the funds in question are those that were not stored in BlockFi’s flagship interest-bearing accounts. | 2022-12-20T16:37:08Z | sports.yahoo.com | 2022 World Cup: Meet Emiliano Martinez, Argentina's most improbable World Cup hero | https://sports.yahoo.com/from-a-fan-at-the-2018-world-cup-to-a-savior-in-qatar-heres-argentinas-most-improbable-hero-135928716.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/from-a-fan-at-the-2018-world-cup-to-a-savior-in-qatar-heres-argentinas-most-improbable-hero-135928716.html?src=rss |
The New York Jets will once again be forced to start Zach Wilson at quarterback after head coach Robert Saleh confirmed Mike White would miss Week 16 game with a rib injury. Doctors wouldn't clear White for contact for the second consecutive week, Saleh said, after he suffered a rib injury against the Buffalo Bills in Week 14.
Despite optimism from Saleh on Monday, this was to be expected after NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said White was dealing with "multiple" rib fractures. White reportedly talked to "almost 10 doctors" to find one who would clear him for contact before Week 14 against the Detroit Lions, but none would.
Thus, Wilson was thrust back into the starting lineup after being benched before Week 11. The Jets went on to lose the game, 20-17, as Wilson completed 51.4 percent of his passing attempts for 317 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. It was by no means an impressive performance, but Wilson displayed some of the arm strength and athleticism that scouts touted during his pre-draft process before the Jets drafted him No. 2 overall in 2021.
The news comes as the Jets prepare for arguably their most important game of the season in a Thursday night matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Both teams are in the hunt for a playoff berth, though the Jaguars could sneak in as a division winner or as one of the third wild card teams. The Jets, meanwhile, likely need to win their remaining three games if they want a shot at their first postseason appearance in over a decade.
Before his benching, Wilson proved capable of leading the Jets to victory after he went 5-2 as a starter before the loss to the Lions. However, Wilson didn't offer much excitement with his inauspicious stats and costly turnovers. Ultimately, a 77-yard outing in a 10-3 loss to the New England Patriots led to White's promotion to the starting job and Wilson's demotion to the bench.
White played well in his three games as the starter but couldn't manifest wins for New York. But it's unclear if White will return as the starter when he's fully healthy. Saleh wouldn't say so on Monday, at least. A winning effort from Wilson on Thursday could change the coaching staff's opinion on their former first-rounder, though. Especially if it helps push the Jets to the playoffs.
Zach Wilson is back as the Jets' starting quarterback. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | 2022-12-20T16:37:46Z | sports.yahoo.com | Zach Wilson to start for Jets again after Mike White ruled out with rib injury | https://sports.yahoo.com/zach-wilson-to-start-for-jets-again-after-mike-white-ruled-out-with-rib-injury-162421218.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/zach-wilson-to-start-for-jets-again-after-mike-white-ruled-out-with-rib-injury-162421218.html?src=rss |
One of the Eagles’ most dynamic pass catchers is back, as the team activated tight end Dallas Goedert to the 53-man roster ahead of the Week 16 showdown against the Cowboys.
One of the NFL’s top tight ends, Goedert has missed the past five games after suffering a shoulder injury in Philadelphia’s only loss, a Week 10 matchup against Washington.
With Goedert back, the Eagles will likely make a move at the tight end position and leave C.J. Gardner-Johnson as the only starter, not on season-ending injured reserve.
Here are four takeaways and a random note from Goedert’s return.
Gardner Minshew has a security blanket
Minshew’s most extensive game action came back in December of last season when he shredded the New York Jets.
In the road win, Minshew finished 20 of 25 for 242 yards and two touchdowns (133.7 rating), and led the Eagles to scores on their first seven offensive possessions.
The catalyst on that day was Goedert who had 6 catches for 105 yards, and 2 TDs vs the Jets last December.
Eagles getting healthy for the stretch run
Derek Barnett and C.J. Gardner-Johnson are the only full-time starters still on injured reserve and the safety should return any day now.
Goedert gets at least two weeks to shake off the rust before losing another week of game action to the first-round bye.
Matchup nightmare
Philadelphia’s offense maintained its explosiveness with Goedert out, but the tight end adds another dimension to the offense that most defensive coordinators are unable to combat.
Goedert had 43 receptions for 544 yards and 3 touchdowns in the nine games he played, and his ability after the catch was among the league’s best in that category prior to the injury.
Goedert can make plays at all three levels of the field, he can win matchups against the opposing defenses best defender and it allows more creativity for the offensive flow.
Analysis: Fitting that Dirk Nowitzki will be celebrated on Christmas
Nowitzki to be nominated for Hall of Fame on Wednesday; statue coming on Sunday | 2022-12-20T17:07:31Z | sports.yahoo.com | 4 takeaways from Eagles activating TE Dallas Goedert to 53-man roster ahead of game vs. Cowboys | https://sports.yahoo.com/4-takeaways-eagles-activating-te-160145744.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/4-takeaways-eagles-activating-te-160145744.html?src=rss |
The Chicago Bears have lost seven straight games. In Week 15, the Bears hosted the NFC top-seeded Philadelphia Eagles, who are now 13-1 on the year. This week, they will play the first-place team in the AFC in the 11-3 Buffalo Bills.
On Christmas Eve, the Bears have a chance to shock the NFL world, as they are currently heavy underdogs against the best team in the AFC. They played competitively against the Eagles and had multiple opportunities to win that football game.
If they can capitalize on offense and create turnovers on defense, they will put some pressure on the Bills. Matt Eberflus has to put an emphasis on finishing this week. Chicago has had chances to win big games this year but failed to do so in the fourth quarter. It’s been a long time since they’ve won a football game, but their last win just so happens to have come against an AFC East opponent.
With that being said, let’s take a look at where Chicago stands in the power rankings going into Week 16.
QB Justin Fields has exceeded 70 yards on the ground in his last five games, the longest streak by a quarterback in the Super Bowl era (since 1966). Average 69 over the final three, and he’ll break Lamar Jackson’s single-season record for rushing yards by a quarterback (1,206).
Justin Fields is one of the most talented runners in NFL history at the quarterback position. The way he slips away from defenders in the pocket is something special, and his breakaway speed is something that not many players have, let alone other quarterbacks. Fields is close to breaking Lamar Jackson’s 2019 record for most rushing yards by a quarterback – I guess this season has to be remembered by something, let it be that.
Justin Fields is getting credit for his rushing abilities, as he should, and is in great company. Michael Vick, Lamar Jackson, and Justin Fields – the only three quarterbacks to rush for 1,000 yards in one season. Once he takes that next step in the air, he’s going to be a dangerous player.
The Bears took a shot on receiver Velus Jones Jr. in the third round, and that was questioned because he was 25 years old and seen as a gadget player. On Sunday, he had one carry for no yards and one catch for three yards. For the season he has 75 yards from scrimmage on 11 touches. It’s early but that pick doesn’t look great yet.
Velus Jones Jr has turned into Ryan Poles’ version of Kevin White. I guess every young GM makes a mistake in their first draft or two, but drafting a wide receiver who is already older than your top weapon in Darnell Mooney was a red flag from the start. Jones struggled in the return game and hasn’t been a factor on offense. It’s early, but it’s fair to say this was a wasted pick.
The fifth-round pick from Southern Utah had no issue holding his own against FBS defensive linemen during the Senior Bowl, which initially caught Chicago’s attention as the Bears looked to shore up protection of QB Justin Fields’ blindside. Although the Bears have struggled at times in pass protection, not much of that pressure is being allowed by the left side of the O-line. Jones has taken every snap at tackle and exceeded all expectations, turning in one of the best seasons of all rookie tackles (5 sacks, 4 hits and 24 hurries allowed) while developing into a mainstay on the Bears’ offensive line.
The Bears’ offensive line has been a mess over the last two seasons. There has to be a bigger plan to add a lineman or two this offseason, along with drafting one, or else Justin Fields will be in the same spot next year. A quarterback can have all the weapons in the world, but if he doesn’t have time to throw the ball, it doesn’t matter.
(Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports)
Give the Bears credit for not giving up on a season that ended a while ago.
The Bears coaching staff has done a great job at keeping their team focused. Despite being out of it, they have not given up on the season. They’ve come to play each week and it shows. If they can finish the year with an upset win against the Bills, that would give a boost of confidence to the young team going into 2023. | 2022-12-20T17:07:35Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bears NFL power rankings round-up going into Week 16 | https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-nfl-power-rankings-round-162019097.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-nfl-power-rankings-round-162019097.html?src=rss |
A 24-15 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 15 didn’t do much to improve public perception of the Denver Broncos as the 2022 regular season nears the finish line.
The Broncos took care of business against the Cardinals on Sunday, but they played most of the game against a third-string quarterback. That explains why Nate Davis has the team ranked 30th in his latest NFL power rankings for USA TODAY Sports, just one spot higher than last week.
Nothing says coal in your stocking quite like having to watch this Denver team on Christmas afternoon.
The Los Angeles Rams, who will host the Broncos this week, are ranked x. | 2022-12-20T17:07:35Z | sports.yahoo.com | Broncos rise one spot in NFL power rankings entering Week 16 | https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-rise-one-spot-nfl-150000543.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-rise-one-spot-nfl-150000543.html?src=rss |
The 2022 season hasn’t been too kind to Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker.
The veteran is still trying to find his footing since suffering an injury in the opening moments of Week 1. Butker has missed five field goals and multiple PATs already this season, including one of each in Sunday’s victory over the Houston Texans. He hasn’t made any open complaints about problems with the injured ankle that cost him four consecutive games, but there has been a noticeable difference in his performance.
The up-and-down weeks are uncharacteristic, considering he set the franchise record for the longest field goal with a 62-yard bomb in Week 6. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid was honest with his assessment after Sunday’s win telling reporters that he believes Butker is in a slump.
“You know what, being a kicker is little like being a batter, and sometimes you get in a slump,” said Reid. “He’s a great one, and he’ll get through it, and then he’ll come out of it even better than what he was. You’ve got to keep kicking, and that’s what we’re going to do with him.”
The Chiefs are AFC West division champions for the seventh straight year and are winning games through Butker’s troubles. Fans and critics do understand the importance of a consistent kicking game, especially during the gritty postseason games that are ahead. Whether it’s a slump as Reid suggests or something else impacting Butker and the kicking game, Kansas City still has some time to correct the issue.
Deuce Vaughn and his Kansas State teammates couldn't be more excited about the chance to face blueblood Alabama in the Sugar Bowl.
Brad Smith's numbers tell the tale of a legendary football player, one that laid the foundation for what Missouri football was, is and will be. | 2022-12-20T17:07:57Z | sports.yahoo.com | Chiefs HC Andy Reid suggests K Harrison Butker is in a ‘slump’ | https://sports.yahoo.com/chiefs-hc-andy-reid-suggests-154555175.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/chiefs-hc-andy-reid-suggests-154555175.html?src=rss |
Eagles activate Dallas Goedert, return vs. Cowboys likely originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
The Eagles on Tuesday morning activated Dallas Goedert from Injured Reserve to the 53-man roster, clearing the way for his return after a five-game layoff.
Goedert suffered a small fracture in the glenoid bone in his left shoulder during the Eagles’ only loss this year, against the Commanders on Nov. 14. He went on Injured Reserve two days later.
The Eagles opened his 21-day practice window last Wednesday, and Goedert seemed hopeful he’d be able to play vs. the Bears. But in a bit of a surprise the Eagles didn’t activate him for the Bears, giving him one more week to heal.
The Eagles are scheduled to practice Tuesday through Thursday this week before traveling to Dallas.
Gardner Minshew is expected to start at quarterback for the Eagles in place of injured Jalen Hurts. In the one game Goedert played with Minshew, he had six catches for 105 yards and two touchdowns last year in a 33-18 win over the Jets last December in East Rutherford.
Goedert, the Eagles’ 5th-year tight end, was having a career year when he got hurt. Despite missing five games, he still ranks 8th among all NFL tight ends with 544 receiving yards and 3rd among NFC tight ends, behind only T.J. Hockenson (730) and George Kittle (593).
The Eagles went 5-0 in Goedert’s absence and ranked second in the NFL with 33.0 points per game and second with 425 yards per game.
With Goedert out, Jack Stoll started at tight end and his snap count increased from 27 to 45 per game. He caught seven passes for 74 yards in the five games and is 11-for-123 this year.
Rookie Grant Calcaterra, who averaged 8 snaps per game before Goedert’s injury, averaged 28 the last five games and was 4-for-41 receiving. He’s 5-for-81 this year.
Tyree Jackson also got some playing time as the third tight end with his first 34 snaps this year over the last five games.
Goedert has 236 catches for 2,839 yards and 19 touchdowns in his first five seasons. Zach Ertz is the only tight end in Eagles history with more receiving yards in his first five years (3,664).
Despite Goedert’s numbers, his Pro Bowl chances appear slim because the NFL does not list players on Injured Reserve on the Pro Bowl ballot. The Pro Bowl teams will be announced Wednesday.
The Eagles’ roster was at 52 after they placed punter Arryn Siposs on Injured Reserve last Tuesday, so they didn’t have to make a corresponding move to make room for Goedert. | 2022-12-20T17:08:29Z | sports.yahoo.com | Eagles activate Dallas Goedert, clearing way for his return vs. Cowboys | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-activate-dallas-goedert-clearing-152923556.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-activate-dallas-goedert-clearing-152923556.html?src=rss |
Sirianni admits he should have used Miles Sanders more originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Nick Sirianni admitted what we all already knew.
He didn’t use Miles Sanders enough.
Sanders, who began this past weekend 15 yards behind Saquon Barkley for the NFC rushing lead, didn’t get his first touch in the Eagles-Bears game Sunday until 6:41 left in the second quarter. By then the Eagles had run 15 offensive plays.
MORE: Eagles escaped disaster but must be more careful with Hurts
It was the first time this year Sanders didn’t have a carry in the first quarter.
He ran just three times in the first half for 12 yards and finished the game with just 11 carries for 42 yards. The only times he had fewer carries this year were in blowout wins against the Steelers and Titans when the backups finished the game. The Eagles ran 71 plays and 55 involved Jalen Hurts either running or throwing.
“We’ve got to get him the ball more,” Sirianni told Mike Quick on the NBC10 postgame show. “We’ve got to do a little bit more called runs. That’s on me. That’s on me. Me and Shane (Steichen) will get that done. Just a couple more called runs and get him in a groove."
Sanders, 25, ranks 5th in the NFL with 1,110 rushing yards, 5th with 11 rushing touchdowns and 2nd among running backs with a 5.2 rushing average.
He's on pace to become the first Eagle ever with 1,000 rushing yards, 10 or more touchdowns and a 5.0 average.
The Eagles beat the Bears 25-20 and they did net 421 yards of offense and 309 net passing yards. But with Sanders a non-factor for much of the game, the offense never did get into a rhythm, and the heavy workload on Hurts may have caught up with the Eagles with the shoulder injury that will likely sideline him for the Cowboys game Saturday.
Sanders had just the one carry until the Eagles got the ball back with 2:49 left in the first half trailing 6-3. By that point, the Eagles had run 19 plays, just one a Sanders run.
But Steichen, the Eagles’ play caller, dialed up Sanders on the first two plays of that late second-quarter drive and he ran for six and five yards on his second and third carries of the first half.
Sanders added an 18-yard run early in the fourth quarter on the drive that ended with Jake Elliott missing a 38-yard field goal.
“Sometimes when you call some reads or you call RPOs you’re dictated by what the defense does,” Sirianni said. “But you don’t want to be extreme in any way.
“We need to get Miles a couple more touches in that first half to let him get going. He had some nice carries going into the two-minute drive of the first half and then he had some good carries to start off the (second half), but we’ve got to get him going a little bit earlier. That’s my mistake and we’ll get that fixed."
On his WIP radio show Tuesday morning, Sirianni emphasized that the Bears – although they entered the game ranked 27th in rush defense – sold out against the run Sunday, which opened things up for the passing game.
A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith became the first Eagles wide receiver duo ever to combine for 300 yards.
“I know what they’re ranked in the run (defense) game, but if a team wants to say, ‘I’m going all in and you’re going to have to throw to beat us,’ we’re lucky that we’re able to be balanced and be able to adjust to say, ‘OK, you’re going to do that, we’re going to do this.’ And A.J. had 181 yards and DeVonta had 126. [...]
“We knew we could hurt them on the outside. We threw the crap out of it because we knew we had an advantage.”
NBA Twitter gives its best reactions after the Philadelphia 76ers knock off the Toronto Raptors in overtime. | 2022-12-20T17:08:48Z | sports.yahoo.com | Eagles coach Nick Sirianni admits he should have used Miles Sanders more | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-coach-nick-sirianni-admits-145659796.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-coach-nick-sirianni-admits-145659796.html?src=rss |
Eagles’ playoff situation and draft picks after Week 15 originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
After beating the Bears on Sunday afternoon, the Eagles improved to 13-1, matching the highest win total in franchise history.
And they’re extremely close to clinching the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
Gardner Minshew could step in and do it for the Eagles on Saturday. With Jalen Hurts’ likely out with a shoulder sprain, Minshew has a chance to beat the Cowboys and wrap up that top spot in the conference.
With three games left, the Eagles just need to take care of their own business. They have to win one of their three remaining games — at Cowboys, vs. Saints, vs. Giants — to clinch that top spot and the only first-round bye in the conference.
FiveThirtyEight has the Eagles with a 98% chance to land that No. 1 seed, which comes with that first-round bye and home-field advantage until the Super Bowl. There’s even a possibility the Eagles could clinch the No. 1 seed if they lose out, but then they would need losses from the Cowboys, Vikings and 49ers.
So … win one more time and the Eagles clinch it.
If the Eagles beat the Cowboys on Christmas Eve, they would then have to decide how to handle the final two games. How much would Nick Sirianni rest his starters? We might find out soon. But if they lose to the Cowboys, is there a chance Hurts could return in Week 17 to face the Saints? We’ll see.
In addition to the Eagles’ 98% chance to earn that top seed, FiveThirtyEight gives them a 26% chance to win the Super Bowl, ahead of the Bills (21%), Chiefs (18%), Bengals (9%), Cowboys (9%), 49ers (6%), Vikings (5%) and Ravens (3%).
Here’s an updated look at the NFC playoff picture:
1. #Eagles (13-1, 1st NFC East)
2. *#Vikings (11-3, 1st NFC North)
3. *#49ers (11-4, 1st NFC West)
4. Buccaneers (6-8, 1st NFC South)
5. #Cowboys (10-4, 2nd NFC East)
6. Giants (8-5-1, 3rd NFC East)
7. Commanders (7-6-1, 4th NFC East)
8. Seahawks (7-7, 2nd NFC West)
9. Lions (7-7, 2nd NFC North)
10. Packers (6-8, 3rd NFC North)
11. Panthers (5-9, 2nd NFC South)
12. Saints (5-9, 3rd NFC South)
13. Falcons (5-9, 4th NFC South)
The Bears, Rams and Cardinals have been eliminated.
* - Clinched division, # - clinched playoffs
A look at the draft
The Eagles have a really good shot at winning the Super Bowl, so it’s understandable if you’re not keeping tabs on their draft picks.
But if the season ended today, the Eagles would have picks No. 9 (from the Saints) and 31 (own pick).
The Dolphins’ first-round pick was forfeited in the 2023 draft, so there will be just 31 picks in the first round. And that No. 9 pick from the Saints is still looking pretty good in the top 10, even after falling out of the top five.
The Saints are coming off a 21-18 win over the Falcons in Week 15 and have a 5-9 record through 14 games.
Here’s a look at the Saints’ remaining schedule:
That Week 17 game is intriguing because, like we mentioned above, if the Eagles beat the Cowboys on Christmas Eve, they won’t be fighting for seeding anymore. Could the Eagles’ backups beat the Saints and help Howie Roseman out? But if the Eagles lose to the Cowboys, then the Saints game still has meaning.
As for those other two games on the Saints’ schedule, they look tougher now than they would have a month ago. The Browns have won three of their last four and the Panthers have won three of their last five.
Bryce and Omari work through not only the Brooklyn Nets loss at LCA, but they take a deeper look at Isaiah Stewart's expanding offensive game.
NEW YORK and LEAMINGTON, Ontario, Dec. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tilray Brands, Inc. (“Tilray” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: TLRY; TSX: TLRY), a leading global cannabis-lifestyle and consumer packaged goods company inspiring and empowering the worldwide community to live their very best life, today announced that the Company will release financial results for its second quarter ended November 30, 2022 on January 9, 2023. Live Audio Webcast Tilray will host a live audio webcast to discuss these r | 2022-12-20T17:08:54Z | sports.yahoo.com | Eagles’ playoff situation and draft picks after Week 15 | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-playoff-situation-draft-picks-150000596.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-playoff-situation-draft-picks-150000596.html?src=rss |
The quarterback carousel is expected to be a wild one in 2023 with so many good players expected to hit the market. That list could include Derek Carr, who has no guaranteed money left on his deal.
While the Raiders wouldn’t release him outright, they could consider a trade for the right offer. But if that were to happen, who might the Raiders get to replace him?
In a recent article by Bill Barnwell of ESPN, he laid out the case for why the Raiders could be a sneaky landing spot for Tom Brady. Here is a snippet of why he thinks Las Vegas might be the right franchise for Brady next year:
There are a lot of reasons why the Raiders would make sense for Brady if he wants to continue his career. He would be able to play in a dome for most of the season and avoid poor weather conditions. He would have a ton of offensive firepower around him and a head coach that knows him better than anyone else.
But will Brady want to come to the AFC West and play in a division with Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert? And does he want to play on the west coast? Who knows, but there are a lot of reasons why this makes sense.
It may sound crazy, but don’t completely rule out the possibility of Brady continuing his career in Las Vegas. | 2022-12-20T17:09:00Z | sports.yahoo.com | ESPN believes Raiders could sign QB Tom Brady during 2023 offseason | https://sports.yahoo.com/espn-believes-raiders-could-sign-152849502.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/espn-believes-raiders-could-sign-152849502.html?src=rss |
In a recent article by ESPN and their 32 beat writers, they named each team’s biggest surprise player this season. For the Raiders, that was none other than Josh Jacobs, who leads the NFL in rushing yards and yards from scrimmage.
Here is what they had to say about the former first-round pick from the 2019 NFL Draft:
“Jacobs has been more than a pleasant surprise after not having his fifth-year option picked up by the Raiders’ new regime; he’s been the team’s MVP. After GM Dave Ziegler and coach Josh McDaniels built an RB-by-committee approach, Jacobs “surprised” McDaniels and has more than proved his worth as RB1.
His career-high 1,495 rushing yards lead the NFL, and his 86-yard walk-off scamper in Seattle is the league’s longest run of the season. Jacobs, who also has 11 TDs and 46 catches for 363 yards, is about to be paid.”
The offense is built around Jacobs and his ability to do it all. He’s having the best season of his career and is well on his way to being a first-team All-Pro selection. Jacobs couldn’t have had a better season heading into free agency in 2023.
With three games left in the season, look for the Raiders to lean on Jacobs heavily as they try to make a late-season push for the playoffs.
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll explains his new goatee and why he plans to keep it ... for now. | 2022-12-20T17:09:26Z | sports.yahoo.com | Josh Jacobs named ‘biggest surprise for Raiders this season | https://sports.yahoo.com/josh-jacobs-named-biggest-surprise-151334227.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/josh-jacobs-named-biggest-surprise-151334227.html?src=rss |
Second-year quarterback Justin Fields has set the league on fire with his dual-threat abilities amid the Chicago Bears’ skid to their current 3-11 record. In one of the most highly anticipated matchups of his young career, Fields will compete against the Buffalo Bills, one of the NFL’s top teams, for the first time in his career.
Buffalo is led by two stars on offense, quarterback Josh Allen and receiver Stefon Diggs, who are among the league’s most dangerous tandems in the passing game. On defense, the Bills’ roster is constructed to give even the most established offenses fits with their stingy secondary and tenacious linebacker play.
The Bears haven’t fared well in matchups against other AFC East teams this season, going 0-2 in their games against the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets in November. They managed to keep their loss to Miami to a three-point margin but got stomped by New York, losing by 21 points.
To get a win over the juggernaut Bills, Fields will need to have a career day against their top-flight defense. Chicago’s defenders, too, will have their hands full in their effort to keep Buffalo from running up the score. The Bears will not have their usual home-field advantage playing in “Bear Weather” at Soldier Field against a Bills team that is used to playing in the bitter cold.
This game could make or break the Bills’ chances of securing the AFC’s top seed in January’s playoffs, so Fields and the Bears are sure to be up against one of Buffalo’s best gameplans of the season. Chicago, on the other hand, is in line to receive the second-overall pick in the 2023 draft as the second-worst team in the NFL by record and will be considered heavy underdogs in the matchup despite their scrappy play that has kept their margin of loss relatively low over the course of the year.
Anti-caking agents are anhydrous substances that are added sparingly to dry foods to avoid particle clumping and promote free-flowing drying. Anticaking chemicals function by soaking up extra moisture and coating particles to make them more water-repellent.New York, Dec. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Global Anti-Caking Agents Market Size, Share & Industry Trends Analysis Report By Type, By Source, By Application, By Regional Outlook and Foreca | 2022-12-20T17:09:32Z | sports.yahoo.com | Justin Fields set to face Bills for the first time in his career in Week 16 | https://sports.yahoo.com/justin-fields-set-face-bills-163710117.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/justin-fields-set-face-bills-163710117.html?src=rss |
Mike White officially out Thursday; Zach Wilson will start again originally appeared on Pro Football Talk
The Masters will invite players from the controversial breakaway LIV Golf circuit to compete in next year’s tournament if they meet the existing entry criteria, it has been confirmed. It means previous Masters champions such as Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, Bubba Watson, Patrick Reed and Charl Schwartzel will therefore be eligible to compete at Augusta National next April. Other leading players such as Cameron Smith, Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka will also be eligible due to their recent performances in major tournaments.
Democrats and Republicans in the U.S. Congress were moving forward with a $1.66 trillion government funding bill, scrambling to pass a measure, which includes record military spending, before temporary funding runs out on Friday. It includes other measures agreed on by negotiators from both parties, including a ban on the use of TikTok on government-owned devices and clarification of Congress's role in certifying elections, an attempt to avoid a repeat of the violence of Jan. 6, 2021. Senate and House of Representatives leaders aim to pass the 4,155-page bill and send it to Democratic President Joe Biden by the end of the week to ensure no interruptions to the government's activities. | 2022-12-20T17:09:51Z | sports.yahoo.com | Mike White officially out Thursday; Zach Wilson will start again | https://sports.yahoo.com/mike-white-officially-thursday-zach-162528379.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/mike-white-officially-thursday-zach-162528379.html?src=rss |
Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur said the need to bring up running back Patrick Taylor from the practice squad led to the team’s decision to release veteran wide receiver Sammy Watkins before Monday night’s matchup with the Los Angeles Rams.
LaFleur didn’t appear particularly happy about the decision but understood the mechanics behind the roster move.
“That’s one of the things that’s not cool about this business,” LaFleur said following the Packers’ 24-12 win. “You have to make some tough decisions. He’s a guy that (everyone in Green Bay) has a lot of respect for and love for Sammy Watkins. Certainly wasn’t fired up about the timing of it, but it was one of those deals where, you know, we had to get Patrick Taylor up as the third back, and he was out of elevations. It was a tough decision.”
In need of Taylor as the third option behind Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon and without a gameday elevation available, the Packers had to find a roster spot to clear, and wide receiver made the most sense given the improving health situation.
Watkins was the odd man out as rookie Romeo Doubs returned from an ankle injury after missing four games. With Doubs back, the Packers had their top four receivers available and dwindling opportunities available for Watkins, who played only 11 snaps over the last two games and hadn’t made a catch since Week 10.
The decision meant Watkins was out in Green Bay after 13 catches in nine games.
“I can’t thank him enough for the type of person he is, the type of energy he brought to this team,” LaFleur said.
Watkins, who was attempting to revive his career in Green Bay in 2022, caught six passes for 111 yards during the first two weeks but suffered a hamstring injury that kept him out four games and set him back significantly.
He wasn’t the same player after returning. Between Weeks 7-13, Watkins caught seven passes on 15 targets for 95 yards.
“I think it started off pretty good for him to start the season, and then he had the injury and it fell off from there,” LaFleur said. “It’s tough. I don’t like it. But it is what it is.”
Overall, Watkins played 279 snaps from scrimmage for the Packers.
Aaron Rodgers said he believes the Packers can play winning football with Doubs, Christian Watson, Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb as the top four receivers. The quartet combined to catch 13 passes for 140 yards from Rodgers during Monday night’s win over the Rams.
The Packers ended up needing Taylor, who was active and rushed four times for 15 yards over nine snaps. He also played five snaps on special teams. Dillon left the game to be evaluated for a concussion, and Jones was dealing with injury throughout the game, leaving Taylor to handle a few carries in the fourth quarter. | 2022-12-20T17:10:18Z | sports.yahoo.com | Packers coach Matt LaFleur explains decision to release WR Sammy Watkins | https://sports.yahoo.com/packers-coach-matt-lafleur-explains-155313514.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/packers-coach-matt-lafleur-explains-155313514.html?src=rss |
The Los Angeles Rams fell to the Green Bay Packers on Monday night, dropping their record to 4-10 on the year. It was another frustrating performance, particularly on offense, gaining just 156 total yards in the 24-12 loss.
Pro Football Focus graded every player who suited up in the game and we sorted through to find the five best and worst performers on each side of the ball – among players who were out there for at least 10 snaps.
Cam Akers played his best game of the season, while Leonard Floyd’s grade was much lower than expected for a two-sack night.
OG Oday Aboushi: 75.5
Akers had by far his best game of the year. He rushed for 65 yards and had a team-high 35 yards receiving on three catches, helping the offense in both phases by averaging 6.7 yards per touch in the loss.
Aboushi allowed two pressures and one sack in the game, but he had the second-best run-blocking grade on the team (75.3), which helped his overall grade.
Nsekhe earned a stellar 85.6 pass-blocking grade and was also the highest-graded run blocker (75.7) on the Rams, so he put together a solid game against a tough defensive front.
Higbee scored his first touchdown of the season and finished with a team-high four receptions that totaled 27 yards. He struggled as a pass blocker, though.
Jefferson only caught two passes in the game, but both were on third-and-long, picking up the first downs. His two catches totaled 32 yards.
OLB Keir Thomas: 71.9
Rapp hasn’t had a great season, but he played well against the Packers in this one, coming up with a key interception in the first half on an overthrow by Aaron Rodgers. He was second on the team with seven tackles and had a coverage grade of 76.0.
Williams recorded two pressures and made five total tackles, also making two stops. He’s stepped up in the absence of Aaron Donald and A’Shawn Robinson.
Thomas only played 16 snaps and didn’t have a single pressure or tackle, so his PFF grade was surprisingly high despite not making much of an impact.
Ramsey was outstanding in this game, allowing zero receptions on two targets and earning a 93.5 run defense grade, which is the best of his career. His forced fumble in the fourth quarter almost helped the Rams get back in the game, too.
Wagner finished with seven tackles and had one pressure on just four pass-rush snaps, though he did allow five catches for 79 yards in coverage.
OG Matt Skura: 55.8
C Coleman Shelton: 43.8
Skura had the second-best pass-blocking grade on the team (81.7) but he was poor as a run blocker, grading out at just 48.0 in that department.
Trammell played limited snaps and wasn’t targeted a single time in the passing game, so he wasn’t involved except to fill in while Ben Skowronek was a bit hobbled.
Atwell caught just one of his four targets for 10 yards, also dropping a pass over the middle late in the game. He did draw a 40-yard pass interference penalty, but this was a down week for the second-year receiver.
Shelton moved from guard to center when Brian Allen went down and had a team-low 45.8 run-blocking grade with a 62.9 mark in pass protection; he didn’t allow a pressure, though.
Mayfield struggled in this one, partly because his offensive line didn’t do much to protect him. He had two turnover-worthy plays, one of which was an interception, and nearly lost a fumble. A few of his passes were underthrown and behind receivers, showing a lack of accuracy.
DE Earnest Brown IV: 46.8
Yeast was the third safety and didn’t play much on defense, but his facemask penalty on special teams was costly and pretty egregious.
Scott allowed receptions on all three of his targets, totaling 42 yards in coverage. He did lead the team with eight total tackles and didn’t miss a single attempt.
Hill was picked on in coverage, allowing seven catches on eight targets for 50 yards. He also missed two tackles so it was an all-around struggle for him.
Gaines played better than his PFF grade suggests, recording two pressures, a sack and three stops. He also missed one tackle.
Brown had zero pressures and one tackle in 11 snaps played.
Durant graded out relatively well in this one despite giving up three catches for 42 yards on just three targets. He also made three tackles.
Havenstein was only pinned with two pressures allowed, but it seemed like he was getting beat consistently on the edge. He was also called for a holding penalty.
Skowronek didn’t have much of an impact in this one after a career-best game in Week 14, catching just one pass for 3 yards.
Floyd had two sacks and four total pressures to lead the team, yet he was still on the lower end of the grading scale for some reason.
The 22-straight home nonconference wins marks a school-record for the Gators. GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Florida women's basketball secured it's 22nd-consecutive home nonconference win on Sunday with a 79-55 defeat of UNC Greensboro, marking the longest home nonconference winning streak in school history. The Gators (11-1, 0-0 SEC), who haven't lost a home nonconference matchup since Nov. 26, 2019, were led by Ra Shaya Kyle who recorded her fourth-career double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. | 2022-12-20T17:10:37Z | sports.yahoo.com | Rams PFF grades: Best and worst performers vs. Packers in Week 15 | https://sports.yahoo.com/rams-pff-grades-best-worst-162624326.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/rams-pff-grades-best-worst-162624326.html?src=rss |
Sean McDermott reacts to clinching playoff berth in Week 15 win, Josh Allen's TD pass in final seconds of 1st half
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott reacts to the team clinching the playoff berth in the Week 15 win, quarterback Josh Allen's touchdown pass in the final seconds of 1st half, and more. | 2022-12-20T17:11:08Z | sports.yahoo.com | Sean McDermott reacts to clinching playoff berth in Week 15 win, Josh Allen's TD pass in final seconds of 1st half | https://sports.yahoo.com/sean-mcdermott-reacts-clinching-playoff-151717173.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/sean-mcdermott-reacts-clinching-playoff-151717173.html?src=rss |
After the Minnesota Vikings had quarterback David Blough signed off of their practice squad, they had both a need at quarterback and had a spot open on their practice squad. They filled it on Tuesday by signing former first-round pick quarterback Josh Rosen to their practice squad.
The 10th overall pick in the 2018 draft, Rosen only played one season with the Arizona Cardinals, but he struggled enough for them to get the first overall pick and they chose to move on by drafting Kyler Murray.
He was traded to the Miami Dolphins for the 64th overall pick during the 2019 NFL draft and has since bounced around the league playing for a total of seven NFL franchises.
In his career, Rosen has played in 24 games. He has a 3-13 record as a starter with 2,864 yards passing, 12 touchdowns and 21 interceptions.
Will this make any kind of impact for the Vikings? I sincerely doubt it, but it’s good to have a backup with any sort of experience.
The Vikings clinched the NFC North and a home playoff game for the first time since 2017, but head coach Kevin O'Connell said Monday they're "still on the hunt" for improvement and to maintain the No. 2 seed with three regular-season games left. "But that does not mean snap counts don't need to be monitored," O'Connell said. "We'll take a look at each individual situation to make sure the ... | 2022-12-20T17:11:34Z | sports.yahoo.com | Vikings sign QB Josh Rosen to the practice squad | https://sports.yahoo.com/vikings-sign-qb-josh-rosen-151146179.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/vikings-sign-qb-josh-rosen-151146179.html?src=rss |
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