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It's time for Patriots team owner Robert Kraft to deploy Bill Belichick's own mantra for the good of the franchise. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
In short: tell Belichick that Patricia must be stripped of offensive play-calling duties and the head coach must find a tested offensive coordinator to take control of the scheme and guide Mac Jones. Because what's happening this season is going from unacceptable to malpractice.
New England's offensive trajectory looks similar to what the New York Giants did to Daniel Jones — taking a promising start and systematically destroying his ability to properly develop as a quarterback. It's a blunder that irreparably damaged Daniel Jones’ chance at being the team’s answer at quarterback and helped put the franchise into a multi-year spiral that is only now slowing down under head coach Brian Daboll. Now Patriots fans are staring at Mac Jones the same way Giants fans did at Daniel Jones in his second and third seasons, wondering if the early success was nothing more than a mirage.
No, that’s not blaming Patricia entirely for the Raiders loss. But when you review the game, he certainly made plenty of questionable decisions that were ultimately forgotten by the ending. And the fact remains: If you didn’t have the confidence to have Jone throw a Hail Mary to end regulation and presumed that a running play would end in a simple tackle, why not just take the knee and eliminate any possibility of some mental mistake? That’s the job of a seasoned play-caller, to enhance the probability of success while simultaneously removing as much opportunity for errors as possible.
That kind of bottom line, where the Patriots are sitting at home again during the postseason, has to be on Kraft’s mind. Nobody should forget that last March at the NFL’s largest annual owners meetings, Kraft made an unprompted point to apply pressure to Belichick moving forward. He was irked that New England had so quickly fallen off the league’s map as a contender after Brady's departure. And he was pissed that the Patriots hadn’t won a playoff game since Super Bowl LIII, following the 2018 season. | 2022-12-21T18:39:52Z | sports.yahoo.com | It’s time for Patriots team owner Robert Kraft to treat Bill Belichick the way Belichick treats his players | https://sports.yahoo.com/its-time-for-patriots-team-owner-robert-kraft-to-treat-bill-belichick-the-way-belichick-treats-his-players-173925841.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/its-time-for-patriots-team-owner-robert-kraft-to-treat-bill-belichick-the-way-belichick-treats-his-players-173925841.html?src=rss |
NEW YORK, NY - JULY 10: Mr. Met performs during the second game of a double header between the Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Mets at Citi Field on July 10, 2021 in New York City. The Mets defeated the Pirates 4-2. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
You can criticize New York Mets owner Steve Cohen's approach. You can bemoan his seemingly unlimited budget and post your thread on Twitter about how this is "bad for the game." But you can't deny one thing: Cohen desperately wants to win.
After signaling he didn't care about the luxury tax in March, Cohen backed up that assertion this offseason. With the signing of Carlos Correa on Wednesday, the Mets' offseason spending splurge jumped to an unfathomable $806.1 million.
As a result, the Mets are projected to pay roughly $111 million in luxury tax fees in 2023, per ESPN's Jeff Passan. That figure is higher than what 10 MLB teams will pay for their entire 26-man rosters next season.
The Arizona Diamondbacks, Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Guardians, Kansas City Royals, Miami Marlins, Oakland Athletics, Pittsburgh Pirates, Tampa Bay Rays and Washington Nationals are set to open the season with payrolls under $111 million, per Cot's Baseball Contracts, arguably the best MLB payroll-related site on the Internet. Those figures might change slightly over the next couple weeks, but Cot's is extremely reliable when it comes to team and player salaries.
Cohen doesn't care. The luxury tax for the 2023 MLB season was set at $233 million. The Mets' payroll is expected to be roughly $384 million next season.
The Mets didn't have to go in this hard. The team had holes, sure, but also won 101 games last season. Two-time Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom left in December, but was quickly replaced by three-time Cy Young winner Justin Verlander.
Most MLB owners would have been content there. Cohen was not. Since signing Verlander, Cohen also inked Adam Ottavino, Brandon Nimmo, David Robertson, Jose Quintana, Kodai Senga and Omar Narvaez. Add in the $102 million deal for Edwin Díaz in November and the $315 million handed to Correa on Wednesday and you that's how you spend $806.1 million in a single offseason.
FILE - New York Mets owner Steve Cohen attends a news conference at a COVID-19 vaccination site at Citi Field, the home of the Mets, Feb. 10, 2021, in the Queens borough of New York. Cohen heard that baseball's new luxury tax level was named after him. “It’s better than a bridge being named after you,” the he said Sunday, March 13, 2022, as spring training camp opened after a 25-day delay caused by Major League Baseball's lockout. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)
If you want the short answer, ask a Mets fan how they feel Wednesday morning. Mets fans are, deservedly, ecstatic about the team's offseason. The Mets haven't won the World Series in over 30 years, and while other fanbases have much longer droughts, the Mets have developed a reputation for consistently embarrassing themselves in recent years. There's a reason the term "Metsing it up" is a thing. The Mets have stepped on enough rakes over the past decade or so that fans expect catastrophic failure from the franchise at least once every couple months.
At the same time, the disparity between the Mets' $384 million payroll and the Athletics' $49.5 million payroll is staggering. How can teams like the A's or Pirates compete when one owner is willing to go so far and beyond to win a championship?
Barring a true salary cap, there will always be payroll disparities among MLB teams. But it doesn't have to be this drastic. The Athletics are owned by John Fisher, who is worth $2.2 billion. His team is value at $1.18 billion by Forbes. He could run out a team with a payroll much higher than $49.5 million, but every move he's made over the past four to five offseasons was seemingly done to make Oakland and the team's fans hate him so much that they let the team relocate. Pirates owner Bob Nutting — who has a net worth of $1.1 billion — has no excuse for running out a payroll of $58.2 million in 2023. The Pirates are valued at $1.32 billion, per Forbes. Spending $20 million a year on one player isn't going to suddenly bankrupt the franchise.
If the owners of those teams truly feel they can't compete against those willing to spend, they should consider selling their teams at a massive profit. It's nearly impossible for a baseball team to depreciate in value. Nutting bought the Pirates for $92 million in 2007. Forbes believes he could get over $1 billion for them now. The lowly Miami Marlins sold for $1.2 billion five years ago.
Ultimately, the MLB owners brought this on themselves. Cohen was clear about his intentions from Day 1. He made it clear cost wouldn't be a prohibitive factor. He wanted to win. Despite that, the owners approved the Mets' sale to Cohen.
When MLB teams engage in blatant service-time manipulation, there's a common refrain among some fans that goes like this: "I don't like the rule, but the players did agree to it so this is what they get."
Shouldn't that same logic be applied to the owners now? They allowed Cohen into their exclusive group and he responded by immediately making 80 percent of them look cheap. Cohen has not violated any rules in his pursuit of building a baseball juggernaut. He simple wants to win more than anyone else.
In a sport where winning has taken a backseat to payroll flexibility for so many teams, Cohen's approach is refreshing. | 2022-12-21T18:39:58Z | sports.yahoo.com | Mets will pay roughly $111M in luxury tax penalties after offseason splurge, more than 10 MLB team payrolls | https://sports.yahoo.com/mets-will-pay-roughly-111-m-in-luxury-tax-penalties-after-offseason-splurge-more-than-10-mlb-team-payrolls-181356911.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/mets-will-pay-roughly-111-m-in-luxury-tax-penalties-after-offseason-splurge-more-than-10-mlb-team-payrolls-181356911.html?src=rss |
Alabama was able to bring in a true athlete on Wednesday as 2023 four-star Brayson Hubbard signed his National Letter of Intent to the Tide. Hubbard had been committed to the Tide since June.
Hubbard is ranked as the No. 334 overall recruit in the country, according to 247Sports’ Composite Rankings. He is listed as 6-foot-2, 190 pounds.
The Mississippi native played quarterback at Ocean Springs High School during his senior season. However, he signed with the Tide to play safety. After showcasing his skills at the safety position during a summer camp, Hubbard received an offer from the Tide and committed soon after.
He is one of three safety commitments in Alabama’s class. He will join fellow signees, Caleb Downs and Tony Mitchell in the Tide’s secondary.
The Process Begins Here. @BraysonHubbard #RollTide pic.twitter.com/UeWjL1GVKN | 2022-12-21T19:05:51Z | sports.yahoo.com | 2023 4-star ATH Brayson Hubbard officially signs with Alabama | https://sports.yahoo.com/2023-4-star-ath-brayson-183027097.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/2023-4-star-ath-brayson-183027097.html?src=rss |
In today’s era of college football, a lot of high school athletes and transfer portal players often make their commitment decision based on which team is offering the most NIL money, rather than which team they want to play with the most, or have the best relationship with.
That wasn’t exactly the case for 5-star safety Peyton Bowen, who announced his commitment to the Oregon Ducks on Wednesday, flipping from the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Bowen has been committed to Notre Dame since January 1, 2022. He stayed committed throughout the year, but other schools continued to pursue him, Oregon being one of them. The Ducks made a strong case to flip him, as did the Oklahoma Sooners, and the Fighting Irish worked hard to keep him in South Bend.
In the end, it came down to a gut decision from Bowen. When going to make his official announcement on Wednesday morning, Bowen stood up and said that he would be committing to…. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
He put a Notre Dame hat on his head. Then he took the hat off.
“That doesn’t feel right.”
Bowen then put on an Oregon Ducks hat and threw up the Oregon ‘O,’ saying that he would commit to the Ducks.
We’ve seen this move a lot in the past from high school recruits trying to make a show of their commitment. This doesn’t feel like it was a move done for flash for drama, though. According to Bowen himself, it truly was a last-second decision that landed him at Oregon.
In the end, Bowen chose the Ducks, and you could feel the exuberance throughout Eugene at the news. Of course, things got even better a few minutes later when it was announced that 5-star edge rusher Matayo Uiagalelei would be joining him as well.
It was a great morning in Eugene, and the Ducks are getting some incredibly talented players to come play for Oregon. | 2022-12-21T19:06:44Z | sports.yahoo.com | 5-star Peyton Bowen says last-second decision led to commitment to Oregon | https://sports.yahoo.com/5-star-peyton-bowen-says-180542032.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/5-star-peyton-bowen-says-180542032.html?src=rss |
Sanders posted a 27-6 record and created plenty of headlines during his three years at Jackson State, a historically Black university in Mississippi. Now, ''Coach Prime'' will take over a Colorado program coming off a dismal 1-11 season. He said part of the reason he accepted the job at a school where wins have been scarce was to open doors for more Black coaches.
''It's about an opportunity,'' Sanders said.
''That, to me, is kind of working backward,'' he said. ''The only reason you're doing it is to gain a reward, whereas it should be in the fabric of the hiring process. We want to make it an even playing field, where these schools are hiring the right guys for the right reasons.''
''No, there's definitely not enough progress,'' Croom told the AP. ''It's almost 20 years now, and the fact that we still have to have these conversations is disappointing and it's frustrating.''
2023 four-star athlete Brayson Hubbard signed his National Letter of Intent to Alabama on Wednesday. He had been committed to Alabama since June. | 2022-12-21T19:06:58Z | sports.yahoo.com | Black head coaches in FBS drop slightly heading into 2023 | https://sports.yahoo.com/black-head-coaches-fbs-drop-174705291.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/black-head-coaches-fbs-drop-174705291.html?src=rss |
Liberty defensive tackle Dre Butler (5) celebrates with his team after defeating Arkansas in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Also transferring to the Spartans is former South Florida running back Jaren Mangham, joining his brother and his old coach at MSU.
Mangham, the former Detroit Cass Tech standout, announced Wednesday afternoon he was transferring to Michigan State, his third college. Tucker signed Mangham in the class of 2019 at Colorado — Mangham previously had committed for Colorado coach Mike MacIntyre — where he played in all 12 games as a freshman. After the 2020 season, Mangham transferred to South Florida, where he was an All-AAC honorable mention in 2021 after rushing for 15 touchdowns. He played in four games this season, rushing for 104 yards on 24 carries and three touchdowns.
Mangham's brother, Jaden, just completed his true freshman season as a defensive back at MSU.
South Florida running back Jaren Mangham scores a touchdown against Florida during the second half Sept. 11, 2021, in Tampa, Fla.
Also Wednesday, MSU picked up former Texas A&M defensive lineman Tunmise Adeleye, a former four-star recruit in the class of 2021. The 6-4, 290-pounder from Katy, Texas, redshirted in 2021 and played in just three games this season. He was the No. 39 player in the country in 2021, the ninth-best defensive lineman and the No. 8 player out of Texas.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan State adds Keyshawn Blackstock, Jaren Mangham, Dre Butler
Keep track of Memphis football's newest signees for the 2023 class as they sign their letters of intent | 2022-12-21T19:08:12Z | sports.yahoo.com | Michigan State football gets top 10 Juco player, local RB among 4 transfer portal pickups | https://sports.yahoo.com/michigan-state-football-gets-top-171241752.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/michigan-state-football-gets-top-171241752.html?src=rss |
The final commit in Michigan State’s 2023 class has signed his national letter of intent withe the Spartans.
Three-star cornerback Chance Rucker officially signed his letter of intent with the Spartans on Wednesday to complete a perfect day for Michigan State. All of the Spartans’ commits entering the day signed with Michigan State to avoid any flip drama.
Rucker ranks as the No. 42 cornerback in 247Sports’ composite rankings for the 2023 class. He’s also listed as the No. 71 player from Texas and No. 438 overall prospect in the class.
Rucker held offers from more than 20 schools, according to 247Sports. Other programs that offered Rucker includes Arkansas, Baylor, Florida, Florida State, Kentucky, Miami (FL), Nebraska, Ole Miss, TCU, Texas and Texas A&M.
2023 four-star quarterback Eli Holstein signed his National Letter of Intent to Alabama on Wednesday. He is one of two quarterbacks that is enrolling early for the Tide. | 2022-12-21T19:09:42Z | sports.yahoo.com | Texas 3-star CB Chance Rucker signs NLI with Spartans | https://sports.yahoo.com/texas-3-star-cb-chance-183248638.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/texas-3-star-cb-chance-183248638.html?src=rss |
New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick was in rare form at Wednesday’s media conference.
After every game, regardless of wins or losses, Belichick always makes it a point to shift focus to the next team on the schedule. He’ll answer post-game questions, but after that, he’s ready to flip the page.
That’s where the coined phrase, “It’s on to Cincinnati” originated from.
How fitting it is that the Patriots are facing the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday, and people are still asking Belichick about the lateral passing blunder that cost the team in last week’s loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.
When asked what he’s seen from his players since the loss, Belichick dodged the question with a pretty hilarious response.
“They came in, ate breakfast (today). Saw them eat breakfast,” the Patriots coach said.
He was then asked if the spread was good, and he continued to play along with the question.
“Damn right,” Belichick said.
What has Belichick seen from the players since the Las Vegas loss?
Belichick: “They came in, ate breakfast (today). Saw them eat breakfast.
Good spread?
Some might not find Belichick’s responses funny considering the Patriots might have blown their shot at making it to the playoffs with the loss. It has been a rough season filled with bad football and questionable coaching decisions.
New England looks undisciplined, unfocused and just plain unreliable this season. The Patriot Way means a lot of different things to different people, but what we’ve seen from the team this year certainly isn’t it. | 2022-12-21T19:18:20Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bill Belichick’s trolling response when asked about loss to Raiders | https://sports.yahoo.com/bill-belichick-trolling-response-asked-181622457.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bill-belichick-trolling-response-asked-181622457.html?src=rss |
Although 11 of his 12 years in the NFL were with the Steelers, Harris’ final season in 1984 was spent as a member of the Seattle Seahawks.
Harris won four Super Bowls during the 70’s, and even took home MVP honors in Super Bowl IX. But what he will be remembered for is his role in the legendary Immaculate Reception.
The Immaculate Reception is easily the most iconic – and controversial – play in NFL history. Trailing the Oakland Raiders by a score of 7-6 with only 0:22 seconds left to play, the Steelers were facing 4th-and-10 at their own 40 yard line. Quarterback Terry Bradshaw, scrambling to avoid the sack, heaved the ball to Oakland’s 35 yard line, targeting Steelers running back John “Frenchy” Fuqua. What happened next is where history was made.
Fuqua was met immediately by Raiders safety Jack Tatum just as the ball got there. As the two players collided, the ball was bounced back and landed in the waiting arms of Franco Harris who happened to be in the right place at the right time. Harris then ran the ball for a touchdown to give the Steelers a 13-7 win.
What makes it so controversial is the question of who the ball actually touched first. In 1972, the rules at the time made it illegal for two offensive players to touch the football in succession. If the ball bounced off Raiders safety Jack Tatum, the play would have been fine. But if it hit Fuqua, the play should have been blown dead and ruled an incomplete pass. The film has been studied to an almost Zapruder-esque level, but 50 years later, it’s still just as unclear as ever.
Whatever the truth may be, the only thing that matters is it’s place in NFL history. The mystery and speculation surrounding the Immaculate Reception is part of what makes it so legendary.
The timing of death never great, but what will make hearts in the Steel City heavier is the fact the Steelers are going to be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Immaculate Reception. While Harris will unfortunately be unable to be apart of the festivities, he will be there in spirit. Fans across the country know Harris will live on in memory as long as football is played.
The story of the NFL cannot be told without the Immaculate Reception… or Franco Harris. | 2022-12-21T19:18:45Z | sports.yahoo.com | Franco Harris: Hall of Fame running back passes away at 72 | https://sports.yahoo.com/franco-harris-hall-fame-running-185540346.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/franco-harris-hall-fame-running-185540346.html?src=rss |
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) Duane Brown saw no need to downplay what's ahead for the New York Jets.
''We've got to win this week,'' said Brown, New York's left tackle. ''That's the bottom line, that's all we can think about. We can't think about playoffs, next week, other scenarios outside our team, who loses, who wins, who can help us. We have to think about Jacksonville on Thursday night and winning this ballgame.
''This is a must win in our eyes. That's how we look at it.''
''We've got to be able to get our minds right for the game on Thursday or what just happened is going to eat us alive the whole week,'' rookie cornerback Sauce Gardner said. ''It's pretty hard, but we've got to be mature adults and we've just got to focus on Jacksonville.''
''Anything is possible, I understand that and what we've done the last couple weeks in these two games,'' Jaguars coach Doug Pederson said. ''We've still got a big road ahead, two division games ahead.
''If we continue to improve on what we've done here in the last month of the season, I think it's possible.''
''I think in my first year and a half, I just realized how much of a business this really is,'' Wilson said. ''I played football my entire life for the fun of it and how fun it is and sometimes it's mo' money, mo' problems, right? And for me it's how can I just bring that fun back? How can I just enjoy being here?''
''He's got a job to do, and we expect him to do it at a high level,'' offensive coordinator Press Taylor said.
The Jaguars are preparing as best they can and don't want a repeat of their previous rain-soaked game. Lawrence turned the ball over five times - four fumbles and an interception - in strong winds and steady rain at Philadelphia in early October.
''You've got to take care of the ball a little better,'' Lawrence said. ''You know what to expect as far as it's probably going to rain, it's going to be cold. I think you just approach it like any other week. Obviously, ball security is really important, especially in those conditions.
''Just be smart and work on it this week with some wet ball drill stuff with the wideouts. That's all we can do.'' | 2022-12-21T19:18:58Z | sports.yahoo.com | Jets, Jaguars square off looking to keep playoff hopes alive | https://sports.yahoo.com/jets-jaguars-square-off-looking-183142765.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/jets-jaguars-square-off-looking-183142765.html?src=rss |
Former Vol quarterback Josh Dobbs signed with the Titans on Wednesday.
He was signed to Tennessee’s 53-man roster in the National Football League. The Titans issued a press release Wednesday.
Tennessee Titans’ press release:
The Titans have signed quarterback Josh Dobbs to the team’s 53-man roster.
Also, the Titans on Wednesday placed offensive lineman Dillon Radunz on Injured Reserve. Radunz suffered a knee injury in Sunday’s game against the Chargers.
The Titans have also signed offensive lineman Zack Johnson to the team’s practice squad. Johnson, who played at North Dakota State, has spent time with the Broncos and Ravens.
Dobbs returns to the state where he played in college, at the University of Tennessee, from 2013-2016. He was signed off the practice squad of the Detroit Lions. Dobbs just signed with Detroit’s practice squad on December 5th, following Tim Boyle’s departure to Chicago’s active roster. Dobbs was elevated to the team’s roster for the Week 15 matchup against the Jets, but he did not play.
Titans starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill reaggravated an ankle injury in Sunday’s loss against the Chargers.
Earlier this week, Titans coach Mike Vrabel talked about the improvement of back-up Malik Willis this season.
Willis, who has started two games this season in place of Tannehill, would be in line to start Saturday’s game against the Houston Texans at Nissan Stadium if Tannehill is ruled out.
Dobbs could serve as the backup option behind Willis. Dobbs last attempted a regular season pass in 2020, as he’s spent most of his time on practice squads the last few years.
The Titans also have quarterback Kevin Hogan on the team’s practice squad, after he was signed last week to replace Logan Woodside, who was signed to Atlanta’s active roster.
Dobbs started the season with the Cleveland Browns, but was waived last month when Deshaun Watson returned from his suspension. He then signed with Detroit’s practice squad.
Previously, Dobbs spent time with the Steelers and Jaguars. He’s appeared in six career games, completing 10-of-17 passes for 45 yards, since being drafted in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
Kickoff for Saturday’s Titans vs Texans game at Nissan Stadium is set for noon.
After pumping NFTs, dog-walking startups, and groceries to your door in 10 minutes, startup investors should show more discipline in 2023. | 2022-12-21T19:18:59Z | sports.yahoo.com | Josh Dobbs signs with Tennessee | https://sports.yahoo.com/josh-dobbs-signs-tennessee-175503289.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/josh-dobbs-signs-tennessee-175503289.html?src=rss |
Prolific though he may be, Chicago’s fans are more concerned with the team’s ability to turn his raw production into marks in the win column. At 3-11, the Bears boast the NFL’s second-worst record and are in need of a big win against a top-tier opponent to get Chicago’s denizens back behind the team heading into the 2023 season.
Fields has done his best, and nobody has ever doubted that he is making the most of the opportunity presented to him, but without wins to show for his efforts, thousand-yard seasons and potential only go so far. The Bears’ goal when they traded up to draft him was to secure themselves a franchise quarterback with which to compete for a Super Bowl championship and, to this point, it just hasn’t been in the cards for him to be able to meet that loftiest of expectations.
As he continues to develop, the game-breaking plays that Fields makes with his feet will need to give way to more traditional traits that championship-caliber teams get from their quarterbacks; the ability to find receivers downfield with consistency, limit turnovers, keep defenses guessing, etc.
For now, in a failed season where Chicago is likely in for a rebuild in the new year, Fields’ counting stats will have to suffice for a silver lining that fans can point to as an area of improvement this season. But soon, the most basic of stats, wins and losses, will come to define his legacy more than what he has accomplished with his legs in 2022.
Give your winter wardrobe a refresh with these early Boxing Day savings at Gap. | 2022-12-21T19:19:00Z | sports.yahoo.com | Justin Fields enters Week 16 with seventh-most rushing yards in the NFL | https://sports.yahoo.com/justin-fields-enters-week-16-182614131.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/justin-fields-enters-week-16-182614131.html?src=rss |
Will Mac Jones start at QB rest of season? Here is Belichick's response originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The New England Patriots' 2022 season isn't over yet, despite a gut-wrenching loss in Week 15 to the Las Vegas Raiders that will be shown on NFL highlight reels for a long, long time.
The Patriots still control their own destiny in the AFC playoff race. There's plenty more to play for, but will Mac Jones be leading that charge as the starting quarterback for the rest of the regular season?
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was asked Wednesday if he plans to stick with Jones as the starter, and his response was pretty vague.
“Yeah the plan is to try and beat Cincinnati,” Belichick said.
That's not exactly a ringing endorsement, is it?
Jones played one of his worst games as a Patriot against the Raiders. He completed just 13 of 31 pass attempts for 112 yards with zero touchdowns. He wasn't sacked once and still failed to be accurate. New England's only offensive touchdown was a 38-yard run by Rhamondre Stevenson late in the fourth quarter.
Jones hasn't been given the best situation this season, to be fair. Matt Patricia's play-calling has been less than stellar, and that's putting it kindly. The offensive line has had protection issues and plenty of injuries. Veteran tight ends Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry haven't made much of an impact, either.
But there's no question Jones has been a disappointment through 15 games. He has thrown just seven touchdowns with eight interceptions in 11 games.
If Jones struggles in Saturday's Week 16 game versus the Cincinnati Bengals, should Belichick go back to rookie Bailey Zappe? The 2022 fourth-round pick is 2-0 as a starter this season, and in four total appearances he's tallied a 70.7 completion percentage, 781 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions.
Sticking with Jones makes the most sense for the remainder of this season. But a poor finish over the next three games should call into question whether he's the right quarterback to lead the franchise entering 2023.
On the first day of college football's early signing period, Ohio State landed defensive line recruit Joshua Mickens. | 2022-12-21T19:19:18Z | sports.yahoo.com | Will Mac Jones start at QB rest of season? Here is Bill Belichick's response | https://sports.yahoo.com/mac-jones-start-qb-rest-183811196.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/mac-jones-start-qb-rest-183811196.html?src=rss |
First-year head coach Matt Eberflus hasn’t had the most exciting start to his career with the Chicago Bears in 2022, but a Week 16 win against the Buffalo Bills would certainly be an impressive feather to add to his cap. His team is 3-11 to this point in the season, and matchup up against an 11-3 juggernaut that controls its own destiny to the AFC’s top seed, he will need nothing short of a miracle to secure Chicago its fourth win of the season on Sunday.
But Eberflus has historically found success against Buffalo and should look to build on his outstanding resume against the Bills in this game. He has a career record of 4-3 against the team as an assistant. One of his losses was in the playoffs as a member of the Indianapolis Colts coaching staff in 2022, which pushes his regular season head-to-head record to 4-2.
Granted, these numbers weren’t entirely a product of Eberflus’ stellar coaching abilities, but they do give an indication that he has been a part of staffs that put together solid game plans against the Bills. Buffalo has been to the playoffs every year since 2019 and went to the AFC championship game in 2020 when they beat the Eberflus and the Colts in an elimination game.
Try as he might, the outlook for Eberflus’ chances of success at advancing his regular season record against the Bills to 5-2 are slim, and he will likely be lucky to get his team in a position to keep the game competitive past the first quarter. Buffalo’s offense is among the league’s most explosive, and with a rock-solid bend-don’t-break defense on the other side of the ball, it is no wonder that the Bills are among the league’s favorites to compete for a Super Bowl title this season.
Eberflus should be determined successful for his efforts if the final score of this game ends with a margin of loss within 10 points. | 2022-12-21T19:19:25Z | sports.yahoo.com | Matt Eberflus looking to build on successful career history vs. Bills in Week 16 | https://sports.yahoo.com/matt-eberflus-looking-build-successful-175720510.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/matt-eberflus-looking-build-successful-175720510.html?src=rss |
Notably, Dan Campbell was far and away the most popular bet at BetMGM to win NFL Coach of the Year. He became the betting favorite to win the award after over 27% of the betting handle was backing Campbell to win the award in early September. No other coach had over 7% of the action.
After the Lions started the season with a 1-6 record, it felt like most of those betting tickets could be ripped up and put in the trash. However, Detroit has rallied to win six of their last seven games and now has a very realistic chance to make the playoffs in the NFC. They've cashed the over on their season win total. Despite being 250-to-1 to win NFL Coach of the Year a month ago, Campbell is now just +175 to win the award. Those are the second best odds in the league behind Nick Sirianni of Philadelphia.
Campbell's odds have moved like crazy
It's been a wild ride for the Detroit Lions this season, and that's been perfectly reflected in Dan Campbell's odds to win Coach of the Year.
The season started with hope and that's why he was such a popular bet to win the award and ended up becoming the betting favorite in the preseason. Quickly, that hope disappeared and that's why Campbell became the longest of long shots to win Coach of the Year. At 250-to-1, he had the same odds as coaches like Mike Tomlin, Todd Bowles and Kliff Kingsbury.
Detroit has now gone on to win six of their last seven games. Their only loss during that time period was a loss to the Buffalo Bills. The Lions were 9.5-point underdogs on Thanksgiving but lost on a last-second field-goal. For bettors, the Lions have covered the spread in seven straight games.
As things stand, the Lions are 7-7 and currently sit half a game out of the final playoff spot in the NFC. Detroit has an extremely manageable schedule down the stretch. All three games are against teams with losing records in the Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers. At BetMGM, the Lions are +115 to make the playoffs. Those odds are just a little worse than a coin flip. It's been quite the turnaround.
As a result, Campbell's odds have come crashing down to +175 to win NFL Coach of the Year. If the Lions make the playoffs, he has a very good chance to win the award. At 250-to-1, it was implied he had a 0.04% chance to win the award. At his current odds, oddsmakers are giving him over a 36% chance.
The coach of the year award in any sport is impossible to predict or even analyze fully. For the most part, the award goes to the coach of a team that surpassed expectations. However, there's a lot of arguments about what factors should be considered. Take a look at the current top two favorites at BetMGM.
Which of these two coaching performances is more deserving of the award? Answers will vary based on who you ask. Immediately you have to acknowledge that Campbell was the coach of the version of the Lions that started this season with a 1-6 record. He made a lot of questionable decisions in those games that led to the putrid start. If Detroit makes the playoffs, they will become the first ever team to start a season 1-6 and qualify for the postseason. Is it fair to reward a coach who is cleaning up his own mess? Meanwhile Sirianni and the Eagles have been consistently excellent all season long.
With there still being three weeks remaining in the season, there's still quite a bit to figure out. First off, in order for Campbell to have a chance at this award, the Lions likely do in fact have to finish the job and make the playoffs, which they are still underdogs to do at BetMGM. Additionally, with Jalen Hurts now injured for the Eagles, will voters ding Sirianni if he loses a game or two down the stretch with Gardner Minshew under center?
There's no crystal ball here, so it's impossible to say with certainty. However, Campbell is building a very solid argument to win the award. That's crazy to say when you consider his odds to win the award were 250-to-1 at Thanksgiving.
Campbell and Sirianni are far and away the top two favorites to win the award according to the betting odds, but as we've seen with Campbell, these odds can change quickly.
Kyle Shanahan deserves plenty of praise for his work this season. The 49ers lost their starting quarterback in Week 2 and their backup quarterback in Week 13. They are humming along and winning games comfortably with their third string quarterback who was the very last pick of this past year's draft in Brock Purdy. Shanahan has dealt with key injuries on defense and now will be without Deebo Samuel for a few weeks. Shanahan has the third best odds to win coach of the year at 14-to-1.
Brian Daboll has the New York Giants in a solid position to make the playoffs after last weekend's key win on the road in Washington against the Commanders. One look at the talent level on the roster will highlight that this has been an incredible coaching job by Daboll. He's 18-to-1 to win the award.
Despite a lot of people calling the Minnesota Vikings frauds, there's no denying they are 11-3 in their first year under Kevin O'Connell. The Vikings' coach is 25-to-1 to win the award.
The Lions expect to be down a defensive starter against the Panthers on Saturday. Safety DeShon Elliott dislocated his shoulder in last Sunday’s win over the Jets and he did not take part in practice on Tuesday. Head coach Dan Campbell said that he does not think that Elliott will be well enough to play [more]
LONDON (AP) Late goals from substitutes Raul Jimenez and Rayan Ait-Nouri ensured a winning start for new Wolverhampton manager Julen Lopetegui in the team's 2-0 victory over fourth-division Gillingham in the English League Cup on Tuesday. Newcastle, Leicester and Southampton also reached the quarterfinals with victories as top-level soccer resumed in England after the World Cup in Qatar. In the night's only all-Premier League matchup, Newcastle beat Bournemouth 1-0 with Kieran Trippier playing a key role at St James' Park. | 2022-12-21T19:19:44Z | sports.yahoo.com | NFL betting, odds: Dan Campbell now has second best odds to win Coach of the Year | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-betting-odds-dan-campbell-now-has-second-best-odds-to-win-coach-of-the-year-184651785.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-betting-odds-dan-campbell-now-has-second-best-odds-to-win-coach-of-the-year-184651785.html?src=rss |
The Arizona Cardinals face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this coming Sunday night at home. It will give Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady the opportunity to do something he has not done in nearly two decades — beat the Cardinals.
As great a career as Brady has had, he only has one career win against the Cardinals and it came in 2004.
Brady has only started twice against the Cardinals ever.
In 2004 as a member of the New England Patriots, he threw two touchdown passes and two interceptions a 23-12 win.
The Cardinals didn’t play the Patriots again until 2008. Brady was out that season with a knee injury. The Pats won that game 47-7 with Matt Cassel at quarterback.
In 2012, the next time they played, Brady started but the Cardinals came away with a 20-18 win when Stephen Gostkowski missed a game-winning field goal.
Brady missed the 2016 season opener between the Cardinals and Patriots when he was suspended four games for the “Deflategate” scandal. Jimmy Garoppolo started that game and the Pats came away with a 23-21 upset win in Arizona when Cardinals kicker Chandler Catanzaro missed a 47-yard field goal at the end of regulation that would have won the game.
The Cardinals and Pats played again in 2020 but Brady was already with the Buccaneers.
The Cardinals and Bucs have not played since 2019, before Brady’s arrival.
His one win against the Cardinals is tied for the fewest he has against any team. The other team he has beaten only once is the Patriots, whom he has faced only once in his career.
TDG Gold Corp (TSXV:TDG) (the "Company" or "TDG")is pleased to present the Exploration Target Range ("ETR") for the Mets mining lease in the Toodoggone District of north-central British Columbia. Mets is located approximately 23 kilometres ("km") northwest of TDG's former producing Baker mine and mill which is road accessible via TDG's Baker mine road and the newly constructed bridge over the Toodoggone River (Figure 1). | 2022-12-21T19:20:18Z | sports.yahoo.com | Tom Brady hasn’t beaten Cardinals since 2004 | https://sports.yahoo.com/tom-brady-hasn-t-beaten-182135477.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/tom-brady-hasn-t-beaten-182135477.html?src=rss |
Dansby Swanson, the Chicago Cubs' newest shortstop, who recently signed a seven-year, $177 million deal, revealed Wednesday in his introductory news conference why he decided to join the Cubs after seven years with the Atlanta Braves.
It all comes back to his grandfather, who passed away the day after Swanson and his wife, Chicago Red Stars forward Mallory Pugh, were married earlier this year. Swanson, who grew up in Kennesaw, Georgia, outside of Atlanta, lived on the same street as his grandfather and often saw Cubs games played on WGN in the background when he went over to visit after school.
The hope for the Cubs is that the 28-year-old Swanson can build on a career year in 2022. Swanson hit .277/.329/.447 with 25 home runs in 696 plate appearances and stole a career-high 18 bases this past season. He was selected for his first All-Star game and won his first Gold Glove award.
Dansby Swanson shared his reasons for wanting to join the Cubs on Wednesday. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | 2022-12-21T20:11:17Z | sports.yahoo.com | Dansby Swanson explains why he signed with Cubs with emotional story about his grandfather | https://sports.yahoo.com/dansby-swanson-explains-why-he-signed-with-cubs-with-emotional-story-about-his-grandfather-192334278.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/dansby-swanson-explains-why-he-signed-with-cubs-with-emotional-story-about-his-grandfather-192334278.html?src=rss |
You can criticize New York Mets owner Steve Cohen's approach. You can bemoan his seemingly unlimited budget and post a thread on Twitter about how this is "bad for the game." But you can't deny one thing: Cohen desperately wants to win.
After signaling in March that he didn't care about the luxury tax, Cohen has backed up that assertion this offseason. With the reported signing of Carlos Correa on Wednesday, the Mets' offseason spending splurge jumped to an unfathomable $806.1 million.
As a result, the Mets are projected to pay roughly $111 million in luxury tax fees in 2023, per ESPN's Jeff Passan. That figure is higher than what 10 MLB teams will pay their entire 26-man rosters next season.
The Arizona Diamondbacks, Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Guardians, Kansas City Royals, Miami Marlins, Oakland Athletics, Pittsburgh Pirates, Tampa Bay Rays and Washington Nationals are set to open the season with payrolls under $111 million, per Cot's Baseball Contracts. Granted, those figures might change over the next few weeks, but as it stands, the Mets will pay more in luxury tax fees than those teams will pay players.
Teams have been cautious about exceeding the luxury tax in recent seasons. Even the previously big-spending New York Yankees cut payroll to avoid paying the luxury tax. But Cohen doesn't care. The luxury tax for the 2023 MLB season was set at $233 million, and the Mets' payroll is now expected to be roughly $384 million next season.
The Mets didn't have to go in this hard. The team had holes, sure, but it also won 101 games last season. Two-time Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom left in December but was quickly replaced by three-time Cy Young winner Justin Verlander.
Most MLB owners would've been content there. But Cohen was not. Since signing Verlander, Cohen also inked Adam Ottavino, Brandon Nimmo, David Robertson, Jose Quintana, Kodai Senga and Omar Narvaez. Add the $102 million deal for Edwin Díaz in November and the $315 million handed to Correa on Wednesday, and that's how you spend $806.1 million in a single offseason.
If you want the short answer, ask a Mets fan how they feel right now. Mets fans are, deservedly, ecstatic about the team's offseason. The Mets haven't won the World Series in more than 30 years, and while other fan bases have much longer droughts, this team has developed a reputation for consistently embarrassing itself. The Mets have stepped on enough rakes over the past decade or so that fans expect catastrophic failure from the franchise at least once every couple of months.
At the same time, the disparity between the Mets' $384 million payroll and the Athletics' $49.5 million payroll is staggering. How can teams such as the A's and Pirates compete when one owner is willing to go so far to win a championship?
The simple answer is to spend more money. The vast majority of MLB owners are worth at least $1 billion. That said, Cohen, valued at around $16 billion, is the richest of the group, so spending big is, admittedly, easier for him.
Barring a true salary cap, there will always be payroll disparities among MLB teams. But it doesn't have to be this drastic. The Athletics are owned by John Fisher, who is worth $2.2 billion. His team is valued by Forbes at $1.18 billion. Fisher could run out a team with a payroll much higher than $49.5 million, but every move he has made the past four or five offseasons was seemingly done to make Oakland and the fans hate him so much that they let the team relocate.
Pirates owner Bob Nutting, who has a net worth of $1.1 billion, also has no excuse for running out a payroll of $58.2 million in 2023. The Pirates are valued at $1.32 billion, per Forbes. Spending $20 million per year on one player wouldn't suddenly bankrupt the franchise.
If the owners of those teams truly believe they can't compete with those willing to spend, they should consider selling their teams at a massive profit. Nutting bought the Pirates for $92 million in 2007. Forbes believes he could get more than $1 billion for the franchise today. After all, the lowly Miami Marlins sold for $1.2 billion five years ago.
Ultimately, MLB owners brought this on themselves. Cohen was clear about his intentions from day one and adamant that cost wouldn't be a prohibitive factor. He wanted to win. Knowing that, the owners approved the Mets' sale to Cohen.
MLB owners allowed Cohen into their exclusive group, and he responded by immediately making many of them look cheap. But Cohen has not violated any rules in his pursuit of building a baseball juggernaut. He simply wants to win, seemingly more than anyone else.
In a sport in which winning has taken a backseat to financial flexibility for so many teams, Cohen's approach is downright refreshing.
Talking Steve Cohen payroll philosophy, with Carlos Correa the latest addition to the Mets mix
As they break down the news that the Mets have an agreement with Carlos Corrrea, SNY’s Gary Apple, Andy Martino, and Steve Gelbs explain how Mets owner Steve Cohen’s philosophy on payroll has evolved since he purchased the team, and why he’s been so aggressive this particular offseason. | 2022-12-21T20:11:24Z | sports.yahoo.com | Mets will pay roughly $111M, more than 10 MLB teams' payrolls, in luxury tax penalties after offseason splurge | https://sports.yahoo.com/mets-will-pay-roughly-111-m-more-than-10-mlb-teams-payrolls-in-luxury-tax-penalties-after-offseason-splurge-181356766.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/mets-will-pay-roughly-111-m-more-than-10-mlb-teams-payrolls-in-luxury-tax-penalties-after-offseason-splurge-181356766.html?src=rss |
Belichick reacts to death of Franco Harris: 'A great player, a great person' originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The NFL family lost a valued member Wednesday with the death of Franco Harris.
The legendary running back played 12 of his 13 pro seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and was a key part of their four Super Bowl titles in the 1970s. He is best known for the "Immaculate Reception" play in a 1972 AFC Divisional playoff game against the Oakland Raiders.
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has firsthand knowledge of how special Harris was as a player. Belichick was a member of the Baltimore Colts coaching staff when they lost to Harris' Steelers in the AFC Divisional Round.
"Yeah sad, I mean, there's a legend," Belichick told reporters at his Wednesday press conference when asked about Harris. "Great college player, maybe a little overshadowed by Lydell [Mitchell], but that's a pretty good backfield. I was at Baltimore with Lydell. George Welsh was their position coach at Penn State, so talked about those guys quite a bit. Mitchell got a lot of the stats and publicity and all that at Penn State, but George always raved about Franco. He didn't carry the ball as much and his hands, which one play kind of says it all on that one.
"So, he wasn't fun to play against. I can tell you that. I was at Baltimore when we played him in the playoffs there in my first year. Yeah, this guy was a great player, a great person. It's a big loss. Thank you."
Friday is the 50th anniversary of the "Immaculate Reception". The Steelers host the Raiders in Saturday night's Week 16 game and were already planning to retire Harris' No. 32 during a special ceremony.
It's going to be an emotional night in Pittsburgh as one of the league's most iconic and successful franchises pays tribute to an all-time great. | 2022-12-21T20:50:33Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bill Belichick reacts to death of Franco Harris: 'A great player, a great person' | https://sports.yahoo.com/bill-belichick-reacts-death-franco-203114867.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bill-belichick-reacts-death-franco-203114867.html?src=rss |
Speaking to the media yesterday, all of head coach Kevin Stefanski, cornerback Denzel Ward, and tight end David Njoku were asked about their former teammate in Landry. Here is what they all said. All of these quotes have been pulled directly from the public transcripts provided by the Browns.
Browns Saints Jarvis Landry
Dec 11, 2022; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski calls a play in the fourth quarter during a Week 14 NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. The Cincinnati Bengals won, 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports
“He had a huge impact. I feel he was one of those guys who helped kind of turn this organization around and brought a lot of wins to this organization. He is a leader on and off the field and made plays. Wish he was still here, but he is a great player, a great person and is a good guy.”
“You couldn’t take any days off with him. You had to lock in. He gave you those game reps that you looked for going against a guy like that to get you ready for the game.”
Jan 9, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (85) congratulates wide receiver Jarvis Landry (80) on his touchdown run during the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
“My guy for sure. I think he had a huge impact. I think he was one of the main reasons we got this thing turned around along with obviously a few other players. I have to give credit to him for the majority of it because he had the mentality and the mindset of winning and pushing through adversity. I feel like that rubbed on a bunch of players at the time when he was here with the other players that were here that aren’t here anymore. I think that rubbed off on everybody, and we were just focused on pushing our limits.”
DC Joe Woods
“Jarvis knows us. We know Jarvis. He has always been a tough receiver. He is more of a guy who you see him move the chains. They put him in route concepts where he can get some one on ones, and he has always been tough to tackle. He is still making plays. You see him on tape because we are looking at him in a different jersey. We are fully aware of what he is capable of doing, and we feel like we know how they are going to use him.” | 2022-12-21T20:50:39Z | sports.yahoo.com | Browns players discuss Jarvis Landry as Christmas Eve reunion vs. Saints nears | https://sports.yahoo.com/browns-players-discuss-jarvis-landry-203009740.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/browns-players-discuss-jarvis-landry-203009740.html?src=rss |
New York Giants fourth-year quarterback Daniel Jones appears to be finally settling into the job, even if the Giants haven’t moved to further their relationship.
The sixth overall selection in the 2019 NFL draft was inconsistent and rudderless in his first three seasons, having played under two head coaches and three different offensive coordinators.
This year, Jones has a more solid support staff around him. Head coach Brain Daboll helped make Josh Allen a star in Buffalo and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka’s last charge (Patrick Mahomes) we hear is pretty good, too.
Jones has not lit up the New Jersey skies with footballs this season with just 12 touchdown passes to his credit but his four interceptions are the lowest of any quarterback who has started all of their team’s games this season.
“I think I’ve improved in some of those decision-making situations,” Jones told reporters on Tuesday. “Protecting the ball is a big part of the game at this position. I’ll try to keep doing that as well as I can. But a lot of credit to our group — I think when you protect the ball, that’s a group thing. We’ve got to be on the same page, a lot of trust in the receivers being in the right spots. They’ve done a good job doing that, and good job with the coaches also.”
Jones is completing a career-high 66.0 percent of his passes in leading the Giants to an 8-5-1 record but is averaging a career-low 192.4 yards passing per game.
That is basically due to the Giants’ game script plus the lack of quality playmakers at the skill positions. Jones has done just enough in most games to win, which is his ultimate goal to begin with.
“Each game’s different. But I think I’ve gotten a better idea of what does win in the NFL. A lot of times, it’s not what you would think. I think it has a lot to do with taking care of the ball, staying in good situations for the offense, executing on critical downs and scoring in the red zone. But I think I’ve improved a lot since my rookie year,” Jones said.
Jones has drastically cut down on his turnovers — he’s lost only three fumbles this season despite being sacked 41 times (third highest in the NFL) and hurried 47 times. Only Mahomes has been hurried more.
Jones has supplemented his efficient passing by making key contributions with his legs. His 583 rushing yards are career-high and there are still three games left.
Quick note: This season, when Jones rushes 10 times or more in a game, the Giants are 4-0-1 and are 4-5 when he doesn’t. | 2022-12-21T20:50:46Z | sports.yahoo.com | Daniel Jones credits Giants teammates for reduced turnovers | https://sports.yahoo.com/daniel-jones-credits-giants-teammates-195530907.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/daniel-jones-credits-giants-teammates-195530907.html?src=rss |
How Shula, other legendary NFL coaches fared in final seasons originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
No matter how the rest of his career goes, Bill Belichick already has solidified himself as arguably the greatest NFL head coach of all time. The longtime leader of the New England Patriots has won six Super Bowl titles since joining the organization in 2000.
But at age 70, Belichick has entered arguably the most challenging stage of his coaching career. The Patriots are a mediocre 24-23 since quarterback Tom Brady's departure after the 2019 season. The 2022 campaign has been especially difficult with second-year QB Mac Jones taking a step back, plus the team being perhaps the most undisciplined group we've seen Belichick coach.
Nonetheless, Belichick doesn't seem to have any plans to call it a career any time soon. He'll almost certainly leave the Patriots on his own terms, though there's a lingering possibility of owner Robert Kraft wanting to move on to the next chapter.
It wouldn't be the first time a legendary head coach was forced out after decades of greatness. Here's a look back at how some of the other greatest coaches in NFL history finished their careers.
Tom Landry
Record in final three seasons: 17-30
Age when fired: 64
Landry and the Dallas Cowboys missed the playoffs in four of his final five seasons as head coach. Then-Cowboys owner Bum Bright, who was critical of Landry at the end of the legendary coach's career, sold the team to Jerry Jones in 1989. Landry had one year remaining on his contract but was fired by Jones one day after his purchase of the organization.
Age when retired: 59
Noll retired as Pittsburgh Steelers head coach on his own terms after the 1991 season. The four-time Super Bowl champion was named NFL Coach of the Year in 1989 and finished his coaching career with a 209–156–1 record.
Shula retired in 1996, though there was speculation he was forced out by former Miami Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga. He finished his remarkable NFL coaching career with a 328–156–6 regular-season record, making him the winningest head coach in league history. Belichick currently is second with 297 wins.
Marv Levy
Levy, who led the Buffalo Bills to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances (all losses), retired in 1997 to become an analyst for NFL.com. He returned as Buffalo's general manager in 2006 and retired again once his two-year contract ran out at the end of the 2007 season.
Vermeil's first retirement came after a 1982 season in which the Philadelphia Eagles had a 3-6 record. Only nine games were played due to the players' strike.
He spent the next 15 years as a sports commentator for CBS and ABC. In 1997, he resumed his coaching career with the St. Louis Rams. After a rough start to his Rams tenure, Vermeil led them to their first Super Bowl victory with help from one of the greatest cinderella stories in NFL history, quarterback Kurt Warner. Vermeil was also named NFL Coach of the Year for the second time and retired again after the Super Bowl victory.
His second hiatus didn't last long as he joined the Kansas City Chiefs in 2001. He finally retired for good after the 2005 season. | 2022-12-21T20:50:59Z | sports.yahoo.com | How Don Shula, other legendary NFL coaches fared in final seasons | https://sports.yahoo.com/don-shula-other-legendary-nfl-200100927.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/don-shula-other-legendary-nfl-200100927.html?src=rss |
Jalen Hurts misses practice as he deals with shoulder sprain originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Quarterback Jalen Hurts was not on the field Wednesday afternoon during the portion of Eagles practice at the NovaCare Complex that's open to the media.
Gardner Minshew and Ian Book were the only quarterbacks in uniform.
Hurts suffered a sprained shoulder during the third quarter of the Eagles' win over the Bears Sunday at Soldier Field.
On Tuesday, both Hurts and head coach Nick Sirianni said there's a chance Hurts will play Saturday against the Cowboys in Dallas, but that seems increasingly unlikely with the game now just three days away.
Both Hurts and Minshew missed the Tuesday walkthrough. Minshew was in Hattiesburg, Miss., delivering the eulogy of former Mississippi State coach Mike Leach, who was his coach at Washington State.
Although it would be possible for Hurts to play Saturday without practicing on Tuesday or Wednesday, it would be unusual. The Eagles are scheduled to practice Thursday before traveling to North Texas on Friday. The Eagles face the Cowboys at 4:25 p.m. Saturday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The Eagles will clinch the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoff bracket and a 1st-round bye and home-field advantage with one win or one Cowboys loss the rest of the season.
Hurts, who is likely to be named to his first Pro Bowl team Wednesday evening, is one of 13 NFL quarterbacks to start all 14 of his team's games. He missed one start because of injury last year and Minshew threw two touchdowns to Dallas Goedert in a 33-18 win over the Jets in December.
Huets ranks 11th in the NFL with 22 touchdown passes, 3rd in interception ratio, 10th in passing yards and 6th in completion percentage. He's also second in the NFL with 13 touchdown runs -- 2nd-most ever by a quarterback -- and second in rushing first downs. His 35 total touchdowns are 4th-most in the league.
Also missing practice Wednesday was wide receiver Zach Pascal, who showed up on the injury report Tuesday with a concussion. Pascal was on a side field with a trainer, so he is already progressing through the NFL's concussion protocol.
K'Von Wallace, who was listed as not practicing Tuesday in a walkthrough -- a projection of his status if the Eagles held a full practice -- was on the field Wednesday participating. And Tyree Jackson, who was limited Tuesday with a knee, was also on the field. The official injury report will be out later Wednesday afternoon.
Also, safety Reed Blankenship, who missed the Bears game with a knee injury, was again a full participant and should be fine for the Cowboys game. With both Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and Blankenship unavailable Sunday, Wallace made his seventh career start. | 2022-12-21T20:51:00Z | sports.yahoo.com | Eagles QB Jalen Hurts misses practice as he deals with shoulder sprain | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-qb-jalen-hurts-misses-194000550.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-qb-jalen-hurts-misses-194000550.html?src=rss |
The task at hand is a simple one for the Jets.
Win … and you’re in.
Lose … and you’re going to need an awful lot of help.
With the playoffs hanging on by a thread, we opened up the mailbag to address your concerns on the state of New York.
@RayMarcano Who will be the Jets quarterback in 2023?
Zach Wilson should still be on the roster. It’s not like he’s costing a ton, he’s not a disgruntled player in the locker room, and there still is so much talent worth trying to develop. With that said, I think you’ll see the Jets add a proven veteran and name him their starter. This team’s win-now window opened this year. They have a championship-level defense, a coaching staff others will start picking from in the coming years, and talented youthful players on their rookie contracts they haven’t had to pay yet. The Jets will not risk one player’s potential lack-of development keeping them from the playoffs.
The two most obvious names to keep an eye on are Derek Carr (Raiders) and Jimmy Garoppolo (49ers). Garoppolo’s injury this year (and lack-of durability throughout his career) makes signing him a bit more tricky, but that could also drive the price down and make him cheaper than Carr.
I also wouldn’t rule out Daniel Jones, if the Giants were to let him go. He wouldn’t break the bank, would be a great fit in this offense, and his mobility would give coordinator Mike LaFleur another level. What Jones is doing this season with virtually no supporting cast has opened more than a few eyes around the league.
The crown jewel, obviously, is Lamar Jackson (Ravens). I’d fully expect the Jets to make a serious push to sign him if — and this is a big if — he’s made available. I have serious doubts that actually happens, though. Good teams don’t let great players go, and there’s no denying Jackson’s excellence. You figure he and the Ravens eventually agree to something.
@JetsWithJason: Do you think the Jets would ever consider trading for Aaron Rodgers?
From a football perspective it makes a lot of sense. Rodgers doesn’t have more than a year or two left, but the Jets' window is now, and he absolutely takes them from not just a playoff contender, but a favorite for the Super Bowl. There are some concerns anytime you take an aging veteran quarterback and put him into a new system. But Rodgers checks off that box, too, considering Matt LaFleur deploys a similar scheme to his little brother.
The only concern I have here is the Packers -- Jets connections. Saleh and LaFleur are best friends. Obviously, LaFleur’s brother (Mike) is the Jets’ offensive coordinator.
Matt LaFleur has not won a Super Bowl. He’s seen Rodgers every day in practice and in games for the last four years. It would be telling if he were willing to trade him.
@TheRealZace11: Do you think Mike LaFleur has done the best job he can at helping Zach Wilson?
I’ve seen this notion floated around quite a bit. It would be a valid argument if the offense was universally struggling. But every other quarterback the Jets have trotted out there not-named Wilson has experienced more success than Wilson. There’s Mike White, obviously, but don’t forget Josh Johnson (29 of 45, 334 yards, three touchdowns, interception), too.
Joe Flacco isn’t good, but even he compiled better numbers than Wilson in his time as a starter. In his six appearances, Flacco has completed 59.5 percent of his passes for 1,240 yards with eight touchdowns, three interceptions and a quarterback rating of 84.6. Wilson, in 21 career starts, has completed 55.4 percent of his passes, thrown for 3,930 yards, 15 touchdowns, 17 interceptions, and has a quarterback rating of 71.8.
Wilson’s problem is not the scheme or what LaFleur is asking him to do. It’s that he still can’t hit the layups. Even against the Lions last week, in what may have been the best game of his young career, Wilson threw an egregious interception, completed just over 50 percent of his passes, and missed several throws that would have ended this game well before Greg Zuerlein’s failed 58-yard attempt.
If the plays are scheming guys open, and Wilson isn’t hitting the open players, then how do you blame the coordinator?
@PaffDaddy9: Is Mike LaFleur in consideration for any head coaching jobs this offseason?
I think you’ll see him get a few interviews this coaching cycle, yes. I do not believe a team hires him … yet. A lot of teams like to get young, innovative minds in for an interview to get to know them a bit more to potentially get a leg up down the road. Maybe LaFleur impresses someone enough where they decide to move forward with it. That’s possible, but likely doubtful this year. Either way, LaFleur won’t stick with the Jets much longer, especially if the playoffs are in their future next year.
@Im_Scoots: Do you think Mike White is the starter when he’s healthy? Or will the Jets stick with Zach Wilson?
Saleh’s comments on Monday about the best player playing, referencing Matt Flynn and Russell Wilson in Seattle, were telling. The Jets were impressed with some of Wilson’s throws against the Lions, but his misses were also why they came up short. It’s not just about Wilson’s inaccuracies, though. There are plays where he comes off his first read — even when it’s open — for no apparent reason. It cost the Jets on the game’s final drive when he chose not to throw to an open Elijah Moore on a crosser.
White will play as long as the Jets have a realistic shot at the playoffs because they understand that White gives them the best chance to win on Sundays. It doesn’t make sense to stick with Wilson until they are eliminated from the playoffs. Then, it’s about seeing what you have and evaluating the former second overall pick.
@BraddyD31: Is Joe Douglas too stubborn to move on from struggling draft picks?
No. Any notion of this should have been put to sleep when the Jets benched Wilson after the Patriots game. That took a lot of you-know-what from all levels of the organization. And, despite what the Jets said publicly, they had no intention of going back to Wilson as long as they were still in the playoff discussion. Douglas wants to win. He’s going to do whatever it takes to win. He won’t go down in Wilson’s boat just for the sake of going down in the boat.
The Jets will have very real and very honest discussions after the season as it pertains to the quarterback position. If they determine they are better off with someone else … then that’s exactly what they’re going to do.
Both Douglas and Saleh realize they need to reach the postseason in order to keep their jobs 2024 and beyond. They care more about that than giving up on a missed draft pick.
@HahahBogey: Do you think the Jets get rid of Corey Davis and Carl Lawson next year?
The Jets coaching staff loves Davis. It’s hard to tell if that love is enough to keep him around, though. Whether it’s via the draft or free agency, the Jets can find a cheaper option who can bring more to their offense than Davis. Granted, there’s a chance they do to Davis what they did to Jamison Crowder last year: Tell him to agree to a pay cut, or get cut. Davis is not a team’s No. 1 or No. 2 option, but with the Jets, he’s their No. 3 (behind Garrett Wilson and Moore). He might be one of the NFL’s best No. 3 receivers.
Lawson, like Davis, is a player I can see returning on a reworked deal. I get the sense continuity is of more importance to Lawson than anything else. The initial contract he signed with the Jets set him up for life. The idea of staying with the Jets likely means more to him than starting over somewhere new for a few million more.
It has been a difficult year for artificial intelligence-powered lending platform Upstart Holdings (NASDAQ: UPST). The softening macroeconomic situation in the U.S. has resulted in declining revenue and net losses, a huge reversal from the company's monster success in 2021. Despite Upstart's troubles, is it possible this fintech stock rises 100% over the next 12 months to reach $30?
MMA Junkie’s 2022 Male Fighter of the Year: Alex Pereira | 2022-12-21T20:51:50Z | sports.yahoo.com | Jets Mailbag: Who is the starting quarterback in 2023? | https://sports.yahoo.com/jets-mailbag-starting-quarterback-2023-192928775.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/jets-mailbag-starting-quarterback-2023-192928775.html?src=rss |
The Colts are the ninth team to start at least 3 QBs this season, joining the Panthers, Dolphins, Texans, Jets, Patriots, 49ers, Rams (league-high 4) and Cardinals (who will have to start a third QB this week).
Investors found few, if any, safe havens in 2022, as central banks in the U.S. and around the globe raised interest rates for the first time in years to fight surging inflation, stoking fear of a global recession. The energy sector was the lone winner, while technology stocks tumbled. A rout in the bond market was particularly painful turn for fixed-income investors. | 2022-12-21T20:52:41Z | sports.yahoo.com | No team has started more QBs or O-line combinations this year than the Rams | https://sports.yahoo.com/no-team-started-more-qbs-193130945.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/no-team-started-more-qbs-193130945.html?src=rss |
Saints sign linebacker Ty Summers off the Jaguars practice squad
Hey, depth is important. The New Orleans Saints signed linebacker Ty Summers off the Jaguars practice squad and brought back Nephi Sewell to replenish the position group ahead of their three final games in the 2022 regular season. Summers is now on the Saints 53-man roster while Sewell has returned to their practice squad.
Here’s the state of the linebacker corps now:
Nephi Sewell (practice squad)
As for Summers: the 26-year old is a fourth-year pro out of TCU, having initially started his career as a seventh-round draft pick for the Green Bay Packers in 2019. He was waived by Green Bay in August and spent his time since on the Jaguars practice squad. He’s appeared in 46 games, all with Green Bay, totaling 52 tackles (37 solo) and a pass breakup, figuring to get on the field in New Orleans on special teams. | 2022-12-21T20:53:00Z | sports.yahoo.com | Saints sign linebacker Ty Summers off the Jaguars practice squad | https://sports.yahoo.com/saints-sign-linebacker-ty-summers-202922159.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/saints-sign-linebacker-ty-summers-202922159.html?src=rss |
It came down to the wire, but Alabama won over five-star defensive tackle James Smith. The native of Montgomery, Alabama chose the Tide over other programs like Florida, Georgia, Auburn, Ohio State, and Alabama State. Smith will team up with high school teammate Qua Russaw in Tuscaloosa.
Smith is ranked as the No. 18 recruit in the country, according to 247Sports’ Composite Rankings. He is listed as 6-foot-3, 310 pounds. There is a strong chance that Smith sees early playing time with interior defensive linemen Byron Young and DJ Dale both entering the NFL Draft. It would be interesting to see him play alongside nose tackle Jaheim Oatis.
The Tide will also sign three other defensive linemen in this class. Jordan Renaud, Edric Hill, and Hunter Osborne will also be a part of the ’23 signing class. Alabama defensive line coach Freddie Roach may have missed out on fellow in-state recruits Peter Woods and Kelby Collins. However, he may have gotten the one that almost every team in America wanted and that is James Smith.
The 3 Best-Performing Industrial REITs Over The Past 4 Weeks
Although real estate investment trusts (REITs) in general have fared pretty well over the past month, the industrial sector has lagged behind REITs in other property sectors. Rising interest rates and recessionary fears continue to hit this segment of REITs hard. Still, three industrial REITs managed to outperform the rest of the group, and two of them had quite positive results. Take a look at the best-performing industrial REITs over the past four weeks: Indus Realty Trust Inc. (NASDAQ: INDT) | 2022-12-21T20:55:12Z | sports.yahoo.com | 2023 5-star DL James Smith officially signs with Alabama | https://sports.yahoo.com/2023-5-star-dl-james-191525399.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/2023-5-star-dl-james-191525399.html?src=rss |
The Oregon Ducks got a tough blow on the recruiting trail, getting the news that 4-star cornerback Caleb Presley would flip his commitment to the Washington Huskies, his home-state team.
This is the second player to flip from the Ducks this week, with 5-star QB Dante Moore announcing his commitment to the UCLA Bruins earlier in the day.
Presley, who is rated as the No. 1 player in the state of Washington, is seen by 247Sports as the No. 19 CB and No. 165 overall player in the 2023 class. He has been committed to Oregon since July, but a couple of late visits to Seattle, including his official visit on December 2, appeared to be impactful enough to sway his decision.
This is unfortunate for Oregon, with a big need at the cornerback position on the defense. While it’s tough to lose a blue-chip recruit, Duck fans at least can feel comfortable with the fact that they landed former Alabama Crimson Tide CB Khyree Jackson out of the transfer portal on Sunday.
We will likely see the Ducks continue to try and add defensive back talent this offseason, but losing out on Presley is not something you like to see happen.
A-State Football Names Kilgore Tight Ends Coach
Arkansas State head football coach Butch Jones announced Tuesday that Logan Kilgore has been named the Red Wolves’ tight ends coach. Kilgore, who spent six combined years as a player in the National Football League (NFL) and Canadian Football League (CFL), returns to A-State after previously serving on the Red Wolves’ staff as an offensive analyst during the 2021 season. | 2022-12-21T20:55:31Z | sports.yahoo.com | BREAKING: 4-star Oregon CB Caleb Presley flips to Washington Huskies | https://sports.yahoo.com/breaking-4-star-oregon-cb-202019758.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/breaking-4-star-oregon-cb-202019758.html?src=rss |
The Oregon Ducks got a commitment on Wednesday that may not make waves in the recruiting world but is one of the more impactful additions on signing day, with the staff working hard to close this one down the stretch.
3-star athlete Solomon Davis announced that he would officially commit to Dan Lanning and the Ducks, making the change from the Arizona Wildcats just a couple of weeks after announcing his decommitment.
Davis is rated by 247Sports as the No. 36 ATH and No. 573 overall player in the nation.
After taking a visit to Oregon earlier in December, it was felt that the Ducks had a strong lean from Davis to get a commitment. Davis also took a visit to Stanford this last weekend and was said to have loved the experience, but Dan Lanning was able to get him to commit to the Ducks in the end.
Solomon Davis’ Recruiting Profile
Covina, California
Received Oregon offer on March 7, 2022
Committed to Arizona Wildcats on June 15, 2022
Decommitted from Arizona Wildcats on December 6, 2022 | 2022-12-21T20:55:44Z | sports.yahoo.com | Ducks get commitment from 3-star ATH Solomon Davis | https://sports.yahoo.com/ducks-commitment-3-star-ath-202232566.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/ducks-commitment-3-star-ath-202232566.html?src=rss |
Auburn Football and Hugh Freeze have had a busy, yet successful beginning to the Early Signing Period, as the staff has managed to flip two four-stars in Keldric Faulk from Florida State, and Kayin Lee from Ohio State.
Those two flips are two of seven that have happened over the last week. But, as Mick Jagger once sang… “you can’t always get what you want.”
Auburn was in the running to land two highly-rated defensive linemen from Carver High School in Montgomery, James smith and Qua Russaw. Despite several visits to campus, the push from Freeze and staff was not strong enough to keep them away from Tuscaloosa, as they have officially signed with Alabama.
Smith and Russaw, who are the state’s No. 1 and No. 2 overall prospects from the 2023 class respectively, are two of six five stars that Nick Saban and company have been able to sign this cycle. The Crimson Tide currently holds the best class according to 247Sports. | 2022-12-21T20:56:22Z | sports.yahoo.com | Montgomery’s Qua Russaw, James Smith officially sign with Alabama | https://sports.yahoo.com/montgomery-qua-russaw-james-smith-202037159.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/montgomery-qua-russaw-james-smith-202037159.html?src=rss |
For the second time this season, Matt Ryan has been benched.
Something had to give after the Indianapolis Colts blew a 33-point lead last week, allowing the biggest comeback in NFL history to the Minnesota Vikings. It wasn't all Ryan's fault, but he will take a seat for a Week 16 game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Colts interim head coach Jeff Saturday said Nick Foles, the former Philadelphia Eagles' Super Bowl hero, will start Monday night. The plan is for Foles to start the rest of the season, according to ESPN's Dan Graziano.
Ryan was benched earlier this season. Frank Reich pulled him for Sam Ehlinger, which was a stunning move at the time. Ryan has struggled with turnovers and poor play most of the season. When Saturday got the job he reinstated Ryan as his starter, but that hasn't helped much. The Colts won their first game with Saturday at coach, against the Las Vegas Raiders, but then lost four in a row. The collapse against the Vikings was a huge embarrassment.
The Colts' trade for Ryan in the offseason turned out to be a bad one. Ryan has a league-leading 13 interceptions despite missing two games. He has also fumbled an astonishing 15 times. The Colts are 4-9-1, have already fired their coach and benched their quarterback twice.
Foles has not thrown a pass this season and threw only 35 with the Chicago Bears last season. He has been on four teams in the five seasons since winning Super Bowl MVP. He was added to the Colts mainly due to his familiarity with Reich, but he'll get a chance to start for an Indianapolis team that is playing out the string this season.
The Indianapolis Colts announced Nick Foles will start at quarterback in Week 16. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
At a time of grave consequence, a wartime leader crossed the Atlantic to arrive at a White House decked in holiday decor to consult with the American president about a war in Europe. The moment was Dec. 22, 1941, as British Prime Minister Winston Churchill landed near Washington to meet with President Franklin D. Roosevelt just weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Almost 81 years later to the day, the pageantry of that trip was echoed on Wednesday as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy touched down at Joint Base Andrews just outside the capital for a surprise visit with President Joe Biden and an address to Congress. | 2022-12-21T21:42:33Z | sports.yahoo.com | Colts turn to their 3rd QB of the season, with Nick Foles to start vs. Chargers | https://sports.yahoo.com/colts-turn-to-their-3rd-qb-of-the-season-with-nick-foles-to-start-vs-chargers-171457961.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/colts-turn-to-their-3rd-qb-of-the-season-with-nick-foles-to-start-vs-chargers-171457961.html?src=rss |
America’s fastest-growing sport continues to attract high-profile investors from entertainment and sports with Tuesday’s announcement of Major League Pickleball ’s 12 new teams for 2023. Kevin Durant, Heidi Klum, Eva Longoria, Michael Phelps and Tom Ricketts are among the dozens of investors in the clubs. The news was first reported by Variety‘s sister site, Sportico. “The diversity in […] | 2022-12-21T21:42:58Z | sports.yahoo.com | Week 16 Fantasy Football Rankings: Tight Ends | https://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy-football-week-16-tight-end-rankings-210044632.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy-football-week-16-tight-end-rankings-210044632.html?src=rss |
Argentina wrapped up the 2022 World Cup on Sunday with its thrilling win over France, ending what was a wild, and often turbulent, event in Qatar.
With teams and fans now home in their respective countries, eyes will turn away from the tiny nation in the Persian Gulf. So, what will happen to the stadiums that Qatar spent billions on and rushed to build in time for the World Cup?
That question is one asked after every major worldwide sporting event, and for good reason. Sometimes — like after the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro — stadiums are completely abandoned. For a country like Qatar, which is about the size of Connecticut, it’s hard to see much use coming out of the eight stadiums the country erected in and around Doha.
After the country spent about $6.5 billion building the stadiums — and an unknown number of migrant workers died while doing so — that can be disappointing.
Qatar, however, apparently has a plan to get more use out of its venues than just a single World Cup.
Qatar will play host to the 2023 Asian Football Cup, which was relocated there from China due to COVID-19. Qatar will also hold the Asian Games, an event similar to the Olympics, in 2030. Those will give stadiums second and third lives, at the very least, though venues will have capacities reduced and will be modified. Qatar is also putting together a bid to host the 2036 Olympics.
The domestic soccer league in Qatar will start playing matches in venues that were built for the World Cup, though they don’t draw nearly the crowds that were seen at the event. Another, Education City Stadium, will serve students and faculty from local universities and schools.
Some, however, will be completely converted into other things, according to Time. Al Bayat Stadium is going to be turned into a five-star hotel, shopping center, sports medicine hospital and more. Al Thumama Stadium will still host events, but will have a hotel, a sports clinic and more added to it.
Lusail Stadium, which hosted 10 World Cup matches including a semifinal and the final, will be turned into a mixed residential and commercial center. Stadium 974 will disappear completely, too. That stadium was built out of 974 recycled shipping containers in one of the most unique and eco-friendly venues in the world. The containers, per the report, will be shipped elsewhere and a waterfront business district will take its place.
Only Khalifa International Stadium will remain in its current form.
Though Qatar may very well need more venues in the years and decades to come, depending on what major events land in the country, it's not going to let these World Cup stadiums just sit empty until that day arrives. At least, that's the plan.
The eight World Cup stadiums in Qatar won’t just sit empty for years to come. (Ayman Aref/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | 2022-12-21T21:43:36Z | sports.yahoo.com | Qatar reportedly has plans to repurpose or remove nearly all of its World Cup stadiums | https://sports.yahoo.com/qatar-reportedly-has-plans-to-repurpose-or-remove-nearly-all-of-its-world-cup-stadiums-224144925.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/qatar-reportedly-has-plans-to-repurpose-or-remove-nearly-all-of-its-world-cup-stadiums-224144925.html?src=rss |
The text came in Monday afternoon from an inquiring mind seeking the same answer as others keeping tabs on the Charlotte Hornets from afar.
No, not one of the nonstop questions surrounding the team’s bevy of injuries, asking whether so-and-so will be able to give it against the Hornets’ opponent that night. This was about the future, searching for an explainer of sorts given the team’s current state.
It read: “Just curious. Do the Hornets have their own 2023 draft pick?”
That’s what we’ve come to already with the Hornets. Despite pages on the digital calendar having not flipped to the new year just yet, people are wondering aloud if the season is lost and they’re looking ahead to a forthcoming offseason that’s still six months down the line.
One-third of the way through a campaign that was supposed to have the Hornets picking up where they left off in April, and taking a bigger leap toward the playoffs, they’ve experienced more frustration than happiness. That’s why the Hornets could breathe a sigh of relief for once after escaping with a 125-119 win against Sacramento at the Golden 1 Center on Monday night behind a huge fourth-quarter effort by LaMelo Ball, putting the brakes on an eight-game losing streak.
Victories have been extremely hard to come by for these Hornets (8-23) and are more challenging to reach with each injury. It’s magnified an already razor-thin margin of error, often making it difficult to close out games.
“You could tell in the locker room guys were happy and it’s good to win that way,” coach Steve Clifford said. “Win on the road against a team that’s been playing well and down going into the fourth quarter. We had to win the fourth quarter. We made plays, we had good defensive possessions. So, we won for the right reasons and that always helps, too.”
Clifford noticed something Sunday: drooped heads and sagging shoulders, a mood brought on when the Hornets saw Terry Rozier limp around after diving on the floor for a loose ball in the second quarter of their loss in Denver. Rozier sat out the rest of the action with a right hip contusion and also didn’t suit up against the Kings. He listed as day-to-day.
It’s become commonplace for the Hornets to boast a lengthy injury list. They’ve played the bulk of their season without Ball, Gordon Hayward, Cody Martin and a hefty potion minus Dennis Smith Jr. So, surely those 79 games they’ve lost to player injury were on their minds leading into their date with Sacramento (16-13) and Clifford had to chat with his troops to ease any mental anguish creeping in.
“I actually talked to them today,” he said, “because when Terry got hurt that was one of the first times that I’ve seen on the bench and then even at halftime this like, ‘Whoa.’ I talked to the staff about it at halftime and I talked to them today. That’s part of this league and we have to be able to keep going forward.
“Having Melo and Gordon back makes us a much much better team. Obviously, they are getting in their rhythm and we are playing with different playing groups right now, and we have to work all that out. But it’ll change back for us. We’ll get these guys back, we’ll get the other two guys back and then we’ll be a better team.”
Perhaps, but will there be enough time left to completely turn it around? While it doesn’t quite feel like the Hornets have veered off the road and into the median, they are driving dangerously.
Already five games behind the final play-in tournament spot in the Eastern Conference and hovering with the league’s worst record, the Hornets are speeding toward the draft lottery and could be poised to be among those teams with the best odds to land likely coveted No. 1 overall selection Victor Wembanyama in June. Plus, thanks to the three-team trade with New York and Detroit last June, the Hornets should also have another first-round pick since they own the rights to Denver’s selection.
But Clifford’s crew isn’t the last bit concerned with any of that. Climbing out of the league’s cellar remains at the forefront, albeit an arduous task. There’s no sugar coating it.
“The one thing you can’t do is you can’t lie to NBA players,” Clifford said. “They know where they are at. So, I think you can talk to them in an honest manner, in a transparent manner about where we are. We’ve played 30 games and I didn’t realize (Sunday) night was the first time our starters were on the floor together.
“That’s going to happen. Just being older. I’ve been through this a couple of times.”
In fact, Clifford dove into his memory banks and recalled his days in Houston on Jeff Van Gundy’s coaching staff. He brought up the Rockets’ pairing of Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming.
“We were coming off 52 wins with T-Mac and Yao and next year I think those guys played together like 19 games,” Clifford said. “We went from like 52 to like 29 (it was actually 51 to 34). So, it’s just part of this.”
In other words, he’s not panicking. He’ll point to things like Ball accounting for 87% of the Hornets’ points (16 points, two assists, and four points created off assists) through the better part of the initial nine minutes of a critical fourth quarter of their victory over the Kings.
Or Kelly Oubre filling in with Rozier out and pouring in 31 points. And Nick Richards recording his eighth double-double off the bench this season, which is third-most in the league. Those are the kinds of efforts they need more consistently since they’ve been so besieged by injuries to key players.
“If you look at all the games we’ve played without all those guys,” Clifford said, “I don’t think we are going to win every close game. But the one thing we’ve had, our effort’s been really good. ... We’ve got to do some things better, details and stuff like that. And that’s what we need to be focused on.”
LaMelo Ball with a dunk vs the Sacramento Kings
LaMelo Ball (Charlotte Hornets) with a dunk vs the Sacramento Kings, 12/19/2022
Creating handmade cards and thank you notes provided Detroit entrepreneur Alina Johnson a relaxing way to show gratitude this holiday season.
TPD points to an uptick in violent crimes crossing county lines. Both Gadsden and TPD say more regional collaboration, not finger pointing, is needed.
In the first comment by a team official since the Carlos Correa deal fell through, Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi acknowledges that there was a disagreement over physical. | 2022-12-21T22:08:39Z | sports.yahoo.com | The Hornets needed a huge lift. LaMelo Ball provided one and it raised Charlotte’s spirits | https://sports.yahoo.com/hornets-needed-huge-lift-lamelo-103000437.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/hornets-needed-huge-lift-lamelo-103000437.html?src=rss |
Just when the Philadelphia Eagles seemed on easy street — as they imagined a Super Bowl parade down Broad Street — they hit their first significant calamity. Jalen Hurts is hurt. The star QB and NFL MVP candidate suffered a sprained right shoulder and his status for this week's game at Dallas is uncertain, a person with knowledge of the matter told The Associated Press on Monday, speaking on condition of anonymity because the team hadn’t announced the injury.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell expressed unhappiness this week about the number of illegal hits that wide receiver Justin Jefferson has taken this season and shared his feeling that “they don’t just seem to be by accident.” Jefferson weighed in on the topic on Wednesday and he appears to have the same view as his coach. [more] | 2022-12-21T22:21:21Z | sports.yahoo.com | Week 16 Fantasy Football Rankings: FLEX options | https://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy-football-week-16-flex-rankings-205800983.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy-football-week-16-flex-rankings-205800983.html?src=rss |
Former Eagles’ DE Hugh Douglas returning to Philadelphia to host midday radio show
Hugh Douglas is returning to Philadelphia on a full-time basis, accepting the gig as the midday radio host at 94WIP.
Douglas will be paired with Joe Giglio amid the shakeup involving Angelo Cataldi’s retirement.
😎🔥🔥🔥🔥@SportsRadioWIP https://t.co/QKYN5j8mHL
Douglas was a first-round draft pick (16th overall) of the New York Jets in 1995.
Philadelphia acquired Douglas in a trade during the 1998 offseason, earning three consecutive trips to the Pro Bowl (2000-02) and a first-team All-Pro nod (2000).
Eagles' PFF grades: Best and worst performers from 25-20 win over Bears | 2022-12-21T22:21:34Z | sports.yahoo.com | Former Eagles’ DE Hugh Douglas returning to Philadelphia to host midday radio show | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-eagles-hugh-douglas-returning-204138589.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-eagles-hugh-douglas-returning-204138589.html?src=rss |
Temperature at kickoff between the Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans on Christmas Eve is slated for 19 degrees.
Could this Week 16 tilt between two AFC South rivals be the coldest game in Texans history?
Houston doesn’t have much experience playing in frigid weather, either due to their inaugural season being in 2002 or the fact they play in a dome. Factor in they also play in a dome at Indianapolis and in Florida when they face the Jaguars, and the opportunities are slim.
Nevertheless the Texans have played in such games. Here is a look at the six coldest games in Texans history, regular season and playoffs included.
Dec. 4, 2016 — at Green Packers
texans-100-facts-figures-packers-1-25
The dome team Texans didn’t roll over simply because of the 32 degrees at kickoff and snow. Houston trailed by as many as 21-7 with 4:11 to go in the game, but DeAndre Hopkins caught a 44-yard pass from Brock Osweiler at Lambeu Field to make it closer, 21-13, with 1:51 left. Houston never got the ball back following the onside kick.
Jan. 15, 2012 (2011 AFC divisional) — at Baltimore Ravens
With clear skies, 31 degrees, and a seven mile-per-hour wind, the conditions were favorable for Houston in January football. The Texans weren’t able to pull off the upset of the Ravens, although they gave it their best effort with rookie T.J. Yates under center. Baltimore moved on 20-13.
Nov. 23, 2008 — at Cleveland Browns
It was mostly sunny, 30 degrees, and the Texans never trailed at FirstEnergy Stadium. Houston put away the Browns 16-6.
Jan. 14, 2017 (2016 AFC divisional) — at New England Patriots
If it is a divisional playoff game on the East Coast, it may be one of the coldest games in Texans history. Kickoff was at 8:15 p.m. local time, over three hours after the sun had set. The temperature was 28 degrees, but the wind was a little merciful at six miles per hour. The Patriots were not as they pummeled Houston 34-16.
Dec. 19, 2004 — at Chicago Bears
One would think the dome team in its third season of existence, playing in the south no less, would shrivel up at Soldier Field with 12 degrees at kickoff and a 21 mile-per-hour wind blowing off of Lake Michigan. However, the Texans finally scored the game’s first points with David Carr hitting Corey Bradford for a 37-yard touchdown, and Chicago trailed the whole game. The Texans got the win 24-5.
Dec. 7, 2008 — at Green Bay Packers
To be fair, most cold weather games in an NFL team’s history start off with “December, Lambeau Field.” The temperature was three degrees at kickoff and a three mile-per-hour wind. To date, this is Houston’s only win over the Packers in franchise history as Kris Brown nailed the walkoff 40-yard field goal to beat Green Bay 24-21. | 2022-12-21T22:22:03Z | sports.yahoo.com | LOOK: 6 of the coldest games in Houston Texans history | https://sports.yahoo.com/look-6-coldest-games-houston-212600638.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/look-6-coldest-games-houston-212600638.html?src=rss |
The Carolina Panthers don’t have the deepest group of cornerbacks in the league right now. And it also doesn’t help that both of their starters are a tad on the banged-up side.
So, they got some help.
On Wednesday afternoon, Carolina was officially rewarded their claim to cornerback Justin Layne. Layne, after spending less than a week with the Chicago Bears, was waived yesterday.
The 6-foot-2, 192-pounder was drafted in the third round of the 2019 NFL draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Serving mostly as a special teams piece, the Michigan State University product totaled 41 combined tackles and a fumble recovery over 43 games in three years wearing the black and yellow.
Prior to the start of the 2022 regular season, on Aug. 30, Layne would be waived by the Steelers. He was then claimed a day later by the New York Giants, whom he played five games for, and was waived again on Nov. 14—eventually finding his way to Chicago.
Saturday forecasted to be 2nd-coldest home game in Panthers history | 2022-12-21T22:22:09Z | sports.yahoo.com | Panthers claim former Steelers 3rd-round pick | https://sports.yahoo.com/panthers-claim-former-steelers-3rd-212023290.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/panthers-claim-former-steelers-3rd-212023290.html?src=rss |
One of the top pass-catchers in college football won’t be able to play in his bowl game after all.
USC wide receiver Jordan Addison was planning to play in this year’s Cotton Bowl, but a setback with his ankle injury will force him to miss it, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Widely regarded as one of this year’s best wide receiver prospects, Addison is expected to declare early for the 2023 NFL draft, and should be a first-round pick. | 2022-12-21T22:22:23Z | sports.yahoo.com | Report: USC WR Jordan Addison (ankle) won’t play in Cotton Bowl | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-usc-wr-jordan-addison-211431919.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-usc-wr-jordan-addison-211431919.html?src=rss |
Seahawks waive RB Tony Jones Jr., sign DT Daviyon Nixon
According to a report by Field Yates at ESPN, the Seahawks have waived running back Tony Jones Jr. and signed defensive tackle Daviyon Nixon.
Jones appeared in four games during his time with Seattle, posting 16 rushing yards on eight attempts and recording three catches for 18 yards. He spent the first three years of his career with the Saints.
As for Nixon, he was a fifth-round pick by the Panthers in the 2021 NFL draft. He only played 14 games for Carolina over the last two seasons, totaling 15 combined tackles and half a sack. After going on and off their practice squad several times this season, he was waived on December 13.
Nixon finished his college career at Iowa, where he became a strong run stuffer. He posted 19 tackles for a loss from 2019-2020. As of yet that success against the run hasn’t really carried over into the NFL.
Seattle brought in four interior defensive linemen for tryouts yesterday, but Nixon wasn’t one of them. Jarrod Hewitt was and he’s been re-signed to the practice squad. | 2022-12-21T22:22:29Z | sports.yahoo.com | Seahawks waive RB Tony Jones Jr., sign DT Daviyon Nixon | https://sports.yahoo.com/seahawks-waive-rb-tony-jones-213446937.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/seahawks-waive-rb-tony-jones-213446937.html?src=rss |
The Tennessee Titans may have to finish the 2022 season without the services of starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
According to Paul Kuharsky, the most recent ankle injury suffered by Tannehill will “very likely end his season” and could require surgery to repair.
The Titans currently lead the AFC South at 7-7 but are in the midst of a four-game losing streak. Rookie Malik Willis would be the expected starter the rest of the way if Tannehill can’t play during the final three weeks of the season.
Tannehill reinjured his ankle against the Los Angeles Chargers and was carted back to the locker room.
The Titans finish the year with games against the Houston Texans (1-12-1), Dallas Cowboys (10-4) and Jacksonville Jaguars (6-8).
Tannehill completed 15 of 22 passes for 165 yards and one interception and took four sacks in the Titans’ 17-14 loss to the Chargers in Week 15.
Willis for one drive before Tannehill came back in and finished the game, completing three of four passes for 20 yards.
The Titans host the Texans on Saturday. | 2022-12-21T22:22:42Z | sports.yahoo.com | Titans QB Ryan Tannehill likely to miss rest of 2022 season | https://sports.yahoo.com/titans-qb-ryan-tannehill-ankle-211857929.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/titans-qb-ryan-tannehill-ankle-211857929.html?src=rss |
Fans are getting to know him better as he plays more snaps for Los Angeles, and his personality is infectious. The Rams had him mic’d up against the Packers in Monday night’s game and Hoecht had a couple of funny exchanges with Greg Gaines and Leonard Floyd.
He also didn’t seem bothered by the cold temperatures at Lambeau Field, saying it wasn’t so bad despite being sleeveless – on one arm, at least. | 2022-12-21T22:22:43Z | sports.yahoo.com | Watch: Michael Hoecht was mic’d up for Rams-Packers game | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-michael-hoecht-mic-d-213748809.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-michael-hoecht-mic-d-213748809.html?src=rss |
BEREA, Ohio (AP) Deshaun Watson didn't choose Cleveland - over Carolina, New Orleans and Atlanta - because of the weather or the Browns' success with quarterbacks.
''The opportunity to be able to talk ball and just the connection that we had, it wasn't even about selling me on Cleveland and what's here,'' Watson said Wednesday.
''It was just mostly all ball, and me and him had the opportunity to meet and talk about that and see what the future can hold and what we can really do in this system together.
''So that was what I was really excited about and why I was very high on Cleveland.''
''Just the balance of the pass and the run,'' Watson said when asked what he likes best in Stefanski's system, ''and then we have a great front five (line), those guys up front and the schemes and the way Coach (Bill) Callahan coaches those guys and how detailed they are.
''And then also just with how he can get the receivers the ball. Not just one receiver, but everyone to have the opportunity to make plays and be special. So I love the opportunities that we have. I love the way he (Stefanski) schemes up the game and we are just going to continue to grow from there.''
''Each and every week has been getting better and that's what I like to see,'' he said. ''Not so much of just `Hey this is the play or oh, I remember this.' It's more of just kinda all right each week, am I getting better? Am I getting more sharp with my game and operating and being a quarterback in this system?
''Because it's a learning curve for myself, too. This is a different system than what I was back in Houston. So this is a totally different change for me and I'm trying to adapt as much as the coaching staff is trying to adapt to me.''
''I'm a Cleveland Brown and that's the team I was leaning to,'' he said, dismissing the idea the Saints were a favorite. ''But I got so much respect for (coach) Dennis Allen and all the staff that came to visit me, the players and the owner. She came and visited me and we had a great conversation and talked and have so much respect for each other. I appreciate the New Orleans Saints for the opportunity.'' | 2022-12-21T22:22:49Z | sports.yahoo.com | Watson: Stefanski connection, offense sold him on Browns | https://sports.yahoo.com/watson-stefanski-connection-offense-sold-211529724.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/watson-stefanski-connection-offense-sold-211529724.html?src=rss |
The Indianapolis Colts made another quarterback change this week as Nick Foles will start the Week 16 prime-time game against the Los Angeles Chargers, replacing Matt Ryan.
This is the second time Ryan has been benched this season. It first happened in Week 8 when former head coach Frank Reich named Sam Ehlinger the start for two games before he was fired.
Now, interim head coach Jeff Saturday told the media Wednesday that Foles is expected to be the starter for the final three games of the season, replacing Ryan, who took back the job after Reich was fired.
Though we may not know all of the details that go into the decision, Saturday gave a bit of insight.
“Just didn’t feel like we made enough plays offensively. It’s no secret, we haven’t converted in the red zone and ultimately, you’ve got to make plays in the NFL and we’re not making nearly enough explosive plays and not making plays in the red zone,” said Saturday. “I feel like Nick will give us a better chance to go win these last three games and that’s why we’re heading that way.”
This is technically the third quarterback that has been named the starter under Saturday. In the initial press conference, they said Ehlinger would be the starter before Ryan wound up serving that role before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Saturday isn’t wrong about the lack of explosive plays from the offense. They continue to be one of the league’s worst units overall, but the lack of explosiveness and downfield passing attack has rendered that phase of the game useless.
In terms of rushes of 10 yards or more and passes of 20 yards or more, the Colts rank as the sixth-worst offense in the NFL, per Marcus Mosher of Raiders Wire.
Most big plays through Week 15 of the 2022 NFL season: pic.twitter.com/robv02wLuY
It has been clear that Ryan’s lack of arm strength and the fact that he’s constantly under pressure has led to an extremely conservative passing game. It also doesn’t help that the Colts have the youngest offensive play-caller in the NFL currently in the form of Parks Frazier, who took over the role after Reich was fired.
The hope is that Foles will be able to provide a bit more of a spark with the downfield passing, but that would entail the offensive line sustaining blocks long enough for the routes to develop, which has been a key issue this season.
Even though Foles hasn’t had much preparation—this will be his first week with the starting offense in practice—Saturday believes his career speaks for itself in terms of handling this situation.
“He’s come in at different times in his career and has been fantastic. Obviously, back in Philly – a couple of different times honestly in Philly. I have no doubt. He stays prepared,” Saturday said of Foles.
We’ll see if the switch provides any kind of spark for the passing game, but it can’t really get any worse. It can stay the same, which may be the most likely outcome. But it’s hard to have a less explosive offense than what the Colts have had this season. | 2022-12-21T22:22:55Z | sports.yahoo.com | Why the Colts are starting QB Nick Foles over Matt Ryan | https://sports.yahoo.com/why-colts-starting-qb-nick-205056705.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/why-colts-starting-qb-nick-205056705.html?src=rss |
Five-star pass rusher Damon Wilson, who was the nation’s top-ranked uncommitted player in the class of 2023, has committed to the Georgia Bulldogs over the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Kirby Smart and Georgia have won a key recruiting battle against Ohio State. The two teams will meet in Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl in the College Football Playoff semifinals in Atlanta, Georgia.
Damon Wilson took an official visit to Georgia for the Auburn game. Wilson plans to play in the All-American Bowl.
Wilson plays for Venice High School in Venice, Florida. Venice plays against a high level of high school competition. The 6-foot-4, 230-pound edge rusher won the 8A state championship in Florida back in 2021. Wilson made a clutch interception in the 2021 state title game.
The five-star’s recruitment has been very competitive, but ultimately Wilson signed with Georgia football. Kirby Smart and Georgia football have signed a pair of four-star class of 2023 edge rushers, Gabriel Harris and Samuel M’Pemba.
Wilson is a member of Venice’s weightlifting team. Impressively, Wilson recorded 15 sacks during the 2021 high school football season and was named the Herald-Tribune Defensive Player of the Year, per 247Sports.
Wilson was also considering Miami, Alabama and Texas. The talented edge rusher has been compared to former Georgia outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari. | 2022-12-21T22:40:23Z | sports.yahoo.com | 5-star DE Damon Wilson makes commitment | https://sports.yahoo.com/5-star-damon-wilson-makes-212847891.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/5-star-damon-wilson-makes-212847891.html?src=rss |
The Oregon Ducks scored another massive win in the recruiting world on Wednesday, landing a verbal commitment from 4-star running back Jayden Limar, who was previously committed to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish since May of 2022.
Limar is rated as the No. 3 player in the state of Washington, and is viewed by 247Sports as the No. 16 RB in the 2023 class. He has been on multiple visits to Eugene over the past couple of years and has developed a close relationship with both Dan Lanning and Oregon RB coach Carlos Locklyn.
This recruiting flip does not come as a major surprise, with On3’s Justin Hopkins logging a prediction for it to happen earlier this month.
Limar is now the second RB in Oregon’s 2023 recruiting class, joining 4-star RB Dante Dowdell, who is rated as the No. 6 RB in the class.
BREAKING: Four-Star RB Jayden Limar has Flipped his Commitment from Notre Dame to Oregon!
The 5’11 190 RB from Lake Stevens, WA had been committed to the Fighting Irish since May.
Oregon is having a great day on the recruiting trail. https://t.co/TMxqAymSwA pic.twitter.com/ZX1S88c8st
The U.S. Women’s National Team takes center stage in just seven short months, as they look to defend their 2019 title at the 2023 Women’s World Cup. | 2022-12-21T22:40:30Z | sports.yahoo.com | Ducks flip 4-star RB Jayden Limar from Notre Dame Fighting Irish | https://sports.yahoo.com/breaking-ducks-flip-4-star-212942388.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/breaking-ducks-flip-4-star-212942388.html?src=rss |
ATHENS, Ga. (AP) On paper, the Peach Bowl matchup between No. 1 Georgia's defense and No. 4 Ohio State's offense is a test of strengths in the College Football Playoff semifinal.
''I mean, that's LSU,'' Stroud said earlier this month. ''We've got to play Buckeye football. And if that means we have to run the ball, then that is what it is. If that means we got to throw, that is what it is.''
''It just showed some of the things we've got to work on, so we have been attacking that in practice and working to get better,'' Georgia inside linebacker Smael Mondon said Tuesday, adding that defensive backs and other defensive players have been ''staying after practice trying to get more work. Just trying to get better and fix whatever issues we've got.''
Harrison said the Ohio State offense must ''stay on the field.''
''We can't go three-and-outs,'' Harrison said. ''Then we get into red zone, guys score touchdowns and not field goals. That's probably the biggest thing. ... We're gonna need to score a lot of points against Georgia. The defense is probably the best in the country, along with our defense as well, too. But it can be a challenge for us.''
''Number one, how fast C.J. Stroud gets the ball out of his hands and where he's looking, who he's looking to get the ball to,'' Logue said. ''That's just been my biggest thing.'' | 2022-12-21T22:40:42Z | sports.yahoo.com | Georgia defense braces for big test from Stroud, Ohio State | https://sports.yahoo.com/georgia-defense-braces-big-test-210354272.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/georgia-defense-braces-big-test-210354272.html?src=rss |
So, you thought that the ship had sailed on 2023 Kankakee (Ill.) four-star cornerback Jyaire Hill? Well, not so fast.
The elite defensive back released a top five on Monday which didn’t include Michigan football, which was surprising given that it appeared that he was down to the Wolverines and in-state Illinois. However, come early signing day, it turned out to be something of a ruse.
Ranked No. 195 in the country per the 247Sports Composite, Hill has offers from the likes of Illinois, Washington, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Iowa, Michigan State, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Oregon, Penn State, Purdue, TCU, Tennessee, UCLA, and Wisconsin. Yet, he pledged his commitment to Michigan football on Wednesday, thus completing the head-fake.
He made his announcement live on ESPN2.
Hill is Michigan’s 23rd commitment in the 2023 class and the third cornerback with Cameron Calhoun and D’Juan Waller in the fold.
On3 has Hill as the No. 112 player in the country. Here is their scouting report:
Productive, do-it-all playmaker who likely projects as a cornerback long-term. A taller, thin defensive back measuring in at over 6-foot-1 and around 170 pounds prior to his senior season. A dominant multi-phase high school player. Lines up multiple spots on offense, including quarterback and running back. Also plays defensive back, often lining up safety. Has excellent ball production, picking off 7 passes as a junior. Shows plus instincts at defensive back, quickly triggering to break on routes. Also shows reactive quickness in man coverage in the camp setting. Dangerous with the ball in his hands as a kick and punt returner. Has a long, easy stride. Has posted strong speed marks, running an electronically-timed 4.59 second 40-yard dash and a 10.87 second 100 meter mark as a junior. Will need to continue getting stronger, but has considerable upside given his stature, ball skills and athleticism.
Given his speed, he very well could see early time as a freshman, a la Will Johnson, despite the large group of underclassman defensive backs.
Steve Clinkscale was Hill’s primary recruiter.
The Texas National Guard has deployed a “contingency border force” of over 400 personnel to El Paso, Texas, as the city continues to deal with a surge of asylum-seekers arriving at the border. The Texas Military Department said the deployment is part of Governor Abbott’s “enhanced border security effort” and will include a Security Response Force comprised of “elements” from the 606th Military Police Battalion “trained in civil disturbance operations and mass migration response.” A spokesperson confirmed to ABC News that these types of Security Response Forces are also sometimes dispatched to large protests, like those that rattled the country after the murder of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis, MN. | 2022-12-21T22:40:55Z | sports.yahoo.com | Michigan football reels in prized commit after early-week head-fake | https://sports.yahoo.com/michigan-football-reels-prized-commit-213147970.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/michigan-football-reels-prized-commit-213147970.html?src=rss |
After five seasons with the Ohio State Buckeyes, linebacker Teradja Mitchell is headed to Gainesville to join Billy Napier’s Florida Gators, according to Edgar Thompson of the Orlando Sentinel.
The 2022 season would have been his final year at the collegiate level, but Mitchell played in just four games over the regular season meaning he can redshirt and retain a year of eligibility. Mitchell has vowed to play through the postseason with his team, but a waiver granted by the NCAA renders those snaps meaningless when it comes to redshirting.
A former five-star recruit, Mitchell served as a reserve linebacker until breaking out in 2021. He was named one of six Buckeyes co-captains that season and started eight games. Unfortunately, a new defensive coordinator meant that Mitchell’s role would decrease, which lead to a transfer. He played just one defensive snap all season while serving mostly as a special teamer. He leaves Columbus with 64 total tackles, including 8.5 tackles for a loss.
There should be plenty of opportunity for Mitchell to play in Gainesville. Florida has just four linebackers lined up to be on scholarship next year: junior Derek Wingo, redshirt sophomore Scooby Williams, sophomore Shemar James and true freshman Jaden Robinson.
Wingo has stepped up as a team leader and James is viewed as one of the freshmen with the highest upside this season, but there should be plenty of room for Mitchell to find snaps along with Williams while Robinson learns the ropes. | 2022-12-21T22:41:01Z | sports.yahoo.com | This Ohio State linebacker is transferring to Florida | https://sports.yahoo.com/ohio-state-linebacker-transferring-florida-212415600.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/ohio-state-linebacker-transferring-florida-212415600.html?src=rss |
Michigan football’s newest pledge appears to be something of a prankster.
2023 Kankakee (Ill.) four-star cornerback Jyaire Hill was long rumored to be between Michigan football and the Illinois Fighting Illini, but some questions arose as early signing day approached. First, Ryan Walters, the former defensive coordinator for the Illini, took over the Purdue program after Jeff Brohm left for Louisville. Then, Hill raised more questions when he released a top five just two days before his commitment date which didn’t include the Wolverines.
Despite that, predictions kept rolling for the maize and blue, with many in the recruiting world suspecting it was a ruse. They turned out to be right as Hill committed to Michigan on Wednesday.
What fans who weren’t in attendance (who either watched live on ESPN or on one of the various live streams) didn’t see was just how deep Hill’s troll went. First, he only had two teams pictured on the table, Illinois and Purdue. Secondly, he showed a video before he put on the hat with the Block M. It turns out, Hill really took his head-fake the full distance.
After his commitment, he reposted the video on his Instagram, showing the world just how deep his fake went.
(The relevant part of the video starts at the 2:39 mark in the video.)
So, Hill really made it look like he was choosing between Illinois and Purdue, all the way until he put on the Michigan hat.
Though the buzz strongly favored the maize and blue, fans of the Illini and Boilermakers have to be reeling that much more considering how Hill used their programs at patsies before he ultimately chose to wear a winged helmet at the next level.
Still, it’s an epic, epic troll if we’ve ever seen one. | 2022-12-21T22:41:39Z | sports.yahoo.com | WATCH: Jyaire Hill’s epic troll of Purdue and Illinois before picking Michigan football | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-jyaire-hill-epic-troll-221751848.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-jyaire-hill-epic-troll-221751848.html?src=rss |
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy compared Justin Fields' push for the NFL's single-season quarterback rushing record to Golden State Warriors big man Kevon Looney nearing his first career triple-double last week.
''I saw all those guys running to Coach Kerr like, `C'mon, dude, he just needs (one assist for) a triple-double,' and they took him out of the game,'' Getsy said Wednesday. ''We won't take him out of the game.''
''We won't sacrifice winning the game and usually him being a part of that is part of what we do anyway,'' he said. ''So I don't think that's going to be something we're going to have to think about.''
Fields joined Michael Vick and Jackson as the only quarterbacks to run for 1,000 in a season during last week's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He also broke Bobby Douglass' previous franchise rushing record for a QB of 968 yards in a 14-game season in 1972.
''It really just happens in a matter of a second, like a split second, where my first initial thought is I'm trying to protect myself,'' Fields said. ''I'm not trying to take any big hits. If I see a little crease or something like that, I might try to hit that crease for extra yards or try to break one tackle. But my first thought when running is just protecting myself.''
''We don't really talk about it too much and he doesn't really talk about it,'' tight end Cole Kmet said. ''I don't think that's necessarily on his mind. But obviously, when you achieve something like that, it's pretty special. That's pretty cool stuff, obviously history in the making.'' | 2022-12-21T23:48:51Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bears not necessarily scheming for Fields to break record | https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-not-necessarily-scheming-fields-224828104.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-not-necessarily-scheming-fields-224828104.html?src=rss |
The Chargers announced Wednesday that defensive lineman Joe Gaziano was placed on the injured reserve. In correspondence, Los Angeles signed DL Christopher Hinton to the active roster.
Additionally, L.A. signed wide receiver Jason Moore and DL Aaron Crawford to the practice squad.
Gaziano suffered a groin injury in the victory over the Titans. In five games, he logged eight tackles, a tackle for loss and a sack.
Hinton has appeared in one game this season in Week 14 against the Dolphins. He was inactive last weekend after being promoted from the practice squad.
Moore caught one of his two targets for five yards through six games this season with the Chargers.
Crawford started his career with the Ravens as an undrafted rookie out of North Carolina in 2020. He appeared in one game that season. Crawford spent time on the Giants’ practice squad before being waived. | 2022-12-21T23:49:03Z | sports.yahoo.com | Chargers make roster moves on Wednesday | https://sports.yahoo.com/chargers-roster-moves-wednesday-224054735.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/chargers-roster-moves-wednesday-224054735.html?src=rss |
Commanders admit mistake moving away from Robinson vs. Giants originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
That philosophical change helped the Commanders go from a 1-4 record to competing for an NFC Wild Card spot. Washington, sitting at 7-6-1, currently holds the seventh and final playoff position in the NFC with three weeks to play.
However, the Commanders' postseason hopes would look a lot more optimistic had they defeated the New York Giants (8-5-1) this past Sunday night. With a win, the franchise's playoff chances would have reached 91%, according to FiveThirtyEight. Now, those odds sit at 35%.
While a pair of questionable officiating decisions were a hot topic of conversation following Sunday's game, another major reason the Commanders left FedEx Field on the losing end was due to some of the offensive playcalling in the second half. Scott Turner moved away from the rushing attack over the final 30 minutes, as Brian Robinson Jr. touched the football just four times after the break after having nine touches in the first half.
After having a couple of days to digest the film of Sunday's game, Turner admitted to reporters on Wednesday that he wished he called a few more plays for his rookie running back.
"He was doing really well," Turner said on Robinson's performance. "Twelve carries, you say 'man, we really should've given him the ball more than that.' ... Because of Brian and how he was running, looking back it, you would've liked it for him to touch it more."
In an essentially must-win game, it was odd to see the Commanders move away from Robinson after his recent success. During Washington's past four games prior to Sunday, Robinson had averaged 20 carries and 86 rushing yards per outing. It was no coincidence the Commanders went 3-0-1 during that stretch.
On Monday, Commanders head coach Ron Rivera offered similar comments as his offensive coordinator, emphasizing the need to continue to run the football throughout the game.
"We have to not be in situations where you feel you have to throw the ball," Rivera said. "Keeping the option of being able to run, it opens up so much more. More of your playbook is available to you.
"In several games, we've been slightly behind and throwing the ball is one of our better [options] because of the playmakers that we have as wide receivers," he continued. "You've got Terry [McLaurin] and Jahan [Dotson] now -- who really looks like he's back into form -- and Curtis [Samuel]. We've got to spread the ball to them, but at the same time, we want to keep ourselves in a position where you can run it if you want to."
The Commanders' offense struggled to put up points in the first half, but Robinson was effective every time he touched the football. The former Alabama star had eight carries for 54 yards in the first half (6.8 yards-per-carry) to go along with an 18-yard reception. Robinson's touches were by far the most effective offensive plays early on. Heinicke had just 55 passing yards total at halftime.
Trailing 14-3 entering the third quarter, Turner opted to go with a pass-heavy approach. Initially, it worked. The Commanders scored on their first drive of the second half, moving the football 91 yards in just six plays. The lone rush attempt of the series came on a reverse to receiver Dyami Brown, who scampered up the left sideline for 15 yards.
Washington's next offensive possession opened with a seven-yard Robinson rush, but Turner immediately went back to the aerial attack after that. A flea-flicker play intended for Brown fell incomplete and on third down Washington opted to rush Samuel instead of Robinson. Samuel picked up just two yards on the play and the Commanders were forced to punt.
On the next series, Washington opened up with a pair of Robinson runs before moving away from the rookie again entirely. The Commanders were forced to kick a field goal four plays later.
When discussing Robinson's usage against the Giants, Turner pointed out that Washington's drives consisted of a lot fewer plays than in games past. The Commanders were able to execute a handful of chunk plays throughout the second half, highlighted by a 61-yard Dotson catch and a 27-yard Samuel grab.
In weeks past, the Commanders' point-producing drives largely consisted of double-digit plays and a run-heavy approach. Those long drives simply didn't happen against New York. Turner didn't want that to be an excuse, though.
"When you have longer drives, there are obviously more opportunities to hand it off," Turner said. "But again, I've got to be aware of that and get him some carries."
Where Robinson's lack of usage was arguably the most notable against the Giants was in the red zone. The Commanders struggled in that area against the Giants, scoring on just one of three red zone possessions. And that lone successful red zone drive came on just one play from within that area: a 19-yard touchdown from Heinicke to Dotson.
On the other two Commanders' red zone possessions, Robinson didn't touch the football once (besides a one-yard carry that was nullified by a penalty).
Like any competitor, Robinson wished he touched the football more during the stretch of Sunday's loss to the Giants. The rookie admitted "sometimes it can get frustrating" when his number isn't called despite him running the football effectively. Yet, he understands the Commanders have several other talented players on offense that have earned touches, too.
"Just being a team player, you also want to see everybody else get their opportunities, too," Robinson said. "I play with a lot of great players. I expect those guys to get just as many opportunities. I think sometimes it can come off as a little selfish -- even when you're having success. It can come off as a little selfish or you don't respect the guys around you. They deserve the ball just as much as you."
Robinson took the team-first approach with his answer, but his recent play should earn him more red zone touches. His physical rushing style is ideal for running the football in that area. It's hard to believe, but Robinson has just one red zone carry the entire season.
"We got to make sure we're doing what's best for our guys as far as getting people open," Turner said about the team's red zone offense. "... There [were] some opportunities there where B-Rob could have got some shots there.”
This week, the Commanders face a difficult test against the San Francisco 49ers, winners of seven straight. The 49ers' possess one of the best run defenses in the NFL, too, which is a matchup nightmare for a team like Washington that wants to establish the run.
But if the Commanders are going to pull off another upset this year, they'll need to return to the style of football that turned their season around in the first place.
"When we were on that winning streak there, we were running the ball well," Heinicke said. "Lots of play-action and third down conversions that we needed and we were scoring in the red zone. The defense kept playing and doing their thing. If we can keep doing that I feel very comfortable with this offense." | 2022-12-21T23:49:23Z | sports.yahoo.com | Commanders admit mistake moving away from Brian Robinson Jr. vs. Giants | https://sports.yahoo.com/commanders-admit-mistake-moving-away-231400651.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/commanders-admit-mistake-moving-away-231400651.html?src=rss |
If you, as a Washington Commanders fan, weren't paying attention to the other teams in the NFC Playoff Picture, now is the time to start doing so.
Washington's Week 15 loss to the New York Giants (8-5-1) now puts their playoff fate in question. The Commanders hold the final spot in the NFC Playoffs and with it still control their playoff destiny. However, a Week 16 date with the NFC West champion San Francisco 49ers (10-4) gives everyone pause. There's not much wiggle room anymore to manage another loss.
That is why Washington needs to care about what happens elsewhere in the NFC. The Seattle Seahawks (7-7), Detroit Lions (7-7) and even to an extent the Green Bay Packers (6-8) are all nipping at their heels for that final spot.
Despite being a half-game back, analytics sites have moved the Lions ahead of the Commanders in terms of playoff odds. A schedule that features at the Carolina Panthers (5-9), vs. the Chicago Bears (3-11) and at Green Bay gives them the easiest final docket for all of the team in the playoff hunt. Detroit has also won six of their last seven games as one of the hottest teams in the NFL.
Will they make it 9-1 in their final 10-game stretch? The only team in the league to accomplish that feat this year is the Philadelphia Eagles (13-1) and incredibly difficult to do.
Then again, if the Commanders go undefeated, all those teams' results become meaningless. After Week 16, Washington has games against the Cleveland Browns (6-8) and Dallas Cowboys (10-4).
There's not too much to worry about in terms of tiebreakers. The Commanders lost the only one that will likely matter when they fell to the Giants. Another tie would have to be involved for a traditional tiebreaker to be a factor with the rest of the teams.
The Commanders remain mathematically alive for all three Wild Cards in the NFC. Two weeks ago, Washington was eliminated from winning the division and therefore cannot finish in the top four in the conference.
The Minnesota Vikings (11-3) and 49ers both clinched their respective division crowns last week. They will join the Eagles and the Cowboys in the playoff field. The Los Angeles Rams (4-10) and Arizona Cardinals (4-10) were eliminated.
That leaves nine teams vying for the final three spots.
There is a methodology for this guide. The initial selection of which team to root for is based on the assumption that Washington wins out the remainder of the season (resulting in a 10-6-1 record). The only time it will not is when there is a bigger benefit in direct playoff positioning between the Commanders and another team for a matchup.
Dallas Cowboys (10-4) - divisional record
Seattle Seahawks (7-7), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-8), Carolina Panthers (5-9) and New Orleans Saints (5-9).
The Falcons are not a team that the Commanders should be concerned about in their playoff chase. Yet, they're still alive for the Wild Card and NFC South. Root for the Ravens.
With the Lions' win over the Jets paired with the Commanders' loss to the Giants, Detroit now has the best chance (40%) of earning the seventh playoff bid in the NFC of the contending teams, according to FiveThirtyEight. Washington is not that far behind them but the Lions' schedule is far easier.
After Carolina, the Lions have Chicago at home and travel to Green Bay in Week 18 who may have nothing to play for. The Panthers are technically still alive in the Wild Card but their best postseason chance resides in winning their division. Root for the Panthers.
This may be the most important non-Commanders game for the final three weeks of the season in determining if Washington is postseason-bound.
Somehow, both these teams have a shot at the playoffs. Yes, the Saints are still in contention for the No. 7 seed. Root for the Browns.
The juice behind the Seahawks' impressive start to the season is starting to run out. Washington cannot afford to have Seattle win more games than them in the final three weeks of the season. This should cement that. Root for the Chiefs.
Somehow, the Vikings survived last week's thriller with the Indianapolis Colts. Boy, that would have made the NFC North race extremely interesting. The Commanders now have no reason to care about what Minnesota does with their division title.
The No. 6 seed is still within Washington's grasp but the Giants need to start losing. Root for the Vikings.
Saturday, Dec. 24 at 4:05 p.m. ET
A loss to the 49ers would likely prevent Washington from controlling their playoff fate. If Detroit or Seattle win and the Commanders lose, Washington would then have to rely on other teams losing to make the postseason.
So, for now, this game is the most important game for the Commanders in the final three weeks of the season.
Here's how the odds of them making the playoffs change based on the result of this game, according to FiveThirtyEight.
Right now Washington has a 35% chance to make playoffs entering the matchup. A win vaults them up to a 64% chance. A loss drops them to 22% and a tie doesn't change things much at 36%. Keep in mind that is without factoring in what others do in Week 16.
Any non-winning result is not great. Root for the Commanders.
Well, well, well. There are a variety of ways for Commanders fans to look at this matchup. Ultimately, Washington should not want Dallas playing for anything in Week 18 unless it's for the Commanders' to leapfrog the Cowboys for the No. 5 seed.
To do that, Dallas needs to go 0-2 entering that matchup and Washington 2-0.
However, some may feel that getting the No. 5 seed is too far out of reach for Washington. The last thing the Commanders would need is the Cowboys having to win in Week 18 to take the fifth seed over the Giants while Washington was still trying just to get into the dance.
Several variables are at play, but the Commanders still have a shot at passing Dallas. So, for now, Root for the Eagles.
The Packers are still alive in the NFC Playoff Picture and have an 8% chance of getting in. That drops to zero if the Dolphins beat them. Root for the Dolphins.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-8) at Arizona Cardinals (4-9)
Arizona is eliminated and Tampa Bay is far behind Washington, if they don't hold on the NFC South. The chances of the Buccaneers having an impact on the Commanders is slim but in case all you know what breaks lose, root for the Cardinals.
A look at the first injury report of the week for the #Chiefs and #Seahawks. | 2022-12-21T23:49:42Z | sports.yahoo.com | NFL Playoff Picture: Who to root for in Week 16 if you're a Washington Commanders fan | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-playoff-picture-root-week-223300280.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-playoff-picture-root-week-223300280.html?src=rss |
Los Angeles Chargers — Justin Herbert, Justin Herbert, Justin Herbert. This Chargers team still has a lot of deficiencies that will make it hard for them to win a Super Bowl, but this is about getting one of the best quarterbacks in the league into a high-stakes game. Herbert is one of the premier quarterbacks in the NFL and still gives Los Angeles a chance to win every game he starts. The Chargers currently sit in the sixth seed in the AFC, so they're still in good position.
We'd like to see both Tua Tagovailoa's Miami Dolphins and Justin Herbert's Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL playoffs. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Seattle Seahawks — At this point, it would be a little disappointing if Geno Smith didn’t get to start a playoff game. Smith has been a good quarterback for the Seahawks this season and has allowed them to remain a big-play, competitive offense in the midst of a rebuild. This Seahawks team wasn’t supposed to be in this position, but they’ve gotten here by being a strong team in their own right. The Seahawks currently have the eighth seed in the NFC playoffs so they would need some help to get in.
Can the Rams just hit the simulate button for the rest of the season? Would anyone really care? Super Bowl hangover, injuries, no first-round pick. This Rams season has become the most inconsequential season in the NFL. They aren’t playing for anything anymore. Let’s allow them to save the time and effort and start their offseason now.
This team doesn’t even get to capitalize on their ineptitude. According to Tankathon, the Rams would be sending the fourth overall pick to the Lions if the draft was held today. Based on the current state of this Rams team, that pick could get as high as second overall. That’s a pick that this Rams’ roster could really use as they start to rebuild from all the resources that it took to get to, and win, Super Bowl LVI.
Why is the Rams' 2022 season still a thing? (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
In a way, Goff’s presence makes this an even more ideal landing spot for a rookie quarterback. He’s played well enough this season that he’ll be the incumbent starter in 2023 and a rookie quarterback wouldn’t be forced to see the field early. That would also help the Lions add value to Goff in the event that they’re able to trade him prior to the 2024 season when it would be really cheap to get his contract off of the books. (Goff has a dead cap hit of $5 million in 2024).
Who they draft and where they draft them is where the conversation really gets interesting. They don’t have to use the Rams pick on a quarterback like C.J. Stroud or Bryce Young. They could try to get their hands on an elite defensive talent like Jalen Carter or Will Anderson to join Aidan Hutchinson along the defensive line. They can still go after a quarterback with their original first-round pick, which will likely fall between picks 16 and 20.
There is a wild card at the quarterback position in this year’s draft and it’s Florida's Anthony Richardson. In terms of physical attributes, Richardson is as talented as it gets, but he has some strides to take when it comes to consistent accuracy throwing the ball. His play might not always look like first-round material, but this is a guy that is physically straight out of Create-A-Player on "Madden." A situation like the one the Lions have set up would be perfect for a player like Richardson. He could have the time to work on his quarterback skills while Goff continues to be a steady hand for the team.
Over the past three weeks, Kyle Shanahan has ascended to a new plane. Brock Purdy, the last pick in the 2022 NFL draft, has been the 49ers' primary quarterback and they're 3-0 in that span. San Francisco scored 33 points on the Dolphins and 35 points against the Buccaneers before winning a close game against Seattle to continue their Purdy-impressive three-game winning streak (LOL!). The 49ers have been one of the top teams in the NFL this season and they’ve continued to look that way as the playoffs get closer and closer.
The fact that they're even in a position where this question can be asked is due to everything that exists around Purdy. The defense is still playing out of its mind and Shanahan has done a masterful job calling plays that make life easy. Purdy is certainly in an advantageous situation, but he does deserve a smidge of credit for being able to navigate the offense in this manner as a rookie that had essentially no expectations. Purdy’s been playing on easy mode, but he’s done what’s asked of him and has had a fairly clean stat sheet so far.
The 49ers have games against the Commanders, Raiders and Cardinals to close the season. There’s no reason to think they won’t be heavily favored in all of those games and couldn't finish the season on a six-game winning streak with Brock Purdy as their quarterback. That’s a level of stability and success that’s difficult to come across in the NFL. | 2022-12-21T23:49:48Z | sports.yahoo.com | NFL teams we'd like to see in the playoffs; 49ers' potential with Brock Purdy; and can the Rams just sim to next season? | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-teams-wed-like-to-see-in-the-playoffs-49-ers-potential-with-brock-purdy-and-can-the-rams-just-sim-to-next-season-222535777.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-teams-wed-like-to-see-in-the-playoffs-49-ers-potential-with-brock-purdy-and-can-the-rams-just-sim-to-next-season-222535777.html?src=rss |
Franco Harris died on Wednesday, two days before the 50th anniversary of the “Immaculate Reception.”
The Pittsburgh Steelers planned on honoring Harris on Saturday when they play the Las Vegas Raiders by retiring the running back’s No. 32.
On Dec. 23, 1972, the Oakland Raiders and Steelers met in a playoff game.
Oakland led 7-6 by virtue of a 30-yard touchdown run by quarterback Ken Stabler. It was the longest run of Stabler’s NFL career, whether in the regular season or postseason.
The Steelers were down to their last play, a fourth-and 10 from their 40, when the incredible occurred.
Harris, after initially blocking on the play, had run downfield in case Terry Bradshaw needed another eligible receiver. After Bradshaw threw the pass towards John Fuqua, Harris recounted the advice of his college football coach Joe Paterno, who always told his players “Go to the ball.”
Harris, in the vicinity of the deflected pass, scooped up the sailing ball just before it hit the ground. Harris ran past Raiders linebacker Gerald Irons, while linebacker Phil Villapiano, who had been covering Harris, was blocked by Steelers tight end John McMakin. Harris used a stiff arm to ward off Raiders defensive back Jimmy Warren, and went in for a touchdown.
It took 15 minutes for the officials to rule the play a touchdown. In 1972, and for many years prior, an offensive player could not touch or catch a football if the previous person to touch it was a fellow offensive player.
That rule has changed over the course of time.
Roy Gerela kicked the extra point and the Steelers had an unforgettable 13-7 playoff victory.
For years, it was debated whether the Steelers’ Fuqua or the Raiders’ Jack Tatum had created the deflection.
The Immaculate Reception was called the greatest play in NFL history during the league’s 100th season. | 2022-12-21T23:50:39Z | sports.yahoo.com | Remembering Franco Harris and the Immaculate Reception in all its brilliance | https://sports.yahoo.com/remembering-franco-harris-immaculate-reception-224855270.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/remembering-franco-harris-immaculate-reception-224855270.html?src=rss |
It looks as though it’ll be up to Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Malik Willis to hold off the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC South.
According to Titans reporter Paul Kuharsky, veteran starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill is “very likely done for the season” due to an ankle injury that may require surgery to repair.
The Titans are currently 7-7, one game ahead of the 6-8 Jaguars in the AFC South. So long as Jacksonville doesn’t fall two or three games back in the next two weeks, the Titans and Jaguars will play for the division crown in a Week 18 matchup at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville.
Willis, a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, started two games earlier in the season when Tannehill was out due to injury. While the Titans went 1-1 during that stretch, Willis struggled, completing only 42.3 percent of his passes with no touchdowns and one interception.
Tannehill has been Tennessee’s starter since 2019, compiling a 36-19 record in his four seasons with the team. This season, Tannehill has 13 touchdown passes with six interceptions. | 2022-12-21T23:51:11Z | sports.yahoo.com | Titans QB Ryan Tannehill ‘very likely done for the season,’ per report | https://sports.yahoo.com/titans-qb-ryan-tannehill-very-232835510.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/titans-qb-ryan-tannehill-very-232835510.html?src=rss |
By any metric you want to look at, it’s pretty easy to see that the Oregon Ducks had one of the best offensive lines in the nation last season. They were loaded with veteran leaders on the offensive front, utilizing the experience of guys like Alex Forsyth, T.J. Bass, Ryan Walk, and Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu. Oregon gave up only four sacks all season, which was the best in the nation.
Unfortunately for Duck fans, it seemed early in the offseason like that may have been the mountain-top for OL play in Eugene. With four of those veterans leaving Eugene after exhausting their collegiate eligibility, it leaves only LG Marcus Harper as the returning starter.
Sure, there are guys like Josh Conerly, Jackson Powers-Johnson, and a handful of other younger players who have some experience playing in games, but it’s no secret that the Ducks don’t have the same depth and experience going into 2023 as they did going into 2022.
It’s a good thing the transfer portal exists, isn’t it?
Both Dan Lanning and offensive line coach Adrian Klemm attacked that need for the Ducks this offseason, and the early returns have been spectacular for Oregon. On Tuesday night, former Texas Longhorns OL Junior Angilua announced that he would transfer to the Ducks, and Wednesday afternoon saw former Rhode Island OT Ajani Cornelius do the same.
Angilua started 34 games across multiple spots on the line during three seasons in Austin, and was named a team captain for the Longhorns, as well as a Preseason Big-12 All-American in 2022 before an injury sidelined him for the year.
As for Cornelius, he is among the most highly-coveted players in the transfer portal this off-season, and has held offers from some of the top Power-5 schools in the nation, including Tennessee, Ohio State, Nebraska, Miami, and Penn State.
When it comes to new coaching staffs who haven’t had a few years to stack recruiting classes on top of each other and build up a depth chart full of their own guys, losing a group of seniors at a single position could be catastrophic, with not many places to turn. However, Lanning and Klemm took the opportunity to attack the transfer portal this offseason and get the offensive line back to a strength for the offense with a couple of big-time commitments. | 2022-12-22T00:19:22Z | sports.yahoo.com | Despite losing 4 starters, Oregon’s offensive line could be a major strength in 2023 | https://sports.yahoo.com/despite-losing-4-starters-oregon-235114046.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/despite-losing-4-starters-oregon-235114046.html?src=rss |
Alabama head coach Nick Saban paces the field during warmups before an NCAA college football game against Auburn, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
''I think there's major concerns with what's going on in college football,'' said Penn State coach James Franklin, who emphasized he supports athletes being able to cash in on NIL opportunities. ''Right now, there's really no guardrails. There's not a whole lot of guidance, and there's not a whole of governance.''
''We all want something if we can get it'' said new Nebraska coach Matt Rhule, who returned to the college game after three years in the NFL. ''You can see (NIL is) being misused and mishandled in a lot of places.''
''The reality is this day and age you have to make decisions on how you're going to handle this,'' Southern California coach Lincoln Riley said.
Riley said he believed USC lost recruits to other schools because of NIL deals, but he added that ''everybody did.''
Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman said of NIL deals: ''If that's the only reason they want to come to Notre Dame, we're not going to be the right place for them.''
''I think it's great to be in a place where you can be innovative and ahead of the curve, but I think anybody that really knows college football right now knows there's a lot more to recruiting than NIL,'' Lanning said. ''Nobody picks the place just because of those factors ... it goes back to relationships.''
''We built this program on NIL. We really did,'' Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. ''It's probably different than what you're thinking, though. We built this program on God's name, image and likeness.''
''It's not about the money because if people knew about the money situation, they wouldn't be talking about it,'' Proctor said, according to the Des Moines Register. ''But I wanted to go play football at a prestigious school. (There's) a lot of competition down there and ultimately it's going to make me better.''
''Miami used to dominate the (NFL) draft. Dominate,'' Cristobal said. ''Signing days result in better draft days.'' | 2022-12-22T00:19:35Z | sports.yahoo.com | NIL casts cloud over college football's early signing period | https://sports.yahoo.com/nil-casts-cloud-over-college-230940509.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nil-casts-cloud-over-college-230940509.html?src=rss |
USC receiver Jordan Addison has opted not to join the Trojans when they play Tulane in the Cotton Bowl on Jan. 2. (Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)
USC will be without both its top receiving target and its top offensive lineman for the Cotton Bowl, as each focuses on putting nagging injuries behind them ahead of the NFL draft process.
Addison's decision to sit out the bowl game almost certainly marks the end of a brief, one-year tenure at USC. The Biletnikoff Award winner with Pitt in 2021, Addison transferred to USC less than a year ago and finished tied for the Pac-12 lead with eight receiving touchdowns this season, despite missing time with the ankle injury.
He’s expected to be a first-round pick in the upcoming NFL draft. If he is, that’ll mark two straight seasons in which a USC receiver was selected in the first round, following Drake London this year.
Vorhees, meanwhile, is likely to be one of the top interior linemen drafted in the spring. He’s expected to be a Day 2 pick. | 2022-12-22T00:19:54Z | sports.yahoo.com | USC's Jordan Addison and Andrew Vorhees will miss Cotton Bowl | https://sports.yahoo.com/uscs-jordan-addison-andrew-vorhees-223329424.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/uscs-jordan-addison-andrew-vorhees-223329424.html?src=rss |
Nesmith, selected 14th overall by the Celtics in the 2020 NBA Draft, was traded over the summer to the Pacers in the deal that brought Malcolm Brogdon to Boston. Ex-C's big man Daniel Theis and a chunk of the bench mob -- Malik Fitts, Nik Stauskas, and Juwan Morgan -- were included in the trade.
Nesmith has played well thus far in Indiana, and he isn't the only young ex-Celtic who has broken out this season. Another No. 14 overall pick by Boston, Romeo Langford, has found his groove as of late with the San Antonio Spurs.
As we look ahead to Wednesday night's Nesmith-Celtics reunion, here's a rundown of how he, Langford, and other former Celtics have fared so far this season.
Nesmith showed flashes of his potential, but he didn't get a consistent opportunity during his brief time in Boston.
Nesmith enters Wednesday's game vs. his former team averaging 8.8 points and 3.5 rebounds through 27 games (15 starts). The 6-foot-5 guard shooting a career-best 38.7 percent on 3-pointers and is coming off a performance in which he dropped a career-high 23 points vs. the New York Knicks.
“Aaron’s great,” Celtics interim coach Joe Mazzulla told reporters on Tuesday. “He came into a situation where he had an opportunity — it was also up and down for him — and I thought he handled it with great professionalism. He works really hard, and I thought he played hard, and then I’m watching him on film with another team and he plays really, really hard. So I’m excited for the situation that he’s in. He’s taking advantage of it.”
Last season for the C's, Theis averaged 7.9 points and 4.7 rebounds in 21 games. Boston brought him back into the fold before the 2022 trade deadline by sending Dennis Schroder to the Houston Rockets.
Langford, drafted 14th overall by the Celtics in 2019, was sent to San Antonio in last year's trade that brought Derrick White to Boston. Like Nesmith, he never had the opportunity to produce on a consistent basis with the C's. Much of that was due to injuries.
Recently, Langford has carved out a role with the Spurs. The 23-year-old already is one of their better defenders and has made a difference lately with his scoring as well. He has tallied double-digit points in four of his last seven games, including a Dec. 10 win over the Miami Heat in which he dropped a career-high 19.
Romeo's career-high night helped the Spurs get the win on the road 💪@FrostBank | #PorVida pic.twitter.com/hvCjnWGLQz
Josh Richardson, San Antonio Spurs
Dennis Schroder, Los Angeles Lakers
Schroder rejoined the Lakers in free agency after a brief stint with the Celtics and Rockets in 2021-22. Through 16 games (13 starts) this year, the veteran point guard is averaging 10.3 points and 3.8 assists. He'll never live down turning L.A.'s $84 million contract offer two summers ago.
Kemba Walker, Dallas Mavericks
Walker's knee issues won't allow him to be the player he once was, but he's shown that he has something left in the tank. He was signed by the Mavericks in late November and made his season debut on Dec. 10, scoring eight points and dishing five assists in 20 minutes. On Saturday, he put on a show with 32 points (12-25 FG) and seven assists against the Cleveland Cavaliers. A feel-good story for a beloved ex-Celtic.
Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets
It's the same old story with Hayward this season. He's productive when he's able to take the court, but that hasn't been often. He has played in only 14 of the Hornets' 31 games so far this year due to injury. In those 14 games, Hayward is averaging 15.9 points, 4.6 assists and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 45.5 percent from the floor.
Watch the Game Highlights from South Bay Lakers vs. Maine Celtics, 12/19/2022 | 2022-12-22T00:20:00Z | sports.yahoo.com | How Aaron Nesmith, other ex-Celtics have fared in 2022-23 NBA season | https://sports.yahoo.com/aaron-nesmith-other-ex-celtics-224800300.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/aaron-nesmith-other-ex-celtics-224800300.html?src=rss |
When Maryland-Baltimore County pulled off perhaps the most famous upset in men's college basketball history, becoming the first No. 16 seed to beat a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament, UMBC was a 20-point underdog.
That should put Iowa's loss on Wednesday into perspective.
Again, UMBC's spread against Virginia was 11.5 points lower than the one Eastern Illinois faced on Wednesday. Eastern Illinois, ranked 348th of 363 Division I teams at KenPom.com, can claim the biggest point spread upset in at least 30 years according to ESPN Stats and Info (via Max Meyer of Caesars Sports).
This one won't be remembered like some classic NCAA tournament upsets, but it is historic.
Eastern Illinois, which is 4-9 this season, probably isn't going to go on to a big season in the Ohio Valley Conference. But their players can say they pulled off one of the biggest upsets ever. | 2022-12-22T00:20:07Z | sports.yahoo.com | College basketball betting: Iowa takes on a historic loss as a 31.5-point favorite | https://sports.yahoo.com/college-basketball-betting-iowa-takes-on-a-historic-loss-as-a-315-point-favorite-231149312.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/college-basketball-betting-iowa-takes-on-a-historic-loss-as-a-315-point-favorite-231149312.html?src=rss |
Mortgage lender Mat Ishbia is finalizing a purchase of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury, The Republic confirmed the ESPN report through a source.
By now, it should come as no surprise that Netflix‘s Wednesday generated a massive audience in its opening week. The series landed at the top of Nielsen’s U.S. streaming charts in its first week on Netflix with a massive 5.9B minutes viewed. That’s the second highest weekly viewing total for a streaming title since the […] | 2022-12-22T00:20:45Z | sports.yahoo.com | Lowry, Martin, Butler out for Heat against Bulls, as body snatching continues | https://sports.yahoo.com/kyle-lowry-caleb-martin-again-175400117.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/kyle-lowry-caleb-martin-again-175400117.html?src=rss |
Atlanta Hawks general manager Landry Fields was promoted to head of basketball operations on Wednesday. (Photo by Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports)
Former New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors wing Landry Fields will immediately replace Travis Schlenk as the lead decision-maker for the Atlanta Hawks' basketball operations, the team announced on Wednesday.
The 34-year-old Fields rose quickly in the executive ranks and was promoted from assistant general manager to GM under Schlenk this past June. Schlenk, 46, who still has multiple years remaining on the contract extension he signed in 2019, will transition into a senior advisory role for team owner Tony Ressler.
“We have a great appreciation for the work Travis has done in guiding our franchise through a quick rebuilding process and shaping us into a playoff contender," Ressler stated in a press release. "He has worked tirelessly from his first day with our organization to move us toward our ultimate goal of becoming a championship franchise. With his strong eye for talent, work ethic and knowledge of our team, we are confident that he will serve us well as a trusted advisor."
A second-round pick out of Stanford in 2010, Fields played five seasons for the Knicks and Raptors before a series of injuries cut short his NBA playing career at the age of 26. He accepted a scouting job in the San Antonio Spurs' front office after sitting out the 2015-16 season. The Spurs tabbed Fields to be the general manager of their G League affiliate three years later, and the Hawks hired him as their assistant GM in 2020.
Schlenk ran the Hawks' front office for nearly six years after serving as assistant GM under Bob Myers on the Golden State Warriors. His most consequential move in Atlanta was trading the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft, which the Dallas Mavericks used to select Luka Doncic, for the rights to Trae Young at No. 5 and a top-five protected pick the following year (Cam Reddish). Young has twice been named an All-Star, but Doncic is a three-time All-NBA first-team selection and a perennial MVP candidate at the age of 23.
In his first three seasons with the Hawks, Schlenk also drafted John Collins, De'Andre Hunter and Kevin Huerter. Over a nine-month span in 2020, Schlenk executed trades for Clint Capela, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Danilo Gallinari, forming the core that led Atlanta to an Eastern Conference finals appearance in 2021.
“Throughout this season, Tony and I have had multiple, honest conversations about some of the personal things I’ve been going through and how I’ve been feeling, and I appreciate the counsel he has provided me as well as the opportunity he gave me six seasons ago to be a first-time general manager," Schlenk said in a statement. "As we enter a new year, the timing feels right for me to take a step back, reflect and prioritize my family.
Since then, and even before then, the Hawks have navigated Young's fraught relationships with teammates and coaches. Schlenk fired Lloyd Pierce as head coach in March 2021, replacing him with Nate MacMillan, whose latest practice clash with Young led the star to skip a game earlier this month. The Hawks are 16-15, currently seventh place in the East, positioned for a second consecutive play-in tournament appearance.
Schlenk took another big swing to build around Young on the eve of free agency this past summer, trading Gallinari's expiring contract, three first-round draft picks (two unprotected) and a pick swap to the Spurs for All-Star guard Dejounte Murray. The backcourt pairing has not borne the fruit the front office anticipated.
Schlenk also made a cost-cutting decision for ownership to trade Huerter for a lottery-protected first-round pick in 2024. Huerter has been one of the league's elite high-volume 3-point shooters for the Sacramento Kings, shooting 41.1% on seven attempts per game this season — the kind of player the Hawks could use.
It will be fascinating to see how Fields navigates the next year with an underperforming roster featuring six players slotted to make more than $16 million next season. Collins has been party to trade discussions for years on end. Bogdanovic can decline an $18 million option to become a free agent in July. Murray is due for a pricey extension in 2024, when Onyeka Okongwu will also be in line for his rookie contract extension. Fields has plenty of decisions, and Schlenk has left him without two future first-round picks to make them.
Nets’ Kevin Durant says pro sports can survive without ‘spoiled, entitled, clickbait media’
Kevin Durant has some strong words for a specific section of the media.
National Signing Day: Cincinnati Bearcats football announces 2023 recruiting class | 2022-12-22T00:20:51Z | sports.yahoo.com | Landry Fields to supplant Travis Schlenk in Hawks' front office | https://sports.yahoo.com/landry-fields-to-supplant-travis-schlenk-as-atlanta-hawks-head-of-basketball-operations-145728258.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/landry-fields-to-supplant-travis-schlenk-as-atlanta-hawks-head-of-basketball-operations-145728258.html?src=rss |
NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty will ride in the 2023 Rose Parade
Official NASCAR Release
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — (Dec. 21, 2022) — NASCAR is turning the 2023 Rose Parade presented by Honda into a royal processional fit for “The King.”
The sanctioning body announced today that Richard Petty will ride atop its historic float “Always Forward” that celebrates NASCAR‘s 75th anniversary and the upcoming Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum. The parade, which will be held on Monday, Jan. 2., is part of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses which also features the famed Rose Bowl Game.
MORE: Buy your tickets to the Clash now!
“Nobody embodies the rich history of our sport more than Richard Petty,” said NASCAR Vice President of Marketing Services Patrick Rogers. “He‘s not only ‘The King,‘ but an icon recognized around the world as one of the greatest athletes of all time. It‘s an incredible honor to have him represent NASCAR on our float, and I know our fans in California will love this opportunity to hail NASCAR royalty in person.”
Petty‘s coronation as NASCAR‘s “King” was a byproduct of the hard work and skill he showcased during a remarkable 35-year career. His record 200 NASCAR Cup Series wins is considered one of the most untouchable records in all of sports. Petty was also the first driver to win seven NASCAR Cup Series championships, and he holds NASCAR records for most poles (123), most wins in a season (27), most Daytona 500 wins (seven), most consecutive wins (10) and most starts (1,185). He was enshrined in the NASCAR Hall of Fame as part of its inaugural class in 2010, and he currently serves as Chairman of Petty GMS Racing.
Yet Petty cemented his status as a cultural icon by becoming one of sport‘s most accessible and likable athletes. Rarely seen without his trademark cowboy hat and sunglasses, Petty still greets fans at the race track with the same warm smile he displayed during his driving career.
The float that will carry “The King” on Jan. 2 features his iconic No. 43 race car, along with the No. 3 made popular by Dale Earnhardt and the No. 24 driven by Jeff Gordon. With the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum‘s Peristyle and Olympic cauldron serving as a breathtaking backdrop, the cars race around a track surrounded by checkered flags, ribbons, palm trees and more. Designed and constructed by Artistic Entertainment Services (AES), the float is 25 feet tall, 55 feet long and headed by NASCAR‘s 75th Anniversary diamond logo.
RELATED: More on float | 2022-12-22T00:32:13Z | sports.yahoo.com | NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty will ride in the 2023 Rose Parade | https://sports.yahoo.com/nascar-hall-famer-richard-petty-120103199.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nascar-hall-famer-richard-petty-120103199.html?src=rss |
Malik Monk went from being one of the most explosive players in college basketball to struggling to get on the court in the NBA.
Now with the Sacramento Kings, Monk is finding his stride as a potential Sixth Man of the Year candidate, an evolution which he can trace to being humbled by former head coach Steve Clifford during his rookie season with the Charlotte Hornets.
“One thousand percent, man,” Monk said. “That year with Cliff definitely molded me to who I am right now.”
The Hornets drafted Monk with the No. 11 pick in 2017, which was considered a slip down the board at the time. With the Kentucky Wildcats, Monk was named SEC Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year during his only college season, which included a 47-point performance against the eventual national champion North Carolina Tar Heels.
Monk was unquestionably one of the top scorers in his class, but wound up getting drafted after Frank Ntilikina, Dennis Smith Jr. and Zach Collins, who were selected eighth, ninth and 10th.
But for the first time in his basketball life, Monk wasn’t the best player on the floor when he got to the NBA. The former high school All-American struggled with consistency under Clifford, who is notoriously tough on young players, and would back up 20-point performances with games in the single digits. As the season wore on, Monk often played fewer than 10 minutes per game and sometimes did not play at all.
It’s hardly a unique story for NBA players, many of whom go from a big fish in a small pond to being thrown into the ocean as a professional. It’s the ability to evolve and adapt that often defines those players’ success or failures.
Monk finished off his rookie campaign averaging just 13.6 minutes per game while struggling to find a rhythm, shooting just 36% from the floor despite posting a reasonable 34.2% clip from 3-point range, an area where he excelled in college. He averaged just 6.7 points and 1.4 assists.
Clifford, now in his second stint coaching the Hornets, was in Sacramento for Monday’s game. He said he had a conversation with Monk last season while he was in the midst of his best NBA season with the Los Angeles Lakers.
“He just told me, ‘I get it now,’” Clifford said. “You know, ‘I’ve grown up. I’ve matured. I’ve been through it.’”
Clifford has made it clear over the years he’s not in favor of the way the AAU circuit or current college landscape impacts the development of players. He believes modern NBA prospects are perhaps the best they’ve ever been individually, but they are lacking the fundamentals and “basketball IQ” players of previous generations had when they spent multiple years in college with the same programs.
“To be honest,” Clifford said of Monk, “he wasn’t ready to play in the NBA.”
When Monk was asked this week about transitioning from the limelight of starring at Kentucky, alongside current Kings teammate De’Aaron Fox, to transitioning to a scant NBA role, he interrupted the question being asked.
“Yeah, not playing,” Monk said. “It was hard, man. Probably the most difficult things I’ve ever done in my life, trying to keep a straight, level head through that whole process. Because I knew I was gonna come back on the flip side, so that was the biggest (challenge).”
The Kings signed Monk this offseason to a two-year, $19 million contract after a year with the Lakers, and he’s quickly proven to be worth the money to provide a spark off the bench. The team has been impressed by Monk’s overall playmaking — he ranks sixth among NBA reserves with 3.9 assists per game — to match his scoring. Monk has averaged a career-best 14.6 points per game to rank fifth among bench players.
Kings coach Mike Brown has pined for Monk to be in the Sixth Man of the Year conversation throughout the young season. Monk is tied for third on the team with seven 20-point games behind only Fox and Domantas Sabonis. And while the overall sample sizes are small, most of the Kings’ most effective lineups include Monk playing with the starters.
Some of the knocks on Monk during his four seasons in Charlotte had to do with maturity — he was suspended from February to June 2020 for violating the NBA’s anti-drug program — leading to not having much of a market when he hit unrestricted free agency prior to last season before he signed with the Lakers.
There, Monk had a resurgence of sorts, posting a career season across the board. He was coveted by Kings general manager Monte McNair over the summer and signed with Sacramento on July 6.
Brown’s new-look offense with the Kings is known for emphasizing pace and space. But he also prioritizes paint touches, breaking down a defender and getting into the lane to either shoot or create opportunities for others. That’s where the 24-year-old Monk, listed at 6-foot-3, has excelled with the Kings.
“He gets into the paint so easy,” Brown said. “And he’s explosive, he’s athletic, he’s quick. He’s got all types of tricks around the hoop and so he could finish with the best of them. He can make tough passes with the best of them.
“But one of the things that we really preach on offensively, especially when we touch the paint, is the spray 3, or the spray to swing (pass). He’s gotten better at that from the standpoint he’s not taking as many risks as he was before. And that’s a fine line because you don’t want to put any constraints on him, because he’s going to make great plays that can help you win more than the opposite.”
To be sure, Monk’s turnover rate per 100 possessions is a career worst 13.6, but he’s playing in an offense that requires more passing and movement than he’s had at any other point in his career. The team believes Monk is continuing to grow into one of its best playmakers to complement Fox and Sabonis.
“I think if you asked him, I think he just didn’t realize how much work it took, how good players are,” Clifford said of Monk’s growth. “I don’t think it’s so much his game — it’s more his approach and understanding how hard it is to play in this league.”
Monk agreed.
“It’s a job,” Monk said. “It’s really a job. It’s really a nine to five. You can’t look at it like anything else.”
P.J. Washington with an assist vs the Sacramento Kings
P.J. Washington (Charlotte Hornets) with an assist vs the Sacramento Kings, 12/19/2022
The orchestra conductor character wields 'wile and guile' to gain political currency, the director says. And striving only to leave a legacy is 'a dead end.' | 2022-12-22T00:36:53Z | sports.yahoo.com | Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk has ‘grown up’ to become Sixth Man of the Year candidate | https://sports.yahoo.com/sacramento-kings-guard-malik-monk-232630553.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/sacramento-kings-guard-malik-monk-232630553.html?src=rss |
There’s still plenty of time left in the 2022 regular season, as Week 16 is set to kick off on Thursday, but the NFL has released the rosters for the 2023 Pro Bowl Games.
Three members of the Miami Dolphins are set to be representing their team – wide receiver Tyreek Hill, left tackle Terron Armstead and cornerback Xavien Howard.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had been the leading vote-getter among all players by fans, with Hill finishing just behind him, but it appears the signal-caller isn’t getting in just yet.
Hill, so far, has been a big reason for Tagovailoa’s success, bringing in 109 receptions and for a single-season franchise record 1,529 yards and seven touchdowns. This Sunday, Hill could also set the team record for receptions, as he needs just four more.
Armstead, through injury, has been a consistent force protecting Tagovailoa’s front side.
The selection of Howard is a little confusing, considering he hasn’t played up to his own standard this season. He’s allowed more catches than he typically has, and he isn’t putting up his usual interception numbers.
The Pro Bowl Games will be held on February 5, 2023, at Allegiant Stadium. Players from each conference will compete in various skills competitions and a non-contact flag football game. | 2022-12-22T01:20:11Z | sports.yahoo.com | 3 Dolphins have been voted into 2023 Pro Bowl Games | https://sports.yahoo.com/3-dolphins-voted-2023-pro-010749689.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/3-dolphins-voted-2023-pro-010749689.html?src=rss |
The NFL already announced on Monday that Aaron Donald was selected to his ninth consecutive Pro Bowl this season, but he’s the only Rams player who made the cut.
The league revealed the complete rosters for both the NFC and AFC on Wednesday night and Donald was the Rams’ lone selection. It’s been a rough year for Los Angeles, but it’s surprising that neither Bobby Wagner nor Jalen Ramsey earned Pro Bowl nods.
Wagner made the Pro Bowl eight times as a member of the Seahawks, being selected every year from 2014-2021. He hasn’t missed a beat in his first season with the Rams, ranking as the best linebacker in football based on PFF’s grades.
In 14 games this season, Wagner has 118 tackles and eight tackles for a loss, already tying a career-high with five sacks. He’s also landed seven hits on the quarterback, which is four more than he had last season.
Yet, he was snubbed from the NFC roster; Fred Warner and Demario Davis were selected over him.
Ramsey has had an up-and-down season, and despite giving up some big plays and touchdowns in coverage, he’s been excellent as a run defender. He has 75 tackles and two sacks, just two tackles shy of a career-high, which he set in 2021.
Matt Gay also had a case for the Pro Bowl, making 21 of his 23 field goal attempts. He has a long of 58 yards and his only two misses came from 50-plus yards.
For the full Pro Bowl Games rosters, click here. | 2022-12-22T01:20:12Z | sports.yahoo.com | Aaron Donald is Rams’ only Pro Bowler, Bobby Wagner snubbed | https://sports.yahoo.com/aaron-donald-rams-only-pro-010957709.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/aaron-donald-rams-only-pro-010957709.html?src=rss |
Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain has been named an AFC starter for the 2023 Pro Bowl, the league announced Wednesday.
Broncos safety Justin Simmons was named a first alternate.
Surtain has recorded 55 tackles (two behind the line of scrimmage), 10 pass breakups, two interceptions and one forced fumble in 14 games this season.
Simmons has totaled 49 tackles (two behind the line), six pass breakups, five interceptions, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in nine games this year (he missed five games due to injury).
Simmons and Surtain were both first alternates last year, but no Broncos players made the Pro Bowl in 2021, marking the first time in 41 years that the team was not represented at the NFL’s all-time game.
Former Denver outside linebacker Bradley Chubb (third), safety Kareem Jackson (fifth) and running back Javonte Williams (fifth) were also alternates for the Pro Bowl last year.
This season’s Pro Bowl will be a flag football game played on Feb. 5. Peyton Manning (AFC) and Eli Manning (NFC) will serve as head coaches for the Pro Bowl in Las Vegas. | 2022-12-22T01:20:44Z | sports.yahoo.com | Broncos CB Pat Surtain voted to 2023 Pro Bowl | https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-cb-pat-surtain-voted-010305608.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-cb-pat-surtain-voted-010305608.html?src=rss |
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) Every time the New York Giants draft a linebacker high in the first round, some people start hoping he turns out to be the next Lawrence Taylor.
''I mean, it definitely does give me a few stripes now,'' he said. ''I can look myself in the mirror and know that I came here to play and I came here for a purpose.''
''It was fun to watch,'' Martindale said of Thibodeaux's prime-time performance. ''I keep telling you all this: He's working on the little things. He's getting better every week. I think that was an accumulation of all the work that he's done. Like I said, it was a lot of fun to watch.''
''You love recognition,'' said Thibodeaux, who has three sacks this season and is the only defensive player on the team with a touchdown. ''When you're doing the dirty work and you're working hard, you sacrifice your body to glorify your soul. It definitely does feel good.''
''We've talked about it as a unit - the only way we're going to be able to stop him, not the only way, but one of the ways that we can affect playing against the best wide receiver in the league is affecting the quarterback,'' Thibodeaux said. | 2022-12-22T01:22:04Z | sports.yahoo.com | The next LT? Giants rookie rusher Thibodeaux has promise | https://sports.yahoo.com/next-lt-giants-rookie-rusher-231715693.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/next-lt-giants-rookie-rusher-231715693.html?src=rss |
OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) Greg Roman figures the second-guessing comes with the territory as Baltimore's offensive coordinator.
''We were moving it really well on the ground, for sure, and some quick passes and whatnot,'' Roman said. ''Could we have stayed into that mode more? Probably.''
''The first thing you're told when you get into this profession is, `Don't listen to any of the noise,''' Roman said. ''That's what everybody's told everywhere, and if you're an offensive coordinator and you don't think that's going to happen in the NFL, it comes with the job.''
''I'm a fan. I sit in the stands at Orioles games or whatnot. I know what it's like to be a fan,'' he said. ''You love the passion, you love the emotion, and with the emotion comes - that's what comes with it.''
''We'll have to shift gears a little bit without him, but we really feel like there's some guys that can step in and do some of the things he was doing,'' Roman said.
''Everything that we can do is still ahead of us,'' Andrews said. ''There's no like `poor me' - there's none of that in this building. That's all outside noise. We're fired up (and) we're going to be ready to go. Everything's in front of us, so be ready.'' | 2022-12-22T01:22:31Z | sports.yahoo.com | Roman understands second-guessing as Ravens sputter | https://sports.yahoo.com/roman-understands-second-guessing-ravens-232652242.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/roman-understands-second-guessing-ravens-232652242.html?src=rss |
The rosters for the 2023 Pro Bowl were announced Wednesday and the Jacksonville Jaguars were unsurprisingly absent from the AFC roster. The Chicago Bears are the only other team this season without a Pro Bowler.
While the Jaguars are in the midst of a resurgence and in the hunt for the AFC South title, few players had much of an argument for Pro Bowl honors. Among the notable omissions are quarterback Trevor Lawrence, cornerback Tyson Campbell, and punter Logan Cooke.
Lawrence, 23, has been nothing short of elite in recent weeks with 14 touchdown passes and only one interception in his last six games. Still, the bar for Pro Bowl honors in the AFC is high with star quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen also in the conference. The third spot went to Joe Burrow, despite Tua Tagovailoa leading all NFL players in Pro Bowl votes from fans.
Both Campbell and Cooke are also having stellar seasons, but don’t quite have the statistics to justify a spot in the Pro Bowl. While Campbell has been stuck to opposing receivers like glue, he only has two interceptions on the year and has been credited with allowing five touchdown receptions.
Cooke has a career-best punting average of 50.6 yards, but the Tennessee Titans’ Ryan Stonehouse has him beat with a ridiculous 53.6-yard average. | 2022-12-22T01:23:04Z | sports.yahoo.com | Zero Jaguars players named to 2023 Pro Bowl roster | https://sports.yahoo.com/zero-jaguars-players-named-2023-010544438.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/zero-jaguars-players-named-2023-010544438.html?src=rss |
Kankakee (Ill.)
Could be a major player in year one, even despite a crowded, young cornerback room.
• Attended Kankakee High School (2023) coached by Derek Hart
• Helped the team go 8-3 his senior year with a playoff appearance
• Part of a Class 5A Illinois state runner-up team that went 14-1 his junior season
• Also lettered in track and field as a sprinter and jumper at Kankake; part of two state championship-winning relays (4×100 meters, 4×400 meters) and was all-state in the long jump
• Helped lead the track and field program to its first-ever state championship in spring, 2022
• Credited with 42 tackles his senior season, including five tackles for loss with two sacks, three forced fumbles and three interceptions
• On offense, totaled 186 receiving yards and 129 rushing yards and found the end zone 10 times as a senior
• During his junior year, was credited with 56 tackles, nine interceptions and six forced fumbles
• Totaled 16 touchdowns as a junior; carried the ball 49 times for 470 yards with two rushing scores
• Earned a 247Sports Composite ranking of four stars; the No. 194 overall player, the No. 23 cornerback nationally, and the No. 2 player in the state of Illinois
• Named a four-star prospect by 247Sports; the No. 212 overall player in the nation, the No. 22 cornerback and the No. 2 player in the state of Illinois
• Rated as a four-star prospect by ESPN, the No. 239 overall player in the country, the No. 16 player in his region, the No. 34 cornerback, and the No. 3 player in the state of Illinois
• Rivals.com four-star prospect, the No. 51 cornerback in the nation and the No. 5 player in Illinois
• On3.com four-star consensus prospect, the No. 197 overall player in the nation, the No. 15 cornerback and the No. 2 player in Illinois
• On3.com four-star prospect, the No. 25 cornerback in the nation and the No. 3 player in Illinois
• U.S. Army Bowl participant
• Three-time All-Southland Athletic Conference (2020-21-22); named the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year as a senior
• Jyaire HIll was born Aug. 31, 2005
• Son of Joeron Sr. and Kanesha Hill | 2022-12-22T01:59:14Z | sports.yahoo.com | Early Signing Day: Jyaire Hill signs with Michigan football | https://sports.yahoo.com/early-signing-day-jyaire-hill-012112197.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/early-signing-day-jyaire-hill-012112197.html?src=rss |
USC coach Lincoln Riley gestures during the second half against UCLA on Nov. 19 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. (Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)
Los Alamitos High School quarterback Malachi Nelson waits to enter the field before a game against Newport Harbor High School on Sept. 30 in Newport Beach. Nelson signed with USC during early signing period on Wednesday. (Ashley Landis / Associated Press)
“We’re looking for people whose priorities align with USC’s priorities, and USC’s priorities are about the team first,” he said. “It’s going to be about the university and education first. NIL is going to be a part of it here, and a tremendous opportunity, but it’s not ever going to be No. 1 on the priority list.”
There's a new Hollywood in town. Daylan Smothers has officially signed with the Oklahoma Sooners | 2022-12-22T01:59:33Z | sports.yahoo.com | Hernández: Lincoln Riley keeps raising the bar, expecting his first USC team to be his weakest | https://sports.yahoo.com/hern-ndez-lincoln-riley-keeps-005926292.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/hern-ndez-lincoln-riley-keeps-005926292.html?src=rss |
A total of seven Kansas City Chiefs players have been selected for the 2023 Pro Bowl Games. They’re one of three teams that will send at least seven players to this year’s iteration of the Pro Bowl along with the Dallas Cowboys (7) and Philadelphia Eagles (8).
Of course, the Chiefs hope to send none of these players to the Pro Bowl as their Super Bowl hopes are still very much alive. Nonetheless, here are the Chiefs players who have earned the honor of Pro Bowler for the 2022-23 season:
Humphrey was snubbed from the Pro Bowl last season after being a top vote-getter at the AFC center position in the fan vote. Thankfully, that’s not the case this year as he continues to be deserving of the honor. With three games left to go, Humphrey still hasn’t allowed a sack and only has surrendered 15 total pressures this year according to PFF.
This marks Kelce’s eighth consecutive Pro Bowl selection, one of the longest active streaks in the NFL. So far in 2022, Kelce has a league-leading 12 receiving touchdowns. He hit the 10,000 career yards milestone and seventh consecutive season with 1,000 or more receiving yards simultaneously. He also moved up to fourth all-time on the tight end receiving yards leaderboard this season.
Every year that Mahomes has been a starter for Kansas City, he’s been named a Pro Bowler. In his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl year, Mahomes is also in the thick of the MVP race. With three games to go, he has a league-leading 4,495 yards passing and 35 passing touchdowns with just 11 interceptions on the season.
Jones has officially earned his fourth-straight Pro Bowl selection and he’s the only defender for Kansas City this year. This is Jones’ best statistical season his 15.5-sack season in 2018. He has been a huge difference-maker on the Chiefs’ defensive line, with 11 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and four passes batted on the season.
Thuney missed some time with an ankle injury this season, but he’s been rock-solid as a pass protector. He’s allowed 15 pressures and just one sack on the season according to PFF. This marks Thuney’s first career Pro Bowl selection.
P Tommy Townsend
Townsend earns his first career Pro Bowl selection. He only has 38 punts for 1,967 yards this season, but he has the second-highest punting average in the NFL with 51.8 yards. He also has the second-longest punt in the NFL this season at 76 yards.
If there is a questionable selection for the Pro Bowl for Kansas City this is the one. Orlando Brown Jr. is tied for the league lead in pressures allowed at 43 according to PFF. Not exactly what one would call Pro Bowl material, alas this is the third-straight Pro Bowl selection for Brown Jr.
"The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes."
FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried is reportedly expected to waive his right to extradition to the U.S. after a confusing Bahamas court appearance Monday that the presiding judge deemed a "waste of time." Ira Lee Sorkin, former attorney for Bernie Madoff, discusses his take on Bankman-Fried's case. | 2022-12-22T02:51:30Z | sports.yahoo.com | 7 Chiefs earn spot in 2023 Pro Bowl Games | https://sports.yahoo.com/7-chiefs-earn-spot-2023-011735146.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/7-chiefs-earn-spot-2023-011735146.html?src=rss |
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) Safety Jordan Poyer never got a sniff at making the playoffs during his first four NFL seasons until signing with the Buffalo Bills in 2017.
In what's becoming an annual tradition, the AFC-leading Bills (11-3) began transitioning the motivational messaging at their practice facility from ''playoff caliber'' to ''championship caliber'' after clinching a fourth straight postseason berth and fifth in six years following a 32-29 win over Miami.
''It's almost kind of surreal, right?'' Poyer said. ''Coming here in 2017, you heard about the drought and this, that or the other, but it really had nothing to do with us. But at the same time, we wanted to build something special.''
''We got a lot of work to get done,'' Poyer added. ''We'd like to be where our feet are at. We've got a huge game this weekend that we're really excited about.''
Clinching a playoff spot never gets old for Bills coach Sean McDermott, who said: ''You never, never take for granted all the work that goes into that.''
''You've got to be careful of that relaxation syndrome,'' he said. ''You've got to stay on it. You've got to stay urgent in your approach, and put in the work that's necessary to win.''
''I think it's cool. But at the end of the day we still haven't accomplished our main goal, and that's what drives us every single day,'' Allen said, referring to winning a Super Bowl.
''We're switching over all the signs to championship caliber,'' Allen added. ''That's what we want to do. That's what we set out to do each and every year.'' | 2022-12-22T02:51:43Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bills focus on next objective after clinching playoff berth | https://sports.yahoo.com/bills-focus-next-objective-clinching-011435747.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bills-focus-next-objective-clinching-011435747.html?src=rss |
For the second time in his first three NFL seasons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs is a Pro Bowler.
This year’s rosters were unveiled Wednesday night, despite the fact that there will be no actual Pro Bowl game this year, and Wirfs was the only member of the Bucs to make the cut.
Quarterback Tom Brady and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. were named first alternates, while defensive lineman Vita Vea, inside linebacker Devin White, guard Shaq Mason, and kicker Ryan Succop were named alternates.
Wirfs got his first Pro Bowl nod last year in just his second season, and was also named first-team All-Pro. | 2022-12-22T02:52:05Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bucs OT Tristan Wirfs gets 2nd career Pro Bowl nod | https://sports.yahoo.com/bucs-ot-tristan-wirfs-gets-011033080.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bucs-ot-tristan-wirfs-gets-011033080.html?src=rss |
The Arizona Cardinals have one singular Pro Bowler for 2022. The player is no surprise.
Safety Budda Baker was selected to the Pro Bowl for the fifth time in his career and for the fourth consecutive season.
Special teamer Dennis Gardeck and kicker Matt Prater were named Pro Bowl alternates.
Baker leads the Cardinals with 102 tackles this season, adding two interceptions, six pass breakups, two QB hits, a forced fumble and a tackle for loss. It is his fourth season with at least 100 tackles. Dating back to his first season as a starter in 2018, he is the only defensive back in the NFL with at least four seasons of 100 or more tackles. Also dating back to 2018, Baker leads all NFL defensive backs with 565 total tackles. That is 100 more than the next player — Jessie Bates of the Cincinnati Bengals, who has 465.
Baker is the only safety in the NFL to be named to the Pro Bowl each of the last four seasons. | 2022-12-22T02:52:11Z | sports.yahoo.com | Budda Baker is Cardinals’ lone Pro Bowler; 2 named alternates | https://sports.yahoo.com/budda-baker-cardinals-lone-pro-012733493.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/budda-baker-cardinals-lone-pro-012733493.html?src=rss |
Indianapolis Colts left guard Quenton Nelson was voted to his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl selection, the first player in franchise history to do so.
Despite the poor offensive line play this season, Nelson has been mostly solid. He may be having a down year by his standards, but he’s still a force on the interior offensive line.
While Nelson was the only player selected to the Pro Bowl, the Colts did have five alternates get voted. They will be eligible if any of the starters at their positions drop out due to injuries or other reasons.
Alongside Nelson, here are the Colts’ players with Pro Bowl nods in 2022:
DT DeForest Buckner (alternate)
RB Jonathan Taylor (alternate)
DE Yannick Ngakoue (alternate)
CB Stephon Gilmore (alternate)
LB Zaire Franklin (alternate) | 2022-12-22T02:52:24Z | sports.yahoo.com | Colts’ Quenton Nelson named Pro Bowl starter, 5 others alternates | https://sports.yahoo.com/colts-quenton-nelson-named-pro-022525762.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/colts-quenton-nelson-named-pro-022525762.html?src=rss |
Dec 4, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) leaps into the end zone for a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the first half at MetLife Stadium. / Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
This is Barkley's second Pro Bowl, the first being his 2018 rookie season. Lawrence makes his first career Pro Bowl in his fourth year in the NFL.
In 2022, Barkley has had a resurgent season with 1170 yards rushing and nine touchdowns.
Lawrence has 6.5 sacks and 26 tackles in 14 games this season. He's the first Giants defensive lineman to receive the Pro Bowl honor since Jason Pierre-Paul back in 2012.
In addition to Barkley and Lawrence, four Giants are alternates for the Pro Bowl. Graham Gano, Andrew Thomas, Jon Feliciano and Kayvon Thibodeaux. | 2022-12-22T02:52:53Z | sports.yahoo.com | Giants' Saquon Barkley, Dexter Lawrence named to 2022 Pro Bowl | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-saquon-barkley-dexter-lawrence-011335857.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-saquon-barkley-dexter-lawrence-011335857.html?src=rss |
Quarterback Jalen Hurts is among a league-leading eight Eagles named to the NFC’s Pro Bowl roster on Wednesday night.
Philadelphia had four first-time Pro Bowlers led by their third-year MVP candidate at quarterback. Six of the Eagles’ eight Pro Bowlers were on the offensive side of the ball, with only Haason Reddick and Darius Slay making it from the defensive side.
Notable snubs include Javon Hargrave (10 sacks) and James Bradberry (#1 graded CB) in all of football, along with C.J. Gardner-Johnson, the co-interception leader.
After his latest 100+ yard performance, Brown is currently second in the league with 10 receiving touchdowns and has a new career high for receiving yards in a season is 1,201, surpassing 1,000 for the third time in his four-year tenure in the NFL.
Dickerson has allowed just one sack and three quarterback hits all season, according to PFF.
An MVP candidate has scored 35 total touchdowns, including the single-season record for an Eagles quarterback with 13 rushing. No quarterback in the NFC has generated more touchdowns than Hurts.
Hurts averages 8.2 yards per pass attempt, which is the best in the NFC and second in the league.
Hurts’ passer rating of 104.6 is fourth in the league and second in the NFC.
Johnson owns the NFL record for the most consecutive games and pass plays without giving up a sack, according to Pro Football Focus.
He’s gone almost two years without allowing a quarterback hit.
A future Hall of Famer, Kelce was voted to his sixth Pro Bowl appearance in 12 NFL seasons.
A first-time Pro Bowler, Reddick has four forced fumbles plus 12 sacks and 19 QB hits. In the team’s game against the Giants, he became the first player in NFL history to post three consecutive 10+ sack seasons on three different teams.
Sanders is a first-time Pro Bowler after recording 215 carries for a career-high 1,110 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns through Week 15. He ranks fifth in the league in both of those categories.
Big Play Slay has been named to back-to-back Pro Bowls with the Eagles for the fifth time in his 10 NFL seasons. | 2022-12-22T02:53:05Z | sports.yahoo.com | Jalen Hurts among a league high 8 Eagles named to the 2023 Pro Bowl | https://sports.yahoo.com/jalen-hurts-among-league-high-011211323.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/jalen-hurts-among-league-high-011211323.html?src=rss |
The lack of Pro Bowl invites shows just how bad of a year it has been for the New England Patriots.
Matthew Judon, the linebacker that has made a habit out of pancaking opposing quarterbacks this season, was the only Patriots player selected to the 2022 Pro Bowl team. As the Boston Herald’s Andrew Callahan noted, that’s the first time that’s happened since 2000, which was coach Bill Belichick’s first season with the Patriots.
The offense has clearly struggled, and there aren’t many players, outside of maybe Rhamondre Stevenson, that would have even been able to make a case for the Pro Bowl.
However, there were multiple defensive players that could have made an argument. The defense has been a major strength for the Patriots throughout the season, and Judon has been the driving force behind the unit with 14.5 sacks on the year.
All 14.5 sacks from @man_dammn the Pro Bowler.
Next: #CINvsNE 12/24 on @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/8wGB3q2hbM
There was no question that he’d ultimately find his way on the team considering he’s been leading all outside linebackers in voting heading into Wednesday’s reveal.
It’s much-deserved recognition for one of the best defensive players in the game. | 2022-12-22T02:53:19Z | sports.yahoo.com | Matthew Judon the only Patriots player selected to Pro Bowl | https://sports.yahoo.com/matthew-judon-only-patriots-player-014232430.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/matthew-judon-only-patriots-player-014232430.html?src=rss |
The NFL on Wednesday announced its 2022 Pro Bowl rosters. Six 49ers were named to the NFL’s new Pro Bowl Games.
Here are the 49ers who made it:
Hufanga is the only first-timer for the 49ers, though arguments could be made for LB Dre Greenlaw and CB Charvarius Ward.
Williams has the most Pro Bowls to his name. This is his 10th selection. Juszczyk continued his streak with a seventh consecutive selection. Kittle is on trip No. 4, while Bosa is in for a third time. This will be Warner’s second time as a Pro Bowler.
The Games will take place February 5 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. There won’t be an attempt at a football game this year. Instead the league will host a series of skills competitions and a non-contact flag football game. | 2022-12-22T02:53:25Z | sports.yahoo.com | Nick Bosa among six 49ers selected to Pro Bowl | https://sports.yahoo.com/nick-bosa-among-six-49ers-013531092.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nick-bosa-among-six-49ers-013531092.html?src=rss |
The 2023 Pro Bowl rosters were announced on Wednesday evening and for the first time since 2018, no Chicago Bears players made the cut, including quarterback Justin Fields.
The second-year signal caller hasn’t popped off the stat sheet with his passing totals, but has been an elite runner this year which gave fans hope he could make a case for a spot. Fields has 2,048 passing yards with 15 touchdowns to 10 picks, but has rushed for 1,000 yards on the dot with eight touchdowns in 13 games. He is eyeing the NFL record for most rushing yards by a quarterback in a single season, set in 2019 by Lamar Jackson.
The quarterbacks who made it over Fields were Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles, Kirk Cousins of the Minnesota Vikings, and Geno Smith of the Seattle Seahawks.
The news of any Bears players not making the team isn’t totally surprising, but a couple of former Bears did earn Pro Bowl honors. Linebacker Roquan Smith, who spent half the year in Chicago before getting traded, made the squad for the first time in his career as a member of the Baltimore Ravens. Smith has 130 total tackles, nine for a loss, 4.5 sacks, and a career-high three interceptions.
Los Angeles Chargers pass rusher Khalil Mack, who was traded in the offseason, also made the squad for the seventh time in his career. Mack has 45 total tackles, 10 for a loss, seven sacks, and two forced fumbles.
The Pro Bowl rosters were voted on by fans, players, and coaches. For the first time ever, a live football game will not be played. Instead, a flag football game will take its place, along with various skills competitions. The Pro Bowl events will take place Sunday, February 5th in Las Vegas. | 2022-12-22T02:53:26Z | sports.yahoo.com | No Chicago Bears players made the 2023 Pro Bowl roster | https://sports.yahoo.com/no-chicago-bears-players-made-013937856.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/no-chicago-bears-players-made-013937856.html?src=rss |
The web of Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns is growing. And now, it’ll have a second thread connecting to Las Vegas, Nev.
As announced by the team on Wednesday night, Burns has been named a starter for the 2023 Pro Bowl Games. This is now his second consecutive starting nod for the all-star festivities.
Burns is in the midst of a career year. The fourth-year pass rusher has recorded his first double-digit sack campaign—as he currently sits on 10.5 takedowns with three games to go—while also leading the team in quarterback hits (18) and tackles for a loss (14).
The Panthers also announced that punter Johnny Hekker, who is in his first season with Carolina, was named the first alternate at his position. Additionally, safety Sam Franklin and long snapper JJ Jansen have been tabbed as second alternates on special teams, cornerback Jaycee Horn as a third, center Bradley Bozeman and safety Jeremy Chinn as fourths and linebacker Shaq Thompson as a fifth.
Panthers DE Brian Burns admits to trolling Broncos QB Russell Wilson | 2022-12-22T02:53:39Z | sports.yahoo.com | Panthers DE Brian Burns named starter for 2023 Pro Bowl Games | https://sports.yahoo.com/panthers-brian-burns-named-starter-011516792.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/panthers-brian-burns-named-starter-011516792.html?src=rss |
Of all the players on the Raiders roster this season, there were three no-brainer Pro Bowl players. Today, those three were officially selected to the 2023 Pro Bowl.
Running back Josh Jacobs, wide receiver Davante Adams, and edge rusher Maxx Crosby are headed to the 2023 Pro Bowl games.
The three of them have been at or among the best at their respective positions all season.
Jacobs leads the NFL in rushing (1495) and first down runs (83), Maxx Crosby leads the NFL in tackles for loss (19) and is sixth in sacks (11.5), and Davante Adams leads the league in touchdown catches (12) and is fourth in receiving yards (1275).
There will be no game this year as traditionally played. But rather it will be a version of the skills competition, which is the most interesting part of the Pro Bowl weekend anyway.
Nike's Air Jordan 1 Low Golf is Transformed in "Rust Pink"
Jordan Brand has dipped its toe into the world of golf this year, through a number of... | 2022-12-22T02:53:53Z | sports.yahoo.com | Raiders with 3 to Pro Bowl 2023 selections | https://sports.yahoo.com/raiders-3-pro-bowl-2023-012804869.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/raiders-3-pro-bowl-2023-012804869.html?src=rss |
Williams is having a career year, having registered career bests in sacks (11), QB hits (23) and tackles for loss (12). The former No. 3 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Alabama was the top vote-getter at defensive tackle in the official fan vote.
Gardner, the Jets' fourth overall pick in this past season's draft, makes the Pro Bowl in his rookie season. Gardner leads the NFL in pass defenses (16) and has two interceptions, and 48 tackles this season.
Mosley is making his fifth career Pro Bowl, the other four were with the Baltimore Ravens. The 30-year-old has one sack and 77 tackles in his third season with the Jets.
Hardee makes the Pro Bowl on special teams, the first of his career. This is Hardee's sixth season in the NFL and second with the Jets.
Braxton Berrios, rookie Garrett Wilson and D.J. Reed were selected as alternates for this year's event. | 2022-12-22T02:54:46Z | sports.yahoo.com | Sauce Gardner, Quinnen Williams among four Jets selected to 2022 Pro Bowl | https://sports.yahoo.com/sauce-gardner-quinnen-williams-among-013538294.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/sauce-gardner-quinnen-williams-among-013538294.html?src=rss |
Houston Texans left tackle Laremy Tunsil was selected to the Pro Bowl for the third time in his career Wednesday.
Tunsil has been an anchor for the Texans’ offensive line, starting in all 14 games to date at left tackle.
Tunsil has a 91.3 pass blocking grade, according to Pro Football Focus, which is the first among offensive linemen.
Pro Football Focus also credits Tunsil with just one sack in 2022. According to such rankings, Tunsil is one of four tackles in the league who has allowed fewer than two sacks. The other tackles are the Texans’ Tytus Howard, the Philadelphia Eagles’ Lane Johnson, and the Dallas Cowboys’ Terence Steele.
Another byproduct of Tunsil’s exemplary play in 2022 was running back Dameon Pierce, who had 939 rushing yards before leaving Week 14 with an ankle injury that summarily ended his season. Pierce was first among rookies in rushing yards, third among rookies in Texans history, and had the 13th-most rushing yards in Texans’ single-season history.
Tunsil breaks a tie with center Chris Myers (2011-12) as the only Texans offensive lineman with the most career Pro Bowl selections with three. The other Texans offensive lineman to be named to the Pro Bowl in his career was tackle Duane Brown (2012).
Fresno State reloads on signing day after 10-win season. Coach Tedford shares insights
One of Jeff Tedford’s new players will be carrying on a family tradition of playing for the Bulldogs. | 2022-12-22T02:54:59Z | sports.yahoo.com | Texans LT Laremy Tunsil selected for third career Pro Bowl | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-lt-laremy-tunsil-selected-020322037.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-lt-laremy-tunsil-selected-020322037.html?src=rss |
The Arizona Cardinals will face quarterback Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Christman night at home without quarterbacks Kyler Murray or Colt McCoy.
Murray is out for the season with a torn ACL and head coach Kliff Kingsbury ruled out McCoy for the game in Week 16 as he works through concussion protocol.
That means Trace McSorley will make his first career start.
McSorley has appeared in four games this season but got the most work last week, coming in early in the second half to replace McCoy. He completed 7-of-15 passes for 95 yards and two interceptions in a 24-15 loss.
He has appeared in seven games in his career. He has completed 46.2% of his passes for 256 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions.
Anthony Richard with a Goal vs. Colorado Avalanche
Anthony Richard (Montreal Canadiens) with a Goal vs. Colorado Avalanche, 12/21/2022 | 2022-12-22T02:55:07Z | sports.yahoo.com | Trace McSorley to start vs. Buccaneers as Colt McCoy ruled out with concussion | https://sports.yahoo.com/trace-mcsorley-start-vs-buccaneers-014249394.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/trace-mcsorley-start-vs-buccaneers-014249394.html?src=rss |
Jaylen Clark had 18 points and 11 rebounds as No. 13 UCLA returned from a productive East Coast trip to earn an 81-54 victory over UC Davis on Wednesday. Tyger Campbell scored 17 points and Jaime Jaquez Jr. added 14 as the Bruins (11-2) distanced themselves from a slow start to win their eighth consecutive game while closing out the nonconference portion of their schedule. UCLA improved to 8-0 at home. | 2022-12-22T03:17:51Z | sports.yahoo.com | Don MacLean: UCLA looks like a national championship contender | https://sports.yahoo.com/don-maclean-ucla-looks-national-002412614.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/don-maclean-ucla-looks-national-002412614.html?src=rss |
It wasn’t pretty, but Michigan State picked up a victory over in-state foe Oakland on Wednesday evening, 67-54, from the Breslin Center.
The Spartans got off to a slow start but used a strong finish to the first half and electric start to the second half to pick up the win over the Grizzlies. With the victory, Michigan State improves to 8-4 on the year.
Michigan State got off to a sloppy start, with it being clear there was a little bit of rust from the last time they took the floor 11 days ago. The Spartans trailed Oakland for most of the half and struggled to get anything going offensively — finishing the opening frame with 11 turnovers.
The Spartans would, however, rally late in the half and end on an 8-0 run to hold a 29-24 advantage going into the break.
Michigan State would come out with a much better effort in the second half to build up a lead they’d never surrender. The Spartans opened the second half on a 17-to-3 run and eventually led by as many as 22 points. Oakland wouldn’t go away easy, getting the game back to within 11 points with a minute left in the game.
The Spartans were led offensively by Joey Hauser (16 points), Jaden Akins (15 points) and Tyson Walker (13 points). A.J. Hoggard also played a big role in the victory with eight points and eight assists.
Former Spartan guard Rocket Watts finished with only four points for the Grizzlies in his first game back at the Breslin Center since transferring from Michigan State.
Michigan State basketball will return to the court next week against Buffalo on Dec. 30. Tip off from the Breslin Center between the Spartans and Bulls is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET and can be seen on the Big Ten Network. | 2022-12-22T03:18:44Z | sports.yahoo.com | MSU basketball overcomes sloppy start to beat Oakland, 67-54, on Wednesday | https://sports.yahoo.com/msu-basketball-overcomes-sloppy-start-012846614.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/msu-basketball-overcomes-sloppy-start-012846614.html?src=rss |
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Franco Harris, named as offensive rookie of the year by The Associated Press, is pictured before a collage of posters in the team offices in Pittsburgh, Penn., Jan. 2, 1973. The graduate of Penn State, who lives in Mount Holly, N.J., gained over 1,000 yards rushing this season. He is one of nine children in his family. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck) (Harry Cabluck / Associated Press)
Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw (12) and running back Franco Harris (32) joke around during a photo session on Jan. 17, 1979, in Miami ahead of Super Bowl XIII against the Dallas Cowboys. (Associated Press)
A stuffed football is placed at the Immaculate Reception memorial outside Acrisure Stadium in honor of Steelers running back Franco Harris. (Gene J. Puskar / Associated Press)
Franco Harris was a three-sport star at Rancocas Valley, a Pittsburgh Steeler legend and NFL Hall of Famer, and made a major impact in Mount Holly | 2022-12-22T04:23:13Z | sports.yahoo.com | 'There's a huge hole in Pittsburgh.' Franco Harris touched Steelers fans now in mourning | https://sports.yahoo.com/theres-huge-hole-pittsburgh-franco-031106811.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/theres-huge-hole-pittsburgh-franco-031106811.html?src=rss |
nick smith injury
Arkansas’ Nick Smith Jr. out indefinitely with knee injury originally appeared on NBCSports.com
SEATTLE (AP) Jaylin Williams scored 14 of his 18 points in the first half, Johni Broome also scored 18, and No. 23 Auburn ran away in the second half for an 84-61 win over Washington on Wednesday night. It was the Tigers' final tuneup before the start of Southeastern Conference play next week. Chris Moore added 12 points and Wendell Green Jr. added 11 for Auburn, which shot 21 of 29 (72.4%) in the second half and led by as many as 27. | 2022-12-22T05:45:26Z | sports.yahoo.com | Arkansas’ Nick Smith Jr. out indefinitely with knee injury | https://sports.yahoo.com/arkansas-nick-smith-jr-indefinitely-035043864.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/arkansas-nick-smith-jr-indefinitely-035043864.html?src=rss |
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) Freshman Arterio Morris scored a season-best 25 points in just 18 minutes and No. 7 Texas beat Louisiana-Lafayette 100-72 on Wednesday night for its third straight win without suspended coach Chris Beard.
''He's been working really hard over the last two weeks, and I'm glad to see he was able to reap some of that,'' acting coach Rodney Terry said.
The university elevated Terry to acting head coach and have declined to comment on Beard's case since.
Terry said he did not have an update on how long he would serve as acting coach. Asked if he is trying to put his stamp on the the team, Terry said, ''It's not about me; it's about our players.''
''They are good defensively,'' Louisiana-Lafayette coach Bob Marlin said. ''We needed to make a dozen 3s tonight.''
''I thought we did a great job of running guys off the line,'' Terry said.
''They shot the cover off the ball,'' Marlin said. ''Better than we thought they would.''
Texas forward Dylan Disu suffered a left knee injury late in the first half while playing defense and missed the remainder to the game. Terry said he did not have a status update, adding ''we'll have more tomorrow.''
The Philadelphia 76ers give praise to their bench unit for their performance in a home win over the Detroit Pistons. | 2022-12-22T05:45:57Z | sports.yahoo.com | Freshman Morris excels for No. 7 Texas in 100-72 victory | https://sports.yahoo.com/freshman-morris-excels-no-7-033227457.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/freshman-morris-excels-no-7-033227457.html?src=rss |
The No. 24 Auburn Tigers ended the nonconference slate on a high note by earning a convincing win over the Washington Huskies on Wednesday night.
Following a strong end to the first half which saw them go on an 18-11 run over the final eight minutes, Auburn shot 73% from the field in the second half to run away with the 84-61 win over the Huskies at Alaska Airlines Arena in Seattle.
Washington cut Auburn’s lead to 39-33 at the 16:12 mark in the second half on a layup by Koren Johnson, which would be the closest deficit of the half. That sparked another Auburn run that would not see their lead dip below ten for the remainder of the game. With 7:48 remaining in the game, Jaylin Williams nailed a jumper to put Auburn up by 20, 63-43. The largest lead of the night was courtesy of a made free throw by Wendell Green Jr., which put Auburn up by 27 points with 3:09 left in the game.
Four Tigers reached double-figures, led by Williams and Johni Broome’s 18-point night. Chris Moore ended with 12, while Green scored 11.
Despite a slow start offensively, Auburn took control of the first half. Following a three-pointer by Washington’s Keion Brooks that cut Auburn’s lead to 13-12 with 8:55 remaining in the opening half, the Tigers went on an 18-11 run to end the half with a 31-23 lead.
Two layups by Chris Moore and Johni Broome, as well as a three-pointer by Jaylin Williams, extended Auburn’s lead to eight points in just under two minutes following the three-point shot by Brooks. Auburn would lead by as many as 15 points during the stretch. The Huskies went on a 5-2 run over the final 1:39 to trim Auburn’s halftime lead to eight points.
Moore got the Tigers on the board early, by scoring the game’s first five points. He made a fast break layup one minute into the game and connected on a three-pointer that would give Auburn the 5-2 lead at the first media timeout.
Auburn began to spread the wealth more over the next five minutes. Following two successful free throw attempts by Williams, Broome joined the party by scoring four fast-break points to move Auburn ahead, 11-7 at the halfway point of the first half.
The Tigers ended the first half by shooting 40% from the field and limited the Huskies to just 21%. Auburn also outrebounded Washington, 27-19, and outscored them in the paint, 18-8.
Auburn Basketball will now take a few days off to celebrate the holiday season. They will return to action on Wednesday, Dec. 28 when they host Florida at Neville Arena.
In between analyzing what went wrong the last time it was on the floor and preparing for its final game before the start of Southeastern Conference play, No. 23 Auburn took advantage of the snowstorm that blanketed the Seattle area. The Tigers spent a bit of their downtime indulging in a snowball fight before going out and thumping Washington 84-61 on Wednesday night. “That might have been the best thing we did,” coach Bruce Pearl joked. | 2022-12-22T05:46:04Z | sports.yahoo.com | Instant Analysis: Auburn dominates Washington to end west coast expedition | https://sports.yahoo.com/instant-analysis-auburn-dominates-washington-040428900.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/instant-analysis-auburn-dominates-washington-040428900.html?src=rss |
SEATTLE (AP) In between analyzing what went wrong the last time it was on the floor and preparing for its final game before the start of Southeastern Conference play, No. 23 Auburn took advantage of the snowstorm that blanketed the Seattle area.
''That might have been the best thing we did,'' coach Bruce Pearl joked.
''We definitely needed a win. Playing at USC, we didn't get the `W' but at least we got one out of two,'' Williams said.
''We made shots. We defended. Our guys should feel good about the progress we made on this trip,'' Pearl said.
''They made us do what they wanted to do and we didn't stand our ground and it kind of took us out of our rhythm,'' Brooks said.
''Our defense just didn't hold up. They shot 70% from the field, that's not going to be winning numbers for us,'' Washington coach Mike Hopkins said.
''Obviously, we're gonna feel a little bit better about ourselves. Washington is not a great team. But they beat Colorado who beat Tennessee, they've got a win over Saint Mary's. They're good, they're not great. So it's a game we kind of needed,'' Pearl said. ''Look I told the guys before the game we've gotta have this. We want to go to the NCAA Tournament, right? Well, we gotta win games like this.''
Auburn: The Tigers had never played a regular season game in the Pacific Northwest. Auburn's only other games against teams from the region were against Oregon in 2000 and Gonzaga in 2020, both at neutral sites. | 2022-12-22T05:46:29Z | sports.yahoo.com | No. 23 Auburn pulls away in 2nd half, tops Washington 84-61 | https://sports.yahoo.com/no-23-auburn-pulls-away-042430529.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/no-23-auburn-pulls-away-042430529.html?src=rss |
Week 16 Injury Report – Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Arizona Cardinals (12/21/22): https://t.co/ykv7v5h1xY pic.twitter.com/4y4ZUyD6pS
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have released their initial injury report for Sunday night’s game against the Arizona Cardinals, and it’s loaded with big names on both sides of the ball.
Multiple starters missed practice Wednesday for the Bucs, including safety Antoine Winfield Jr., left tackle Donovan Smith, defensive lineman Vita Vea, and cornerback Jamel Dean.
Bucs head coach Todd Bowles told the media Wednesday that Dean won’t be able to return in time for Sunday night’s game.
All-Pro offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs was limited in Wednesday’s practice, and appears to be trending in the right direction as he works his way back from an ankle injury. | 2022-12-22T05:57:01Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bucs vs. Cardinals injury report: Big names miss practice for Tampa Bay | https://sports.yahoo.com/bucs-vs-cardinals-injury-report-045859144.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bucs-vs-cardinals-injury-report-045859144.html?src=rss |
Allen, a defensive tackle out of Alabama, was taken in the first round by the Commanders in the 2017 NFL Draft (17th overall). Allen has been a stalwart of the Washington defense, and it is certainly no surprise Allen was voted to the Pro Bowl.
McLaurin, a third-round choice out of Ohio State in the 2019 NFL draft (76th overall) has from his first NFL game, been productive and a leader of the team. It is the first time McLaurin has been voted to the Pro Bowl. McLaurin has collected over 1,000 receiving yards in each of his last three seasons. | 2022-12-22T05:57:15Z | sports.yahoo.com | Four Commanders named to the NFL Pro Bowl | https://sports.yahoo.com/four-commanders-named-nfl-pro-050137438.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/four-commanders-named-nfl-pro-050137438.html?src=rss |
The format may have changed, but one constant remains the same. Offensive guard Zack Martin is headed to his eighth Pro Bowl in his nine-year career, as one of the Dallas Cowboys’ six representatives.
Martin has been nominated in every year he’s appeared in more than 10 games, the lone absence on his ledger coming in an injury-plagued 2020 campaign. Drafted in the first round of 2014 out of Notre Dame, Martin immediately acquitted himself as one of the league’s best. That rookie campaign he earned the first of five First-Team All-Pro honors, and he’s a leading candidate to make that six off of his performance this season. Joining Martin are four other Cowboys’ making repeat appearances and two first timers including a rookie. Dallas had three offensive players, three defenders and one special teamer earn the honor.
Players are selected by a combination of fan, player and coach voting. Martin and linebacker Micah Parsons led their respective positions in fan votes. There will no longer be an actual Pro Bowl game, instead the players are going to be a part of a weeklong series of events that culminates with a flag-football contest.
The 2023 Games will be held in Las Vegas, and the flag football game at Allegiant Stadium is Feb. 5. The events will be televised on ESPN and ABC.
Return man Kavontae Turpin - First appearance
Linebacker Micah Parsons - Second appearance (2021)
RB Tony Pollard - First appearance
Defensive End DeMarcus Lawrence - Third appearance (2017. 2018)
WR CeeDee Lamb - Second appearance (2021)
OG Zack Martin - Eight appearance (2014-2019, 2021)
CB Trevon Diggs - Second appearance (2021) | 2022-12-22T05:57:21Z | sports.yahoo.com | Led by Zack Martin, 7 Cowboys named to 2023 Pro Bowl Games | https://sports.yahoo.com/led-zack-martin-7-cowboys-050236236.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/led-zack-martin-7-cowboys-050236236.html?src=rss |
In a step back from what we’ve mostly seen out of interim head coach Steve Wilks’ team, the Carolina Panthers were outmatched and bullied by the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers this past Sunday.
The Week 15 loss materialized through an uncomfortable day in the pocket for Sam Darnold, a muted running game and defenseless defense that couldn’t find a way off the field. Pittsburgh brought their pass rush (four sacks), their running game (156) and certainly their third-down offense (75-percent success rate).
As far as Carolina’s lost identity on the day, their offense looked neutered without a strong running game to base it around—mustering up all of 21 yards on 16 carries. That ineffectiveness, in turn, reflected some desperate play-calling from the lost unit.
Even though it’s difficult to achieve your maximum potential in this particular approach while facing constant traffic in the trenches, it should be up to offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo to come up with some solutions to overcome such barriers. He simply did not.
Darnold played well enough to put more faith into the passing game, especially given the amount of pressure he was put under by the Steelers defensive line, but remained limited by conservative play-calling in a tight game. Carolina, who’s clearly trying to mask their quarterback’s turnover-prone history, will need to find more ways to open up this offense in games where they cannot get a run attack going.
Surprisingly, the fifth-year passer has shown a lot of growth since last season—as he has yet to throw an interception. If he can continue to improve, Darnold he may be able to push this group over the top to make it resemble a legitimate NFL offense.
Then, for the defense, the guys must return to their top-notch selves. While the unit wasn’t completely broken against the Steelers, you’re not going to win many games allowing 12 third-down conversions on 16 tries.
Wilks has made it clear that he is open to adjustments and solutions, be it at halftime or game to game. So, hopefully, he can take that flexibility and scheme something up to help add some ferociousness and grit outside of defensive linemen Derrick Brown and Brian Burns.
Once both the offense and defense are clicking to their fullest potential, there is enough talent on this team to make a push for the divisional crown and enter their names into the playoff race. But those solutions need to come sooner rather than later—especially with the potent and white-hot Detroit Lions coming up on Saturday. | 2022-12-22T05:57:27Z | sports.yahoo.com | Panthers must shake off Week 15 dud before facing white-hot Lions | https://sports.yahoo.com/panthers-must-shake-off-week-050036753.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/panthers-must-shake-off-week-050036753.html?src=rss |
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