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Former all-star pitcher Matt Harvey brings Norfolk Tides a veteran presence as he tries to work his way back to the major leagues, wins doubleheader opener
David Hall, The Virginian-Pilot
Matt Harvey has pitched in a World Series and an All-Star Game, and now he’s trying to pitch his way back to the major leagues.
In his first start since joining the Tides, Harvey held Jacksonville to a pair of earned runs in 5⅔ innings. He was even better in his second start, gaining a seven-inning, complete-game 2-1 victory Thursday over the Worcester WooSox in Game 1 of a doubleheader.
He threw a five-hitter, striking out five and walking three, to drop his Tides ERA to 2.13. Christin Stewart hit a home run in the fourth inning for the only damage off Harvey.
Anthony Santander hit a two-run double to spark Baltimore’s three-run first inning, Spenser Watkins and four relievers scattered six hits and the Orioles extended their winning streak to 10 games with a 7-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday night. It’s the Orioles’ longest winning streak in a single season since they won 13 in a row from Sept. 7-22, 1999. With the victory, the Orioles (45-44) also went over the .500 mark for the first time since April 8, 2021, when they were 4-3.
STORY: Ukraine says a deal on resuming grain exports appears to be very close.A Russian blockade has left more than 20 million tonnes of Ukrainian grain stuck in silos at the Black Sea port of Odesa.Talks between the two sides, alongside Turkish and U.N. officials, resumed in Istanbul on Wednesday (July 13), raising hopes of an end to the standoff that has exposed millions to the risk of starvation.Ukraine and Russia are major global wheat suppliers, and the blockade has sent the price of grains, cooking oils, fuel and fertilizer soaring.Ukraine is also a significant producer of corn and sunflower oil, so clinching a deal to unblock exports is seen as vital for food security and to stabilize markets.Farmers in both countries are currently harvesting this year's wheat crop.July-November is usually the busiest time for traders to ship the new produce from both countries.The coming harvest is also at risk as Ukraine is now short of storage space due to the halt in exports.On Tuesday (July 12), Ukraine sparked hopes for an increase in grain exports following the reopening of a canal which provides access to inland river ports.It expects monthly grain exports to rise by 500,000 tonnes as a result.Kyiv is also negotiating with Romania and the European Commission about increasing shipments through another canal.
Ben Kraws' season at Arizona State grabbed the attention of the Arizona Coyotes and earned a spot as an invite to the Coyotes prospect camp.
Former Blackhawks center Dylan Strome has found a new home after signing a one-year deal with the Washington Capitals, a source confirms.
Sal Licata continues to insist that NL East belongs to the Mets | Baseball Night in NY
On Baseball Night In New York, Sal Licata continues to declare that the NL East is over, including an “ImWithSal” hashtag. Dani Wexelman, John Jastremski and Terry Collins join in on the fun as well.
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2022-07-15T12:48:24Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Former all-star pitcher Matt Harvey brings Norfolk Tides a veteran presence as he tries to work his way back to the major leagues, wins doubleheader opener
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https://sports.yahoo.com/former-star-matt-harvey-brings-162500578.html?src=rss
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Brewers centerfielder Jonathan Davis scores the tying run in the sixth inning as Giants catcher Joey Bart can't hang on to the throw home Thursday night.
SAN FRANCISCO -- Known primarily for his defense to date, Jonathan Davis made the difference with his bat on Thursday night.
Davis had two hits and also scored a run for the Brewers, who out-hit the Giants, 13-4. It was his 13-pitch at-bat in the fourth inning that also played a role in an early exit for San Francisco's all-star lefty, Carlos Rodón.
"His second at-bat, he definitely took a piece out of Rodón, for sure," manager Craig Counsell said. "It kind of led to our first run, and it led to a shorter start for him. We got in their bullpen again and it's the kind of at-bat, honestly, that maybe has an effect for the whole series.
"Great at-bat. Then he gets rewarded by just putting a ball in play to get the winning run in."
Rodón's counterpart, Corbin Burnes, was tremendous once again, pitching 7⅓ innings and striking out 10 to get himself into the franchise record book with the 19th such game of his career.
Behind in the count, 1-2, he got the bat on an 86-mph slider from Camilo Doval and chopped it slowly down the third-base line to score Christian Yelich easily with the go-ahead run.
The man of the hour, Jonathan Davis: pic.twitter.com/ucO5pGupmv
"He has a really good fastball but I was actually sitting on an off-speed pitch, a slider," said Davis. "He actually threw me a first-pitch fastball and I was like, 'OK, stay on the slider, stay on off-speed. Then he threw me a slider for a ball, which was my first time seeing him throw the pitch.
"I got a feel of where the ball needed to start after that, and I was able to put the bat on the ball. So, it felt good to be able to get it done for the team."
"I still felt good. I just threw too many pitches early on," Burnes said. "Obviously, the long third inning contributed to it, but I thought I got better after the third. But for the most part, I was pretty happy with it."
Burnes just missed tying his season high with 7⅓ innings pitched, allowing four hits, two runs (one earned) and three walks to go along with the 10 strikeouts. He also lowered his earned run average to 2.14 while posting his 14th quality start in 18 turns.
"I thought he was excellent," Counsell said. "He was great tonight. A great way to finish the first half for him. He had some extra rest. He's got some rest coming. So, it was the day to extend him, and he felt good."
Hunter Renfroe's two-out double to left in the ninth was the Brewers' first extra-base hit of the game and just the second for both teams, but it went for naught.
More: 'It can be better': Christian Yelich offers a candid analysis of how his (and the Brewers offense's) season has gone
Innings don't come more frustrating than the second was for the Brewers, who got singles in succession from Luis Urías, Rowdy Tellez and Pedro Severino only to have Davis, Andrew McCutchen and Willy Adames all strike out to let Rodón off the hook.
Burnes, meanwhile, sailed through the first two innings before two walks in a three-batter span to the bottom of the San Francisco order came back to haunt as a run-scoring passed ball by Caratini and then two-out single by Joc Pederson gave the Giants a 2-0 lead.
"My first at-bat, I came up with the bases loaded and ended up striking out," Davis said. "His fastball just kept jumping my barrel so the next time I got up, I told myself, 'I'm either going to hit this ball down the third-base line, or I'm walking.' But definitely, I was fighting and having a team at-bat, not trying to do too much.
"And I ended up walking on 13 pitches."
Corbin Burnes wrapped up his first half with another terrific start: pic.twitter.com/RO5A3fHGBe
Finally, the frustration ended in the sixth with Rodon done after 99 pitches and John Brebbia in the game as the Brewers reeled off three consecutive singles for the second time -- this time cashing one in for another run as Davis scored on an Adames hit.
"They're runner-in-scoring-position games," Counsell said. "You've got to do something when you get men on base. It's hard, because the homer is harder here at night. It was good pitching; the bullpens for both teams did a pretty good job.
"It was a good baseball game."
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Jonathan Davis' dribbler in the 10th inning sends Brewers to victory
Court documents allege that ex-Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant ordered $1.1 million in payments from welfare funds to former NFL star Brett Farve. Bryant denies the allegation.
Following early word, more rumors have surfaced about the release of a follow-up to the Nintendo...
Brewers vs. Twins Highlights
McCutchen, Adames lead Brewers to 6-3 win
New study ranks Seattle Mariners as third-happiest MLB fan base
The Mariners ranked in third place, only behind the Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers.
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2022-07-15T12:48:37Z
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Jonathan Davis' dribbler in 10th inning sends Milwaukee Brewers past San Francisco Giants
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Luck shockingly retired just before the 2019 season. He didn't owe anyone anything and he seems content with his decision, rarely appearing in public since then. Nobody should ever blame him for walking away. But the Colts are still trying to figure things out in the aftermath (which was so big, The Athletic just produced a podcast series on his career and retirement). It was a moment that changed the franchise's history. The trajectory was clearly pointing up at the time.
The Colts have a fantastic roster and are still cycling through quarterbacks in their post-Luck world. Matt Ryan will be their fourth starting quarterback in four seasons since Luck retired. Jacoby Brissett took over for Luck, Philip Rivers got the Colts to the playoffs, Carson Wentz almost got the Colts to the playoffs before they fell short and the team unceremoniously booted him out, and now Ryan is the latest reclamation project.
This is not how NFL teams want to live, finding quarterbacks in their 30s and praying they have one more good year left in them. The Colts keep hoping to put off the long-term answer for another day because the roster is too good to start over (and too good to get a top-five pick to land a great QB prospect in the draft). Luck's retirement has set the Colts back for three seasons, going on four, with no end to the carousel in sight. That's not blaming Luck for retiring. But it is the truth.
The Colts have done as well as possible with their stopgap quarterbacks — they could have turned into the 2016-21 Denver Broncos, after all — and Ryan isn't a terrible option.
Matt Ryan joins the Indianapolis Colts after a long career with the Falcons. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Ryan is coming off a bad season with the Atlanta Falcons, but he had a terrible offensive line, almost no running game to help and his No. 1 receiver Calvin Ridley played just five games. Ryan might be in severe decline at age 37, but it's fair to give him a pass for last season. He has a much better team around him this time. He was a good quarterback for most of his 14 seasons with the Falcons. Maybe this can work out, at least for a year or two.
The Colts clearly blamed Wentz's mistakes for not making the playoffs. They had an inexplicable season-ending loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, when all they needed to do was win as a 15.5-point favorite to secure a wild-card spot. They not only lost, they were never in the game. The Colts lost 26-11.
"We go into a game, this team [Jacksonville] is 2-14, not taking anything away from them, but how do we expect to win or want to get in [the playoffs] if we can't even beat the team we were supposed to beat?" linebacker Darius Leonard, one of the league's best at his position, told ESPN after the game.
Wentz was the scapegoat. The team refused to endorse him after the season and traded him to the Washington Commanders without a backup plan in place. Ryan became available after the Falcons started pursuing Deshaun Watson. The Colts gambled and ended up with a viable option at quarterback.
Ryan probably isn't ever recapturing his MVP level from 2016, but he doesn't have to. The Colts have Jonathan Taylor, the reigning rushing champion, running behind a good offensive line. Michael Pittman Jr. emerged as a viable No. 1 receiver last season. The defense is underrated, though losing defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus to the Chicago Bears' head-coaching job hurts. It's a good organization under GM Chris Ballard and coach Frank Reich. In an alternate universe, the Colts are the No. 1 team in these rankings with superstar Luck guiding them.
Then you remember they're patching holes at quarterback. Had Luck kept playing and continued on his career path, the Colts might be the Super Bowl favorites or close to it. They might have won a Lombardi Trophy already with him.
Maybe Ryan can lead the Colts there. More than likely, the Colts will come up short and keep wondering what might have been.
On March 9, the Colts traded Carson Wentz to the Washington Commanders and got a pretty good return. Indianapolis got a 2022 second-round pick, 2022 third-round pick and a conditional 2023 third-round pick, shipping a 2022 second-round pick and a 2022 seventh-round pick back to Washington along with Wentz. The conditional 2023 third turns into a second if Wentz plays 70 percent of the snaps in 2022. On March 21, after a little less than two weeks of concern over who exactly would quarterback the Colts, they traded a third-round pick for Matt Ryan. That's a likely upgrade at quarterback, and the Colts stocked up on some extra picks as a bonus. That's how a good organization operates. The Colts traded cornerback Rock Ya-Sin to the Las Vegas Raiders for pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue. Ngakoue won't help against the run, but he can get after the quarterback. That was a big need. In free agency the Colts landed cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who had an injury-filled 2021 and will be 32 years old this season but is still a capable player. They also signed cornerback Brandon Facyson on a one-year deal. That makes up for trading Ya-Sin. The Colts lost guard Mark Glowinski, and that hurts the offensive line, which took a step back last season. The draft was solid, with four day-two picks: WR Alec Pierce, TE Jelani Woods, OT Bernhard Raimann and S Nick Cross. All could play big roles right away.
The Colts just want a quarterback who won't wreck them at exactly the wrong time with a turnover. Matt Ryan should be better than Carson Wentz in that area, though he does have 37 interceptions the past three seasons. You might be able to blame that on a bad environment around him. He was under pressure way too often with the Falcons last season and his play fell apart against the pass rush. The Colts' line is better suited to run block, and they did struggle some in pass protection. But it's still better than what Ryan is used to.
The Colts' win total at BetMGM is 9.5 and the over is -160 odds. Rather than bet the over, I'll take the Colts at -110 to win the AFC South. I'll be fading the Tennessee Titans a bit this season, the Jacksonville Jaguars probably aren't ready to make a move and the Houston Texans are a non-factor. The Colts should have enough to win the division, as long as Matt Ryan is average.
From Yahoo's Scott Pianowski: "There is a buzzy element to Michael Pittman’s ADP this year, and he won’t be cheap in many rooms. He’s currently being drafted as the 13th receiver off the board in Yahoo leagues. That said, Pittman was WR16 last year despite the deteriorating play of Carson Wentz, and the Colts should be more balanced with new quarterback Matt Ryan. Keep in mind, Indianapolis merely ranked 27th in pass attempts and 26th in passing yardage last year. In the final weeks of the season, they turned Wentz into a game manager.
"Even if Pittman simply approaches last year’s production, he should justify his his draft cost. But if Ryan is the notable upgrade many expect, Pittman becomes a potential home-run pick as he enters that breakout-friendly third NFL season."
Jonathan Taylor had a dominant 2021 season and there are plenty of stats to prove it. Taylor became the youngest player ever to have 2,000 yards from scrimmage and 20 touchdowns. He tied an NFL record with eight straight games with 100 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown. He set Colts records for rushing yards and rushing touchdowns in a season. This is perhaps the most impressive stat: Taylor had 1,272 yards after contact last season, according to Pro Football Focus. His yards after contact alone would have led the NFL in rushing; Nick Chubb of the Cleveland Browns had 1,259 rushing yards to finish in second place of the NFL rushing race, 552 yards behind Taylor. As Taylor enters his third season, he's one of the true difference-making backs in the NFL.
Will the Colts' receivers let the offense down?
The Colts are a run-first team, which makes sense when you have Jonathan Taylor. But you need to pass it well to win in the NFL, and the Colts don't have a great passing offense. Part of that was due to the quarterback. The receivers are a question mark too. Michael Pittman Jr. had a nice second season, gaining 1,082 yards. He's about the only bankable asset Matt Ryan has to throw to. Second-round pick Alec Pierce could start at the other outside receiver spot, but he's a rookie. Maybe T.Y. Hilton eventually re-signs. Perhaps Parris Campbell stays healthy. At tight end, Mo Alie-Cox or rookie Jelani Woods might help out. But aside from Pittman, who is good but not a Davante Adams or Tyreek Hill who can carry a receiving corps by himself, there are a lot of question marks.
I was way too high on the Colts before last season, figuring Carson Wentz could resurrect his career with Frank Reich. That didn't happen. But I still like the roster as a whole and the coaching staff as well. Matt Ryan worries me a bit — we can't blame all his 2021 struggles on a bad Falcons team around him — but he's still an upgrade. I think the Colts will win the AFC South and if everything breaks right they could be in the mix for the AFC's No. 1 seed. They have the third-easiest schedule in the NFL according to analyst Warren Sharp, who uses win totals to project schedule strength. They could pile up wins while teams from the AFC West and AFC North beat each other up. And if you get the No. 1 seed, well, you're two home wins away from the Super Bowl. Let's just move on to the next section before I repeat last year's mistake.
Let's say Jonathan Taylor gets hurt. He's durable, but he's also a running back. The Colts offense could fall apart without him. He's that good. Phillip Lindsay, signed in the offseason, is capable but he's not carrying an offense. A 37-year-old Matt Ryan might not carry an offense either. Even if Taylor plays all season, it's possible Ryan was letting us know last season that he's washed up and that will show again in Indianapolis. The Indianapolis defense also could miss last season's coordinator Matt Eberflus. The Colts were 9-8 last season, missing the playoffs in an embarrassing way, and there's no guarantee Ryan will be better than Carson Wentz. Maybe it'll just be another mediocre season for Indianapolis.
Matt Ryan seems like the type of quarterback who can be a high-end game manager on a good team. At 37 years old, that's all you can really expect unless your QB is Tom Brady. That would be enough for the Colts. If Ryan can make an occasional play, avoid turnovers and capably hand off to Jonathan Taylor, the Colts will win the AFC South. I can see them winning a game or two in the playoffs too; they seem built for a postseason run. I'll stop short of last year's optimism and just say that they'll win their division, with Taylor winning NFL offensive player of the year, but they will probably never look like a Super Bowl contender.
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2022-07-15T14:08:20Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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2022 NFL Preview: Colts turn to Matt Ryan to fix QB issue
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https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-nfl-preview-colts-still-trying-to-regroup-from-andrew-lucks-retirement-130755161.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-nfl-preview-colts-still-trying-to-regroup-from-andrew-lucks-retirement-130755161.html?src=rss
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Offenses rely heavily on the pass protectors in order to be able to execute their plays. If the edge rushers get into the backfield, it doesn’t matter how open the receivers get, the quarterback isn’t getting the ball to them.
The common theme in the AFC West seems to be quality left tackles, with less talent at the right tackle spot. You’re only as strong as your weakest link, after all.
Starters: LT Garrett Bolles, RT Billy Turner
After some troubles early in his career, Bolles has become one of the best tackles in football. He was second-team All-Pro a season ago and was still among the highest-rated tackles this season. Meanwhile, Billy Turner has quietly played pretty well at right tackle, giving up just three sacks last season.
Starters: LT Orlando Brown Jr, RT Lucas Niang
Brown headed to his third straight Pro Bowl last season, his first with the Chiefs since they acquired him in a trade with the Baltimore Ravens. He gave up just four sacks last season. On the other side, Niang has taken ahold of the right tackle job and performed pretty well over nine starts last season. The 2020 third-round pick gave up just two sacks from the right side.
Starters: LT Rashawn Slater, RT Trey Pipkins
As a rookie first-round pick, Slater headed to the Pro Bowl. That says all you need to know about his talent level. There is some uncertainty on the other side, but Pipkins looked fairly good in two late-season starts — giving up no sacks — that if they decide to go with him, they could feel confident in doing so.
Starters: LT Kolton Miller, RT Alex Leatherwood
Miller can hang with the best in the division at left tackle. There’s no question about that. But there are serious questions about the other side. Leatherwood has been lining up there throughout the offseason after playing himself out of a job four games into last season. It’s no certainty he continues to be the first-team right tackle, but the fact that he’s been lining up there so far says there aren’t any great options there.
Jones Bar-B-Q sisters to retire after over 40 years of ownership
STORY: Arriving in an open top vehicle, the French president waved at the waiting crowds, as military personnel on horseback and marching bands paraded on the Champs Elysees avenue.Bastille Day commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, one of the key events of the French Revolution. The day has become a national holiday in France.
The war in Ukraine has even shaken up Bastille Day, a powerful political, historical and symbolic event in France. France is celebrating its national holiday Thursday with thousands of French troops marching down the Champs-Elysees avenue alongside allies from Eastern Europe. The traditional parade also will feature warplanes, military vehicles and a drone in a performance showing off France's might and its efforts to support Ukraine.
American Horror Stories’ Season 2 Trailer is Here To Tingle Your Spine
The anthology series is about to scare your pants off — again.
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2022-07-15T14:08:54Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Ranking the AFC West offensive tackle duos
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https://sports.yahoo.com/ranking-afc-west-offensive-tackle-121600204.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/ranking-afc-west-offensive-tackle-121600204.html?src=rss
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Rocky Bleier
Recipient of the Purple Heart medal
Liverpool vs Crystal Palace, pre-season friendly 30 minutes of Darwin Nunez and what they taught us about his role Crystal Palace without star players for pre-season tour
Le’Veon Bell said in a promotional appearance earlier this week that he won’t play football in 2022 to concentrate on his boxing career. Later, in an Instagram post, he hinted at retirement. Bell’s career has not been the same since his 2017 All-Pro season, which was followed by a contract holdout in 2018 in a [more]
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2022-07-15T14:09:07Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Steelers legend Rocky Bleier has the perfect solution to stadium name
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https://sports.yahoo.com/steelers-legend-rocky-bleier-perfect-132706819.html?src=rss
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Jordan Fuller wasted no time becoming a leader in the Rams’ locker room, being voted a team captain in just his second season. A former sixth-round pick, Fuller has far outplayed his draft position and become an integral part of the defense.
Unfortunately, he wasn’t on the field when the Rams beat the Bengals in Super Bowl after suffering an ankle injury in Week 18, causing him to miss the entire postseason. He underwent surgery to repair the injury this offseason and while he’s on track with his rehab, it hasn’t been the easiest path.
On the latest episode of “Behind the Grind,” Fuller took viewers behind the scenes of the work he’s put in this offseason.
“During this time, a day in the life is getting up around 6, getting to the facility and knocking out some rehab, then going to meetings, some more rehab, then I work out, maybe a little more rehab,” he said.
Fuller isn’t taking this process lightly. He’s putting everything he can into it, estimating that he’s at the facility “maybe 2, 3 hours more than everybody else.” Even Taylor Rapp asked how Fuller does it, asking if he gets worn down.
“I feel like I am, but I’m just like, I got no choice, I gotta go,” he said.
Fuller is expected to be back for the regular season, but it remains to be seen how much he’ll do when training camp opens later this month.
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2022-07-15T14:09:13Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Watch: Jordan Fuller takes you behind the scenes of his ankle rehab
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https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-jordan-fuller-takes-behind-125633634.html?src=rss
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Kansas City Chiefs S Justin Reid has taken up a leadership role in the locker room with his new team. Speaking on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” on Tuesday, Reid confirmed that he’s enjoyed stepping into that role in Kansas City.
“A lot of guys throw around the term ‘being a leader,'” Reid explained. “Being a leader isn’t just about saying the right things, it’s about doing the right things. It’s about being a force multiplier and when you’re on the field, everyone picks up their game a bit more.”
Players like Reid have set a strong example for the incoming rookie class, especially those who will be met with high expectations early on in their careers. Speaking to a line of questioning from NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero, Reid provided some first impressions of the team’s two first-round rookies, CB Trent McDuffie and DE George Karlaftis. While he works more closely with McDuffie, Reid provided some blanket statements about what both have brought to the table so far.
“I think the first thing is that they came in with the right mentality,” Reid said on NFL Network. “They came in with their eyes wide open, ears wide listening, they take in advice from the older guys, the vets and coaches. This is no easy defense to just jump into. There are a lot of pieces that go into and mentally it’s very heavy. But George Karlaftis, Trent McDuffie and all the other guys who have come in have really had the right attitude. They’re getting coached up very well. They all have a very high motor and (are) excited to be here.”
Approaching the NFL game with the right mentality is half the battle for incoming draft picks. With the success that the Chiefs’ organization has seen over the past several seasons, the expectations are understood right away for incoming players. McDuffie, Karlaftis and several other rookies appear to be approaching it the right way per Reid, which should set them up for future success as professionals.
Massachusetts's Supreme Court denied a request by Republicans to limit mail-in voting before the September primary, upholding the new VOTES act for "no excuse" absentee ballots.
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2022-07-15T14:23:37Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Chiefs S Justin Reid gives first impressions of rookies Trent McDuffie, George Karlaftis
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Brent Venables enters his first season as Oklahoma’s head coach in 2022.
Venables returns to Oklahoma after serving as the Sooners’ defensive coordinator from 2004-11 and co-defensive coordinator between 1999-2003.
Venables took part in Big 12 media days Thursday in Arlington, Texas.
He was asked about Oklahoma, under then first-year head coach Bob Stoops in 1999, having a transfer quarterback in Josh Heupel start for the Sooners. Venables added transfer quarterback Dillon Gabriel to the Sooners’ roster in 2022.
“There are certainly parallels in many ways, bringing in an experienced lefty in our first year,” Venables said. “To me it goes back just to the people. You’ve got to be good enough. Dillon Gabriel is a winner. You can’t say it any better than that. He’s thrown for 8,000 yards, completed over 60 percent of his passes, incredible touchdown-to-interception ratio, just a great leader. He’s our quarterback. Certainly anything can happen as we move forward through fall camp. It’s always about daily competition, but I feel great I can lay my head down at night knowing not just what he has done on the football field but the quality of the person he is.
“He’s about all the right stuff. He’s dependable. He’s reliable. He’s accountable. He’s humble. He’s one of the hardest workers, shows up early. He’s last one to leave, always working to improve, and he leads by example — guys follow him. He’s a galvanizer of people.”
Central Florida coach Josh Heupel and quarterback Dillon Gabriel (11) celebrate in the rain after a touchdown against Marshall during the Gasparilla Bowl NCAA college football game Monday, Dec. 23, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel via AP)
Heupel enters his second season as Tennessee’s head coach in 2022. He served as UCF’s head coach from 2018-20.
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2022-07-15T15:43:21Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Brent Venables discusses parallels between Josh Heupel, Dillon Gabriel
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https://sports.yahoo.com/brent-venables-discusses-parallels-between-144702397.html?src=rss
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LSU makes 4-star tight end’s final 11
Martavious Collins is a 6-foot-3, 241-pound tight end from Rome, Georgia, who recently announced his final 11 schools. LSU made that list, and he has set a commitment date of July 20.
The Tigers join Alabama, NC State, Ohio State, Notre Dame, South Carolina, Tennessee, Louisville, Cincinnati, Auburn, and Michigan State on the list of finalists. According to On3, NC State is currently the favorite at 30.2%, and there is no Crystal Ball prediction on 247Sports for Collins.
He is ranked as the No. 36 player in the country for the 2023 class by 247Sports, so he would be an incredible pickup for whatever team he decides to play for. Brian Kelly and LSU could definitely use him next season and for years to come as the Tigers are thin at tight end.
Mac Markway is currently committed as a four-star tight end for the 2023 class. He and Collins would be a dynamic duo for LSU.
What school will Martavious Collins commit to? - Powered By PickUp
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2022-07-15T15:43:22Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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LSU makes 4-star tight end’s final 11
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Ranking eleven schools by likelihood of joining the next round of potential Big Ten expansion
The college football world was pushed into chaos again a little over a week ago when — seemingly out of the blue — news broke that USC and UCLA were all set to join the Big Ten beginning in 2024.
It was a further springboard of change that we’ve seen in the landscape of college football after the news of Texas and Oklahoma joining the SEC last year. Add that to the transfer portal, Name, Image, and Likeness, and talks about expanding the College Football Playoff, and there’s no doubt we’re in a period where we are experiencing a complete remake of the CFB model.
But is it done? Reports have surfaced that the SEC will be staying put at 16 teams right now, and it has gotten a bit quiet since the Big Ten bombshell. But it was also pretty silent before the news of Big Ten expansion made a sonic boom.
And in a world where it seems the Big Ten and SEC are trading blows to become the king of college football revenue, one has to wonder when another aftershock occurs. So, if the Big Ten isn’t done, what other schools might be candidates for being added to the conference that now spans from sea to shining sea?
We break down and rank ten teams and their likelihood of joining the Big Ten if things continue to move towards superconferences. We are only focusing on teams that are AAU members since that seems to be a considerable prerequisite for culture and academics (that somehow seems to matter in all of this).
Oct 19, 2019; Pullman, WA, USA; Colorado Buffaloe’s helmet sits during a football game against the Washington State Cougars in the first at Martin Stadium. Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
This makes sense only because Colorado would likely jump at the chance. It was always a little weird having the Buffs in the Pac-12 anyway being so far away from the west coast, and the institution is an AAU member that puts it on the shortlist for the Big Ten.
Nov 17, 2018; Pullman, WA, USA; Arizona Wildcats helmet sits during a football game against the Washington State Cougars in the first half at Martin Stadium. Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona joining the Big Ten is low on the list, but it is intriguing when you consider that it’s a new market to get into with a booming Phoenix a part of being in play. Arizona State would make more sense for that reason, but it is not an AAU member.
Nov 3, 2018; Pullman, WA, USA; California Golden Bears helmet sits during a football game against the Washington State Cougars in the second half at Martin Stadium. The Cougars won 19-13. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
No two conferences are aligned with culture and academics like the Big Ten and Pac-12 (or whatever it’ll be called going forward). That’s why USC and UCLA joining the conference made so much sense. And, with UCLA being a part of the California network, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Cal also make the jump.
You are going to see a lot of Pac-12 teams on this list because all of those programs are probably the ripest for picking when it comes to wanting to jump ship for survival and health. Stanford is a great athletic and academic reputation and would be a great addition to the Big Ten if there is interest from both sides.
Sep 25, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; A Pittsburgh Panthers helmet sits on the sidelines against the New Hampshire Wildcats during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
I haven’t seen Pitt discussed very much when looking at teams that make sense, but it wouldn’t surprise me. Getting out of the Grant of Rights agreement in the ACC is going to be a challenge for any team trying to make the move from that conference, but geographically it makes a lot of sense and would be a great addition for Penn State as a rival. Yes, Pitt is an AAU member as well.
A Duke football helmet on the Duke’s sideline during the game against MTSU on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, at MTSU. Credit: USA TODAY Sports Network
The Blue Devils don’t have much of a football tradition, but it would significantly enhance the basketball pedigree of the league. The culture isn’t a great fit with Northwestern already the upper-end academic school of the league, but with North Carolina being among the teams that have been considered and talked about when it comes to Big Ten expansion, it would make sense for Duke — its heated rival — to be a package deal.
North Carolina has come up more than once when talking about Big Ten expansion, even in previous years. It’s mainly because the Research Triangle is a growing television market, the culture is a fit. Carolina would significantly enhance the basketball perception of the league. This probably doesn’t happen though if Duke isn’t also on board. Oh, yeah, and the Grant of Rights will have to be addressed at some point.
Nov. 2, 2019; Lawrence, KS, USA; A general view of a Kansas Jayhawks helmet during the game against the Kansas State Wildcats at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas doesn’t check off all the boxes, but it does have appeal for the Big Ten. There are almost no football reasons to do it, but we all know what the move would do for basketball. Add that to a geographical match and academic similarities and you could very easily see this one happening. There have been whispers of it already after Texas and Oklahoma made the move to the SEC.
Nov 23, 2018; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington Huskies helmet sits during a football game against the Washington State Cougars in the second half at Martin Stadium. Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
With USC and UCLA now gone from the Pac-12, Washington is one of the two most attractive teams left on the left coast. There’s the Seattle television market that is a top fifteen one, and the school fits many of the desires with a pretty good football pedigree and academic culture.
Jan 2, 2021; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Sean Dollars (5) against the Iowa State Cyclones in the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Phil Knight of Nike fame has reportedly been calling to see if there is interest in adding Oregon to another conference. And make no mistake, Oregon has turned itself into a prize that makes sense for the Big Ten. It’s now a top-ten fanbase that also has AAU membership with academics. Getting the Ducks into the conference makes more sense than almost any other program out there, save for one.
Could the latest tectonic shift in college football finally, mercifully, make this happen — at least in football? Notre Dame has long been chased and there’s been interest on both sides, but never at the same time. Culturally, geographically, and almost every other way possible, joining the Big Ten has always made sense save for the Irish wanting to stay independent because of the money it gets with its own television deal. However, with the money the Big Ten is about to make and dole out to its members, that might have a shelf-life.
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2022-07-15T15:43:24Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Ranking eleven schools by likelihood of joining the next round of potential Big Ten expansion
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LOS ANGELES — With the WNBA trade deadline today at 8 p.m. ET, the overall consensus around the association is that the Phoenix Mercury will not be participating in executing a blockbuster trade, thus keeping star guard Skylar Diggins-Smith, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
Weeks ago, it appeared a Diggins-Smith, Mercury breakup was inevitable after a clip emerged showing her and teammate Diana Taurasi addressing one another combatively face-to-face during a timeout huddle.
There was plenty of interest in the nine-year veteran, but the Mercury didn’t feel as if they could get equal value in return, and they believe they have the talent to climb up in the standings for a more comfortable first-round opponent.
The relationship between Diggins-Smtih and Taurasi remains rocky, sources said, but there is a belief within the organization that the two veterans can put their differences aside for the common good of the team.
Diggins-Smith has one more year remaining on her contract following the 2022 season.
Phoenix is 11-15, positioned at the eighth and final playoff spot.
Phoenix Mercury guard Skylar Diggins-Smith controls the ball during a WNBA game against the Dallas Wings on June 18, 2022, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Teams monitoring Chennedy Carter's availability
Rival executives are monitoring the availability of Los Angeles Sparks third-year guard Chennedy Carter, sources said.
Carter, the No. 4 pick in the 2020 WNBA draft, has been sidelined for the last five games with a knee injury.
But the Sparks do not envision making any moves at the deadline, sources said.
Carter is averaging 7.8 points and two assists in 14.9 minutes off the bench.
Rookie Rebekah Gardner continues torrid start
Chicago Sky general manager and head coach James Wade found a gem in guard Rebekah Gardner, a 31-year-old rookie whose professional career had comprised of only overseas stops.
On Thursday night, the Sky defeated the Sparks 80-68 and Gardner led all scorers with 18 points off the bench on 8-for-11 shooting with 10 rebounds and four assists in 25 minutes.
Garner torched defenders with driving spin moves and showcased her athleticism to finish in traffic around bigger bodies. She failed to make a WNBA team in previous years, but now she’s producing 9.1 points and 3.3 boards in a super reserve role for a team with the best record in the league at 18-6.
Milestone for Nneka Ogwumike
Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike surpassed the 5,000-points mark on Thursday, joining Lisa Leslie and Candace Parker as the only players in franchise history to reach that milestone.
Once Triston McKenzie fired fastballs during his pregame warmup that seemed to disappear as they neared the plate, he knew it would be a good night.
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2022-07-15T16:15:51Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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WNBA trade deadline: Skylar Diggins-Smith to remain in Phoenix; Sparks not looking at any moves, per sources
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Feds suing company responsible for oil pipeline spill near Glendive
U.S. prosecutors suspect a Wyoming company of potentially concealing problems with a pipeline that broke in 2015 and spilled more than 50,000 gallons (240,000 liters) of crude into Montana’s Yellowstone River, fouling a small city’s drinking water supply, court filings show. The government is suing Bridger Pipeline for violations of environmental laws in the 2015 spill, which came after the line buried beneath the Yellowstone became exposed and broke when ice scoured the river bottom near Glendive, Montana. Prosecutors are pursuing similar claims against a related company over a 2016 spill in North Dakota that released more than 600,000 gallons (2.7 million liters) of crude.
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2022-07-15T16:15:57Z
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Griner lawyer: WNBA star had doctor's note for cannabis use
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2022 Dolphins position preview: Breaking down LBs ahead of camp
The Miami Dolphins rookies are set to return to the facility on Tuesday, July 19, with the rest of the team reporting Tuesday, July 26. From that point, Miami will begin their first training camp sessions under head coach Mike McDaniel before his first season with the organization.
This time is important to discuss the state of the Dolphins’ roster and assess each position before they get a chance to hold true competitions.
We’ve talked about quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends and offensive linemen and defensive linemen, but now it’s time to slide back in the defense to break down the linebackers on the roster.
Roster locks: Jerome Baker, Melvin Ingram, Jaelan Phillips, Elandon Roberts, Andrew Van Ginkel, Channing Tindall
Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
Linebacker, overall, can be a strong group for this team. They have a number of solid pieces on the edge, like Ingram, Phillips and Van Ginkel that can put some pressure on the quarterback. Baker can do the same if they opt to use him in that role, as they did down the stretch of last season.
The interior is a bit more questionable. If Baker’s on the outside that leaves Roberts as the most experienced inside linebacker. The hope is probably that Roberts starts off the year, and that Tindall eventually takes over by the end of the season, but those are high expectations for a third-round pick who was the third-best linebacker on his team in college.
On the bubble: Sam Eguavoen, Porter Gustin, Darius Hodge, Duke Riley, Brennan Scarlett, Cameron Goode
Eguavoen, Riley and Scarlett were all re-signed this offseason, meaning the Dolphins must have some interest in keeping them around. They all play different roles and have shown that they can contribute on special teams.
Hodge was added in the middle of the season in 2021, but he never stepped on the field for Miami. A full offseason in the system could be good for him. Gustin was signed this offseason after three years in Cleveland that saw him bounce back and forth from the active roster to the practice squad. He may be able to push for a depth role on the edge.
Goode was the seventh-round pick out of California from this year’s draft. He showed some pass rush ability in college and helped out in the third phase of the game as well.
At this point, it feels like the Dolphins could choose up to five guys from this grouping.
Unlikely to make the team: Deandre Johnson, Calvin Munson
With Johnson being an undrafted free agent and Munson being a perennial practice squad player, it’s tough to imagine either of them making the team at the start of the season. Either could play their way into a practice squad and maybe see some time by the end of the year but probably not initially.
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2022-07-15T16:21:41Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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2022 Dolphins position preview: Breaking down LBs ahead of camp
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Next up at No. 12 is defensive tackle Justin Jones, who the Bears are banking on being a disruptive 3-technique in this defense.
Jones is coming off an impressive season with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he stepped into a starting role and made an impact on defense. Last year, Jones logged career highs in tackles (37), sacks (3.0) and QB hits (5). He added five tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries and one pass breakup in 11 games. He missed five games with a calf injury sustained in the season opener and again later in the season, when he didn’t play in Week 16.
The Chargers defense struggled mightily in 2021, including allowing 27.0 points per game and 138.9 rush YPG, both bottom three in the league. Which led to some big changes this offseason, including trading for former Bears edge rusher Khalil Mack. But Jones was one of the lone bright spots on that struggling defense, where he was their best run defender over the last three seasons.
Fresh off the heels of Larry Ogunjobi’s failed physical, the Bears signed Jones to a two-year deal worth $12 million this offseason. Jones comes to Chicago after a career year with the Chargers, where he has a chance to carve out a nice role for himself. Eberflus was the one who ultimately convinced Jones to join the Bears, and given the importance of the 3-technique, it’s no wonder why he fought to bring Jones in. While Jones played in a 3-4 defense in Los Angeles, he often lined up at the 3-tech position, which is why the transition hasn’t been hard with the Bears.
Jones is the only roster lock along the defensive interior heading into training camp, and he’s going to be a vital part of this defense. The 3-tech is one of the most important positions in Eberflus’ defense, where he’ll be expected to penetrate the line and wreak havoc in the backfield. Luckily for Jones, he was the Chargers’ top run defender over the last few years, an area that Chicago certainly needs to improve on. Jones is the anchor of the defensive line, and they’re counting on him to be that disruptor along the interior.
Big question: Can Jones be a disruptive 3-technique in this defense?
There’s no ignoring the fact that the Bears had to settle for Jones at the 3-technique position after their original signing Ogunjobi failed his physical. With that said, Chicago looks to have gotten a nice consolation prize in Jones, who will occupy the most important position along the defensive line in Eberflus’ defense.
Jones is coming off a career year with the Chargers, and he’s still a young player looking to break out. While Eberflus will employ a rotation along the defensive line to keep legs fresh, the Bears are banking on Jones to be a disruptive 3-tech along the defensive interior. It’s different than what he was asked to do with the Chargers, but he has the potential to carve out a nice role for himself. If Jones can’t become the disruptive 3-tech that this defense needs, look for defensive tackle to be a top need in 2023.
According to Precedence Research, the global contract packaging market size is projected to be worth around USD 105 billion by 2030 from valued at USD 54 billion in 2021, growing at a CAGR of 7.67% from 2022 to 2030.Ottawa, July 15, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Recent Research Study on “Contract Packaging Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, Regional Outlook, and Forecast 2022-2030” Regional Snapshots In light of the locale's developing food and drink and buyer items ventu
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2022-07-15T16:21:47Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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30 Most Important Bears of 2022: No. 12 Justin Jones
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6 causes for concern as Bears prepare for training camp
Heading into training camp, there are several causes for concern facing the Chicago Bears. Though there are reasons to be optimistic about the future, there aren’t many who have confidence in the Bears this season as they kickstart their rebuild under Ryan Poles.
Despite a total tear down of the front office and coaching staff, there’s a lot of work to be done to get Chicago back to playing “Bears football.” With a team that looks plenty thin on paper, many players need to step up to eliminate some of the growing concerns ahead of the 2022 season.
Here are some causes for concern as the Bears prepare for training camp:
Justin Fields' disappointing rookie outing
No, a lot shouldn’t be made out of a rookie season for a quarterback, as we’ve seen many take a huge leap from their first season to their second. A couple of recent examples would be Buffalo’s Josh Allen and Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson.
Justin Fields did have the worst quarterback rating (26.4) among all 31 qualified passers. He also was the first Bears quarterback to start six or more game and have more interceptions than touchdowns since Matt Barkley in 2016.
Despite struggling last season, the Bears will be continuing to build their offense around Fields. There’s cause for concern though, seeing as there weren’t many improvements on offense to help the second-year quarterback in terms of wide receiver and offensive line.
The offensive line struggles
The Bears had an awful offensive line last season, giving up 58 sacks in 17 games. Their worst game was Fields’ first NFL start, where he was sacked nine times. He was under pressure the entire game, completing just 30 percent of his passes.
Yes, Chicago did draft some offensive linemen and try to improve things this offseason. Still, all of their problems won’t be solved in one offseason. It’s going to take at least another year or two before they have a solid offensive line.
If Fields is playing the majority of the season under pressure again, the passing game is going to be horrendous again. With the offensive line the Bears had last season, Chicago’s quarterbacks managed just 16 passing touchdowns in 17 games.
The loss of Khalil Mack
The Bears trading Khalil Mack was their biggest move this offseason. Normally a team’s biggest move should improve their team, not hurt it. Mack did miss 10 games in 2021 due to a foot injury. Still, he was viewed as Chicago’s best player on their team since he was traded to the Bears in 2018.
Not all is bad though, as Robert Quinn did have an amazing season, breaking the Bears’ franchise single-season sack record. It would have been nice to see a healthy Mack playing on the opposite side of Quinn this upcoming season. But Chicago will turn to the likes of Trevis Gipson and Al-Quadin Muhammad to try and fill his big shoes.
The Bears secondary ranked 31st last season
Just a few years ago, the Bears had one of the best secondaries in the NFL, intercepting 27 passes in 2018. Since the 2018 season, Chicago has logged just 28 interceptions in 49 games, as opposed to 27 in 16 games.
Some of the issues on defense had to do with Chicago’s offense stalling out on almost every drive. The lack of points from Matt Nagy’s offense had his defense playing hero ball each season. Eventually, they couldn’t keep up.
Now led by Matt Eberflus and Alan Williams, the new regime will look to rebuild the secondary and turn them back into a dominant force. Right now, Pro Football Focus has their secondary ranked 31st out of 32 NFL teams.
Even with the success Jaylon Johnson has found in his first two seasons, it’s hard to say anyone in their secondary is reliable. Their depth chart is thin and statically speaking, this defense is unrecognizable to where they were just four years ago. But they did add a couple of pieces in rookies Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker.
Lack of depth on offense
The Bears have a lack of depth at most positions. Outside of their special teams, there’s a lot of concern for how thin the roster is on both sides of the ball.
Chicago doesn’t have a true backup quarterback that can come in and win football games if needed. Justin Fields did miss time last season due to injury, and if it happens again, they’re not prepared with Trevor Siemian replacing Andy Dalton and Nick Foles.
The wide receiver group is thin. Though Darnell Mooney played well last season, he currently isn’t a true WR1. That’s not to say he couldn’t be, but there isn’t much depth behind him. The same can be said about the tight ends on this roster. Cole Kmet is in a make-or-break year for the Bears. With the loss of Jimmy Graham, there’s no true depth behind him.
The offensive line struggled last year, and they still don’t have a starting combination figured out ahead of training camp. There’s lack of proven depth on the offensive line. Any injuries there will be brutal, as they will already likely be near the bottom of the league.
Lack of depth on defense
With the loss of both Akiem Hicks and Khalil Mack, the pass rush has already gotten worse. There weren’t any true replacements for both players added this offseason. The two most reliable players on defense heading into the season are defensive end Robert Quinn and linebacker Roquan Smith.
Outside of Smith, the linebacker room is very thin. On paper, this is one of the worst defensive groups we’ve seen in Chicago since the Phil Emery and Marc Trestman.
This is going to be a long season. They don’t have a defense currently that can carry a struggling offense. If the Bears’ offense can’t drastically improve from the 2021 season, Chicago could finish close to the bottom of the league.
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2022-07-15T16:21:54Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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6 causes for concern as Bears prepare for training camp
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Alyssa Barbieri, Brendan Sugrue, Ryan Fedrau and Jarrett Bailey
The Chicago Bears have been the subject of criticism this offseason, including one analyst going so far as to say that Chicago’s roster “sucks.” Safe to say, there aren’t many who believe in the Bears heading into the 2022 season.
While the roster certainly isn’t the strongest on paper, there are some players on this roster who have a chance to be pleasant surprises this season. Whether that’s new additions by general manager Ryan Poles or returning players on the roster looking to break out.
Alyssa Barbieri: LB Nicholas Morrow
The offense has been the focal point surrounding the Bears this offseason. But there are some big changes on the defense under Matt Eberflus as they make the transition to a 4-3 defense. While there aren’t any questions about Roquan Smith, who’s poised for a mega contract extension, there were some about who would line up beside him. Chicago is banking on free-agent addition Nicholas Morrow to serve an important role in Eberflus’ defense. While the team hasn’t made any definitive decision about where Morrow or Roquan Smith will line up – be it weak side or middle – Morrow has a chance to establish himself as a vital member of Chicago’s defense.
Brendan Sugrue: CB Tavon Young
One of the most under-the-radar free agents the Bears signed earlier this offseason is cornerback Tavon Young. The veteran was a stud for the Baltimore Ravens for a number of seasons and turned into one of the better nickel corners in the league for a bit. The problem has been his health, but Young is coming off a season in which he played in every game.
Ryan Fedrau: WR N'Keal Harry
With the trade for N’Keal Harry, the Bears now have another weapon for Justin Fields — if you want to call him one. Harry hasn’t proved much in his NFL career, yet, but he spent most of his time in New England hurt. If he can stay healthy, there’s a good chance Harry can live up to his potential with a fresh start in Chicago.
Nate Atkins: RB Khalil Herbert
The Wide Zone system is a run-first offense. After a great rookie season, Khalil Herbert has shown he’s a viable number one running back for an NFL team. With Luke Getsy coming from Green Bay, it seems likely he’ll utilize both running backs similar to what the Packers did with Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon.
Last year in Green Bay, Dillon took 45% of the offensive snaps as the number two running back. He finished the season with 1,116 total yards and seven total touchdowns. If Herbert gets all of Williams’ snaps, it will create a 57%-43% split between David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert. Assuming Herbert turns in similar production to last season, we could see 800+ total yards and 3+ touchdowns from the second-year player.
Jarrett Bailey: S Jaquan Brisker
The Brisker pick was one of my favorites of the draft by any team. He is a versatile defensive back who can be moved all around the secondary.
Brisker was one of the driving forces of Penn State’s fast start in 2021. His performance in Week 1 against the Wisconsin Badgers in Madison was largely his coming out party. He sustained an injury in the first half, but rallied through the pain and he was all over the field throughout the afternoon. He clinched a Penn State win with an interception in the red zone late in the fourth quarter. He would continue being one of the best defenders in the country before becoming a second-round pick.
Brisker can be a difference maker at multiple positions. Whether as a safety, a nickel cornerback, playing in the box-Brisker is going to be a force to be reckoned with.
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2022-07-15T16:22:12Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Which Bears players will surprise everyone in 2022?
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Broncos offseason roster: No. 33, RB Javonte Williams
Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at second-year running back Javonte Williams, No. 33.
Before the Broncos: Williams (5-10, 220 pounds) was a standout running back at the University of North Carolina. In 2020, he rushed for 1,193 yards and 19 touchdowns as a junior. Pro Football Focused named Williams its 2020 ACC player of the year due to his prowess on the field. At the 2021 NFL combine, Williams ran a 4.55 in the 40-yard dash. He was then picked by Denver in the second round of the NFL draft.
Broncos tenure: Williams made an immediate impact as a rookie last season. He would finish the season playing in 17 games and starting in one, rushing for 903 yards and four touchdowns while also catching 43 passes for 316 yards and three more scores. He crossed the 100-yard mark twice as a rusher, including 102 yards in his lone start.
Chances to make the 53-man roster: Williams’s spot is secure for the roster. But the real question will become, will the Broncos employ another two-headed rushing attack?
Williams and fellow running back Melvin Gordon both came close to 1,000 yards in 2021, with Gordon finishing with 918 yards. However, Gordon is 29 years old, and Williams is 22. Will the rushing attack slowly but surely lean more into going through Williams? Only time and his performance will tell.
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2022-07-15T16:22:19Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Broncos offseason roster: No. 33, RB Javonte Williams
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CBS Sports offers underwhelming 2022 outlook for Giants QB Daniel Jones
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones has not exactly had an ideal start to his NFL career. Following a rookie season marred by turnovers, the Duke product was then thrust into the washing machine.
Jones has dealt with injury, a league-worst offensive line, underperforming receivers and a multitude of coaching changes. He’ll enter 2022 under his third different head coach, in his third different system and protected by an almost entirely new offensive line.
There are some out there who believe head coach Brian Daboll is exactly what the doctor ordered for Jones. He runs an offense that is more suited for DJ’s style of play, and his willingness to allow the 25-year-old to be aggressive is certainly a plus.
But for Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports, he’s already seen all he needs to see from Jones. And while he does expected DJ to improve slightly under Daboll, Trapasso doesn’t believe it’ll be enough.
By now, I feel like I know what Jones will give the Giants and who he is as an NFL quarterback. He’s more competent than many naysayers — including myself — believed he’d be when he entered the league. And the environment around him is better. The coaching will be the best he’s had. He’s also in a contract year. Jones will be a touch better. But not enough for the Giants to consider extending him while simultaneously passing on a young, super-talented passer in next year’s draft.
Trapasso also states that Jones has no true strength to his game and that will likely haunt him — especially as the Giants look to curb his injuries while scrambling.
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2022-07-15T16:22:31Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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CBS Sports offers underwhelming 2022 outlook for Giants QB Daniel Jones
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The Indianapolis Colts are less than two weeks away from the start of training camp, which again takes place at the Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield.
One of the more intriguing position battles will take place on the offensive line, specifically at left tackle where a veteran and a rookie will battle it out for the starting role on the blindside.
With veterans reporting for training camp on July 26, here’s our preview of the offensive tackle spots:
Entering his fifth season as the starting right tackle, Smith has emerged as one of the most stable options on the right side in the NFL. Despite being drafted as a guard, Smith has made the right tackle position his home over the last four seasons.
He had a bit of a down year in 2021, according to his standards, allowing four sacks overall. He did only allow 22 total pressures throughout the season, which were tied for the 14th-fewest among tackles with at least 300 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.
Smith will be the anchor of the right side and while he’s likely to have a new running mate at right guard, the Colts should see a bounce-back campaign from Smith thanks to the quick release of new quarterback Matt Ryan.
Currently the starting left tackle entering training camp, Pryor will have a lot to prove when the team comes back to Westfield. Despite seeing limited snaps throughout the 2021 season, the Colts re-signed him this offseason to compete for the starting spot on the blindside.
Pryor doesn’t have a whole lot of experience working as a left tackle. However, he did start the Week 17 game against the Las Vegas Raiders at that spot, replacing then-starter Eric Fisher. He impressed so much that the Colts were willing to take a shot on him with a one-year deal.
Pryor will enter training camp as the incumbent starter, competing with rookie Bernhard Raimann. But even if Pryor doesn’t win the job, he could still hold a very valuable role as a versatile piece along the offensive line with the capabilities of working at both tackle and guard positions.
The Colts were somewhat stunned when Raimann was still on the board with their third pick of Day 2 of the NFL draft. Even though he’ll be 25 years old at the start of the season, Raimann still presents plenty of upside as a starter for years to come.
Of course, he has to make good on that upside and develop properly. But the Colts have already been impressed with the rookie and how quickly he’s picking up the nuances of the position—considering he transferred from tight end in 2020.
Raimann is one of the rookies who could wind up holding a starting role for a significant portion of the season. Whether that’s Week 1 or sometime later, it’s likely that Raimann will get his shot as a starter soon.
If there’s one thing the Colts boast in 2022, it’s depth at the offensive tackle positions. The unit hasn’t had this much security in a while. The late addition of Kelly in free agency only furthers that notion.
One of the most experienced offensive tackles in the league, Kelly brings a lot of veteran savvy and versatility to the offensive line. He has experience working at both left and right tackle, making him the ideal swing tackle for the Colts.
Kelly might find himself getting some reps at left tackle just so the Colts can see what he looks like against the other competitors, but we should expect him to be the primary backup right tackle behind Smith to start the season.
Ryan Van Demark
If you’re ever wondering how much a team values an undrafted free agent rookie, just look at the signing bonus the player receives. When it comes to Van Demark, the Colts didn’t want to take any chances that he may sign with another team.
The UConn product was expected to be a Day 3 pick at some point given his athleticism and true left tackle status. But we wound up falling out of the draft pool and into free agency. The Colts quickly scooped him up following the draft, and he will enter training camp as an intriguing competitor for one of the depth spots along the offensive line.
Van Demark could be the ideal project for the Colts to develop while keeping him on the active roster.
Brandon Kemp
Kemp signed with the Colts in April after he was waived by the Tennessee Titans, the team he signed with in 2020 as an undrafted free agent. He spent the 2020 season on the Titans practice squad and the 2021 season on the injured reserve list.
Kemp enters camp with an uphill battle to make the roster. He fits the mold the Colts have liked when it comes to offensive tackles, but the group is pretty deep so he will have to really impress in order to make the roster.
Carter O'Donnell
O’Donnell initially signed with the Colts as an undrafted free agent following the 2020 NFL draft, and he’s been on the practice squad ever since. It’s unlikely he makes the roster, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Colts continued to keep him on the practice squad to further his development.
A massive offensive tackle at 6-foot-9 and 325 pounds, Murray was among the players to sign futures deals with the Colts this offseason. He previously spent time in the CFL (2021) and The Spring League (2020). He’s likely headed toward a practice squad spot.
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2022-07-15T16:22:50Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Colts’ 2022 training camp preview: Offensive Tackle
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https://sports.yahoo.com/colts-2022-training-camp-preview-141745560.html?src=rss
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Colts’ training camp preview: Who are the newcomers in 2022?
The Indianapolis Colts added a lot of new faces to the 90-man roster this offseason through free agency, trades and the 2022 NFL draft.
In total, the Colts signed 13 players in free agency, selected eight players in the 2022 NFL draft, signed 17 undrafted rookies and added two players via trades. The Colts also signed a number of players to futures contracts, two of which weren’t with the team before the offseason began.
To help preview training camp, here’s a quick introduction to the newcomers to the Circle City this summer, listed by position:
The Colts sent a 2022 third-round pick in the draft to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for Ryan, who is hoping for a fresh start after spending the first 14 years of his career in the state of Georgia. It hasn’t taken long to see Ryan command respect from his new teammates.
The Colts signed Foles to a two-year deal this offseason as the backup to Ryan. His addition makes the quarterback room one of the most experienced positions on the roster.
QB Jack Coan
Coan signed with the Colts as an undrafted free agent out of Notre Dame. He’s likely looking to prove himself worthy of a spot on the practice squad.
Lindsay signed with the Colts as a free agent following the 2022 NFL draft. With Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines locked in, Lindsay will be competing for the RB3 role in the backfield.
RB Ty'Son Williams
Williams joined the Colts a few weeks after they signed Lindsay, proving they truly want stiff competition for that RB3 role in the backfield.
RB D'vonte Price
Out of FIU, Price joined the Colts as an undrafted rookie free agent. His 4.38 speed should look good during the preseason while giving him a chance to compete for a roster spot.
RB C.J. Verdell
Another undrafted rookie free agent, Verdell joined the Colts out of Oregon where his senior season was cut short due to injury.
The first selection the Colts made in the 2022 NFL draft, Pierce will be competing for a starting role opposite Michael Pittman Jr. in the wide receiver room.
Crawford was one of many undrafted free agents to sign with the Colts and will be competing for a spot on the practice squad.
WR Michael Young Jr.
A teammate of Pierce’s out of Cincinnati, Young Jr. was also signed as an undrafted free agent.
WR Samson Nacua
The 6-foot-2 wideout joins the Colts as an undrafted free agent from BYU where he hopes to make the practice squad.
WR Ethan Fernea
Fernea was another undrafted rookie who signed out of UCLA despite his very little production in college.
One of the prized jewels of the 2022 draft class for the Colts, Woods brings incredible athleticism and upside. He may not start right away, but the Colts have very high hopes for the Virginia product.
The Colts love them some Ogletree, who was a sixth-round pick in the 2022 draft. There’s a chance he forces the Colts to keep four tight ends on the roster.
The third-round pick from the 2022 draft will be competing with Matt Pryor for the starting left tackle role during training camp.
OT Dennis Kelly
The veteran swing tackle should be a solid asset as a depth piece along the offensive line after signing with the Colts in free agency following the draft.
An undrafted rookie of out UConn, Van Demark is held in pretty high regard given the signing bonus the Colts signed him to following the draft.
OT Brandon Kemp
The 25-year-old offensive tackle joined the Colts this offseason after being waived by the Titans in April.
OT Jordan Murray
Murray was signed on a futures contract and is one of the few newcomers to have done so this offseason.
Another intriguing depth piece added after the draft, Spriggs is competing for a backup role on the interior offensive line.
An undrafted free agent out of Wisconsin, Seltzner will be competing for the final interior spot on the offensive line and could find his way to the practice squad.
Behind Ryan Kelly, French is the only true center working at the position. However, the Colts would prefer to put Danny Pinter at center if something were to happen to Kelly. Nonetheless, French is likely competing for a spot on the practice squad.
Ngakoue was a part of a big trade for the Colts that included sending cornerback Rock Ya-Sin to the Las Vegas Raiders. The hope is that his arrival will be a catalyst for a more consistent pass rush.
DE Bryan Cox
Cox joined the Colts during the spring workouts this offseason where he’ll look to compete in a crowded defensive end room at training camp.
DE Scott Patchan
Patchan joined the Colts as an undrafted free agent out of Colorado State and Miami (FL) where he totaled 19.5 sacks during his collegiate career.
DE Ifeadi Odenigbo
The Colts brought in Odenigbo late in the offseason. He should be competing for the final spot in the defensive line room.
DT R.J. McIntosh
McIntosh is also one of the newcomers to sign a futures deal with the team this offseason. He’s battling for a roster spot in a crowded interior defensive line room.
Johnson was a fifth-round pick with the Colts during the 2022 NFL draft. He may be a bit more of a project, but there is clear upside given his size and athleticism.
Brooks is a sleeper in this draft class. He may be a bit older and a bit shorter, but he has some serious burst and athleticism that could send him into a rotational role relatively early in his career.
Patton is an undrafted rookie out of Texas State where he hopes to make enough of an impression to land a spot on the practice squad.
The veteran special teamer was signed in free agency, and he will be competing for a roster spot with a pair of undrafted rookies.
LB Jojo Domann
The former Nebraska linebacker was one of the top undrafted free agents. He’s already made an impression with a strong spring and will be looking to carve out a role on the active roster.
Another intriguing undrafted rookie, Weatherford made a handful of plays during the spring workouts. He transferred from the safety position and could be a strong asset on special teams and as a SAM backer if needed.
LB James Skalski
Skalski, an undrafted rookie free agent, comes from a powerhouse program. But it may be tough for him to make the roster given the talent already in the linebacker room.
LB Forrest Rhyne
The same goes for another undrafted rookie in Rhyne. He’s likely competing for a spot on the practice squad.
One of the biggest free agent additions for the Colts this offseason, the hope is that an improved pass rush combined with the talent of Gilmore on the outside will lead to a massive tier jump for the defense.
One of the first free agents the Colts signed this offseason, Facyson will be competing with Isaiah Rodgers for the CB3 role, and he’s already made some noise from the spring.
An athletic specimen, Thomas was a seventh-round pick with the Colts in the 2022 NFL draft. He lined up all over the field during his time at Yale and should be an intriguing player to watch during training camp.
CB Tony Brown
Brown hasn’t gotten a lot of run in the NFL since entering the league in 2018, but he joined the Colts in March just before free agency. His pedigree coming from Alabama is intriguing as he battles for the fifth spot in the cornerback room.
CB Dallis Flowers
An undrafted rookie, Flowers is competing for a roster spot, but his athleticism and skill set is intriguing enough to expect he will at least land on the practice squad.
CB Marcel Dabo
The plans for Dabo will be interesting after the Colts added him via the International Player Pathway Program this offseason.
One of the more underrated additions to the defense this offseason, the Colts will find plenty of ways to use McLeod’s versatility and veteran savvy.
The retirement of Khari Willis will expedite the process of getting Cross ready as the starter. The third-round pick has the tantalizing upside to be a major force on the defensive side of the ball for years to come.
S Armani Watts
The Colts brought in Watts during free agency likely to fill the vacated role left by George Odum. We’ll see how much he plays on defense, but the expectation is that Watts will be a major contributor on special teams.
An undrafted rookie, Denbow faces an uphill battle of making the roster with four players already locked in ahead of him.
Verity joined the Colts on a futures contract and will be competing with incumbent starter Rodrigo Blankenship.
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2022-07-15T16:23:03Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Colts’ training camp preview: Who are the newcomers in 2022?
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https://sports.yahoo.com/colts-training-camp-preview-newcomers-154118097.html?src=rss
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Former Indianapolis Colts linebacker Malik Jefferson signed a deal with the Dallas Cowboys, the team announced Thursday.
Jefferson wasn’t with the Colts for very long, and he didn’t see a whole lot of work on the defensive side of the ball during his tenure with Indy. He spent the 2021 offseason with the team before spending the majority of the regular season on the practice squad.
Jefferson was promoted to the active roster in December before going on the COVID-19 list. He signed a futures contract with the team this offseason but was waived in May when the Colts signed offensive tackle Dennis Kelly.
Colts' Quenton Nelson ranked third among NFL guards
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2022-07-15T16:23:29Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Former Colts LB Malik Jefferson signed by Cowboys
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https://sports.yahoo.com/former-colts-lb-malik-jefferson-155113910.html?src=rss
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Raiders LT Kolton Miller not ranked inside top 10 offensive tackles by NFL decision-makers
The Las Vegas Raiders have a lot of uncertainty on their offensive line heading into training camp. Four positions are up for grabs, including both guard spots.
However, the one spot that is secured is the left tackle job as Kolton Miller has improved in every season with the Raiders. The former first-round pick signed a massive contract last offseason and he was fantastic again during the 2021 season.
But how does Miller compare to his peers at the position? In a recent article by Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, he spoke with over 50 NFL coaches and decision-makers and asked them to rank the top 10 offensive tackles in the NFL heading into the 2022 season.
Surprisingly, Miller did not make the list. However, he did get a blurb on the honorable mention page by Fowler:
“Miller has an impressive combination of size (6-foot-8, 310 pounds) and light feet to help him in pass protection. His 92.6% pass block win rate ranked sixth among tackles. “He’s really good — my only thing with him is he can get off balance and knocked back, not as physical as you’d like,” an AFC executive said.”
Miller is one of the NFL’s best pass protectors and it’s due to his incredible athleticism. He can move and mirror even the quickest EDGE rushers in the NFL, and he’s also improved as a run-blocker. Miller isn’t the most physical offensive tackle as the AFC executive mentioned, but it hasn’t prevented him from being a fantastic left tackle.
With a lot of unknowns on the offensive line for the Raiders entering the year, it is nice knowing that they have the most important spot on the unit secured. And at just the age of 26, Miller should only get better and better for the foreseeable future. Don’t be surprised if this is the year he finally makes the Pro Bowl.
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2022-07-15T16:23:41Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Raiders LT Kolton Miller not ranked inside top 10 offensive tackles by NFL decision-makers
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https://sports.yahoo.com/raiders-lt-kolton-miller-not-143636437.html?src=rss
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Titans’ Ben Jones lands in top 5 of Touchdown Wire’s center rankings
Tennessee Titans center Ben Jones is routinely underrated when it comes to conversations about the best centers in the NFL, but he’s getting the respect he deserves in a recent rankings done by Touchdown Wire.
According to Touchdown Wire’s Doug Farrar, Jones is the No. 5 center in the NFL going into 2022, up one spot from his place in last year’s rankings.
Here’s some of what Farrar had to say about Jones (we suggest checking out the full article linked above for Farrar’s film breakdowns of Jones):
Not only has Jones played at a high level, he was also Tennessee’s best all-around offensive lineman in 2021.
Per Pro Football Focus, the 33-year-old tallied the second-best pass-blocking grade behind left tackle Taylor Lewan, the second-best run-blocking grade behind former right tackle David Quessenberry, and allowed the second-fewest pressures and fewest sacks on the team.
Adding to that, he’s been available, with Jones missing just one game during his 10-year career, which is something to appreciate even more after the Titans fielded an NFL record 91 players in 2021 due to injuries.
The Titans rightly rewarded the veteran with a two-year, $14 million deal, which, based on these rankings, is even more team-friendly than initially thought, as the annual average of Jones’ deal ranks 10th among centers.
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2022-07-15T16:24:19Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Titans’ Ben Jones lands in top 5 of Touchdown Wire’s center rankings
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https://sports.yahoo.com/titans-ben-jones-lands-top-140033131.html?src=rss
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It’s been reported that the Kansas City Chiefs and their left tackle Orlando Brown will not reach a long-term agreement. This is major. While most football fans think Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs will fall off the face of the earth after losing Tyreek Hill, losing your top/left tackle would prove to be much more disastrous. Brown was traded to the Chiefs from the Ravens prior to the 2021 season under the assumption that the team would sign him to a long-term deal. That is still the case, but it’s proving to be harder than expected. The Chiefs have so far franchise tagged Brown for $16.2 million, but he has yet to sign it. Like most top tier players, Brown would like to be paid as a top 1-2 player at his position. Trading Hill obviously makes this more of a possibility, but the Chiefs (for now at least) have seemed to have settled on a number a tad lower than Trent Williams-type money ($23 million). With no deal in place, Brown could hold out throughout training camp, and Week 1 could be in question. This would be problematic for the Chiefs offense.
While left tackle is one of the most important positions in football, every single one won’t make the same money. In 2021, Brown graded out as the 28th best tackle in the league according to PFF. If the Chiefs' grade for him is similar, it could help explain the distance in contract negotiations. In fact, Brown graded out (75.1) as just the third-best lineman on his team behind Creed Humphrey (91.4) and Joe Thuney (80.6). Brown, a three-time pro bowler, is certainly worthy of a new deal but at what price is the big question. The bigger question will be how missing him could affect the offense particularly in the passing game. While solid as a run blocker, Brown has consistently been better as a pass protector. Mahomes would miss Brown a great deal if he were to miss time as evidenced by Super Bowl LV when he ran for his life behind a reserve O-Line. With Clyde Edwards-Helaire vying for a year-three breakout and Ronald Jones now in town, Brown’s contract situation affects a lot of fantasy football lives. Should Brown holdout, he will not be subjected to fines as he is currently not under contract with the team.
Windy City Harry
It finally happened. The Patriots traded former first-round selection N’Keal Harry to the Bears for a seventh-round pick. Harry goes from a receiving room where he found it hard to get on the field to a worse team where he’ll still have to compete for a role. In reality, it would’ve been the case regardless of where he was dealt. Never a good fit in New England, the big-bodied receiver was only able to reel in 57 receptions, 598 yards and four touchdowns in three seasons. He’ll now try to fit in on a team that’s in rebuild mode. Darnell Mooney comes into the season as the Bears’ top target, with rookie Velus Jones and Byron Pringle trailing. Second-year quarterback Justin Fields in need of new weapons and an offensive line that won’t get him killed. Cole Kmet figures to work his way in as a second option in the Bears’ passing attack. New Bears coach Matt Eberflus has brought in (offensive coordinator) Luke Getsy in hopes that his experience working with Aaron Rodgers will help the offense. Harry will look to crack the Bears’ receiving rotation during training camp.
The arm is alive!
Colin Cowherd and NFL reporter Michael Silver got completely roasted for letting out a source who told them that Trey Lance suffers from arm fatigue. In fact, they said that “he needed days off” from practice during the 2021 season. Both believe it is the real reason Jimmy Garoppolo is still on the 49ers’ roster. The team has said that it intends to trade Garoppolo this offseason. My personal guess and opinion is it’s all part of the summer offseason when we are without three of the four major sports. Up until this point, Lance’s arm “fatigue” had not been questioned. With Kyle Shanahan being as smart as he is, wouldn’t this be something he figured out during the pre-draft process? Lance’s teammate Brandon Aiyuk posted a throwing session of the two and mocked doubters with the caption “The only three throws from the day, his arm got fatigued after that…”
There are varying opinions on how well Lance will do in the 2022 season. As the presumed starter for a win-now team, he has become very polarizing. In two starts during the 2021 season, Lance went 31-for-52, 441 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions through the air. He added 24 carries for 120 yards on the ground. The young dual-threat quarterback will look to make the year-two leap in 2022. Lance will have no shortage of weapons - - Ayuik, Elijah Mitchell, George Kittle and (presumably) Deebo Samuel will help make things easier on the young QB. There is a wide range of potential outcomes for Lance as far as fantasy goes. Some can see top 3-5 potential and some are leaving him off draft boards altogether. With his skill set, system and talent around him, Lance’s floor is no lower than mid-level QB2. The upside is what we live for.
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2022-07-15T16:24:25Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Weekly Wrap Up: Trey Lance still in question
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https://sports.yahoo.com/weekly-wrap-trey-lance-still-152836451.html?src=rss
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SAINT-ETIENNE, France — Mads Pedersen, the 2019 World road race champion, produced a powerful burst of speed in a three-man sprint to claim his first stage win at the Tour de France on Friday.
Pedersen became the third different Danish cyclist to win in the last four stages.
Two-time defending champion Tadej Pogacar, who gave away the yellow jersey during the first big mountain stage at the Col du Granon, did not try anything to unsettle Vingegaard during the 193-kilometer Stage 13 which started in Le Bourg d’Oisans.
Ferdinand Omanyala among hundreds of track worlds athletes affected by visa... Allyson Felix retires from track career that brought joy, heartbreak Jim Thorpe restored as sole gold medalist in 1912 Olympic events
Mads Pedersen gives Denmark another Tour de France stage win originally appeared on NBCSports.com
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2022-07-15T17:02:50Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Mads Pedersen gives Denmark another Tour de France stage win
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https://sports.yahoo.com/mads-pedersen-gives-denmark-another-160913881.html?src=rss
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Tiger Woods didn't stop as he crossed the Swilcan Bridge.
The stone bridge that crosses a thin burn at the 18th hole of St. Andrews has long been the spot where legends like Nicklaus and Watson paused in their final trip, taking in the scene and the appreciation of the gallery. Woods took off his cap, raised his hands, slowed ... but didn't stop. Make of that what you will.
A few seconds later, as he walked up the 18th fairway, the emotion overcame him. He dabbed at his eyes as the tears flowed. On the nearby first fairway, Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth — two of the players who have taken up a measure of his mantle — watched him pass. Would it be Woods' last time playing a British Open at St. Andrews? He's not even sure himself.
“I’ve been doing this since 1995,” Woods said. “I don’t know if I’ll be physically able to to play another British Open here at St. Andrews. I certainly feel like I’ll be able to play more British Opens, but I don’t know if I’ll be able to play when it comes back around here.”
At this point, the numbers don't really matter. Woods is going home early. The red sweater will remain folded in his luggage. The galleries that would have followed him on the weekend will now disperse to chase McIlroy or Spieth or one of the many other not-Tigers that cruise in his wake.
Just for the record: Woods carded a +3 on Friday to go with a +6 on Thursday. He missed the cut by a mile on a benign day for scoring, a messy end to what had, until Thursday morning, been a delightful week for Woods.
For nearly a quarter of a century, the easy pop-psychology explanation for why Woods won so many majors and Phil Mickelson didn't was that Woods was a stone-cold killer and Mickelson was too nice of a guy. Where Woods kept an icy distance between himself and literally everyone — fans, media, fellow players — Mickelson was warm, engaging, signing autographs at every opportunity, smiling through life while Woods scowled.
That light-dark dynamic was always too simplistic; Phil's cheerful exterior concealed a ruthless competitive streak, for one thing. But after seeing Woods in action (and inaction) this week at the Open Championship, it's interesting to note that as Woods now revels in the love of the golf establishment, he's a wavering shadow of his former self on the course.
Granted, there's a much more obvious explanation for Woods' struggles: the man nearly died from a single-car wreck in February 2021, and he's still recovering from that catastrophe. But what's fascinating is how Woods is apparently, at this late date in his career, finally reckoning with the imminent sundown. He made it to the top of the mountain, but he made the journey virtually alone. He's looking around for company on the journey back down.
Woods spent his championship years regarding everyone around him with disdain, if not outright disgust. Now, he's become a close friend to many of the next generation of players; Justin Thomas even regards him as an older brother. He tips his cap to the fans he once ignored. He offers up thoughtful responses — well, non-canned ones, at least — in media gatherings he would have previously skipped after terrible rounds like Thursday.
He's enjoying the embrace of golf's gatekeepers, and he's standing up for the game's history and legacy even as LIV Golf encroaches ever further into the PGA Tour's territory. This newfound inclusiveness may not win him any more tournaments, but it could win him some peace of mind. And then there was that final walk up 18, the emotion flowing more freely from him than perhaps it ever has on the course.
“The warmth and the ovation on 18, it got to me,” Woods said. “I felt [playing partners Matt Fitzpatrick and Max Homa] stop off the tee at 18, and it was just incredible, the amount of understanding and respect from all the people involved in this event.”
Tiger Woods gestures to the crowd as he walks over the Swilcan Bridge on the 18th hole. (Glyn Kirk/AFP via Getty Images)
Late Thursday afternoon, at the conclusion of a six-hour round, Woods had walked up the 18th at St. Andrews to the cheers of the few remaining fans in attendance, their shouts of "GO TOY-GAH!" echoing off the Open's yellow scoreboard and the famed Royal & Ancient Golf Club's imposing clubhouse. He'd double-bogeyed his first hole on Thursday, and the day didn't get any better, as he finished the first round at +6. Even so, the fans cheered him, encouraged him, hoping for one more miracle.
"All things considered, where I've been, I was hoping I could play this event this year," Woods said Thursday evening. "This was always on the calendar to hopefully be well enough to play it. And I am. And just didn't do a very good job of it."
With not nearly enough rest to allow his battered body to recover, Woods teed off Friday morning at 4:58 a.m. Eastern, and had a brief glimmer of hope when he birdied the third hole. But he immediately gave that back on the fourth, then bogeyed the sixth and double-bogeyed the 16th. With nothing to play for beyond pride, he labored his way around the course, finally reaching the Swilcan Bridge on the 18th hole.
Woods insists he's not retiring, but it's unlikely he'll be in condition to play anything more than a ceremonial role the next time the Open returns to St. Andrews later this decade. This will be a week to remember for Woods, but 36 holes to forget.
Whenever and wherever he tees it up again, he'll hope for a better result than the first two rounds of this Open. And since this is Tiger Woods we're talking about, he might just get it. If nothing else, he's going to appreciate every last swing.
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2022-07-15T17:19:26Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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2022 British Open: Tiger Woods' tearful goodbye
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https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-british-open-tiger-woods-tearful-goodbye-142418785.html?src=rss
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The Kansas City Chiefs and LT Orlando Brown Jr. are not expected to reach a deal ahead of Friday afternoon’s deadline.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports that Brown Jr.’s agent, Michael Portner, says the two sides weren’t able to reach an agreement on a long-term deal. There is still time ahead of the deadline, but this seems to suggest that the sides are too far apart on one particular part of the contract offer to bridge the gap ahead of the deadline.
Pelissero also reports that the Chiefs offered Brown Jr. a six-year contract, which provided the highest signing bonus and average per year for a left tackle in the NFL. Chiefs Wire is told the signing bonus exceeded $30 million and the average per year was around $23.5 million, which is more than Trent Williams received last offseason. Brown Jr.’s team decided there was not enough guaranteed money over the life of the contract, ultimately nixing any potential for a deal to take place.
“We got really close,” Portner told Pelissero. “We enjoyed dealing with the Chiefs and we understand their position as well. I’m not gonna let these athletes sign a flashy contract without the substance or security there.”
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on Thursday evening that the two sides were still talking shop despite reports that they remained far apart on a deal. There is still time for the two sides to come to an agreement and this report could be Brown Jr.’s side trying to get a better offer out of Kansas City before the deadline comes up at 3:00 p.m. CT. Right now, it sounds as if he’ll be playing on the franchise tag, earning a fully-guaranteed $16.6 million for the 2022 NFL season.
You don't need marathon workouts to make major gains. Here's what you need to know about short workouts.
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2022-07-15T17:19:45Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Latest update on extension talks with Chiefs LT Orlando Brown Jr.
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https://sports.yahoo.com/latest-extension-talks-chiefs-lt-153048146.html?src=rss
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The New York Mets celebrate the team's 8-0 shutout of the Chicago Cubs in a baseball game Thursday, July 14, 2022, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Carlos Carrasco pitched six sharp innings, Brandon Nimmo and Pete Alonso homered, and the New York Mets handed the Chicago Cubs their seventh straight loss, 8-0 on Thursday night. The Mets won for the third time in four games, maintained their 2 1/2-game lead over Atlanta in the NL East and improved their road record to 28-19. The Cubs have totaled three runs over their last three games.
Kyle Wright tied for the major league lead with his 11th victory and the Atlanta Braves beat the Washington Nationals 5-4 in the opener of a four-game series.
Cameron Smith is producing a putting clinic to pull away from the field at the British Open. The best of the bunch came at the par-5 14th hole, where Smith swung a long-range eagle putt from right to left, slightly down the hill and straight into the cup. It moved him to 13 under, three shots clear of Cameron Young.
Rising young Brazilian players are keen to join European leagues during the current transfer window. Queiroz' energy and pace earn him comparisons with former Brazil, Tottenham and Barcelona player Paulinho. The youngster has scored two goals in 11 Brazilian championship matches for Athletico and another that helped his team advance to the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores.
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2022-07-15T17:19:52Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Mets-Cubs game at Wrigley postponed by rain: DH on Saturday
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Why Draymond was disappointed in JK's first Summer League game originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
“I was very disappointed with JK’s first game. His next two he showed why he’s the No. 7 pick in the draft. He shows why there’s so much belief and excitement around him for this organization, why there’s a belief that with the losses in free agency that he’ll fill that spot going into next year," Green said. "And I think that’s something that, as a 19-year-old, he has to understand. That’s a huge role to fill. But ultimately, you’re just playing basketball and you’ve been doing this your whole life.
"So I’m looking forward to him getting that opportunity."
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2022-07-15T17:20:17Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Why Draymond Green was disappointed with Jonathan Kuminga in Summer League
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https://sports.yahoo.com/why-draymond-green-disappointed-jonathan-160441457.html?src=rss
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On Thursday, Matt Zenitz of On3Sports reported that former Alabama defensive lineman Ishmael Sopsher was transferring to Southwest Mississippi Community College in Summit, Mississippi. Sopsher was a four-star recruit in the class of 2019.
The college football journey has been an uphill climb for the Louisiana native. Out of high school, Sopsher signed with Alabama over LSU. Many recruiting experts thought that he was a lock to land in Baton Rouge. However, that wasn’t the case.
Sopsher had tremendous amounts of hype heading into the 2019 season in Tuscaloosa. In two seasons at the Capstone, he appeared in just one game.
After his second season at Alabama, he elected to enter the transfer portal and landed at USC. His career out West came to a near halt when he was diagnosed with compartment syndrome in February of 2021. It caused him to miss significant playing time. He appeared in just one game for the Trojans. Soon after the 2021 season ended, he elected to enter the transfer portal once more.
Now, he will transfer to his third school in four years: Southwest Mississippi Community College. It will be interesting to see how he performs and how his recruitment unfolds over the coming months.
Former Alabama and USC defensive lineman Ishmael Sopsher is set to spend this season at Southwest Mississippi Community College, he told @on3sportshttps://t.co/oODwI8RWOl
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) July 14, 2022
Roll Tide Wire will continue covering Alabama football and the program’s former players as the 2022 offseason continues.
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2022-07-15T17:29:22Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Former Alabama DL transferring to JUCO school in Mississippi
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https://sports.yahoo.com/former-alabama-dl-transferring-juco-172043913.html?src=rss
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Former Alabama starting quarterback Greg McElroy recently started a podcast solely focusing on the world of college football. One of his first guests on the show was his former college coach, Nick Saban.
McElroy and Saban discussed a variety of topics in the nearly 30-minute interview, but a majority of the conversations involved the ever-changing landscape of college football.
Like he always does, Saban offered up some incredible responses to questions about NIL, competitive balance, and super conferences.
Saban is known for his calculated messages that sometimes even feel rehearsed, but in this conversation with McElroy, the seven-time national championship-winning head coach was very open and honest on the future of the sport we all love.
Let’s take a look at what coach Saban had to say on some of the issues facing this great sport.
Traditions may become a thing of the past
“With realignment, there’s a lot of tradition in conferences that will no longer exist. I think we’ve gone through that to some degree in the past.”
On name, image, and likeness
Dec 11, 2021; New York, NY, USA; 2021 Heisman winner Alabama quarterback Bryce Young poses for pictures with the trophy during a press conference at the New York Marriott Marquis in New York City. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
“Bryce Young has created a tremendous amount of value for himself by the way he’s played, the way he handles himself, and the leadership he has…It wasn’t given to him by somebody else and I think that’s great…but when we create other avenues for them (players) to get it (NIL money) then now you don’t have competitive balance. Somehow we have to reel all that in and make it the same for everybody.”
What keeps coach motivated
Alabama head coach Nick Saban yells to the sideline during the first half of Alabama’s A-Day NCAA college football scrimmage, Saturday, April 16, 2022, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
“My whole goal as a coach is to get everybody to reach their full potential…”
Saban's 'biggest concern' with realignment
Dec 6, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban leads his team on the field prior to facing the Missouri Tigers in the 2014 SEC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
“My biggest concern is competitive balance. In the NFL, every rule that they have is to create competitive balance.”
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2022-07-15T17:29:47Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Nick Saban speaks candidly with Greg McElroy on the future of college football
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https://sports.yahoo.com/nick-saban-speaks-candidly-greg-153233713.html?src=rss
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On Thursday, Steve Sarkisian was asked about the opportunity to face Nick Saban. As you might expect, the Texas coach was effusive in his praise of his former head coach.
Sarkisian has the greatest respect for Nick Saban, and with good reason. Saban effectively saved his career.
After his rapid rise and fall as head coach of the USC Trojans, the face of college football helped Sarkisian exorcise personal demons and develop into the coach he was destined to become. Sarkisian confirmed that sentiment to the media present at AT&T Stadium.
“Without Nick Saban, I wouldn’t be sitting here today.”
Despite having the unenviable task of facing the sport’s greatest coach, Sarkisian looks forward to coaching against one of his heroes this season.
“Without Nick Saban I wouldn’t be sitting here today with y’all… I can’t wait to play #Alabama because of the discipline and commitment Coach Saban has with his players and the program…”
– Steve Sarkisian on playing Alabama this year #Big12FB #Rolltide
— Arielle Schafer (@arielle_schafer) July 14, 2022
During Saban’s tenure, the Crimson Tide have often made short work of their premier early-season opponents. Nevertheless, win or lose, Sarkisian will be reminded of the coach who revived his career.
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2022-07-15T17:30:00Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian reflects on Nick Saban’s role in his career
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https://sports.yahoo.com/texas-head-coach-steve-sarkisian-140028192.html?src=rss
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On Thursday, wide receiver Kayshon Boutte joined an illustrious list of LSU football players who have worn the No. 7 jersey.
No. 7 has typically been reserved for a star playmaker, a guy who can change a game in one play. From what we have seen so far, Boutte certainly fits that description.
The modern legacy of the No. 7 at LSU begins with Patrick Peterson who was then followed by Tyrann Mathieu and Leonard Fournette. By that point, it was more than just a number. It had to be earned.
Players who earned the jersey have played a pivotal role in LSU’s success over the years. Let’s rank the best players to wear the number and see where Boutte projects to fit in.
Jon Giles
[autotag]Jon Giles[/autotag] had high expectations coming into 2018 with LSU. For whatever reason, things just didn’t work out. That’s just how it goes sometimes.
He had a 1,000-yard season at Texas Tech but caught just 10 passes with the Tigers. He played at Texas Southern in 2021, where he caught 38 passes for 375 yards.
Matt Stamey-USA TODAY Sports
Personally, I think Chark is one of the more underrated LSU players in recent memory. The 2017 season wasn’t LSU’s best, but the second-half turnaround laid the foundation for what would go on to be a national title team in 2019.
That turnaround doesn’t happen without some big plays from Chark.
[autotag]Grant Delpit[/autotag] was one of the best safeties in college football in 2018 and 2019. He was a two-time consensus All-American and took home the Jim Thorpe Award in 2019.
His 2018 campaign was one of the more impressive single-season performances ever seen from an LSU defensive back, and in 2019, he helped lead the defense on the national title team.
This isn’t where I think Boutte stands now but rather where I think he will be at the end of his career.
If it weren’t for COVID-19 affecting 2020 and his injury in 2021, Boutte’s career numbers would be even better than they are now. There is no doubt that he’s a prime fit to wear No. 7, and he is expected to be one of the best receivers in college football this year.
He also has a chance to go down as one of the top pass-catchers in program history.
Fournette’s 2015 season was a treat to watch. LSU’s campaign trailed off after the loss to Alabama, but Fournette gave fans plenty of memories throughout the year.
He took college football by storm in September 2015 and lived up to his billing as the top recruit in the country coming out of high school.
Fournette was not 100% healthy in 2016, but when he was, he proved to be one of the best running backs in LSU history. He was a special player that went on to be a top-five pick in the NFL draft and has had a solid start to his career, winning a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Mathieu’s 2011 campaign was one of the best individual seasons in LSU history at any position, whether it be on offense or defense.
Few players could change a game like him. He was a difference maker on defense and was one of the best punt returners in the country. He played a big role in LSU taking home the SEC title.
He was dismissed prior to the 2012 season. If he wasn’t, he may have had a good shot at the top spot on this list.
AP Photo/Sean Gardner
Peterson is one of the best players in LSU history. He was dominant while in Baton Rouge and went on to be dominant in the NFL. He was a true shutdown corner and the type of player offenses had to gameplan around from week to week.
He has gone down as one of the best SEC defenders this century. Putting him at No. 1 on this list was an easy choice.
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2022-07-15T17:30:13Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Where does Kayshon Boutte rank among players to wear No. 7 at LSU?
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https://sports.yahoo.com/where-does-kayshon-boutte-rank-110022411.html?src=rss
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Bobby Wagner: I didn’t want to leave Seattle, but I’m at peace with the situation originally appeared on Pro Football Talk
Angel Zerpa pitched five solid innings, Bobby Witt Jr. hit a tiebreaking homer and the Kansas City Royals overcame the absence of 10 unvaccinated players to beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-1 on Thursday night. “One of the best wins of the year, all things considered,” manager Mike Matheny said. Nate Eaton homered in his big league debut as the Royals won for the fifth time in six games.
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2022-07-15T18:27:48Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Bobby Wagner: I didn’t want to leave Seattle, but I’m at peace with the situation
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https://sports.yahoo.com/bobby-wagner-didn-t-want-173439823.html?src=rss
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It’s been four months since the start of NFL free agency, but defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh remains on the market. On July 13, USA Today’s Tyler Dragon gave an update on Suh’s free agency.
According to Dragon, the Cleveland Browns are interested in signing Suh, and the Las Vegas Raiders and Minnesota Vikings have talked to Suh, as well.
Suh is expected to sign with a team closer to the start of training camp per Dragon.
Suh was a force for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. During his college career, he racked up 215 total tackles and 24.0 sacks.
Suh is the only defensive player in college football history to win AP Player of the Year (2009). His jersey was retired by Nebraska.
Suh has had a very successful NFL career. He has recorded a total of 70.5 sacks, and he is a five-time All-Pro.
Last season, Suh had 27 tackles and six sacks across 17 games for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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2022-07-15T18:28:01Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Browns Interested in Signing Former Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh
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“I can’t wait to get a chance to face them the first game and see that look on Aaron Rodgers’ face when he see me on the other side of the ball,” Smith said back in May, during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show. “…It’s going to be a, ‘It’s good to see you again, but now, it’s not at practice.'”
The advisory is in effect for all individuals older than 2 years old regardless of vaccination status.
Mackinac State Historic Parks recently announced the winners of its 2022 juried art exhibition, with a Petoskey woman taking best in show.
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2022-07-15T18:28:07Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Did Za’Darius Smith send a warning to Aaron Rodgers and Packers?
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Mike Furrey
In the lead-up to the NFL draft, there are scouts, coaches, and other front office personnel pounding their fists on the table for one player or another from colleges around the country.
Ultimately, the general manager has final say over who the team winds up choosing when they are on the clock, but behind that decision is conviction from any number of the front office or coaching staff who believe they found the next great NFL player.
In the case of Chicago Bears wide receiver Darnell Mooney, it was his former position coach that pushed hard for general manager Ryan Pace to draft him two years ago.
Mooney was drafted by the Bears in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL draft. Coming out of Tulane, Mooney had success in college, but was viewed as a backup receiver and wasn’t expected to make a significant impact for multiple reasons. But Mooney burst onto the scene in a hurry and became the team’s WR2 his rookie year. He took even more strides last season to cement himself as the unquestioned WR1 now heading into his third season. None of it would have happened if not for former wide receivers coach Mike Furrey.
In a piece written by Dan Pompei in The Athletic that details Mooney’s hard-working attitude and relentlessness to be great, one nugget stood out about the process in drafting the 24-year old receiver. According to Pompei, Furrey was doing homework on the receivers coming out of the 2020 NFL Draft and paused when he got to Mooney. Furrey was enamored with him as a prospect and even compared him to Hall of Fame wide receiver and former teammate Issac Bruce when it came to his mindset.
“His desire and passion are rare,” Furrey told Pompei.
Furrey was the Bears wide receivers coach under Matt Nagy from 2018-21, his first coaching stint at the professional level. He was previously a wide receiver in both the arena football league and NFL and coached in college, where he is again after being let go from the Bears earlier this winter. Towards the end of his Bears tenure, Furrey became an easy target for fans given the lack of development of many of his receivers, but willingness to fight opposing defenders. He was known for hyping players up on the sideline more than anything.
Furrey won’t be on anyone’s list for favorite Bears position coaches anytime soon, but he seemed to have an eye for talent. Without him, Mooney would be producing with another team instead and if his workouts this season are any indication, he’s on the cusp of greatness.
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2022-07-15T18:28:13Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Mike Furrey is the reason Darnell Mooney was drafted by the Bears
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https://sports.yahoo.com/mike-furrey-reason-darnell-mooney-160553517.html?src=rss
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We start with the most important position on the field — quarterback.
Things look different in the division in 2022 because the Seattle Seahawks traded away Russell Wilson, who was the clear No. 1 at the position in the division.
Where does Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray rank?
No. 1: Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
Stafford and Murray were ranked 2A and 2B last year behind Wilson. Stafford, who languished for over a decade with the Detroit Lions, never winning a playoff game, flourished in 2021. He had more passing yards than any season since 2012. He tied his career-high with 41 touchdown passes and led the Rams to a championship.
In terms of talent, Murray has the slight edge, but coming off his best season in years and Murray’s decline in play late in 2021, Stafford earns the title of best in the division.
No. 2: Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
Murray and Stafford were neck-and-neck in the first half of last season for MVP consideration. Murray was fantastic but then got hurt and had DeAndre Hopkins get hurt. The defense declined and Murray’s effectiveness declined.
The Cardinals won 11 games and made it to the postseason, and he improved his completion percentage, his yards per attempt and his interception percentage. However, he could not put the team on his shoulders late in the year. He is just behind Stafford.
No. 3: Jimmy Garoppolo, San Francisco 49ers
This is funny because he will not be the 49ers’ starting quarterback. He ranks higher than Trey Lance, who replaces him. Garoppolo will not be on the 49ers once the season begins, but he is still clearly the third-best quarterback in the division. He is 31-14 as a starter for the Niners and had a whopping 8.6 yards per attempt last season. He led the 49ers to the playoffs and to the NFC Championship Game.
But the 49ers don’t want him anymore.
Lance showed some flashes last season late in the year. His arm talent and playmaking ability are undeniable. The question is whether he will be able to process NFL defenses.
The 2021 No. 3 overall pick is more talented than any of the quarterbacks on the Seattle Seahawks, but he still trails Garoppolo, Murray and Stafford.
The 49ers are banking on him being pretty good in 2022 if they want to return to the postseason with a talented roster around him.
No. 5: Colt McCoy, Arizona Cardinals
McCoy showed he still can play, going 2-1 as a starter last season. He has the arm strength and the smarts. He could start for many NFL teams if they weren’t looking for someone young.
The question is whether he is better than any of the Seahawks quarterbacks.
McCoy is a better playmaker than Geno Smith and is less reckless than Drew Lock.
No. 6: Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks
Smith is heady and still has talent. However, when given game action as a starter in place of an injured Russell Wilson, he was effective but not good enough to lead Seattle to victories. They went 1-2 when he started.
He is steady, reliable and makes good decisions. However, the offense bogs down with him under center. He seems to have in the inside track to be the Seahawks’ starter in 2022.
No. 7: Drew Lock, Seattle Seahawks
Lock has a live arm but is a turnover machine. He is reckless. In only 13 games in 2020, he led the NFL in interceptions with 15 for the Broncos.
No. 8: John Wolford, Los Angeles Rams
Wolford has the trust of his head coach, Sean McVay, but he would not start on any NFL team unless the starter were injured.
If Wolford had to play for the Rams, they would be in trouble now.
This Superbowl half-time show performer is coming to Seattle next month, and still has tickets left for the Lumen Field show.
6 genius ways to get your caffeine fix that don't involve coffee — on sale for Prime Day
Stay alert without resorting to coffee. Check out these delicious food hacks that can boost your energy and productivity while saving you money during Prime Day.
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2022-07-15T18:28:20Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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NFC West QB rankings: Matthew Stafford edges out Kyler Murray
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Heading toward the start of training camp, the Buffalo Bills received a pleasant surprise from Pro Football Focus.
PFF released an updated power-rankings poll this week. In it, the Bills land in the top spot from the football analytics outlet.
It’s tough to look beyond the Bills as the single best roster in football. They didn’t even make it to the AFC Championship last season, but they were 13 seconds and some suicidal defense away from doing so at the end of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Josh Allen proved that his breakout year was no fluke, and the Bills has been able to add luxuries such as Von Miller to try and put them over the top.
In taking PFF’s top spot, the Bills edge out two NFC teams in the top three. That pair is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Rams, respectively.
The closest AFC foe in the poll is the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth spot.
Regarding the division, there isn’t any good news there for the Bills’ closest rivals.
The closest AFC East team to Buffalo on PFF’s power rankings is the New England Patriots all the way down at No 18. They edge out the Miami Dolphins, who slot in at 19.
The New York Jets bring up the rear at No. 25.
Where Philadelphia Eagles' bookends Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata landed in an ESPN ranking of the NFL's top offensive tackles for 2022
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2022-07-15T18:28:32Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Power rankings: Bills are PFF’s top team
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The Texans traded Deshaun Watson to the Browns in March. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
The Houston Texans have reached settlements with 30 women who accused former Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson of various levels of sexual misconduct, according to attorney Tony Buzbee.
The Texans were sued in June for allegedly providing suites for Watson to meet with massage therapists and providing Watson with a non-disclosure agreement to be used in those sessions. The team's actions could have been viewed as the Texans enabling Watson's alleged misconduct.
Though one woman filed the lawsuit against the Texans, the team settled with 30 women. In a statement Friday, Buzbee said all 30 women either made claims against the Texans or "intended" to make claims against the Texans.
The woman who filed the lawsuit against the Texans will have her case dismissed with prejudice once the settlement is completed. A case that gets dismissed with prejudice cannot be filed again in the same court.
A total of 24 women have filed lawsuits against Watson, who settled 20 of those cases in June. The Texans settled with 30 women. Information about the additional six women in the Texans' settlement is not known. The terms of the Texans' settlement is confidential and will not be revealed, per Buzbee.
Buzbee said there was a difference in the way the Texans handled the allegations compared to Watson's legal team.
"I will have no further comment on the allegations or the Texans' alleged role, other than to say that there is a marked contrast in the way in which the Texans addressed these allegations, and the way in which Watson's team has done so," he said.
The Texans issued a statement Friday saying they were unaware of the allegations against Watson when they first emerged. The team said the settlements were "not an admission of any wrongdoing, but instead a clear stand against any form of sexual assault and misconduct."
Deshaun Watson still faces lawsuits from four women
Watson, who was traded to the Cleveland Browns in March, still faces lawsuits from four women who alleged Watson engaged in sexual misconduct during massage sessions. Those four lawsuits will proceed. Buzbee anticipates they will go to trial next spring.
The NFL has yet to announce a suspension for Watson. The league held a three-day hearing in late June, though it concluded without a decision on a possible punishment for Watson.
Two Texas grand juries declined to indict Watson on criminal charges. Watson was traded to the Browns after the first grand jury declined to indict him. The Browns then signed Watson to a contract that will pay him the most guaranteed money in NFL history. The contract was structured to ensure Watson won't lose a significant amount of salary if he receives a lengthy suspension from the NFL.
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2022-07-15T18:28:45Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Texans reach settlement with 30 Deshaun Watson accusers
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https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-reach-settlement-with-30-deshaun-watson-accusers-180015341.html?src=rss
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For the first time in 110 years, Jim Thorpe stands alone atop the Olympic podium.
The International Olympic Committee reinstated Jim Thorpe as the sole winner of the gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon at the 1912 Olympics, according to ESPN.
The decision fully reverses a controversy that had lingered for more than a century. Thorpe easily won both events, the only athlete to ever win both events, but had his medals stripped a year later after the IOC learned he had been paid to play minor league baseball in 1909 and 1910.
As The Oklahoman notes, Thorpe was far from the only Olympic athlete to receive professional money while competing as an "amateur," he was just the only one who didn't use a fake name while doing it.
Because he received a reported $2 per game to $35 per week, Thorpe had his amateur status withdrawn by the Amateur Athletic Union and lost his medals in a unanimous IOC vote. As would be later noted, the IOC violated its own rules in doing so, as no protest was made against Thorpe's eligibility in the 30 days after the Games.
Thorpe went to his grave in 1953 without getting his medals back, and it was only in 1982, 30 years later, the IOC recognized it had acted improperly in taking the medals. Thorpe's medals were restored, but even then he was only identified as the co-champion alongside Sweden's Hugo Wieslander in the decathlon and Norway's Ferdinand Bie in the pentathlon.
Jim Thorpe once again stands alone. (Photo by PhotoQuest/Getty Images)
Thursday's decision restores Thorpe as the sole winner in each event, and no one is happier than the Native American community that has long lamented the decision against one of its greatest heroes.
"We are so grateful his nearly 110-year-old injustice has finally been corrected, and there is no confusion about the most remarkable athlete in history," said Nedra Darling, the co-founder of Bright Path Strong, a group created to share Native American voices and a leading organization that fought for Thorpe — who died in 1953 — to regain his medals. She is also a citizen of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.
"Jim Thorpe is a hero across Indian Country, and he is an American hero," she said. "He represented this country before it even recognized Native Americans as citizens, and he did so with humility and grace. Even after he was wronged by his coach, the American Athletic Union, and many others, he never gave in to bitterness and led with a spirit of generosity and kindness. I pray that Jim, his family, and our ancestors are celebrating that the truth has been respoken today, on this 110th anniversary of Jim being awarded his Olympic gold medals."
Thorpe, of course, enjoyed plenty of other athletic success in his life, between an All-Pro NFL career and a seven-year MLB career, but, like many, hit hard times during the Great Depression. He was named the greatest athlete of the first 50 years of the 20th century by The Associated Press in 1950, and third-greatest of the entire century in 1999, behind only Babe Ruth and Michael Jordan.
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2022-07-15T19:01:23Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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IOC reinstates Jim Thorpe's sole possession of 1912 Olympic gold medals
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https://sports.yahoo.com/ioc-reinstates-jim-thorpes-sole-possession-of-1912-olympic-gold-medals-024834768.html?src=rss
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Sports agent, former college basketball player
About midway through July, it may seem to some fans of the Los Angeles Lakers that the team’s current roster is the one it will take into training camp.
A move could still happen at some point, but Lakers fans are growing impatient.
During an interview at the NBA Summer League last week, general manager Rob Pelinka seemed to reassure those fans (@ 1:55).
Trades, especially ones involving players such as Irving and Russell Westbrook, are always difficult to consummate for numerous reasons.
It’s likely for that reason that new head coach Darvin Ham has been saying some great things about Westbrook, as it seems he’s preparing for the season as if the current roster will be the final one.
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2022-07-15T19:01:29Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka: Lakers are ‘not done’ improving roster
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https://sports.yahoo.com/jeanie-buss-rob-pelinka-lakers-140006402.html?src=rss
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Four-star linebacker recruit Troy Bowles plans to make a decision on where he will play college football on July 16 at 9:00 a.m. EDT. Bowles’ top three schools are Georgia, Ohio State, and Oklahoma.
Troy Bowles is projected to commit to the Georgia Bulldogs. Kirby Smart and inside linebackers coach Glenn Schumann have done an excellent job recruiting elite linebackers in the class of 2023. The Dawgs currently already have commitments from the No. 5 linebacker in the rising senior class, Raylen Wilson, and the No. 10 linebacker, CJ Allen. Can the Bulldogs add another elite linebacker in Troy Bowles?
Bowles, who is the son of Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles, is a member of the class of 2023. That means Troy Bowles has a great mind to pick whenever he has a question about football or life. It also helps Bowles have an advanced football IQ at a young age.
The rising senior plays high school football for Tampa Jesuit in Tampa, Florida. Jesuit won a state title last season in the highly competitive 6A division of Florida high school football.
The Jesuit multi-sport star plays basketball and runs track. Bowles is an elite athlete that can dunk a basketball despite only being 6-foot-1. As a linebacker, Bowles shows the potential to be formidable in coverage at the college level.
Bowles announced his commitment date when he dropped his top three schools. The elite linebacker received a scholarship offer from Georgia on May 10, 2021.
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2022-07-15T19:16:26Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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4-star LB Troy Bowles nearing commitment
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https://sports.yahoo.com/4-star-lb-troy-bowles-171922320.html?src=rss
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As the annual two-day kickoff event wrapped up, workers began to dismantle the oversized figures, then carried them one by one off the stage that was adorned by all the team logos.
As for the Longhorns, they look to make a big improvement after going 5-7 with a six-game losing streak in coach Steve Sarkisian‘s first season. He hasn’t decided whether Hudson Card or transfer Quinn Ewers will be the starting quarterback, but Sarkisian isn’t worried about that – “We’re in a really good position,” he said – and also isn’t concerned about the pending switch of leagues.
“Probably a lot better shape than we were a year ago at this time,” Campbell said. “A good move at the time because I think it’s probably positioned us in a great spot moving forward.”
Texas and Oklahoma are set to remain in the Big 12 through the 2024-25 academic year, which would take them to the end of the conference’s current media rights deal.
Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy said he believed his team’s Bedlam series against Oklahoma would end when the Sooners leave the conference. And while saying he was joking, he also questioned why OU and Texas were still in on Big 12 meetings.
Big 12 changes coming after one last season with 10 schools originally appeared on NBCSports.com
Brent Venables speaks at first Big 12 Media Days as Oklahoma head coach
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables discusses Dillon Gabriel and the upcoming season during day two of Big 12 Media Days in Arlington, Texas.
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2022-07-15T19:16:39Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Big 12 changes coming after one last season with 10 schools
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https://sports.yahoo.com/big-12-changes-coming-one-170916376.html?src=rss
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The college football landscape has changed tremendously over the last few years as the transfer portal has become a de facto free agency vehicle while the name, image and likeness legislation has further blurred the lines between amateur and professional sports. These changes and others have altered the overall calculus for athletic programs across the nation as schools scramble to find footing in an uncertain future.
In response to this seismic change Sports Illustrated’s Pat Forde devised a method to measure each Power 5 school’s athletic program’s overall value, which takes into account football, academic and all-sports rankings, as well as football attendance and broadcast viewership. The end result was a ranking of all 69 programs among the major conferences with the Florida Gators landing sixth overall — just slightly behind their archrivals, the fifth-ranked Georgia Bulldogs.
“The” Ohio State Buckeyes came in first among the entries, with the Michigan Wolverines, Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Texas Longhorns following, respectively. The remainder of the top 10 teams after the Orange and Blue are the Wisconsin Badgers, Oklahoma Sooners, USC Trojans and Alabama Crimson Tide.
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2022-07-15T19:16:46Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Florida football ranks high on Sports Illustrated’s desirability ratings
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https://sports.yahoo.com/florida-football-ranks-high-sports-185008158.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/florida-football-ranks-high-sports-185008158.html?src=rss
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5 Steelers who will improve their stats in 2022
Last season was all about extremes for the Pittsburgh Steelers. If the Steelers were good at something, they were very good and if they were bad, well you know the rest. Here are five Steelers we predict will have better stats in 2022 than they did in 2021.
Last season, Najee Harris finished the season fourth in the NFL in rushing yards. Harris had 1,200 rushing yards on 307 carries. Harris had seven rushing touchdowns and three receiving touchdowns. As a receiver Harris had 74 receptions for 467 yards. We look for Harris to improve on his 3.9 yards per rush, 6.3 yards per catch and bump up those touchdown numbers.
Second-year tight end Pat Freiermuth isn’t one of the 10 best tight ends in the NFL. Yet. 60 receptions for 497 yards and seven receiving touchdowns are great numbers for a rookie but the sky is the limit for Freiermuth, especially with a new quarterback.
EDGE Alex Highsmith
(AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
The Steelers have put all the pressure on Alex Highsmith to break out in 2022. Highsmith enters his third season coming off of a career-high six sacks but needs to get to double-digits to warrent the amount of faith Pittsburgh has put in him.
Last season Devin Bush made his return from an ACL tear but in 14 starts only netted 70 total tackles and two sacks. Bush didn’t get the fifth-year option, wich means everything is on the line for him to get a new contract and we expect him to step up.
Pressley Harvin’s rookie season went about as wrong as it could. But after enduring the loss of his father and inconsistency, Harvin returns to form and improve on his 42.6 yards per punt.
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2022-07-15T20:31:36Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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5 Steelers who will improve their stats in 2022
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https://sports.yahoo.com/5-steelers-improve-stats-2022-192543550.html?src=rss
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The Chargers look to make a deep run after coming short of the playoffs. The team is equipped with talent from top to bottom, but they will face stiff competition that will be looking to hold them back from having success.
Here is the best player from Los Angeles’ opponents in 2022 who could be the ultimate difference-maker.
Raiders: WR Davante Adams
The Raiders made one of the most shocking moves of the offseason, trading for arguably the league’s best receiver. Since 2018, Adams has amassed 5,310 receiving yards, 432 catches and 47 receiving touchdowns, leading the NFL in all categories during that span.
Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes
Even in a season where he looked shaky at times, Mahomes threw 37 touchdown passes to 13 interceptions, while racking up 4,839 passing yards. Still only 26, Mahomes has a strong chance to go down as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
Jaguars: G Brandon Scherff
The Jaguars desperately needed offensive line help to keep Trevor Lawrence upright for the foreseeable future, and one of their biggest offseason moves to aid was the signing of Scherff. A Pro Bowler in each of the past three years, Scherff didn’t allow a sack last season with Washington. While injuries have hindered him, he is one of the best guards in the league when healthy.
Texans: OT Laremy Tunsil
With the offense in the hands of quarterback Davis Mills for the foreseeable future, how his protection holds up will depict how he plays, and the critical piece to that is Tunsil. Tunsil earned back-to-back Pro Bowls before missing most of 2021 due to a thumb injury. When healthy, he’s one of the best pass protectors in the NFL
Browns: EDGE Myles Garrett
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft is playing at a Hall of Fame caliber level. Through five professional seasons, Garrett has two first-team All-Pro and three Pro Bowl selections on his resume. In 68 regular-season games, he has posted 58.5 sacks, including a career-high 16 in 2021.
The Broncos have always had a talented defense, but getting over the hump was caused by not having a competent quarterback for years. So insert Wilson, who was signed this offseason. While last year was a down year due to a thumb injury, the large sample size from his career speaks for itself. In each of his ten seasons with the Seahawks, Wilson posted at least 20 touchdown passes and guided them to at least 10-win games eight times.
Seahawks: WR D.K. Metcalf
The quarterback situation in Seattle could be a bit unsteady now that the Russell Wilson era is over. But whether it’s Drew Lock or Geno Smith under center, Metcalf is no stranger to dealing with erratic quarterback play, as he still managed to produce while Wilson missed some time last season, even through a foot injury. Metcalf posted 12 touchdowns on 75 catches, along with 967 yards.
Falcons: CB A.J. Terrell
The Falcons’ defense ranked near the bottom of the league in 2021, but Terrell was far from one of the culprits. Terrell gave up one of the lowest completion percentages (41.1%, per NFL Next Gen Stats), allowing 30 receptions on 73 targets for 297 yards and three touchdowns. Further, his 0.6 yards allowed per snap were the lowest in the NFL among outside corners with at least 300 coverage snaps last season.
49ers: OT Trent Williams
Williams is coming off his second-straight standout season for the 49ers. Williams earned a 98.3 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, the highest given to any player in a season ever. In addition, he also received his first career first-team All-Pro selection and was named to the Pro Bowl for the ninth time.
Cardinals: WR DeAndre Hopkins
When the Chargers play the Cardinals, Arizona will have their top receiver back after facing a six-game suspension for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy. Even after missing eight games due to knee and hamstring injuries in 2021, Hopkins still finished with 42 catches for 572 yards and eight scores. Hopkins has six seasons with over 1,100 yards receiving while having at least 100 catches four times in his nine-year career.
Dolphins: WR Tyreek Hill
The Dolphins were aggressive in finding the pieces for the new head coach Mike McDaniel’s system. Arguably the biggest home run was acquiring the speedy Hill. Hill, who has been selected to the Pro Bowl in all six seasons of his NFL career, had a career-best and franchise-record 111 receptions for 1,239 yards and nine touchdowns for the Chiefs last season.
A large part of the Titans’ success is due to the bulk of the load being carried by Henry. Henry rushed for 937 yards and ten touchdowns last season in eight regular-season appearances. Unfortunately, a season-ending foot injury robbed him of an opportunity to become the first running back in NFL history to rush for 2,000-plus yards in back-to-back campaigns.
After facing Henry, the Chargers will be tasked with going up against the next best running back in the NFL. Last season, Taylor led the NFL in rushing yards (1,811) and rushing touchdowns (18). And his 2,171 total yards were the fourth-most by a running back over the past ten years.
Rams: DT Aaron Donald
Whether you try double or triple-teaming him, Donald is still going to end up in the backfield somehow. A lock to be enshrined in Canton, OH, Donald’s resume includes three Defensive Player of the Year awards, a Defensive Rookie of the Year Award, eight Pro Bowl selections, and seven All-Pro nods.
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2022-07-15T20:31:57Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Best player from each team on Chargers’ 2022 schedule
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https://sports.yahoo.com/best-player-team-chargers-2022-155313701.html?src=rss
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“… I didn’t want to leave Seattle. But if I was going to leave Seattle, home was the next-best thing for me and so being able to be home, like I’m at peace with the situation,” Wagner told the Seattle Times. “But still any competitor is looking forward to going back to the place that you played that they felt like you didn’t have nothing left and proving them wrong.”
Even though Wagner was extremely productive for the Seahawks, helping them win a Super Bowl in 2013, he believes he’s in a better position to make plays with the Rams entering the 2022 campaign, and he’s excited about the role planned for him in L.A.
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2022-07-15T20:31:57Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Bobby Wagner excited for role with Rams: ‘I’m going to surprise everybody but myself’
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https://sports.yahoo.com/bobby-wagner-excited-role-rams-194452089.html?src=rss
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The Miami Dolphins opted to franchise tag tight end Mike Gesicki this offseason – a move that would pay the former Nittany Lion a $10.93 million fully-guaranteed salary in 2021.
After the procedural move, the two sides could still have come to an agreement on a long-term deal, using the tag to give them more time to negotiate.
However, after 4:00 p.m ET on Friday, a deal can no longer be reached, per the league rules. This was the expected conclusion to this saga, as it had been reported that there weren’t really any talks about a contract in recent weeks.
While some may look at this outcome and panic, this decision makes a lot of sense from the Dolphins’ side of the table.
Miami is entering their first season with head coach Mike McDaniel at the helm. It’s known that the Kyle Shanahan system, which McDaniel will implement this season, uses in-line tight ends frequently. And, to this point in his NFL career, Gesicki hasn’t exactly proven to be a maestro in that role.
Using the franchise tag allows both sides to test their compatibility for a year, and if it works out and Gesicki flourishes, the Dolphins will have to pay him fair market value. If it struggles, he’ll have the opportunity to hit free agency in 2023 and find a new home.
This decision is just smart business by Miami.
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2022-07-15T20:31:58Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Dolphins, TE Mike Gesicki fail to reach long-term deal before deadline
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The Miami Dolphins gave Terron Armstead a large contract this offseason to help secure an offensive line that was shaky at best in 2021.
We’ve yet to see Armstead on the practice field, as he’s been recovering from surgery, but that hasn’t stopped him from impacting the team by teaching technique and professionalism to some of the younger members of the team.
This time of the offseason is always the point where everybody wants to discuss rankings. Who’s better than who? Everybody has their own opinion.
This week, Touchdown Wire’s Doug Farrar was tasked with ranking the top 12 offensive tackles in the league, and he did so, while also listing a number of honorable mentions. Armstead came in at No. 6 on Farrar’s list.
Jordan Mailata, Tyron Smith, Tristan Wirfs, Lane Johnson and Trent Williams were all listed above Armstead in this ranking.
Some of these names are definitely questionable, but the injuries are really impacting everyone’s perception of Armstead, and rightfully so. If the guy isn’t able to get on the field, that significantly impacts his value.
Since 2016, Smith has missed 33 games, including nine last season. He’s spent this offseason rehabbing from surgery and getting ready to perform to the best of his ability. He wants to prove he was worth that contract the Dolphins gave him, help win a Super Bowl, and, whether he knows it or not, move up this list.
NIL policy reaction
HSBC Holdings Plc is set to speed up its exit from non-core markets and deploy additional capital in Asia, in a bid to push back against a breakup proposal put forward by its biggest shareholder, two people with knowledge of the matter said. Ping An Insurance Group Co of China Ltd called on the bank in April to explore strategic options such as spinning off its mainstay Asian business to unlock greater shareholder value. In response, HSBC hired advisers including London-based investment bank Robey Warshaw to assist on a review of its strategy but has not directly commented on Ping An’s demands.
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2022-07-15T20:32:17Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Dolphins Terron Armstead just outside top 5 in Touchdown Wire’s OT rankings
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On Friday, former Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Richie Incognito and defensive back Jason McCourty announced their retirement from the NFL.
Incognito spent four seasons as a member of the Dolphins from 2010-2013, starting 55 games during his tenure and making it to one Pro Bowl. He also spent time with the St. Louis Rams, Buffalo Bills, and Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders.
While Incognito was notorious for his ferocity in the trenches, he’ll likely always be remembered for the bullying scandal that he was involved in during his time with Miami.
McCourty spent just 2021 with the Dolphins, and, although it was just one season that he missed half of due to injury, he was able to make an impact on his teammates, as he was voted team captain last year.
His leadership and experience helped a guy like Jevon Holland get acclimated to the NFL and rise to the level that he reached as a rookie. For that, his teammates and the fans of Miami are thankful.
Here’s McCourty’s retirement video:
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2022-07-15T20:32:36Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Former Dolphins OL Richie Incognito, DB Jason McCourty announce retirement
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Former New England Patriots cornerback Jason McCourty announced his retirement from the NFL on Friday, calling it a career after 13 seasons. He played three years with the Patriots from 2018-2020, teaming up with his twin brother Devin in New England’s secondary.
McCourty, 34, began his career with the Titans as a sixth-round pick in 2009, working his way up to a full-time starting role in 2011. He then spent one year with the Browns in 2017 before joining the Patriots in 2018, winning a Super Bowl with New England in 2018.
McCourty capped off his career with the Dolphins this past season, playing seven games and starting four, recording two passes defensed.
He announced his retirement with an awesome video narrated by his kids.
With the Patriots, McCourty played 44 games, made 33 starts, picked off two passes and made the play that may have saved the Super Bowl for New England. He broke up a deep pass intended for Brandin Cooks, who looked to be wide-open in the end zone.
The Patriots were leading 3-0 at the time and it was late in the third quarter, but McCourty’s deflection prevented the Rams from going up 7-3. New England, of course, went on to win the game, 13-3.
This was the play of the damn millennium. Jason Mccourty baby! pic.twitter.com/fI8bx7PVDu
— The Other Shaq (@AtomicDawg5150) February 4, 2019
McCourty’s time with the Patriots was rather brief, but it certainly was impactful.
Patrick Daugherty ranks and evaluates all 32 of the league's general managers, including this year's five new hires. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
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2022-07-15T20:32:42Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Former Patriots CB Jason McCourty announces retirement with awesome video
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After not playing during the 2021 season, it seemed pretty likely that Richie Incognito would be retiring from the NFL. That news became official today as the former Pro Bowl guard officially hung up his cleats.
Incongito announced his retirement on Twitter, as did the team. He signed a one-day contract with a team to retire as a member of the Raiders.
Incognito signed with the Raiders in 2019 after sitting out the 2018 season. He played 14 total games with the team during the 2019 and 2020 seasons as he dealt with multiple lower-leg injuries.
Incognito had a long career in the NFL, starting 164 games for four different teams. His best stretch of play came with the Bills as he made three Pro Bowls with the team from 2015 to 2017.
There was some hope that Incognito would play last year after being on the roster all season long, but he was never able to overcome his Achilles injury. He officially retires at the age of 39 with four Pro Bowls under his belt.
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2022-07-15T20:32:48Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Former Raiders OG Richie Incognito retires from NFL
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https://sports.yahoo.com/former-raiders-og-richie-incognito-191747847.html?src=rss
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Richie Incognito came into the NFL as a member of the St. Louis Rams, and after 14 seasons with four different teams, he’s calling it a career. Incognito announced his retirement on Friday, going out as a member of the Raiders.
“Everybody starts their NFL journey differently,” Incognito wrote. “You may be a first-round pick; you may be undrafted. But a willingness to sacrifice daily and dedicate yourself to the 1,000 micro-decisions that lead to winning will carry you far in a league where nothing is guaranteed.”
Incognito was a third-round pick by the Rams in 2005, going 81st overall out of Nebraska. He didn’t play as a rookie, but he was a full-time starter in Year 2, playing and starting all 16 games. He missed 12 games in 2007 due to a knee injury but returned in 2008 to start 15 games at right guard. He was waived by the Rams in 2009 after multiple on-field incidents that resulted in personal fouls.
The Bills claimed him off waivers that year, but he only lasted one year in Buffalo before joining the Dolphins in 2010. He made his first Pro Bowl with Miami in 2012 after not playing at all in 2014, he signed with the Bills as a free agent in 2015. He closed out his career with the Raiders, playing two seasons with them in 2019 and 2020.
In total, he played 164 games, starting all of them, and made the Pro Bowl four times (2012, 2015-17).
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2022-07-15T20:32:54Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Former Rams OL Richie Incognito retires from NFL
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What’s next for Chiefs LT Orlando Brown Jr. after failing to agree on contract extension?
The Kansas City Chiefs and franchise-tagged LT Orlando Brown Jr. have officially failed to come to an agreement on a long-term deal ahead of Friday’s deadline.
The two sides had until 3:00 p.m. CT on Friday, July 15 to agree upon a multi-year contract extension. Unfortunately, the team and Brown Jr. were unable to bridge the gap in extension talks. Kansas City did make an aggressive push to get him signed long-term, reportedly offering a six-year extension worth up to $139 million.
Failing to agree on an extension means that Brown Jr. and the team cannot negotiate a new contract until after the 2022 NFL season. He is now set to play on the franchise tag, where he’ll earn a fully-guaranteed $16.6 million.
Brown Jr. hasn’t yet signed the franchise tag, which is a loophole that will allow him to skip out on training camp without the team being able to issue fines. New reports claim that Brown Jr. is still deciding whether he’ll report to training camp on time (July 25). Older reports from NFL Network suggest he has threatened to hold out from regular-season games, but it’s unlikely that will happen as he’d be forfeiting guaranteed money and an opportunity to showcase his talents for a future payday.
In his first full season starting at left tackle, Brown Jr. started 19 games including the playoffs. He finished the 2021 NFL season with a 75.4 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, with a 76.1 pass-blocking grade in 765 snaps in pass protection. He allowed four sacks, 36 pressures and seven penalties on the year.
The Chiefs always maintained that they wanted to keep Brown Jr. after acquiring him in a trade with the Ravens ahead of the 2021 NFL season. They knew that the franchise tag would be a tool in their toolkit to help them get a deal done, but that it wasn’t a guarantee. Expect the two sides to resume contract negotiations following the 2022 NFL season. A good season this year could turn into a bigger payday for Brown Jr. during the 2023 offseason. Kansas City could also exercise a second franchise tag, paying 120% of the prior year’s salary ($19.9M). In the end, the trade will still yield the team three years of control.
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2022-07-15T20:33:13Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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What’s next for Chiefs LT Orlando Brown Jr. after failing to agree on contract extension?
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Laremy Tunsil may have played just five games in 2021, but the Houston Texans’ left tackle is still regarded as one of the best blockers on the edge.
According to Jeremy Fowler from ESPN, the two-time Pro Bowler managed to land at No. 6 on their list of tackles. For the list, ESPN polled a range of scouts, front office personnel, and coaches across the league.
“He’s maybe not as good as he was, but I give him a pass because of the conditions,” an AFC scout said. “That’s not a good team. I’d still take him ahead of most.”
Tunsil’s 76.1% run block win rate since 2019 ranks 16th among tackles. And many evaluators say you can’t replace his power and range.
“He’s still a high-level athlete to me,” an AFC executive said. “Plays with violence.”
Although the 6-5, 313-pound tackle held out of organized team activities, coach Lovie Smith wasn’t concerned. When Tunsil appeared at mandatory minicamp, Smith mentioned that it was “no time lost” once Tunsil took over at first-team left tackle.
“He came in with a really solid feel of the playbook and I thought he stepped in today and performed extremely well,” Smith told reporters on June 14 at Houston Methodist Training Center. “We’re excited to have him back.”
While Tunsil was limited to five games due to a thumb injury, the expectation is the former Miami Dolphins 2016 first-round pick will be ready for a full slate of games in 2022. The Texans will need his elite pass blocking to give second-year quarterback Davis Mills time to go through his progressions and lead the offense.
4-texans-poised-breakout-season
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2022-07-15T20:33:32Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Texans LT Laremy Tunsil makes ESPN list of top-10 tackles
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There is a formula to what James has done. He leverages every asset his team has, present and future, to give himself the best chance to win in the moment, and when he has extracted every ounce of value, he goes to the next team. It has yielded four titles for his three different franchises, so no one should be aggrieved.
Sure, he has asked out of a mess he helped make on the Brooklyn Nets. He isn't the first to do so, and he won't be the last. He bears responsibility for that. It won't come in the form of financial or professional ostracism, so we mark it as a strike against his legacy, and he takes offense to that. It doesn't change what he has done, but finding common ground between us might change how we think of what he has done.
Many of Durant's peers in the pantheon are easily pegged. Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Kobe Bryant, Bill Russell, Jerry West, Tim Duncan, they never changed teams. Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon might as well have because we never talk about their respective tenures with the Washington Wizards and Toronto Raptors. They won where they started. We like that. We can easily digest that. Loyalty is a virtue. It is why we appreciate so much what Giannis Antetokounmpo and Stephen Curry did these past two years.
Moses Malone was traded everywhere he went for the first 14 years of his career. The Portland Trail Blazers traded him because they had Bill Walton. The Buffalo Braves traded him because they had Bob McAdoo. The Houston Rockets traded him because a car salesman didn't want to pay Malone more than he had just paid for the franchise. The Philadelphia 76ers traded him because they instead inexplicably wanted Jeff Ruland. Malone's legacy suffered for it, but we pin the blame on the teams, not the man. Simple enough.
He didn't have to do any of that, but he did, and for that humanity he has been rewarded with ridicule because he prioritized his friendship with Irving over a professional relationship with Curry. It makes little sense from a basketball perspective, at least until you remember he was also lambasted for joining the 73-win Warriors in the first place. He can't win, and that is a feeling to which we should be able to relate. But we don't because we're too busy debating and discrediting the merit of the manner in which he won.
Kevin Durant wants to leave a third NBA team in pursuit of another chapter. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
He was between draining two game-sealing, series-swinging daggers and consecutive Finals MVP awards when he told our Chris Haynes, "After winning that championship, I learned that much hadn’t changed. I thought it would fill a certain [void]. It didn’t. That’s when I realized in the offseason that the only thing that matters is this game and how much work you put into it." The Warriors belonged to Curry, not Durant.
"I mean, I’m crazy about winning, don’t get me wrong," Durant told ESPN after the second title. "I’m just not obsessed with winning championships. It’s not the only reason I play. I play for my individual growth."
The game and his growth are all that matters to Durant in his career now because otherwise he would be shoving trophies into a hole we created for him and keep digging deeper. There are plenty of other reasons why pantheon players have changed teams for decades. Financials and location are chief among them.
O'Neal's career is the closest facsimile we have to Durant's among modern pantheon players, even as Shaq participates in the bus-riding discussion. Neither money nor locale appear to be Durant's primary motivation for wanting out of Golden State or Brooklyn, since max contracts are a standing offer for his services and he has picked his last two locales, but feelings are involved in a similar fashion to O'Neal.
You just won't see Durant inserting Kyrie's name for Kobe's in O'Neal's infamous "Tell me how my ass tastes" freestyle at a New York City nightclub. Durant's clashes are an internal struggle with the game and his growth. Westbrook's high-usage, low-efficiency brand of basketball became an issue for Durant in Oklahoma City. Curry's grip on the Golden State dynasty undoubtedly weighed on his ego. It was Westbrook and Draymond Green who brought those vulnerabilities to the public space, not Durant.
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2022-07-15T20:33:38Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Kevin Durant and the puzzling career of a vulnerable NBA legend
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“Just all the stuff that was being put out there was that I was going No. 3 to Houston,” Banchero told Yahoo Sports after he was shut down from Summer League competition after two games. “That's kind of where my mind was at, and I was fine with it. I was going to be happy wherever I ended up because I knew at the end of the day I would be fine. But in Houston, I would say that's where my head was at that time.”
Paolo Banchero's draft rise
The front office showed him a diagram of the facility, provided information on the city and explained how the team wanted to play and how it could utilize his skill set within its system. After the Zoom call, Banchero and his agent, Mike Miller, were left with the impression that the Duke product was being recruited, sources told Yahoo Sports.
“I liked what they were showing me,” Banchero told Yahoo Sports. “They have a great staff. Even in my first meeting with them in Chicago during the combine, I liked what they were talking about. But like I said before, all the reports were that they weren't really considering me. And then they made it clear before the draft that none of those reports were true and that they were very much interested in me. And so that's when I kind of knew that it might not be Houston.”
The revelation of the Magic considering drafting Banchero No. 1 overall didn’t surface publicly until a few hours before the draft. It was a well-kept secret that shocked the NBA community. Banchero went No. 1, Chet Holmgren was taken No. 2 by Oklahoma City and Smith was selected No. 3 by Houston.
“At the end of the day, I know my game. I was just going to go out there and do me,” Banchero told Yahoo Sports. “I kind of knew if I played my game that everything would take care of itself. I didn't feel like I had to prove I'm the No. 1 pick. I got taken No. 1. The Magic did their homework. They know they made the right decision. I really wasn't too worried about it, but I definitely wanted to come and put on a show for sure.”
Cubs’ Frank Schwindel reflects on ‘craziest year’ of career
As Schwindel nears the one-year mark in a Cubs uniform, he's grateful for the organization taking a chance on him last July.
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2022-07-15T20:34:03Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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The inside story of how Paolo Banchero became the NBA's No. 1 draft pick
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ST. ANDREWS, Scotland — On Thursday, Tiger Woods rinsed his approach at the par-4 first hole from a divot into the Swilcan Burn fronting the green. It was an inauspicious start that resulted in a double bogey en route to shooting 78.
Unlucky? Rub of the green, Old Tom Morris would likely have said.
On Friday, China’s Haotong Li was on the right side of a good break when his approach at the first from 75 yards hit the rock wall of the Swilcan Burn, the famous winding waterway that empties into St Andrews Bay alongside the two-mile West Sands Beach, and ricocheted out of the water and back towards him. He avoided a penalty shot and faced a 44-yard pitch over the Burn.
“That’s just not playing fair is it,” an announcer on Sky Sports said.
“We shouldn’t laugh,” his broadcast partner added.
Li’s disgust was written all over his face and that’s before it would go from bad to worse. Li, 26, who won the BMW International Open on the DP World Tour two weeks ago, failed to take advantage of his good fortune. He deposited the next shot into the water anyway and had to sink a 14-foot putt to salvage a triple-bogey 7.
Off the stones in the burn and almost all the way back to him.
Haotong Li's reaction says it all. 😅 #TheOpen
📺: @peacockTV pic.twitter.com/PisoTFZfEQ
Jacobs won the desert tournament in a playoff in 1964, the same year he nearly won the U.S. Open
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2022-07-15T20:34:17Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Watch: Haotong Li gets rejected by the Swilcan Burn at 2022 British Open
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Why Steph is a 'mini-LeBron' in Scottie Pippen's mind originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
On Friday, Scottie Pippen, also a member of the NBA’s 75th anniversary, brought up a similarity between the two players that doesn't get talked about much when it comes to their longevity in the league.
"You take a guy like Steph, he’s a mini-LeBron to some degree," Pippen said on Sirius XM NBA radio. "From a physicality standpoint, he’s strong for his size. This guy could give us at least another six years easily. He’s a shooter, and he’s the greatest shooter we have ever seen. He could probably play the game into his 50s if he wanted to."
They are much different players -- Steph, the 6-foot-2 sharpshooter and James, the dominant 6-foot-9 superstar considered by most to be, at worst, the second-best player of all time. But both players are showing no signs of slowing down. Curry, at age 34, is entering his 14th season in the NBA. James, three years older than Curry, will begin his 20th.
"Obviously, he’s the greatest shooter that we’ve ever seen," Pippen said of Curry. "His basketball IQ, his intelligence and what he’s been able to do for small guys in this game, it’s just amazing."
Like everyone around the NBA, Pippen has his eyes on the Kevin Durant trade debacle after the superstar requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets. Pippen can't help but wonder where Curry's legacy would lie without Durant's three years in the Bay.
"If you take away the years KD came in an sort of stole the spotlight, or shared it, or however you want to look at it, it would be amazing to know where Steph Curry would be had he not bow down and allowed KD to be the leader of that team.
"He's a special player, and I enjoy watching him."
The NCAA can call college athletes as “amateurs,” but that designation shouldn’t prevent schools from recognizing those athletes as employees, a new court filing in Johnson v. NCAA insists. On Thursday, attorneys for former Villanova football player Ralph “Trey” Johnson and other current and former athletes filed a 55-page brief with the U.S. Court of […]
Fairbanks grad Alex Crowe shot a 1-over 71 at Kings Mill to win the HOJGA tourney by three strokes over Pleasant grad Minoy Shah.
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2022-07-15T20:34:24Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Why Scottie Pippen calls Steph Curry a mini-LeBron James
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Big 12 football betting, odds: Two teams I’m looking forward to backing in 2022
This is my first piece of college football content for the 2022 season. Ah, it’s refreshing and feels good. Only 43 more days until college football kickoff, so that means it’s time to spin the wheels and get cranking on deciphering where the value lies before the season and which teams to look out for to contend for the national championship.
I’ve only just begun to dig into the new season, so I’m starting with the conference I know like the back of my hand: the Big 12. (Hook 'em, Horns!)
The Big 12 is a volatile, intriguing, wacky conference that we will likely only cherish in its current state for one more season before BYU, Houston, Cincinnati, and UCF join in while Texas and Oklahoma try to take off to the SEC (good luck).
The 2021 season was a wild one, with Baylor winning the conference championship against Oklahoma State, while the big-name schools in Texas and Oklahoma had ... blunders, to say the least.
These are two Big 12 teams that I’m looking to back this upcoming season.
Kansas State quarterback Adrian Martinez speaks to reporters during Big 12 media days in Arlington, Texas, on July 13, 2022. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
Can we talk about Kansas State for a minute?
Regular season wins: OV 6.5 (-155), UN (+130)
The Wildcats went 7-5-1 ATS last season. They are 13-9-1 ATS in the last two seasons. Now they have a much more capable quarterback in Nebraska transfer Adrian Martinez, a dual threat who has thrown for over 8,400 passing yards and rushed for over 2,300 yards with 35 total rushing scores. Martinez was a bit of a one-man show. In four seasons as a Cornhusker, Martinez led the team in rushing yards in 12 games. To say that I’m looking forward to how Martinez can improve this offense is an understatement. I’m very much looking forward to seeing this Wildcats offense.
When I think about what Martinez can do in conjunction with RB Deuce Vaughn, I see this duo being a threat, especially against teams like TCU, Texas, and Kansas — three teams that ranked bottom 20 in the nation in rushing yards allowed. Skyler Thompson was a solid quarterback, but Martinez brings a different flare and a lot more upside. Last year, Martinez had his best production, throwing for the most yards and posting the highest rating of his career. New offensive coordinator Collin Klein (promoted from QB coach) says he wants to run a more up-tempo offense, so I can really see K-State doing things.
West Virginia looking to not be a fade on the road
If you bet against the Mountaineers on the road in the last two seasons, then you made some bank. It was one of the most lucrative wagers you could make in all of college football. West Virginia went 3-7 ATS on the road in the last two seasons. Quarterback Jarret Doege had some lopsided splits, combining for 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions at home, but 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions on the road. He was sacked 33 times in away games compared to 22 times at home. It was easy money. Doege is off to Western Kentucky, and sadly, that cash cow may no longer be available.
In comes JT Daniels from Georgia, who has thrown for 4,840 yards and 32 touchdowns in his career. He does have competition to fend off, but it’s most likely Daniels we’ll see behind center.
As important as improved quarterback play matters, it’s also important to retain an offensive line, and West Virginia returns all five starters. Its top-50 defense also has a load of returning production and should improve in total yards allowed, but if the Mountaineers could also focus a bit more on their pass rush (68th in the nation for sacks) then this team could be a play instead of a fade when not at home.
These are early thoughts as we look to the over on both squads, and at the very least, we're intrigued with backing West Virginia in road games at Texas, Texas Tech and Iowa State that could offer some good underdog value.
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2022-07-15T20:57:29Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Big 12 football betting, odds: Two teams I’m looking forward to backing in 2022
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Former Georgia quarterback JT Daniels will have to earn the starting quarterback job in Morgantown, West Virginia.
Daniels, who transferred to UGA from USC two years ago, announced his decision to transfer to West Virginia University in April.
The former 5-star recruit in the class of 2018 very well may be the most talented passer on WVU’s roster, but the starting job is something that has to be earned, Mountaineers head coach Neal Brown said this week at Big 12 Media Days.
“He’s been tremendous,” Brown said, according to EerSports. “He’s got to go win the job. That’s something we were really clear about him during the recruiting process, that nothing was going to be handed to him. He has to go win the job. I’m really proud of how he’s handled it.”
A graduate transfer, Daniels made his arrival at West Virginia this summer. So far, Brown has been quite impressed with the former UGA quarterback.
“He may be the smartest quarterback we’ve ever had,” Brown said on Tuesday, per Heartland College Sports.
Daniels will be competing against Garrett Greene (former 3-star), Will Crowder (former 3-star), and true freshman Nicco Marchiol (former 4-star) for the starting job.
“Quarterback competitions, when they’re won, it’s evident,” Brown said. “Your team knows it. It’s not like you have to go out a social media announcement or stand in front of the team and say this is our starter. When a quarterback wins that competition, it’s very clear. … It’s really clear who the team believes in, who they’re productive for. … Everybody wants to talk about them, but … it’s really the easiest one to choose.”
Daniels started multiple games for Georgia in 2020 and was expected to be the starting quarterback for Georgia’s 2021 season. He started against Clemson and made another start against South Carolina. However, he was sidelined after being diagnosed with a strained oblique muscle, propelling Stetson Bennett into the starting spot.
He was 7-0 as Georgia’s starting quarterback spanning the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
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2022-07-15T20:58:07Z
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WVU HC says starting QB job not going to be handed to Georgia transfer JT Daniels
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Draymond defends Wiseman's early Summer League showing originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
Count Draymond Green as a big believer in the potential of Warriors center James Wiseman.
Wiseman, the Warriors' first-round pick in 2020, has experienced highs and lows over his first two games in the Las Vegas Summer League as he makes his return to the court after missing all of last season.
"We got the big fella back out there, James Wiseman," Green said on Thursday's episode of his podcast. "I think Wiseman looks very good out there, especially with all things being considered.
"James Wiseman really hasn’t played basketball since, like, 2018. Because if you think about it, he played, what, [three] games his year at Memphis and he sat the rest of the year. He played like [40] games his rookie year in the NBA, missed the rest of that year. And then, obviously, missed all of last year and now he’s just now getting back."
In Wiseman's debut, he threw down a thunderous alley-oop from Jonathan Kuminga on the Warriors' first trip down the court. But he finished with just two rebounds in 20 minutes, a fact that Green didn't gloss over.
"I know there was a lot of talk around the first game, ‘Oh, he had two rebounds.’ Don’t get me wrong, that was the first thing I looked at too. Wise, you can’t have two rebounds.
"Rebounding is a timing thing. Rebounding is not just I’m tall, I’m long, I can jump, I’m athletic. Rebounding is timing. And for someone that hasn’t played basketball since 2018 … your timing is probably messed up because that’s four years and change of not consistently played basketball. ... I would never excuse James Wiseman having two rebounds, nor do I think James Wiseman would excuse it."
RELATED: Why Draymond was disappointed in JK's first Summer League game
In Wiseman’s second game, he finished with six points on 3-of-9 shooting but was better on the glass, grabbing seven boards.
"I thought his showing out there on the court has been solid," Green said. "Are there some things you’d want to correct? Absolutely. There are things I’d want to correct about myself on the basketball court.
"Just his journey back, I’m just happy to see him out there doing what he loves to do again and have an opportunity to play basketball."
Wiseman reportedly is expected to suit up again Friday night for the Warriors' Summer League tilt against the 2022 No. 2 overall pick Chet Holmgren and the Oklahoma City Thunder. He'll get another chance to improve his rebound timing, and Green likely will be watching closely.
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2022-07-15T22:03:04Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Draymond Green defends James Wiseman's early Summer League showing
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Duran answers fan's question about 2017 Astros scandal originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The '17 World Series champions infamously were caught stealing signs illegally, resulting in the year-long suspensions of then-manager A.J Hinch, bench coach Alex Cora, and front office executive Jeff Luhnow. As much as the organization has tried to put the scandal in the rearview, it remains a punchline to this day.
Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran is the latest player to take a dig at the Astros. During a recent game, a fan asked Duran to raise his left hand if the 2017 Astros were cheaters and his right hand if they were "legit."
He didn't hesitate to raise his left.
Duran's take on the Astros scandal is an unbiased one. In 2017, the 25-year-old was playing at Long Beach State and for the Wareham Gatemen of the Cape Cod League. Of course, that won't stop Astros fans from pointing out the Red Sox were stripped of a draft pick for a sign-stealing scandal of their own in 2018.
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2022-07-15T22:03:10Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Jarren Duran answers fan's question about 2017 Astros scandal
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Former Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots defensive back Jason McCourty has announced his retirement from the NFL.
McCourty took to social media on Friday to make the announcement, which he recorded while sitting in front of a picture of himself in a Titans uniform.
“These past 13 seasons have been one hell of a journey,” McCourty said. “As I reflect and look back on my career, I have far surpassed any and every expectation I set for myself back in 2009.”
A 2009 sixth-round pick, McCourty indeed surpassed all expectations, as he became a very good player and key member of Tennessee’s defense over eight seasons in Nashville.
After his stint in Tennessee ended, McCourty spent time with the Cleveland Browns, Patriots and Miami Dolphins. He ended up winning a Super Bowl with New England during the 2018 campaign.
McCourty has been and will continue to be an inspiration for all late-round picks who are trying to make it in the NFL. We wish him the best in his post-career endeavors.
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2022-07-15T22:24:09Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Ex-Titans DB Jason McCourty announces his retirement
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The Jags currently have six rushers listed on their roster. Their top player at the position, James Robinson, is one of the best players in the league at his position but is coming off a serious injury. As a result, it’s important to know what the Jags have behind him.
Here is a preview of the Jags’ full running backs group as we close in on camp:
Dec 12, 2021; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars running back James Robinson (25) at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
Robinson has been the Jags’ biggest source of offense since he entered the league three seasons ago. As a rookie, he hit his career-high of 1,070 rushing yards on 240 carries. He also had seven rushing touchdowns. As for last season, it was cut short for Robinson after he sustained an Achilles tear in December, but he was able to accumulate 164 carries for 767 rushing yards and a career-high of eight touchdowns.
While it isn’t known if he will be the player he once was when he returns, the Jags should absolutely have Robinson in their plans this season. He’s shown he can do it all (has 566 career receiving yards, too) and is rarely stopped for a negative gain with a career rushing average of 4.6 yards per carry.
Right now it’s not clear when he will take the field again, but it’s expected to be during training camp at some point. He seems to be progressing well and has started to work on changing directions in his workouts.
Jun 14, 2021; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) participates in a blocking drill during minicamp at Dream Finders Homes practice complex Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Like Robinson, Etienne is returning from a season-ending injury he sustained in 2021. In Etienne’s case, it was a Lisfranc injury that occurred in the preseason, but the second-year player was able to participate in organized team activities.
Etienne was a standout during OTAs, which has fans excited about seeing him with the pads on. His speed was evident during the OTA phase, and he even received some looks as a receiver, though he’s going to be utilized as a rusher this season.
With Robinson’s status unclear, Etienne will get a good look in the early part of training camp. That will also help gauge how Etienne will be utilized, as his skill set is something that could help Doug Pederson’s offense.
Snoop Conner
Jaguars (24) RB Snoop Conner hangs on to the ball as he runs drills during Friday’s Rookie Minicamp. The Jacksonville Jaguars held their first Rookie Minicamp on the turf of TIAA Bank Field Friday afternoon, May 13, 2022. Among those in attendance were the team’s 2022 draft picks. [Florida Times-Union]
With the Jags’ top-2 rushers coming off season-ending injuries, most expected the Jags to draft a running back. They did that this April by trading up in the fifth round and selecting Snoop Conner out of Ole Miss.
Conner will enter the NFL after playing in 34 games with Ole Miss and garnering 1,580 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns through 304 carries. Similar to Robinson, he brings power to the backfield for the Jags and gives them the depth a team needs during a 17-game season at the running back position.
With the Jags trading up for him and investing a pick into him, it appears Conner has a good chance to be the Jags’ third running back. In the process, he will have a great player to learn from in Robinson, who was able to make an immediate impact as a rookie.
Aug 1, 2019; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars running back Ryquell Armstead (30) runs with the ball during training camp at Dream Finders Homes Practice Complex. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports
While he only has one start and doesn’t have an extensive amount of snaps on the field, Ryquell Armstead will enter 2022 with more experience than most of the Jags’ other running backs after participating in 18 career games. Armstead was drafted by the Jags in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft and was with the team from 2019-20.
Armstead bounced around the league as a practice squad player in 2021, but the team brought him back in December and signed him to their active roster. Armstead will enter this season with 50 carries for 188 rushing yards and two receiving touchdowns and has a chance to stick around as the Jags’ fourth running back.
Aug 23, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars running back Nathan Cottrell (31) converts a two point conversion pass against New Orleans Saints cornerback Natrell Jamerson (21) during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Nathan Cottrell will be entering his third season with the Jags, who signed him as an undrafted player in 2020 out of Georgia Tech. Cottrell has mostly been a practice squad player for the Jags and only has one carry in the regular season. He’ll have a chance to show what he can do in the preseason, and if he impresses, he could end up being back on the practice squad.
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II (23) and defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad (97) move in to stop Jacksonville Jaguars running back Mekhi Sargent (36) during the third quarter of the game on Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Fla. [The Indiana Star]
Second-year running back Mekhi Sargent will be entering his second season on the Jags roster. He’s still relatively new to the organization, though, after joining them late in 2021 when the Jags claimed him off waivers on Dec. 27, which is when only two games remained. He only accumulated one carry (for two yards) with the team as a result, and that was in the Jags’ season finale against the Indianapolis Colts.
Like Cottrell, Sargent will likely be battling for a practice squad spot this summer.
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2022-07-15T22:24:15Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Jaguars 2022 training camp preview: Running backs
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One of the NFL's longest-tenured cornerbacks is hanging up his cleats.
Jason McCourty, who spent last season with the Miami Dolphins, announced his retirement Friday after 13 seasons in the NFL. He did so via an eight-minute Instagram video in which his family recapped his career and he thanked a number of people for their support.
McCourty and his twin brother Devin spent their college career together at Rutgers. Jason entered the NFL as a sixth-round pick by the Tennessee Titans in 2009 (Devin was selected in the first round, 27th overall, by the Patriots one year later). Jason would spend the next eight seasons in Tennessee, earning starting duties in his senior year and eventually being named a team captain.
The Titans released McCourty in 2017 and he eventually landed on the Cleveland Browns where things didn't go as well. The 2017 Browns infamously finished the season 0-16, and McCourty was traded the following offseason to the Patriots.
In New England, McCourty saw one of the most extreme reversals of fortune possible in sports. A year after a wingless season, McCourty won his first and only Super Bowl ring alongside his brother, making them the first set of twins to win the Lombardi Trophy together.
Jason also made his mark during Super Bowl LIII, coming out of nowhere for a touchdown-saving pass breakup of Brandin Cooks in the third quarter.
Great play by Devin McCourty to stop catch by Brandin Cooks pic.twitter.com/JjCXeE3Ou1
— Lamar Jackson Playaction (@NoContxtNFL) February 4, 2019
McCourty spent two more seasons in New England, then finished his career as a free safety for the Dolphins.
As he said in his retirement announcement:
"These past 13 seasons have been one hell of a journey and as I reflect and look back at my career, I have far surpassed any and every expectation I set forth for myself back in 2009. That's what I'm most proud of when I look back on my career. Walking into an organization, being able to put my mark on it by putting my head down, working hard and caring for the individuals around me."
McCourty finished his career with 744 total tackles, 108 passes defended, 18 interceptions and nine forced fumbles. Now, he enters retirement at 34 years old, though it looks like his brother will play at least one more season.
Jason McCourty is calling it a career. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
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2022-07-15T22:24:34Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Longtime NFL CB Jason McCourty announces retirement after 13 seasons
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Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz would love to have LeVar Woods on his staff for as long as he can. The reality, though, is that successful coordinators continue their upward trajectory and eventually wind up as head coaches of their own.
ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg recently listed 45 minority coaches under the age of 45 to watch as candidates for future Division I head-coaching jobs and the Hawkeyes’ LeVar Woods was unsurprisingly among the coaches mentioned.
Since 2018, Iowa leads the nation in special teams expected points added, and has gone 35-13 despite an often-shaky offense. Woods’ impact on the kicking game and the team has been profound. He has the charisma to lead a program, and has coached positions on both offense and defense. A potential drawback: He has spent his entire career at Iowa, his alma mater. – Rittenberg, ESPN.
Any potential negative can oftentimes be spun into a positive. If an athletic department wanted to knock Woods for only having coached at Iowa, then he can respond that it’s actually something that makes him an attractive candidate. Throughout his coaching career, Woods has demonstrated his loyalty to Iowa and been a key pillar in the Hawkeyes’ collective stability.
Woods’ playing career with the Hawkeyes spanned 1998-00. He was a two-year starter for Iowa, totaling 165 tackles, including 18 tackles for loss and four sacks. In 2000, he was a team captain for Iowa and earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors from both the league’s coaches and media after registering 97 tackles.
Of course, Woods was a seven-year NFL veteran with Arizona, Chicago, Detroit, and Tennessee where he totaled 168 tackles, 2.5 sacks, four fumble recoveries and one forced fumble in 88 career games.
He joined the Hawkeyes as an administrative assistant from 2008-11, assisting the coaching staff in compiling statistical information, gathering information on opponents and recruits, and with the day-to-day operation of the football office.
After that stint, Woods served as Iowa’s linebackers coach from 2012-14. Anthony Hitchens, Christian Kirksey, and James Morris each recorded over 100 tackles while earning All-Big Ten recognition in 2013. Kirksey and Hitchens were selected in the third and fourth rounds of the 2014 NFL draft.
The Hawkeyes’ defense ranked seventh in the nation in pass defense and 22nd in total defense in 2014 and Woods was honored as the national Linebackers Coaches of the Year by FootballScoop.
Then, from 2015-17, Woods was Iowa’s tight ends coach where he was instrumental in the development of George Kittle, Noah Fant and T.J. Hockenson.
Kittle led the Iowa tight ends in 2016 with 22 receptions for 314 yards, while sharing the team lead with four touchdown receptions. He earned All-Big Ten honorable mention recognition.
In 2017, Fant led all FBS tight ends with an average of 16.5 yards per catch, and his 11 touchdown receptions—an Iowa tight end record—tied as the top figure nationally among tight ends. As a result, he was a third-team All-Big Ten honoree.
In addition, redshirt freshman T.J. Hockenson added 24 receptions for 320 yards and three touchdowns. Fant earned third-team All-Big Ten recognition.
Since taking over as the Hawkeyes’ full-time special teams coordinator in 2018, Woods and Iowa have boasted some of the best units and specialists in the country.
Last season, Iowa had a pair of first-team All-Big Ten specialist selections in kicker Caleb Shudak and return specialist Charlie Jones. Jones was named the Rodgers-Dwight Return Specialist of the Year due to his performance in returning both punts and kickoffs, while Shudak earned first-team honors after leading the team in scoring with 108 points and setting a school record for career field goal accuracy.
Iowa’s special teams last year ranked among the national leaders in kickoff return defense (No. 14), kickoff returns (No. 17) and punt return defense (No. 18). Punter Tory Taylor was 12th in the nation in punting average with 46.1 yards per boot.
Taylor earned first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2020 and helped Iowa lead the Big Ten and rank fifth nationally in net punting at 42.9 yards per punt. Ihmir Smith-Marsette was also named the Rodgers-Dwight Return Specialist of the Year in 2019 after returning a pair of kickoffs for touchdowns.
Looking at all of Woods’ accomplishments and his diverse coaching accumen with the Hawkeyes, it’s easy to see why he would be right toward the top of the list of any future Division I head-coaching candidates.
Not to look too far into the future, but Woods should undoubtedly be on Iowa’s short list to replace Ferentz as the Hawkeyes’ next head coach if and when Ferentz decides to step away.
On3's 2022 Big Ten power rankings
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2022-07-15T22:35:51Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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ESPN tabs LeVar Woods as minority coach to watch for future Division I head-coaching jobs
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The last weekend of July is going to be a busy one at the University of Florida. The football team’s Friday Night Lights camp is set for Friday, July 29, and the recruiting cookout is the following day. IMG Academy four-star defensive lineman Will Norman should be in attendance that weekend, according to 247Sports, but the plans aren’t set in stone just yet.
Norman told 247Sports that he would “probably” be there for the events after telling them a week ago that he was unsure if he could make it or not. The Gators have hosted him three times this year already, but the blue-chip recruit seems to be slowing things down to give him some time to think. He took an official to the Swamp on June 10 and then shut things down shortly after that.
That might not be great news for Florida.
“My whole plan was to come home and commit in the summer,” Norman said in an interview with the Varsity Podcast. “That was why I took my one OV and called it quits. I had to slow everything down. When I get back to school, I am just going to let the season take place. See where things goes and let God take the lead. I wouldn’t say I was rushing things, but I kind of was falling in love too quick.”
Billy Napier and Co. have been fairly aggressive in recruiting Norman since taking over at UF and that’s unlikely to change. Getting him to commit before the season starts is still the goal, but he’s clearly taking a step back from it all right now. Hopefully, UF doesn’t fall out of favor entirely with the blue-chipper.
Norman is ranked No. 116 overall on the 247Sports composite and No. 17 among defensive linemen in the class of 2023. Penn State is considered Florida’s biggest competition right now, but LSU, Michigan and Texas A&M are in the hunt among others.
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2022-07-15T22:35:57Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Florida looking to get this 4-star DL back on campus before end of July
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https://sports.yahoo.com/florida-looking-4-star-dl-213645106.html?src=rss
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It may be a semi-long shot, but Oregon is hoping it can stun the recruiting world on July 22. That’s the date four-star recruit offensive tackle Olaus Alinen has set to announce where he will be playing college football in 2023 and beyond.
Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 325 pounds, Alinen is expected to choose either Miami or Georgia, but going long distance to play football is definitely in the realm of possibilities for him.
Alinen was born in Finland, but moved to Connecticut to play at the Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, CT. He is rated by all of the recruiting sites as one of the top offensive tackles in the Class of 2023.
Given the fact Oregon coach Dan Lanning has a good track record of securing commitments once he gets the recruits on campus, the Ducks have more than a puncher’s chance of getting Olinen. He visited Oregon on June 21 and told Rivals that Coach Adrien Klemm would be the difference if he chooses Oregon.
Coach Klemm is probably the coolest coach I’ve talked to. He’s a baller. He won three Super Bowls with the Patriots playing offensive line and he’s a little different than some of the other guys.
Miami does have the edge, however, since Mario Cristobal has recruited Alinen since 2020 and that the coach, being a former offensive lineman himself, can relate to him and that the O-line is a priority for the Hurricanes. But we’ll all find out July 22.
Olaus Alinen’s Recruiting Profile
Recruited by Adrian Klemm
Official Visit on June 21, 2022
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2022-07-15T22:36:03Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Four-star offensive tackle Olaus Alinen sets commitment date
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DAN WETZEL: Pat, you were there in Arlington.
PAT FORDE: I was there.
DAN WETZEL: What'd you make of the-- what'd you make of the bold declarations and soft rock declarations of the Big 12?
PAT FORDE: I gave big respect to Brett Yormark, new commissioner, for absolutely dispensing with the platitudes and the fakery. Like, at no point did he talk about our priorities are the student-athlete experience, our priorities are educating, our priorities are mental health, our priorities are this and that. No, he just skipped all that went straight to the bottom line.
He said, our number one priority is our media rights renegotiation. And everything we do going into that is to build momentum for those negotiations. So congrats to Brett Yormark for telling it like it is, for coming in from outside the college space and not talking like a college faker, you know?
He's talked like a business guy who's from the pros. That's exactly who he was and who he's going to be. Interesting guy.
He really honestly reminded me of Rick Pitino, another New Yorker, in terms of his ability to just kind of schmooze and be charismatic. And you're interested in listening to him. You can almost-- you can feel the wheeling and dealing going on. But it's kind of like, OK, I kind of like this guy's wheeling and dealing.
You know, I mean, it's like, it's an obvious-- he's an obvious salesman. But he's probably gonna be pretty good at it. So that was my main takeaway from him.
And then a couple of the other coaches fairly strongly alluded to thinking that at least the Big 12 is going to get bigger. We'll see if that happens. I don't know whether they have any insight because I don't know whether anybody really does when these decisions get made until the last minute. But, you know, I think being open for business means being open to looking hard at expansion.
DAN WETZEL: Well, I agree. First off, if you sit there and say we're getting a lot of calls, you're trying to rattle the cage of the other side--
DAN WETZEL: --in the Pac 12. Who's calling them? Wait, what? They weren't-- they're not-- it wasn't like, hey, Coastal Carolina called. Maybe they're the only one who did.
But, you know, you put it out-- oh, I'm getting some really good teams that were in the top 25 in the last couple of years been calling, and everyone starts getting nervous. So you have that.
I agree. I liked Yormark. He clearly has no idea. There were all sorts of questions he danced around because he just didn't know any details. They asked him about, like, the playoff.
DAN WETZEL: He seemed utterly confused.
DAN WETZEL: Fine. He can catch up on that.
DAN WETZEL: Right? This is all stuff he'll learn. He's like, yeah, you know, I got to-- I got to do this. I got to have this meeting. But there was no apologies of what this is about.
PAT FORDE: Mm-mm.
DAN WETZEL: We got to get more money. We've got to do whatever it takes to get more money. And it is.
The Big 12 needs to close the gap, or have as small as possible of a gap, with the Big Ten and the SEC as they can get. I remember, a long time ago, talking to someone in that league-- I can't remember who now.
And they said, look, we're never gonna-- our states aren't big enough. We have Texas, but there's a lot of Texas. But our other-- we just can't-- we're never gonna have as much money as those states.
We don't have a Georgia. We don't-- you know, Kansas isn't Georgia. And Nebraska or whatever they had then was-- Oklahoma is not Michigan. And, you know, you just can't do it.
So we always are gonna have to play a little behind the eight-ball on that. That's fine. So he's got to do whatever he can.
What I would say is, again, the pretext of, oh, this is about anything other than money, which is always a lie-- remember I did the Bowl or the charity thing a couple of weeks ago, like--
PAT FORDE: Oh, yeah.
DAN WETZEL: --no, don't give any money to the charity? That's the point. That's what I was talking about.
DAN WETZEL: It's all a lie. There is no charity. There's no concern for anybody else. This is a blood sport.
The biggest way the Big 12 can make the most money in this TV deal is eliminate the Pac 12 as a competitor.
Find a running list of 2022 Shreveport City Council candidates here.
Riot Blockchain Exec on Bitcoin Mining in Texas, Energy Outlook
Bitcoin miners in Texas are halting operations as the state's power grid nears its breaking point amid an intense heat wave. Riot Blockchain Vice President of Capital Markets Philip McPherson discusses the power crisis in Texas and what this means for Riot and the wider mining community. Plus, advice for surviving crypto winter.
Momentum is starting to pick up significantly in Oklahoma's favor for four-star linebacker Lewis Carter out of Tampa, Florida.
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2022-07-15T22:36:22Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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‘We are open for business’ - Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark | College Football Enquirer
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Julia Landauer’s racing career has never quite fit into neat little boxes. Instead of the more traditional progressions that racers often take on the ladder to NASCAR’s national series, hers has taken enough turns to fill a passport book.
On the eve of her Xfinity Series debut at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Saturday’s Crayon 200 (2:30 p.m. ET, USA Network, NBC Sports App, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio), it’s worth a reflection on the path that led Landauer to an opportunity with Alpha Prime Racing.
RELATED: New Hampshire weekend schedule | Paint Scheme Preview
The New York City native, now 30 and making North Carolina her home, was a fresh prospect in the NASCAR Next class of 2016 — a group that included current Cup Series rookies Harrison Burton and Todd Gilliland, who each made a fairly standard climb to their present-day roles. Landauer’s path was more of a zigzag.
“I had this vision of you know — K&N, Trucks, Xfinity, Cup, and it didn’t quite go that way,” Landauer said. Instead, her route included stints in what’s now known as the ARCA Menards Series West, the Canada-based Pinty’s Series and the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series. That last stop on her journey, in 2020, meant three months living abroad before returning to America.
“It was really fun to get back on road courses, but I’m happy to be back stateside and to be running all these bigger tracks,” Landauer said. “But I’m very grateful for the unexpected opportunities that I had, and I feel like it’s cool to race in so many different types of cars.”
2022 July13 Julia Landauer 1 Main Image
Her background as a “Survivor” contestant, a noted public speaker and a recent explorer in the NFT (non-fungible token) and Web 3 space have made her stand out in the crowd. But the unconventional journey and passion for the racing side kept her in the conversation when Alpha Prime owner Tommy Joe Martins had openings in his driver roster for 2022.
Instead of one party reaching out to the other during the offseason, their collaboration was mutual, stoked by both sides — and an invested third party in the NASCAR hauler — all connecting nearly simultaneously.
“(Xfinity Series director) Wayne Auton said, ‘Hey, do you guys have any races available? There’s somebody that I want you to meet, her name is Julia Landauer,’ ” Martins said. “And of course, I laughed because I was like, we’ve already talked about this earlier this year. So it just kind of all fell into place.
“It’s somebody that I had, when I first started racing at the national levels, she was racing I’m wanting to say in K&N West. So I just happened to see some of those races and thought she did a really good job. So I think, for me, when I look at Julia, I see somebody that I just don’t feel like ever really got an awesome opportunity, like she’s had to really kind of grind for it. And you might notice there’s probably other people on my roster that are kind of the same way, right? But that’s kind of a relatable story to me, with Ryan Ellis and Stefan Parsons, kind of the same way where maybe these are guys that drove for smaller teams, and maybe this is a better opportunity for them.”
MORE: Xfinity Series standings
As for her well-traveled journey to get here, Martins appreciated all the patches to the quilt.
“It also tells you a lot about how bad she wants to do it, right?” Martins said. “She’s done it through unconventional ways and kind of gone different routes and just hung around, and that’s something that I’ve had to live with that myself, right? Everybody goes, ‘Man, why are you even doing this? You’re running 30th every week? Why are you even doing this, running for a small team?’ It’s like, well, this is what I want to do. And so you just find a way, and that’s what Julia has done.
“She’s found a way to get sponsorship, she’s found a way to kind of stay in the sport, even if it’s not what we consider the primary spot, right? But she’s done it in K&N, she’s done it overseas. She’s done it at the lower levels, and now she’s finally kind of getting an opportunity at a higher level.”
Like Landauer, her sponsors are newcomers to the series, too. Landauer said she did a “nerdy deep dive” into the world of Web 3 and NFTs last year. The connections she made in the technology field with NFT communities Boss Beauties and Garage XYZ shared a common thread with her beliefs.
“These two groups have an ethos and synergies with me and my missions, and it’s all about women’s empowerment, helping support people who are going after their dreams, being able to provide access to really cool experiences like racing,” Landauer said. “And so to be able to work with them, and to have built a really solid relationship over a long period of time, I feel like now I’m kind of working with my friends more than just a business partnership. And so it’s, it’s really cool, and it’s really cool to be able to have them be the first NFT communities to sponsor a NASCAR driver.”
Both driver and team revealed a vivid No. 45 Chevrolet earlier in the week. How well that car will perform at the New Hampshire oval in Landauer’s first stock-car race in 17 months remains a question mark.
The goals for her debut are modest, with Landauer hoping to run every lap, get a feel for live pit stops and potentially fit inside the top 20 by the end. She said she has kept her skills sharp with simulation work and rigorous personal training, but with limited track time in practice and qualifying this weekend, the challenge is steep.
“What Julia’s about to do is extremely hard. It is extremely, extremely hard,” Martins said. “You’re about to come off the couch, basically, and just climb in an Xfinity car and you’re gonna get 20 laps of practice, right? That’s really, really hard to do, I don’t care who it is, much less somebody that doesn’t have any experience at this level. So I think we’re trying to be really realistic with what we’re going to expect out of her. And I think she is, too. I think anything around the top 25 would be an awesome day. So we know that it’s probably not gonna start there. It’s probably going to start a little further back to that. And we’re hoping that by the end of the day, we’re seeing the times improve, and obviously her spot on the race track improving as well.”
Landauer hopes to add more events to her schedule this season, putting her in position to assemble her 2023 racing slate.
“That is the plan,” she said, “and I’m cautiously optimistic that they’ll come to fruition.”
For now, Landauer has become part of the fabric at Alpha Prime, which has rotated 10 drivers — Martins included — through its two cars this season. Landauer will become the 11th.
“I think she’s an important part of what we’re doing,” Martins said. “First of all, I’ve made it a priority to make diversity a big part of our race team. That’s something that really matters to me, and so I look at what Rajah Caruth has done for us, just really being front and center for our race team all the time, and one of the best prospects in NASCAR. And I look at what Julia could become, and it’s like all she really needs is just an opportunity. She’s got everything that it takes off the track, and I believe on the track as well.
“So it’s really just about getting her in front of other people. Because behind closed doors, working with her on the level that I’ve worked with her, she’s been really, really impressive and really easy to work with. And I know all the guys in my race shop are really looking forward to her driving for us this weekend and they really want to help her out. They want to give her as good an opportunity as we can give her.”
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2022-07-15T22:39:53Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Julia Landauer's globe-trotting journey leads to Xfinity Series debut moment
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Ty Dillon said Friday he will not return to the No. 42 Petty GMS Motorsports Chevrolet in 2023.
Dillon, 30, made the announcement on social media before the NASCAR Cup Series’ visit this weekend to New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Dillon is midway through his first season with the organization, which launched last December as a two-car team after the merger of Richard Petty Motorsports and GMS Racing.
RELATED: 2022-23 Silly Season tracker
“I am grateful for the opportunity to drive the No. 42 for Petty GMS this year,” Dillon wrote. “However, at the conclusion of the 2022 Cup Series season, we have mutually agreed to go our separate ways. I’m looking forward to what is next in the future.”
Dillon ranks 27th in the Cup Series standings with one top-10 finish — 10th on Bristol Motor Speedway’s dirt in April — to date. He made his Cup Series debut in 2014 and joined the series full-time from 2017-20.
Dillon competed part-time in all three NASCAR national series last year after the closing of Germain Racing. He returned to full-time duty this year, first hired by Maury Gallagher’s GMS operation last October and retained after the merger was announced.
“Petty GMS and Ty Dillon have mutually agreed to part ways following the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series,” Petty GMS officials said in a statement later Friday. “We are appreciative of what Ty has done this year to help grow Petty GMS. As we continue the season, we remain focused on strong runs and getting the No. 42 Chevy Camaro to Victory Lane. We wish Ty all the best in the future.”
Dillon has one win in Xfinity Series competition and is a three-time winner in Camping World Trucks.
STORY: As he wrapped up the first leg of a Middle Eastern trip before departing for Saudi Arabia, Biden visited a hospital in East Jerusalem and pledged a multi-year $100 million package of financial and technical help.But after a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, he acknowledged that the creation of an independent Palestinian state remained a distant prospect with no immediate prospect of new talks with Israel.Abbas said prospects for a two-state solution to the conflict, the model favoured by the United States and world bodies including the United Nations, were receding and the opportunity "may not remain for a long time."He reiterated demands that the United States open a consulate in East Jerusalem, which Palestinians want as the capital of a future independent state, remove the Palestine Liberation Organization from a list of terrorist groups and allow it to re-open an office in Washington.
House Democrats will soon vote to move an assault weapons ban to the floor, marking the first time in decades that Congress has put lawmakers on record barring the popular firearms. The announcement came Friday morning from Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, who said the panel will stage its markup…
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2022-07-15T22:40:12Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Ty Dillon, Petty GMS Motorsports to split after 2022 season
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Iowa Hawkeyes set to take on Duke Blue Devils in Jimmy V Classic on Dec. 6
The Iowa Hawkeyes men’s basketball team is going to be taking on one of the nation’s premier blue bloods when they travel to the Jimmy V Classic in December of this upcoming season.
The Hawkeyes will make their way to Madison Square Garden in New York City to take part in the mega-event. On Dec. 6, Iowa will take on the Duke Blue Devils along with a matchup of the Texas Longhorns battling it out against fellow Big Ten Member, the Illinois Fighting Illini.
The #Hawkeyes will be returning to The World's Most Famous Arena to take on Duke in the 2022 @TheJimmyVClsc on Dec. 6!
STORY: https://t.co/qtxXAXEysd pic.twitter.com/5SgtJD2ZmJ
— Iowa Men’s Basketball (@IowaHoops) July 14, 2022
This will be Iowa’s first appearance in the Jimmy V Classic. Duke, Illinois, and Texas are all making their fourth trip to compete in the event that is held to generate donation money and awareness for the V Foundation for Cancer Research that is named after Jim Valvano.
However, it will be Iowa’s fifth trip to Madison Square Garden under head coach Fran McCaffery. The Hawkeyes advanced to the NIT Championship in 2013, participated in the 2K Classic in 2014 and 2018 (champions), and competed in the 2018 Big Ten Tournament.
Iowa has cracked the code against Duke just once in its history as they are 1-7 against the Blue Devils all-time in head-to-head matchups. The matchup this year may be a bit more wide open for the taking and a good chance for Iowa to get a win against the blue blood.
Iowa did lose two key figures after last season, Jordan Bohannon and Keegan Murray, but looks to continue building on a Big Ten Championship. Duke is entering a new era under head coach Jon Scheyer after all-time great Mike Krzyzewski retired following Duke’s Final Four appearance in last season’s NCAA Tournament.
The exact times for the games has not been set, but fans can expect both of these matchup to be aired on ESPN.
Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball's projected 2022-23 starting lineup, key reserves
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2022-07-15T23:40:40Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Iowa Hawkeyes set to take on Duke Blue Devils in Jimmy V Classic on Dec. 6
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Former Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Richie Incognito retired from the NFL on Friday. He signed a one-day deal with the Las Vegas Raiders to retire as a member of the team.
Incognito, 39, has not played in the NFL since 2020.
Playing with the Bills from 2015 to 2017, Incognito made three Pro Bowls. He also was on the team in 2009 for three games.
Throughout his NFL career Incognito had troubles follow him. He was suspended for misconduct related to the treatment of teammate Jonathan Martin which caused him to not play in 2014.
After that is when he signed in Buffalo, but the ending there become awkward as well.
Incognito had an issue involving an incident at a gym and his Bills career ended when he abruptly retired and went on to ask the team to release him.
Eventually he went on to sign with the Raiders and miss the entire 2021 season due to an Achilles injury.
Incognito was originally a third-round pick of the St. Louis Rams in 2005. He also played for the Miami Dolphins.
Richie Incognito is retiring after nearly two decades in the NFL. He made the announcement at Las Vegas Raiders headquarters in Henderson on Friday, July 15, 2022.
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2022-07-16T00:11:45Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Former Bills OL Richie Incognito retires from NFL
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Though the 49ers have had their fair share of misses during the Kyle Shanahan-John Lynch era, they have typically drafted well. The Niners have found stars and key contributors and done an excellent job of identifying talent in the later rounds.
One area in which the jury is still out, however, is in the Niners’ ability to draft and develop offensive linemen.
For starters, the 49ers simply haven’t drafted that many OL since Shanahan and Lynch took over. San Francisco has made 49 draft selections since 2017 and spent only seven of them on offensive linemen. That’s just over 14 percent of their draft capital.
That might sound like a reasonable percentage, but only two of those selections have been in the first two rounds. The Niners spent the No. 9 overall pick on right tackle Mike McGlinchey in 2018 and a second-rounder on another Notre Dame alum, guard Aaron Banks, last year.
San Francisco has predominantly leaned on experienced players to keep its offensive line in the top half of the NFL. The 49ers still had Joe Staley in place at left tackle in 2017, and when he retired in 2020 they seamlessly transitioned to Trent Williams following a draft-day trade for a player who is the undisputed best at his position in the wake of a stellar 2021.
The oft-injured Weston Richburg and seven-time Pro Bowler Alex Mack were the players they invested in at center. Mack joined Richburg in retirement this offseason. San Francisco did a tremendous job developing Laken Tomlinson into a reliable starting left guard, but he was acquired in an astute 2017 trade.
Daniel Brunskill has blossomed from a former AAF player into a solid right guard, but McGlinchey – who started as a rookie – is the only player the Niners can claim to have drafted and developed into a viable starter on the offensive line. Other draftees have started games, but only as fill-ins for injured players.
Yet with holes to be filled at left guard and center this season, and the long-term future at right guard and right tackle in doubt with both Brunskill and McGlinchey set to be free agents in 2023, this year is one in which the Niners’ proficiency for developing draft picks on the offensive line will be tested.
Under the largest spotlight on the O-Line is the prospective left guard, Banks. He did not start as a rookie as Brunskill held on to the right guard spot. Shanahan, per NBC Sports Bay Area, thought Banks was ready to start during the second half of last season but wanted to avoid continuity problems by making the move amid a winning streak that got the Niners into the postseason.
Sliding into his more natural position of left guard, Banks will be under pressure to vindicate his coach’s assessment. He will have the safety net of playing next to the All-Pro Williams, but the decision to draft Banks so highly will come under intense scrutiny should he prove a weak link following his expected promotion to the starting lineup. It is on the Niners’ coaching staff to ensure he is ready for that step up.
Though Mack’s replacement is not an entirely untested player, the success of the transition from a veteran with an in-depth knowledge of the Shanahan scheme to a player with just three career starts in Jake Brendel will also be a reflection on the coaching staff.
Brendel is a favorite of offensive line coach Chris Foerster and, given he was Mack’s backup for the entirety of last season, the Niners have had plenty of time to groom him to be ready for this opportunity. It is imperative Brendel, who was solid last preseason, rises to the challenge and builds a successful relationship with Trey Lance in the quarterback’s first year as a starter.
An under-the-radar task facing the 49ers’ coaching staff is that of developing potential replacements in case one of or both Brunskill and McGlinchey depart next offseason. Brunskill would likely be relatively easy to re-sign, but the Niners may want to try to upgrade on a player on the receiving end of often unfair criticism.
McGlinchey’s future clearly hinges on his durability and his performance in 2022. His weight was already seen as an issue before he tore his quad last year, and it is tough to imagine the Niners feeling comfortable committing to paying him long-term without a season in which he is healthy and offers consistency in pass protection.
The 49ers have 2020 fifth-round pick Colton McKivitz as a candidate to play right guard while Nick Zakelj could also be in the mix there, though San Francisco’s 2022 sixth-round pick spent his college career on the left side at tackle. 2021 fifth-round pick Jaylon Moore might also get a shot at RG.
It is fourth-round pick Spencer Buford who may be the most important young backup for San Francisco in terms of the right side of the O-Line. The Niners view Burford as an interior lineman after playing at tackle for UTSA. In college he displayed impressive lateral movement in pass protection, power in his hands, and the ability to drop his anchor to shut down pass rushers. Burford is a physical, tone-setting player but is also smooth on the move in the run game and excelled quickly getting to the second level to take on linebackers in college.
Burford has the skill set to suggest he could grow into a starter who can operate at guard and tackle and, as they plot their future on the offensive line, it would greatly behoove the 49ers to make sure his abilities are harnessed.
The Niners are fortunate to have the premier left tackle in the game but the loss of two of their most reliable players up front has forced them to put faith in linemen they have molded. Depending on how McGlinchey and Brunskill perform in 2022, they may need to do the same in 2023. San Francisco has invested draft capital in the O-Line in each of the last three drafts, it’s now time for the Niners to prove they can successfully develop talent on the offensive side of the trenches.
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2022-07-16T00:11:51Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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We’ll soon find out if the 49ers can draft and develop offensive linemen
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Rapoport: Texans reached settlement with 30 women who alleged Deshaun Watson of sexual misconduct
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport says that the Houston Texans have reached a settlement with 30 women who alleged Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson of sexual misconduct. This game is streaming live on the Yahoo Sports mobile app, or on NFL Network
Thirty women who had accused the Houston Texans of turning a blind eye to allegations that their former star quarterback Deshaun Watson was sexually assaulting and harassing women during massage sessions have settled their legal claims against the team, their attorney said Friday. The terms of the settlements between each of the women and the Texans are confidential, said attorney Tony Buzbee. While only one of the women had filed a lawsuit against the team, the others intended to make legal claims against the Texans before the settlements were reached, Buzbee said.
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2022-07-16T00:12:17Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Rapoport: Texans reached settlement with 30 women who alleged Deshaun Watson of sexual misconduct
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On Friday, a new number was added to the Watson story, and once again it's sickening. And at least two new questions are begging to be asked.
On Friday, attorney Tony Buzbee announced that the Houston Texans had reached settlements with 30 women who had or had planned on filing lawsuits against the team, alleging that it turned a blind eye to Watson's behavior while he was employed there.
One woman formally filed a lawsuit against the Texans after reporting from Jenny Vrentas of The New York Times in June showed that the franchise had provided the venue Watson used for at least some of his many massage appointments and that the team's head of security had provided the quarterback with a non-disclosure agreement after a woman threatened to expose Watson's allegedly grimy behavior.
Before being dealt to the Browns, Deshaun Watson spent all of last season deactivated from the Texans' roster. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth, File)
In a statement attributed to Houston team owners Janice, Hannah and Cal McNair, the team said in part, "Although our organization did not have any knowledge of Deshaun Watson's alleged misconduct, we have intentionally chosen to settle this matter amicably. This is not an admission of any wrongdoing, but instead a clear stand against any form of sexual assault and misconduct."
Given that the Texans' head of security, former Secret Service agent Brent Naccara, was the person who reportedly supplied the NDA to Watson, it's hard to believe Texans' brass were clueless to what Watson was allegedly doing away from the team facility.
It's worth repeating that professional athletes who need actual therapeutic massage will have one or two they use on a regular basis, and these days many NFL teams provide them at the practice facility.
At the time the Cleveland Browns surrendered three first-round draft picks to acquire Watson, he was facing 22 lawsuits. The Browns didn't care and signed him to an unprecedented $230 million, fully guaranteed contract that, in a show of what really matters, included a deflated base salary for 2022 to financially protect Watson in case the league suspended him this season.
The new questions to be asked: If the Texans faced a civil lawsuit tied to the Watson allegations and came to an agreement with 30 women, will the NFL sanction the organization? And, if Watson hadn't requested a trade from the Texans in January 2021, would the public know about any of this?
On the former question, the answer should be yes. Since it's the NFL, don't be optimistic the right thing will be done. This is, of course, a group that seems to be completely ignoring the conduct and allegations made against Washington Commanders owner Daniel Snyder, who has refused to appear before a Congressional panel investigating the gross mistreatment of women in team offices and other potential issues within the franchise.
A potential punishment for the Texans: the loss of the 2023 first-round draft pick Houston got from Cleveland as part of the Watson trade. They may have settled relatively quickly with the 30 women, but that doesn't mean we should all forget that the Texans played a role in enabling Watson's alleged predatory behavior. They shouldn't skate because they wrote a check.
On the latter question, we'll never know. But pro and college teams have a long history of doing what they can to protect players from sticky situations, especially star players.
The NFL has held its hearing with Watson, so now there's at least one more number we're waiting to find out: how many weeks he'll be suspended.
The Houston Texans have reached settlements with 30 women prepared to make claims against the NFL club for its alleged role regarding allegations of sexual misconduct against ex-Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson.
The Houston Astros lost Jose Altuve to injury in the first inning, and they were already road-weary before they were forced into extra innings in the final game of their trip. Yet, this big orange machine just keeps on rolling
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2022-07-16T00:12:42Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Texans' settlement with 30 Deshaun Watson accusers shouldn't absolve team from NFL
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It’s very interesting to see this happen when the Irish’s independence could be on borrowed time thanks to the potential mega-conferences coming to college football. If this group is able to put it all together to give the still-independent program its first national title since 1988, that changes the conversation drastically. From there, the Irish would be able to recruit even more big-name talent and remain relevant for years. Boy, wouldn’t this be the perfect way to silence some of these critics once and for all?
Jordan Wright, the leading returning scorer on Vanderbilt's basketball team, hung out with NASCAR's Chase Elliott while doing his internship
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2022-07-16T01:48:53Z
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Notre Dame atop 247Sports’ 2023 recruiting class rankings
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Fred Kerley, center, brings the tape with him after winning the men's 100 meter dash on day two of the USA Track and Field Championships 2022 at Hayward Field in Eugene Friday June 24, 2022.
Sydney McLaughlin, center, clears the last hurdle on her way to a world record in the women's 400 meter hurdles on day three of the USA Track and Field Championships 2022 at Hayward Field in Eugene Saturday June 25, 2022.
Ryan Crouser celebrates a throw to take the lead in the men's shot put at the USA Track and Field Championships Friday, June 24, 2022, at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore. Crouser won the event with three throws over 23 meters.
FILE - In this Sunday, June 30, 2019 file photo, South Africa's Caster Semenya smiles after winning the women's 800-meter race during the Prefontaine Classic, an IAAF Diamond League athletics meeting, in Stanford, Calif. USA. Caster Semenya's lawyer said Tuesday Nov. 17, 2020, they will take her case against the world track and field federation to the European Court of Human Rights in what's likely to be a last-ditch legal challenge against regulations that require the South African and some other female athletes to artificially lower their natural testosterone levels to compete. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Track world championship 2022: 10 storylines include Allyson Felix
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2022-07-16T02:38:58Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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10 biggest storylines for 2022 track and field world championships, from Allyson Felix to Erriyon Knighton
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Smothers, a 5-foot-11, 182-pound running back who played at Chambers High School for the last three years, picked OU over finalists Florida State, North Carolina State and Alabama.
“Why Oklahoma? The relationship I built with DeMarco Murray,” Smothers said. “And the coaching staff throughout that program did a good job recruiting me and my family to make me feel like it’s a home away from home.”
247Sports Composite Player Rating ranks Smothers as the No. 9 overall player in North Carolina, and with good reason. The two-time Charlotte Observer offensive player of the year earned North Carolina’s Mr. Football honors as a sophomore and led Chambers to its second straight 4AA state championship.
As for this fall, there’s still a question of where he’ll play high school football as a senior, and he said Thursday that he didn’t have an update on that situation.
The suspension would force Smothers to miss his entire senior year and prevent him from playing for another public high school in North Carolina governed by the NCHSAA.
The suspension does not apply to private schools in the state governed by the NCISAA, nor across the border in South Carolina.
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2022-07-16T02:39:29Z
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Top NC high school football recruit Daylan Smothers has picked his college
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Ty France hit a two-run single in the eighth inning as the Seattle Mariners rallied from a four-run deficit and beat the Texas Rangers 6-5 on Thursday night, extending their winning streak to 11 games. Seattle’s win streak is the second-longest in club history behind the 2001 Mariners, who won 15 straight. The run is also the second-longest streak in the majors this season, behind Atlanta’s 14-game win streak.
Julio Rodríguez's RBI single
Julio Rodríguez extends the Mariners' lead to three runs with an RBI base hit to left field in the top of the 4th inning
Adam Frazier's RBI knock
Adam Frazier gets the Mariners on the scoreboard with an RBI single through the left side of the infield in the 4th inning
Xander Bogaerts slid home on Michael King’s wild pitch with two outs in the 11th inning, and the Boston Red Sox recovered from a meltdown in the ninth to beat the New York Yankees 5-4 Friday night for just their third win in 11 games. All three of those Boston wins have come against the Yankees, who have the best record in the majors. Rafael Devers, Christian Vázquez and Bobby Dalbec homered for the Red Sox, who arrived after getting swept in a four-game series at Tampa Bay.
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2022-07-16T04:12:38Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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12 Ks for Ray, 12 Ws in row for M's after 8-3 win in Texas
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It's easy to get entranced with how Steph Curry plays the game of basketball. His constant movements, textbook shooting form, and the fact that he's fundamentally sound in almost every aspect of the game make it seem like it's almost "Stephortless."
"It's very tough," McCollum said plainly during the Warriors' final summer league game. McCollum also mentioned how the Warriors' system, Curry's ability to create his own shot and stretch to the defense all the way to halfcourt, and his stamina are what make him special.
Additionally, McCollum shared what opposing teams' defensive gameplans are when playing Curry and the Warriors.
"You have to throw different bodies at him; this isn't a guy you can just guard with one person," he said. "He's a galaxy, he's a planet, he's a solar system. Everything revolves around him."
McCollum concludes that overall, the game plan is to minimize his open looks because it's not really possible to stop him. Paired with Klay Thompson, the "Splash Brothers" arguably are the hardest guard combo to stop in the league and while Klay's incredible shooting has a lot to do with that, Curry's shooting prowess is on another level.
RELATED: Wiseman, Kuminga show flashes in Warriors' summer league finale
Earlier this year, Curry broke the all-time 3-point record in Madison Square Garden, and teams, as a whole, are attempting more 3-pointers because of Curry. Without him, the "3-Point Revolution" probably would have never happened, which is fair to say for the Warriors' four championships as well.
At the end of the day, Curry changed the game of basketball, although opposing defenders wished that he hadn't.
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2022-07-16T04:12:50Z
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CJ McCollum highlights difficulties Steph Curry presents on defense
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Washington State Cougars: Keys To The Season, Top Game, Top Transfer, Fun Stats
Washington State Cougars: Key To The 2022 Offense
Be Washington State again throwing the ball.
No one’s asking for a return to the Mike Leach era of winging it all over the place with the occasional 500-yard passing day, but the offense could use some more 300-yard performances – there was just one last year – and fewer mistakes after giving up 13.
The offensive line has to be stronger, the ground game needs to average over four yards per carry, and more drives have to end in scores after struggling in the red zone.
The new parts to the mix, though, need to create a more dynamic attack – they will.
Washington State Cougars: Key To The 2022 Defense
The run defense has to avoid the disaster.
The pass rush has to be better, and more tackles for loss would be nice, but the bigger need is keep the 200-yard rushing games to a bare minimum.
Overall the Wazzu defenses haven’t been too bad against the run over the years, but a few bad games here and there end up screwing everything up.
Last year the run defense allowed a too-high 4.6 yards per carry, and it was wildly inconsistent.
It got gouged by Oregon and, to a point, Arizona, and allowed ten yards to Washington. It got hammered by Oregon State, and then was a brick wall against Stanford.
By the way, there’s a trip to Wisconsin early on.
Washington State Cougars: Key Player To The 2022 Season
OT Grant Stephens, Sr.
The offensive line should be okay. It’s not going to be a killer, and it has to be stronger in pass protection, but the starting five will get the job done if the tackle situation is set.
New Seattle Seahawk Abraham Lucas was the star at right tackle last year, and now 6-4, 295-pound Grant Stephens comes in from Northern Colorado to try working as a key part of the puzzle. As long as he can hold down the job, the other four up front should be set.
Washington State Cougars: Key Transfer
QB Cameron Ward, Soph.
You want your next college football superstar? The 6-3, 220-pound Ward might just be it if he can translate the production from his time at UIW over to Wazzu.
The 6-3, 223-pound FCS start threw for 2,260 yards and 24 touchdowns with four picks two years ago, and last year was even better hitting 65% of his passes for 4,648 yards and 47 touchdowns with ten picks.
He’s a big-time pro prospect with the mobility to go along with the arm and the decision-making ability to make the O explode.
Washington State Key Game To The 2022 Season
Oregon, Sept. 24
Can the Cougars make a big statement in the Pac-12 opener?
They have a road trip to Wisconsin early on, but that’s the only game outside of Washington until the date at USC in Week 6.
The last win over Oregon was in 2018, but that was part of a four-game winning streak in the series – it’s not like the Cougars haven’t been able to get past the power program before.
Pull off the upset, and with Cal coming up next there’s a good chance to be at least 4-1 going into the USC game as a part of three road games in four dates.
Washington State Cougars: 2021 Fun Stats
– Opponent Scoring: 1st-3rd quarters 188. 4th quarter 127
– Fumbles: Opponents 29 (lost 14) – Washington State 11 (lost 5)
– Total Yards: Washington State 4,922 – Opponents 4,904
Washington State Cougars Season Prediction, What Will Happen NEXT
Washington State Cougars Season Prediction, What Will Happen
Just how good can the Washington State offense be?
The program went through all the drama of losing its head coach last year – along with an inconsistent offense that didn’t always help the cause – to go 7-5 in the regular season before the bizarre performance in the Sun Bowl loss to Central Michigan.
So why can’t a team with what appears to be a much, much better offense do even more?
It’s possible, but there are a slew of 50/50 games that have to go the right way to come up with a winning season.
Set The Washington State Cougars Regular Season Win Total At … 6
Missing Colorado hurts, but not having to play UCLA in the no-division format is a plus.
Outside of – possibly – USC, there isn’t a killer road game, but Oregon State, Stanford, and Arizona would all be lean-win if those games were played in Pullman. They’re going to be dangerous on the road.
Going to Wisconsin is rough – especially for a team with a sketchy run defense – and while Oregon, Cal, Utah, Arizona State, and Washington are all home games, none of those are a guarantee.
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2022-07-16T04:58:47Z
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Washington State Cougars Preview 2022: Season Prediction, Breakdown, Key Games, Players
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Following a rookie season at right tackle, Smith has now spent the last decade manning the left tackle spot. And he continues to do it at a high level, not just outranking his peers consistently, but outlasting most of his star-studded classmates. Cam Newton, Patrick Peterson, Marcel Dareus, Julio Jones, Aldon Smith and Watt were all drafted in the top 11 picks along with Smith and Von Miller, and only the latter two are still performing at high levels if still playing at all. In fact, Smith’s performance was so impressive that in just 11 games in 2021, one NFL evaluator still saw fit to name him the best tackle in the game in ESPN’s latest top-10 ranking.
Smith ended up being ranked fifth overall in the combination poll and scoring system.
Smith spent 2021 reminding us all what happens when he’s healthy: Defenders get thrown around. In 11 games played, Smith posted the highest Pro Football Focus rating of his career at 91.9, and his 78.3% run block win rate was No. 7 among tackles. He’s known to have two of the heaviest hands in the modern NFL, which helps for clubbing pass-rushers off the play.
Smith last played a full NFL season in 2015. But that’s OK for Dallas, which has an elite tackle on a major discount. Smith has two years left on an eight-year, $97.6 million deal. The payout of $12.2 million per year ranks 25th among tackles.
It’s now been six seasons since Smith was able to suit up for a full season’s compliment of games. During that stretch he’s never played more than 13 and been as low as two, in 2020. But when he’s on the field, he is still one of the best the league has ever seen, almost assuredly earning a spot in Canton one day. An eight-time Pro Bowler and twice-named First-Team All Pro has dominated opponents for years. The Cowboys simply have to find a player capable of filling in during the games Smith is assured to miss.
They feel like they’ve done that in selecting Tulsa’s Tyler Smith in this year’s first round. Smith will start out playing left guard, but he has taken snaps at tackle to prepare him to eventually take over for the elder Smith. That could happen as early as some missed games this upcoming season.
In the meantime, Tyron Smith will continue to give edge defenders fits, and it doesn’t look like he’s going to stop being a menace anytime soon.
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2022-07-16T05:15:11Z
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Cowboys Tyron Smith gets vote for top OT, lands in ESPN’s top-10 ranking
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At times, it worked, as we saw in 2017 when the Jags nearly went to the Super Bowl. There were also some good additions made in the earliest years of the team’s history when the Jags had some of their best consecutive seasons. There have also been times where they missed big on players, and it set the franchise back longer than expected, like in the Gene Smith era.
In Episode 16 of the “Touchdown Jaguars!” podcast, Jags Wire’s Phil Smith and I took a trip down memory lane and ranked the three best and worst signings in team history. For the most part, our respective lists were almost identical, but we shared our opinions on why each player made the list and what were the most memorable moments to come from their respective tenures.
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2022-07-16T05:15:17Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Podcast: Reviewing the 3 best and worst free agent signings in Jags history
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Carson Daly and Mike Tirico talk about the storied history behind the 150th Open Championship in St. Andrews, Scotland.
Yahoo Sports looks at the latest betting information as the St. Louis Cardinals host the Cincinnati Reds
Cameron Smith holds British Open lead at halfway stage
Australia's Cameron Smith surged into the lead at the halfway stage of the 150th British Open after a sensational eight-under-par second round of 64 on Friday left him on 13-under for the tournament at the halfway stage.
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2022-07-16T10:19:45Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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How to Watch the 2022 Open Championship: Schedule, TV channel, Pairings
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Austin Riley's two-run homer
Austin Riley hammers a two-run home run to left-center in the top of the 1st inning to give the Braves a 3-0 lead
Ireland built an emphatic first-half lead, then held off New Zealand’s second-half rally to win the deciding third test match 32-22 on Saturday, recording its first-ever series win against the All Blacks and rocking New Zealand rugby a year out from a World Cup. Only a week after posting its first-ever test win over New Zealand in New Zealand, Ireland won again — and emphatically — to become only the third team and the first in almost 40 years to beat the All Blacks in a three-test series at home. Ireland led 22-3 after a magnificent first half in which it scored tries through backrower Josh van der Flier, fullback Hugo Keenan and center Robbie Henshaw while stifling the All Blacks attack.
Follow live updates as Ireland face the All Blacks in a titanic series decider
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2022-07-16T11:53:20Z
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Braves pound 3 HRs, send Nationals to eighth straight loss
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Shortly after announcing his retirement from the NFL on Friday, it was reported that former Tennessee Titans defensive back Jason McCourty is a favorite to land a job on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football.”
The news comes from Andrew Marchand and Ryan Glasspiegel of the New York Post, who note McCourty would be taking the role once held by Nate Burleson, who moved on to “CBS This Morning” last August.
Along with Burleson’s departure, the show has also lost host Kay Adams, who is being replaced by former CBS sideline reporter, Jamie Erdahl. Two of the originals on the show, Kyle Brandt and Peter Schrager, remain.
A former 2009 sixth-round pick of the Titans, McCourty became one of the better defensive backs in the NFL during his 13-year career, exceeding all expectations for a late-round selection.
After eight seasons in Nashville and one year in Cleveland, McCourty, who was always a class act, made a home for himself in New England over three seasons there, winning one Super Bowl in 2018. He closed out his career with the Miami Dolphins in 2021.
Tulsa has grabbed international attention thanks to actor and activist Sophia Bush.
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2022-07-16T12:55:59Z
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Report: Retired DB Jason McCourty the favorite for ‘Good Morning Football’ role
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Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw, left, hugs teammate Justin Turner after the eighth inning of the Dodgers' 9-1 win over the Angels at Angel Stadium on Friday. (Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)
Kershaw has earned that role, though he wouldn’t so say on Friday. Asked if his next start will be on Tuesday, he smiled. “Yeah, the All-Star Game's on Tuesday, for sure,” he said. “I’m excited to get to be a part of it.
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2022-07-16T13:24:39Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Elliott: Clayton Kershaw deserves his perfect moment as an All-Star starter at Dodger Stadium
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J.T. Realmuto clarifies comments, looks to 'turn the page' originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
MIAMI -- After missing the Toronto leg of the Phillies' nine-game road trip because they did not have the COVID-19 vaccine, J.T. Realmuto, Alec Bohm, Aaron Nola and Kyle Gibson rejoined the team for Friday night's game against the Miami Marlins.
Gibson was the starting pitcher with Realmuto set behind the plate. Bohm, who dislocated his left ring finger Monday night in St. Louis, was almost fully recovered and available off the bench. He could be back at third base on Saturday. Nola is set to start the final game before the All-Star break on Sunday.
Realmuto created a firestorm after Monday's game in St. Louis when he characterized the salary he forfeited by not traveling to Toronto as "a little bit." His lack of compliance with Canada's vaccination policy actually cost him about $263,000.
Realmuto said he regretted his choice of words.
"I wish I hadn't used the words 'little bit,'" he said before Friday night's game. "When the thought 'little' came into my mind, it was over the two games compared to a 162-game season, not the amount of money.
"I didn't mean it to come out that way, but my logic for saying it was about the games, not the money.
"I'm from Oklahoma, raised on zero money. My family made no money till me, so I know how much money that is that I forfeited. I know it's a lot of money. My point was money was not going to make the decision for me."
Realmuto added that he stood by his decision not to get vaccinated and there was nothing political about it. The decision, he said, was strictly personal.
The Phillies do not play at home for a week.
What kind of reaction does Realmuto expect when the Phils return to Citizens Bank Park?
"I've got the support of this clubhouse and the people around me," he said. "The fans have always been great to me. There's going to be some people disappointed with what I said and that is understandable. We'll turn the page at some point."
Sixers observations: Grant Riller gets hot in blowout win over Nuggets at summer league
The summer Sixers were dominant Friday night in a 97-71 win over the Nuggets in Las Vegas. By Noah Levick
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2022-07-16T13:25:04Z
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Phillies' J.T. Realmuto clarifies vaccine comments, looks to 'turn the page'
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By 9 a.m. back home, the Las Vegas Aces had scored 71 — yes, 71 — points on the New York Liberty and it was only halftime. It was three points fewer than the Liberty's total, 108-74, a strong showing for an Aces team that has defensively dropped into an abyss the last two weeks.
LOL it's 9 a.m. in Las Vegas and the Aces lead NY Liberty, 71-36, at half. I kid you not.
A'ja Wilson: 20p (9-11), 4r, 2s, 2b
Chelsea Gray: 16p (6-7/4-4 3s), 7a
Kelsey Plum: 17p (5-7/4-6 3s), 4a
Jackie Young 4p, 6a, 2s
Aces shooting 74.3% (26-35) and 75% (12-16!) from 3
— Cassandra Negley (@CasNegley) July 14, 2022
The score was impressive, but the fact that local fans barely had time for breakfast before watching tipoff was what really drove the conversation on Thursday morning. The game was played at Barclays Center in Brooklyn with an 11 a.m. tip time in New York and a bonkers 8 a.m. for those on the West Coast.
So why are so many WNBA games this summer so early?
Why are WNBA games so early?
Las Vegas Aces forward A'ja Wilson shoots the ball against New York Liberty's Natasha Howard in the first half at Barclays Center on July 14, 2022. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The noise on these games might give a clue. WNBA teams hold "Camp Day" where local summer camps are invited to attend the game. Those in attendance receive group-entry prices and the day is designed to accommodate them.
It's a benefit to both sides. For summer camp programmers, it's a fun field trip to use for both their camp goers and employees. It's a perk that can break up the week and offers campers something they may never have the chance to do, either because of finances or family preference. Parents might not have the means to take their family to an outing. Most might not think of taking them to a WNBA game.
For WNBA teams, that's exactly why they want to bring in those campers. They're at the perfect age to grow into fans and hopefully watch more games in the future. They might tell their friends and families about the day or ask for team gear as gifts, which in turn promotes the game and grows fandom. In a league still fighting for TV time and media coverage at all, it's a smart move.
But it has to fit into the day of a summer camp. There are some day camps that end as early as 3 p.m. local time. Others might go as late as 5 p.m. In terms of the game at Barclays, it ended around 1 p.m. local time. It takes time to get kids on the buses and make sure everyone is accounted for and then there's travel time to get them back to camp for pickup.
Fun for kids, not as fun for players
Obviously, it's not as fun of a time for the players since their pregame routines are screwed up by early tipoffs. It's not like junior varsity where a player rolls out of bed to throw on a jersey and hop in the Suburban.
We really play a game at 11 AM tomorrow pic.twitter.com/lvEXLzsWGY
It can also impact superstitions that might include pregame naps. Outside of camp days, most games start no earlier than 3 p.m. local time. There are some 1 p.m. ET games on ABC that mean even earlier tipoff in other time zones, much like what happened with WNBA All-Star. Some on the West Coast noted they were finished watching what should have been a prime-time event by noon.
Liberty to play stretch of morning games
The Liberty will need to adjust to games eight hours ahead of schedule since they have two more on deck. The one on Thursday was their own camp day.
New York travels to play the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. ET in a game aired on NBA TV. And two days later, on Thursday, they'll go down the coast to play the Washington Mystics with an 11:30 a.m. tip.
If fans can pull a March Madness and stream games while at work, these early tipoffs can be refreshing. But it's a condensed time frame to the season because of the FIBA World Cup in September. There's only one month left and about 10 games. With the No. 6 through No. 11 teams separated by 1.5 games, that means key matchups will be determined at a time most faithful can't watch.
And despite the excitement around these matchups, it likely means lower TV numbers. That's a problem largely because when WNBA viewership is mentioned, the context of it is never taken into account.
The Liberty (9-15, 11th) are one of those teams fighting back into a top-eight spot. The Sun (15-8, fourth) are two games out of the top spot. And the Mystics (15-10) are a game out of a top-four seeding, meaning home-court advantage to start the first-round playoff series.
Hide the lighters. Mike Judge’s Beavis and Butt-Head series will arrive on Paramount+ Aug. 4, MTV Entertainment Studios announced Thursday. Along with the premiere news, a trailer for the series dropped, which features all the key elements fans have come to expect from the classic adult cartoon: crass jokes, buffoonery and, of course, fire. Mike […]
The boots are reportedly returning in men's and women's sizing.
Jags announce promotions within executive staff and a new addition
The Jags announced two promotions within their executive staff on Wednesday and also made an addition to it.
#GetTheChampAStamp social media campaign to memorialize Muhammad Ali on a postage stamp picks up steam
The process to make it happen could be as long as three years.
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2022-07-16T14:42:50Z
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Basketball for breakfast: Why are so many WNBA games so early?
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Kenya sprinter advances despite getting to Eugene 2 hours before race
Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala started Friday with a marathon and ended with a sprint as the Kenyan runner needed three flights totaling more than 20 hours to get to Eugene in time to race in the last heat of the 100-meter prelims.
Omanyala finished third in his heat in 10.10 seconds, advancing to the semifinals, which start early Saturday evening. The 100 final is the last event Saturday night.
Omanyala’s trip would have sidelined most people: Five-hour flight to Doha, six-hour layover, 14-hour flight to Seattle, three-hour layover and finally, a one-hour flight to Eugene. He landed around 4:15 p.m. local time and was immediately ferried to Hayward, where he arrived by 5 p.m. Heats started at 6:50.
-Lindsey Schnell, USA Today
Crouser coasts into shot put final
Ryan Crouser spent more time fishing for trout Thursday afternoon than what he spent in the shot put ring Friday night at Hayward Field.
The world record holder and two-time Olympic champion took one attempt during the qualifying rounds as his throw of 73 feet, 1¼ inches easily met the automatic qualifying standard of 69-6¾ for Sunday’s final.
Not surprisingly, no one recorded a better mark, though fellow Americans Joe Kovacs — reigning world champion — Josh Awotunde and Adrian Piperi also made the final.
“A very good showing,” Crouser said. “It was exciting to see.”
See also:Crouser is the best shot putter in the history of track and field. He's also a nerd.
It was also good showing for Crouser on river Thursday afternoon as he reeled in several rainbow trout, though none for eating.
“It’s catch-and-release only fishing on the Lower McKenzie,” he said. “Also, I’m in a hotel room so I don’t think anyone wants to eat microwave trout.”
-Chris Hansen
Hull and Sinclaire move into 1,500 semifinal
It could be a busy week for Jessica Hull, as the former Oregon Ducks star hopes to get in five races between the 1,500 and 5,000.
She got started Friday with a smooth showing in her 1,500 prelim, finishing second in 4:04.68 as she rode the pace set by Olympic champ Faith Kipyegon, who won their heat in 4:04.53
“The first one is always the nerve wracking one,” Hull said. “I got to get out there, I got to feel the track, got to feel the welcome home, so I think I’m going to be better for it tomorrow for having done it. I’ve got a big program this week so just trying to enjoy it as much as I can.”
The semifinals are Saturday night and in the heat opposite Hull will be U.S. champion Sinclaire Johnson, who was fourth in her prelim in 4:07.65.
Hull and Johnson are training partners with the Portland-based Union Athletics Club.
“I got through and did what I needed to do today,” Johnson said. “Just looking forward to tomorrow and beyond.”
Walkers take off from the start line of the men’s 20 kilometer race walk on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. on the opening day of the World Athletics Championships Friday, July 15, 2022, in Eugene, Ore.
This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Highlights from Friday's events at Oregon22 track championships
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2022-07-16T14:55:52Z
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Friday highlights from Oregon22 track championships
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Chauncey Gardner-Johnson: Saints D just going to go out there and dominate originally appeared on Pro Football Talk
Every single 'Harry Potter' and 'Fantastic Beasts' movie, ranked by fans
The film series based on the children's books and the subsequent spin-offs have a huge fan base. But some movies are better than others.
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2022-07-16T16:06:34Z
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Chauncey Gardner-Johnson: Saints D just going to go out there and dominate
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Chain-smoking John Daly remains golf's true rockstar – and every mother's worst nightmare - Reuters
John Daly of the U.S. as he putts on the 9th during the second round - Reuters
Daly may seem at times like a caricature and many of his European admirers, in particular, would probably not be a fan of his support for Donald Trump. But the man from Arkansas has something that the average golf fan longs: for relatability. He looked utterly jaded by the time he three-putted at the eighteenth. But the fact he stayed in the hunt for the cut for so long was a contrast to Tiger Woods’ capitulation that led him to end the day at nine over par.
John Daly of the U.S. tees off on the 18th during the second round - Reuters
Americans Jennifer Kupcho and Lizette Salas combined to shoot a six-under par 64 and seize a four-stroke lead after Friday's third round of the LPGA Great Lakes Bay Invitational.
Cameron Smith stormed into a two-shot lead of the 150th British Open with an eight-under-par second round to move to a record 13-under at the halfway stage at St Andrews.
Tiger Woods finished at the back of the pack in the first two days of the Open Championship and will not play over the weekend at St Andrews.
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2022-07-16T16:25:58Z
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Chain-smoking John Daly remains golf's true rockstar – and every mother's worst nightmare
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SAN FRANCISCO - This one will go down in the annals for the Milwaukee Brewers.
"It wasn't a good night," Brewers manager Craig Counsell said. "We've got to just get to work and see what's going on and try to help him fix it."
Counting Wednesday's loss at Minnesota, Hader allowed three homers to four batters at that point.
A perfectly placed bloop single to short right by Thairo Estrada loaded the bases, then Yastrzemski completed the stunner by drilling a first-pitch, 96-mph sinker out to center for a grand slam.
"I just didn't execute pitches when it comes down to it," said Hader, who has pitched three of the Brewers' last four games and suffered three of his losses in his last five. "Just over-battling, over-working and not executing the pitches I needed to make."
Here’s the man, Josh Hader, on his fateful outing against the Giants tonight: pic.twitter.com/IfkP0qRyi6
Hader said he feels fine physically and that there's not one pitch he's struggling with in particular.
"Right now, I think it’s just everything," he said. "I feel like I’m trying to feel things I don’t need to and I lost the aggressiveness that I normally have. So, it’s just little things. But I’ve just got to move on and bring it tomorrow."
Counsell noted it was the fastball that haunted Hader this time, with Bart's and Yastrzemski's homers coming against those. Ruf jumped on a changeup for his homer.
"They jumped on some fastballs, but I think we've got to get to work and try to help him," Counsell said. "Location's always something that's obviously important. He's lived with a great fastball. Hitters know a fastball is coming and that's been dominant.
"We've just got to take a look at it and get him straightened out."
"Go in there and flush it," Hader said. "This game’s hard. It’s not an easy game to play, and you’re going to have your ups and downs. You’ve just got to keep on moving forward."
Brandon Woodruff says he knows Josh Hader will be “just fine” despite the brutal nature of tonight’s loss to the Giants: pic.twitter.com/hMtL8iAuco
"Look, he's the best closer in the game, in my opinion," Woodruff said. "We're not perfect. I wish I could go out and strike out 10 people a game and put up seven, eight zeros or throw a complete game. But that's just not the reality of this game.
"This is a very, very hard game, and he is the best at what he does. Sometimes, this just happens. But I'll tell you what, the good thing about Josh is that he has the right mindset for that closer's job and he understands that role so well.
"He's fine. I know he's upset; anybody would be. But he's the perfect guy for that role, and he'll be just fine."
Christian Yelich, up next, chopped a grounder to the right side that glanced off LaMonte Wade Jr.'s glove at first base, allowing Wong to score and leading manager Gabe Kapler to pull Wood at 84 pitches.
Tellez, pinch-hitting, was hit by a pitch and Hunter Renfroe legged out an infield single to again load the bases. Luis Urías then earned an easy RBI by drawing a four-pitch walk from Rogers, upping the Brewers' lead to 5-2.
"They made some mistakes and we had some luck, frankly," Counsell said. "And then Cutch had a big hit. And then we had some good at-bats to get the next run in. It was a good inning where you take advantage of a team giving you an extra out, then we strung some really good at-bats together."
Command issues saw Woodruff fall behind to 10 of the 17 batters he faced over that same span, with Wade's two-out, two-run triple to right-center giving the Giants the lead in the second.
Angels turn two to end threat
Jonathan Villar snags a hard-hit ball to third base, alertly tagging the baserunner and firing to first to turn a double play for the Angels
Keegan Murray hopes to accomplish some big goals he set for himself in the summer league.
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2022-07-16T16:26:17Z
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Josh Hader surrenders three home runs in ninth as Brewers suffer crushing loss to Giants
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Yaz shares Bart's inspiring message that fueled walk-off win originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
Talk about a flair for the dramatics.
Down by one in the bottom of the ninth with the bases loaded, Giants right fielder Mike Yastrzemski swung on the first pitch he saw from Milwaukee Brewers' closer Josh Hader. Not only did Yastrzemski connect on the 96-mph fastball, but he also crushed the game-winning grand slam, giving the Giants the dramatic 8-5 win and sending the team and fans home happy.
"We put a lot of good at-bats at the end," Yastrzemski said postgame. "It's one of those things where we kind of had a few going in the ninth there and felt like something special was going to happen."
In all, three Giants hit home runs in the ninth: Joey Bart, Darin Ruf, and the aforementioned Yastrzemski. Although fans will remember Yastrzemski's home run to cap off the win, Yastrzemski says that it was something Bart did in the dugout during the sixth inning that helped fire up the team.
"'Guys, we're down three runs. We gotta be aggressive, let's go, we're not down by 15'," Yastrzemski recalls Bart saying. "For a guy who is as young as he is, he showed a lot of maturity ... a lot of credit goes to him for keeping that mindset."
In speaking to reporters after the game, Bart downplayed his role in igniting the Giants' comeback.
Joey Bart says he didn't say anything to the team to pump them up, but he still believed the Giants could make a comeback pic.twitter.com/PcZUFTyrvR
"No I didn't even say anything, I don't even know where that's coming from," Bart said. "To be honest, I said something to Curt [Casali] just between me and him like 'hey we've gotta get going.' As a young player I don't feel like it's really my role to try and speak out. That's just kind of how I was feeling at the time.
"Like, 'hey, it's not over yet. Let's keep going, let's find a way to win' and magic happened for sure."
It sounds like Bart said something, but it remains unclear exactly who picked up on it other than Casali or if it was just one long game of telephone. Regardless, I guess you could say that the young catcher at least manifested the win, right?
RELATED: Report: Giants, Dodgers showing interest in Reds' Drury
Yaz describes the leadership Joey Bart showed tonight, which included him snapping in the 6th inning to fire up the team 👠pic.twitter.com/DiebNZk6Qw
The Giants will look to keep it going in game three Saturday at 4:15 PM PT at Oracle Park.
Yastrzemski drills walk-off grand slam in Giants' win
Rory McIlroy holed a bunker shot from 30 yards for eagle at No. 10 and is tied for the lead with Viktor Hovland at the British Open. McIlroy's tee shot at the par-4 10th bounced into a bunker on the right of the fairway. McIlroy and Hovland are 15 under.
The countdown of the most important FSU players continues with the highest-ranked offensive lineman coming in at No. 4.
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2022-07-16T17:48:43Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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How Joey Bart's inspiring message to Giants fueled miraculous walk-off win
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Photo credit: Joe Robbins - Getty Images
According to published reports, Westminster police say that East sustained a stab wound to the chest and was transported to a local hospital where he died. Trent William Millsap, 27, is named by Westminster police as a suspect. No motive was listed in the reports. Millsap is reportedly a transient from the Westminster-Anaheim area in Southern California.
Photo credit: Jerry Markland - Getty Images
East was a native of Torrence, Calif., who lived in Brownsburg, Ind., during most of his racing career. He made 31 career starts in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and 11 starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series between 2005 and 2008. His best NASCAR finishes were eighth-place finishes in the Truck Series for team owner Jack Roush at Texas and Memphis in 2008.
Seven counties in the Cincinnati region now have medium community levels as designated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The former NASCAR and USAC driver was reportedly stabbed during a confrontation with another driver.
Stevens Point to host next year's U.S. Senior Open
Both Jerry Kelly and Steve Stricker will take part in the U.S. Senior Open Championship at SentryWorld.
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2022-07-16T17:55:52Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Former NASCAR Driver, USAC Champ Bobby East Stabbed, Killed at Gas Station in California
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Florida football has seen its share of ups and downs after a decade-plus of consistent turnover on the sidelines that has seen a carousel of four different head coaches rotate through the Swamp. The lack of leadership at the top of the program has manifested itself in many ways, among those being a dearth of discipline among some of the players that dates back to even the Urban Meyer era.
The troubles came to a head at the end of the 2020 season with the shoe-throwing incident against the LSU Tigers, which many believe marked the beginning of the end for the Dan Mullen era. The issues continued into the following season, which saw the program put up its worst record in Southeastern Conference play since 1986 and finished below the .500 mark for the first time since the 2017 campaign — when Jim McElwain was ousted as head coach.
The Athletic’s college football staff recently assembled to offer their lingering question for each SEC football program, with Florida’s being the obvious elephant in the room. Here is the entry offered by Gators beat writer G. Allan Taylor.
Frankly, I could not have said it any better myself — there seems to have been an institutional weakness when it comes to mental fortitude under Mullen, but Napier has not had his chance to prove himself yet. However, the dismissal of three players back in June (with a fourth on thin ice) does seem to signal a change in policy when it comes to tolerating behavior that is detrimental to the team, so hopefully, these significant concerns are already being addressed.
Detroit Tigers lineup vs. Cleveland Guardians: Torkelson, Baddoo, Haase start
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2022-07-16T18:17:50Z
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One lingering question has The Athletic wondering about Florida football
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LOUDON, N.H. — As one of a small handful of drivers over the age of 40 racing full-time at NASCAR‘s top level, 2004 Cup Series champ Kurt Busch isn‘t immune to retirement rumors.
They‘ve cropped up over the past few years, almost an annual tradition at this point, but here he is still winning races and looking just as competitive only weeks shy of his 44th birthday.
Naturally, with this week‘s news that up-and-coming superstar Tyler Reddick had signed with Busch’s team 23XI Racing — currently a two-car operation with Bubba Wallace driving the No. 23 Toyota — the rumor mill sparked right up again that Busch could be the odd man out before Reddick joins the franchise for the 2024 season. Team co-owner Denny Hamlin strongly reiterated during the announcement that Busch would have a seat for as long as he wants it (and has a “cushy office job” waiting for him when he does decide to hang it up) but a lot can change over a year and a half.
RELATED: 23XI signs Reddick for 2024 | Weekend schedule
For now, nothing has changed. In fact, it might‘ve even opened up some new “options” for himself and 23XI.
“It’s all on the same timeline,” Busch said Friday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, site of Sunday‘s Ambetter 301 (3 p.m. ET, USA Network, NBC Sports App, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). “For me, this is just now that it’s out in the open, things that we’ve been working on behind the scenes, part of the process of which drivers we were evaluating and communicating with Toyota and their development program as well. So it’s neat to have these options, that’s the key thing as well as the options part of this. It’s what it does with sponsorship, it’s what it does with Toyota’s involvement, and just the way that we’re developing some things and the infrastructure behind the scenes. This is a key movement. And that’s what we’re trying to do is do it as a team.
“It’s still the same, it’s a matter of what is the right option. And when all signs point towards this or that, the great thing that I have right now is a lot of respect from the race team. Steve Lauletta, MJ, Denny, they’ve all said that I have a seat as long as I want it. That’s so valuable to me. Just … it makes me smile, want to race harder and work harder. So there’s still plenty of options that we’re looking at.”
23XI will have a decision to make at some point, however. No car number or sponsor was made part of the Reddick announcement, just that the Michael Jordan/Hamlin-co-owned organization had signed a “franchise driver.” There was no indication of expansion, either.
It‘s extremely unlikely Wallace will be squeezed out for Reddick, and Busch, based on what Hamlin has said, can dictate his future. There‘s a possibility, of course, the team expands to three cars to accommodate its newest acquisition, but it‘s a bit of a tall order for an organization still working to find its sea legs to a degree in its infancy. This is just its second year of existence, after all, and Hamlin himself has said time and again that it will take years to get to where he wants the team to be.
So, to count on Busch walking away after next season to post up in front of a laptop instead of a steering wheel feels less likely at this point with how Busch continues to perform. A win at Kansas Speedway earlier this year has him provisionally locked into the playoffs, and he has been sporty at the “Magic Mile” thus far this weekend, claiming a P3 spot in Saturday’s qualifying session.
MORE: Kurt Busch through the years | All of his Cup Series wins
It‘s just a matter of, essentially, how long he wants to keep doing this.
“I need to call Mark Martin and double check where the fountain of youth is,” Busch cracked when asked if he‘d want to race into his 50s. “It’s just … it’s respect. And it’s the opportunity that’s around us with so many different variables with the manufacturer filling sponsorships for me and having a place like this to be part of when I’m done racing. That’s important to me as well. So there’s just a lot of options right now. We just don’t have all the exact answers.
“I don’t have an (age) in my head I, again, sat down and did lists and did options and thoughts, pros and cons, when I was going from Roush to Penske, and when I was leaving Penske, and just all the lists.
“The key thing is if the phone keeps ringing, you keep racing.”
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2022-07-16T18:44:23Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Kurt Busch opens up on impact of Reddick signing, 'fountain of youth' and how long he'll be racing
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