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Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris wants the ball.
Even after he led the NFL with 381 touches during his rookie season, Harris said he's comfortable toting the tock 400-500 times in 2022 if it means the Steelers are winning games.
“I can get 500, god [expletive] it,” Harris told the Rich Eisen Show on Thursday. "Listen, I didn't have an issue with it. It was the media who had an issue with it. I told them every game, 'If this is the way we're winning, I can carry the load.' I train to carry loads. It's not something that I haven't done before. I did it in college, high school, in the NFL. For me to get that much carries, I was like, man, is we winning games? It was a long streak where someone was saying if I have 25 carries, then we're undefeated. So OK, this is our identity right here. Let's keep this going on, let's keep this going. Man, listen, if I get 500 carries, as long as we're winning, it doesn't really matter."
Harris referenced a June report which insulated the Steelers planned to lighten his workload heading into his second year after he led the all running backs with 980 snaps in 2021 – 171 more snaps than Dallas Cowboys' Ezekiel Elliot who played in the second-most snaps. Harris said on the first day of Pittsburgh's minicamp that "on certain downs, I will not be on the field."
But that doesn't seem to be the case after Harris' most recent remarks.
Earlier in the interview, Harris noted that he knows the Steelers' identity this upcoming season could feature a run-heavy offense with either rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett under center or former first-round castoff Mitchell Trubisky. Harris added he's willing to sacrifice himself (albeit it not so morbid terms) if it means the quarterback and pass-catchers will have an easier time making plays.
"I'm trying to be everything I can to be a problem for the opposing team's defense so they can look at me a lot and maybe pack the box up," he said, "and we can get a lot of one-on-ones with Chase [Claypool], Diontae [Johnson] and Pat [Freiermuth] and all the other guys"
The legacy of the 400-carry running back
While Harris' selflessness is admirable, history isn't kind to those who take on that type of responsibility.
Only four running backs have carried the ball at least 400 times in one season: Larry Johnson, Jamal Anderson, James Wilder, Eric Dickerson and Eddie George. Johnson's 416 carries in 2006 are an NFL record, but he was never the same after that season. Johnson tallied just 535 carries in 37 games over the next five years and was out of the league after 2011. Anderson, who rushed 410 times in 1998, lasted just three more years and only one full season. Wilder, who set the NFL record for most rouches in a season with 492, played six more years only one with at least 400 touches.
Dickerson and George were two outliers: Dickerson had four more years with at least 300 touches, while George enjoyed three more seasons as a bellcow before his final season in 2004.
But Harris isn't just a stud in the backfield. He tied the NFL for most running back targets with 94 and led the league with 74 receptions. That makes his situation even more complicated given what happened to Christian McCaffrey the past two seasons. The Carolina Panthers star hasn't been healthy ever since he finished the 2019 season with 403 combined touches – 298 carries and 116 receptions.
The Steelers should know better than to wear down a star running back, too. They famously did it with Le'Veon Bell in 2017 before he took a year off in search of a lucrative contract. He touched the ball 406 times that year and never looked the same even after his year-long hiatus. Now, he's gearing up for a boxing match against Adrian Peterson on July 30. Do the Steelers really want to ruin another promising player in Harris?
Could Harris break the mold?
The biggest advantage Harris has is his age. He just turned 24 and only has one year in the NFL under his belt so far. Every other player who rushed for more than 400 yards in a season did it after they turned 26.
Eisen also compared Harris to Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry, in that both went to Alabama and both are noted workhorses. Henry led the league in rushing attempts, rushing yards and rushing touchdowns from 2019-2020, including a league-high 397 total touches in 2020. However, even Henry succumbed to injury this past season when he broke his foot. Perhaps because of overuse, perhaps because of inevitability.
But Harris dispelled the Henry or Alabama comparisons. For him, it's not about anything but himself. And only certain players can do what he does.
"It's a Najee thing," he told Eisen. "The more carries you get, the better you are. You get a more feel for the game. You get a better understanding of how defenses are playing. You wear them down. I guess it's just a dog mentality. You gotta be a dog to do that."
Najee Harris wants the rock. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Philadelphia 76ers Big 3 of Joel Embiid, James Harden, and Tyrese Maxey are ranked as the 4th best in the NBA.
Women are buying multiple pairs of these £35 trousers (and we can see why)
Versatile, comfy and flattering, what more could you want?
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2022-07-22T15:51:48Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Steelers' Najee Harris fine with 500 carries 'as long as we're winning'
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https://sports.yahoo.com/steelers-najee-harris-fine-with-500-carries-as-long-as-were-winning-144511421.html?src=rss
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The Boston Red Sox' inability thus far to work out contract extensions with two homegrown All-Stars in shortstop Xander Bogaerts and third baseman Rafael Devers is starting to upset the team's former players.
And not just any former players. We're talking about franchise icons and/or guys who have won the World Series in Boston.
David Ortiz has made his feelings on Devers and Bogaerts well known. He's very much in the camp of paying these guys and keeping them long term. Dustin Pedroia feels the same way, even calling Bogaerts "one of those guys you build a team around."
"If the Red Sox want to create something for a long-term ability to compete year-in and year-out, they will keep both of them," Papelbon recently told Alex Reimer on the Sports Media Mayhem podcast.
"But I think the problem with the Red Sox office and many front offices is they think they can outsmart the system, and we can go find somebody else who can replace them. But here’s what you don’t know, man. You can’t replace clubhouse guys, and you can’t replace the guys who bring it every day and make sure the rest of the guys bring it every day. In my opinion, Bogaerts and Devers, those are the two guys in that clubhouse that do that."
Papelbon also joined WEEI's "The Greg Hill Show" on Friday morning and took aim at Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom.
"If Chaim Bloom keeps this act up, he ain't going to survive in Boston," Papelbon said. "You want to talk about being able to play in Boston, this dude isn't going to survive in Boston because you've got to win in Boston. If you're a general manager and you're not winning in Boston and you're not keeping up with what other teams are doing and what other teams are paying and how other teams are winning -- guess what, you're not going to have a job, just like the players."
The Red Sox traded Mookie Betts two years ago when they couldn't reach an extension with the former AL MVP. A similar situation unfolding with Bogaerts or Devers would be a colossal failure for a franchise that has enormous resources.
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2022-07-22T16:15:59Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Jonathan Papelbon rips Chaim Bloom amid Xander Bogaerts, Rafael Devers saga
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https://sports.yahoo.com/jonathan-papelbon-rips-chaim-bloom-152255877.html?src=rss
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The NFL’s back-to-back MVP isn’t the top-rated quarterback in the launch of “Madden NFL 23.”
The best virtual quarterback will be Tampa Bay’s Tom Brady, at 97 overall, while Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers comes in second place at 96 overall.
Maybe “most valuable” doesn’t mean best. But it’s hard to argue with what Rodgers has done over the last two years: 85 touchdown passes and only nine interceptions while completing over 69 percent of his passes and leading the league in passer rating at 116.7.
It’s maybe more surprising that Rodgers isn’t 99 overall, never mind the fact that he isn’t the best player at his position in the game.
Brady has 99 awareness, short accuracy and play action ratings. Rodgers is the better athlete overall in the game, but Brady gets the edge in a few key spots, including general accuracy, which likely provides the deciding difference in the overall rating.
Rodgers does have 97 thrown under pressure rating, the best in the game. And his throw on the run rating is 96, second only to Patrick Mahomes. So he’ll still be a dangerous virtual passer in this year’s game.
Just not the best.
(For reference’s sake, Jordan Love is a 66 overall at launch.)
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2022-07-22T17:20:34Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Aaron Rodgers isn’t the top rated QB in ‘Madden NFL 23’
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https://sports.yahoo.com/aaron-rodgers-isn-t-top-162206365.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/aaron-rodgers-isn-t-top-162206365.html?src=rss
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The Miami Dolphins spent this offseason improving their roster with the hopes of going from a team that just missed the postseason to a team that can compete and become playoff contenders.
During this break between organized team activities (OTAs) and training camp, this is a perfect time to evaluate where the team stands and how they stack up with other teams in the NFL.
Recently, ESPN put together a power ranking for the future of all 32 teams over the next three seasons. Each team was graded on a number of different factors, including their quarterback situation, rest of the roster, drafting ability, front office and coaching on a scale similar to the one used in school.
The analysts then weighted the scores, giving 30% to the roster, 20% to the quarterback, 20% to coaching, 15% to drafting and 15% to the front office.
After all this math, the Dolphins were listed as No. 22 with an overall score of 75.6, between average and very good. The roster scored 81.5 (15th in the NFL), the quarterback scored 74 (21st), coaching scored 72.8 (27th), drafting scored 72 (31st) and the front office scored 73 (28th).
Here’s what ESPN’s Field Yates wrote about Miami’s ranking for the next three seasons:
Miami has won 19 games over the past two years, has a young and imposing defense and supercharged its offense via a massive trade for receiver Tyreek Hill and a busy free agency. There is a palpable energy that has been absent for some time in Miami and with good reason — this team can be really good. Mike McDaniel steps into a head-coaching role for the first time, and the key determinant of this team’s ceiling this season is quarterback Tua Tagovailoa; if he becomes the player we’ve seen in flashes through two seasons, Miami will catapult up this list. If he does not, there will be questions next offseason about whether Miami ought to use its draft capital to make a play for one of the QBs in the draft. It’s a huge year for him.
For comparison, the Buffalo Bills came in at No. 1, New England Patriots came in at No. 13 and the New York Jets even finished above the Dolphins at No. 21.
The Jets have a bunch of young talent. They added three first-round picks in this year’s draft alone, not to mention they grabbed their starting running back in the second round.
At this point, the Dolphins, while they may be the more talented team, on paper, in 2022, there’s a chance that New York steps up and proves to be just as talented if not more.
That’s why this season is such a big deal. If Tua Tagovailoa proves that he can lead this team and do it well, the Dolphins would have the question mark checked off the list and would likely move up in these rankings.
The same could be said about their coaching. Right now, Mike McDaniel and his staff are viewed as the 27th-best in the league. However, with McDaniel yet to lead his team onto the field for a game, this could change, either way, resulting in a move up or down.
Miami has a lot to prove.
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2022-07-22T17:20:52Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Dolphins in bottom half of ESPN’s three-season future projections
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https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-bottom-half-espn-three-150033666.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-bottom-half-espn-three-150033666.html?src=rss
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.@MitchSchwartz71 on what it was like to block for Patrick Mahomes. pic.twitter.com/K7qG3vVkiB
“He’s super smart,” Schwartz said of Mahomes. “So he knows where to go with the ball, He gets it out quick, which is every old lineman’s dream, and he can obviously run. So you know, as a right tackle, if my guy is trying to go around the arc, he’s trying to go up field, you know, pack and kind of flip under, can evade them, get outside the pocket, make something happen. And then as he did that, over time, your defensive end gets a little scared, he gets a little nervous, his coaches are telling him, ‘Hey, you can’t let him out.’ And so now I get an advantage as an offensive lineman because that defensive end is a little bit hesitant, and he doesn’t want to do that super speed move off the field that he’s going to leave the lane open for Patrick to sneak underneath and to escape the pocket. So it goes, you know, multiple ways with offensive efficiency, throwing from the pocket being on the run, but then that kind of direct impact that it has on a defensive line when they’re being told. You can’t just go completely all out. You can rush in any way you want. That’s a huge advantage for an offensive lineman, and it’s really difficult to quantify, but those top quarterbacks and the guys, especially you, can break the pocket. That’s a big advantage.”
Examining Chiefs' 2022 Rookie of the Year odds
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2022-07-22T17:20:59Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Former Chiefs OT Mitchell Schwartz describes his experience blocking for Patrick Mahomes
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https://sports.yahoo.com/former-chiefs-ot-mitchell-schwartz-164520415.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/former-chiefs-ot-mitchell-schwartz-164520415.html?src=rss
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Two Times The Mayhem: These Are The Greatest WWE Tag-Team Duos Of All Time
Being a great tag team in the WWE is one of the most difficult feats to achieve in sports entertainment. It involves not only being on the exact same page as your partner at all times, but it takes chemistry, practice and a little bit of luck. When you watch a truly legendary tag team work, you can’t take your eyes off the screen. Over the course of the last 50 years, fans have had the privilege of enjoying some of the best teams the sport has to offer. So without further ado, here are the five
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2022-07-22T17:21:11Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Jason Peters' Justin Fields evaluation shows why Bears should bring LT back
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https://sports.yahoo.com/jason-peters-justin-fields-evaluation-163000199.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/jason-peters-justin-fields-evaluation-163000199.html?src=rss
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Jets will unveil a bold new uniform look vs. Patriots this season originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Get ready to see a very different New York Jets team when the New England Patriots arrive at MetLife Stadium on Oct. 30.
The Jets on Friday unveiled a new "Stealth Black" helmet that the club will pair with its all-black alternate uniform for three games this season. The first of those three games? A Week 8 matchup with the AFC East foe Patriots at 1 p.m. ET in New York.
Patriots Talk: Is it finally time to take the Jets seriously?
Here's a look at the new helmet-and-uniform combo:
The Stealth Black Schedule 📅
ðŸŽŸï¸ https://t.co/rxJ1DzztEI pic.twitter.com/mpa121v3z9
The Jets are among many teams taking advantage of the NFL's new equipment rule that allows clubs to wear more than one style of helmet in a season. The Patriots, for example, are finally bringing back their popular red-and-white "Patriot Patriot" throwback uniforms in 2022, and they'll be able to pair those with a white helmet rather than New England's traditional silver helmet.
While the Patriots have yet to announce when they'll wear the red throwbacks, expect the team to rock the red for at least two home games in 2022.
As for the Jets, it appears New York is pulling out all the stops against New England as it tries to snap a 12-game losing streak against its division opponent.
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2022-07-22T17:21:17Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Jets to debut new 'Stealth Black' uniform, helmet vs. Patriots in 2022
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https://sports.yahoo.com/jets-debut-stealth-black-uniform-155500395.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/jets-debut-stealth-black-uniform-155500395.html?src=rss
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Kyler Murray will be a wealthy man after the Cardinals star agreed to a five-year extension worth $230.5 million, making him one of the NFL’s highest-paid quarterbacks.
The deal, which runs through the 2028 season, includes $160 million guaranteed for injury, and according to Adam Schefter, Murray will make $105 million fully guaranteed upon signing the deal.
Murray’s $46.1 million average salary is the second highest in the NFL behind only Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers ($50.3 million).
Murray’s new deal will impact Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who could be in line for a huge extension if he can lead Philadelphia to the postseason in back-to-back years.
Highest paid QB list
The $46 million a year puts Murray at No. 2 on the list, tied with Watson behind Aaron Rodgers.
A 2020 second-round pick, Hurts signed a 4-year, $6,025,171 contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, including a $1,941,944 signing bonus, $2,825,815 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $1,506,293. In 2022, Hurts will earn a base salary of $1,082,744 and a workout bonus of $75,000 while carrying a cap hit of $1,643,230 and a dead cap value of $970,972.
As a second-round pick, Hurts avoids the fifth-year option and will have one year left on his deal.
Over his first two seasons, Hurts has a 59% completion percentage with 4,063 yards passing, 21 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and 1,056 rushing yards.
Hurts and Murray shares similar numbers over their first two years, with the Cardinals star being the more efficient passer.
Impact and projections
Using the franchise tag on Hurts after the 2023 season would cost the Eagles upwards of $40 million for the 2024 season.
Howie Roseman is all about striking first. Suppose the Eagles’ third-year quarterback’s trajectory continues to rise. In that case, Philadelphia could be on the hook for even more than was initially guaranteed when they signed Carson Wentz to a new deal.
If Hurts can lead the Eagles to the playoffs in back-to-back years while also vastly improving under center, he could land in the top 10 highest-paid signal-callers.
Projecting a Hurts deal
Eagles Offensive Ranks from 2020 to 2021 season:
Total Yds: 24th ➡️ 14th
Total Pts: 26th ➡️ 12th
3rd Down Success: 28th ➡️ 4th
Sacked: 32nd ➡️ 6th
Turnovers: 30th ➡️ 5th
Red Zone %: 15th ➡️ 8th
Big plays: 22nd ➡️ T-1st
Jalen Hurts deserves more respect.pic.twitter.com/gcXCIkNSRr
— Michelle Magdziuk (@BallBlastEm) April 12, 2022
Hurts has improved every season and the 2022 campaign will be his first with the same offensive play-caller since his days at Channelview High School.
Using the franchise tag on Hurts after the 2023 season could cost the Eagles upwards of $31 million, according to Over The Cap while a fair value extension would be less taxing on the salary cap.
Thirteen current NFL quarterbacks are signed to deals worth more than $100 million, and guys like Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, and Tua Tagovailoa will all have some say in resetting the market.
Only the Packers’ Jordan Love has played less than Hurts in the 2020 class, but the Eagles star could get paid first because he was a second-round pick.
With the NFL quarterback tier no longer having a middle class, Philadelphia will either extend Hurts, allow him to walk as an improved product, or face one-year franchise-style deals that Kirk Cousins has now made famous.
Burrow and Herbert will reset the market, so if the Eagles decide they believe in Hurts after 2022, they’ll need to strike first and efficiently.
Hurts will still only be 24 years old come 2023, and a five-year, $180 million deal would put the talented quarterback at $36 million per season, ahead of names like Carson Wentz, Jared Goff, and Kirk Cousins.
Final Observation
In 2021, Raiders quarterback Derek Carr had a career-best 4,804 passing yards and 23 touchdowns, along with a career-worst 14 interceptions and 40 sacks, the second-highest total of his eight-year career.
Las Vegas went 10-7 and made the playoffs for the second time since 2002.
Carr was the Raiders’ second-round draft pick in 2014, out of Fresno State, and logged 31,700 passing yards, 193 TD passes (193), and 57 wins.
During Hurts’ rookie season, Carr had 4,103 yards passing, 27 touchdowns, and nine interceptions.
If Carr’s $40 million per season ave over the three years of the extension and the $19 million in 2022 are a barometer for Hurts, then a Pro Bowl and playoff appearance should be enough to warrant going as high as 6th on the list (Kirk Cousins) for average per seasons.
Will Jalen Hurts be 🦅's Wk 1 starter in '23-24?
John Tortorella 'not sure' on Ryan Ellis injury timetable, knows he's 'huge' if healthy
John Tortorella is "not sure" about the Ryan Ellis injury timetable but he knows the defenseman can be "huge" for the Flyers when healthy. By Jordan Hall
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2022-07-22T17:21:24Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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How Kyler Murray’s new 5-year, $230M extension with Cardinals impacts Eagles’ QB Jalen Hurts
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https://sports.yahoo.com/kyler-murray-5-230m-extension-155530420.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/kyler-murray-5-230m-extension-155530420.html?src=rss
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We’re less than a month away from EA Sports releasing their “Madden NFL 23” video game, and they’ve started to roll out player ratings for this year’s edition.
Quarterback ratings were unveiled Friday morning, and the GOAT stands alone at the top.
Tom Brady is the highest-rated quarterback in the game, with an overall rating of 97, just ahead of Aaron Rodgers (96) and Patrick Mahomes (95).
Heading into his 23rd NFL season, and set to turn 45 years old in a matter of days, Brady is still regarded as the bar by which all other quarterbacks in the NFL are measured.
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2022-07-22T17:22:21Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Tom Brady is the best QB in ‘Madden NFL 23’
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https://sports.yahoo.com/tom-brady-best-qb-madden-163804243.html?src=rss
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Nick Saban and his Crimson Tide are off to a dominant start on the 2023 recruiting trail, and things continue to heat up with a commitment from four-star OT Olaus Alinen.
Alinen is a 6’6, 315-pound elite lineman from The Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, CT. He is the No. 14 offensive tackle in the class and was also heavily recruited by Ohio State, UGA and Miami. Alinen was also in Tuscaloosa the same weekend as the recent QB commit, Eli Holstein.
This was a key commitment for Alabama, as Alinen’s interest in the Crimson Tide had seemingly wavered, with predictions of him leaning toward Miami surfaced in the last few weeks.
He announced his commitment via Twitter.
Army West Point women's basketball head coach Missy Traversi released the 2022-23 non-conference
TEMPE, Ariz., July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wrap Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: WRAP) (the “Company”), a global leader in innovative public safety technologies and services, today announced a sale of its Societal Reentry Virtual Reality Enterprise Platform to the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. The reentry and rehabilitation software is a product line of the Company’s Wrap Reality virtual reality training system and is designed to prepare incarcerated individuals, who are parents, for v
Mark your calendars for July 23, 2022. Walmart is offering free health screenings Saturday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., local time. See: Ways You Can Lose Your Social Security BenefitsFind: 9 Bills You...
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2022-07-22T17:29:16Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Alabama lands 2023 four-star OT Olaus Alinen
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https://sports.yahoo.com/alabama-lands-2023-four-star-161321534.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/alabama-lands-2023-four-star-161321534.html?src=rss
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SEC media days are wrapping up and with Florida football’s turn in the spotlight now a full day in the past, the press begins to look back on how the events unfurled. The Gators’ new head coach Billy Napier got his first taste of the big-time stage by attending his first Power Five media day in Atlanta and for the most part remained reserved, despite the drama that often unfurls at the yearly scrum.
Shortly after the conclusion of Wednesday’s media docket CBS Sports’ Barrett Sallee published his takeaways, which included his impression of what Napier’s primary focus was at the podium.
Napier took over after Dan Mullen essentially ran the Florida program into the ground. Recruiting classes weren’t up to par with what is needed in the SEC East, player development was an issue and, at times, it looked like 85 players were going in 85 different directions. Enter Napier, who has worked on changing the culture within the program as his primary responsibility early on.
“We firmly believe that better people make better football players. We’re committed to improving their character. We’re going to prioritize their education. We’re going to teach football at a high level. I think we inherited the situation that we have. We’re excited about the administration, the resources that they provided. Ultimately, the game is about the players. Everything we do is to serve the players, position them for success within the game, but also when the game’s over one day.”
A lot of coaches drink out of a firehose upon taking over a program considering the Early Signing Period has evolved into the main signing period, a staff needs to be hired and the direction of the program needs to be established. Napier, though, is comfortable with where it stands right now.
“Reality is you have four opportunities to add players to your team: December, the winter portal period, February, then the spring portal period,” Napier said. “I thought we made the most of our time. I think we were fortunate we were able to observe bowl practice and address maybe some of the issues that we observed. Did a great job in December. I think the momentum carried over to February. We added a few more players in the spring.”
It’s a slow process, especially with defending national champion Georgia in the same division. Napier has a track record of success both on the recruiting trail and at Louisiana, where he built a Sun Belt power during his short stint in Lafayette. He’s laying the groundwork for another turnaround in Gainesville.
Sallee hits every nail in his summary, which corroborates with what our own Pat Dooley offered recently in an editorial explaining what culture change looks like. Napier’s approach and pedigree should have the Gators back on track if the historical record is any indication. However, the past decade has seen some serious ups and downs both on the scoreboard and the sidelines, so hopefully, Florida’s newest skipper can turn the ship around in an ever-increasingly competitive college football field.
What is this 'culture change' we keep hearing about at Florida?
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2022-07-22T17:29:47Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Florida football’s culture change a focus at SEC media days
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https://sports.yahoo.com/florida-football-culture-change-focus-162742147.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/florida-football-culture-change-focus-162742147.html?src=rss
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The 2021 season didn’t go as planned for the UNC football program and that’s saying it nicely. After starting the year ranked No. 10 in the preseason polls, UNC quickly fell with a loss to Virginia Tech and then losses to programs like Georgia Tech and Florida State a few weeks later.
It was an up and down season for Mack Brown’s Tar Heels as they were barely bowl game eligible and then blew a two-score lead in their season finale at NC State.
But it was their final game of the year that left a bad taste in a lot of player’s mouths.
UNC dropped their matchup with South Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl 38-21 and it wasn’t really even that close. From the start UNC looked uninterested as the game was never in doubt for the Gamecocks. And following the game, UNC players weren’t happy with the performance.
“That was embarrassing,” wide receiver Josh Downs said at ACC media days via ESPN. “That got a fire in me. In that locker room after the game, we had a lot of dudes stand up and say we’re not doing this next year. We’re getting this together right now rather than waiting a few weeks. We’re doing this now.”
When you enter a season with high expectations like UNC did and then it all comes crashing down, it’s easy for guys to get distracted. And Downs hinted at that happening with that team.
“We had some guys who talking crazy like, ‘I don’t even want to play,’ and it showed out there,” said Downs, who finished with 101 catches and 1,335 yards last season. “We got smacked. And I didn’t want to be a part of something like that, and we had to fix it.”
Now, the wide receiver and his teammates are using that as motivation for this upcoming season where the Tar Heels enter it ‘criminally underrated’ and just how Brown wants it to be.
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2022-07-22T17:30:06Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Loss to South Carolina sets motivation for UNC football in 2022
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https://sports.yahoo.com/loss-south-carolina-sets-motivation-113053810.html?src=rss
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Karl Dorrell is staying true to his promise of following Bill McCartney’s approach of recruiting well in Colorado, Texas and California.
On Thursday, Cherry Creek High School (Englewood) interior offensive lineman Hank Zilinskas became the second 2023 in-state commit for the Buffaloes. Zilinskas is a 6-foot-3, 274-pound three-star prospect and the No. 12 player overall in the state per 247Sports. He also holds offers from Utah State, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Colorado State and Nevada.
New Buffs OL coach Kyle DeVan now has three pledges in his growing group of 2023 commits — Drew Perez and Turone McDuffie being the others.
Here’s what Zilinskas, Colorado’s 16th overall 2023 commit, told Buffstampede’s Adam Munsterteiger in February:
“I really liked the coaching staff’s attitude. They really believe that they can take CU back to the top. (Colorado offensive line) coach (Kyle) DeVan and the rest of the coaching staff have made it very clear that they want to keep Colorado’s best recruits in the state. I can tell that Coach DeVan is interested in building a strong relationship with his players.”
Every 2023 in-state prospect the CU Buffs have offered so far
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2022-07-22T17:30:19Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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In-state 2023 offensive lineman Hank Zilinskas commits to Colorado
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https://sports.yahoo.com/state-2023-offensive-lineman-hank-111043507.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/state-2023-offensive-lineman-hank-111043507.html?src=rss
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File: Mike Tyson (Getty Images for OneOf)
Boxer Mike Tyson has said he believes his death is coming “really soon” as he also opened up about his feelings on money.
The former world heavyweight champion made the comments on the podcast Hot Boxin' with therapist Sean McFarland.
Tyson said on the podcast: “Some people want to analyse their success, which is ridiculous.
“We're all going to die one day, of course.
“Then I look in the mirror and I see those little spots on my face and I go 'wow, my expiration date is coming close, really soon, what do you do with that, how do you think about that death thing?"
When Mr McFarlane said he did not worry about death, the boxing legend replied: “I'm not sweating it, I just want to die consciously.
“I don't want to die screaming. I've heard the last rights of a lot of people - a lot of famous people - and they're getting ready to die, and they leave this planet screaming.”
He added that “money doesn’t mean s*** to me” and said it does not provide the security people think it does.
“What is security?' he said.
“I don't know. When you put money in your bank and you get a cheque every week and you can live for the rest of your life, is that security?
“It doesn't mean you won't catch a disease, or get hit by a car”.
Tyson had his first professional bout in 1985, and went onto hold the record as the youngest boxer ever to win a heavyweight title.
He later served time in prison after being convicted of rape and was released in 1995.
The podcast was not the first time that the ex-boxer has spoken candidly about death.
During a conference on psychedelics in Miami last year, Tyson revealed he had used Sonoran desert toad venom for psychedelic purposes, saying he felt like he “died” on his first trip.
Mike Tyson, Notorious Ear-Biter, Is Actually 'Scared of Everything'
Heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson, 56, opened up about his fears to his therapist Sean McFarland in a new episode of his podcast Hotboxin.
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2022-07-22T17:47:17Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Ex-world heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson believes his death is coming ‘really soon’
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https://sports.yahoo.com/ex-world-heavyweight-boxing-champion-173504571.html?src=rss
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Christophe Laporte sprints to thrilling stage win to end France's Tour drought - AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES
Having all but secured the yellow, green and polka dot jerseys - Jonas Vingegaard and Wout van Aert need only stay upright in Saturday's penultimate day time trial and Sunday's sprint finale in Paris to be sure of securing them- the crack Dutch squad on Friday managed to provide the host nation with their first winner at this year’s race.
But Wright’s loss - he was passed with 500m remaining - was France’s gain. There have been only two editions in the entire history of the Tour, in 1926 and 1999, when the host nation has ended up with no winners and it felt as if the crowd was aware of that statistic as they roared Laporte home.
"It's important to get a French win," said Laporte who admitted the team’s primary goal had been to get race leader Vingegaard to the 3km cut off after which there could be no time losses. "If it makes the crowd and my family happy, I'm happy too."
He added: "It's more than a reward, it's huge. I was already super happy with this Tour de France even though I got no result for myself."
Until that sprint finish, stage 19 from Castellnau-Magnoac to Cahors had mainly been notable for yet another protest on the road, which briefly held up the peloton. Excitements were otherwise few and far between. UAE Team Emirates’ Tadej Pogacar, who trails Vingegaard by 3:26 heading into Saturday's 40.7km time trial to Rocamadour, briefly lost contact with the bunch following a puncture.
Determined not to go quietly, Pogacar later attacked off the front of the peloton in what was really a bit of showboating for the cameras rather than a serious attack. The Slovenian's move was swiftly shut down by van Aert, meaning the general classification, which includes Welshman Geraint Thomas (Ineos Grenadiers) in third, remained unchanged.
Naturally, Vingegaard was refusing to celebrate early on Friday night. "We're not there yet," he said, adding that he would not go all-out in Saturday's time trial.
"I will always do my best. I'll try to do a good time trial [but] of course I'm not going to take full risk in the corners."
Vingegaard said he expected van Aert, who has been ridiculously strong in this race in all types of stages, to compete for the win on Saturday. "Yeah I think Wout is obviously in great shape. He's one of the best time triallists in the world so in my opinion he has a great chance."
As one of the most exciting editions of the race in many a year draws to a close, however, there was also a jarring reminder of cycling’s chequered past and the shadow that forever hangs over the sport.
Astana-Qazaqstan announced on Friday morning that their Colombian climber Miguel Ángel López had been suspended due to reports in the Spanish media of his links to a controversial doctor currently under police investigation.
According to Ciclo 21, López, also known as 'Superman', was intercepted by agents from the Central Operation Unit, part of the Guardia Civil, at Madrid-Barajas airport after arriving on a flight from Colombia earlier this week.
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2022-07-22T18:00:01Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Christophe Laporte sprints to thrilling stage win to end France's Tour drought
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https://sports.yahoo.com/christophe-laporte-sprints-thrilling-stage-174828213.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/christophe-laporte-sprints-thrilling-stage-174828213.html?src=rss
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After years of failed attempts and half-hearted incarnations, women’s cycling will finally have a race to compare to the men’s Tour de France when the eight-stage race begins in Paris on Sunday.
Amaury Sports Organisation (ASO), the organisers of the event, are offering a prize purse of €250,000 for the event - making it the richest race in the women’s peloton this year - courtesy of virtual cycling giant Zwift coming on board as a headline sponsor.
But that figure equates to just a tenth of the €2.2 million prize pot on offer in this year’s men’s Tour, despite it being three times longer than the women’s.
“If the women are racing over eight days and the men 21, then no, I don't think it should be a 50-50 split,” said cycling activist Kathryn Bertine, who co-founded Le Tour Entier, the pressure group which pushed for the creation of La Course in 2014 and has spent years lobbying ASO to relaunch a women’s Tour.
“But it absolutely should be equal to what men are earning in those eight days. It’s insulting that they [ASO] are promoting this as the biggest prize money ever and it's only one tenth of the men’s prize purse. Record prize money cannot be a band-aid for the fact that if it isn't equal, it isn’t equal.”
Cycling is no stranger to its gender pay gap and vast disparities remain inside the women’s professional peloton. Some female riders, for example, will not receive any remuneration for competing in the Tour de France Femmes, where the winner at the top of stage eight’s La Super Planche des Belles on July 31 will pocket €50,000 (£43,000). That equates to a mere tenth of what the winner of this year’s men’s Tour will receive.
All male riders finishing on the Champs Elysees in Paris this weekend will take home at least €1,000, with cheques of €200,000 and €100,000 for the remaining podium places. In the women’s event, a total of €200,000 will be shared out between stage winners, jersey holders and winners and other top general classification finishers.
Louise Gibson, who co-founded the Internationelles team that in recent years has ridden every stage of the men’s Tour in protest that there was no female equivalent, warned there was still work to do to achieve greater pay parity.
“I wouldn’t expect the prize money to be the same as the men when it’s not the same kind of race, in terms of the types of stages or length, but that’s where our battle will continue,” said Gibson. “It’s not equality. We’ll keep battling until there is something as prestigious as the Tour de France that women can aspire to race.
“There’s still so much battling to do to close that gender pay gap, so it’s now more of an equality message of getting better coverage, better sponsorship.”
The Cyclists Alliance, the independent union representing female professional cyclists, described the prize purse in the women’s event as “disappointing” but said the most popular top issue for it to advocate for on behalf of riders continued to be live coverage.
In response, ASO highlighted the €250,000 prize purse in the Tour de France Femmes was higher than some eight-stage men’s races, such as the Critérium du Dauphine, which currently has a prize purse of €120,000. “We cannot compare with the Tour de France and its 120 years of history,” it said in a statement.
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2022-07-22T18:00:07Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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'Insulting' prize pot for Tour de France Femmes
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https://sports.yahoo.com/insulting-prize-pot-tour-france-173120182.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/insulting-prize-pot-tour-france-173120182.html?src=rss
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Dolphins cornerback Byron Jones will open training camp on the physically unable to perform list. The team announced that Jones was placed on the list Friday. Jones had surgery on his leg in March and is still working his way back into form. Jones is heading into his third season with the Dolphins. He had [more]
Officers swarmed Coral Gables and Coconut Grove after a deadly shooting on Friday.
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2022-07-22T18:52:37Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Dolphins place Byron Jones on PUP list, Elijah Campbell on NFI list
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https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-place-byron-jones-pup-171134526.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-place-byron-jones-pup-171134526.html?src=rss
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Veteran tight end Kyle Rudolph, who worked out for the Denver Broncos before the NFL draft in April, plans to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via Bucs Wire).
Denver used a third-round pick to select Greg Dulcich in April and they also signed a pair of undrafted tight ends as well. After that, they re-signed veteran Eric Saubert, which seemingly put an end to the Rudolph pursuit.
Broncos general manager George Paton was serving as the Minnesota Vikings’ director of player personnel when they selected Rudolph in the second round of the 2011 NFL draft. Rudolph went on to have a 10-year run in Minnesota, earning two Pro Bowl nods.
Last spring, Rudolph signed a one-year deal with the New York Giants and his receiving numbers dipped a bit — 26 catches for 257 yards and one touchdown — but that was due in part to Rudolph getting only 39 targets, tied for the third-lowest total of his career.
And even if the veteran tight end’s most productive receiving days are behind him, Rudolph is still a very capable blocking tight end. Rudolph has also proven he’s a capable receiver when called on, catching 479 passes for 4,745 yards and 49 touchdowns in 156 career games.
Entering his 12th season in the NFL, Rudolph will turn 33 in November.
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2022-07-22T18:52:56Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Kyle Rudolph, who worked out for Broncos in April, plans to sign with Bucs
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https://sports.yahoo.com/kyle-rudolph-worked-broncos-april-173459311.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/kyle-rudolph-worked-broncos-april-173459311.html?src=rss
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Number of Patriots on PFF's top 50 NFL players list might surprise you originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
NFL evaluators are not too high on the New England Patriots' roster, and more specifically, the lack of elite talent on the team.
We've seen a lot of offseason player rankings released over the last month. ESPN did a top 10 player ranking for each position and only one guy from the Patriots -- Hunter Henry, the No. 10 tight end -- made any of those lists. We've also seen the player ratings for the new "Madden NFL 23" video game unveiled this week and, again, no Patriots were ranked inside the top 10 at any position.
ESPN also compiled a ranking of every skill position group in the league, and the Patriots were near the bottom at No. 26.
So it wasn't too surprising Friday when Pro Football Focus released its annual ranking of the top 50 players entering the 2022 season and zero Patriots made the cut.
Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald was ranked the No. 1 player in pro football, followed by San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers at No. 2 and No. 3, respectively.
The AFC East as a whole was not well-represented. The Buffalo Bills had two players on the list -- quarterback Josh Allen (No. 6) and wide receiver Stefon Diggs (No. 39). The Miami Dolphins had wide receiver Tyreek Hill (No. 24) and cornerback Xavien Howard (No. 48). The New York Jets and Patriots both had zero.
The Patriots have never been a team loaded with superstars, but to see them have zero top 50 players -- at least in PFF's analysis -- is still a little weird. They did just win 10 games and earned a playoff spot last season.
It wouldn't be shocking if Mac Jones, Rhamondre Stevenson, Damien Harris or Christian Barmore make next year's top 50 ranking. A strong Year 2 for Jones could vault him up several QB rankings.
How far can the Patriots advance this season with strong depth at several positions but an overall lack of high-end talent? That's the debate after seeing all of these offseason rankings.
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2022-07-22T18:53:28Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Number of Patriots on Pro Football Focus' top 50 NFL players list will surprise you
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https://sports.yahoo.com/number-patriots-pro-football-focus-180352441.html?src=rss
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HENDERSON, Nev. — It wasn’t the sharpest or most poignant metaphor to offer Josh McDaniels about the lessons he’s learned over the years, but it struck a chord with him anyway.
The Las Vegas Raiders coach had taken refuge in some shade on Thursday, ducking out of the 106-degree heat following his team’s first full-squad training camp practice. As he began to explain the importance of learning how to subtract from his coaching plate over the course of his career, a visitor floated a clunky, half-remembered proverb.
“I remember someone once saying that perfecting your painting is learning to understand what shouldn’t be in it,” the visitor said.
McDaniels’ eyes lit up.
“That’s exactly — that’s such a great way to say it,” McDaniels said.
With his second head coaching stint underway (or third, if you count the McDaniels-scuttled Indianapolis Colts job), he has zero illusions about what needed to be removed from his canvass. Or more specifically, since his late-season firing from the Denver Broncos in 2010 after coaching the team less than two seasons. He was 34 years old when that happened. He’s 46 now. And in his mind, a lot has changed since.
What does he know now that he didn’t know then? That he doesn’t want to be a general manager; doesn’t expect everyone on his staff to recreate the New England Patriots experience; wants to focus on his own design rather than tracing the one created by Bill Belichick; and would rather be good at a few jobs in his building than micromanaging himself into an abyss.
In short, he’s not spending this second chance trying to fit into the identity of a head coach he was never comfortable replicating in the first place.
“It’s 12 years since I left [head coaching] the first time, and sometimes you hear people say that they took some time and they tried to figure things out,” McDaniels said. “To each person, that means different things. For me, what I was trying to get done was, let me really stop and self-reflect on, what did I do that was clearly wrong? It’s humbling. You have to really drop your ego and say to yourself, ‘Man, I stunk at that. That was a really bad decision.’ Or, ‘I didn’t treat that person the way that I wanted to treat them all the time.’”
At one point, McDaniels summed up the Denver experience about as succinctly as possible: “It was crazy and I was young and everything else.”
Josh McDaniels not shying away from lessons of Denver debacle
Since leaving New England this offseason to take the Raiders job, he’s been expansive and humble about that part of his career. He doesn’t treat it as a sore subject or some type of failure that he’d rather avoid in conversation. Which is saying something, given that most coaches are left with some mental scars after being ousted from their first head coaching job.
Instead, he draws that memory closer, talks about what he learned going 11-17 over those two bumpy seasons. History mostly remembers the fallout and trade of quarterback Jay Cutler and multiple run-ins with star wideout Brandon Marshall. But McDaniels frames it as an overall struggle with not knowing how to navigate people, and not understanding himself and what an attempt at recreating the Patriots culture would take out of him. His results screamed of failed imitation rather than organic innovation.
Josh McDaniels says he's learned a lot from his failures in Denver, his reneging on Indianapolis and his reboot with New England. The Raiders hope it leads them to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/John Locher)
In a way, that’s how he was forced to begin recreating himself. After a one-year stint as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach with the St. Louis Rams in 2011, McDaniels began a decade-long process of reevaluation during his second stint as offensive coordinator of the Patriots. A period of reflection that helped him finally take a confident leap into a new job with the Raiders — an opportunity many predicted would never come after he backed out on an agreement to become the head coach of the Colts in 2018.
“To go back to New England and be watching [Belichick] run a such an incredibly first-class organization and he’s got it working the way he wants it to work, I was able to see that for a second go-round,” McDaniels said. “But Bill O’Brien left. [Matt Patricia] left. [Brian Flores] left. Joe [Judge] had left. So I got an opportunity to kind of watch [other New England coaches] from afar as you’re processing some of the things you would do different.”
Here’s what he learned from that.
“That it’s really important for me and for anybody that leaves there — you can take a lot of the football philosophies and a lot of the strategic things that apply to winning and losing on a Sunday, but I think the interpersonal workings of every relationship in every organization are going to be different,” McDaniels said. “That’s what I learned the hard way. Now I’m trying to make a concerted effort to do it all the right way as much as I can.”
Why McDaniels' Colts fiasco deserves deeper consideration
In retrospect, a large part of the failure in Denver was McDaniels butting heads with Cutler within his first couple months on the job and trading him shortly after. That initial misstep looks far more like the failure of two young and stubborn people who had a lot of maturing to do.
But even if McDaniels' steadfast critics are willing to accept that his hiring in Denver was too young and too soon, they won’t let him off easily for what happened with the Colts. The fact remains that he hired three coaches, changed the trajectory of their lives ... and then walked away. But history will also remember that one of those coaches was defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, who was one of the best coordinators in the NFL over the past four years before landing a head coaching job with the Bears this offseason.
There’s a few more layers to the Colts situation that haven't been adequately considered, too. Andrew Luck had missed the previous season with shoulder surgery and been remarkably beaten up in his short career. McDaniels also didn’t have a track record with general manager Chris Ballard, and the two were getting to know each other during the courting process. Even when it looked like a slam-dunk of a job, McDaniels was uneasy about it. And when Patriots owner Robert Kraft sensed he might have an opening, he seized upon it to bring McDaniels back for four more seasons.
The fallout of that decision and the criticism that followed ultimately made the McDaniels-Raiders union possible. Because he knew that if he ever left the Patriots again, there would not only be no going back, but it would have to be accompanied by Dave Ziegler as general manager. Former teammates at John Carroll University and the best of friends, that is who McDaniels wanted to pair with. Because who needs to worry about being a GM when your longtime friend and trusted confidant is filling that role? And can shape a personnel department that knows precisely how to scout for the coaching staff it's working with?
Raiders stand to reap benefits from wiser McDaniels
Josh McDaniels learned a lot from Bill Belichick, but he knows trying to replicate his way of doing things elsewhere is a mistake. (Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images)
This is what the Raiders have working for them now. Not only has the dynamic tension (often friction) between former head coach Jon Gruden and former general manager Mike Mayock disappeared into the blast-furnace wind of Las Vegas, it has been replaced by two leaders who are in lockstep in every single decision. And they’re being supported by a revamped supporting structure.
For perhaps the first time under Mark Davis' team ownership, departments are now fully streamlined and staffed at every level, from business to football to administration. The purse strings for more aggressive roster-building have been loosened. Even Davis is making himself more available to McDaniels and Ziegler than any previous regime, while also surrendering the full authority for the tandem to build out the football organization as they see fit.
That’s how you get a 2022 edition of the Raiders that reshuffled the entire coaching and personnel staffs but loaded up with pricey veteran additions like Davante Adams and Chandler Jones rather than rebuilding. Because McDaniels and Ziegler believed in it, winning the trust of Davis to sign off.
Even with all those changes, a lot of the success and failure for the Raiders will come down to the culture. And the culture will come down to whether McDaniels can live up to his embrace of concentrating on people more, micromanaging less, and trusting his own functional design rather than trying to recreate a Stalinesque New England blueprint that has never been successfully replicated outside of the Patriots organization.
“I’ve let that go,” McDaniels said. “I’ve just realized over time, really at the end of the day, you have to give people a great opportunity to do their job. And sometimes that means you’re going to have to accept different. And I think some of us that have left the Patriots have gotten frustrated at times with, man, everything isn’t the way that I remember it being in New England. And you know what? It ain’t gonna be. It’s never going to be. I’ve come to that conclusion and honestly, I’m at such peace with the way we do things, while understanding that isn’t the way that everything was done there.”
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2022-07-22T18:53:59Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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The 'Patriot Way' won’t follow Josh McDaniels to the Raiders. He's learned to make his own
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https://sports.yahoo.com/the-patriot-way-wont-follow-josh-mc-daniels-to-the-raiders-hes-making-his-own-now-180701713.html?src=rss
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The dust is still settling from this summer’s SEC media days as the preeminent athletic conference in the nation wraps up its biggest event of the offseason. For the Florida Gators, it was their new head football coach’s first official foray into the Southeastern Conference fray, in which he held his own showing both a bit of his personal side as well as a focus on culture change in the Swamp, in addition to many other topics Billy Napier addressed.
The media, as is the tradition, took to the task of assembling their preseason predictions after the conclusion of the events, which included the announcement of this year’s preseason All-SEC teams. Among those mentioned were eight members of the Orange and Blue crew, who has offensive lineman O'Cyrus Torrence listed on the first team.
Also making the cut are defensive lineman Brenton Cox Jr. (listed as a linebacker), who made the second team, as well as defensive back Trey Dean III, linebacker Ventrell Miller and defensive tackle Gervon Dexter who earned third team honors.
Take a look below at the full list of players ranked by tiered teams on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball, as well as the special teams players.
OFFENSE - First-Team
OFFENSE - Second-Team
OFFENSE - Third-Team
DEFENSE - First-Team
DEFENSE - Second-Team
DEFENSE - Third-Team
SPECIALISTS - First-Team
SPECIALISTS - Second-Team
SPECIALISTS - Third-Team
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2022-07-22T19:18:04Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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These 5 Gators earned preseason All-SEC honors from the media
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https://sports.yahoo.com/5-gators-earned-preseason-sec-180121405.html?src=rss
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The East-West Shrine Bowl is a college football tradition that stretches back nearly a full century to 1925 and is the longest-running college all-star football game in the nation. The annual event provides a venue for the top college players to show off their talents in front of NFL scouts as well as a national audience of fans, while also promoting the Shriners Children’s organization and its mission to provide excellent specialty care for children
Recently, the organization released its watch list for 1,000 of the top players on the collegiate gridiron, which included eight Florida Gators. Those named include outside linebacker Brenton Cox Jr., safety Trey Dean III, offensive tackle Richard Gouraige, inside linebacker Ventrell Miller, wide receivers Ricky Pearsall and Justin Shorter, as well as offensive guards O'Cyrus Torrence and Ethan White.
The Southeastern Conference was represented by 141 players on the list, with the LSU Tigers landing the most with 18 bayou boys named, while the Tennessee Volunteers and South Carolina Gamecocks both had 14 and Alabama Crimson Tide notched 12. Florida’s biggest rival, the Georgia Bulldogs, only had nine names mentioned.
The 98th East-West Shrine Bowl is scheduled to take place on February 2, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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2022-07-22T19:18:10Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Here are 8 Gators named to East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 watch list
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https://sports.yahoo.com/8-gators-named-east-west-172221671.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/8-gators-named-east-west-172221671.html?src=rss
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ATLANTA – After 41 years, the Dawgs finally caught the car. Georgia is the defending national champion, and got there by carving through mighty Alabama. The Dawgs are on a run of five straight top-10 AP poll finishes, and are returning the quarterback who led them to the title.
On the other hand, they’re not returning the 15 players selected in the NFL draft, including five defensive players picked in the first round. They’re facing the challenges that await every champion — the hangover, the lull, the complacency that comes with achieving every goal, as well as the fact that Georgia swims in the shark-infested waters of the SEC. What now?
“We didn't build this program on hoping for one-year wonders or hoping for one opportunity,” Georgia head coach Kirby Smart said in his opening remarks Wednesday at SEC Media Days. “We built the program to be sustained. You sustain it by what you do every single day. This program was built to be here for a long time.”
The numbers bear him out. Under Smart, Georgia has spent $175 million on football facilities, including a still-new $80 million facility that features a 24,000-square-foot weight room, the largest in the country. He already enjoyed buy-in from the university's administration and athletic department, and the first national championship has bought him years of goodwill.
Looking forward into those years, Smart has built such a comprehensive recruiting operation that Georgia hasn't taken in one new player through the transfer portal. Not one. He believes he has stacked enough at every position that there's no need to seek outside help. It's a bold strategy in an era when players would clamor to play for a reigning champion, but Smart believes the crew he has been nurturing in-house is ready for the spotlight.
"There's a hunger among this group," Smart said. "A lot of guys want to prove that they can replace the other guy. They don't want to be the other guy, they want to be the next guy ... The hunger comes from the opportunity the talented players behind them have."
Georgia shrugged off an entire hell's worth of demons in 2021. The Bulldogs, as a team, won their first championship since the Vince Dooley/Herschel Walker days. Smart finally got over on his mentor, Nick Saban. Georgia redeemed a humiliating loss to Alabama in the SEC championship. Stetson Bennett IV quieted every one of the doubters by leading Georgia to a late comeback in the title game. And on and on.
With all that achieved, it's fair to wonder how the Dawgs will gear up for a reprise. Staying on the mountaintop requires a whole different set of skills than getting there. Problem No. 1: complacency.
"Our leaders have done a good job of transitioning from [the national championship]," Bennett said. "It was really cool, super cool, but it has nothing to do with this year, because these guys are good in this league, good in the country. We know what it took last year, we remember going through those summer weekends, how we attacked each week. That got us there last year. Not doing that probably won't be a good idea."
True to form, Smart has prepared an entire framework of lessons, guidance, motivation and historical perspective on how champions fall apart. His goal: learn what brought down the greats before him, and take steps to ensure that doesn't happen in Athens.
"We've done a lot of studies on how the mighty have fallen," he said. "We have skull sessions, 15-minute meetings, 20-minute meetings and breakout groups. We talk about how the mighty have fallen. I'm talking about in business, sports, history. You learn from the mistakes of others."
"We expect to win every game that we go play, just because of the work that we've done," Bennett said. "We try to look at each opponent each week as nameless and faceless."
Georgia begins the season against Oregon, and its only other prominent out-of-division game will come on Oct. 8 against Auburn. Saying it's an easy schedule belies the treacherous nature of the SEC week to week, but Georgia could well be looking at a season where its toughest competition lurks in December and January.
"People ask the question, 'How does it feel to be hunted?'" Smart said. "We will not be hunted at the University of Georgia. I can promise you that. The hunting we do will be from us going the other direction. We're not going to sit back and be passive."
Expected to take another step forward in his production, wide receiver Marvin Mims was included on the 2022 Biletnikoff Award watch list.
Jill Biden tours UGA summer learning program Thursday
Biden and Education Sec. Miguel Cardona toured Horizons National summer learning program being held at the University of Georgia.
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2022-07-22T19:18:23Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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What do the Georgia Bulldogs do for an encore?
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Reese Dismukes
Award watchlists typically kick up right before the college football season, and another Auburn football player has made a list.
Auburn center Nick Brahms, who first came to Auburn in 2018, was named to the Rimington Trophy watchlist on Friday. The Rimington Trophy is awarded yearly to the best center in college football.
The trophy watchlist is made up of 40 players and was created with the help of Pro Football Focus. Brahms, who is using an extra season of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has been on the watchlist for the past three years. He has yet to win it, however, as that honor has gone to Wisconsin’s Tyler Biadasz (2019), Alabama’s Landon Dickerson (2020) and Iowa’s Tyler Linderbaum (2021) in the years that he was nominated.
Auburn has had only one player win the trophy, which happened in 2014 when Reese Dismukes emerged as the winner. Dismukes was a consensus First-Team All-American and All-SEC nomination the year he won the award.
The winner of the award will be announced on Jan. 14, 2023 in Lincoln, Nebraska.
The @rimingtontrophy watch list ☑️@Nick_Brahms is honored as one of the best centers in college football.#WarEagle🦅 pic.twitter.com/y3THQP0t6e
Auburn football coach Bryan Harsin expunged all whose vision didn't align with his. He united the locker room. Now can he win over recruits?
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2022-07-22T19:18:29Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Auburn center named to award watchlist
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On Friday, the 2022 Rimington Trophy Watch List was announced, a list that included Wisconsin Badgers lineman Joe Tippmann.
The Rimington Trophy is given annually to the nation’s top center in college football.
Last season, Tippmann, an Honorable Mention All-Big Ten lineman, was the sixth highest graded starting center in the country, according to PFF.
In 687 snaps at C, the Indiana native allowed four pressures and zero sacks all season.
Per PFF, The 6-foot-6, 320-pound C finished last season as Wisconsin’s second highest-graded offensive lineman (85.1). He also finished with the second-best run-blocking grade (85.0) and the best pass-blocking grade on the team (76.7).
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2022-07-22T19:18:35Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Badgers C Joe Tippmann Named to Rimington Trophy Watch List
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Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Stetson Bennett (13) kisses the trophy after winning the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday, Jan. 10, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Tennessee Head Coach Josh Heupel during a game Tennessee and Missouri at Faurot Field in Columbia, Mo. on Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021.
Kns Tennessee Missouri Football
Check out the Recruiting Hawgs Podcast with Alex Trader and Mason Choate. New episodes including interviews with Arkansas recruits are available every Wednesday on YouTube, Apple and Spotify. Arkansas landed four players on the preseason All-SEC teams voted on by the media Friday.
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2022-07-22T19:19:19Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Respect they deserve: Arkansas picked third in SEC West, gets first-place vote
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Wisconsin to play road game against Marquette in December
On Thursday, Wisconsin’s announced its in-state rivalry with Marquette that dates back to 1917 is back on for the 2022-23 season.
On December 3, UW will make the annual 75-mile drive down I-94 to play the Golden Eagles at Fiserv Forum, which opened in 2018.
UW defeated Marquette 89-76 in their most recent meeting at the Kohl Center last season. It’s also worth noting both UW and Marquette made appearances in the NCAA Tournament in 2021-22.
Wisconsin’s two most historic college basketball programs have met 128 times, with the Badgers holding a 69-59 advantage over their little brother.
Wisconsin Basketball confirmed the news via their Twitter account:
Marisa Moseley and Greg Gard to throw out first pitch at Brewers game
Wisconsin men's and women's basketball coaches Greg Gard and Marisa Moseley will make an appearance at the Brewers game on Monday:
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2022-07-22T19:35:27Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Wisconsin to play road game against Marquette in December
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NEW YORK, July 22, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The following Notice of Change of Date relates to the proxy statement (the “Proxy Statement”) of Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC (the “Company”), dated May 11, 2022, furnished to shareholders of the Company in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of the Company for use at the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”) that was originally scheduled to be held on Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at 9:00 a.m.
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2022-07-22T20:23:17Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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5 Bears players to watch when NFL Training Camp starts
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Rookies and quarterbacks will begin reporting to Halas Hall on Saturday. Safety Jaquan Brisker, however, doesn’t figure to be among the early arrivals.
With contract negotiations stalled but fluid, Brisker‘s ETA to training camp remains indefinite.https://t.co/Z4Y9Z8j1FR
As Wiederer reports, the two sides are likely at an impasse regarding the amount of guaranteed money in Brisker’s third year of his four-year deal. The hang up is reportedly significant enough to warrant concern that the deal won’t be signed until August at the earliest, according to Wiederer. Brisker is not allowed to practice with the team while he is unsigned.
If a contract holdout does occur, it would be the first one for the Bears since 2018 when Roquan Smith missed most of training camp, resulting in limited playing time when the regular season began. Brisker is projected as the team’s starting safety opposite Eddie Jackson when week one arrives. He was selected with the 48th overall pick in the second round out of Penn State in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Should Brisker miss camp practices, free agent acquisition Dane Cruikshank stands to start in his place. Cruikshank was signed earlier this spring after spending four seasons with the Tennessee Titans.
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2022-07-22T20:23:23Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Bears S Jaquan Brisker not expected at training camp on time amid contract holdout
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It came as something of a surprise when Ben Roethlisberger chose to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021 for his 18th NFL season. His center and longtime teammate Maurkice Pouncey had already retired and most assumed he wouldn’t be far behind.
But Roethlisberger threw everyone a curveball and opted to come back for one more year. A move Roethlisberger says wasn’t fully endorsed by the franchise. Roethlisberger spoke to Steelers writer Ron Cook and said the higher ups with the team didn’t all feel the same about him coming back.
“It was mostly Kevin [Colbert],” Roethlisberger said. “He was ready to move on. I think Mike [Tomlin] was a little ready to move on, but I think he was OK with me coming back. I think Mr. [Art] Rooney really wanted me to come back last year to play.”
The Steelers won nine games in 2021 and in seven of those, the team counted on Roethlisberger to bring the team back in the fourth quarter. There’s no doubt the Steelers should have started preparing for life without Roethlisberger sooner but it’s hard to imagine anyone on the team didn’t want him back.
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2022-07-22T20:23:30Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Ben Roethlisberger says former Steelers GM Kevin Colbert was ready to move on from him
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Local revenue soared to $232 million, up from $62 million, as 78,000 fans on average—second-highest in pro football—attended games at Lambeau Field, after no fans were allowed in 2020. Local revenue is driven by tickets, luxury suites, sponsorships and merchandise. It was $211 million in 2019 in the NFL’s smallest market, which punches well above its weight in the league’s financial hierarchy, thanks to a passionate fan base and rich legacy as a franchise. Team president Mark Murphy said the Packers typically rank between eighth and 10th for local revenue.
“Maintaining our stadium as a top-tier facility that serves as a year-round destination contributes to the sustained success of both the franchise and our community,” Murphy said when announcing the sale results.
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2022-07-22T20:24:20Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Packers Revenue Hits Record $579 Million With Fans’ Return in 2021
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They must decide whether they want to be buyers or sellers ahead of the MLB trade deadline. The direction they take likely will depend on how they perform in their upcoming series vs. the Toronto Blue Jays, Cleveland Guardians and Milwaukee Brewers. Ahead of Friday's game vs. Toronto, the Red Sox sit two games behind the Blue Jays for the third Wild Card spot.
MLB.com's Mark Feinsand recently named four players who could soon be traded and are potential fits for the Red Sox:
Daniel Bard, RHP, Rockies
Feinsand: "Bard’s third season in Colorado has been his best, as he’s posted a 2.02 ERA in 35 appearances this season. The 37-year-old has excelled of late, allowing just two earned runs over his final 21 outings before the break, pitching to a 0.81 ERA during that stretch. Bard is earning $4.4 million in 2022 and will be a free agent this winter."
Feinsand: "Bell has just two home runs over the past month, but he has 15 extra-base hits and an impressive .360/.430/.596 slash line during that time. With the worst record in the Majors at the break, Washington appears headed for a fire sale, and Bell – an impending free agent – should be among those on the move. Bell could provide help at DH for a contender without a need at first base."
Feinsand: "Castillo is the No. 1 starter available on this year’s trade market right now, and his recent performance has only cemented that status. The right-hander went 4-0 with a 1.00 ERA in his final four starts prior to the All-Star break, as he struck out 33 batters in 27 innings."
David Robertson, RHP, Cubs
Feinsand: "Robertson’s renaissance has carried into July; the veteran closer had a 1.69 ERA in his final nine appearances prior to the break, making him one of the prime rental candidates on the market. His experience as both a closer and setup man will make him appealing to most contending clubs."
The Red Sox have the prospects to get a deal done for any of the aforementioned players, though acquiring Castillo (under team control through 2023) would be pricey. If Chaim Bloom and Co. opt to sell instead, these could be the final days in a Boston uniform for Xander Bogaerts (opt-out after this season), Nathan Eovaldi (pending free agent) and J.D. Martinez (pending free agent).
MLB DFS: Consider Chicago's bats against Cleveland
Mike Barner opens up the second half with his Friday Yahoo picks, which include a White Sox stack against Cleveland.
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco reportedly had more than $650,000 stolen out of his vehicle while he was on a rehab assignment in June.
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2022-07-22T20:49:22Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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2022 MLB Trade Deadline: Insider names four potential fits for Red Sox
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Practice: 2:30 - 3:20 p.m. (USA, MRN, SiriusXM)
Qualifying: 3:20 - 4:30 p.m. (USA, MRN, SiriusXM)
M&M’s Fan Appreciation 400: 3 - 6 p.m. ET (USA, MRN, SiriusXM)
Kid-friendly cooking: Fun and efficient meals for camping at the track
NASCAR race weekends consist of making memories with family, celebrating, and filling your belly with amazing food. When camping at the track, you have the luxury of making meals that are unique. Most campers want meals that are perfect for kids and can be prepared in under 20 minutes. Well, NASCAR.com has a few meal […]
Taiba is the 7-5 favorite over Jack Christopher in the $1 million Haskell Stakes, the first major race for 3-year-olds following the Triple Crown.
The celebration will include appearances by a C-17 Globemaster III, an F-100 Super Sabre and a Twin Beech 18, as well as an F-35A and P-51.
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2022-07-22T20:49:34Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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NASCAR weekend viewers guide
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Mannion shares incredible story that shows Steph's routine greatness originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
“And as he gets up, he shoots. All in one motion. He steps back and shoots a three. I contest it and everything. It barely touches the net. It’s one of those where the net just kind of pulses. And Marquese, who’s one of my good friends, Marquese Chriss goes to throw the ball in and I look at him and I’m like ‘What the f--k was that?’ and he’s like ‘You’ll get used to it.’”
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2022-07-22T20:49:41Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Nico Mannion's incredible Steph Curry story exemplifies star's greatness
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David Ortiz is, for an entire generation of Boston sports fans, the best player they've ever seen wear a Red Sox uniform.
Ortiz's resume with the Red Sox is nothing short of legendary, and it will take center stage this weekend when he's inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
"He was one hell of a hitter, you know?" Red Sox legend Carl Yastrzemski recently told The Boston Globe's Dan Shaughnessy. “One of the best hitters the Red Sox ever had. Probably the only guy that was a better hitter was Ted."
That's pretty high praise right there.
And based on purely numbers, it's hard to put anyone outside of Ted Williams above Ortiz on the Red Sox all-time hierarchy.
Add in amazing postseason stats and you have a Red Sox resume matched by almost no one in franchise history and worthy of the Hall of Fame recognition he'll receive in Cooperstown this weekend.
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2022-07-22T20:49:53Z
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Red Sox legend has high praise for David Ortiz as Baseball HOF ceremony nears
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The shockingly low salaries in minor league baseball don’t include whatever signing bonuses a player received. (Although, Manfred specified that his response held true “even putting to one side the signing bonuses,” which was to his detriment as it’s the league's strongest argument.) Further, the league also counts as compensation the free housing teams are now required to provide — to players, if not their families, although many teams have chosen to do so.
Commissioner Rob Manfred believes that minor league players are paid a living wage. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Manfred’s comment was a reflection of his belief that between other forms of compensation and the recent increase in minor league salaries — from $290 to $500 a week in Class-A and $502 to $700 in Triple-A — minor leaguers are paid a living wage.
Here’s what I asked: There's obviously been efforts, both legal and potentially legislative, to address concerns around minor league pay. I just want to make sure that I understand, is the issue that the owners can't afford to pay them a living wage or just don't want to?
Manfred said he didn’t hear me so I restated it: The concern around the minor league pay from your owners, is the issue that your owners can't afford to pay them more or they just aren't interested in doing so?
The antitrust exemption that MLB has enjoyed for the past 100 years gets mentioned a lot in critiques about the league’s apolitical claims and whenever owners cry poor. But it has no effect on major league salaries, which are carved out as an exemption to the exemption under the Curt Flood Act of 1998 and because the big leaguers are represented by a union whose CBA supersedes the antitrust law. As a result, major leaguers make millions of dollars because they’re able to justify that value to the more than $10 billion industry.
Without those protections, however, minor league minimum salaries are determined unilaterally by Major League Baseball, under the uniform player contract. They are not paid in accordance with their talent or effort or the time commitment required to perform a necessary function within the MLB ecosystem. They are not even paid in accordance with federal minimum wage laws after the league lobbied Congress for dispensation to pay their minor leaguers less than is required by the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. They are not paid like people whose bosses appreciate baseball's value to a local community and not just what it can fetch in TV deals. They are also often not paid enough to support themselves. All baseball players are paid only in season which means that even with the recent raises, even Triple-A players not on the 40-man roster make $14,000 annually. (The Federal poverty line for a single-person household in 2022 is $13,590.)
Some of racing's top drivers are at the Iowa Speedway this weekend.
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2022-07-22T20:49:59Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Why aren't MLB owners paying minor leaguers more? That's the question Rob Manfred needs to answer
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Oddsmakers believe Sunday’s race at Pocono is wide open.
Eight drivers have odds of +1000 or better ahead of the first race at the 2.5-mile triangle with NASCAR’s new Cup Series car (3 p.m. ET, USA). There’s no track that compares well to Pocono, so it’s understandable how the race could be hard to project. Each of the track’s three corners are distinct from one another and two of the track’s three straightaways are extremely long.
Chase Elliott is the points leader and heads into the weekend as the favorite to win at +700. Elliott has five consecutive top-10 finishes and has finished either first or second in each of the last four races. He also has a streak of five races with a starting spot of fourth or better; it’s not going to be a total shock to see Elliott starting near the front on Sunday too.
Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch and Kyle Larson are all at +800 behind Elliott. Larson and Busch are both looking for their second wins of the season. Elliott has three victories and Hamlin is one of three drivers with two wins.
If a driver like Ryan Blaney, Martin Truex Jr. or Kevin Harvick wins on Sunday, NASCAR will have 15 different winners in the first 21 races. That hasn’t happened in NASCAR’s playoff era. But it sure seems possible this season.
Here’s what you need to know to bet the race. All odds are from BetMGM.
Chase Elliott, Ross Chastain, Ryan Blaney and Denny Hamlin are among the eight drivers with good odds to win at Pocono. (Photo by Chris McDill/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Elliott has an average finish of 15.2 with seven top-10 finishes in 12 Pocono starts. Hamlin has six wins over 32 starts and leads all active drivers in wins at the track. Busch has four victories and Truex has two. Larson was leading the first 2021 race at Pocono late before a flat tire on the final lap cost him the win. Chastain finished outside the top 25 in both races last year while Blaney got his first Cup Series win at Pocono. Byron has the best average finish of any active Cup Series driver at Pocono and is the only driver with an average finish inside the top 10.
Kurt Busch (+2000)
Logano has one Pocono win in 26 starts but has just 10 top-10 finishes. Busch has three victories at Pocono and has 21 top 10s in 41 starts.
Brad Keselowski (+6600)
Keselowski has some very strong Pocono stats with a win and 11 top-five finishes in 24 starts. But his new Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing team hasn’t showed the speed necessary to compete for wins in the regular season. That's why his odds are so high.
Wallace’s odds are better than they’ve been recently. He got the first top-15 finishes of his Pocono career in 2021 and finished fifth in the second race a season ago. Funny how better equipment can lead to stronger runs.
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2022-07-22T21:02:13Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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NASCAR betting: 8 drivers have odds of +1000 or better to win at Pocono
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More: Inside the partnership plotting Michigan State football's push for national title
Michigan State coach Mel Tucker raises the trophy after beating Pittsburgh, 31-21, to win the Peach Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021.
Michigan State Spartans running back Kenneth Walker III (9) runs for a touchdown in the first half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on Nov. 6, 2021.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Pat Narduzzi hammers Michigan State football, then doubles down
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2022-07-22T21:07:04Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Pitt's Pat Narduzzi hammers Michigan State football and Big Ten, then doubles down
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The Florida Gators football team has been predicted to finish fourth in the SEC East by members of the media attending the recent 2022 SEC media days at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia.
Georgia is the media’s pick to win the East. Kirby Smart’s group earned 172 first-place votes out of a possible 181. Georgia’s 1,254 points blew away the rest of the division, and Florida’s not even in the race for second, according to the poll. Kentucky finished with 932 points (four first-place votes) and Tennessee is right behind at 929 (one first-place vote). The Gators are firmly behind the Volunteers at No. 4 with 712 points.
In the West, Alabama (1,262) is the projected division winner followed by Texas A&M (968), Arkansas (844) and Ole Miss (675). The Crimson Tide are the favorites to win the conference championship as well.
Predictions are just predictions, but these are the folks that cover the conference year-round and that knowledge is bound to pay off at some point. The media has correctly predicted the conference champion prior to the season just nine times over the last 30 years, but that includes the last two seasons. That consistency drops off as you go further down the predicted standings, so Florida could surprise a few folks and end up competing with Kentucky and Tennesse.
Here are the results from the SEC Media Day poll:
SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said Alabama football coach Nick Saban ruined his day by attacking Jimbo Fisher and Deion Sanders in May.
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2022-07-22T21:07:10Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Here’s where the media predicts Florida will finish among SEC teams in 2022
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The NFL quarterback market has exploded this offseason with a number of new record-setting deals.
The most recent was Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray, who received a five-year $230.5 million deal that includes $160 million in guaranteed money. Meanwhile, Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes’ contract continues to look like one of the best deals in the league. By the end of the next offseason, Mahomes’ average salary could look closer to the bottom of the top-10 quarterback contracts than it will the top.
You won’t find Mahomes upset about the rising market in relation to his contract, though. In fact, he was elated to hear about Murray’s extension with the Cardinals and other big-money deals around the league this offseason.
“Yeah, I mean it’s awesome,” Mahomes told reporters at the onset of training camp. “Not just the quarterback market, but the market of players in general. You want the salary cap going up, you want players getting more and more money.”
Will Mahomes be seeking out a restructured deal in the future, potentially with more guaranteed money attached to the contract? Right now, Mahomes sounds to be very comfortable with his financial situation and the 10-year deal he signed ahead of the 2020 NFL season.
“When I signed my deal, I knew I was going to be pretty set for life regardless of what the market kind of happens,” Mahomes said. “But you just keep playing. Money is one thing, but when you get those Super Bowl rings, at the end of your career I think that’s going to be what you look back upon. I think I’ve made enough money from the football field and then obviously off of it as well, that it won’t matter at the end of the day.”
The star quarterback has a pretty keen sense of how the contract game is played in the NFL. He knew that his deal was going to be passed up eventually.
“Especially at the quarterback position, the next guy is kind of the top-paid guy,” Mahomes said. “Any of these top-tier quarterbacks, they make such a difference on NFL teams, it’s going to get passed up. Even if you look at the guys who signed last year to this year, they got passed up. And I’m sure when Burrow, Herbert and all these guys come around, they’ll keep setting the bar even higher.”
Mahomes knows that Kansas City can remain competitive for a long time with his contract and he’s not going to do anything to jeopardize that.
“You always want to get paid and take care of your family,” Mahomes concluded. “But I want to have a great team around me as well. Whatever way that is, I’m going to make sure I have a great team around me the rest of my career.”
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2022-07-22T21:54:41Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes paying no mind to rising quarterback market
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Richard Ryman, Green Bay Press-Gazette
Green Bay Packers president Mark Murphy speaks with fans before the game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Green Bay Packers report record revenue and profit figures for 2021-22
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2022-07-22T21:54:53Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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With fans back in stands in 2021, Green Bay Packers posted record $579 million in annual revenue
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https://sports.yahoo.com/fans-back-stands-2021-green-204742195.html?src=rss
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Patriots waive defensive tackle ahead of training camp originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The New England Patriots announced Friday they have waived defensive tackle Byron Cowart.
Cowart, 26, was selected by the Patriots in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. The Maryland product played 19 games (14 starts) for New England, totaling 29 tackles, one sack and one pass defensed. He missed the entire 2021 campaign due to injury.
With Cowart out of the picture, the Patriots' defensive line depth chart consists of Davon Godchaux, Christian Barmore, Lawrence Guy, Deatrich Wise, Carl Davis, Henry Anderson, Bill Murray, Sam Roberts, Daniel Ekuale, and LaBryan Ray.
The Patriots also announced wide receiver Malcolm Perry has been placed on the reserve/retired list. The 25-year-old signed a futures contract with New England in January after being claimed off waivers from the Miami Dolphins in Sept. 2021. He entered the NFL as a seventh-round draft pick out of Navy in 2020.
Training camp at Gillette Stadium is set to begin on July 27.
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2022-07-22T21:55:41Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Patriots waive defensive tackle Byron Cowart
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https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-waive-defensive-tackle-byron-212000082.html?src=rss
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Where Titans rank in Madden NFL 23 team ratings
Along with the release of their ratings for quarterbacks and offensive linemen on Friday, Madden NFL 23 also revealed its team ratings for all 32 squads, including the Tennessee Titans.
Tennessee scored an overall team rating of 82, tied for 17th in the game, which is due to be released on August 19. Other teams earning the same rating were the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints.
On offense, the Titans were rated an 82 as well, tied for 13th, and on special teams Tennessee landed a 71, tied for 28th.
Surprisingly, Tennessee’s defense received a worse mark than the offense with an 81, tied for 14th with the Colts. That rating should definitely be higher.
Tennessee’s defense saw a major revival last season and was one of the best units in the NFL. The Titans finished tied for ninth in sacks, No. 2 in run defense, and tied for fifth in points allowed per contest.
And, with the Titans returning all but one starter in 2022, the unit figures to be elite once again and, at the very least, should sport a higher rating than Tennessee’s shaky offense that is loaded with question marks.
Now, here’s a look at the top-five teams in each category:
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 92
2. Buffalo Bills: 89
T-3. Green Bay Packers: 88
T-3. Los Angeles Rams: 88
T-5. Los Angeles Chargers: 87
T-5. Baltimore Ravens: 87
T-1. Buffalo Bills: 88
T-3. Pittsburgh Steelers: 87
T-5. San Francisco 49ers: 86
3. Los Angeles Chargers: 88
T-4. Dallas Cowboys: 87
T-4. Cleveland Browns: 87
Special teams rating
1. Baltimore Ravens: 88
2. Kansas City Chiefs: 87
3. Cincinnati Bengals 85
T-4. Las Vegas Raiders: 82
T-4. New York Giants: 82
Titans player ratings in Madden NFL 23
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2022-07-22T21:56:06Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Where Titans rank in Madden NFL 23 team ratings
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https://sports.yahoo.com/where-titans-rank-madden-nfl-190028099.html?src=rss
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San Jose State Football: Chevan Cordeiro Named To DETMER Watch Listt
The Sickos Committee gets in the watch list game and San Jose State’s new quarterback is a player who could be in the mix as the country’s most rippin’est player.
Unpredictable and fun.
If you’re a participant in what is loosely known as College Football Twitter, you’re probably already familiar with the Sickos Committee, an account dedicated to celebrating the game’s strangeness and championing what makes it unique. In that spirit, they jumped into watch list season with both feet today and announced the DETMER watch list.
What is DETMER? You can find a detailed explanation right here, but in a nutshell it is an acronym which stands for “Downfield Eventful Throwing Metric Encouraging Rippin’ It”, which accounts for nothing more than passing yards, touchdowns, and interceptions.
And in the eyes of the committee, no quarterback in the Mountain West was a better fit for the watch list than San Jose State’s Chevan Cordeiro.
We've decided that we have to join "Watch List" season! Here are our QBs to look out for based on our proprietary DETMER metric.
Did we miss a QB that just throws the ball no matter what, for better or worse? Let us know. pic.twitter.com/ofjOXK89kZ
There’s little doubt he’s been one of the more exciting quarterbacks in the Mountain West when he was on the field for the Hawaii Warriors over the last several years, throwing for 6,167 yards, 45 touchdowns, and 22 interceptions on 835 pass attempts between 2018 and 2021. That equates to a touchdown rate of 5.4% and an interception rate of 2.6%, which would appear to be right in line with what the Sickos Committee looked for in their selections.
It was especially true last season, in particular, when Cordeiro threw for 2,793 yards, 17 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 11 games. That included three games in which he threw multiple interceptions and three others in which he threw three touchdowns, as well as four contests where he topped 300 passing yards. When the Todd Graham situation erupted early in the off-season, however, Cordeiro was one of many Warriors who left the program via the transfer portal, eventually landing with the Spartans.
Closest was Colorado State's Todd Centeio at 18, and Hawaii's Chevan Cordeiro at 19.
While Spartans fans certainly hope their path back to the top of the Mountain West won’t be too hectic, the fact remains that Cordeiro will still be one of the most entertaining players anywhere in the conference.
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2022-07-22T22:47:28Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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San Jose State Football: Chevan Cordeiro Named To DETMER Watch List
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https://sports.yahoo.com/san-jose-state-football-chevan-203658720.html?src=rss
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Soccer clinics and fan parties are planned before Saturday's Man City-Bayern Munich soccer match at Lambeau Field.
Memphis Bleek Shares His Take When Asked If Eminem or Jay-Z Had a Better "Renegade" Verse
Memphis Bleek shared his thoughts on the years-old debate about whether Eminem actually washed Jay-Z on his own "Renegade" record back in 2001.
On Thursday, Kyler Murray of the Cardinals became the latest quarterback to sign a major long-term deal. We’ve gotten a look at the full terms. Per a source with knowledge of the deal, here they are. 1. Signing bonus: $29.035 million. 2. 2022 base salary: $965,000, fully guaranteed. 3. 2023 option bonus: $36 million, fully [more]
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2022-07-22T23:12:43Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Storm and Mercury exchange amazing moments of great Sue Bird-Diana Taurasi battles
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American football defensive end
The 2022 season will be telling for the Houston Texans in terms of where they need to allocate draft resources in the 2023 offseason.
Defensive end Jonathan Greenard will be eligible for contract negotiations with the Texans after completing his third NFL season. The upcoming campaign will be Greenard’s best negotiating ploy from the outset as a double-digit sack season could compel general manager Nick Caserio to find a way to keep the former 2020 third-rounder from Florida.
If Greenard fails, the Texans have two first-round picks they could deploy to shore up edge defender.
If Greenard succeeds, it changes how the Texans appropriate their first-round selections, but defensive end may still be a need for Houston.
According to Michael Renner from Pro Football Focus, a name that would be worth the Texans’ consideration is Ohio State defensive end Zach Harrison.
Harrison will have the Ohio State brand behind him as well as the built-up notoriety that comes with being one of the few seniors on this list. Harrison is an ultra-long 6-foot-6, 272-pound edge rusher whose combination of length and explosiveness presents a ton of problems for offensive tackles.
There is a catch with Harrison, but it isn’t an issue if the Texans give the Buckeye time to develop and acclimate to the pro game and an NFL strength and conditioning program.
The problem is that his size has caused him to be a touch stiff and not a great finisher as a result. It’s unlikely he puts up big sack totals, making him a long shot to unseat others on this [Ted Hendricks Award] list.
Jerry Hughes and Mario Addison don’t figure to be long for the job in Houston, and the Texans already have a veteran-laden roster. Harrison would be a younger addition who could complement Greenard in a scenario where the latter seizes the opportunity to be the club’s premier edge defender.
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2022-07-22T23:26:30Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Texans should consider Ohio State DE Zach Harrison in the 2023 NFL draft
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https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-consider-ohio-state-zach-215011990.html?src=rss
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Lil’ man gets big money
Kyler Murray dominated football news yesterday when it was reported that he and the Cardinals reached a five-year, $230.5 million deal for his services. The extension includes a guaranteed $160 million which is the second most ever behind Deshaun Watson. Murray will now have the second-highest per-year salary in the NFL behind Aaron Rodgers ($50 million/year). All of this ensures that Murray will lead the Cardinals for the foreseeable future and the organization trusts him to do so.
Murray has also made an impact on his team and fantasy rosters since entering the league in 2019. As a rookie, Murray finished as QB7 on a per-game basis. He followed that up with two straight years finishing as QB4 (per-game basis). His dual-threat abilities have been a nightmare for defenses since Day 1. On the non-fantasy side, there is work to be done. With Murray as the starter, the Cardinals are 22-23-1. The Cardinals have had trouble down the stretch in each of the past two seasons. In 2020, the Cards started the season 6-3 only to end up 8-8 and missing the playoffs. Last season, they raced out to a 7-0 start, then 9-2 and limped into the playoffs at 11-6. In Murray’s first playoff appearance, the Cards were absolutely rocked by the eventual Super Bowl Champion Rams 34-11. Murray was 19-of-34 passing, 137 yards, two interceptions and only added six yards on the ground. The offense looks to again be a juggernaut with the addition of Marquise Brown. With his newfound wealth, Murray will be out to prove he is worth every million.
Almost immediately after the news broke, fans and sports media turned their attention to Lamar Jackson. He remains without a long-term contract; but he has reported to training camp. Many (including myself) feel that at this point Jackson’s negotiations should start a dollar above what Murray was able to get. His winning record as a quarterback, impact, MVP pedigree and playoff experience make him a candidate to make the big bucks.
Lombardi Lenny enjoying the fruits of his labor
It was reported this week that the Bucs’ staff aren’t happy with Leonard Fournette’s current weight of 260 pound. That's all the news that the masses needed to tee off on Fournette. Training camp (especially in Florida) will knock 15lbs off of his body just by simply walking to the sideline. Fournette, obviously annoyed with the doubters, put out a tweet saying they wouldn't say it in his face and said, “See y’all September 11” (Week 1). Earlier this offseason, Fournette quickly re-signed with the Bucs after Tom Brady came out of his short retirement. The deal is three years, $21 million with $12 million guaranteed. The Bucs drafted all-around running back Rachaad White in the third round of this year's draft to back up Fournette. White has already made it known that will compete to be the team’s top back. While that isn't likely at the start, he should find an important role in the offense rather soon.
Fournette enjoyed a 2021 season that saw him gain 1,266 yards from scrimmage while scoring 10 total touchdowns. His 69 receptions helped him finish as a top-five back in fantasy. He’ll enter this season as a low-end RB1/safe RB2. White’s (and I guess to a lesser extent Ke’Shawn Vaughn's) role remains to be seen, but Fournette will need a breather whether he’s 235 or 291 pounds. Right now he is the back on the roster who has Brady’s trust, which means more than anything. A few sweaty days in training camp will have Lombardi at his playing weight in no time.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported this week that his sources said the Ravens would take it slow with J.K Dobbins and his availability for Week 1 would be in question. After having not tweeted himself since January 2nd, 2022, Dobbins came out of the Twitter basement to vehemently deny Rapoport’s claims. This may have been the quickest fall and rise of any player’s fantasy ADP in world history. Dobbins said, “I’m damn sure going to be ready for Week 1." As a rookie in 2020, Dobbins made an immediate impact running for 805 yards, nine touchdowns and finishing as fantasy’s RB24. He will now look to bounce back after suffering a torn ACL in the preseason last fall. Two things could be true. The Ravens could bring him along slowly and he could be ready in time for Week 1. With fellow back-mate Gus Edwards also coming off a torn ACL, the Ravens signed veteran Mike Davis to take on some of the load. Once back in the lineup, Dobbins figures to be a solid RB2 option in a run-oriented attack.
In and out of the building
The 49ers have given Jimmy Garoppolo permission to seek a trade. Ironically, he’s now cleared to practice after it was initially reported that he wouldn’t be cleared until mid-August. Some argued that the Niners kept Jimmy G on the roster as insurance for Trey Lance’s performance, but this all but cancels that notion now. Lance will finally step in, play and not have to look over his shoulder. The biggest question is who will trade for Garoppolo's services? The Browns (I think) took themselves out of the running after signing first-round bust Josh Rosen. The Falcons were said to have called about Jimmy G., but their quarterback room is crowded as well. Another question would be, is Garoppolo an automatic starter wherever he goes? We’ll See.
Jets’ and fantasy fans got a scare when it was reported that Breece Hall may hold out of training camp. He signed his four-year, $9 million deal just in time for camp. The issue was said to be over the guaranteed money. Hall now gets to focus on being the Jets’ lead back. He’ll compete with Michael Carter in camp for the lead-back role, but many expect Hall to come out on top as he profiles as an every-down running back. At 6-feet, 217 pounds with 4.39 speed and all-purpose ability, Hall will be the most coveted rookie in fantasy drafts this season. Recent rookie running backs like Najee Harris, James Robinson, Saquon Barkley and Ezekiel Elliott have shown us that a rookie can finish as an RB1. Hall could establish early and finish as such. He is a great value pick after the third-round in fantasy drafts this season.
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2022-07-22T23:26:36Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Weekly Wrap Up: Kyler Murray gets his money
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On Friday, it was announced that both Erick All and Luke Schoonmaker were selected to be on the 2022 John Mackey Award Watch List.
👀 Watch them@eallindi83 and @LukeSchoonmaker are on the John Mackey Award Watch List!#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/7LX7XYl8T1
All was a top target for Cade McNamara in the passing game, and he caught the game-winning touchdown against Penn State after he caught a short crossing route and took it in for a touchdown 47 yards later. The former four-star recruit out of Fairfield (Ohio) is entering his redshirt junior year with high expectations. He finished 2021 with 38 receptions for 437 yards and two scores.
Luke Schoonmaker is coming off a 2021 season where he caught 17 receptions for 165 yards and three touchdowns. The former three-star product out of Connecticut possesses great size with his 6-foot-5 frame. He has shown the ability to make the outside block and come down with tough catches.
The combination of All and Schoomaker will allow the Wolverines to be very creative on the offensive side of the ball. Michigan has its pickings at wide receiver to go along with two incredible tight ends.
The Mackey Award was created back in 2000 to be awarded to the most outstanding tight end in the country. The award was created to honor the late John Mackey who played at Syracuse before becoming a Hall of Fame tight end with the Baltimore Colts. He played in the NFL for 10 years and made the Pro Bowl five times. Mackey also played in two NFL Championship games and two Super Bowls, including the victorious Baltimore Colts win in Super Bowl V. He utilized this platform to expand free agency rights, increase pension benefits, and improve injury protection programs for all NFL players.
The only player to win the award from Michigan was Jake Butt back in 2016.
In 2021, Trey McBride from Colorado State was the Mackey Award winner.
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2022-07-23T00:26:37Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Two Michigan football tight ends on John Mackey Award Watch List
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Comparing Madden NFL 23 QB rankings of Jimmy G, Lance originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
Despite all the uncertainty surrounding Jimmy Garoppolo, one thing is clear: he is rated higher than Trey Lance in Madden NFL 23.
Releasing on August 19, Electronic Arts' annual football video game has Tom Brady (97) as the highest-rated quarterback, edging out the Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers (96) and Kansas City Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes (95). The Buffalo Bills' Josh Allen (92) and Cincinnati Bengals' Joe Burrow (90) round out the top five.
That said, if 49ers fans are curious to know what Garoppolo and Lance's quarterback ratings are, they would have to scroll down a little bit for Garoppolo's and a lot for Lance's. Garoppolo (77) is tied for 18th, ahead of the New Orleans Saints' Jameis Winston (76) and tied with the Carolina Panthers' Baker Mayfield.
Lance, meanwhile, is rated 72, tied for 28th highest-rated with the Detroit Lions' Jared Goff. For comparison, the New York Jets' Zach Wilson (73), Chicago Bears' Justin Fields (74), Jacksonville Jaguars' Trevor Lawrence (76), and the New England Patriots' Mac Jones (78) are all rated higher than Lance when it comes to second-year quarterback ratings in Madden 23.
As the 49ers get ready to start training camp in a few days, it will be interesting to see how Lance responds to his Madden rating. If he's like most players, then he lets his on-field production do the talking.
Regardless, there already are a lot of storylines to keep an eye on ahead of the 2022-2023 NFL season.
John Egan, one of the first high-profile recruits and headlining players in Providence College men’s basketball history, died at 83.
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2022-07-23T00:57:03Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Comparing Jimmy Garoppolo, Trey Lance Madden NFL 23 rankings
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The Green Bay Packers opened up a spot on the 90-man roster by releasing tight end Eli Wolf on Friday, just four days before Matt LaFleur’s first training camp practice.
The Packers now have 89 players and the ability to add one to the roster before the start of training camp.
Wolf, 25, was claimed off waivers from the Indianapolis Colts on May 12. An undrafted free agent from Georgia, Wolf spent his first NFL season in Baltimore with the Ravens and half of last season on the practice squad of the Colts.
The Packers signed tight end Sal Cannella on Thursday, possibly pushing Wolf out the door in Green Bay. The roster now features seven total tight ends, including Cannella, who was an All-USFL player for the New Orleans Breakers.
Wolf would have had a very difficult time making the 53-man roster. The team has at least five tight ends they like: Robert Tonyan, Marcedes Lewis, Josiah Deguara, Tyler Davis and Dominique Dafney.
The Packers placed Tonyan and eight other players on the PUP list while placing three more on the non-football injury list on Friday.
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2022-07-23T00:57:28Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Packers release tight end Eli Wolf, clearing spot on 90-man roster
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The Green Bay Packers will once again wear their 1950s-themed throwback uniforms during the 2022 season.
According to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, Packers president and CEO Mark Murphy confirmed the team will bring back the uniforms for a game this season and will wear them at least once a season each year through 2025.
The Packers debuted the uniforms during a win over Washington at Lambeau Field last season.
The look features a slightly darker shade of green for the uniform and pants with all gold helmets, gray facemasks, gold numbers and gold striping. By and large, the uniforms were loved inside the Packers fan base.
At some point in the near future, the team is expected to announce the game in which the uniforms will be worn in 2022.
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2022-07-23T00:57:34Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Packers to wear alternate throwback uniforms again in 2022
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It is pretty common for an edge rusher to set goals for himself in terms of sack totals. I’m reminded of Bruce Irvin when he played for the Raiders, how every training camp he would set a goal at getting double digit sacks.
It turned out to be a goal Irvin would never reach. Not in his time with the Raiders or otherwise. He reached eight sacks three times, but could never surpass that double digit threshold.
Irvin would be out in 2018 and in 2019, Maxx Crosby entered the fold. Right away, Crosby reached the double digit sack total that was always just out of Irvin’s reach.
It’s all the more ironic being that Crosby claims not to care about his sack totals.
“That doesn’t matter to me,” Crosby said of sack goals. “At the end of the day, it’s what you put on film. When you turn on the film, you can’t hide. That shows who the best is and who isn’t. So, at the end of the day, regardless of my numbers, it doesn’t matter to me.
“I know what it looks like and what it doesn’t look like. And Coach [Rod] Marinelli used to tell me that all the time. It doesn’t matter what numbers you have; you can have zero sacks, but your film is what’s going to stand out. And that’s what the coaches will realize, that’s what the players will realize, and that’s all that matters at the end of the day. . . I just got to be on my best every single play.”
What it looks like is being the only player in the NFL last season to surpass 100 pressures. What it looks like is tying for 4th in the NFL with 30 QB hits, behind only TJ Watt, Myles Garrett, and Nick Bosa. And that looks like a trip to the Pro Bowl and a big investment by the Raiders as the future of their defense.
He did all that despite his eight sacks finishing him outside the top 30 in the league. Those who watch him, not to mention those who have to play against him, know how he impacts the game. Even if he doesn’t finish the play credited with a sack.
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2022-07-23T00:57:41Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Raiders Maxx Crosby does not care about his 2022 sack total ‘it’s what you put on film’
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Baltimore is regarded as a strong bounce-back candidate in 2022 due to the amount of talent that they should be getting back on the field as they return from injuries. However, on Friday the team placed six of their players on the physically unable to perform list ahead of training camp in running backs JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards, offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley, outside linebacker Tyus Bowser, cornerback Marcus Peters and safety Ar’Darius Washington.
Ravens have placed six players on the Physically Unable To Perform list to start training camp:
CB Marcus Peters (knee)
RB J.K. Dobbins (knee)
RB Gus Edwards (knee)
OLB Tyus Bowser (Achilles)
S Ar'Darius Washington (foot)
Dobbins, Edwards and Peters each tore their ACL before the 2021 season started, ending their year before it began. Stanley played in one game after suffering an ankle injury in 2020, but opted for a second surgery shortly thereafter. Bowser tore his achilles in Week 18 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, while Washington missed the back half of the season with a foot injury suffered in practice.
Players who are placed on the PUP list before training camp can come off of it at any time.
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2022-07-23T00:57:53Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Ravens place six players on PUP list ahead of training camp
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Enough talk about who fits in academically with the Big Ten through their Association of American Universities ranking. Let’s get down to brass tax. Who can Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren add that increases everyone’s bottom line?
Let’s end the charade. That’s what all of this expansion business is about anyways. Warren and others can act like it’s about respected research universities, but this is about dollars and cents. It’s why he convinced Pac-12 commissioner George Kliavkoff that they were on the same team, and then turned around and poached his league’s two biggest assets.
For the most part, this isn’t about regional fits anymore. USC and UCLA joining the Big Ten in 2024 shows us that. Now, adding a dance partner or two for the Trojans and Bruins makes sense, but only if it enhances the league members’ per-school payouts.
So, what should the top 25 big board of future Big Ten expansion candidates look like? Feel free to reference this list as needed Mr. Warren. It’s the “Show Me the Money” rankings. If your school isn’t on this list, sorry, you’re not joining the Big Ten conference now or in the future.
For our friends over in Ames, Iowa, save your time. Iowa State isn’t joining the Big Ten and, in fact, they’re not in the top 25 pool of candidates either. This is about TV ratings and expanding market shares. The Cyclones don’t add anything that the Big Ten doesn’t already have with the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Every program is fair game so long as they aren’t already in the Big Ten or SEC.Without further ado, here’s the official, no-need-to-look-anywhere else top 25 future Big Ten expansion candidates.
The case for: Houston has been successful in both football and basketball, including a men’s basketball Final Four trip in 2021. As a result, the Cougars finally got that phone call for Big 12 membership after OU and Texas bolted. Can this program be a sleeping giant? Why not? It’s in the nation’s No. 8 media market and offers the Big Ten a chance to grab a slice of the Texas pie.
The case for: Boston College probably looks like a better fit than others on this list. Boston College does bring in the country’s No. 10 media market in Boston, but they’re not one of the first choices from the ACC.
The case for: Poor man’s Georgia. Fringe expansion candidate if the Big Ten ever really expands out to say 24 schools. While Georgia Tech has won just nine games combined over the past three seasons and has eclipsed seven or more wins only five times over the past decade, the Yellow Jackets are intriguing because of the Atlanta television market. The Atlanta market is No. 7 nationally, so there’s that. It’s one of the top markets somewhere that the Big Ten doesn’t have any stake in yet.
The case for: Virginia has won a men’s basketball national championship recently in 2019 and football made three bowl appearances under former head coach Bronco Mendenhall. Now, Tony Elliott takes over as the Cavs’ next head coach after serving as Clemson’s offensive coordinator.
Virginia brings in East-coast markets that the Big Ten would covet in Washington, D.C. (No. 9), Raleigh-Durham (No. 24), Norfolk-Portsmouth (No. 46), Greensboro (No. 47), Richmond-Petersburg (No. 56), Roanoke-Lynchburg (No. 71).
The case for: There’s not much difference between Virginia or Virginia Tech, and some would favor the Cavaliers because of Tony Bennett and the program’s recent national championship. Virginia Tech made a BCS national championship game under Frank Beamer with star quarterback Michael Vick. Yes, that was a long time ago, but that football history feels like it gives the Hokies the slight nod here.
The case for: Central Florida is a program on the rise. The Knights had three 10-win seasons in 2017, 2018 and 2019 and have won 50 games overall since the start of 2017. Of course, that 2017 season included a 2018 Peach Bowl win over Auburn, 34-27. UCF is on the up-and-up and the Knights bring with them entrance into the state of Florida and the country’s No. 17 media market in Orlando.
The case for: Louisville has been an exciting football program. Lamar Jackson won the Heisman Trophy in 2016 and Malik Cunningham is another talented dual-threat quarterback for the Cardinals. While it was vacated, the Cardinals won the 2013 NCAA men’s basketball tournament. Louisville is the nation’s No. 49 market.
The case for: TCU is entering the post-Gary Patterson era, so that might scare some potential expansion suitors off. The Horned Frogs are right smack dab in the Dallas-Ft. Worth metro and that’s really their biggest expansion calling card.
Rob Schumacher-Arizona Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
The case for: For teams that aren’t currently in either the Big Ten or SEC, Arizona State actually enjoyed a top-25 average TV audience over the 2015-19 seasons. That’s encouraging for their candidacy. ASU would bring in the Phoenix market, which ranks No. 11 nationally.
The case for: Can’t you just see it now? Ralphie running wild in the Big Ten. While Colorado hasn’t won more than five games since the Buffaloes’ 10-4 finish in 2016, CU is situated in a terrific college city in Boulder and adds the No. 16 and No. 82 TV markets in Denver and Colorado Springs. Perfect candidate if the league is looking to keep expanding west.
The case for: It’s an easy case to make. If the Big Ten adds some other football powers and wants to pair them with a basketball blue blood, why not Duke? Football has rarely been good, but you’re not worried about that if you’re looking in the Blue Devils’ direction.
The case for: You know the drill with Kansas. Can the Big Ten overlook KU’s embarrassing football program? If so, the Jayhawks would bring one of the pillars of college basketball into the conference. KU is fresh off the program’s fourth NCAA Tournament title and the Jayhawks would bring the nation’s No. 34 media market in Kansas City. Kansas would love a Big Ten invite, but they’d have to be paired with a big-time football power for it to make sense.
The case for: As discussed with Arizona State, it’s all about the Phoenix market. For what it’s worth, the Tucson market ranks No. 64 nationally. Arizona gets the nod over their rivals simply because they bring an elite basketball program into the Big Ten. Another nice add to expand the league’s footprint further west and add familiar opponents for USC and UCLA.
The case for: A lot of fans might be surprised with how well Oklahoma State has rated over the last decade. From 2015-19, the Cowboys’ average TV viewership was 1.64 million per contest. Sure, a good bit of that can be attributed to big ratings draws against both Oklahoma and Texas, but that wouldn’t really be any different in the Big Ten against say Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State and Penn State.
At the end of the day, there’s much worse directions to go than adding a really consistent football program that brings with it the Oklahoma City (No. 44) and Tulsa (61) markets.
The case for: Not as strong of an argument as some of the other Pac-12 candidates on this list, but Cal would get the Big Ten into the San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose media markets. Obviously, football and basketball would both need an uptick, but they make sense as travel partners for USC and UCLA.
The case for: Football results have to matter in this, too. Utah pounded Oregon twice last season to win the Pac-12 championship. The Utes also bring in the Salt Lake City market, which ranks No. 30 nationally.
The case for: The Tar Heels boast one of college basketball’s most storied programs and are fresh off the program’s 21st all-time Final Four appearance. It’s thanks to Mack Brown’s work in his second stint, though, that has North Carolina positioned as one of the most attractive candidates out of the ACC.
Really, they’re just not a doormat, which is kind of all you ask for power hoops programs. UNC has won 21 combined games over the last three seasons. North Carolina would bring in some solid TV markets, too, including Charlotte (No. 22), Raleigh-Durham (No. 24) and Greensboro (No. 47).
The case for: Maybe it’s an overreaction to Baylor unseating Oklahoma and capturing the 2021 Big 12 championship. It feels like there’s something brewing moving forward with Bears head coach Dave Aranda, though. Plus, Baylor just won a national championship in men’s basketball in 2021.
With Texas and Texas A&M obviously accounted for elsewhere in the SEC, why not get what is currently the best program in the state of Texas? Maybe it doesn’t directly add the Dallas-Ft. Worth market, but a piece of the nation’s No. 5 market is something the Big Ten has to consider.
The case for: Another natural opponent to bring back for both USC and UCLA. Washington is typically one of the Pac-12’s best football programs and they bring with them the Seattle market, which ranks as the country’s No. 12 media market. If the success matched Oregon of late, there’s actually an argument to put the Huskies in front of the Ducks. Probably, though, it doesn’t really matter. If the Big Ten is adding one, they’re likely adding both.
The case for: Okay, it’s not Los Angeles, but it’s still the second-largest media market in California and one of the tops nationally. Stanford is situated right in the San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose market, which ranks No. 6 nationally. That’s not the biggest draw with Stanford, though. Because of their history with Notre Dame, could bringing the Cardinal along help entice the Irish to finally jump all in?
The case for: Oregon has been one of the Pac-12’s preeminent programs dating back to the beginning of the 2000’s. Adding the Ducks means bringing in the Portland media market, which ranks as the nation’s 21st. Oregon rates well because they are consistently one of the country’s best, so the Big Ten would love to add that. Plus, they are a natural addition for USC and UCLA.
The case for: Look, there’s other programs on this list with better media market ties, but as long as Clemson keeps winning, then they’ll remain one of the most attractive commodities on the expansion market.
To illustrate this point, consider this: Greenville, Charleston and Columbia are the country’s No. 35, No. 75 and No. 76 media markets. Meanwhile, Clemson brought in an average of 2.67 million viewers throughout the 2015-19 seasons, which ranked second nationally behind Notre Dame in terms of average viewers for programs that weren’t in either the Big Ten or SEC.
With a pair of recent national championships in 2016 and in 2018 and four other College Football Playoff appearances, Clemson is one of the premier programs now in college football. If you’re great, you’ll rate.
The case for: Just like with Florida State, you’re adding massive Florida media markets if you bring in the Miami Hurricanes. You really can’t go wrong either way, but Florida State feels like it has the better Alumni base of the two. Another program that typically rates well regardless of how good or bad they are.
The case for: Getting the Big Ten into the state of Florida should speak for itself. Florida State is an iconic college football program that pulled in an average 2.23 million viewers from 2015-19. With FSU, the Big Ten adds the Tampa market (No. 13), the Orlando market (No. 17), Miami (No. 18), West Palm Beach (No. 39) and Jacksonville (No. 43).
The case for: The Big Ten’s top target. Everybody else’s top target, too. Adding Notre Dame means the league can really add whichever other school it wants and per-school shares should go up. The Fighting Irish’s weekly average TV audience was 3.61 million during the 2015-19 seasons, which was tops among schools that aren’t in either the Big Ten or SEC.
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2022-07-23T02:02:14Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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The definitive, final, ‘show me the money’ top 25 future Big Ten expansion candidates
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https://sports.yahoo.com/definitive-final-show-money-top-003543948.html?src=rss
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Here it is, the last game of the season! Hopefully, Iowa is standing at an 11-0 record with upsets over Ohio State and Michigan and the Cornhuskers represent their last stop before the Big Ten Championship… and then the national championship. Whether or not this is indeed the reality (we can certainly hope), Nebraska is a heck of a game to end the season on.
The Cornhuskers are an extremely interesting team with how they are portrayed in the media. Many have called Nebraska the greatest three-win team in college football history and suggesting that they were much better than their 2021 record suggested. If a few possessions swung the other way, Nebraska could have finished as one of the best teams in the conference!
At the end of the day, though, the Cornhuskers were still a 3-9 team last year, and coach Scott Frost is on the hottest of hot seats. As many have pointed out, Nebraska is a tough out. They gave multiple top teams a tough fight last year, including both Michigan and Michigan State. They feature a sturdy defense and hope the offense takes a step forward in 2022.
Casey Thompson, quarterback
Gone is Adrian Martinez! It feels so weird. After showing promise as a freshman, many had high hopes of Martinez becoming a dual-threat star. Hopefully, he could bring Nebraska back to being a true power! It didn’t really work out that way. He could always run, but Martinez never advanced as a passer in his last three years as a Cornhusker. If anything, he regressed.
Martinez is at Kansas State now, enter Casey Thompson. Thompson was an unfortunate casualty of star prospect Quinn Ewers’ transfer to Texas, and that might be Nebraska’s gain. In his only season as a starter, Thompson threw 24 touchdown passes and added another four on the ground. He might not have been elite, but he offers a good amount of upside to the Cornhuskers’ passing game.
Luke Reimer, linebacker
As mentioned previously, the defense was the real star for the Cornhuskers last year. They held opponents to a shade under 23 points per game, good for 36th nationally. Michigan State only mustered up 23 points against them. Oklahoma scored 23 as well. Linebacker Luke Reimer was the leader of the Nebraska defense, totaling 108 tackles, including 60 solo tackles. Reimer was a honorable-mention All-Big Ten selection last season.
Ochaun Mathis, EDGE rusher
For as good as the Nebraska defense was last year, they didn’t really have a standout pass rusher. Linebacker Garrett Nelson led the Cornhuskers in sacks with five. Ochaun Mathis transferred to Nebraska from TCU for his senior season, and brings a lot of potential off the edge. As a sophomore in 2020, Mathis registered 12.5 sacks. His numbers took a step back last year, but he brings talent to Nebraska. Can he rebound?
Garrett Nelson, linebacker
Nebraska features one of the best linebacker rooms in the Big Ten. Next to Reimer, Garrett Nelson impressed at outside linebacker. In his sophomore season, Nelson led the Cornhuskers in sacks with five. He was extremely disruptive, earning 11.5 tackles for loss. Watch out for Nelson to have an even bigger 2022.
Omar Manning, wide receiver
For as much upside as Casey Thompson adds to the passing game, it is still a massive question mark heading into the season. Top receiver Samori Toure is now plying his trade for the Green Bay Packers after going in the seventh round of the draft.
Tight end Austin Allen is also fighting for a roster spot with the New York Giants. That’s 1,500 yards of production that the Cornhuskers have to replace. Omar Manning is the top returning receiver, totaling 380 yards last season. Nebraska will need him to take a leap forward in 2022.
Brian Buschini, Punter
The last player featured in the series, and it truly is a special (teams) entry! Brian Buschini is the new punter for the Cornhuskers, and he brings star pedigree with him.
Buschini was the best punter in the FCS for Montana, winning virtually every award available to him as a punter, including being named an FCS first-team All-American. Buschini played in 15 games at Montana, averaging 45.8 yards per punt on 75 career punts. He had 30 punts of 50 yards or longer with the Griz, while placing 35 of his 75 punts inside the opponent’s 20-yard line.
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2022-07-23T02:02:27Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Iowa Hawkeyes 2022 schedule breakdown: Nebraska
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https://sports.yahoo.com/iowa-hawkeyes-2022-schedule-breakdown-013031179.html?src=rss
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Watch list season continued on Friday to send Penn State into the weekend with one of the top centers in college football being recognized by the Boomer Esiason Foundation. Redshirt senior Juice Scruggs was named on the watch list for the Rimington Trophy on Friday as Penn State hopes to secure its second all-time winner.
The Rimington Trophy is presented annually to college football’s most outstanding center. Scruggs is expected to be Penn State’s starting center for the upcoming 2022 season after showing his versatility on the offensive line at multiple positions. This year’s initial watch list for the Rimington Trophy included 40 of the top centers in all of FBS going into the new season, including five other centers from around the Big Ten.
Penn State has one previous winner of the Rimington Trophy, which was first awarded in 2000. A.Q. Shipley received the award in 2008, making him the fourth player from the Big Ten to ever win the award (Nebraska‘s Dominic Raiola was the inaugural winner of the Rimington Trophy in 2000 when Nebraska was still in the Big 12).
Alabama and Ohio State are tied for the most all-time Rimington Trophy winners with three each.
Last year’s winner of the Rimington Trophy was Tyler Linderbaum of Iowa.
Penn State football snapshot profile: No. 70 Juice Scruggs
Rutgers football commit Famah Toure has some Kenny Britt in his game
Famah Toure is a bit like former Rutgers football star Kenny Britt.
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2022-07-23T02:02:33Z
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Juice Scruggs named on Rimington Trophy watch list
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The idea that Penn State has a strong tight end combination was supported by the release of the watch list for the Mackey Award on Friday. Theo Johnson and Brenton Strange were each included on the watch list for the award for the nation’s top tight end.
Johnson had 19 catches for 213 yards and a touchdown last season, while Strange hauled in 20 catches for 225 yards and three touchdowns. Penn State hopes to get more production out of the position with these two leading the way as offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich goes into his second season on the staff.
Penn State also had a couple of receivers named to the watch list for the Biletnikoff Award earlier in the week. Parker Washington and Mitchell Tinsley were included on the watch list for the nation’s top receiver.
Some notable former winners of the Mackey Award, which was first awarded in 2000, include Dallas Clark (Iowa, 2002), Aaron Hernandez (Florida, 2009), Jake Butt (Michigan, 2016), and Kyle Pitts (Florida, 2020). T.J. Hockenson of Iowa is the most recent player from the Big Ten to take home the award.
Penn State has never had a Mackey Award winner. Last year’s winner of the award was Trey McBride of Colorado State.
Penn State football snapshot profile: No. 86 Brenton Strange
Penn State Snapshot Profile: No. 84 Theo Johnson
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2022-07-23T02:02:40Z
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Penn State’s tight end duo named on Mackey Award watch list
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Eagles reveal black alternate helmets for 2022 originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
The Eagles are going to the dark side.
At least occasionally.
The Birds on Friday afternoon unveiled their black alternate helmets that they’ll wear with their black jerseys on occasion during the 2022 season. Eventually, the Eagles will bring back kelly green as an alternate in 2023, but this black helmet is a placeholder.
Since the announcement from Jeffrey Lurie in late March, Eagles fans have been eager to see these black helmets.
And … finally, here they are:
“What we’re going to do for this season is to have a black helmet because we have a black jersey,” Lurie said at the owners meetings in March. “And our players love wearing black and they love all black.”
The NFL previously had a rule against having more than one helmet per player, citing safety concerns. The NFL contended that it was safer to have every player fitted correctly for one helmet. But it’s not like this is a fledgling league; it has seemingly unlimited resources. The Eagles had been pushing for this rule to be changed for years.
And in June of 2021, the NFL announced that teams would be allowed to use two different helmets starting in 2022. That had been the hurdle in the way of the Eagles using kelly green as an alternate. They wanted a kelly green helmet to match their kelly green jerseys and Lurie wasn’t willing to settle for a full-helmet decal.
But Lurie explained in March that the Eagles are working with Nike to recreate the kelly green shade, which doesn’t exist in their current color palette. This is apparently a long process, because they don’t expect those jerseys to be ready until the 2023 season. In the meantime, the Eagles are taking advantage of the rule change by introducing a black helmet.
Lurie hopes the rule continues to evolve, allowing the Eagles to have two alternate helmets in 2023 and beyond. That would allow the Eagles to keep their midnight green helmets as their standard but to then have a kelly green and a black helmet as alternates.
But if the rule doesn’t expand, these black helmets will be a one-year thing. Kelly green will return in 2023.
“It’s what our fans have wanted, it’s what we’ve wanted,” Lurie said in March. “And we’re going to be able to introduce that for [the 2023] season.”
Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin space venture still has some final-frontier firsts up its sleeve: Today the company said its next crewed suborbital flight will send up the first spacefliers to hail from Egypt and Portugal. But when will they fly? The launch date is still up in the air. The lineup for Blue Origin’s sixth crewed mission — which is known as NS-22 because it’s the 22nd flight overall, including uncrewed flights — will also include a co-founder of the Dude Perfect sports/entertainment video
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2022-07-23T02:28:40Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Eagles reveal black alternate helmets for 2022
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Rams coach Sean McVay speaks to reporters Friday in Newport Beach ahead of the players' arrival Saturday for training camp. (Greg Beacham / Associated Press)
“We’re in a good place,” McVay said when asked about the status of an extension that is expected to make him one of the highest-past coaches in the NFL, if not the highest.
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2022-07-23T02:29:05Z
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Rams coach Sean McVay not worried about contract talks as training camp opens
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The ratings of players for EA Sports’ “Madden NFL 23” have been released throughout the course of the last few days, with some Baltimore Ravens making appearances as one of the top-10 highest rated at their position. On Monday, ratings for wide receivers and tight ends were released, and Baltimore tight end Mark Andrews was ranked as the No. 3 tight end with a 93 overall rating.
The Ravens also had kicker Justin Tucker ranked on Wednesday as the No. 1 player at his position at 90 overall. On Thursday cornerback Marlon Humphrey and defensive lineman Michael Pierce also made the top-10 list at their positions in the popular video game.
On Friday, the initial ratings were revealed for quarterbacks, and Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson took the No. 9 spot by coming in at 87 overall.
Jackson not being ranked as a top-five quarterback in the video game is surprising. While the 2021 season was a down year in terms of what was expected from the former league-MVP, he was still one of the top players at his position despite his late-season injury, and many would argue he still deserves to be treated like one of the very elite at his position.
Individual ratings that got Jackson up to an 87 overall included a 96 acceleration rating, 95 agility rating and a 92 throwing power rating. His speed was also the highest rated among quarterbacks, coming in at a 96. The best rated quarterback in Madden NFL 23 was Tom Brady, with an 97 overall.
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2022-07-23T02:29:17Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Rating of Ravens QB Lamar Jackson in Madden NFL 23 revealed
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Sean McVay reflects on Super Bowl win, ring ceremony 'NFL Total Access'
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay reflects on his team's Super Bowl LVI win, ring ceremony, and whether or not it will affect how they go about their business as a team in the 2022 NFL season. This game is streaming live on the Yahoo Sports mobile app, or on NFL Network
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2022-07-23T02:29:36Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Sean McVay reflects on Super Bowl win, ring ceremony 'NFL Total Access'
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https://sports.yahoo.com/sean-mcvay-reflects-super-bowl-010828088.html?src=rss
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Emma Meesseman with a First Basket of The Game vs. Dallas Wings
Emma Meesseman (Chicago Sky) with a First Basket of The Game vs. Dallas Wings, 07/22/2022
Today at Comic-Con, The Walking Dead‘s Norman Reedus teased that the “Daryl-Carol story isn’t over yet”—referring to the relationship between his crossbow-wielding apocalypse survivor and Melissa McBride’s. Comic-Con 2022: Deadline’s Full Coverage It’s not clear what Reedus was hinting at today, even if Daryl and Carol have been close since the series’ inception. But Reedus’ comment […]
Idiosyncratic vocalists' duet of gospel standard appears on upcoming posthumous album Things Happen That Way from Dr. John, who died in 2019
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2022-07-23T02:54:57Z
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Emma Meesseman with a First Basket of The Game vs. Dallas Wings
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https://sports.yahoo.com/emma-meesseman-first-basket-game-021444378.html?src=rss
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Klay's dad explains how bond with Kobe impacted son's NBA career originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
Like many others, Klay Thompson idolized Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant growing up -- and he was fortunate enough to do it up close.
His dad Mychal Thompson, who was a longtime radio announcer for the Lakers, would often bring Klay to the gym with him for a closer look at greatness.
And Klay took notes.
Mychal joined 95.7 The Game's "Willard & Dibs" on Thursday and discussed the immeasurable impact Bryant had and continues to have on his son.
“It would make my job easy when it came to basketball,” Thompson said. “Because I could take him to Staples Center and say, ‘There’s Kobe, go talk to him.’ Then Kobe would take the time and be gracious enough to talk to Klay and other young people like Klay who were basketball players who were coming up. And he would tell them about the right way to approach the game, the right way to play [and] to have passion for the game.
“Yeah, you can hear that from your parents all the time. But when you have a legend, an icon like Kobe giving that type of advice, I could just sit back and relax a little bit, because he’s gonna listen to that guy probably more than he’s gonna listen to me.”
Klay, now a four-time NBA champion, has always been outspoken about his admiration for the late, great NBA star.
The Warriors sharpshooter suffered major back-to-back injuries that kept him off the court for more than two years. And during the long road to recovery, Klay's mindset, aka Mamba Mentality, helped him return to the hardwood and win his fourth title in eight seasons.
It was a remarkable and inspiring journey that earned Klay the "Best Comeback Athlete" award at this year's ESPYs, where he thanked many people who helped him along the process.
"Lastly, I would like to thank the Bryant family because -- I don’t know if Vanessa’s out there watching -- but to Vanessa and her three beautiful girls, we think of Kobe and Gigi every day. I read 'Mamba Mentality' every day during rehab. Those are the best memories of my life watching him play. He inspired me to be the athlete I am today."
Just about everyone's inspiring story is inspired by someone else, and while Klay never hesitates to give credit where it's due, he's making out to be a pretty great inspiration himself.
Before the Milwaukee Bucks return to the hardwood, star Giannis Antetokounmpo will represent Greece in the EuroBasket championships in September.
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2022-07-23T02:55:35Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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How Kobe Bryant uniquely influenced Klay Thompson in Mychal Thompson's eyes
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Joey Wendle had three hits and two RBIs, Braxton Garrett pitched six sharp innings and the Miami Marlins emphatically ended their 37-inning scoreless streak by beating the Pittsburgh Pirates 8-1 on Friday night. The Marlins were shut out by Philadelphia in three straight games last weekend at home leading up to the All-Star break. Avisail Garcia stopped Miami’s nine-game streak without a home run, which was one short of the club record, with a solo shot in the eighth that capped the scoring.
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2022-07-23T02:55:47Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Mets get DH Vogelbach from Pirates in trade for reliever
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The Philadelphia 76ers are just about done with their offseason moves after agreeing to a 2-year deal with James Harden to keep him in the City of Brotherly Love, but there are still some free agents available that would help their bench unit.
At the moment the Sixers have a full roster. So in order to make another addition, they would have to make a corresponding move to free up a roster spot for that player, but there are some options for them out there.
The Sixers can still look for a minimum bargain this late in the game in order to add another bench player and there are three players who stick out at the wing spots that make sense.
Surprise, surprise. Another former Houston Rocket. The former 2013 lottery pick played with Harden and the Rockets in the 2019-20 season as well as part of the 2020-21 season. He shot 40% from deep playing next to Harden in 2019-20 and followed that up with 38.9% 3-point shooting in the 2020 playoffs. With the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2021-22 season, McLemore shot 36.2% from beyond the arc.
Lamb, traded to the Sacramento Kings in the Tyrese Haliburton deal, shot 40.6% from deep in the 2020-21 season with the Indiana Pacers before having a bit of a down year in the 2021-22 season. He is a career 10.1 points per game scorer and would be a reliable scoring threat from the perimeter for Philadelphia.
Who will Sixers sign?
The Philadelphia 76ers and James Harden have finally agreed on a deal for the 13-year veteran to return. He will re-sign with the Sixers on a two-year deal worth $68.6 million with a player option for year two, according to Adrian Wojnarowski. This ...
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2022-07-23T05:57:22Z
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3 free agent wing players still available who make sense Sixers
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These teams perhaps have closer connections than they ever have, but it's still a rivalry, and a reminder of that was given just four pitches into Friday's game.
It was an odd sequence, particularly when play resumed without any changes. After the Dodgers won 5-1, manager Dave Roberts explained that his team was concerned that Richardson was relaying signs to leadoff hitter Austin Slater. Giants manager Gabe Kapler said the umpires asked Richardson to make sure he was staying in the first base coaches' box. Asked if he knew who complained, Kapler noted that umpires generally don't mention that.
"I think that is part of their job, is to protect those conversations," Kapler said. "The information that I got was that Antoan needed to be in the first base coaches' box and that they would enforce that for both teams."
The brief moment of confusion brought to mind the first series these teams played against each other after Kapler took over. The Dodgers grumbled about how late the Giants were in announcing pitching probables and lineups, with Roberts saying the Giants were displaying a bit of "gamesmanship."
RELATED: Giants' inability to execute dooms them again vs. Dodgers
The night was pretty quiet from there, until Cody Bellinger's game-winning slam. Afterward, Kapler said he didn't think the Giants had done anything wrong.
"I can't speak to what Dave was talking to the umpires about, but I think that that's part of baseball," he said. "I don't know that our guy was doing anything there but I understand why it's on the minds of managers around the game."
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2022-07-23T07:28:20Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Gabe Kapler explains strange Giants-Dodgers delay in first inning
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers appear to be preparing for life after Gronk, as the reported signing of veteran tight end Kyle Rudolph comes on the heels of Rob Gronkowski’s second retirement announcement, and multiple subsequent reiterations of his plans to move on from football.
What exactly are the Bucs getting in Rudolph?
“Rudolph is a great safety net for a Buccaneers team that desperately needed another veteran option at tight end,” says Vikings Wire editor Jordy McElroy. “Don’t listen to all of the naysayers ready to play “The Undertaker” theme music, while closing the book on Rudolph’s career, either. Things weren’t great for him with the New York Giants last season, but then again, that team was a complete mess with their leading receiver hauling in only 521 yards. And besides, there’s a clear difference between playing with Brady and catching passes from Daniel Jones. Rudolph is a serviceable veteran option capable of receiving and blocking. This is a solid pick-up for the Bucs.”
“Unfortunately for Rudolph, his time in New York is not at all representative of his overall career or who he is as a player,” says Giants Wire editor Dan Benton. “Things began slow due to a foot injury that required surgery and it really got no better after that. The Giants’ offense was so non-functional that Rudolph was never afforded the opportunity to display his ability in the red zone, instead being relegated to a blocker most of the time. He took a career-low percentage of offensive snaps and that was reflected in his final numbers. However, off the field and in the locker-room, there was none better. He was loved and respected by his teammates, and frequently made it a point to help the local community and take part in charitable events.”
While Rudolph isn’t likely to replicate Gronkowski’s impact on the Tampa Bay offense this season, this looks like a solid addition that should give the Bucs a proven commodity at a position that desperately needed it. His well-rounded skill set should be put to good use, and for a team still in win-now mode, Rudolph’s experience should allow him to make an immediate impact.
What's Next: Tampa Bay Lightning
Was losing in the Stanley Cup Final the beginning of the end for this Lightning dynasty or just another chapter in their era of dominance? (Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports)
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2022-07-23T12:02:10Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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What the Bucs are getting in new TE Kyle Rudolph
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There's been much chatter about how the Phillies will play a soft schedule coming out of the All-Star break and how it could work in their favor as they try to finally put an end to their annoying postseason drought.
The first softie came through the door at Citizens Bank Park on Friday night and the Phillies didn't exactly capitalize.
The Cubs outhit the Phils, 19-6. Five of the Cubs' hits, including two home runs, came in the top of the ninth with backup catcher Garrett Stubbs on the mound.
Darick Hall livened things up with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning with a mammoth, 449-foot homer over the batter's eye in center field.
Other than that, there wasn't much for Phillies fans to cheer about, though there was this: St. Louis also lost so the Phils maintained control of the third and final NL wild-card spot. The Phils are 49-44.
The Phillies may or may not have had a play at the plate on Rivas. The ball certainly would have beaten him to catcher J.T. Realmuto, though it would have taken Realmuto toward first base. The ball did not go through as first baseman Rhys Hoskins cut the relay and tried to get Morel as he rounded second. Hoskins' throw to second was off target and allowed Morel to score as the Cubs took a 3-1 lead.
After Hoskins' error, Gibson could not limit the damage. He gave up a one-out walk and a pair of singles as the Cubs went up, 4-1.
"It's frustrating because I feel like they only hit one ball hard in the inning," Gibson said. "Two walks in that inning hurt me. I need to avoid that."
After Schwarber's leadoff homer in the first, the Phils had just five hits the rest of the night. No. 3 hitter Nick Castellanos grounded out four times and struck out once in five at-bats. He heard some boos after his ground out in the seventh.
"Pretty high right now," Thomson said. "He didn't have very good at bats tonight. He rolled over a few times, struck out in the ninth, but it's 15-2 at that point so I don't worry about that. He had better at-bats coming into the break, hit some balls hard. I still think at the end of the year his numbers will be similar to what they were last year."
A 15-2 loss in which the backup catcher had to mop up is easy to flush and the Phillies are pretty good at turning the page. They lost four in a row last week before sweeping the Marlins in Miami. They'll need a quick turnaround against the Cubs on Saturday night and it doesn't hurt that they'll have Zack Wheeler on the mound. He will face Marcus Stroman.
Democrats Nikki Fried and Charlie Crist agreed on one thing in their first and only TV debate before the Florida primary: Ron DeSantis must be beaten.
Mets vs Padres Highlights: Max Scherzer Ks eight but Mets offense musters just four hits in loss | Mets Highlights
Max Scherzer struck out eight and pitched six strong innings but made one mistake, surrendering a two-run home run in the fourth inning to Eric Hosmer as the Padres topped the Mets 4-1.
More than 37 years after he served one term as Stark County sheriff, Robert Berens, a resident of Florida, died Sunday at the age of 88.
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2022-07-23T12:02:35Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Phillies vs. Cubs: Kyle Schwarber hits 30th homer but Phils crushed
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Pro Football Focus picked five members of the Green Bay Packers in the site’s top 50 players list entering the 2022 season.
The NFL’s MVP cracked the top five but wasn’t No. 1, two recently injured stars made the top 25 despite missing a big chunk of last season, and two defensive players gaining outside recognition landed in the final 10 of the 50.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the Packers making PFF’s elite players list in 2022, plus a look at who missed the cut and potential future picks for the list.
No. 3: QB Aaron Rodgers
No surprise here, even if Rodgers isn’t considered the league’s best player despite back-to-back MVP seasons. Only Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald and 49ers left tackle Trent Williams finished higher, making Rodgers the top-ranked quarterback on the list. Donald is one of the greatest defensive players of all-time and Williams just finished one of the best seasons ever by an offensive lineman. Rodgers, on the other hand, threw 85 touchdown passes and only nine interceptions over the last two seasons while leading the NFL in passer rating each year. No. 4 on the list? Davante Adams.
No. 22: CB Jaire Alexander
Alexander missed all but four games last season, but he was the very definition of a shutdown cornerback over a full season in 2020 and there’s nothing to suggest he won’t be again in 2022. According to PFF, Alexander has the highest overall coverage grade among cornerbacks since 2020. Among cornerbacks, only Jalen Ramsey was higher on PFF’s list. The Packers defense is getting back a truly elite player.
No. 23: LT David Bakhtiari
Bakhtiari has played in exactly one game since tearing his ACL on Dec. 31, 2020, but PFF still considers him at elite player at a premium position. Before the injury, he was the gold standard at left tackle and arguably the best pass-blocker in football. During the 2020 season, Bakhtiari allowed just nine pressures despite playing 446 pass-blocking snaps, per PFF. He’s a five-time All-Pro. The injury casts a frightening shadow over his career trajectory, but unless his mobility is greatly affected upon return, Bakhtiari should continue to be a top player at left tackle.
No. 40: S Adrian Amos
While underrated by just about everyone outside Green Bay, Amos is fully appreciated by the folks at PFF. He’s ultra-reliable as a tackler, against the run and in coverage, and he makes more plays than most outsiders expect or realize (six interceptions, 25 pass defensed since joining Packers in 2019). PFF thinks Amos has a case for being the top safety in the NFL. He’s the second-best safety on the list, trailing only Kevin Byard.
No. 49: OLB Rashan Gary
This is the first time for Gary on the top 50 list but it probably won’t be his last. A true breakout star in 2021, the Packers’ 2019 first-round pick created 9.5 sacks, 28 quarterback hits and 81 total pressures as a full-time player over 16 games. An elite athlete and tireless worker, Gary keeps getting better and better. He’s still only 24 and his arrow is pointed straight up. Another big season in 2022 and he’ll rocket up this list next year.
The Packers had five players make the list, but at least six other terrific players on Brian Gutekunst’s roster missed the cut.
LB De’Vondre Campbell: An All-Pro in 2021 after arriving in Green Bay and getting the freedom to go make plays by Joe Barry.
RB Aaron Jones: Two-time Pro Bowl running back who has produced at least 1,000 total yards and 10 total touchdowns in three straight seasons.
DL Kenny Clark: Wrecking ball inside on defense who has been consistently dominant for the middle of the Packers front.
OL Elgton Jenkins: Five position player along the offensive line who has proved capable of playing at an elite level at guard and left tackle.
OLB Preston Smith: He set a career-high for pressures and was disruptive against the run during a resurgent 2021 season.
CB Rasul Douglas: Tough to argue with five interceptions and two touchdowns in just 11 games. He was consistent, and he made big plays in big moments in games.
Future picks?
CB Eric Stokes: He displayed all the characteristics and attributes of an elite cornerback during his terrific rookie season.
RB A.J. Dillon: He was PFF’s No. 3 rated running back last season. If he ever gets a full-time role, elite status at running back is in the cards.
S Darnell Savage: His 2021 season was disappointing, but the second half of 2020 showed he can be a truly elite player at safety.
LG Jon Runyan: He took a big step in 2021 and looks like a long-term starter at guard, where he’s outstanding in pass protection and improving in the run game.
The Packers roster is back down to 89 players after releasing TE Eli Wolf on Friday.
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2022-07-23T13:33:21Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Aaron Rodgers leads the 5 Packers on PFF’s top 50 players list entering 2022
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The Kansas City Chiefs have waived receiver Mathew Sexton from the injured reserve list with an injury settlement, per the NFL’s transaction report.
Sexton, 24, was waived with an injury designation in June. He cleared waivers which put him on the Chiefs’ injured reserve list, thus giving him the option to reach an injury settlement with the team in order to become a free agent.
The Chiefs had signed Sexton back in January to a reserve/future deal. An undrafted free agent out of Eastern Michigan, Sexton played for The Spring League’s Aviators in 2021 and was later signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He participated in a couple preseason games in 2021 but has not yet seen any NFL regular season action.
Although he hasn’t stuck with a team, Sexton has tools that have allowed him to stand out in scouting circles. After earning 1,335 yards and nine touchdowns on 100 receptions along with three total return touchdowns at Eastern Michigan, the 5-foot-10, 176-pounder ran a low-4.3-second 40-yard dash at the Michigan State’s pro day leading up to the 2020 NFL draft.
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2022-07-23T13:33:34Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Chiefs waive WR Mathew Sexton from injured reserve
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Indianapolis Colts training camp is just about here as the rookies are set to report Saturday.
Wrapping up the training camp previews will be the specialists on the roster. Two of them are locks to make the 53-man roster while two others will battle it out for one position.
Without further ado, here’s our preview for the special teams unit:
P Rigoberto Sanchez
Sanchez remains one of the better punters in the NFL. Handling the kickoff duties as well, Sanchez recorded the longest punt of his career in 2021, launching a ball 79 yards. He had 24 punts land inside the 20-yard line, which was tied for the second-highest total of his career.
LS Luke Rhodes
I’m not going to sit behind my keyboard and act like I know the nuances of long snapper play. What I do know is that Rhodes was a Pro Bowler in 2021 so that should be enough to know that the Colts have one of the elite players at the position.
For the third year in a row, Blankenship will be fending off another kicker trying to take his job. The former undrafted rookie has been solid for the majority of his career, but he also has shown some limitations when it comes to long kicks. He dealt with a hip injury in 2021 and even though he was eligible to return from the injured reserve list late in the season, the Colts opted to keep him on the reserve list. The job is his to lose, but Blankenship has yet to fully instill confidence that he’s the long-term play.
Verity signed with the Colts this offseason on a futures deal, and he’ll be competing with Blankenship for the starting role. He was impressive during the preseason with the Baltimore Ravens in 2021 but spent the season on the practice squad.
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2022-07-23T13:33:40Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Colts’ 2022 training camp preview: Special Teams
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The Indianapolis Colts rookie class is set to report for training camp at the Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield on Saturday.
The time is just about here for training camp to begin, and it starts with the rookies reporting on Saturday. The veterans aren’t expected to report until July 26, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if a few shuffled in early.
The Colts have all of their draft picks under contract entering camp so there won’t be any issues with holdouts or contract issues. They are also expected to bring in a number of undrafted rookie free agents.
Led by second-round pick Alec Pierce, the Colts have a quartet of Day 2 selections from the draft who will be right in the competition for starting roles, outside of tight end Jelani Woods, who is likely to start out as third on the depth chart.
The other two—offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann and safety Nick Cross—are expected to compete for starting roles right away.
Meanwhile, four Day 3 selections will be looking to carve out roles and spots on the roster throughout camp.
The Colts also have a number of undrafted rookies who could show some promise. Linebackers Jojo Domann and Sterling Weatherford are coming off of strong outings in the spring while offensive tackle Ryan Van Demark has a solid chance of making the roster as well.
The Colts are looking to bounce back from their late-season collapse in 2021, and it all starts Saturday when the rookies report for training camp.
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2022-07-23T13:33:46Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Colts’ rookies set to report for training camp
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Ryan didn’t make the cut for Touchdown Wire’s top 12 quarterback rankings for the 2022 season, but he did receive an honorable mention.
Even after a down year by his standards in 2021, Ryan at least got an honorable mention on the list along with Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Here’s what Mark Schofield of Touchdown Wire had to say about Ryan:
“If we were to expand the list by two names, the “next two in” would be veterans Matt Ryan and Kirk Cousins. Some are expecting a big season from Ryan in 2022, thanks to his fit with Frank Reich and the Indianapolis Colts.”
Putting Ryan in the top 15 among quarterbacks feels right, and it may be hard to make an argument that he belongs in the top 12 until we see him play with the Colts. At No. 12 and No. 11 on the list were Derek Carr and Kyler Murray so it feels right to have Ryan in the tier behind them.
Ryan was impressive during the spring workouts both in his performance on the field and his leadership in the locker room. Keeping that momentum going throughout camp will be vital.
Colts' 2022 training camp preview: Special Teams
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2022-07-23T13:33:59Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Matt Ryan gets honorable mention in QB rankings
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Mexican-American boxer
If Andy Ruiz Jr. isn’t the most mismanaged elite boxer in the world, he’s certainly in the top two. The former unified heavyweight champion is in the prime of his career and still a factor in the title race, but the odd choices he makes continue.
Ruiz will fight 43-year-old Cuban southpaw Luis Ortiz on Sept. 4 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles in the main event of a pay-per-view card. It’s a curious choice of opponents and it’s hard to see how it helps Ruiz get himself back into the title chase.
It now seems a long time ago when Ruiz made history by becoming the first heavyweight champion of Mexican descent on June 1, 2019, when he knocked out previously unbeaten Anthony Joshua to win the IBF-WBA-WBO belts.
Ruiz at that point was one of the hottest properties in the sport. Mexico is a boxing-mad country and Ruiz was embraced by Mexicans — and Mexican Americans — fully. He got an invitation to visit President Andrés Manuel López Obrador of Mexico just 10 days after the stunning KO of Joshua.
He was in huge demand by the media. Hordes of fans showed up everywhere he went. Every elite heavyweight wanted to fight him.
Ruiz partied so much between the time he won the belt and he faced Joshua in the rematch on Dec. 7, 2019, in Diriyah, Saudia Arabia, that he all but surrendered the title back to Joshua. Two of the judges gave Joshua, who fought timidly and conservatively, 10 of the 12 rounds. The third gave Joshua 11 of 12.
Joshua may well have won no matter what, because he’s an elite athlete. But Ruiz came in at 283 pounds and wasn't prepared to fight a four-rounder, let alone a 12-round fight against a determined former heavyweight champion looking to make amends.
His only bout since then was against Chris Arreola on May 1, 2021, in Carson, California. Ruiz was in better shape, but what did he prove in that fight? Arreola had come to the end of the line and he wasn’t the kind of challenge for Ruiz he would have been had each of them met in their primes.
Ruiz won a unanimous decision, but it was a meh fight. At that point, Arreola wasn’t an elite opponent and no one considered him a contender. It was a baffling fight for Ruiz to take, as it didn’t do much to enhance his position.
Andy Ruiz Jr. has fought just once since losing the unified heavyweight title in December 2019. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The fight with Ortiz will be his next since then. When Ruiz walks into the ring that night, a week before his 33rd birthday, it will have been more than 16 months since he last fought. He’ll be using his third trainer in as many fights.
Manny Robles coached him in his two fights with Joshua. He hired Eddy Reynoso for the Arreola fight and is now with Alfredo Osuna.
“I wanted to work with Alfredo Osuna a long time ago, it just wasn’t the right time then,” Ruiz said at a Los Angeles news conference earlier this week. “He’s used to training for lefty fighters. I feel like this is exactly what I needed for this fight. My team is going to bring the best out of me.”
Ruiz’s problems since winning the belt haven’t been his trainers. Robles is an excellent, professional trainer. Reynoso is one of a handful of the best in the game. It’s been his attitude and the matchmaking.
Ortiz is a curious choice of opponents because while he’s big and powerful, he’s nearing the end of the line and other than two KO losses to Deontay Wilder in WBC heavyweight title fights, he’s fought mostly journeymen and fringe contenders.
A Ruiz-Wilder fight would have been great for September. Despite his two losses to WBC champion Tyson Fury, Wilder remains an elite opponent and has a style that would pair well with Ruiz’s.
A Ruiz-Wilder fight would be bombs away and have fans on the edges of their seats from the beginning of the fight. It would also help raise Ruiz’s profile because Wilder is not only better than Ortiz but is far better known.
Ruiz is still relatively young and could still be a factor in a division that is getting increasingly better. One-time hot prospect Daniel Dubois is now a legitimate contender and has a secondary world title. Fury, if he doesn’t retire, unified champion Oleksandr Usyk, Joshua and Wilder make a formidable top four.
Ruiz is in that next tier with guys like Dubois and Joe Joyce. And then there are guys like Jared Anderson, Filip Hrgovic and Frank Sanchez who are on the rise.
But Ruiz has that massive fan base that could bring a huge amount of excitement and interest to the division, if he gets back to beating the elite contenders.
“We didn’t come here to cherry-pick anybody,” Ruiz said. “We wanted a tough opponent and that’s why we picked Luis Ortiz. He’s strong, he’s awkward, he’s a lefty, but we’ve had a long training camp and we’ll be ready.
“The main thing for me is going to be staying busy. I’m not underestimating Luis Ortiz, because he comes to fight. He wants to be world champion. On Sept. 4, we’ll go toe-to-toe and we’ll see who’s going to win.”
Ruiz should win, but he doesn’t always do what is expected. He was sitting on a gold mine after beating Joshua, but has let much of that fritter away. A clear, decisive win over Ortiz that leads to a significant opponent in a high-profile fight is critical for him right now.
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2022-07-23T13:34:27Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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The mismanagement of Andy Ruiz Jr. continues as ex-champ agrees to face 43-year-old Luis Ortiz
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As Penn State begins to put the finishing touches on its Class of 2023, some of the recruiting focus can now begin to shift to the Class of 2024. And keeping one of the state’s top players close to home could be a priority for James Franklin and his staff.
Wide receiver Tyseer Denmark, of Philadelphia, is a four-star recruit according to the 247Sports composite rankings and he is the No. 78 player overall in the nation and the No. 2 player overall in Pennsylvania in the Class of 2024 according to the same ranking system. Naturally, that means Franklin will do whatever he can to keep Denmark from leaving the state, and the competition just went to the next level after Washington revealed his top 12 schools.
Penn State was among the 12 schools included in Denmark’s top schools. The rest of the list is a compilation of some heavy hitters on the recruiting trail with Alabama, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, Rutgers, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, and USC also making the cut.
The 5′-11″ wide receiver from Roman Catholic is clearly a hot recruiting prospect with a ton of tremendous options to weigh as he continues on his recruiting process. He would certainly be a big get for Franklin if he ultimately chooses to go to Penn State, and the Nittany Lions could be in the market for a stud receiver in the Class of 2024. Parker Washington and Mitchell Tinsley could both be playing in the NFL after the upcoming 2022 season and KeAndre Lambert-Smith isn’t far away from moving on either. Penn State has obtained some key receivers through recruiting in the Class of 2022 with a couple of four-star players in Kaden Saunders and Anthony Ivey. Penn State also has a couple of receivers potentially lined up with commitments from Class of 2023 four-star Ejani Shakir from New Jersey and three-star in-state recruit Yazeed Haynes. But adding one of the top receivers in the country in the Class of 2024 would be a nice boost for the program.
While no crystal ball predictions have been officially cast on 247Sports, the On3 recruiting prediction machine calculates Penn State as an early favorite for Denmark’s commitment. Penn State is given a 37.0% chance of securing Denmark’s commitment according to its computer model, but it is far too early in the process to know how much weight Penn State is carrying in the recruiting process for sure.
What we do know is Denmark has long been Penn State’s radar, as you might expect for a talented wide receiver from Philadelphia. Denver visited Penn State’s campus early in his recruiting process in April 2021, just two months after Penn State was one of the first schools to extend an offer (Pitt was the first, with Penn State the second a couple of weeks later). He also attended Penn State’s football camp in June 2021 and returned for an unofficial visit on campus last September for Penn State’s spotlighted primetime game against Auburn. At this time, the only other visit Denmark has made is an unofficial visit to Texas A&M back in March of this year.
Bill Belton, a former star QB for Winslow Township, running back at Penn State, named Eagles new football coach after 2 years as offensive coordinator
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2022-07-23T13:50:44Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Penn State in top 12 for talented four-star receiver from Philly, Tyseer Denmark
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Next year's 40th edition of the Breeders' Cup horse races will be staged at Southern California's Santa Anita Park, event organizers announced Thursday.
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The Breeders' Cup will return to Santa Anita for a record 11th time in 2023.
The Breeders' Cup returns to Santa Anita for a record 11th time on Nov. 3-4, 2023. It will be the event's 40th anniversary.
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2022-07-23T14:12:28Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Santa Anita named host of 2023 Breeders' Cup
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Celebrate Christmas In July With The Kelly Clarkson Show | Digital Exclusive
Nobody loves Christmas like Kelly Clarkson, so why just celebrate it in December? We're Celebrating Christmas in July with a look back at some of the most festive and fun moments from the show featuring Sandra Bullock, Keanu Reeves , Dr Phil and more. It will bring summer smiles to even the Grinch-iest of fans!
“Live PD,” the hit A&E police ride-along show that was canceled in the wake of the murder of George Floyd in 2020, has been revived under the new name “On Patrol: Live.” But the debut episode, which aired July 22 on Reelz, was hindered with technical difficulties which lead to a 70-minute delay. When viewers […]
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2022-07-23T15:04:57Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Bellator 283 results: Tofiq Musayev blitzes through Sidney Outlaw with 27-second knockout
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The NFC West had four quality left tackles for several years. The players are different now. The Arizona Cardinals still have D.J. Humphries and the San Francisco 49ers still have Trent Williams, but the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams will have new starters as Andrew Whitworth retired after the Rams won the Super Bowl and the Seahawks moved on from Duane Brown.
Below are this year’s NFC West rankings at left tackle.
No. 1: Trent Williams, 49ers
Williams is only the best left tackle in the NFL. He was selected to the Pro Bowl for the ninth time last season and was a first-team All-Pro for the first time in his career.
2. D.J. Humphries, Cardinals
Humphries moves up to No. 2 because there is no more Whitworth or Brown in the division. He didn’t have as good a season in 2021 as he did in 2020 but he was a Pro Bowler for the first time, although he was an injury replacement.
3. Joe Noteboom, Rams
Noteboom has big shoes to fill, as he replaces Whitworth at left tackle for the world champion Rams. He has filled in at left tackle and has done all right, which is why he ranks ahead of the rookie below.
4. Charles Cross, Seahawks
Cross was the No. 9 overall pick in the draft. He is expected to be good, but he is a rookie and has done nothing in the NFL yet. That’s why he lands in last place.
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2022-07-23T15:26:34Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Cardinals’ D.J. Humphries climbs LT rankings in NFC West
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Plenty of people were skeptical when the Los Angeles Rams acquired Matthew Stafford via trade from the Detroit Lions before the 2021 season. Fast forward to now and following the veteran quarterback’s first Super Bowl victory, Stafford is being ranked as the sixth-best quarterback in the NFL by Touchdown Wire’s Mark Schofield.
The five quarterbacks that Schofield listed ahead of Stafford are Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, and Justin Herbert. Schofield points to Stafford’s ability to be effective on down-the-field throws, which in turn unlocked parts of Sean McVay’s offense, as to why Stafford was ranked as the No. 6 quarterback in the league.
His presence in Los Angeles helped unlock portions of Sean McVay’s playbook which had previously been closed. Whether it meant attacking downfield out of empty formations, and using his eyes to move defenders in the process
In his debut season with the Rams, Stafford amassed 4,886 passing yards and 41 passing touchdowns while leading Los Angeles to a 12-5 record in the regular season. Entering the playoffs a season ago, Stafford had yet to secure a win in the postseason, in large part because he played for the Lions.
Amid an impressive playoff run where he led three-game winning drives in the team’s final three playoff contests (including the Super Bowl), Stafford added a Super Bowl victory to his resume. With the addition of Allen Robinson, along with another year to work with Cooper Kupp, Stafford is in a prime position to potentially improve his ranking among his peers for next offseason.
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2022-07-23T15:27:00Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Matthew Stafford ranked as 6th-best QB in the NFL
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https://sports.yahoo.com/matthew-stafford-ranked-6th-best-141216948.html?src=rss
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Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis will reportedly ink his rookie deal on the same day the team’s rookies report to training camp on July 23.
According to Justin Melo of The Draft Network, Willis is expected to sign his four-year rookie deal on Saturday morning. The deal isn’t done yet, as Melo states, but the expectation is Willis will sign on the dotted line soon.
Willis, who was drafted in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft, is the last Titans pick from this year to sign. Cornerback Roger McCreary agreed to terms on his rookie contract on Friday, leaving only Willis.
The Titans drafted Willis in the hopes that he’ll be their long-term solution under center once Ryan Tannehill’s days are done, but we’ll have to wait at least one year for that transition.
Willis is expected to spend his rookie season on the bench while he develops, and more likely than not he’ll sit behind Logan Woodside as well in order to avoid him being one injury away from taking the field before he’s ready.
After Titans rookies report on Saturday, veterans will show up on July 26, and then the Titans will have their first training camp practice on July 27.
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2022-07-23T15:27:18Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Report: Titans’ Malik Willis expected to sign rookie contract Saturday
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https://sports.yahoo.com/report-titans-malik-willis-expected-140735471.html?src=rss
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Cody Bellinger (35) celebrates with Max Muncy, center and Jake Lamb after hitting an eighth-inning grand slam in the Dodgers' 5-1 win over the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on Friday night. (Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press)
"He quick-pitched him," manager Dave Roberts said. "Tried to mess with his timing."
Long threw another off-speed pitch over the heart of the plate. Bellinger took a mighty hack that didn't miss. The ball jumped off his bat at over 103 mph. It hooked inside the right-field foul pole for his seventh career grand slam.
For Bellinger this season, or even last year when he battled injuries and batted just .165, there have been few occasions he's looked so close to his old best.
Before Bellinger’s blast, the most notable moment of Friday's game came after just four pitches.
“Just a little gamesmanship,” Roberts said. "We wanted to get that coach in the box and let Tyler do his thing."
“I think that's part of the game," Anderson said. "They just thought maybe he was doing something there, so just tried to tighten up a little bit."
"I’m sure I’d be satisfied, regardless," Bellinger added. "But [facing an opponent] in division, big game, that was pretty good.”
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2022-07-23T16:36:02Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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'It feels pretty good': Cody Bellinger is Dodgers' grand-slam hero vs. Giants
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Willy Adames, Andrew McCutchen and Hunter Renfroe all homered, with Renfroe's homer with two outs in the 10th earning Milwaukee extra life.
"I mean, 13 innings, a lot of crazy innings at the end," said manager Craig Counsell, whose team has won six straight now over Colorado. "In the end I thought we just pitched really well. Guys just kept doing a nice job on the mound and gave us a chance."
It was Renfroe's first since June 19; he was on the injured list from June 26 to July 12 with a calf strain.
The homer Hunter Renfroe hit in the 10th came on the fifth straight slider from Robert Stephenson: pic.twitter.com/h4CFsrIgLk
"You had to say it," Renfroe joked of his drought. "Obviously, it's been a while. It felt good. Before two strikes, I was trying to hit a homer. I was trying to hit a homer to center field and whatever happened, happened.
"He threw some good sliders there and the one he threw there (on the fifth pitch) wasn't terrible; it was out over the plate but it was away and down a little bit and I was able to get the barrel to it and was able to get a pitch to hit, I guess."
The Raptor dominated the Rockies in his two-inning stint tonight. He also picked up the victory: pic.twitter.com/Cn51UszC66
"It was my turn to step up and I was able to get some quick outs and some early swings on balls that I was locating decently," he said. "I got away with a couple. Just an amazing game and I'm really glad we can start the second half off with a win."
"For everybody, the bats felt kind of heavy. Well, except for Hunter," Urías said. "We were trying so hard, I think, but in the end we got the win.
"Honestly, I was just trying to fight and put it in play. The game gets hard sometimes, but you've got to keep going, forget about the other ABs. I was trying to stay in the moment and do my best."
The man of the hour, Luis Urías: pic.twitter.com/DCg6L6Iwdb
More: 'Let's get to work': Five days after the Brewers drafted him, infielder Eric Brown Jr. is already signed
More: Three reasons the Brewers will make the playoffs again in 2022 ... and three reasons they won't
Senzatela hadn't allowed two homers in a start all season, let alone in a three-batter span.
Corbin Burnes on his start tonight: “Not good.” pic.twitter.com/idrvIB4tiV
"Not good," Burnes said of his outing. "Another one of those outings where my command was all over the place. Fighting to throw strikes, fighting to get an out. It's obviously frustrating coming in off the break and putting together a decent string of starts beforehand.
"It felt like we were trending in the right direction. But tonight it felt like we really didn't have anything."
The frustration continued in the Brewers' half of the sixth when McCutchen led off with a walk and Renfroe was hit by a pitch, then both were bunted into scoring position by Wong.
Josh Hader, pitching for the first time since his epic blowup last Friday at San Francisco, made it five straight strikeouts for Milwaukee's bullpen before walking Randal Grichuk in the ninth.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Luis Urías' single in 13th inning gives Brewers 6-5 win over Rockies
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2022-07-23T16:36:21Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Luis Urías brings a joyful finish to a long, sometimes frustrating night for the Brewers against the Rockies
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49ers camp battles: Who will replace 'The Shark' at nickel back? originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
One of the biggest questions for the 49ers defense is who will step in at nickel back this season.
After five seasons with the 49ers, K’Waun Williams signed with the Denver Broncos during free agency and left DeMeco Ryans to find someone to take his place. The defensive back, also known as “The Shark,” was not only effective in coverage but in blitz packages.
The are a few options to fill the void at nickel back, and the front runner seems to be Darqueze Dennard, who the team signed prior to Week 17 of the 2021 season. During OTAs, defensive backs coach Cory Undlin shared how impressed he was with the veteran’s commitment to be ready to play after only being in the building for a week.
Dennard camped out in Undlin’s office, rarely leaving team headquarters. Once on the field, the former first-round pick impressed the entire 49ers coaching staff enough to sign him to a one-year contract for the 2022 season. During OTA practices, Dennard was been seen with the first team as the nickel back.
Deommodore Lenoir is another option for the 49ers as the slot corner. The sophomore defensive back began his NFL career starting in the first two games of the year but faced some challenges as the season progressed. Lenoir was inactive during the postseason after appearing in 13 games.
Undlin shared that learning the nickel back role is a huge undertaking that is difficult for many veterans, not to mention a rookie. Now, with a season under his belt, Lenoir could make a play for the role.
Jason Verrett has played predominantly on the outside, but did get some experience at slot corner when he was with the then San Diego Chargers. Because a slot corner does not need to be on the field for 100 percent of defensive snaps, it could be the perfect way for Verrett to return from the Achilles injury he suffered in Week 1 of the 2021 season.
While there is likely a learning curve for most outside corners moving to the inside, Verrett’s coverage skills and knowledge of the game could give him an advantage. The 31-year-old has yet to participate in on-field drills but has been seen coaching up the younger members of the group during OTAs.
Rookie Sam Womack also has a shot to compete for the nickel back position. The Toledo product might be a long shot for a starting role, but his five seasons of experience in college could play a factor.
In 2021, Womack registered a standout 15 pass breakups, ranking him No. 1 in the MAC, a position he held for three straight seasons (7 in 2020, 15 in 2019). Through his five college seasons, Womack registered 126 tackles -- 4.5 for loss -- 39 passes defended and five interceptions.
When players report to training camp on July 26, this competition will only begin to play out.
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2022-07-23T17:15:03Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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49ers camp battles: Who will replace K’Waun Williams at nickel back?
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https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-camp-battles-replace-k-161318407.html?src=rss
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Kyler Murray’s Instagram post expresses gratitude after contract extension
Things have come a long way since he deleted all his Instagram posts back in February, He also now follows the team's Instagram account.
Williams is still recovering from a torn ACL he suffered last year in Week 5. The team anticipates a decision will have to be made near the end of camp.
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2022-07-23T17:15:16Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Cardinals sign standout USFL WR Victor Bolden Jr.
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The Detroit Lions have added another assistant coach to Dan Campbell’s staff. And this one is another former player fans will instantly recognize.
Former Ohio State QB J.T. Barrett has joined the Lions as an offensive assistant coach. Barrett bounced around several NFL practice squads for a few seasons after leading the Buckeyes program. He recently retired after a stint with the CFL’s Edmonton Elks.
Barrett’s duties with the Lions are not yet specified. With training camp kicking off this week it won’t take long to see where Barrett, 27, fits into Campbell’s staff.
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2022-07-23T17:15:43Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Lions hire J.T. Barrett as an offensive assistant coach
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The Green Bay Packers placed nine players on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list before the start of training camp but left tackle David Bakhtiari wasn’t one of them.
Bakhtiari is still working his way back from a torn ACL suffered in December of 2020. He missed all but one game in 2021 as he dealt with fluid build-up and eventually required a second surgery.
Bakhtiari tested his knee in last year’s season finale against the Detroit Lions and looked promising in 27 snaps during the first half. However, he later experienced more fluid build-up, which kept him out of the Packers’ divisional playoff loss against the San Francisco 49ers.
For precautionary reasons, Bakhtiari did not practice during OTAs, which head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed was the plan all along. At the end of OTAs, LaFleur was cautiously optimistic about Bakhtiari being ready for the start of training camp.
“Time will tell,” LaFleur said. “We fully anticipate him being ready to go, but, you know, we did last year as well. I think time will tell. We feel good about the work he’s put in and where he’s at.”
Bakhtiari not being on the PUP list is a good sign for now. Rookies reported for the start of training camp on Friday with veterans expected to report on Tuesday. There is a chance Bakhtiari could still go on the PUP list if he is not yet in town. Luckily, players who go on the list before training camp can come off at any time.
The Packers will hope they have their premier left tackle for the duration of training camp and the 2022 season.
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2022-07-23T17:15:55Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Packers LT David Bakhtiari not on PUP list, for now
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The Houston Texans’ roster doesn’t feature a superstar — not like it did at the end of the last decade when they had three to choose from.
Instead the Texans are carefully rebuilding under general manager Nick Caserio. The AFC South club has been a welcoming spot for veterans on one-year deals, and there could be some talented players in the future given Houston’s haul in the 2022 NFL draft.
Even though the Texans lack a superstar or a face of the franchise, there is still one position on the roster that could be considered its strength.
According to Football Outsiders, who collaborated with ESPN, the Texans’ best position group is receiver.
Houston’s roster doesn’t have overwhelming talent at any position. However, wide receiver seems to be the position where multiple players of intrigue are. Brandin Cooks finished 25th in receiving DYAR in 2021 and had over 1,000 receiving yards for the second consecutive season. Nico Collins has built a rapport with quarterback Davis Mills, and many people around the Texans believe he’s due for a breakout season.
In addition, the Texans drafted John Metchie III from Alabama, who can be a high-level slot option once he’s fully recovered from a torn ACL in his left knee that he suffered in the SEC championship game. Add in solid depth pieces like Chris Conley and Phillip Dorsett, and the Texans have built an interesting receiver room.
What is impressive about Cooks’ 1,000-yard seasons is the first came with the eventual NFL passing champion while the latter came in a season where Tyrod Taylor and rookie Davis Mills split time. Cooks’ 1,000 yards are a result of his consistency, not just who is throwing him the ball.
Collins and Metchie represent talent in the future, and could be contributors in 2022. Conley was a deep threat for Houston last season and figures to be the same this year.
The Texans’ receiving corps may not have as many big names and first-round picks as it did in previous seasons, but it is fit enough to give Mills a realistic chance to entrench himself as the team’s franchise quarterback moving forward.
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2022-07-23T17:16:08Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Receiver may be the strongest position for the Texans
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Congrats, @GenoSmith3! https://t.co/o68YEqdWVZ
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith might not be crowned Seattle’s starter just yet but he is the recipient of a very high honor from his Alma Mater, West Virginia University. Smith is among eight alumni to be selected for WVU’s Hall of Fame Class of 2022.
The members will be officially inducted on Saturday, Sept. 17 ahead of the West Virginia-Towson football game.
“Geno Smith set 33 Mountaineer game, season, class and career records as a quarterback from 2009-12,” the press release reads. “As a senior, the Miramar, Florida, native was a finalist for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award and the Maxwell Award. Smith was named to the All-Big 12 Conference Second Team.”
Smith first signed with Seattle in 2019, where he backed up Russell Wilson for three seasons. He’ll have a shot for the starting job this year if he’s able to beat out teammate Drew Lock this summer.
The Seahawks training camp kicks off early next week when the competition begins.
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2022-07-23T17:16:15Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Seahawks QB Geno Smith selected to WVU Hall of Fame Class of 2022
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Countrymen Kenny Bednarek (19.77) and Erriyon Knighton (19.80) took silver and bronze. Knighton, at 18, became the youngest individual sprint medalist in world championships history.
In the women’s 200m, Jamaican Shericka Jackson won in 21.45 seconds, the second-fastest time in history behind Florence Griffith-Joyner‘s world record of 21.34 from the 1988 Olympics. Another Jamaican, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, took silver in 21.81 for her 13th world championships medal after winning the 100m last Sunday.
Jackson is the only person to win a world medal in the 100m, 200m and 400m in their careers.
It's a World Championship record for Shericka Jackson in the 200m final. #WorldAthleticsChamps | #WCHOregon22 pic.twitter.com/AIFI0EmdPM
Garrett Scantling, world’s top decathlete in 2022, provisionally suspended Norah Jeruto, after missing Olympics, wins track worlds steeplechase in No.... How to watch 2022 World Track & Field Championships
Noah Lyles breaks Michael Johnson’s American record; U.S. sweeps world 200m originally appeared on NBCSports.com
Noah Lyles, Kenny Bednarek and Erriyon Knighton capture the event’s medals at the track and field world championships.
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2022-07-23T18:07:56Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Noah Lyles breaks Michael Johnson’s American record; U.S. sweeps world 200m
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NASCAR Saturday schedule at Pocono Raceway Saturday Pocono Xfinity race: Start time, TV info, weather Pocono Truck starting lineup: Zane Smith to start first
Pocono Xfinity starting lineup: Justin Allgaier wins pole originally appeared on NBCSports.com
Chandler Smith put on a show in the regular-season finale Saturday, winning the Camping World Truck Series’ CRC Brakleen 150 at Pocono Raceway. Smith won Stage 1 before pit-stop strategy shuffled him back in the field, preparing to make a run at the checkered flag in the Final Stage. After working his way back to […]
Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-VT) endorsed Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Friday for reelection in the 14th district of New York, which will hold its primary election in late August. “Congresswoman @AOC has been a fierce champion for the working people of NY-14,” Sanders tweeted, saying that he is “proud” to endorse her for reelection. “She is an…
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2022-07-23T18:56:37Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Pocono Xfinity starting lineup: Justin Allgaier wins pole
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Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins didn’t even crack the top-15 at his position in Madden NFL 23.
The upcoming EA Sports video game ranked 15 other quarterbacks ahead of the three-time Pro Bowler, including Matt Ryan and Ryan Tannehill.
Never mind the fact that Cousins is coming off a Pro Bowl season. Never mind that he threw for 4,221 yards, 33 touchdowns and only seven interceptions. Never mind him coming into the 2022 season with one of the most talented offenses in the league and an offensive guru turned head coach in Kevin O’Connell.
Cousins still failed to crack the top-15 at quarterback with an 80 overall rating.
But there’s no better get-back than going out there and proving the critics wrong, right? An argument could be made that there has never been more in place for Cousins to succeed at the NFL level.
This could be the year for him to take back respect and get the losing Vikings back to Super Bowl contention.
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2022-07-23T18:59:54Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Kirk Cousins gets an 80 Madden NFL 23 overall rating
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are adding a veteran tight end just before training camp, agreeing to a one-year deal with Kyle Rudolph.
Rudolph spent most of his career with the Minnesota Vikings, then a couple of years with the New York Giants before coming to Tampa Bay, where he’ll help replace the recently retired (again) Rob Gronkowski.
Already excited to join his new team, Rudolph posted a graphic Saturday on Twitter that features him in his new Bucs uniform, and wearing the No. 8 jersey.
Along with fellow veteran Cameron Brate, as well as rookies Cade Otton and Ko Kieft, Rudolph will do his best to help Tom Brady and the Bucs offense lead them back to the Super Bowl this season.
The Rockets continue to prioritize salary cap flexibility for the 2023 offseason. Here’s where Houston’s roster stands, financially, after the 2022 NBA draft and the initial wave of free agency.
Rafael Devers could be placed on injured list with hamstring issue
Red Sox manager Alex Cora revealed Saturday there is a "good chance" star third baseman Rafael Devers will be placed on the injured list with a hamstring issue.
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2022-07-23T19:00:01Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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LOOK: Kyle Rudolph in his new Bucs uniform
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The 2022 offseason has been a crazy one and will go down in history as such. Because of that, there have been a lot of shakeups in the National Football League regarding rankings. With the NFL Draft in the past, it is important to analyze some of the most promising teams going this summer. The blockbuster trades have significantly shaped a major part of the NFL conversation this offseason.
Solid quarterbacks like Matt Ryan, Deshaun Watson, and Russell Wilson are now on different teams, which should signify interesting times for said teams. Meanwhile, Kansas City Chiefs and Green Bay Packers, who are Super Bowl contenders, have traded up some All-Pro receivers but fortunately made huge additions to their defenses through the Draft.
It all shows that the league outlook and landscape are transforming, and here are some top contenders to watch.
Until there is tangible evidence of Tom Brady’s career decline, you are permitted to assume that he will still be one of the most elite quarterbacks in the league. This sole detail makes the Bucs direct contenders every year that he is at the team’s helm, which is why many Sloto gamblers wager on this NFL team on.
After announcing early retirement, Brady un-retired, and this paved the way for other league players scheduled to hit free agency to make a comeback. The team, therefore, has the opportunity to patch up the holes that showed in the Draft. The team’s new addition, receiver Russell Gage, could significantly make a difference in the team’s offense.
Gage was an underrated weapon on the Atlanta front, averaging 1.96 yards each route run last season.
Even before the dust settles, the current Super Bowl Championships are already facing disrespect! While most people may not remember this, it is important to keep in mind that the Rams were ranked fourth best in the league one year ago, and they needed Matthew Stanford to up his ante from his 80.7 for the regular season to 89.5 in the postseason to achieve a good run, which they did.
They also lost a significant part of their roster as Odell Beckham Jr., Von Miller, Robert Woods, and Sebastian Joseph-Day now play for other teams. The Rams added Bobby Wagner and Allen Robinson to their roster to try to offset these losses. However, there is a good chance that they might have unwittingly stepped sideways in an offseason where there are several great contenders with better fortunes.
It is difficult to look past the Bills since they have one of the best rosters in football overall. Interesting, they never even made it to the AFC Championship this last season but were literally 13 seconds away from doing so as their game against the Kansas City Chiefs came to a head. Josh Allen proved that the Bills’ breakout year was not a fluke.
The Buffalo Bills have since been able to add luxury players like Von Miller in an attempt to get to the top.
Denver catapulted themselves into the contender list by trading for Russell Wilson, which gives them their first genuine championship-caliber passer since they got Peyton Manning. Denver is tasked with crafting an offense that will make the most out of Wilson while simultaneously avoiding running into the same issues the Seahawks faced when he played for them.
Is it possible to unleash Wilson as the best version of himself without having an excess of the quick routine passes to place the Broncos among the best in the league? You’ll have to wait and see.
While the other NFL contenders were in an arms race, the Chiefs decided to trade away Tyreek Hill, one of the best and most potent players in the NFL. The intent is to replace him with any player but on the same level as the Juju Smith-Schuster, Skyy Moore, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling additions.
While this may be the ideal direction for the team’s roster’s long-term health, it is difficult to argue that the Kansas City Chiefs will not take a step backward initially. Regardless, as long as Patrick Mahoney is the Chief’s quarterback, the team will feature amongst top contenders.
There are very few teams that were as aggressive as the Chargers this last offseason, and they are intent on capitalizing on the talent that is Justin Herbert. Far from regression, the latter’s second season built upon his excellent rookie campaign, so the Los Angeles Chargers spent substantial amounts of money surrounding Herbert with talent.
The addition of a player like Khalil Mack should outrightly improve their chances. Add J.C Jackson, and you have a unit with a lot of ball skills. Lastly, drafting Zion Johnson into the team ensures that Herbert has a solid line in front of him.
Of the 32 teams, there are several other promising teams to watch. This could also be the year for teams like Green Bay Packers, Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, and San Francisco 49ers. Others that have their eyes on the playoffs include Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, and the Arizona Cardinals.
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2022-07-23T19:00:07Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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NFL Teams to Watch in 2022
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A national analyst is deep diving into the Big Ten’s recruiting landscape. Rivals has decided to take a deeper look at the efforts of all 14 conference schools as we see the summer recruiting season wrapping up before the start of college football in 2022.
As we’ve discussed, the Huskers currently have 14 recruits committed to the class of 2023. According to Rival’s analysis, Nebraska currently has two 4-star players ( DE Ashley Williams of Louisana and WR Omarion Miller of Louisana), while the remaining 12 players are all 3-star recruits. Nine of the incoming players for 2023 are currently projected to play offense at the collegiate level, and five of the fourteen players are recruits coming from in-state.
This has been a better Husker recruiting effort than we’ve seen in the last several seasons. The addition of wide receivers coach Mickey Joseph is evidence of that, given that his history in the state of Louisana allowed him to poach two recruits from the state, and not just any two recruits but the two top recruits in the class. Those improved and expanded efforts, as well as a willingness to embrace the transfer portal, have placed the Huskers in a good position heading into this season and beyond.
Hopefully, these wins on the recruiting trail will lead to wins on the field sooner rather than later.
The Three Hottest Teams - Ohio State
Rivals says,
Since June 20 the Buckeyes have landed commitments from two five-star players in the nation’s No. 1 and No. 2 receiver prospects: Carnell Tate and Brandon Inniss. Those commitments were followed by a string of seven additional four-star players, which vaulted the Buckeyes’ class into a tie with Notre Dame for the nation’s No. 1 overall class in 2023.
Their recruiting efforts have been especially impressive on the defensive side of the ball as the have received commitments from two defensive lineman, three defensive backs and two linebackers since June 17. Look for Penn State to stay hot in the coming months, and although it is not likely they will best Ohio State for the No. 1 spot in the Big Ten
Rival says,
The Hawkeyes put their recruiting chops on display when they received one of the biggest commits of the year – and in program history – when Kadyn Proctor gave his pledge to Iowa on June 30… this class has had some sneaky good commitments of late and you need to look no further than the latest pledge from defensive back
Watch Out For... Northwestern
What Pat Fitzgerald and the Wildcats have accomplished at this point in the 2023 recruiting cycle is extremely impressive. Their 20 commitments include four players that carry a four-star rating, and that definitely jumps off the page when you think of Northwestern recruiting on a historical level
Tucker and his staff can recruit – and I only expect them to get better from here on out. They currently rank No. 5 in the Big Ten but should have a legitimate shot at finishing in the conference’s top three when it is all said and done.
Nebraska is in “win now” mode and the Huskers are showing their desire to go after and secure some of the nation’s top talent. With the addition of Vince Guinta as senior director of player personnel and recruiting – along with ace recruiters Mickey Joseph, Bill Busch and others – there is a different feel surrounding Nebraska on the recruiting trail.
Summertime Blues - Indiana
After finishing as one of the biggest recruiting surprises during the 2022 recruiting class the Hoosiers have had a dreadfully slow summer. With only two commitments since the end of the spring evaluation period the Indiana recruiting class currently ranks No. 90 overall.
Maryland currently has the lowest average star rating in all of the Big Ten at 2.82 and is one of only three teams in the conference that does not have a four-star player committed in the 2023 class. The DMV is a talent-rich area, and Maryland only needs a couple of local wins to turn this class from average to spectacular, but it appears we are going to have to wait until after summer for that to happen.
Following a slow start, the Scarlet Knights went on a hot streak in early June, but then they saw their recruiting efforts come to a halt with only one commitment since June 14, and going 0-fer in July. While the class is respectable in terms of the number of committed players and national ranking of No. 44, the Scarlet Knights currently only rank ahead of Indiana when it comes to the Big Ten rankings.
#Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes and HC Andy Reid spoke to the media about LT Orlando Brown Jr. as they arrived at training camp Friday. | from @EdEastonJr
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2022-07-23T19:16:59Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Cornhuskers seen as a team to “watch out for” on the recruiting trail
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https://sports.yahoo.com/cornhuskers-seen-team-watch-recruiting-170623546.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/cornhuskers-seen-team-watch-recruiting-170623546.html?src=rss
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Next weekend is a huge one for the Florida football program as it prepares to host a plethora of prep prospects on campus for the annual Friday Night Lights and team cookout weekend. Among those planning to attend are student-athletes ranging from seniors to sophomores who have risen to the top of the high school crop and landed on Billy Napier’s radar.
Digging into the 2024 recruiting cycle, one of the top quarterbacks in the class, five-star DJ Lagway out of Willis, Texas, announced his plans to attend the festivities in the Swamp on Tuesday via his Twitter account. The 6-foot-2-inch, 225-pound signal caller got an offer directly from Florida’s head coach after spending time in Gainesville for a spring practice session and will look to get another gander at what the Gators have to offer.
The rising junior also holds offers from fellow Southeastern Conference rivals the Texas A&M Aggies, Alabama Crimson Tide, Georgia Bulldogs, LSU Tigers, Arkansas Razorbacks, Missouri Tigers and Ole Miss Rebels. According to On3, he holds a total of 26 offers so far in his young career.
Lagaway is currently rated as a five-star recruit and ranked No. 17 overall and No. 3 at his position nationally according to the 247Sports composite, while the On3 consensus rates him as a four-star at Nos. 20 and 4, respectively. TAMU is out front in his recruitment according to On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine with a 72.6% chance of signing him while LSU trails behind at 8.2% and the Clemson Tigers at 6.1%.
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2022-07-23T19:17:11Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Gators to get this 5-star 2024 QB recruit on campus at end of July
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https://sports.yahoo.com/gators-5-star-2024-qb-174414515.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/gators-5-star-2024-qb-174414515.html?src=rss
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No particular reason for the delay was given but it boils down to Bryant needing more time to come to a sound decision. He’s the fourth-ranked linebacker on the 247Sports composite and ranked No. 57 overall. Florida and Miami are considered the frontrunners in the race, but Alabama and Maryland are also making a push.
The Gators, Hurricanes and Terps all hosted him on official visits in the month of June and Alabama brought him unofficially. With the dead period coming to an end, recruits will be able to get back on campus and meet with the coaches in person once again. If Bryant is reevaluating his options, his next few stops will of be great interest.
There’s no new timetable for his decision, so this race could extend well into the high school and college football season. He’s considered one of the top targets on Florida’s board, especially since Napier and Co. have yet to land a linebacker. Expect to hear Bryant’s name a good bit over the fall, or until a commitment is on record.
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2022-07-23T19:17:18Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Top-100 linebacker target moving back decision date
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https://sports.yahoo.com/top-100-linebacker-target-moving-184210759.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/top-100-linebacker-target-moving-184210759.html?src=rss
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While Day 8 of the World Athletics Championships were unfolding Friday in Eugene, Ore., the NBC Olympics Twitter feed announced that Felix will run the preliminary round of the women's 4x400 meter relay on Saturday night.
Assuming the Americans make out of the preliminary race, the U.S. could have 400-meter hurdles world-record holder Sydney McLaughlin and fellow long hurdles star Dalilah Muhammad as part of the four-woman group for the final race, virtually guaranteeing a medal.
The women's 4x400m prelims begin at 8:10 p.m. ET Saturday night.
Allyson Felix runs the second leg of the USA mixed 4x400m relay that placed third at the World Athletics Championships at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
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2022-07-23T19:38:49Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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World Championships: Allyson Felix will race one last time on the world stage
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https://sports.yahoo.com/allyson-felix-will-get-one-more-last-lap-in-womens-4-x-400-relay-semis-saturday-night-023151931.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/allyson-felix-will-get-one-more-last-lap-in-womens-4-x-400-relay-semis-saturday-night-023151931.html?src=rss
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Image via Getty/Mike Coppola
Shaquille O’Neal has responded to Steph Curry’s suggestion that the 2017 Golden State Warriors team would beat the 2001 Los Angeles Lakers.
On a recent episode of The Big Podcast With Shaq, the Hall of Fame center offered his take on Curry’s bold assertion. “My team that went 15 and 1, that’s the best team ever created,” Shaq confidently responded after Curry’s comments were brought up by his co-host.
“I say we can win that, ‘cause who’s gonna guard me and Kobe, right? They say, obviously we feel like we can win, I don’t know who could guard Shaq but I don’t know who could guard me and Klay [Thompson] either, and three is better than two,” Shaq continued. “I’ma lay they ass out. Steph, Klay, and KD [Kevin Durant]. I’ma touch they ass all the way up. And you know who gonna have a lot of points? The center.”
It was pointed out to him that Draymond Green was the center for the Warriors in 2017, which prompted Shaq to suggest he would eat them alive in the post. “They gonna have to double me,” he added. “If they don’t dub me I’m going for 60 without the free throws. So that’s my rebuttal, and Steph you’re still my favorite player, I love you. But… That’s my rebuttal. Tell your lovely wife and the kids I say hello.”
His comments come not long after Curry spoke with Complex about hosting the 2022 ESPYs, during which he was asked about the hypothetical match-up between the two rosters. “If you could match up in some alternate universe, us versus the 2001 Lakers, obviously we feel like we can win,” Curry told Complex. “I don’t know who would guard Shaq but I don’t know who would guard me and Klay either. We rockin’ with that. And three is better than two.”
Steph Curry on 2017 Warriors vs. 2001 Lakers: 'I Don’t Know Who Would Guard Me and Klay'
Shaquille O’Neal Pays Tab of Over $25,000 for Entire Restaurant While on Date
The 10 Most Influential Players in NBA History
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2022-07-23T19:39:08Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Shaq Responds to Steph Curry Suggesting the 2017 Warriors Would Beat the 2001 Lakers
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https://sports.yahoo.com/shaq-responds-steph-curry-suggesting-212307015.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/shaq-responds-steph-curry-suggesting-212307015.html?src=rss
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The Raiders had three picks in the first round of the 2019 draft. Which meant that this offseason they had to make decisions on whether to pick up the fifth year options, which happens prior to each player’s fourth year.
Those three players were Clelin Ferrell, Josh Jacobs, and Johnathan Abram. And the Raiders declined to pick up the options on any of them.
Most thought that if any of them had an outside chance of having their option picked up, it was Jacobs, who the team selected with the 24th overall pick. But with a fifth year salary of around $8 million, even that was a stretch.
The worst thing Jacobs or the others could do is take it personally. For Jacobs’s part he seems to be using it as motivation.
“I’m a firm believer in the work that you put in is going to pay off for itself,” said Jacobs. “I had to be here either way. And this is where I want to be, so I didn’t have no problem with it. It just gave me more reason to come in every day and gel with the guys and work, so that’s how I looked at it.”
It’s important to note that just because a team declines a player’s option, doesn’t automatically mean they will be cutting ties with that player after their rookie contract is up. It just means that prior to that fourth year, they weren’t ready to commit to that player for a fifth year at the salary on his contract.
So, Jacobs could easily go out there and play well enough to have the Raiders offering him a lucrative long term deal after this season. It actually benefits him in that he may also receive long term deals from other teams and get to choose where he plays. In that regard, he could see it as a positive thing. Now it’s in his hands.
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2022-07-23T20:44:07Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Josh Jacobs: Raiders not picking up 5th year option ‘gave me more reason to come in every day’
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https://sports.yahoo.com/josh-jacobs-raiders-not-picking-194711478.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/josh-jacobs-raiders-not-picking-194711478.html?src=rss
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While Pro Football Focus’ methodology seems to always be under scrutiny when it comes to the peripheral positions like wide receiver and cornerback (just ask Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs), their work in evaluating the trenches seems to be well regarded. As they revealed their top 50 players heading into the 2022 season, Dallas’ stalwarts along the offensive line got the respect they deserve.
Left tackle Tyron Smith returned to his status as one of the game’s best after a lost 2020 season due to injury. Checking in at No. 41, Smith was the first of three Cowboys who PFF feels are among the best players in the league. The second was second-year phenom Micah Parsons, checking in at No. 29. The Cowboys’ offensive line gets their second inclusion, as right guard Zack Martin finds himself among the top-10 players in the league, checking in at No. 9.
Imagine being widely considered the best guard in the game in 2019 and then be assessed as getting better each season as you age into your 30s.
Martin was drafted at No. 16 in the 2014 draft and has spent the better part of the last decade forging a path towards the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Following last season’s work, he now is a seven-time Pro Bowler and a five-time First-Team All-Pro to go along with two Second-Teams. He appears to be just a few more years away from cementing his place on a second NFL All-Decade team after being included in the 2010 team with just six seasons to choose from.
There is certainly renewed competition across the league as Quentin Nelson and Joel Bitonio have emerged as contemporaries of Martin, but no one does it as consistently or quite like the former Notre Dame tackle.
NFC East teams take different paths to OL construction, but are Cowboys best?
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2022-07-23T20:44:20Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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PFF: Cowboys RG Zack Martin ranks top-10 in NFL heading into 2022
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https://sports.yahoo.com/pff-cowboys-rg-zack-martin-185955730.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/pff-cowboys-rg-zack-martin-185955730.html?src=rss
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