text
stringlengths 237
126k
| date_download
stringdate 2022-01-01 00:32:20
2023-01-01 00:02:37
⌀ | source_domain
stringclasses 60
values | title
stringlengths 4
31.5k
⌀ | url
stringlengths 24
617
⌀ | id
stringlengths 24
617
⌀ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The preseason watch list of college football’s best overall players features a pair of standouts from the Mountain West.
Peak performers.
Week two of watch list season came to a close this morning with the reveal of the Walter Camp Award list. Given annually to college football’s player of the year, just two players from the Mountain West are featured among 52 in all.
Air Force running back Brad Roberts bulled his way onto the list after becoming the first Falcon to lead the Mountain West in rushing since Chad Hall in 2007. The leader of one of the nation’s most efficient ground games, Roberts racked up 1,357 yards and 13 touchdowns on a conference-high 297 carries.
Fresno State quarterback Jake Haener finds his way onto another watch list, as well, with plenty of justification for the pick after a 2021 campaign in which he completed 67.1% of his passes for 4,096 yards, the ninth-most among his FBS peers, and 33 touchdowns.
Last year’s Walter Camp Award winner was Michigan State’s Kenneth Walker III.
|
2022-07-29T15:27:09Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Mountain West Football: Two Named To Walter Camp Award Watch List
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/mountain-west-football-two-named-141427677.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/mountain-west-football-two-named-141427677.html?src=rss
|
Although it’s not even August yet, I’d imagine quite a few Buffs, and myself included, are starting to think about the TCU Horned Frogs, who come to Folsom Field for the first time ever on Sept. 2.
TCU finished 5-7 last season and parted ways with its longtime head coach Gary Patterson midseason. Former SMU head coach Sonny Dikes was hired by the Frogs in November and he’ll officially begin a new era of TCU football in Week 1 against Colorado.
On the field, TCU has more than enough firepower to spoil the Buffs’ home opener. Adam Munsterteiger of BuffStampede highlighted a pair of proven Horned Frogs standouts, in particular, starting with Tre’vius Hodges-Tomlinson. Here’s what Munsterteiger wrote on TCU’s star cornerback:
A starter since his true freshman season in 2019, Hodges-Tomlinson was a first-team all-Big 12 pick in 2020 and 2021. He was rated by Pro Football Focus as the nation’s highest-graded cornerback in coverage, allowing just 12 catches on 45 targets over the final nine games of his sophomore campaign. And last season, Hodges-Tomlinson was rarely tested but he still managed to record 42 tackles and two interceptions.
Colorado’s young cornerbacks, on the other hand, will have to keep up with one of college football’s most explosive wide receivers, Quentin Johnston (h/t BuffStampede):
Johnston was TCU’s leader in yards per catch his first two seasons, with a Big 12 true freshman record 22.1 yards per grab in 2020. He had touchdown receptions of 20, 75 and 25 yards at Oklahoma last season.
|
2022-07-29T15:27:22Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Two TCU Horned Frogs the Buffs should be worried about
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/two-tcu-horned-frogs-buffs-113430571.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/two-tcu-horned-frogs-buffs-113430571.html?src=rss
|
Warriors' roster potentially has more upside than last season originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
Steph Curry, while appearing on NBC Sports California's broadcast of the Athletics-Houston Astros game on Wednesday as part of his Eat. Learn. Play. foundation, spoke for all of Dub Nation when he said, "If I'm still hoopin', we always got another chance at a championship."
It all starts and ends with Curry when it comes to the Warriors' chances, followed by his Big Three running mates in Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. They're the base and beginning to a handful of reasons why the Warriors' 2022-23 roster, as its currently constructed, potentially has even more upside than their championship squad from last season.
Eleven isn't just Thompson's jersey number, draft pick slot and year he was selected by Golden State. The number also marks how many minutes the combination of Curry, Thompson and Green played together in the regular season.
Recovering from a torn Achilles, after already rehabbing a torn ACL, Thompson missed the first 38 games of the regular season. When he returned on Jan. 9, 2022, Green joined him on the court to start the game. But that was purely out of respect as the forward sustained his own injury -- one that he thought was to his calf but really was to his back -- during pregame warmups. He didn't play again until March 14.
Curry played under 14 minutes against the Boston Celtics on March 16, before a loose ball and diving Marcus Smart resulted in a sprained left foot for the Warriors superstar. The Warriors lost by 22 points to the Celtics and Curry missed the final 12 games of the regular season -- a span where the Warriors lost six of their first seven games without him before going on a five-game win streak heading into the playoffs.
Golden State was a historically great defense through the first 38 games of the season thanks to a healthy Green. Thompson won't have to be integrated into the team halfway through the season and gets to have his first healthy offseason since going into the 2018-19 season. Curry just pulled off one of the best NBA Finals performances we've seen and was dominant throughout the playoffs.
We can't forget the losses from last season's roster, though.
Gary Payton II is gone. As are Otto Porter Jr., Nemanja Bjelica, Damion Lee, Juan Toscano-Anderson and Chris Chiozza. That's three big playoff performers, especially Payton and Porter.
Payton is one of the most unique players in the game and a true difference maker defensively off the bench. Porter was called the "perfect Warrior" at times by Steve Kerr for how smart the veteran forward is. Bjelica gave them more size and could stretch the floor. A piece of the Warriors' soul left with the absence of Toscano-Anderson, Lee strong moments as a shooter and Chiozza was praised for the work he did in the locker room and behind the scenes as a two-way player.
The gains are fewer in total players, though that doesn't mean they can't make a major impact.
The Warriors' two biggest free agents were Payton and Kevon Looney. Of course the front office, coaching staff and players wanted both back. Payton was given an offer he couldn't refuse, one the Warriors weren't matching from the Portland Trail Blazers. What became clear is that Looney was priority No. 1, as he should be.
Looney's breakout season included him playing all 82 regular-season games, earning MVP chants for his 22-rebound performance to send the Memphis Grizzlies packing and it became how irreplaceable and underrated Looney is. That's why the Warriors gave him a three-year contract that can be worth up to $25.5 million. The Warriors' biggest move outside of retaining their own was signing guard Donte DiVincenzo to a two-year, $9.3 million contract.
"Once I had the conversation with Steph and Draymond, everything kind of slowed down for me a little bit because I got away from the numbers, the dollar signs and everything," DiVincenzo said on July 10. "I was more so focused on what is best for Donte and what is best for me going forward. With that culture and environment, it's something that I want to be a part of and it's something of who I am.
DiVincenzo already has two of the most important voices in the building on his side. He also now is fully healthy and feels like he never had ankle surgery, which he injured in the 2021 playoffs and lingered into last season. In that 2020-21 regular season, DiVincenzo's career looked like it was about to take off.
He started all 66 games he appeared in for the Milwaukee Bucks that season, and set career highs in points (10.4), rebounds (5.8), assists (3.1) and 3-point percentage (37.9 percent). DiVincenzo is a strong perimeter defender. It also is unfair to expect him to make the same difference there that GP2 did. However, he's a stronger offensive weapon than Payton, is four years younger, has been a champion in college and the pros, and like Payton, he's a great athlete with next-level bounce.
Plus, there's his contract. Not only did the Warriors save a ton by letting Payton and Porter go, DiVincenzo's deal comes with a player option for the second season. The Warriors will be getting an extremely motivated DiVincenzo, one who has seen other careers take off in The Bay.
JaMychal Green hasn't officially been added to the group of Warriors gains yet. All indications point to him becoming a Warrior after a buyout from the Oklahoma City Thunder. It's safe to say he essentially is a Porter replacement, and a more athletic one.
Both players stand 6-foot-8. Green is nearly 30 pounds heavier than Porter and still can play the Warriors' dunker role at times. They have plenty of reasons to believe the previous version of Green, not the one who's coming off a down year, will show up for them.
After all that, we still haven't reached the youth revolution of James Wiseman (21 years old), Moses Moody (20 years old) and Jonathan Kuminga (19 years old). Moody and Kuminga contributed as rookies to a championship, will be given larger roles in Year 2 and have all the tools to take a sophomore leap. Rehab is over for Wiseman. He's healthy, playing games and as a true 7-footer, he gives the Warriors a center combination with Looney of two players who bring two different skills sets.
"Just playing within the system and not trying to do too much. I really don't have to do as much. Just do the most important parts of my position and star in my role to the best of my ability," Wiseman said to NBC Sports Bay Area on Dubs Talk in an interview one day before his Las Vegas Summer League debut.
Andrew Wiggins became the player evaluators always wanted him to be as a more efficient scorer and lockdown defender. That's what made him an All-Star last season. Well, that and the K-pop army of Bam Bam fans. Then in the playoffs, something else clicked.
"The offensive rebounds, I was really just thirsty to score," Wiggins said to Andre Iguodala on the Point Forward podcast. "We have a lot of options on our team, a lot of people that come in the game and can score the ball and make plays."
"You gotta figure out different ways to get it, so I was like lemme get my feet wet, go in there and rebound the ball, especially when we played small in the Memphis series and I had to rebound," Wiggins continued. "I'm into rebounding, like 'this ain't that hard,' like I can rebound. From there, I just kept with it, it helps us win, it gives us more possessions and I'm like 'I can do this, I'm never going to average four rebounds again.' I look back now, like I don't know how that was possible."
While Wiggins was expected to one day have this kind of impact, Poole was not. The former No. 28 overall draft pick was labeled a bust not too long ago. One season after playing a handful of G League games, Poole stepped in for an injured Thompson and gave the Warriors a new Splash Brother. Poole averaged 18.5 points per game, averaged more points after Klay's return than when he missed the first 38 games and Poole grew up even more in the playoffs.
Beginning with a 30-point performance to open his playoff career, Poole scored at least 30 points twice in the postseason. He scored at least 20 points seven times and was made for the big stage. Whether his scoring averages increase or not next season, we have to expect him to continue to improve and be an even bigger part of the Warriors' winning formula.
What it does mean, for now, is that the Warriors have all the pieces in place to have more upside on their roster when healthy than they did a season ago. And that's a hell of a start.
Tech stocks have struggled recently, with the Nasdaq Composite index falling more than 23% year-to-date. Most of this smackdown has been because of recession fears in the U.S. Many investors are concerned about how tightening business budgets could impact tech stocks, especially those that do not provide mission-critical services to their customers. If you want to invest this way, you might want to look more closely at Veeva Systems (NYSE: VEEV).
Philadelphia's time as Dwight Howard's home wasn't very long, but it was particularly memorable - and it was more than enough to prove Howard is a true entertainer. By Adam Hermann
“Locke and Key” Season 3, which will serve as the series’ final chapter, is set to premiere Aug. 10 on Netflix. In the final chapter of the series, the Locke family discovers the existence of a time-travel key within Keyhouse. However, a new threat in Matheson is determined to fulfill his own plan with the […]
|
2022-07-29T15:27:28Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
How Warriors' 2022-23 roster compares to last season's NBA champions
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/warriors-2022-23-roster-compares-140000468.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/warriors-2022-23-roster-compares-140000468.html?src=rss
|
Following a rough rookie season, quarterback Justin Fields is looking to take a step forward in his development in Year 2.
There are questions about Fields’ supporting cast, including unproven weapons outside of wide receiver Darnell Mooney and tight end Cole Kmet. But considering Fields was among the most-sacked quarterbacks in the league last year, the offensive line is paramount to his success in Year 2.
Chicago added two likely starters in the days before training camp in tackle Riley Reiff and guard Michael Schofield, who filled some holes on the offensive line.
Reiff has experience working with a young quarterback. He spent the 2021 season with the Cincinnati Bengals working with rising star Joe Burrow, who came into his own in Year 2.
Reiff said that he sees some of Burrow in Fields, which is high praise from the veteran tackle.
Fields is learning a new offense under Luke Getsy, which aims to showcase his skillet and what he does well. Expect Fields on the run, a strong run game, play action and showcasing his deep-ball accuracy.
While the Bears aren’t expected to be contenders in 2022, the season would be considered a win if Fields takes a step forward in his development.
Flood watches and warnings remained in place across eastern Kentucky Friday one day after a historic flooding event devastated towns across the region and left at least 16 dead. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said in a press conference on Friday morning that there were at least 16 confirmed fatalities. More than 300 people who were displaced by the flooding were being temporarily housed at state parks, he added. Due to unsafe air travel, Beshear's tour of the flooded areas has been postponed. Beshea
Colby Jones on why he wanted to return to Xavier, what it's like playing for Sean Miller, and some early observations on the newest Musketeers.
|
2022-07-29T15:37:00Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
New Bears OT Riley Reiff sees some of Joe Burrow in Justin Fields
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-ot-riley-reiff-sees-132541161.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-ot-riley-reiff-sees-132541161.html?src=rss
|
How Patriots freed up cap space with hefty Davon Godchaux extension originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Davon Godchaux's lucrative contract extension with the New England Patriots was beneficial for both sides, it appears.
The Patriots handed Godchaux a two-year, $20.8 million contract extension Wednesday that included $17.85 million fully guaranteed. The contract raised a few eyebrows, as the 27-year-old veteran now ranks among the NFL's 15 highest-paid defensive tackles in average salary.
Perry's Stock Up/Stock Down: Bledsoe back to disrupt Patriots offense in camp
According to ESPN's Mike Reiss, however, Godchaux's new deal actually helped the Patriots free up about $1.5 million in cap space.
Godchaux's 2022 cap number drops from $10.25 million to $8.75 million, as New England converted much of his 2022 salary to a signing bonus. He'll make just $1.5 million in base salary this season.
The Patriots now have $2.9 million in cap space following Godchaux's extension, per Patriots cap expert Miguel Benzan. That's still the least amount of cap space in the NFL, but it gives the team a little wiggle room while securing a player who head coach Bill Belichick called "one of the best defensive linemen in the league" on Thursday.
This kind of cap maneuvering is common practice for the Patriots, and it provides a little more insight behind the initial sticker shock of New England handing out more than $20 million to a defensive tackle who has yet to make a Pro Bowl.
Davon Godchaux came to New England a year ago in large part for the chance play in a Bill Belichick-coached defense. A day after signing a two-year, $20.8 million extension with the Patriots, Godchaux said he's using it as motivation to help the Patriots improve on a run defense that again ranked near the bottom of the league in 2021. The Patriots signed Godchaux as part of their 2021 free agency spending spree after he played his first four years in the league in Miami where he was mostly a backup, appearing in all 16 games in 2018 and 2019.
|
2022-07-29T15:37:50Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Davon Godchaux contract details: Patriots free up $1.5M in cap space
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/davon-godchaux-contract-details-patriots-134500313.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/davon-godchaux-contract-details-patriots-134500313.html?src=rss
|
With all of the moves that the Miami Dolphins made this offseason, fans are buzzing with excitement for the team to start the regular season.
Bringing in big names like left tackle Terron Armstead and wide receiver Tyreek Hill, as well as an up-and-coming head coach with an infectious personality has really brought a lot of attention to the team.
The anticipation has caused the team to tell the media that they’re expecting to sell out their season tickets for 2022 and have a waitlist for the first time in franchise history.
Fans are hoping that the team can end their playoff drought that dates back to 2016 and their postseason win drought that’s ongoing since 2000.
While the optimism is nice, and the team appears to be headed in the right direction, there’s a lot that they need to prove on the field before anyone can truly believe that’s their destiny.
|
2022-07-29T15:38:16Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Dolphins expected to sell out season tickets in 2022
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-expected-sell-season-tickets-145345818.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-expected-sell-season-tickets-145345818.html?src=rss
|
The New York Jets are adding some linebacker help before the start of the season. They’ve agreed to a one-year deal with linebacker Kwon Alexander, formerly of the Bucs, 49ers and Saints. According to Connor Hughes of The Athletic, the deal is worth $1.12 million and comes with a $152,500 signing bonus.
It’s not a big contract for the Jets to hand out, and Alexander is an athletic linebacker who can provide some depth alongside C.J. Mosley.
Last season with the Saints, Alexander played 12 games and made eight starts, recording 50 tackles with 3.5 sacks and seven tackles for a loss. He’s dealt with injuries during his career, playing just 38 games in since 2018.
Alexander will compete with Quincy Williams for reps next to Mosley.
|
2022-07-29T15:38:41Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Jets signing LB Kwon Alexander to 1-year deal
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/jets-signing-lb-kwon-alexander-150918249.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/jets-signing-lb-kwon-alexander-150918249.html?src=rss
|
The Raiders overcame a lot during last season to make the playoffs. From their No. 1 receiver ending up in jail to their coach resigning mid-year, it was a shock the Raiders were able to find success.
But if the Raiders want to make the playoffs again this season, they are going to have to battle some adversity. One challenge for the Raiders that is already developing is on their offensive line. Projected starter Denzelle Good retired during training camp and that leaves a big hole in the middle of their offensive line.
In a recent article by Eric Edholm of NFL.com, he mentioned the offensive line as the biggest challenge for the Raiders this year. Here is what he had to say about the unit entering the season.
“Josh McDaniels could have an offense bursting with potential if the Raiders can sort out the offensive line. Kolton Miller has developed nicely at left tackle, but there are questions at the other spots. At right tackle, embattled former first-round pick Alex Leatherwood will try to prove he’s not a bust.
Third-round pick Dylan Parham could earn a starting role at guard if he’s not tried at center. The player who had been penciled in to start at right guard, Denzelle Good, announced his retirement this week. There’s a lot to figure out, which makes the Raiders’ early reporting date all the more important here.”
Outside of the offensive line, the Raiders are a Super Bowl caliber team. They are loaded at wide receiver and they might have the best pass-rush duo in the league with Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones.
Having an average or even less-than-average offensive line doesn’t mean this team can’t win a bunch of games. Look no further than the Cincinnati Bengals last year, who beat the Raiders in the playoffs. Despite the worst offensive line in the NFL, they came within a few plays of winning the Super Bowl.
So it can be done, but the Raiders are hoping that their offensive line won’t be nearly as bad as what the Bengals had to deal with last season. The hope is that the unit can improve as the season goes on and that few young players, such as Parham, Leatherwood, and Simpson can all take big steps forward.
Time will tell if the Raiders are able to overcome their offensive line. If the answer is yes, this very well could be one of the final teams left in the tournament in January.
|
2022-07-29T15:39:13Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Offensive line named biggest challenge for Raiders
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/offensive-line-named-biggest-challenge-150841357.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/offensive-line-named-biggest-challenge-150841357.html?src=rss
|
It took Green Bay Packers rookie offensive lineman Zach Tom all of two days to get into the first-team huddle at left tackle, a premium position along the offensive line and the protector of Aaron Rodgers’ blindside.
On Thursday, after playing left tackle with the second-team group to open camp on Wednesday, Tom lined up at left tackle with the No. 1 offense.
Part of it is a necessity: the Packers are without David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins, who are both on the PUP list to start training camp. And the team lost Billy Turner and Dennis Kelly this offseason, so offensive tackle is a position lacking depth to start the year.
“We’re down on tackles, we’ve got a couple of guys out,” Matt LaFleur said Thursday. “You look at guys who could potentially fill in if need be in that role. He has that experience.”
Tom, the Packers’ fourth-round pick, started 23 games at left tackle for Wake Forest and was excellent on the edge, especially during a standout senior season which included a shutdown performance against first-round pick Jermaine Johnson.
Tom said his goal at this point of training camp is to earn the trust of coaches and teammates.
His size (6-4, 304) was viewed as a mitigating factor during the pre-draft process, but Tom is almost exactly the same height and weight as David Bakhtiari coming out of Colorado, and the Packers are prepared to give the rookie an opportunity to compete at any position along the offensive line.
“We’re not going to limit Zach to any one spot,” LaFleur said.
In 2013, Bakhtiari – also a fourth-round pick – moved into the starting left tackle job due to an injury to Bryan Bulaga and never gave the spot back.
Comparing a rookie to a five-time All-Pro might be a stretch, but their paths are starting to look more and more similar.
Tom has also played some guard to open training camp, and he’ll be in the mix as a backup center behind Josh Myers.
“The more you move younger players, the harder it is for them to get their footing at a specific position,” LaFleur said. “But he is a smart guy, he’s got a great mindset and mentality. It’s not going to be perfect, we realize that, but that’s part of the process.
Tom said his goal is to be a five-position player at the NFL level. LaFleur acknowledged the difficulty of the idea but is confident a player like Tom – with his combination of intelligence and athleticism – can get it done.
“It’s a great challenge,” LaFleur said. “We’ve got a saying, if that’s his expectation, his work ethic better exceed his expectation. A lot of it is going to be on him to go out there and do it. He certainly has the intelligence and athleticism to do it.”
A shortage of players continues to be a problem for some L.A.-area high school football programs recovering from the complexities imposed by COVID-19.
A Colorado newspaper is looking to the Packers' model of community ownership as a way to support local journalism.
|
2022-07-29T15:39:19Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Packers rookie Zach Tom getting first-team reps at left tackle
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/packers-rookie-zach-tom-getting-133016120.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/packers-rookie-zach-tom-getting-133016120.html?src=rss
|
Deatrich Wise Jr.
The New England Patriots signed wide receiver Josh Hammond on Thursday following a workout. He was present for practice on Friday.
Hammond entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020. He was waived out of training camp, and then re-signed to the practice squad.
He signed a futures deal with the Jaguars for the 2021 season, and he was waived again. He bounced around the Jacksonville practice squad and was active in limited action.
Hammond was waived again in May, after signing another futures deal with the Jaguars for 2022. His last stint up to this point was with the Philadelphia Eagles. The organization waived him earlier this week.
Hammond could provide depth for camp, as New England looks to find answers for depth at the receiver position. This could also be an opportunity of stability for Hammond, after bouncing around during his first couple of seasons in the league.
Deatrich Wise Jr. among Patriots' training camp practice absences for Thursday
Deatrich Wise Jr. among Patriots’ training camp practice absences for Thursday
A handful of players were absent from Thursday's Patriots practice.
Xander Bogaerts smashed a three-run home run, and Kutter Crawford pitched 5 2/3 strong innings in the Red Sox's 4-2 win over the Guardians
|
2022-07-29T15:39:25Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Patriots sign WR Josh Hammond following workout on Thursday
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-sign-wr-josh-hammond-133835690.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-sign-wr-josh-hammond-133835690.html?src=rss
|
When the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Kendrick Green out of Illinois in the 2021 NFL draft, they got themselves a very good guard. So what did they do? Immediately try to turn him into a center. With only four starts at center under his belt in college, the Green experiement was Pittsburgh was a failure in every way.
Green talked about the failed experiment at training camp and made it clear he didn’t even like playing center last season. “To be honest, I didn’t really like playing center, but it is what it is,” Green said. “I’m happy to get back to what I did.”
After his retirement, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger noted that he felt like Green needed to move to guard and thought he could be great there. Most fans realized pretty quickly last season the position switch wasn’t working but it wasn’t until very late in the season when head coach Mike Tomlin decided to sit Green down.
Now this season, Green is working against Kevin Dotson for one of the starting guard spots. Green took the bulk of the first-team reps on Thursday and given his college resume should be able to carve out a nice career at guard.
Advanced Micro Devices, Nvidia and Texas Instruments have been highlighted in this Investment Ideas article.
Stocks add to weekly gains, bitcoin moves higher
Yahoo Finance's Brad Smith breaks down how markets are moving in early trading Friday.
|
2022-07-29T15:39:51Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Steelers OL Kendrick Green talks about playing center last season
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/steelers-ol-kendrick-green-talks-135514528.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/steelers-ol-kendrick-green-talks-135514528.html?src=rss
|
The Tennessee Titans added a defensive back to their offseason roster on Friday, agreeing to terms with defensive back Shakur Brown, who the team recently brought in for a workout.
A former undrafted free agent signing out of Michigan State by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021, Brown was cut prior to the season.
He would then latch on to the practice squads of the Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions, but failed to see the field in a regular season game during his rookie campaign.
Most recently, Brown played with the Pittsburgh Maulers of the USFL. He finished fifth on the team in tackles with 36 (one for loss) over nine games, but failed to record an interception.
Brown, who was a college teammate of Titans defensive lineman and fellow 2021 UDFA, Naquan Jones, led the FBS in interceptions per game and tied for third in total interceptions during his final season with the Spartans.
For his efforts, Shakur earned first-team All-Big Ten honors by the coaches and second-team All-America accolades by the Walter Camp Football Foundation.
Shakur figures to have an uphill climb in terms of making the roster out of training camp, but he’ll have as good a shot as any to stick on the practice squad.
|
2022-07-29T15:39:57Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Titans agree to terms with DB Shakur Brown
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/titans-agree-terms-db-shakur-135436230.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/titans-agree-terms-db-shakur-135436230.html?src=rss
|
Tennessee Titans cornerback Caleb Farley and wide receiver Robert Woods are on very different sides of the spectrum in terms of their NFL careers.
Farley is about to embark on his first season as a starter, while Woods is already an established veteran starter who has proven himself over nine seasons in the NFL.
What they do have in common is the fact that both suffered a torn ACL during the 2021 campaign.
But the pair weren’t alone in rehabbing their way back from the serious knee injury, as Woods and Farley worked together quite a bit this offseason, challenging each other and forming a bond along the way.
“It just kind of evolved,” Woods said of his relationship with Farley, per John Glennon of Sports Illustrated. “The timeline of our injury was kind of around the same point when I came in and rehabbed. So we were kind of always doing the same drills, and then even just challenging each other in the weight room.”
The veteran wideout went into more detail about how the pair would push and help one another.
“I was [asking Titans director of sports medicine Todd Toriscelli], `can we run that hill?’ And then me and Caleb are running that hill once a week. I think that was really just us pushing each other, challenging each other,” Woods explained.
“[Farley] also had a track background, and we know how important it is to be able to run and drive off the ball,” he added. [We would] start on the hill, start on this conditioning, kind of just pushing each other, showing what helps my knee, what hurts his knee, what hurts my knee and vice versa — being able to find ways to strengthen it in different ways.”
Woods, who has been a class act and a good player during his career, is the perfect guy to work with Farley as he continues to work his way back and acclimate to the NFL game, and that isn’t lost on the second-year pro.
While Farley can’t do much to instill knowledge in a veteran like Woods, the Virginia Tech product’s youth alone has been something that’s benefitted the 30-year-old.
The Titans will be relying on both players for key roles in 2022, with Woods set to be the team’s No. 1 receiver and Farley the starter opposite Kristian Fulton.
However, both players come with a major question mark, as there’s no telling if either will be themselves in the first year back from a torn ACL. Adding to that, Farley only played three games during his rookie season, thus the jury remains very much out on him in general.
But Farley couldn’t have had a better rehab mate to work with, and it would appear you could say the same for Woods. Hopefully that translates to good play on the field for both in 2022.
|
2022-07-29T15:40:04Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Titans’ Caleb Farley, Robert Woods formed a bond during ACL rehab
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/titans-caleb-farley-robert-woods-145750945.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/titans-caleb-farley-robert-woods-145750945.html?src=rss
|
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Michigan football returns the bulk of its offensive personnel, both on the field and off. But there will still be changes in 2022.
Josh Gattis inexplicably departed for the Miami OC job this offseason, and instead of bringing in a new name, Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh elevated quarterbacks coach Matt Weiss to the co-offensive coordinator position while offensive line coach Sherrone Moore retained that title. No longer was Moore essentially an underling to Gattis as a coordinator, now he and Weiss are set to share the duties of overseeing the entire offense this fall.
Naturally, there are questions as to what that will look like when the season arrives, but quarterback Cade McNamara likes what he’s seen from the duo thus far, having gone through spring ball. From what he can tell, the coordinator-by-committee situation has worked and will work once it’s time to officially put the pads on.
“Really, there’s so much more to being an offensive coordinator than just calling plays. And I think Coach Harbaugh is doing a really good job of balancing the two and those two are being very unselfish,” McNamara said. “They’re really two great individuals. And it’s pretty obvious to the team, how much they care about their new roles as well. I’m just really excited to continue growing my relationship with both of them.”
It’s not the first time Harbaugh has deployed multiple coordinators on offense. While Tim Drevno had the official offensive coordinator title from 2015-17, the pass game coordinators (Jedd Fisch in 2015-16 and Pep Hamilton in 2017) had what appeared to be equal footing when it came to calling and running the offense. So, this tactic is not new, to Harbaugh or the program.
Sherrone Moore got his feet wet a little with the co-coordinator role in 2021, but Matt Weiss’ elevation is a new development in his career. The former Baltimore Ravens run game coordinator certainly has bona fides and offensive prowess, but we’ll learn a lot more once we actually see him in action this fall.
Of course, as McNamara’s position coach last year, he has a pretty good idea of what Weiss brings to the table, noting that he’s been quite beneficial in terms of getting the passers ready, not just for the college game week-to-week, but their potential future at the pro-level.
“I think Coach Weiss is very, I mean, he’s extremely smart. I think any situational awareness, Coach Weiss is very comfortable. In any scenario that we get put in, in a football game, what he brings to the table as far as drawing up plays for certain looks, I think he’s very comfortable,” McNamara said. “He’s seen a lot. He’s seen what that looks like, from the NFL perspective, and he’s able to take that knowledge and give it to us. And, he’s taught me so much as to even what I can expect at the next level. And, he’s really good dude. And I know he’s got a lot of respect, not just from me, but from Coach Harbaugh, and the rest of the guys, so just really looking forward to this season with him.”
What’s more, McNamara says that Weiss is congenial and not at all domineering.
The biggest aspect is that he wants his signal callers to understand why the game works as it does rather than putting band-aids on flesh wounds, so to speak.
“He’s very serious, but at the same time, you can joke around with him,” McNamara said. “Coach Weiss is really laid back, you can share some very personal things with him and I know a lot of us appreciate that. And when it comes to on the field, he’s very aware of — maybe he did not play quarterback, but he understands what it takes to play quarterback as far as the movement, as far as throwing, he really takes in consideration our natural feel of the game.
“And watching film, if you move into pocket a certain way, as to maybe just saying, like, ‘Maybe you didn’t have to do that,’ or, maybe less criticism, it’s more of a conversation — ‘Why did this happen?’ and how can we do better from this certain play or situation that we faced.”
As far as who will be calling plays and when, there’s no clear indicator as to how that will work. Perhaps we’ll get a decent idea once the season arrives, but — given that it was never clear in Harbaugh’s first three years in Ann Arbor — perhaps not.
And if the offense works as it did in 2015 and 2016, it won’t really matter what we know.
Cornerback RJ Lester from Fort Smith, Ark., is Kansas State's third football commitment for the 2023 recruiting cycle in the last week.
If the fall of Roe taught Americans anything, it is this: assuming something dating back a half century is durable is a sucker’s bet.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 29, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canadian Copper Inc. (CSE:CCI), a copper and base metal focused junior exploration company, is one of the latest new listings on the Canadian Securities Exchange. In June 2021, the company signed an option to acquire a 100% interest in a portfolio of 5 mineral properties totaling more than 16,000 hectares in the prolific Bathurst Mining Camp of New Brunswick, Canada. A media snippet is available by clicking the image below or at this
New backpacks and pencils for the school year? Think about COVID vaccinations, too.
OpEd: As children gather in classrooms again and in large groups, it’s crucial we continue to take steps to keep them safe from this virus.
|
2022-07-29T16:58:27Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Dual Michigan offensive coordinators get vote of confidence from Cade McNamara
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/dual-michigan-offensive-coordinators-vote-155713208.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/dual-michigan-offensive-coordinators-vote-155713208.html?src=rss
|
Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne has made yet another preseason watch list.
Thorne has been named to the Walter Camp Football Foundations’ Player of the Year Award preseason watch list. The list was released on Friday morning.
Thorne is entering his second season as the starting quarterback of the Spartans, and is coming off a record-setting season last year for touchdowns thrown. He also was recently named to the Davey O’Brien and Maxwell Awards’ preseason watch lists.
A total of 52 players made the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award preseason watch list. Check out the complete list by clicking on the tweet below:
'It scares me' - NFL feedback prompted Jayden Reed, Xavier Henderson to return to MSU for another season
|
2022-07-29T16:58:52Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
MSU QB Payton Thorne listed on Walter Camp Player of the Year Award preseason watch list
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/msu-qb-payton-thorne-listed-153319373.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/msu-qb-payton-thorne-listed-153319373.html?src=rss
|
The Cleveland Browns will have their third day of training camp starting early Friday afternoon but clarity at quarterback is not coming. A month ago, the disciplinary hearing for QB Deshaun Watson was completed. Over two weeks ago, Judge Sue Robinson required briefing papers from both the NFL and NFLPA on the case.
Now, with training camp underway, the Browns and Watson remain dealing with uncertainty.
If the team is expecting any kind of suspension, HC Kevin Stefanski can prepare for Jacoby Brissett to be the starting quarterback for Week 1.
Unfortunately for those hoping for closure on the issue, that won’t be coming today according to a report from the Associated Press:
On top of that, the report does not provide any hope for a quick resolution next week only noting “will continue into another week.”
Judge Robinson is not under any timeline in her role. The start of training camp seemed like a perfect artificial deadline but that has come and gone. Even the start of the NFL season, a month and a half away, is not a requirement for Robinson’s ruling.
While she is retired as a federal judge, Robinson works at a legal practice and, likely, has other cases she is working on at this time as well.
|
2022-07-29T16:59:11Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Report: No decision on Deshaun Watson Friday, unknown continues
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/report-no-decision-deshaun-watson-151330433.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/report-no-decision-deshaun-watson-151330433.html?src=rss
|
Why Kerr reminds Barkley of Hall of Fame coach Chuck Daly originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
Despite criticizing the Warriors' jump-shooting ways, Hall of Famer and current NBA on TNT analyst Charles Barkley has nothing but praise for the architect, head coach Steve Kerr.
Speaking with NBC Sports Bay Area's Monte Poole earlier in July, Barkley said Kerr had done "a tremendous" job leading the Warriors over the years. Barkley also added that Kerr reminded him of Hall of Fame coach Chuck Daly.
"[Kerr] takes his ego out of the equation and realized that players are the most important thing," Barkley said on the latest episode of Dubs Talk. "Chuck Daly did that and Steve's done a tremendous job."
For Barkley to say that Kerr reminded him of Daly is a compliment, in and of itself. Daly was most famously known to have led the "Bad Boys" Detroit Pistons to back-to-back NBA championships in 1989 and 1990. What's more, Barkley was also coached by Daly on the "Dream Team," which ran roughshod on their competition during the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona.
On both those squads, Daly was surrounded by incredible basketball talents and egos and was able to get those teams to focus on a singular goal: winning. In some ways, Kerr is doing the same with this current Warriors dynasty and doing it extremely well, as evidenced by the Warriors winning four championships in eight seasons.
Even though the Warriors are expected to have a much more difficult road to a repeat, what with a healthy Los Angeles Clippers squad slated to be the biggest threat, expect the Dubs to be very competitive nonetheless.
With Kerr leading the team, Steph Curry continuing his ascension to being one of the greatest guards of all time, and the continued growth of the young players, the Warriors could be very good for a "long long time."
|
2022-07-29T16:59:36Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Why Warriors' Steve Kerr reminds Charles Barkley of HOF coach Chuck Daly
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/why-warriors-steve-kerr-reminds-140000764.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/why-warriors-steve-kerr-reminds-140000764.html?src=rss
|
After a poor and injury-riddled 2020-21 season, Anthony Davis came out strongly to start this past season.
He was playing with passion and aggression on both ends of the floor, and it was something to behold.
On Nov. 5, the Los Angeles Lakers were 6-5, and Davis looked to help them improve it versus the Charlotte Hornets.
Charlotte rallied to force overtime, but Davis scored six points in the extra session to give the Lakers a 126-123 victory.
With the Lakers reeling in March, Russell Westbrook looked to rectify things with a big offensive night versus the Houston Rockets.
|
2022-07-29T17:03:01Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Anthony Davis’ top 10 games of the 2021-22 season: No. 5
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/anthony-davis-top-10-games-180055949.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/anthony-davis-top-10-games-180055949.html?src=rss
|
The 49ers have their first injury issue of camp. Defensive tackle Arik Armstead was absent from Day 2 of training camp with a knee sprain according to head coach Kyle Shanahan who spoke with reporters Friday morning.
It’s good news for San Francisco that the injury isn’t something the club is worried about long-term. Armstead has become one of their best players on the defensive front and played the best football of his career down the stretch of the regular season and into the playoffs. He finished the 2021 campaign with 7.0 sacks and 52 pressures per Pro Football Focus.
|
2022-07-29T17:25:44Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
49ers injury update: Arik Armstead suffers knee sprain
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-injury-arik-armstead-suffers-165430152.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-injury-arik-armstead-suffers-165430152.html?src=rss
|
Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Spencer Brown revealed he had offseason back surgery.
Brown, speaking to the Buffalo News, stated that he had the operation done. The report went on to say Brown declined an opportunity to elaborate.
During spring practices, Brown was not in attendance working out. At the time, Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott downplayed the issue saying Brown has “got a little something going on that he had a procedure on.”
Brown is currently going through training camp practices. However, he started camp working with the second-team offense because of the time he missed this offseason.
“I don’t want to say he’s behind,” McDermott said from training camp. “I think he would say it’ll be knocking some rust off here a little bit. And we’re going to take it one period and one practice at a time.”
Without Brown, the Bills have had a combination of David Quessenberry and Tommy Doyle fill in for him at right tackle.
Regardless, Brown being on the field is the important part. There’s still plenty of time for him to get back to 100 percent and in the fold with the starting offensive line before the regular season begins.
|
2022-07-29T17:26:15Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Bills’ Spencer Brown had back surgery during offseason
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/bills-spencer-brown-had-back-165246113.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/bills-spencer-brown-had-back-165246113.html?src=rss
|
The Arizona Cardinals had three defensive linemen in for a workout on Thursday. They ended up signing two of them.
The first we knew of. It was reported Thursday night that the Cardinals signed former Colts and Cowboys defensive tackle Antwaun Woods to a one-year deal. He will wear No. 92.
He wasn’t the only signing. They also signed defensive tackle Christian Ringo, who was one of the players in for a workout.
He will wear No. 70.
To make room for both players, the Cardinals released defensive lineman Matt Dickerson and tight end David Wells.
|
2022-07-29T17:26:28Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Cardinals announce signing of 2 D-linemen
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/cardinals-announce-signing-2-d-154300348.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/cardinals-announce-signing-2-d-154300348.html?src=rss
|
The Baltimore Ravens revamped their defensive line room during the 2020 offseason, bringing in Calais Campbell in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars as well as originally signing former Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Michael Brockers. However, once the deal with Brockers fell through Baltimore pivoted to a former Denver Broncos player in Derek Wolfe.
Wolfe signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the Ravens in 2020, but played so well during that season that the team rewarded him with a three-year, $12 million extension. However, multiple injuries forced Wolfe out of action for the entire 2021 season, and despite making his intentions clear that he was looking to return for the 2022 season, a pair of other surgeries resulted in an injury settlement between him and Baltimore, ending his Ravens tenure on a disappointing note.
On Friday, Wolfe announced that he was retiring from the NFL, doing it as a member of the Broncos by signing a one-day contract with the team.
.@Derek_Wolfe95’s top 3️⃣ moments as a Bronco:
1️⃣ Getting drafted
2️⃣ Securing a sack in #SB50
3️⃣ Retiring a Bronco pic.twitter.com/ZNmQcWW104
A standing ovation for @Derek_Wolfe95 from #BroncosCountry 🧡 pic.twitter.com/82L35Iud6O
In nine NFL seasons on the field, Wolfe totaled 350 total tackles and 34 sacks. He also won Super Bowl 50 with Denver during the 2015 season.
|
2022-07-29T17:26:34Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Former Ravens DL Derek Wolfe retires from NFL as member of Broncos
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/former-ravens-dl-derek-wolfe-161318251.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/former-ravens-dl-derek-wolfe-161318251.html?src=rss
|
The Cincinnati Bengals have hired former Minnesota Vikings co-defensive coordinator Adam Zimmer to a new role and job title.
Per ESPN’s Field Yates, the longtime assistant will serve in an offensive analyst role for the reigning AFC champions.
There’s obviously some familiarity between Zimmer and the Bengals organization considering he worked with the team as an assistant defensive backs coach in 2013.
Now, he’s slated to return to a team that appears to be on the up-and-up after barely whiffing on a Lombardi Trophy when appearing in Super Bowl LVI against the Los Angeles Rams.
The Vikings got the Rams’ former offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell as a head coach, and the Bengals got Zimmer as an offensive analyst.
Everything came full-circle.
Former Vikings Co-DC Adam Zimmer is now working with the Bengals in an offensive analyst role. Zimmer returns to the Bengals where he worked as the assistant DBs coach back in 2013.
Zimmer was fired by the Vikings earlier in the year after the team parted ways with his father, Mike Zimmer, and former general manager Rick Spielman.
It was a house-cleaning party in Minnesota, and Adam Zimmer got caught up with the rest of the previous coaching staff. He obviously landed on his feet perfectly fine with the Bengals.
One Zimmer is back in the NFL. Will the elder one follow?
On July 29, 1983, Warner Bros. unveiled the Harold Ramis-directed comedy in theaters, where it would go on to launch a franchise of Vacation sequels and spinoffs. The Hollywood Reporter’s original review is below: There’s nothing worse than a family vacation. That is, except for this delightfully witty excursion from Warner Bros., which may prove […]
|
2022-07-29T17:26:41Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Former Vikings co-defensive coordinator Adam Zimmer hired by Bengals
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/former-vikings-co-defensive-coordinator-153453243.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/former-vikings-co-defensive-coordinator-153453243.html?src=rss
|
New England Patriots receiver Tyquan Thornton isn’t the top man on the depth chart. Far from it. Even though the Patriots traded up to draft Thornton at 50th overall in the 2022 NFL draft, he sat firmly behind veteran receivers DeVante Parker, Kendrick Bourne, Jakobi Meyers and Nelson Agholor.
But Thornton has begun starting to get involved with the first- and second-team offense. He hasn’t wowed with any splash plays, particularly with the team spending the entirety of its team drills in the red area. (There’s not enough field to stretch.) Thornton, the fastest wideout at the 2022 NFL combine, has chipped away at the defense with short receptions, which is actually a positive sign for the youngster.
“He’s fast. He’s elusive. A lot of people don’t realize how quick he is coming in and out of his break,” receiver Jakobi Meyers said of Thornton after practice on Friday. “I feel like Tyquan’s going to have a good career in the league. I’ll be excited watching him play.”
Playing receiver is more complicated than simply turning on the jets. Thornton is learning the nuances to apply his unique athleticism to the wideout position. He discussed what parts of his game he’s focusing on developing.
“It’s pretty obvious that I’m fast, so now I’m just trying to work on the other areas: strength, route running, contested catches and just trying to become the complete receiver,” Thornton said Friday.
He added: “I’m just trying to get 1% better every day. (After) 365 days, I’ll get 365% better.”
I’m not a math genius, but I think those numbers check out — unless we’re talking about compounding gains but I digress.
Without an offensive coordinator, New England’s entire coaching staff is focused on bringing him along, from receivers coach Troy Brown to coach Bill Belichick. The staff is watching the development of the second-rounder, who has demonstrated an eagerness and resiliency for learning. Thornton had invited constructive criticism from Meyers on his routes and footwork. Thornton has also been an example of what not to do during positional drills, with Belichick stopping a drill to correct the rookie receiver in front of the entire group to make sure the wideouts heard that coaching point.
And that didn’t faze the youngster.
“You just take the coaching, and the next rep, you can correct the mistakes,” he said.
If it’s that simple, Meyers is right: Thornton will have a good NFL career.
|
2022-07-29T17:27:06Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Jakobi Meyers explains how Tyquan Thornton has impressed
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/jakobi-meyers-explains-tyquan-thornton-165334054.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/jakobi-meyers-explains-tyquan-thornton-165334054.html?src=rss
|
Former Crimson Tide standout and Pittsburgh Steeler All-Pro safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick, will be unavailable for the start of mini-camp due to an injury he suffered while biking on vacation this off-season.
The injury is not believed to be serious, but it has provided some discomfort that will hold him out. With the season just around the corner, they will need Fitzpatrick to ready for the Cincinnati Bengals in week one as possible.
Fitzpatrick recently inked a four-year $73.6 million deal with Pittsburgh to stay in the Steel City, so they will be as cautious with him as possible. Fitzpatrick was the cornerstone price of the Steeler’s defense in 2021 alongside NFL Defensive Player of the Year, T.J. Watt. In 16 starts, Fitzpatrick accounted for 124 tackles, two interceptions and seven passes deflected.
Najee Harris: 'Snoop Dogg called me before Steelers'
|
2022-07-29T17:27:25Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Minkah Fitzpatrick suffers minor injury in bike accident
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/minkah-fitzpatrick-suffers-minor-injury-155735304.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/minkah-fitzpatrick-suffers-minor-injury-155735304.html?src=rss
|
The Seahawks took care of their biggest item of off-field business today, officially signing DK Metcalf to his three-year contract extension. The new deal pays Metcalf a total of $72 million over the next few years. As far as the 2022 season goes, Metcalf’s cap hit will about double – rising from $4.3 million to $8.8 million this year.
According to figures available at Over the Cap, that leaves Seattle with a little over $13 million in space remaining for the season.
Via https://t.co/KxgJRVyv40, DK Metcalf’s cap hit for this year increased from $4.3 million to $8.8 million. That leaves Seahawks with $13.031 in cap space for 2022.
That’s still plenty of money to add another impact player or two before the season begins.
The Seahawks’ greatest personnel need right now is on the edge, where they cut several key contributors this offseason, including Carlos Dunlap – who signed with the Chiefs yesterday – as well as Rasheem Green (now with the Texans), Kerry Hyder Jr. (who returned to the 49ers) and Benson Mayowa (still a free agent).
On offense, the team could use some more experience along the offensive line – assuming they are satisfied with Drew Lock and Geno Smith at QB.
|
2022-07-29T17:27:31Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
How much cap space do the Seahawks have after DK Metcalf deal?
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/much-cap-space-seahawks-dk-170016703.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/much-cap-space-seahawks-dk-170016703.html?src=rss
|
The Green Bay Packers will get back a key veteran at the wide receiver position for Friday’s practice.
Coach Matt LaFleur said that Sammy Watkins will come off the non-football injury list with the “goal” of him practicing with the team on Friday.
Watkins, who is hoping to revive his career in Green Bay this season, went on the non-football injury list to start training camp and missed the first two practices with a minor hamstring injury.
The Packers were expecting to get him back early in camp. He needs the reps to learn LaFleur’s offense and get on the same page with Aaron Rodgers this summer.
Last season, Watkins caught 27 passes for 394 yards and two touchdowns over 13 games with the Baltimore Ravens. He’s missed 10 games over the last two seasons to injuries.
Rookie Christian Watson (knee) remains on the PUP list. The team is also without Malik Taylor (shoulder) at wide receiver.
Cornerback Keisean Nixon (groins) remains on the non-football injury list.
Cara Delevingne played charades on "The Tonight Show: in a playful set and white sneakers.
'The View' Sets A Elisabeth Hasselbeck Return In August, Triggering Fans' Disgust: 'Nauseating'
Elisabeth Hasselbeck is set to return to The View, much to the ire of the series’ fans.
|
2022-07-29T17:27:56Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Packers WR Sammy Watkins coming off NFI list, to practice Friday
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/packers-wr-sammy-watkins-coming-152823551.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/packers-wr-sammy-watkins-coming-152823551.html?src=rss
|
Kyle Shanahan informed reporters that 49ers defensive lineman Arik Armstead suffered a sprained MCL in practice, and is expected to be out a “few weeks.” He also told the media that the injury is not considered serious.
Armstead has started every game for the 49ers in each of the past four seasons. Back in 2019 he recorded ten sacks, which remains his career-high. Last season, Armstead posted six sacks as the 49ers reached the NFC Championship game.
Coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters that #49ers DL Arik Armstead sprained his MCL in practice and will be out a few weeks. The knee injury isn’t considered serious.
Pass rush is expected to be a strength in San Francisco this season, with Armstead part of what could be a tough defensive front to handle. Nick Bosa returned from his own injury to start all 17 games for the 49ers last season, posting 15.5 sacks along with a career-best 21 tackles for a loss. San Francisco also added pass rusher Drake Jackson in the second round of the 2022 NFL draft.
Six Flags Great Adventure is searching for ghouls, technicians, makeup artists for annual Fright Fest.
|
2022-07-29T17:28:15Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
San Francisco 49ers DL Arik Armstead suffers sprained MCL
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/san-francisco-49ers-dl-arik-162145854.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/san-francisco-49ers-dl-arik-162145854.html?src=rss
|
Houston Texans rookie cornerback Derek Stingley was in uniform for the first day of training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.
The third overall pick from LSU played in three games last year due to a Lisfranc injury. The Texans didn’t let it stop them from making him their top draft pick in April.
General manager Nick Caserio told reporters ahead of the first practice that Stingley would be limited, but it wouldn’t have anything to do with his injury.
“Derek has done a lot of stuff,” said Caserio. “From what he’s done during the course of the spring, some of his testing metrics and numbers are better than anybody on the team. So, I wouldn’t say he’s necessarily in a limited capacity. There’s just certain things he hasn’t experienced yet that he’s going to have to go through. So, any player, when you don’t play football over the course of a year, you sort of have to re-acclimate, not only the body, but the mind as well to some different things.”
Texans rookie corner Derek Stingley Jr. @stingjr their first round draft pick @LSUfootball @HoustonTexans @BallengeeGroup @Martin_Fischman #PFNTCTour #NFLTwitter pic.twitter.com/chNMSMB8BD
The No.3 overall pick, Derek Stingley is out here practicing.
The #Texans will monitor his reps. DSJ participated in everything but team drills during OTAs. pic.twitter.com/rhlKKdOtrK
Year 1 🔒 @stingjr pic.twitter.com/0LbCpi1B4j
“So, it’s about one day at a time, making progress that day, turning the page to the next day, and stacking days on top of each other,” Caserio said.
Coach Lovie Smith said that the former Bayou Bengal is on target to play in Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts Sept. 11 at NRG Stadium.
“Yes, I do, Week 1,” Smith said. “Whenever a player is coming off a major injury, you know, there’s ramp up period. That’s what it’s for. We’re going to ease him into it. But he’s healthy, see him running around, we had him do a few plays. He’s got to play each day. He’s on schedule. But that’s how we’ll treat all of our players coming off major injuries.”
If Stingley is able to play the first game, it should give the Texans’ defense a significant boost in coverage.
|
2022-07-29T17:28:34Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Texans CB Derek Stingley on track to play in Week 1 vs. Colts
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-cb-derek-stingley-track-165220594.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-cb-derek-stingley-track-165220594.html?src=rss
|
Christian Kirksey
The Houston Texans’ five-man 2021 draft class was about acquiring talent that could provide competition at their respective positions.
With the Texans picking fifth-round linebacker Garret Wallow from TCU, Houston was looking for a defender who could meld well into then-defensive coordinator Lovie Smith’s Tampa 2 scheme.
With the Texans promoting Smith to coach in Feb. 2022, he isn’t the only one who has taken another step. According to linebacker Christian Kirksey, Wallow is also making strides in his development.
“Garret, that’s my guy,” Kirksey told reporters after the first day of training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center. “I call him ‘Gary’ just for fun. It’s a little inside joke. But he’s a high motor. He’s smart. He can play any of the three linebacker positions and he just has that high motor where he’s going to go make a play and he can go do it all day.”
Wallow generated 23 combined tackles, two tackles for loss, one quarterback hit, and 1.0 sack through 17 games, two of which he started. The former Horned Frog played 286 special teams snaps compared to 180 on defense.
That may change if Wallow’s progress can translate to the gridiron.
Said Kirksey: “You could see the leap from year one to year two in his confidence level. Also you could see what he’s been doing in the weight room and on the field, just how his body is transitioning. He’s put a lot of work in the offseason. So, I’m excited for him this year.
The Texans also drafted a linebacker in Round 3 of the 2022 NFL draft in Alabama’s Christian Harris. With the Texans trending towards a younger linebacking corps, Wallow may emerge as one of the leaders by example of the unit.
Houston Texans rookie guard Kenyon Green took to the practice field on the first day of training camp.
|
2022-07-29T17:28:40Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Texans LB Christian Kirksey says Garret Wallow has taken a leap
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-lb-christian-kirksey-says-161848596.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-lb-christian-kirksey-says-161848596.html?src=rss
|
Allen Robinson had the worst year of his career with the Chicago Bears in 2021, recording just 38 receptions, 410 yards and one touchdown – all career-lows. But with a change of scenery and an upgrade at the quarterback position, Torry Holt believes that Robinson is going to make a massive impact in 2022.
When asked what he expects from Robinson this season, Holt said “big things.”
"I think Allen Robinson is motivated to prove what he can do – that he can still play at a high level."@RamsNFL legend Torry Holt thinks @AllenRobinson is set for a big 2022 campaign.@AllHands81 | @GMFB pic.twitter.com/QmgoelcmhR
Holt, a seven-time Pro Bowler and a former Super Bowl champion with the Rams, understands what it takes for a wide receiver to deliver a productive season in the NFL. The future Hall of Famer pointed to Robinson’s ability to make contested catches and create separation as reasons why he’ll succeed in Los Angeles.
“He can win the 50-50 balls consistently, he can also run routes, which gives himself an opportunity to be open and be available for Matthew Stafford,” Holt said.
|
2022-07-29T17:28:46Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Torry Holt is expecting a stellar season from Allen Robinson in 2022
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/torry-holt-expecting-stellar-season-153809207.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/torry-holt-expecting-stellar-season-153809207.html?src=rss
|
Former Vols’ assistant named UAB’s offensive coordinator
Former Tennessee assistant coach Darin Hinshaw has been promoted as UAB’s offensive coordinator.
UAB interim head coach Bryant Vincent announced Hinshaw as the Blazers’ offensive coordinator Friday.
Hinshaw came to UAB after serving as an offensive analyst at UCF in 2021. He served as co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Kentucky from 2016-20.
Hinshaw coached at Tennessee from 2010-12, serving as the Vols’ quarterbacks coach (2010-11) and overseeing wide receivers (2012).
Bill Clark announced his retirement as UAB’s head coach in June, effective Aug. 1.
The Blazers will kick off its 2022 season Sept. 1 against Alabama A&M at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama (8 p.m. EDT, CBS Sports).
An inside look at VFL Mark Ingram’s accomplishments as UAB’s athletics director
|
2022-07-29T18:29:30Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Former Vols’ assistant named UAB’s offensive coordinator
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/former-vols-assistant-named-uab-180634278.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/former-vols-assistant-named-uab-180634278.html?src=rss
|
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The last time that Cade McNamara set foot on the Lucas Oil Stadium field, he was being showered with confetti and handed a trophy, declaring he and his team champions of the Big Ten Conference. But eight months later, the journey to retain that title starts anew.
While McNamara enjoys the fond memories from Dec. 4, 2021, sitting at a podium just yards away from where he got the championship trophy is more motivation to not relinquish it this year.
“Yeah, it feels good. I mean, last time we were here, there’s confetti on us, which felt felt good, but those feelings that we felt, as they’re being triggered right now it only makes you want to work harder,” McNamara said. “And I think seeing the other teams, being in this atmosphere, it gets us excited that we’re close to real football again, and, of course, it’s going to be motivated.”
The media doesn’t expect Michigan to repeat. In this year’s Cleveland.com media poll, Ohio State was unanimously picked to win the conference, with the Wolverines finishing second in the Big Ten East division.
The maize and blue travel to Columbus in November, a place they haven’t won since 2000. While the pundits out there expect 2021’s success to be something of a one-off, McNamara says that this team is looking to build off of last season, rather than feeling like one year’s win was something of an accomplishment.
“It should be a foundation. I think everyone in our program is very confident in the culture that we have developed,” McNamara said. “And I think it is, it should be here to say, I think — for this season, at least it is I think the guys are confident in not just our ability, but what we’ve created at Michigan is, from a culture standpoint, from a mentality standpoint, it’s been such a big difference over the last couple of years.
“And I only see this continuing to grow. And, I’m just here and some of the other guys that are here today are here to make sure that we stay on track.”
Of course, 2021 wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows.
Michigan wasn’t particularly competitive in the College Football Playoff semifinal against eventual national champion Georgia, but what likely sticks with the team more is that the only regular season loss came at the hands of rival Michigan State — in a game that was eminently winnable, but a series of miscues and mishaps plagued the Wolverines down the stretch.
This year’s team has four goals — beat MSU and OSU in the same season being chief among them — with taking down the Spartans at home and handing Mel Tucker his first loss in the rivalry being one of the bigger motivating factors. Should the Wolverines accomplish that and find a way to get the first win in Ohio Stadium in 22 years, it would go a long way towards reaching the other goals — repeating as Big Ten champions and getting back into the College Football Playoff.
“Well, yeah, that stung,” McNamara said. “We lost two games last year and that was one of them. And I think the way we lost sucked. We’re definitely gonna circle Michigan State this season, It was the same thing, it’s upsetting that we lost that game, and that fuels a lot of dudes who didn’t beat them the year before that as well.
“We’re gonna worry about every one or schedule, but obviously, our goals are to beat Ohio State, beat Michigan State in the same season, winning the Big Ten title and win the national championship.”
These are really cool! #GoBlue
|
2022-07-29T18:29:43Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Michigan football determined to make 2021 season ‘a foundation’ for 2022 and beyond
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/michigan-football-determined-2021-season-162007546.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/michigan-football-determined-2021-season-162007546.html?src=rss
|
Bears offensive tackle Teven Jenkins has been noticeably absent in the last two days of training camp practice. Now, we know why.
Head coach Matt Eberflus was asked about Jenkins’ status, to which he explained Jenkins is “working through something with trainers” and “when he’s able to return, he’ll return.”
Eberflus declined to provide specifics about Jenkins or any player’s injury. He doesn’t want to give any teams a competitive advantage on knowing the injury status of players.
Matt Eberflus says Teven Jenkins is working through a small injury. Won't say much else.
Naturally, there are concerns about Jenkins considering this is the second straight training camp where he’s dealing with an injury.
Last summer, the Bears downplayed Jenkins’ back injury, which wound up being a significant issue. Jenkins required back surgery and missed most of his rookie season.
The injury also doesn’t help Jenkins’ case in competing for the starting right tackle job with Larry Borom, who’s the clear favorite at this point.
We’ll see how quickly Jenkins can get back on the field — or if this ends up being more significant than it feels right now.
Major League Baseball told a Senate committee planning a hearing on the sport’s antitrust exemption that it prevents teams from moving without approval and allows the sport to maintain the minor leagues at a wide level. In addition, baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said many terms of minor leaguers' employment are determined by the Major League Baseball Players Association's collective bargaining agreement with MLB. Leaders of the Senate Judiciary Committee asked Manfred on July 18 to explain the impact of potential legislation stripping the sport’s antitrust exemption from the sport’s relationship with minor league players.
|
2022-07-29T19:09:46Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Bears OT Teven Jenkins dealing with an apparent injury
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-ot-teven-jenkins-dealing-173500936.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-ot-teven-jenkins-dealing-173500936.html?src=rss
|
NEW: Seahawks star safety Jamal Adams, in "freak accident," broke his finger again at practice Wednesday, but he's not expected to miss significant time: https://t.co/NvJtj8jKx1
— Adam Jude (@A_Jude) July 29, 2022
According to a report by Adam Jude at the Seattle Times, Seahawks strong safety Jamal Adams broke his finger in a “freak accident” during the team’s first training camp practice of the year on Wednesday. Adams is not expected to miss significant time with the injury.
Since coming over in a trade with the Jets two years ago, Adams has missed a total of eight games due to shoulder and hand injuries. He has undergone multiple surgeries on both.
Seattle signed Adams to a four-year, $70 million contract extension last offseason, at the time making him the highest-paid safety in the NFL.
When healthy, Adams is one of the best players in the game at his position. He’s made three Pro Bowl teams and has an All-Pro to his credit. However, it will be extremely difficult for Adams to perform well enough to justify the trade that brought him to the Seahawks – who gave up two first-round draft picks to get him.
It’s not just on Adams to get the best out of his game, though. Seattle’s new defensive coaching staff has said they plan to put him in better position to excel – which will mean using him less often in coverage and more around the line of scrimmage where he’s more effective.
|
2022-07-29T19:11:02Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Jamal Adams broke his finger again in ‘freak accident’ during practice
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/jamal-adams-broke-finger-again-175820420.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/jamal-adams-broke-finger-again-175820420.html?src=rss
|
Shanahan says Jimmy G is throwing the 'heck out of the ball' originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
SANTA CLARA -- While quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo continues his physical therapy and throwing routine as a member of the 49ers’ 90-man roster, about the only certainty seems to be that he will not be with the team when the season begins.
The 49ers continue to hold onto Garoppolo and seek a trade rather than cutting him free now to allow him a better chance to opening the season as a starter with another team.
One of those possible teams for which Garoppolo could end up is the Seattle Seahawks — an NFC West opponent and the 49ers’ Week 2 opponent.
“Jimmy is working out hard and throwing the heck out of the ball,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said on Friday. “I told you guys everything about the situation. I’m not going to (say) every single thing in my head, but you can figure it out when I say we have to do what’s right for this organization.
“And we’re going to do everything we can to make it as good as possible for Jimmy while what’s doing what’s right for this organization at the same time.”
Shanahan said he has not seen or spoken to Garoppolo since Tuesday, when players reported to training camp. The 49ers are moving forward with second-year quarterback Trey Lance as the team’s starter.
Garoppolo, who underwent shoulder surgery in March, received clearances from his doctor and the 49ers’ medical staff this week.
Now, it’s a waiting game to find out where Garoppolo will open the season.
RELATED: Seahawks have everything to do with 49ers holding onto Garoppolo
Garoppolo is scheduled to make a non-guaranteed base salary of $24.2 million. The 49ers will realize an immediate cap savings of $25.55 million as long as he is cut or released before final cuts are made on Aug. 30.
“I think he’s handled it great, but the reality of this business is the reality of everything: Sometimes you got to wait on stuff,” Shanahan sad, “And I think he understand that. You wish it could be differently but this is business and he understand that and it makes complete sense to him. It is what it is.”
And it’s on sale.
|
2022-07-29T19:11:14Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Jimmy Garoppolo throwing 'heck out of the ball,' 49ers' Kyle Shanahan says
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/jimmy-garoppolo-throwing-heck-ball-164603586.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/jimmy-garoppolo-throwing-heck-ball-164603586.html?src=rss
|
It was a good regular season for the Dallas Cowboys in 2021. They won 12 games, finished atop the NFC East and got the opportunity to host a playoff game. However, all NFL fans really remember when thinking about last year's Cowboys team was their performance in said playoff game.
Dallas was the betting favorites to defeat San Francisco, but they failed to get it done. San Francisco came out to a 23-7 lead before ten fourth quarter points from the Cowboys made the game look closer than it really was. Dallas even had a chance late, before the infamous Dak Prescott rush up the middle to run out the clock.
As a neutral observer, you couldn't help leaving that game feeling like the Cowboys shot themselves in the foot. They were undisciplined and made boneheaded mistakes at key times. Sure, the team is extremely talented but something was off.
This offseason didn't help matters. Due to a salary cap crunch, they had to make some tough decisions. Amari Cooper was basically given away to the Cleveland Browns. La'El Collins was released. Randy Gregory had a last minute change of heart and signed with the Broncos. Other key contributors such as Connor Williams and Cedrick Wilson left as well.
Despite the sour taste that the end of last season left, and the less than ideal offseason, the Cowboys are still projected to be a good team. Yahoo's Frank Schwab has them at 5th in his preseason power rankings. The betting market seems to agree that this team has another solid season in them.
Cowboys favored to win NFC East
Last season, the Cowboys won 12 games. For this upcoming season, their win total over/under at BetMGM is set at 10.5 wins. While it may seem like a step back is projected for Dallas, it still puts them amongst the league's elite. Only the Buffalo Bills and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have higher win totals. At a projected 10.5 wins, the Cowboys are tied with the likes of Green Bay, Kansas City and the Los Angeles Rams.
Despite the high win total, bettors aren't high on the Cowboys. A vast majority of the betting action is coming on the under, with 84% of bets and 91% of the betting handle backing Dallas to finish with 10 wins or fewer.
The Cowboys won the NFC East in runaway fashion last season, finishing three games ahead of the Philadelphia Eagles. The betting market has installed Dallas as the favorites to win the division again at +135. This puts them just ahead of Philadelphia, who currently have +165 odds to win the NFC East.
The vast majority of bettors don't agree that Dallas should be favored to win the division. Almost 62% of bets are backing the Eagles to win it. Over 18% of the bets are on Washington. Dallas edges out the Giants as the third most popular bet to win the NFC East. Despite that, the Cowboys are -450 favorites to finish top-2 in the division.
It's worth noting that no team has won the NFC East in back-to-back seasons since the Eagles won it four straight seasons from 2001-2004. The last time the Cowboys won it in consecutive seasons was when they won it in five straight seasons from 1992-96. That team won three Super Bowls during that stretch.
Even if the Eagles or any other team edges out Dallas for the NFC East, the oddsmakers view the Cowboys as a very good bet to make the playoffs. Dallas is currently -300 to make the playoffs, odds that imply the Cowboys make it 75% of the time.
Dallas is +500 to finish as the No. 1 overall seed in the NFC. Those odds are tied for second best with the Green Bay Packers and they trail only the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Dallas finished as the third overall seed last season, behind the two aforementioned teams.
Cowboys are seen as Super Bowl contender
The Dallas Cowboys enter the season with 16-to-1 odds to win the Super Bowl. Those are tied for the 7th best odds in the league and puts them on even footing with two offseason darlings in the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers. The Cowboys are right behind the San Francisco 49ers and just ahead of the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals on the odds board.
While they're not one of the top favorites like the Bills or Buccaneers, the Cowboys find themselves right smack dab in the middle of a tier of teams that could certainly make a run this upcoming season.
Dallas is +750 to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. Those are the fifth best odds in the conference behind the Buccaneers, Packers, Rams and 49ers. The Rams and Buccaneers have won the last two Super bowls, while the Packers were the No. 1 seed last year and have a back-to-back MVP winning quarterback. The 49ers ended Dallas' season last year in the playoffs.
Cowboys awards and player props
There's certainly a collection of high-end talent on the Cowboys roster, with plenty of their players near the top of the odds board in many awards and statistical races.
Dak Prescott enters the season with 12-to-1 odds to win NFL MVP. Those are tied for the sixth best odds in the league with Bengals' quarterback Joe Burrow. Notably, he has better odds than former MVP winner Lamar Jackson, reigning Super Bowl champion Matthew Stafford, and new Broncos' quarterback Russell Wilson. Prescott has received one singular MVP vote in his career.
Prescott is 12-to-1 to lead the league in passing yards, tied for the seventh best odds with Josh Allen. He's 14-to-1 to lead the league in passing touchdowns, giving him the eighth best odds.
Prescott's over/under for passing yards is set at 4299.5 yards. He went 140 yards over this number last year despite missing a game. He's gone over this mark in two of the last three seasons, and it likely would have been 3-for-3 if not for his gruesome injury in 2020. His over/under for passing touchdowns is set at 31.5. He threw 37 touchdowns last year, but has gone under this number in every other season of his career.
Entering his third season out of Oklahoma, Ceedee Lamb is a popular pick to develop into a star this upcoming season. He's 10-to-1 to lead the league in receiving yards. Those are the fourth best odds behind only Cooper Kupp, Justin Jefferson and Ja'Marr Chase. Elite company, to say the least. He's 22-to-1 to lead the league in receiving touchdowns, tied for the 10th best odds with new Dolphins' receiver Tyreek Hill.
Lamb takes over as the alpha receiver of the offense. Amari Cooper is in Cleveland, Michael Gallup won't be ready for the start of the season and Cedrick Wilson is now in Miami. As a result, Lamb's props for the upcoming season are set at 90.5 receptions, 1199.5 receiving yards and 7.5 receiving touchdowns. He has never hit any of these numbers, but he's never had this big of a role. Last season, Lamb had 79 receptions, 1102 receiving yards and 6 receiving touchdowns.
Ceedee Lamb and the Cowboys are projected to be good again ahead of the NFL season. (George Walker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Last season, Micah Parsons won the defensive rookie of the year, receiving 100% of the votes. He finished second behind T.J. Watt in voting for the overall defensive player of the year. It should come as no surprise that he's amongst the favorites to win the award this year. Parsons is +900 to win defensive player of the year, the fourth best odds behind Myles Garrett, Watt and Aaron Donald. Currently at BetMGM, Parsons is the biggest liability for the sportsbook to win this award. He's received 24% of the bets and over 30% of the betting handle. Parsons' over/under for sacks this upcoming season is set at 10.5 sacks. He had 13 in his rookie year.
Ezekiel Elliott was one of the most feared running backs in football just a few years ago, but that's not really the case entering the 2022 season. Elliott is 30-to-1 to lead the league in rushing yards, tied for the 12th best odds with the likes of Rashaad Penny and Devin Singletary. He's 25-to-1 to lead the league in rushing touchdowns, tied for the 10th best odds.
His over/under for rushing yards is set at 874.5 yards. He eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards last season and has gone at least 100 yards over this number in every year of his career. Of course, running backs decline quickly and there's certainly signs that show that decline has already begun for Elliott. His over/under for rushing touchdowns is set at 8.5 scores. He had ten last year, but has only gone over this number in three of six seasons.
Other Cowboys players
If you're a believer that the end is near for Ezekiel Elliott, you might be interested in betting Tony Pollard to go over 624.5 rushing yards. He had 719 last season as he continues to eat into Zeke's workload.
Third-round wide receiver Jalen Tolbert is 16-to-1 to win offensive rookie of the year. Those are the 12th best odds. We've talked about the departures of Cooper and Wilson leaving behind a lot of targets. Maybe the rookie can pick a bunch of those up.
Mike McCarthy is 50-to-1 to win NFL coach of the year. These odds are worst in the league, tied with four other coaches.
Cowboys face stiff test in Week 1
Last season, the Dallas Cowboys opened the season on the road in Tampa Bay as 8.5-point underdogs. Dallas lost the game, but kept it close and covered the spread with ease in a 31-29 loss. Those teams meet again in Week 1 this year. This time around, the Cowboys are the home team and the oddsmakers are projecting a tight game again.
Dallas opens the season as a 2-point home underdog against Tom Brady and the Buccaneers. It's a lot of respect for the Cowboys, as bettors will surely flock towards laying less than a field goal with Brady and company.
If the second half of last season is any indication, home field advantage doesn't mean much to the Cowboys. They lost a home playoff game. They went just 2-3 over their last five regular season home games, losing to Denver in a game they should have won and also losing to the Raiders on Thanksgiving. Overall, that's a 2-4 record for Dallas in their last six home games. Dallas might not be a terrible bet in Week 1, but home field advantage shouldn't be the main handicap.
|
2022-07-29T19:11:33Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
NFL futures, odds: Dallas Cowboys still projected to be cream of the crop in NFC East
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-futures-odds-dallas-cowboys-still-projected-to-be-cream-of-the-crop-in-nfc-east-181202028.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-futures-odds-dallas-cowboys-still-projected-to-be-cream-of-the-crop-in-nfc-east-181202028.html?src=rss
|
Damien Harris explains what makes Mac Jones an 'infectious' leader originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
In retrospect, it's pretty remarkable that Mac Jones won the Patriots' starting quarterback job as a rookie over popular veteran Cam Newton and has entrenched himself as New England's franchise QB entering Year 2.
But Damien Harris isn't surprised.
Harris, who was Jones' teammate at Alabama during the 2018 season, knows the 23-year-old quarterback better than perhaps anyone on the Patriots' roster. And he understands the aspects of Jones' personality that have helped the young QB win over New England's locker room in short order.
Perry: Mac Jones kicks off training camp with crispy first practice
"Mac is just an infectious guy that everybody gravitates towards," Harris told reporters Friday at Patriots training camp. "He's a great leader, he's a great football player, he's an incredibly hard worker and he's an even better friend.
"So, whenever you take all of those attributes and you put them into one person, it's easy to see why so many people gravitate towards him, and why so many people want to be around him and want to follow him."
We've heard similar observations from Patriots veterans: Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne recently said Jones' leadership is "at another level," noting that Jones "connects with all the players really well." Jones also has the respect of tight end Jonnu Smith, who pointed out that the second-year QB is "one of the goofiest guys around" off the field but can "flip that switch" to release the "dog in him."
Jones has a lot on his plate in his second NFL season. He doesn't have an offensive coordinator following Josh McDaniels' exit and could have multiple voices in his ear on offense, from senior football advisor Matt Patricia to quarterbacks coach Joe Judge to head coach Bill Belichick.
But if you believe that leadership is one of the most important attributes in a franchise quarterback, it appears Jones has it in spades.
"This is a guy who just comes in every day trying to be his best and make everybody better," Harris added, "so it's very easy to gravitate towards a guy like that."
|
2022-07-29T19:11:46Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Patriots' Damien Harris shares unique insight into Mac Jones' leadership style
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-damien-harris-shares-unique-175500755.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-damien-harris-shares-unique-175500755.html?src=rss
|
Sammy Watkins practicing at Packers camp originally appeared on Pro Football Talk
Xander Bogaerts was listening when the Red Sox brass said they weren't shopping him around at the trade deadline. “I think I started playing better after that, right?" he said after hitting a three-run homer to lead Boston to a 4-2 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Thursday night. “It has been (tough)” dealing with trade rumors, said Bogaerts, a four-time All-Star who is eligible to opt out of his contract and become a free agent in the offseason.
|
2022-07-29T19:12:11Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Sammy Watkins practicing at Packers camp
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/sammy-watkins-practicing-packers-camp-173652698.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/sammy-watkins-practicing-packers-camp-173652698.html?src=rss
|
The Los Angeles Rams proved last year – and even a bit in 2018 – that being aggressive in pursuit of a championship works. They went against the grain both years, acquiring star players instead of simply using draft picks on rookies and building a young, unproven roster.
Some teams have begun copying that strategy by trading for players such as Russell Wilson, Davante Adams, Tyreek Hill and Khalil Mack, among others, but the Cowboys won’t use that same approach.
Cowboys COO Stephen Jones explained why this week, saying they feel good about building through the draft and using a plan that is “not a flash, sexy way.”
“I know there’s no question when the Rams step up and do what they did and they win a Super Bowl championship, and of course their mantra was, you know, to get some big-name players who did show up for them in the postseason,” he said on 105.3 The Fan, as transcribed by Mark Lane. “Then that becomes, ‘Hey, you know, look at the Rams. Look at what they did. Everybody needs to emulate it.’ I mean it’s a copycat league, and, well, they’re doing it, they won one, let’s do it the way the Rams did it. So, I get that. I understand our fans and what we’re doing here. It’s certainly not a flashy, sexy way we went about it this offseason, but we feel really good that the results are going to be much better.”
Jones isn’t ignoring what the Rams accomplished, but teams would be foolish to look at what Les Snead and Sean McVay have done and brush it aside. It’s not as if the Rams mortgaged their future last season and will now be bottom-feeders in the NFC.
Just the opposite. They’re poised to make another run at a ring in 2022 despite losing Von Miller and Darious Williams. How? Because they still have Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey – and just added Bobby Wagner and Allen Robinson.
|
2022-07-29T19:12:23Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Stephen Jones says Cowboys won’t copy Rams’ way of pursuing a ring
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/stephen-jones-says-cowboys-won-172237796.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/stephen-jones-says-cowboys-won-172237796.html?src=rss
|
Terrance Mitchell has been one of the early surprises at training camp, with the New England Patriots cornerback spending team drills on the field with last year’s starters in the secondary: Devin McCoury, Kyle Dugger, Jalen Mills, etc.
Mitchell has simply clicked, perhaps even more than cornerback Malcolm Butler, who has not been brilliant in his return to the Patriots amid a comeback from retirement. There isn’t any clearcut reason why Mitchell, set to make just $1.75 million in 2022, has been such a great fit. He doesn’t have familiarity with the defense and the 30-year-old hasn’t been a standout with any other NFL team.
But there was one thing that stood out about his acclimation process in New England. He said Friday that he thinks the organization is “chill.”
That’s not a word players typically use to describe Bill Belichick and The Patriot Way. Intense, detail-oriented, obsessive — those are the words we’ve grown accustomed to hearing.
“Real cool. Nice and chill,” Mitchell said.
That’s a first. How so?
“It’s just a family atmosphere, so it’s just all love. Just a great situation,” he said with a big smile.
Terrance Mitchell, who is enjoying a strong start to camp, cracked me up when he said it’s “nice and chill” with the Patriots. I’ve never heard that one before. pic.twitter.com/SAuVmmQaWY
In 2021, Mitchell played for the Houston Texans, whose general manager Nick Caserio has established a culture that’s somewhat similar to New England. But Mitchell didn’t see the overlap.
“Nah, there’s only one New England Patriots,” he said. “It’s just championship football. It’s a dynasty. It’s just greatness around here, so that’s what they expect from us.”
It’s early in camp, so it’s not the time to crown Mitchell as the likely starter. (I recently projected that it will be a rotation.) But he has clearly gotten more quality reps than Butler and Jack Jones. Those two will compete with Mitchell and Mills for the starting spots on the outside.
The real evaluation will begin on Monday when the pads go on, which will level the playing field between offense and defense. To his point, the offense has had a distinct advantage, without having to withstand contact (limiting a defensive back’s press capabilities) — and with the cornerbacks wearing mittens (to prevent them from grabbing jerseys). Despite that, Mitchell has not seen many targets, a testament to his strong play.
“(Mitchell) has been in a couple of different defensive systems,” Belichick said Thursday. “Some of the things we’re asking him to do are a little bit different, but he’s adapted well. He’s smart, he’s experienced, he’s a good instinctive player and he’s had some good production through the opportunities while we’ve been here, and understanding what those are and aren’t.”
|
2022-07-29T19:12:30Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Terrance Mitchell had a surprising first impression of The Patriot Way
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/terrance-mitchell-had-surprising-first-171931558.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/terrance-mitchell-had-surprising-first-171931558.html?src=rss
|
The Miami Dolphins offense is one that, on paper, has completely flipped from where they were just over a year ago, and the additions of two wideouts have been some of the biggest differences.
Miami drafted Jaylen Waddle in the first round of last year’s draft, and he made an impact immediately, breaking the NFL’s rookie record for receptions and the franchise’s rookie record for receiving yards.
Then, this offseason, they traded five draft picks to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for wide receiver Tyreek Hill before giving him a massive extension.
While the two have yet to play in a game together, many believe they’re the keys to unlocking this offense, and fans seem to love them. According to the NFLPA, Hill and Waddle find themselves among the top 50 best-selling jerseys from March 1-May 31.
Hill came in at No. 14 and was the third wideout listed, behind only Cooper Kupp and Davante Adams. Waddle came in at No. 43 and was the 10th wide receiver on the list.
Fans will get a chance to show that same support for the pairing on Saturday, as they hit the practice field in front of a crowd for the first time during training camp.
|
2022-07-29T19:12:55Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Two Dolphins among NFL’s preseason top 50 best-selling jerseys
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/two-dolphins-among-nfl-preseason-184854114.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/two-dolphins-among-nfl-preseason-184854114.html?src=rss
|
At that point, an Ohtani trade to the National League wasn't on the radar. But it is now.
If Ohtani is traded to an NL team like the New York Mets or Los Angeles Dodgers, Judge's odds are going to change dramatically.
A better comparison for Ohtani and a possible trade to the NL would be Mark McGwire. McGwire was traded from the Oakland A's to the St. Louis Cardinals during the 1997 season. He had 58 homers and 123 RBI combined that season, but just 24 homers and 42 RBI for the Cardinals in the NL. He tied for 16th in NL MVP voting behind players like Charles Johnson and Edgardo Alfonzo. McGwire didn't get a first-place vote.
Nothing in the MVP voting ballot says combined stats can't be counted, but they haven't been before.
Judge is the current AL MVP favorite for good reason. On Thursday he had his third walk-off homer of the season for a New York Yankees team that is 67-33. Judge has 39 homers, which is seven more than anyone else in baseball. Ohtani's dual value is undeniable and he would be a fine MVP vote pretty much any season he plays, even on a bad Angels team. But if Judge hits 60 home runs for a 100-win Yankees team, that'll be hard for voters to pass on.
Perhaps Ohtani stays in the AL or doesn't get traded at all. It would take a massive offer to the Angels to move the biggest star baseball has. But as the deadline approaches, it's a unique situation to AL MVP bettors.
|
2022-07-29T19:17:57Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
If Shohei Ohtani is traded to the NL, it would be chaotic in the betting world
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/if-shohei-ohtani-is-traded-to-the-nl-it-would-be-chaotic-in-the-betting-world-174620083.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/if-shohei-ohtani-is-traded-to-the-nl-it-would-be-chaotic-in-the-betting-world-174620083.html?src=rss
|
LSU had a bit of a slow start when it came to recruiting along the offensive line this offseason, but it now has two blue-chip prospects in the 2023 class as four-star New Orleans offensive tackle Tyree Adams committed to LSU on Friday.
He chose the Tigers over Florida, Georgia, Ole Miss and others, and he joins three-star Buford, Georgia, offensive tackle Paul Mubenga in the class.
Adams attends St. Augustine High School in New Orleans which also produced former LSU stars Tyrann Mathieu and Leonard Fournette. He the No. 196 overall prospect on the 247Sports Composite, and On3’s rankings list him as the No. 10 offensive tackle prospect in the class.
This is my story….Committed to the boot! pic.twitter.com/0b2A2Rnsq9
At 6-foot-5, 285 pounds, Adams has great size right out of the gate and could potentially compete for early playing time when he gets to campus. He mostly played right tackle as a junior last fall but could play on the left side as well.
Adams becomes the 17th member of LSU’s 2023 recruiting class, which now ranks No. 10 in the country on the 247Sports Composite. The Tigers have landed 11 commits for this cycle so far in July, and it doesn’t look like coach Brian Kelly is slowing down with the team in a good position for other blue-chip Louisiana prospects like five-star Baton Rouge receiver Shelton Sampson Jr.
Vanderbilt transfer Carter Young stays while Baylor transfer Jack Pineda leaves as LSU baseball announces portal additions on Friday.
“If he’s able to produce and play like Foster, that would be freaking remarkable.”
Florida's big recruiting weekend is here. Here is a list of players that the Gators are expecting to greet on campus this weekend.
|
2022-07-29T20:01:00Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
BREAKING: LSU lands top-10 offensive tackle in 2023 class
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/breaking-lsu-lands-top-10-192623290.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/breaking-lsu-lands-top-10-192623290.html?src=rss
|
The Florida Gators earned a commitment from a second in-state four-star recruit in as many days on Friday.
Roughly 18 hours after the Gators learned of Osceola cornerback Ja'Keem Jackson’s decision, receiver Aidan Mizell became the 14th member of the Gators class of 2023. Mizell claims the top spot on Florida’s commitment list, ranked No .72 nationally on the 247Sports composite and No. 13 among receivers in the class. Eugene Wilson III, who is now Florida’s second-highest rated commit, sits at No. 140 overall.
The Boone High (Orlando, Florida) product narrowed things down to Florida, Alabama and Tennessee before ultimately choosing the Gators. The staff keeping in constant contact with him after offering a scholarship is what made the difference, and Mizell says is ready to be the next Gator great. Perhaps the No. 1 jersey is in Mizell’s future with the Orange and Blue.
“Once they offered me, it was just the constant communication, getting me up on visits, just building that connection with me and like the entire staff,” Mizell told On3. “Everyone up there just feels like family to me and I feel like that’s the right decision for me … I’m gonna be that next great guy.”
Landing Mizell is just the latest win for wide receivers coach Keary Colbert, who Billy Napier brought in from USC because of his strong reputation as a recruiter and developer. The two have bonded over the past couple of months and that likely had more to do with the decision than both his parents attending UF in the past.
The Gators now sit at No. 14 on 247Sports’ team rankings of the recruiting classes of 2023. Only two are considered three-star recruits, so Napier’s got the ball rolling in year one nicely. The class is still a five-star or two away from being elite, though.
|
2022-07-29T20:01:06Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Florida adds another blue-chip wide receiver 2023 recruiting class
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/florida-adds-another-blue-chip-192924444.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/florida-adds-another-blue-chip-192924444.html?src=rss
|
Ali Highsmith
LSU football has been around for a long time. Since 1893, to be exact.
In that span, plenty of great football players have come through the program. Before we begin the journey of the 2022 season, I thought I’d take a stab at ranking the 101 best players in LSU history.
We’ve already released the player rankings from No. 101-91 and No. 90-81
I have tried to avoid recency bias as much as possible. It can be hard to get enough information about older players, but I did my best to get them about in the ballpark of where they should be.
Anytime there’s a list this big, people will disagree. There’s so little that separates the 50th player from the 70th, and so on.
I tried to balance consistency over multiple seasons with some players that had one great year. Both have been rewarded here. With that in mind, let’s continue the countdown.
No. 80 - Harvey Williams
Running back [autotag]Harvey Williams[/autotag] was at LSU from 1986-90. When he was done at LSU, he ranked third on the all-time rushing leaders list. He now sits sixth.
Williams ran for 2,860 yards in his time with the Tigers. He added 879 more yards through the air. He’s fifth all-time in program history in yards from scrimmage.
He ranked top five in the SEC in yards from scrimmage in three separate seasons. Williams scored 31 total touchdowns and was a first-round pick in 1991.
LSU’s pass offense was prolific during Williams’ career with [autotag]Tommy Hodson[/autotag] under center. If Williams had more opportunities, he could have been even higher on this list.
No. 79 - Earl Legget
Legget played at LSU during an interesting time.
Coach [autotag]Paul Dietzel[/autotag] was just beginning his tenure, and LSU was still a couple of years away from becoming a real national contender.
The lack of success from the team didn’t stop Legget. He was an All-SEC player en route to being selected with the 13th overall pick in 1957.
Legget might be a bit higher on this list than his talent and accolades would suggest, but he was the best player on those teams that led into one of the greatest eras in LSU sports.
He helped lay the foundation for a rebuild, so that’s worth something. Being selected 13th overall says a lot, too.
No. 78 - Todd McClure
McClure is a Baton Rouge native who eventually had a lengthy NFL career with the Atlanta Falcons. Before that, he was one of LSU’s top players in the late 90s.
LSU’s rushing attack at this time was one of the best in college football with guys like [autotag]Kevin Faulk[/autotag], [autotag]Rondell Mealey[/autotag], and [autotag]Cecil Collins[/autotag].
It wouldn’t have been possible without blockers like McClure up front. He was First Team All-SEC twice and named a Second Team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association.
No. 77 - Mark Roman
From the moment Roman arrived on campus, he made an impact. In 1996, the league named him the SEC Freshman Defensive Player of The Year.
Roman became a four-year starter where he was named All-SEC in 1998. He was able to play safety and cornerback. He totaled 10 interceptions in his career and returned three of them for touchdowns.
He was a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award in 1999 before being selected in the second round by the Bengals in 2000. He spent almost a decade in the NFL.
No. 76 - Ali Highsmith
Highsmith was one of LSU’s best defenders in 2007 on the way to a national title. That year, he was named a First Team All-American by CBS Sports and Second Team by the Associated Press. He was a semifinalist for the Butkus Award in 2006 and 2007.
In his career at LSU, he made 26 tackles for a loss and added 11 sacks. He forced seven fumbles in his career, which is top 10 in SEC history. He could disrupt the passing game as well, with 13 PBUs.
Highsmith went undrafted in 2008, but the impact Highsmith made with some really good LSU teams made him an easy selection.
No. 75 - Eddie Gatto
We’re going way back for this one. Gatto played at LSU from 1935-38.
In that time, he was an All-American twice. He was a part of LSU’s 1937 team that lost in the Sugar Bowl, but that group was one of the first nationally relevant teams in LSU’s history.
Gatto was just the fourth LSU player to ever be drafted, but the sacrifice he made after his career in Baton Rouge is more noteworthy than anything he did on the field.
Gatto was killed in action during the Battle of Normandy, which started on D-Day and began the Allied invasion of German-controlled territory in France.
No. 74 - John Sage
In 1970, LSU went undefeated in conference play for the first time in over 30 years. Defensive lineman [autotag]John Sage[/autotag] played a big part in that.
Sage wasn’t the greatest player on this elite defense as we will see later, but he was still one of the best players in the conference.
LSU’s defense allowed just 9.4 points per game in 1970 and finished the year ranked seventh in the AP poll.
No. 73 - Michael Brooks
Brooks was another great LSU linebacker from the 80s, joining [autotag]Rydell Melancon[/autotag] and [autotag]Ron Sancho[/autotag], who are already on this lists. Brooks won’t be the last, either.
He was a First Team All-American in 1985 and was Second Team All-SEC in 1984. LSU’s defense was the best in the conference in 1985 as LSU went 9-2-1.
In 1987, he was selected in the third round by the Broncos. He received All-Pro honors and made a Pro Bowl in his time in the league.
No. 72 - JaMarcus Russell
Photo by Dale Zanine USA TODAY Sports Copyright (c) 2006 Dale Zanine
Russell isn’t remembered by many for what he did at LSU due to the way his NFL career panned out, but I’m sure Tigers fans haven’t forgotten his time with the team.
Russell’s 2006 season is one of the greatest quarterback seasons in LSU history. He threw for 3,129 yards and 28 touchdowns. Before Russell, only [autotag]Rohan Davey[/autotag] had a season that prolific.
Russell led the SEC in yards per attempt and passer efficiency rating in 2006. LSU went 11-2 that year and scored 33.7 points per game, leading the SEC. Passing and rushing, Russell scored 56 total touchdowns in his time at LSU and was the top overall pick in 2007.
No. 71 - Dwayne Bowe
Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports Copyright © 2007 Marvin Gentry
Bowe ranks seventh on LSU’s all-time receiving list, but his 26 touchdowns rank first in program history.
His stats gradually improved every year he was at LSU, but he was top-10 in the SEC in yards on three occasions. In 2005, his 17.3 yards per catch ranked third in the conference.
He led the SEC with 12 touchdowns in 2006 and was Russell’s top receiver in that prolific season I mentioned on the previous slide.
Bowe was selected in the first round by the Kansas City Chiefs. He played 125 games over nine years in the NFL and was All-Pro in 2010 when he led the league in touchdowns.
Previous Rankings
Under Armour will pay UCLA $67.491 million to settle the school's lawsuit against the sports apparel giant, which terminated a 15-year, $280-million deal.
Collier Cranford announces his next destination
Cranford will follow assistant coach Dan Fitzgerald to Kansas.
|
2022-07-29T20:01:20Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Top 101 LSU football players of all time: No. 80-71
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/top-101-lsu-football-players-181042450.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/top-101-lsu-football-players-181042450.html?src=rss
|
jonmichel
Nebraska wide receiver Trey Palmer, a former 5-star recruit and current junior with the Huskers, earned a nod to the Paul Hornung Award watch list on Thursday, becoming the fourth Cornhusker to earn a spot on a preseason award watch list.
The Paul Hornung Award is given to the most versatile player in college football and Palmer showed his dynamic chops as an electric receiver and return specialist with the LSU Tigers in 2021 before following now-associate head coach and wide receiver coach Mickey Joseph from LSU to Nebraska in January.
The Kentwood, Louisiana native broke out as a receiver in his third year at LSU in 2021, reeling in 30 catches for 344 yards and reaching paydirt 3 times. In his first two years in Baton Rouge, Palmer’s work was centered more around the return game, highlighted by a kick return for a 93-yard touchdown in 2020, along with a 54-yard punt return in his freshman season of 2019. Palmer returned 18 punts for 115 yards and seven kicks for 140 yards last year.
Husker teammates Ochaun Mathis and Luke Reimer were also listed on preseason award watch lists, with Mathis earning consideration for the Bronco Nagurski Award (given to the best defensive player in college football) and Reimer being tabbed on the Dick Butkus Award watch list (given to the best linebacker in college football). Sophomore offensive lineman Ethan Piper was a nominee for the Allstate Good Works Award for his involvement with various local and charitable organizations.
Scott Frost gives thoughts on first couple days of practice
Story originally appeared on Cornhuskers Wire
We continue to look at LSU's greatest players, from a guy that fought in WWII to a dynamite QB-WR combo.
|
2022-07-29T20:01:26Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Trey Palmer named to Hornung Award watch list
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/trey-palmer-named-hornung-award-192442132.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/trey-palmer-named-hornung-award-192442132.html?src=rss
|
Between Jaycee Horn being placed on the active-physically unable to perform list and Rashaan Melvin hanging up the cleats on an eight-year career, the Carolina Panthers quickly grew a bit thin in their secondary.
So, as previously promised by head coach Matt Rhule, the team worked out some cornerbacks following Friday’s practice. And out of that has come the signing of Duke Dawson.
A 2017 First-team All-SEC selection and standout at the University of Florida, Dawson was selected in the second round of the 2018 NFL draft by the New England Patriots. After sustaining a hamstring injury that kept him out of the better part of his rookie campaign, the 5-foot-10 corner would not play a single snap for Bill Belichick’s squad.
He—along with a seventh-round pick—would later be traded to the Denver Broncos prior to the 2019 season in exchange for a sixth-round selection. Dawson played in 26 games for Denver between 2019 and 2020—registering 27 combined tackles, two passes defensed and a fumble recovery over four starts.
|
2022-07-29T20:55:57Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Panthers sign former Patriots 2nd-round pick
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/panthers-sign-former-patriots-2nd-201802785.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/panthers-sign-former-patriots-2nd-201802785.html?src=rss
|
Kansas City Chiefs rookie WR Skyy Moore has turned some heads during the early portion of training camp.
While the pads won’t come on until next Monday, Moore has continued to take advantage of his opportunities to make plays in practice. Sure, he’s going through some of the normal adjustments to the pro game that rookies deal with during their first NFL training camp, but he’s also proving to be physically and mentally tough.
That toughness hasn’t gone unnoticed by the team’s star quarterback, who expects some big things from Moore this season, at least based on what he’s seen so far.
“He’s a tough player,” Patrick Mahomes told reporters after Friday’s practice. “He’s smaller as far as height, but he’s thicker as a receiver. I think you can see that he’s making a lot of tough contested catches over the middle. He’s thinking a lot because he’s a rookie getting thrown into the offense and we’re not holding back at all. You can tell, when he knows what he’s doing, he runs some great routes and has great releases. I think he can be a big part of our offense moving forward.”
As training camp rages on, Mahomes expects Moore to continue to gain a mastery of the offense. In doing so, he’ll gain the trust of the coaching staff and the quarterbacks.
After getting open quite a bit during Thursday practices, but not receiving much in the way of targets, Moore saw greater opportunities on Friday. He even managed to have one of the best catches of the day during the course of practice.
“Yeah, I think he’s getting more and more trust within the coaching staff and within me — and that just comes with reps,” Mahomes said. “I give him the chances to make plays. When you watch the film, you might choose to throw it on one side and you look to the other side and you see he’s getting open. Then you come back and put that in your head and you’re like, ‘Alright, tomorrow I might give him a chance to make a play on that one.’ I think you saw that today with that catch down the field where he kind of dove and made a big contested catch. Even though he’s not the tallest guy, he can make those tough catches and build the trust of the quarterbacks.”
Moore seems to have some momentum right now, but the true test will be whether he can continue to get open and make plays when the pads come on next week.
Matt Eberflus and his coaching staff have put many members of the 2022 NFL draft class in the spotlight this summer.
Ready to win some cash prizes in Mega Millions, Powerball or Lotto? Great! Then what happens? We've got your lottery winner questions answered.
|
2022-07-29T20:56:10Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Patrick Mahomes thinks Chiefs rookie WR Skyy Moore can be a big part of the offense
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/patrick-mahomes-thinks-chiefs-rookie-194522573.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/patrick-mahomes-thinks-chiefs-rookie-194522573.html?src=rss
|
On Friday, the NFL Player Association released the top 50 player sales list for jerseys going into the 2022 season. There were multiple players for the Raiders on the list, but the highest-ranking player was Davante Adams at No. 7. Here is what the site had to say about the new receiver for Las Vegas:
“Eight players appearing in new markets or are free agents saw big gains on this first quarter list: Russell Wilson (Seattle to Denver), Davante Adams (Green Bay to Las Vegas), Tyreek Hill (Kansas City to Miami), Odell Beckham Jr. (Free Agent), Deshaun Watson (Houston to Cleveland), Matt Ryan (Atlanta to Indianapolis), Von Miller (LA Rams to Buffalo) and Khalil Mack (Chicago to LA Chargers).”
Other players on the list for the Raiders included Josh Jacobs (No. 29), Maxx Crosby (No. 30), Darren Waller (No. 34) and Derek Carr (No. 49). No team in the NFL had more players inside the top 50 of jersey sales than the Raiders (Rams tied with 5).
Adams has wanted to be a Raider his entire life and his jersey is now one of the most popular in the world. That is pretty cool to see. And… his No. 17 jersey is pretty cool in itself.
After the three-day Deshaun Watson hearing ended four weeks ago yesterday, I predicted that we’d have a decision from Judge Sue L. Robinson during the week of July 25. I’ve got one more day to be not incorrect. It looks like I will be. Incorrect, that is. Rob Maaddi of the Associated Press reports that [more]
|
2022-07-29T20:56:22Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Raiders WR Davante Adams among top jersey sales going into 2022 season
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/raiders-wr-davante-adams-among-192256753.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/raiders-wr-davante-adams-among-192256753.html?src=rss
|
The Los Angeles Rams have quite a few superstar players on their roster, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they aren’t having any trouble pushing out merchandise. With the 2022 regular season steadily approaching, it’s been revealed that the Rams have three players inside the top six in the NFLPA’s merchandise sales list.
The three players to crack the top six in merchandise sales are Cooper Kupp at No. 3, Aaron Donald at No. 5, and Matthew Stafford at No. 6. And if you count Odell Beckham Jr., the Rams technically have four players in the top 16 in merchandise as people are likely still buying his jersey from the Rams, which is a risky move given the fact he’s still a free agent.
The time frame for the preseason top 50 NFLPA merchandise sales list is from March 1 to May 31 of this year. There’s no doubt that winning a Super Bowl has drastically increased the sales of each player on the Rams in recent months.
While Jalen Ramsey failed to make the top 20 list in merchandise sales, he is the only other member of the Rams to make the top 50 list besides Kupp, Donald, and Stafford, with the 37th most sales. The positive note for Ramsey is that he has the most merchandise sales among all defensive backs and he has the fifth-most sales among all defensive players.
Another interesting tidbit is that Stafford and Kupp are near the top in framed memorabilia sold by Highland Mint, along with Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, and Aaron Rodgers. Most of the framed memorabilia featuring Stafford and Kupp likely include their clutch connections from the team’s final three postseason games.
Seeing that training camps are well underway across the NFL, jersey and memorabilia sales should continue to skyrocket for the reigning Super Bowl champions.
Bowls star Brett credits teammates for strong start at Commonwealth Games
Yaxley bowler Nick Brett hailed his team’s ability to produce when the going gets tough as he made a perfect start on his Commonwealth Games debut, with two wins from two in the men’s triples.
|
2022-07-29T20:56:28Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Rams have 3 players in the top 6 of NFLPA merchandise sales list
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/rams-3-players-top-6-190614180.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/rams-3-players-top-6-190614180.html?src=rss
|
Marianne Vos - Dominant Marianne Vos extends Tour de France Femmes lead with her second stage win - GETTY IMAGES
It's Time for the Mountains in the Tour de France Femmes on Stage 7
The Tour de France Femmes hits its penultimate stage and it's also the first of two hard days in the mountains.
|
2022-07-29T21:23:57Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Dominant Marianne Vos extends Tour de France Femmes lead with her second stage win
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/dominant-marianne-vos-extends-tour-164745645.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/dominant-marianne-vos-extends-tour-164745645.html?src=rss
|
The Big Ten features a number of talented quarterbacks in 2022, with one of the biggest names in the nation serving as the conference's headliner and plenty of dark horse potential behind him.
It's also worth noting that three of the projected starting signal-callers in the conference are transfers preparing to play their first season in the Big Ten, so how they adjust and if any of them can break out with a change of scenery will be something to watch.
With the season just around the corner, here's how each of the conference's projected starting quarterbacks rank:
1. CJ Stroud, Ohio State.
With Stroud in the discussion for best quarterback in the nation, there's no debating that he's the best quarterback in the conference. He finished fourth in Heisman Trophy voting last season and it's looking like the race for the honors will come down to Stroud and Bryce Young (Alabama). Stroud has been a steady contributor both through the air and on the ground, impressing with his elite accuracy and anticipation early on as a first-year starter.
He's shown the ability to handle a lot of responsibility at the line of scrimmage and reads defenses well, checking a lot of boxes as a player with just one season under his belt.
Stroud finished out the 2021 season with a 71.9% completion rate, passing for 4,435 yards with 44 touchdowns and six interceptions. Between what Stroud brings to the table in his own right and who he's got in his supporting cast, Ohio State is a very real contender to win the national championship this season.
2. Aidan O'Connell, Purdue.
O'Connell enters the 2022 season as a dark horse to become one of the best quarterbacks in the nation and a big rise could be in store for him this fall. O'Connell's arm talent and accuracy at all levels of the field are what got him noticed after he was given the starting nod in Week 5 last season.
O'Connell finished last season with a 71.6% completion rate, 3,712 passing yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He will be with an entirely new group of receivers this year, so how he builds chemistry with them and how things click on the field in the passing game will be something to keep an eye on.
The former walk-on's pure abilities as a passer should help the offense overcome this transition though with O'Connell's nearly perfect ball placement and timing on his throws. O'Connell relies more on his arm and is very much a pass-first quarterback, but he has shown the ability to evade pressure and make plays with his legs when needed.
3. Taulia Tagovailoa, Maryland.
Tagovailoa hasn't gotten nearly as much hype as his brother did at Alabama, but has the chance to become more noticed in 2022. At 5'11 and 200 pounds, he's not the prototypical size for a quarterback, but history has shown that quarterbacks who don't impress in that area can still have a lot of success at the highest level.
He's been highly praised for what he brings from an intangibles perspective and has the level of arm strength to put the ball anywhere on the field to pair with his strong running ability. Tagovailoa needs to find a sense of consistency and improve his decision-making this fall, but is very much an intriguing and draftable prospect.
Tagovailoa completed 69.2% of his passes for 3,860 passing yards with 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2021.
4. Payton Thorne, Michigan State.
Thorne is still on the outside looking in as far as the 2023 NFL Draft goes, but that could change if he expounds upon what he did on the field last year. Thorne won the starting job last offseason and completed 60.4% of his passes for 3,240 yards with 27 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
He possesses a satisfactory amount of arm strength and has shown some potential in his mobility with a foundation to build upon that the Spartans can be excited about. There's a chance Thorne could gain more recognition and really shine after he was somewhat overshadowed by star running back Kenneth Walker III.
While having Walker within the offense obviously provided some benefit to the quarterback, Thorne showed he could still take care of business when Walker opted out of the bowl game, throwing for 354 yards and three touchdowns in the 31-21 win over Pitt.
5. Sean Clifford, Penn State.
Clifford hasn't been the flashiest quarterback for the better part of his career, but he seemed comfortable and in rhythm in the current offense he's in and appeared poised to take a step and garner more attention before he was hampered by injury throughout the year. He heads into 2022 as a sixth-year quarterback with plenty of experience under his belt.
He does a good job of making things happen with his legs whenever he's fully healthy and plays with a gritty mentality, putting his body on the line on several occasions to put his team in the best position possible. Clifford excited in 2019, but hasn't built upon it since, largely projecting as a quarterback who is average in every aspect unless he can surprise in 2022.
Clifford ended 2021 with a stat line that included a 61% completion rate, 3,107 passing yards, 21 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
6. Tanner Morgan, Minnesota.
Morgan caught a good bit of attention in his breakout season of 2019 when he threw for 3,253 yards with 30 touchdowns and just seven interceptions, but he hasn't consistently repeated that level of performance since. Heading into his sixth season of college football, Morgan has a chance for a resurgence but has an equal amount to prove after ending 2021 with a 59.8% completion rate, 2,044 passing yards, 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
He's shown the ability to operate an RPO-based offense efficiently and is mostly accurate, though he has shown some proneness to overthrow the ball and needs to do a better job of manipulating defenders with his eyes -- something that has cost him in the past.
7. Cade McNamara, Michigan.
McNamara has managed up well for the Wolverines in several games, with some analysts passing him of as a quarterback who falls under the "game manager" category. He's a consistent player who doesn't often put the ball in harm's way, but there have been some questions surrounding whether or not he truly has the "it" factor to elevate Michigan to the next level. As he enters a quarterback competition with JJ McCarthy, this could be something of a prove-it year for McNamara in some respects.
Michigan lacks explosiveness in the passing game, and that is what this will ultimately come down to. McNamara finished last year with a 64.2% completion rate, 2,576 passing yards, 15 touchdowns and six interceptions.
8. Casey Thompson, Nebraska.
With Adrian Martinez having moved on from the program, Thompson looks to make a splash in the Big Ten after seeing some time alongside Hudson Card at Texas last season. There were high points and low points in Thompson's 2021 season, and while it's clear that he needs to improve as a passer with his decision-making, he's still at an early place in his development where that isn't a major concern.Thompson completed 63.2% of his passes for 2,113 yards with 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions last season.
If he can progress as a passer, he could develop into something special between his arm strength and his athletic abilities. It just still remains to be seen both if he can do that and if he can handle the level of competition in the Big Ten -- this is a player who got a lot of hype as a recruit and could quickly rise up the rankings.
9. Connor Bazelak, Indiana.
Bazelak enters the 2022 season with a change of scenery, moving on from Missouri to Indiana. Bazelak showed flashes as a younger quarterback in the SEC, one of college football's most difficult conferences to play in, and will look to build upon that with his new surroundings. Where Bazelak lacks in arm strength, he makes up for mentally, in his timing on throws and with sound mechanics. There's some uncertainty as to just where his ceiling lies, but he came close to being in the national spotlight at one time and has a chance get back to that in a new environment.
Bazelak finished out 2021 with a 65.3% completion rate, 2,548 passing yards, 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
10. Spencer Petras, Iowa.
Petras is another quarterback who falls into the conversation about where the ceiling stands for him.
He's indicated that he's put in offseason work on the fundamentals, working on things like his throwing sequence, footwork and balance in the pocket. His arm strength is something that's become more apparent as well after a video of him throwing a 70-plus yard pass at the Manning Passing Academy earlier this year made its rounds on social media. Improving mechanically should help Petras take another step in what some anticipate could be a big season for him in his own right -- it's just a matter of if he rises to the occasion.
Petras completed 57.3% of his passes for 1,880 yards with 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 2021.
11. Graham Mertz, Wisconsin.
Mertz got off to a poor start to the 2021 season, throwing just one touchdown to six interceptions in the first three games of the year. He did manage to clean that up to an extent, throwing five more interceptions that season, but still finished with a dismal ratio that had more interceptions than touchdowns.
He brings NFL-level arm talent to the table, but is going to have to find consistency after the struggles he's had since he initially caught a lot of attention for his five-touchdown debut against Illinois in 2020. He's since been tabbed as more of a game-manager, like some of the other quarterbacks on this list, with how often Wisconsin utilizes the run game heavily, though there's still the potential for him to become something more.
Mertz completed 59.5% of his passes for 1,958 passing yards with 10 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2021.
12. Tommy DeVito, Illinois.
DeVito is one of the conference's most inexperienced quarterbacks, with 2019 marking the only season of his career as the starter. This marks his first season with a new team after he was with the Syracuse Orange for four years and on opportunity to see more time on the field after he was named a potential breakout candidate, even drawing some comparisons to Joe Burrow back in 2020.
This is a player with a lot of arm talent and big-play ability, but he'll need to work on his ball placement and clean up some of his decision-making issues moving forward. DeVito ended out 2021 with a 61.5% completion rate, 388 passing yards, one touchdown and two interceptions over three games after suffering an injury.
13. Ryan Hilinski, Northwestern.
Hilinski got a good bit of buzz as a recruit, but things have dwindled for him since then. He transferred from South Carolina to Northwestern in 2020 after some struggles and injury setbacks with the Gamecocks. He has yet to take the starting job by full force after not opening the season as Northwestern's starter last year.
Hilinski completed 54% of his passes for 978 passing yards with 11 touchdowns and five interceptions in 2021. Having one year under his belt and a full offseason with his second college team should serve him well, but he'll have to beat out Brendan Sullivan for the starting job and show he's worthy of holding onto it.
14. Noah Vedral, Rutgers.
Vedral doesn't project as a player with NFL potential, but it didn't take long for him to catch the attention of the Rutgers coaching staff and receive positive feedback after he originally entered the transfer portal in 2020. Rutgers marks Vedral's third college football destination after he started his career at UCF.
Vedral finished out the 2021 season with a 59.4% completion rate, 1,813 passing yards, seven touchdowns and seven interceptions. He hasn't eclipsed the 2,000-yard passing mark in a single season and isn't in a solid position to do so with a changed receiving corps in 2022.
LOS ANGELES (AP) The Pac-12 pushed for legislation allowing conference title games to be played without requiring divisions, and it was the first conference to take advantage of it, deciding to have the two teams with the best records this season play against one another in Las Vegas on Dec. 2. Merton Hanks, the Pac-12's senior associate commissioner overseeing football, said the forthcoming criteria will be exclusively based on conference results, a boon for teams like Utah and Oregon that play notable nonconference games. ''It was very important to our coaches, our administrators, our working unit that the conference decide who the best teams are, not other factors, so those will be reflected in the tiebreakers,'' Hanks said.
NC Courage player Jaelene Daniels will not participate in her team's Pride Night, a similar move she did in 2017 with the U.S. Women's National Team.
|
2022-07-29T21:31:51Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
2022 Big Ten Quarterback Rankings
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-big-ten-quarterback-rankings-202948805.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-big-ten-quarterback-rankings-202948805.html?src=rss
|
LOS ANGELES (AP) The Pac-12 pushed for legislation allowing conference title games to be played without requiring divisions, and it was the first conference to take advantage of it, deciding to have the two teams with the best records this season play against one another in Las Vegas on Dec. 2.
''It was very important to our coaches, our administrators, our working unit that the conference decide who the best teams are, not other factors, so those will be reflected in the tiebreakers,'' Hanks said.
While Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy went out of his way to bury the rivalry with Oklahoma, declaring at Big 12 media days that ''Bedlam's history'' as soon as the Sooners and Texas depart for the SEC, Stanford coach David Shaw sounded a more hopeful note that the Cardinal's long-standing series with Southern California and UCLA could continue.
''Selfishly being a Stanford alum, a lot of great games between Stanford and UCLA and USC. As I said earlier, my hope is we continue to play those two programs even if they are out-of-conference games,'' Shaw said.
''No, I still feel like I have to go out there and improve myself each and every day,'' Rising said. ''It doesn't really matter if it's my job. It just means that I'll probably be getting more one reps, and that's just the way it is.''
''Getting my arm strength back so I can have the deep ball be more efficient and effective for us, and that was my main focus,'' he said.
''Spencer's enthusiasm in life and in football was unlike anything I've seen,'' Forsyth said. ''He was friends with everybody on the team. He didn't care who you were, where you were from, what year you were, he was gonna reach out and learn your story and make sure you knew his. He was just a special kid and the best way we can do it is just finding a way to honor him during this season, dedicating everything we do for him. And we all got to strive to live like Spencer and live every day to the fullest.''
More AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://twitter.com/AP-Top25. Sign up for AP's college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25
|
2022-07-29T21:32:10Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Pac-12 notebook: Tiebreakers for title game forthcoming
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/pac-12-notebook-tiebreakers-title-203914482.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/pac-12-notebook-tiebreakers-title-203914482.html?src=rss
|
Athlon Sports have released their rankings of this season’s presumed starting quarterbacks in the SEC, with Florida’s Anthony Richardson coming in at No. 8.
The Gainesville native’s 2022 season will be an important one for his development. For the first time in his collegiate career, Richardson will enter the season as the presumed starter after playing in seven games (one start vs. Georgia) in the 2021 season with a 59% completion rate while throwing for 509 and rushing for 401 yards. He separated himself from Ohio State transfer Jack Miller III in the spring game and is the guy Florida fans would like to see under center to start the season.
Richardson has also undergone a branding change since last season. Earlier this month, Richardson announced that he would stop going by his “AR-15” nickname used in his apparel line. The name change pairs with a mentality change Richardson talked about at SEC media days earlier this month.
Richardson comes in as the 5th ranked signal-caller in the SEC East, behind Tennessee‘s Hendon Hooker (No. 2), South Carolina’s Spencer Rattler (No. 5), Kentucky’s Will Levis (No. 6), and Georgia’s Stetson Bennett (No. 7).
Florida fans will get their first look at Anthony Richardson as the 2022 starter under the lights of The Swamp on September 3 against Utah at 7:00 p.m. EDT on ESPN.
|
2022-07-29T21:32:16Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Where Athlon Sports’ preseason SEC QB rankings has Anthony Richardson
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/where-athlon-sports-preseason-sec-211708987.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/where-athlon-sports-preseason-sec-211708987.html?src=rss
|
Plenty of teams likely have Christian Vazquez on their radar ahead of next week's MLB trade deadline, but one club may already have the framework for a potential deal.
The Boston Red Sox "seriously discussed" a trade involving the veteran catcher with the New York Mets "in a previous season," according to Andy Martino of SNY. The deal would have sent No. 5 ranked Mets prospect Mark Vientos and more to Boston.
With Vazquez set to become a free agent after this season, Martino wonders if the National League East-leading Mets would reignite trade talks with the Red Sox, who are expected to sell in some capacity at the deadline. He also mentions designated hitter J.D. Martinez, another pending Red Sox free agent who's reportedly "as good as gone."
The Mets appear to be searching for an upgrade at catcher as well as a veteran right-handed bat to help them contend for a World Series title. If that's the case, it would make sense for them to target Vazquez and Martinez.
MLB Rumors: Red Sox sign Jose Peraza to minor league contract
The Boston Red Sox reportedly signed infielder Jose Peraza, who played for the team in 2020, to a minor league contract.
|
2022-07-29T21:32:22Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
MLB Rumors: Red Sox once discussed this Christian Vazquez trade with Mets
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb-rumors-red-sox-once-205800411.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb-rumors-red-sox-once-205800411.html?src=rss
|
How Phillies' offseason additions have performed through 100-game mark originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
The Phillies hung on to win Thursday's series opener in Pittsburgh despite a ninth-inning implosion from reliever Jeurys Familia that turned an 8-2 laugher into an 8-7 nailbiter.
The Phillies signed Familia to a one-year, $6 million contract, the same terms as their deal for Brad Hand. While Familia has pitched himself into mop-up duty, Hand has been a key member of the Phils' late-inning formula setting up for Corey Knebel and now Seranthony Dominguez. Hand has a 2.05 ERA in 39 appearances and his opponents have hit just .194.
Nick Castellanos' struggles have been well-documented. He's hit .251/.295/.368 through 410 plate appearances, the second-lowest batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage of his career. He's gone deep once in his last 50 games. Things have been slightly better of late. Castellanos has two multi-hit games in his last four and has hit .271 since July 2, albeit with no power and two walks.
Obviously, free agency would have played out differently for Castellanos had this been his walk year. Four years and $80 million remain on his contract beyond 2022. He's 30 years old so it's not as if the decline set in overnight. He hit .290 with an .872 OPS from 2018-21. A bat like that in the middle of the lineup would change things dramatically for this team and getting Castellanos right is one of the most important pieces of the entire organizational puzzle.
Kyle Schwarber, in the first of a four-year, $79 million contract, has done what he was paid to do: hit bombs. He enters the weekend hitting just .204 but with a National League-leading 32 home runs. His 64 RBI lead the team by 16. Schwarber slowed down a week into July but has homered twice in the last three games and four times in the last nine. Low batting average or not, nobody's complaining about that contract.
Stubbs has provided the Phillies big bonus value by hitting .275 with eight extra-base hits (including four homers) in just 76 plate appearances. He had one of their biggest hits of the year, a walk-off three-run homer to beat the Marlins on June 15. He also hit a three-run homer against the Mets in a game when the Phillies almost came back from a seven-run deficit. He's been solid behind the plate as well. The Phillies acquired Stubbs from the Astros last November for Single A outfielder Logan Cerny.
Bellatti has given the Phillies more than they could have hoped for. Making close to the league minimum on a one-year deal, the 30-year-old reliever has a 3.24 ERA in 37 appearances with 13.2 strikeouts per nine. He's pitched in an assortment of roles -- middle innings, extra innings, occasional setup duty, close deficits.
Nelson was acquired cheaply from the Yankees in November and has done his job as the long man. He's had two long and important relief appearances in Phillies wins, covering four innings against the Mets and 3⅓ against the Padres. He's pitched at least two innings 15 times this season, nine of them scoreless appearances. Nelson has a 3.94 ERA with 48 K's in 48 innings.
Camargo has been a do-it-all infielder for the Phillies and their best defensive third baseman this season, though he's played in just 11 big-league games since June 1 because of a knee injury that kept him out until just before the All-Star break. He's on a one-year, $1.4 million deal.
While it's far too early in the life of a five-year contract to make any sort of declaration on Castellanos, the Familia deal sticks out as a definitive miss. His usage is evidence enough. Mychal Givens signed for $1 million less with the Cubs and has had a strong season that could again have him on the move at the trade deadline. Adam Ottavino signed with the Mets for $2 million less than Familia and has well outperformed him. The Phillies have been able to make up for it because of guys like Connor Brogdon, Bellatti, and aside from one bad night in the last six weeks, Jose Alvarado.
|
2022-07-29T21:32:28Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
How Phillies' offseason additions have performed through 100-game mark
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/phillies-offseason-additions-performed-100-185200236.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/phillies-offseason-additions-performed-100-185200236.html?src=rss
|
The charge Paolo Banchero faced from his involvement in a Duke basketball teammate’s drunk driving arrest last November has been dropped.
Orange County prosecutors dismissed the aiding and abetting impaired driving charge against Banchero, the No. 1 pick in last month’s NBA draft, after Michael Savarino pleaded guilty on Wednesday to DWI.
The move is standard procedure once Savarino cooperated with the case. Retired Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski’s grandson, Savarino pleaded guilty to DWI as part of a plea agreement that saw charges of driving after consuming alcohol while under 21 and not stopping at a stop sign dismissed.
Orange County assistant district attorney Maren Hardin, in an email to The News & Observer, said in these cases it is “not unusual for a person charged with aiding and abetting DWI to have his or her charge dismissed upon the disposition of the principal’s DWI.”
The 6-10 Banchero led Duke in scoring (17.8 points) and rebounding (7.8) as a freshman last season when the Blue Devils went 32-7, won the ACC regular-season championship and made the school’s first Final Four since 2015. The Orlando Magic selected him with the top pick in the NBA draft.
Savarino, a former walk-on, graduated from Duke this year and is completing his basketball career at New York University while in graduate school.
The charge Banchero faced stemmed from an Nov. 14, 2021 incident where Savarino, who was 20 years old at the time, was pulled over by N.C. Highway Patrol in rural Orange County for rolling through a stop sign at 1:10 a.m. Savarino was driving a 2017 Jeep SUV, registered to Banchero, at the intersection of Bushy Cook Road and West Ten Road near Efland.
The officer reported observing signs of impairment, namely a “strong odor of alcohol” and “red glassy eyes.” Savarino admitted to having consumed alcohol and was administered a field sobriety test. The officer gave him a “poor” report on that test.
Savarino was taken into custody and took a breathalyzer test, completed at 2:38 a.m. It showed a blood alcohol content of .08. When driving a motor vehicle, the limit is .08 in North Carolina.
Banchero, police said, was riding in the back seat and was charged with aiding and abetting impaired driving since the vehicle was registered to him.
|
2022-07-29T22:07:26Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
NC dismisses aiding and abetting DWI charge against former Duke star Paolo Banchero
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/nc-dismisses-aiding-abetting-dwi-130703282.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/nc-dismisses-aiding-abetting-dwi-130703282.html?src=rss
|
New England Patriots center David Andrews was back at practice on Friday, according to reporters on the scene.
Andrews is working his way back from shoulder surgery he had in January. He suffered the injury in Week 13 of last season. He remains an important piece of the line, and that was evident last season. He played in 98.6% of offense of snaps for the Patriots, and offered stability for the positional group.
Andrews will be relied upon heavily again this season. New England restructured its line, trading away Shaq Mason to Tampa Bay in March and drafting Cole Strange in April.
David Andrews is participating in practice today. Brian Hoyer is a new absence. Deatrich Wise is absent for a second straight day.
New England has many new faces on the roster heading into the 2022 season. His return is a welcome development for a Patriots offense that has several newcomers on that side of the ball.
|
2022-07-29T22:38:18Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
David Andrews returns to Patriots practice on Friday
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/david-andrews-returns-patriots-practice-205200557.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/david-andrews-returns-patriots-practice-205200557.html?src=rss
|
The Browns claimed defensive back Jovante Moffatt off waivers Friday. The Jets waived Moffatt this week. He returns to the Browns after spending the past two seasons in Cleveland. Moffatt entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Middle Tennessee in May 2020, signing with the Browns. Moffatt appeared in 14 games the [more]
|
2022-07-29T22:38:55Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Jonnu Smith showing signs of being able to live up to his contract
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/jonnu-smith-showing-signs-being-211900677.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/jonnu-smith-showing-signs-being-211900677.html?src=rss
|
Following the move to send LB Kyler Fackrell to injured reserve, the team went about filling the open roster spot by signing free agent RB Austin Walter.
Walter enters his fourth NFL season. Most recently he was a member of the Jets, where he spent the entirety of the 2021 season, rushing for 101 yards and one touchdown on 26 carries and adding two catches for nine yards.
Walter entered the league in 2019 as an undrafted free agent out of Rice University. He signed on with the Giants, appearing in one game that season.
In 2020, he joined the 49ers practice squad, where he was elevated three times to the game day roster.
He spent last season on the practice squad for the Jets and was called up four times and averaged nearly four yards per carry.
Walter adds camp depth with rookie Zamir White currently out with injury. White’s injury isn’t considered serious and he isn’t expected to miss much time.
Bills training camp day five: Reid Ferguson speaks at press conference
Buffalo Bills long snapper Reid Ferguson speaks at a press conference after day five of Bills training camp.
|
2022-07-29T22:39:21Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Raiders add free-agent RB Austin Walter
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/raiders-add-free-agent-rb-210744539.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/raiders-add-free-agent-rb-210744539.html?src=rss
|
Editor's Note: Use promo code DRAFTGUIDE to get the 2022 Football Draft Guide powered by Rotoworld for just $5 for the first month. Click here to learn more!
Training Camp is underway
NFL football is officially back! With every team practicing in full swing, there are plenty of storylines. In just a few days we saw (and roasted) Kyler Murray for having a “study” clause in his contract only to see the Cardinals remove it after social media backlash. Many players around the league are making plays and getting fans hyped on social media. There are some, like Evan Engram, who find themselves on the opposite side of that energy. Training camp is the best time for all fans to have postseason aspirations. The season then comes along and we are all brought to reality. Whatever the case, as we get into August, the excitement is sure to ramp up as we get closer to the season.
Quintorris never dies
The all-time great wide receiver Julio Jones has signed a one-year, $6 million deal to play with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He'll join an all-star cast that includes Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Leonard Fournette and some dude who recruited him named Tom Brady. Jones comes in after having an uneventful year for the Titans which saw him hindered by hamstring issues (again). He dealt with the same issues in 2020, his last season as a Falcon. Despite that, his skills are still respected amongst his peers at age 33. Jones has all of the Hall of Fame numbers individually, so it's clear what his motive is here. He simply wants to win a Super Bowl. In 2021, he showed flashes of his greatness (Week 2: six receptions and 128 yards), but ultimately his hamstrings had other ideas. In his final game as a Titan, Jones recorded six receptions for 62 yards in a Wildcard loss against the eventual AFC champion Bengals.
How will he fit in on the Bucs offense? He's going to fit, I can tell you that. But what about Russell Gage and his contract? For starters, Gage has $20 million guaranteed over three seasons. That is nowhere near top-dollar at wide receiver. If he stays the length of the contract, he'll average $10 million per season. Brady will “only” make $15 million in 2022 as well. This is why the Bucs can bring in guys like Gage and bring back Fournette. Do not think for a second that Jones won't be on the field for three-wide receiver sets if he's healthy. Jones will be able to play in the slot and/or outside depending on Godwin's availability. Remember, the Bucs are attempting to replace Antonio Brown's and Rob Gronkowski's production. There will be A LOT of mouths to feed, but with Brady averaging 42 passing attempts a game in 2021, there will be plenty on the plate.
From a fantasy perspective, it'll be a confusing situation with all of the pass catchers. The Bucs' have four receivers who can go out and get 100 yards in a game on any given day. If all are healthy, Godwin and Evans should be drafted in the WR2 range. Jones today is in the WR4 tier with Gage slightly behind.
Joey B right back
Reading a sports article or blurb and seeing the words “Joe Burrow will have surgery…” sends an immediate scare. Luckily, it is nothing severe as Burrow will have his appendix removed. He's set to miss an undisclosed amount of practice time, but it won't be long-term. He and the Bengals are correcting the problem so it does not affect him down the line.
Burrow and the Bengals are looking to build upon a season that saw them get to the Super Bowl for the first time since 1989. Burrow flourished in 2021, passing for 4,611 yards, 34 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions with a 70.4% rate. After finishing as QB8 in fantasy, Burrow looks to continue to develop with his young stud receivers Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase. Both receivers have the means and ability to be top-10 fantasy receivers in 2022 with Burrow. So while he's currently down, “Joe Sheisty” is definitely not out and will be back soon to make another run.
One leaving, one staying
Seahawks running back Chris Carson has decided to retire from football due to a neck injury at age 27. Carson, a former seventh-round pick in 2017, gave the Seahawks great value and effort. He burst onto the scene in 2018 after the team had recently drafted Rashaad Penny in the first round. In his second season, he finished as RB15 in fantasy and followed that up the next year by improving to RB12 in 2019. Known as one of the tougher runners in the league, Carson dealt with his share of injuries. His next two seasons would see him miss significant time due to his hip, neck and other ailments. He finishes his career with 3,502 rushing yards, 24 touchdowns and another 804 yards and seven scores on 107 receptions. A respected player by his coaches, peers and fans, he will be missed.
In other Seahawks news, wide receiver D.K Metcalf and the team have agreed to a three-year $72 million extension. The deal includes $58 million guaranteed and a $30 million signing bonus. Both sides had long wanted to get a deal done and they finally wrapped it up. After breaking out in 2020, going 83/1303/10 and finishing as the WR7, Metcalf took a step back in 2021. The lack of yardage (967 yards) dropped him down to WR14. While he was still able to get in the endzone 12 times, the quarterback situation in 2022 has things looking blurry.
In his first three seasons, he mostly enjoyed Russell Wilson at quarterback. Coming into this season, Drew Lock and Geno Smith are battling it out for the starting job. Neither brings excitement, but the Seahawks wanted to keep their top receiver around to help whatever signal-caller they go with. In the four games (starting three) that Smith started last season, Metcalf averaged 5.7 targets, 4.7 catches and 73 yards per game while scoring a total of five touchdowns. Those numbers aren't great, but doable. Lock is more of a runner and that will limit any upside. Smith would be the better fantasy option for Metcalf.
|
2022-07-29T22:39:58Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Weekly Wrap Up: Julio Jones joins Tom Brady
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/weekly-wrap-julio-jones-joins-213628198.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/weekly-wrap-julio-jones-joins-213628198.html?src=rss
|
Auburn may be in a quarterback competition at the moment, but that won’t stop the annual college football preseason rankings craze.
A new list by Athlon Sports ranked the top 14 quarterbacks in the SEC — one for each team — and decided to go with Auburn’s Zach Calzada, who did have a starting job in the SEC last year at Texas A&M. The list ranked Calzada at No. 12, only beating out Missouri’s Brady Cook and Vanderbilt’s Mike Wright. Here’s a little bit of what the list said when it came to Calzada in comparison to his competition in camp:
With Calzada, a Texas A&M transfer, sidelined due to injury, the spring didn’t provide much insight into Auburn’s wide-open quarterback battle… Capped by a 285-yard and three-touchdown performance in an upset over Alabama, Calzada threw for 2,185 yards and 17 scores over the full year and connected on 56.1 percent of his passes. Ashford impressed in the spring game, but Calzada is likely the best option for Harsin.
Calzada is the most likely candidate to win out the quarterback competition, but his back stretch at A&M last year is certainly enough to place some doubt in the minds of Auburn fans. Nonetheless, a change is necessary after the departure of Bo Nix to Oregon, and Calzada’s win over Alabama presents a potential that is desirable for any team in need of a signal caller.
Coach Bryan Harsin has yet to pick a winner of the quarterback competition yet, but whoever does get the job will debut against the Mercer Bears for Auburn’s first game on Sept. 3.
Spring Preview: A look at the Auburn quarterback battle
Former Auburn basketball player takes new executive role at new school
He recently served as a graduate assistant for Auburn for the last two years.
Auburn basketball adds Georgia State to nonconference schedule
Auburn last played Georgia State in 2016, beating them 83-65.
A 16-year-old Duxbury teen has accomplished the remarkable goal of becoming the youngest person to sail solo across the Atlantic from west to east.
The Dodgers turned loose on the Nationals in the 1st inning by scoring six runs with two outs en route to a 7-1 victory
|
2022-07-29T23:03:13Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
New list ranks potential Auburn quarterback near bottom of SEC
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/list-ranks-potential-auburn-quarterback-212141204.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/list-ranks-potential-auburn-quarterback-212141204.html?src=rss
|
In a new book titled, “The Leadership Secrets of Nick Saban,” by Senior sports editor and SEC Insider of AL.com, John Talty, Nick Saban is revealed to have almost left the Crimson Tide for an analyst role with ESPN.
The Crimson Tide head coach was in talks with ESPN after the 2013 season when Alabama was eliminated from national title contention by the Auburn Tigers and the infamous ‘Kick Six.’ Saban reached out to Nick Khan, who at the time represented Kirk Herbstreit, Colin Cowherd and many other famous media personalities, to discuss the dynamics of ESPN’s organization and what working on a team would look like.
Ultimately, Saban elected to stay in Tuscaloosa, and Khan said, “Not because we didn’t have a good conversation and not because he wasn’t intrigued by television because he was intrigued and he was interested… Coach is really appreciative of the meeting, found it to be very informative, and has a lot of respect for GameDay and ESPN, but at this point in his career, he still has a desire to coach.”
Staying at the collegiate level has ultimately been the right move as Saban has won multiple national titles since then, but the question to join the media will always be persistent.
When asked what Saban’s future might hold, and if he might coach in the NFL again Herbstreit said, “Nick Saban will be on the set with us before he’s a coach in the NFL. I really believe that after he’s done at Alabama, whenever that time is, whether it’s a year, five years, whatever it is, I really believe there’s an itch there about becoming an analyst.”
Jordan Battle named to Jim Thorpe Award Watch List
Tommy Pickles would've turned 32 this year if he wasn't, you know, a cartoon.View Entire Post ›
|
2022-07-29T23:03:19Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Nick Saban almost left Alabama for ESPN
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/nick-saban-almost-left-alabama-192106345.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/nick-saban-almost-left-alabama-192106345.html?src=rss
|
He may have only spent one season in Arkansas, but, wow, what a season it was.
Michael Turner, who transferred to Arkansas from Kent State ahead of the 2022 season, has officially signed a rookie deal with the Chicago White Sox, ending his career as a Razorback after one season.
According to Jim Callis of MLB Pipeline, the White Sox have signed Turner to a money-saving deal worth $35,000.
Turner was taken in the 9th round by the Chicago White Sox in the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, becoming the second Razorback to the selected by the White Sox, joining RHP Peyton Pallette.
He became the seventh player from Arkansas selected out of nine overall. Those drafted before Turner have all signed with their respective organizations at the time of this post, with the exception of Cayden Wallace, who was drafted by the Kansas City Royals at No. 49 overall.
Turner enjoyed his best season in a college uniform at Arkansas in 2022 in a myriad of ways. He set career bests in RBI (53), walks (27), doubles (17), hits (83), at-bats (257), home runs (9), and total bases (129).
Money-savers in @MLBDraft for @WhiteSox:
8th rd: @CMUBaseball 2B Mario Camilleti, $20k
scrappy OBP guy w/speed
9th rd: @RazorbackBSB C Michael Turner, $35k
good receiver w/some pop
10th rd: @OleMissBB 1B Tim Elko, $35k
CWS champ, power & legendary grit
Recap: Nine Razorbacks selected in 2022 MLB Draft
The Zottman Curl Blows Up Your Biceps and Forearms
The Zottman curl is a dumbbell exercise that targets the biceps and forearms to build strength and size. Here's how to do the Zottman curl right.
Arkansas' offense is loaded, but there is still one area that needs to be addressed says 247Sports.
|
2022-07-29T23:03:32Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Chicago White Sox agree to terms with Michael Turner
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/chicago-white-sox-agree-terms-174521254.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/chicago-white-sox-agree-terms-174521254.html?src=rss
|
Photo courtesy of the Charlotte Hornets
LaMelo Ball finally has something he’s coveted from the moment the Charlotte Hornets plucked him off the draft board.
The No. 1 is all his.
Ball officially unveiled his new number in a social media post on Friday, showing he’s truly swapped the No. 2 he’s worn in his initial two seasons in the NBA for the one he’s worn most of his life. Ball couldn’t pry the No. 1 from Malik Monk when he arrived in town as third overall selection in the 2020 draft.
When Monk, who’s now with Sacramento, signed with the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent last August it opened up the possibility for Ball’s number change. However, the league-mandated deadline to apply for a number swap had passed by the time of Monk’s departure, forcing Ball to wear No. 2 once more during his All-Star second season.
A post shared by LaMelo Ball (@melo)
He wasn’t thrilled about it at all and was already looking forward in April to donning the new garb and getting rid of his old gear.
“I ain’t supposed to wear ‘2’ ever again in my life,” Ball said the day after the Hornets’ season-ending loss to Atlanta in the play-in tournament. “I promise you if I see a ‘2’ I don’t know what I’m going to do for real. I ain’t going to lie to you.
“I’ve just never been ‘2.’ It’s weird out there for real. It just don’t feel like you are playing. I don’t know who this is. I don’t know who ‘No. 2’ is. I know my brother (Lonzo). I don’t know no other No. 2s.”
As of Friday. Ball can scratch his name off that list.
"I'm trying to inherit the ghost of Michael shooting his fadeaway with the clock running down."
Michael Scotto: Source: The Sacramento Kings have signed veteran guard Matthew Dellavedova to a one-year, partially guaranteed deal, @HoopsHype has learned. Dellavedova has spent eight seasons in the NBA and won a 2016 championship with the ...
|
2022-07-29T23:34:23Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
LaMelo Ball’s number change is official. Why it means so much to the Hornets’ point guard
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/lamelo-ball-number-change-official-202646235.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/lamelo-ball-number-change-official-202646235.html?src=rss
|
When Mike Sando of The Athletic released his annual NFL Quarterback Tiers article, in which he spoke with 50 NFL coaches and executives to get a sense of how those in the know see the men who play the game’s most important position, it was clear that Black quarterbacks still face an evaluation gauntlet that white quarterbacks generally do not. We’re used to the old-school opinions in which Black quarterbacks were seen as more athletic, and white quarterbacks were seen as more cerebral. If you think we’re past that at this point, we’ll start with one evaluator’s opinion of Patrick Mahomes.
“We love Mahomes because of his unorthodox throws, not because of his natural pocket presence,” one anonymous source told Sando. “And when that disappears, that is when they lose games. I don’t think that is a 1. I think that is a 2. Nothing against the guy. I love the kid. But take his first read away and what does he do? He runs, he scrambles and he plays streetball.”
For Josh Allen, a quarterback who shares a lot of the “streetball” characteristics of Mahomes and Jackson, there appears to be the automatic assurance that he’ll figure it out.
“Josh Allen is a better version of Lamar, and I love him as a football player,” a defensive coordinator said. “I still think he is erratic as a thrower and so he doesn’t scare me the same way Rodgers does. But he’s ascending.”
“Some guys you’ve got to just give credit for being big, talented guys that can overcome a lot of stuff,” one evaluator said. “He may not be perfect, but he’s so big and so talented that he carries the team. He is a freak. He is not going to expertly handle pure-pass situations, but he doesn’t have to a lot of times. He may have five guys hanging on him and complete it anyway.”
Somehow, we don’t think that evaluator would be as effusive about Cam Newton’s athletic potential when Cam was the 2015 Offensive Player of the Year and the NFL’s Most Valuable Player. Allen and Newton share a similar overall playing profile.
Mahomes? He seems to be stuck in whatever these people think he’s stuck in now.
“It’s like they play NBA iso-ball and just try to get enough space for a matchup on [Travis] Kelce or a matchup on Tyreek [Hill],” another defensive play caller said. “If Mahomes has a ‘flaw,’ I do not think he is the greatest at diagnosing, but he is so extremely talented with his arm, his release and the way that they run their offense, it is just pick your best matchup and go work that. If you’re a matchup-oriented team and you lose one of your top matchup guys like that, it is going to affect how you play. Maybe he has to adapt a little bit, but I think he has all the makeup to do it.”
Mahomes is not the greatest at diagnosing? We’ll come back to that in a minute. Let’s visit the evaluation of Justin Herbert, another AFC West quarterback who made it to Tier 1.
“Man, I was so impressed with him live,” an offensive coach said. “He has a chance to do something special. He’s the best pure thrower of the three young guys [Herbert, Allen, Burrow]. I didn’t realize he was that athletic. One of our studs was chasing him down and he got around him and was laughing at him the whole time. The competitive spirit, the athletic ability, I saw a fricking stud in our game.”
“I didn’t realize he was that athletic” is a bit of a dead giveaway, but again, we’re praising Herbert’s competitive spirit and athletic ability, assuming that everything else required to be a truly great quarterback will fall into place.
Clearly, the opinions of Lamar Jackson’s game caused the most heat. Jackson didn’t make Tier 1. He did regress as a pure thrower of the football in 2021, and there are all kinds of reasons for that. Some were Jackson’s fault. Some were not. But this quote from one defensive coordinator makes it pretty clear that there are people in the league who have their minds made up about Jackson, and there’s nothing he can do to change it.
“If he has to pass to win the game, they ain’t winning the game. He’s so unique as an athlete and he’s really a good football player, but I don’t [care] if he wins the league MVP 12 times, I don’t think he’ll ever be a 1 as a quarterback. He’ll be a 1 as a football player, but not as a quarterback. So many games come down to two-minute, and that is why they have a hard time advancing even when they are good on defense. Playoffs are tight. You have to be able to throw the ball, and he is just so inconsistent throwing the ball. It is hit or miss.”
Well, Jackson did throw four interceptions in two-minute situations last season — with two minutes or fewer left in either half of regulation. Tom Brady threw six interceptions in those situations in 2021, leading the league, and you don’t hear anything about that. But when you have a guy insisting that Jackson could win 12 MFL MVP awards, and it doesn’t matter because he’ll never be one of the game’s best at his position… that sounds like a rigged jury.
Mahomes addressed this after the Chiefs’ Friday training camp practice.
Mahomes’ head coach had something to say about it, as well.
#Chiefs HC Andy Reid with a S/O to @PFF and snark toward anonymous NFL defensive coach featured in @TheAthletic's QB tier article:
"You guys take a look at Pro Football Focus and all of that, just take a peek at that and see how many times (Mahomes) hits the second receiver."
Does Mahomes engage in improvisational tactics on the field? Absolutely. Does this mean that he can’t understand a complicated play, or read a complicated defense? Absolutely not. When I watched tape with Mahomes before he was selected by the Chiefs in 2017, I asked him for the most complicated play call he had at Texas Tech.
Probably ‘Green Rug Rock Pop 2 East Bill Log 95 Z Post B Will.” Pop is play action, and the formation is Green Rug Rock—that’s the backs behind me. Rug means that the B back [second running back] is on the line of scrimmage. We have our ‘Y’ receiver in the game, and our ‘Z’ receiver, and the H-back is out [away from the formation]. ‘Pop 2 East Bill Log’ means that we’re going to fake our outside zone to the right, with the B-back blocking in front. We’re going to fake that. ‘Log’ means the backside tackle is going to lock on the [backside defensive] end, and ’95’ is our concept of the play. We tag a Z Post [the ‘Z’ receiver running a post route], and for the B-back, we tag a ‘Will.’ [the second running back blocking the weak-side linebacker].
That didn’t matter then to those who were fixated on the idea of Mahomes as a one-trick Air-Raid quarterback, and it probably wouldn’t matter now to those who have it in their heads that if Mahomes can’t play “streetball,” he’s sunk. If Herbert or Allen had given such an answer before they were drafted, it undoubtedly would have been seen as absolute proof of their intellectual dominance. With Mahomes, and others like him, it’s passed off in favor of preconception.
It’s a shameful reality, and it may never go away entirely. There are too many people holding positions of power in the NFL who refuse to believe that Black quarterbacks can master the game mentally in the same ways their white peers can. No matter the empirical evidence. That is the dictionary definition of racism, and that so many are so open about it is a stain on the league.
It is now, and it has always been.
|
2022-07-30T00:17:52Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Black quarterbacks are still unseen for their intellectual potential
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/black-quarterbacks-still-unseen-intellectual-234959345.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/black-quarterbacks-still-unseen-intellectual-234959345.html?src=rss
|
Nick Bosa: 49ers' Javon Kinlaw 'looks awesome,' excited to play alongside him
Bosa says Kinlaw 'looks awesome,' can't wait to play with him originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
SANTA CLARA — Nearly nine months removed from ACL reconstruction surgery on his right knee, 49ers defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw is scheduled to take part in team drills on Saturday.
Kinlaw, whom the 49ers selected with the No. 14 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, has rarely been without pain since coming to the NFL. He played 14 games as a rookie before undergoing season-ending surgery after appearing in four games last season.
Kinlaw has been working out daily at the 49ers’ team complex, and defensive end Nick Bosa notices a huge difference in a player he figures to be lining up alongside for nearly half of the team’s defensive snaps.
“He looks awesome,” Bosa said on Friday. “I think since he came in, he was laboring a little bit on that knee. It was a matter of time before he had to get it fixed. And I’m glad he’s feeling the best he’s felt. He’s got a good diet going. He’s got a good routine. I’m excited for him to take some reps.
“I think the sky’s the limit for him.”
Bosa said he plans to switch sides during every practice period in training camp to prepare for the regular season, when he might move from side to side to best take advantage of matchups.
RELATED: Armstead expected to be out 'a few weeks' with knee sprain
Defensive tackle Arik Armstead prefers the left side. Bosa figures to be working alongside Kinlaw when he lines up to rush right-handed quarterbacks from the blindside.
Armstead is expected to miss most of training camp with a knee sprain. But he does not require surgery and should be ready in advance of the start of the regular season.
|
2022-07-30T00:18:25Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Nick Bosa: 49ers' Javon Kinlaw 'looks awesome,' excited to play alongside him
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/nick-bosa-49ers-javon-kinlaw-221045984.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/nick-bosa-49ers-javon-kinlaw-221045984.html?src=rss
|
Rams sign RB Trey Ragas, waive RB Xavier Jones with injury designation
After practice on Friday, the Los Angeles Rams made a couple of roster moves, both at running back. The team announced Xavier Jones has been waived with an injury designation, and his spot has been filled by Trey Ragas.
Ragas signed with the Raiders as an undrafted rookie in 2021. He bounced between the practice squad and active roster last season and after signing a futures contract this offseason, he was waived in May.
Jones has been with the Rams since 2020, also going undrafted. He played in 13 games as a rookie but he missed the entire 2021 season due to injury.
|
2022-07-30T00:18:50Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Rams sign RB Trey Ragas, waive RB Xavier Jones with injury designation
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/rams-sign-rb-trey-ragas-232809614.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/rams-sign-rb-trey-ragas-232809614.html?src=rss
|
Two 49ers rank among NFL's top 20 total player merchandise sold
Two 49ers stars rank among top 20 in NFL merchandise sold originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
With the 2022 NFL season right around the corner, fans are getting their hands on merchandise for two of their favorite 49ers players.
On Friday, the NFL Players Association released its ranking of the Top 50 Player Sales List, where two 49ers stars found their way inside the Top 20.
Both tight end George Kittle (13) and second-year quarterback Trey Lance (19) are two players that fans are eager to support.
Kittle has been one of the more popular players in the league for years, but Lance, in his first season as the starter, is slinging merch as well as some of the game's biggest superstars.
After being announced as the starting quarterback this week, fans clearly are excited about the Trey Lance era.
The 22-year-old Lance also is the youngest player on that Top-20 list and has a chance to stay there for years to come, if he develops into a franchise quarterback for the 49ers.
|
2022-07-30T00:19:15Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Two 49ers rank among NFL's top 20 total player merchandise sold
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/two-49ers-rank-among-nfls-223323679.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/two-49ers-rank-among-nfls-223323679.html?src=rss
|
Why Nick Bosa switching sides of defensive line will benefit him in 2022
Bosa lays out plan to help with preparation for 2022 season originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
SANTA CLARA — Nick Bosa has a plan.
The 49ers' star pass rusher spoke to local reporters Friday about how his training camp will be a little different in his fourth NFL season. In previous seasons, because Dee Ford rushed primarily from the left side, Bosa was responsible for the pass rush from the right.
Without Ford on the field after he was released Wednesday, Bosa, who is methodical about everything he does, plans to be seen on both sides of the defensive line. With a little more seniority after three seasons with the 49ers, Bosa already has gotten approval from defensive line coach Kris Kocurek for his plan.
“I’m making it a thing that I’m going to switch sides each period,” Bosa said on Friday. “Sometimes I get fixated on one side and then I go to the other side and I feel awkward so I’m making a thing that I’m switching each period no matter what, getting equal work.”
Pads go on Monday and everyone is excited to see Bosa go up against the best in left tackle Trent Williams in drills, but Kyle Shanahan spoke about how other lineman can also elevate the pass rusher’s skills. Bosa practicing on the right side will set him up facing Mike McGlinchey.
“Not always going against Trent, there's certain moves that Nick wants to try,” Shanahan said. “But he's very smart. There's some things he won't try versus Trent that he might try versus [Colton] McKivitz or he might try versus McGlinchey and it, it switches back and forth. So it's good for him to change it up.”
Bosa went into further detail why it can be more advantageous to face the other members of the offensive line in practice.
“Going against Trent is obviously super helpful but there are a lot of things that I won’t be able to use against him because he takes those things away. So going against some of the back-ups who are also really good players allows me to bring out all my tools and hone everything in before the year.”
RELATED: Bosa excited to play alongside Kinlaw during 2022 season
Bosa sat out practice on Friday as a “maintenance/vet day” but there is nothing to worry about health-wise. The two-time Pro Bowl edge rusher is ready to go full speed when it is time, even joking that it’s not much different for him with or without pads, because they are still “hitting out there.”
The planning that went into Bosa’s offseason will carry over as he gets ready for the 2022 NFL season, ready to build on the 19.5 sacks that he accumulated last season. There’s also no reason to worry about a contract extension as Shanahan and general manager John Lynch have promised to keep Bosa in the building as long as they have a say in the matter.
|
2022-07-30T00:19:28Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Why Nick Bosa switching sides of defensive line will benefit him in 2022
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/why-nick-bosa-switching-sides-221206275.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/why-nick-bosa-switching-sides-221206275.html?src=rss
|
Alabama received a welcomed surprise from the recruiting trail on Friday. Five-star running back Richard Young from the 2023 class announced that he is committing to Alabama via his Twitter page. He chose the Crimson Tide over Oregon and Georgia.
Alabama was seen as the favorite to land Young throughout most of his recruitment. However, On3’s Sam Spiegelman put in a prediction in favor of Oregon on Friday. That led many to believe that the Florida native was bound for Eugene. Fortunately for Alabama fans, that wasn’t the case.
Young is ranked as the No. 37 overall recruit on 247Sports’ recruiting rankings. He is listed at 5-foot-11, 200 pounds. He currently attends Lehigh Senior High School in Lehigh Acres, Florida. Last season, he had 196 carries for 1,755 rushing yards and 19 rushing touchdowns.
He is the second running back commitment for the Tide’s 2023 recruiting class. The other is four-star running back Justice Haynes. The two will likely form a respectable one-two punch in Tuscaloosa for many seasons to come. Regardless of who else joins the class, the coaching staff has done an excellent job up to this point.
Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Alabama football recruiting news.
|
2022-07-30T00:34:11Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Alabama lands commitment from 2023 five-star RB Richard Young
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/alabama-lands-commitment-2023-five-230229569.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/alabama-lands-commitment-2023-five-230229569.html?src=rss
|
LOS ANGELES (AP) Coaching changes in the Pac-12 are a given, but it is rare when it happens to three of the most recognizable programs in the conference.
''It's interesting and unique. That's what makes it fun,'' Washington offensive lineman Jaxson Kirkland said during the conference's media day on Friday. ''Now we have a whole bunch of different teams and schemes coming around. It will be cool to see everyone getting after each other.''
''If there's no pressure, then you probably don't have the same opportunities others do. You've got to see the opportunity. If you do it well, anything is possible,'' Riley said. ''This is one of those programs and one of those cities. If you do it well, the sky's the limit.
''You don't come to USC or Los Angeles to do things small.''
''I think he might wear some flip-flops more often, but other than that, he hasn't really changed much. He stays him, and that's what you love about coach,'' Williams said.
''Certainly, a lot of pieces go into being a head coach. You wear a lot of hats,'' he said. ''It's fun piecing together the talent. It's also about bringing in coaches that are about relationships and development.''
''Certainly excited about going back and seeing some familiar faces going there, getting to compete against a mentor and a friend in Kirby Smart,'' Lanning said. ''I know our players are certainly excited to be on a national stage early and get to play an elite opponent in Georgia. That being said, we're really focused on right now.''
''You got some guys that have had multiple position coaches. If there's anything that's been hard, it's just really understanding that these guys have been through a lot,'' DeBoer said. ''Simplifying it down, just trying to focus on winning that day is what we are trying to do, worry about the things we can control and make a name for the 2022 team.''
|
2022-07-30T00:34:30Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Riley, Cristobal, Lanning new Pac-12 coaches in spotlight
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/riley-cristobal-lanning-pac-12-234522334.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/riley-cristobal-lanning-pac-12-234522334.html?src=rss
|
Trevor Etienne looking to forge his own path at Florida
There’s a good chance that when Florida signed four-star running back Trevor Etienne in February that most of the country was checking to see if he was related to former Clemson star and now Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne.
A quick Google search reveals that the Etiennes indeed share a bloodline, and the immediate follow-up is something along the lines of “is he going to be as good or better than his brother?” That’s not a new question for the younger of the siblings, according to a recent piece from The Athletic. Trevor grew up in Travis’ shadow, and the latter believes it’s benefitted him enough to give him a leg up on most other players at his level.
“It accelerated his process,” said Travis, “because he knew what having success looked like. He knew what it took, knew what he needed to do. He’s only 18 now, but the way he carries himself is far beyond his years.”
Of course, Trevor is his own person and that’s why he opted not to follow his older brother’s path of heading to Clemson. Donnetta Etienne, the matriarch of the family, provided some insight on the decision to go with Florida over other programs.
Greg Knox, Florida’s last running backs coach, earned Trevor’s silent commitment in October. Dan Mullen, and Knox as well as the rest of the staff, were let go in November, but Etienne didn’t back off the commitment. Playing just 71 miles away from his brother, and giving the recently relocated family a chance to see both suns in action, was too good to pass up.
Billy Napier’s addition of Jabbar Juluke, who recruited Travis at LSU and Trevor at Texas Tech and Louisana, convinced the family further that Florida was the right landing spot for him.
Trevor got to Gainesville in May and has since become a leader among the freshmen on the team. He actively recruits players to join the program and has a shot to break into a rotation of relatively inexperienced running backs.
Will Etienne end up breaking school records as his brother did at Clemon? That remains to be seen, but he’s got enough potential to be something special at Florida. His brother’s success showed him what it takes to be a campus legend, and now he’s using all of that knowledge to start his college career off on the right foot.
|
2022-07-30T00:34:37Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Trevor Etienne looking to forge his own path at Florida
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/trevor-etienne-looking-forge-own-232447766.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/trevor-etienne-looking-forge-own-232447766.html?src=rss
|
DeRozan's NSFW response to Dray's attempted Warriors recruitment originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
One of the targets Golden State had was Chicago Bulls' DeMar DeRozan. The Warriors believed DeRozan might accept the $5.9 taxpayer midlevel exception; however, that didn't occur, and the 32-year-old signed a three-year, $85 million contract and headed to the Windy City.
Nonetheless, during DeRozan's appearance on Thursday's edition of "The Draymond Green Show," more details about the Warriors' interest in the veteran wingman surfaced, with Green even making a pitch to recruit him to the Bay Area.
"The conversation turned to 'Come to the Warriors', and you were like, 'F—, no. I'm not coming there. I'm not coming to play with y'all,'" Green said.
RELATED: How Warriors' 2022-23 roster compares to last season's NBA champions
Furthermore, Green told DeRozan during his free agency, "if you come to the Warriors, we can win a championship."
Still, that wasn't enough to entice the veteran to head to Golden State. Of course, Green did add one more remark saying, "He didn't come, and we still won a championship. I had to throw that one out there."
Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan opens up on his mental health struggles on The Draymond Green Show.
“U.S. imperialists are pushing the South Korean authorities into a suicidal confrontation,” said Kim on Wednesday. “The South Korean regime and its military thugs are devising tactics to confront us militarily … Such a dangerous attempt will be immediately punished by our powerful force, and the Yoon Suk-yeol regime and his army will be eliminated.”
|
2022-07-30T01:23:12Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
DeMar DeRozan's NSFW response to Draymond on joining Warriors last offseason
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/demar-derozans-nsfw-response-draymond-210410732.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/demar-derozans-nsfw-response-draymond-210410732.html?src=rss
|
Former Raiders RB Trey Ragas signs on with Rams
The man who was dubbed Trey “Vegas” in his time with the Raiders last season, will have to find a new nickname for a new city. He was waived by the Raiders back in May and as of today has found a new home with the Los Angeles Rams.
So, maybe Trey LTrey Ragams? Trey Los AnRagas?
Doesn’t really have the same ring to it.
The former undrafted free agent out of Louisiana signed on with the Raiders last offseason and would impress enough to earn a spot on the practice squad for the season. For all the hype he seemed to generate in preseason — much of it in part from his catchy nickname — he was elevated for just one game last season, and touched the ball just three times for a combined 15 yards.
He did make some nifty plays in the preseason though, and made for some interesting fodder. Good to see him get another chance to make an NFL roster in LA.
|
2022-07-30T01:53:44Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Former Raiders RB Trey Ragas signs on with Rams
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/former-raiders-rb-trey-ragas-011434330.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/former-raiders-rb-trey-ragas-011434330.html?src=rss
|
An aerial view of the 2017 Rose Bowl Game between USC and Penn State. A crowd of more than 90,000 fans are expected to attend Saturday's international friendly between Real Madrid and Juventus at the Rose Bowl. (Tournament of Roses / Getty Images)
A crowd of more than 90,000 is expected for Saturday’s international friendly between Real Madrid and Juventus at the Rose Bowl, organizers say, making it the largest crowd for a soccer match in the U.S. since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The previous record since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic was 78,128 for Manchester City- Bayern Munich at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., on July 23. The attendance will also be the largest for a sporting event in Southern California since the onset of the pandemic, topping the 74,447 that showed up for a Rams-49ers game at SoFi Stadium in January.
Starling Marte talks walk-off hit in ninth inning, ability to deliver in clutch situations | Mets Post Game
In this Mets post game news conference, Starling Marte has always been among the league leaders in walk-off hits and he talks about delivering the game-winner against the Yankees in the Mets' 3-2 win on Wednesday night.
|
2022-07-30T02:04:01Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
More than 90,000 fans expected at Rose Bowl for Real Madrid vs. Juventus
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/more-90-000-fans-expected-013635184.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/more-90-000-fans-expected-013635184.html?src=rss
|
J. Brady McCollough, Ryan Kartje
USC President Carol Folt, second left, stands with (from left) USC board of trustees chair Rick Caruso, football coach Lincoln Riley and athletic director Mike Bohn during Riley's introductory news conference on Nov. 29, 2021. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
The Pac-12 could have added top Big 12 schools last summer, positioning itself as one of the top four conferences regardless of the L.A. schools’ long-term intentions. Instead, USC's negative response combined with its escape to the Big Ten a year later, has put the Pac-12 in a precarious spot.
USC President Carol Folt addresses graduates during a commencement ceremony at USC on May 13. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)
At the time, there were clear reasons USC would not want to expand. Within the Pac-12, USC's leaders weren't alone in expressing such reservations. Adding members would mean dividing the Pac-12’s already frustratingly small revenue pot among more hands. And, considering USC had not yet been invited to the College Football Playoff, adding more competition within its own conference would only make it harder to accomplish that elusive goal.
Not even a year into his tenure as Pac-12 Commissioner, Kliavkoff didn't have much time to make his premier program happier. He was certainly in the process of trying. Removing the division tie-in to the league’s championship game would definitely help USC. But now the Trojans were gone, without any warning, as Kliavkoff was given no indication of the Trojans’ wanderlust.
USC coach Lincoln Riley speaks to reporters during Pac-12 media day at L.A. Live on Friday. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
Kliavkoff tried to "take the high road" Friday in his prepared remarks about USC and UCLA, expressing his disappointment but saying "we cherish our relationship with their student-athletes, coaches, staff, faculty, alumni and fans."
But, listening to him lay out his displeasure with college athletics' prioritization of money over athlete welfare, one didn't have to wonder where he was pointing his finger in judgment.
"We should be measuring ... our ability to provide the highest level of athletic competition to our student-athletes without unnecessary travel, time demands and other burdens on competition impeding their academic success," Kliavkoff said.
"We are at a critical juncture and the decisions we make in the near future will determine whether we head towards a world in which a small handful of conferences are playing professional sports at the expense of tens of thousands of academic opportunities."
|
2022-07-30T02:04:13Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
USC President Carol Folt 'shut down' potential Pac-12 expansion plans last year
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/usc-president-carol-folt-shut-012033695.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/usc-president-carol-folt-shut-012033695.html?src=rss
|
Saturday Indianapolis Xfinity race: Start time, TV info, weather “Race For The Championship” premieres Sept. 1 on USA Father time: Dad’s gift grows more special each day for Justin Allgaier
Indianapolis Xfinity starting lineup: AJ Allmendinger wins pole originally appeared on NBCSports.com
The race for the NASCAR Xfinity Series regular season title continues Saturday on the road course at Indianapolis. Here's what you need to know.
Burt Metcalfe, the onetime actor from Canada who served as a producer, director and writer on all 11 seasons of M*A*S*H, collecting 13 Emmy nominations along the way, has died. He was 87. One of the show’s unsung heroes, Metcalfe died Wednesday in Los Angeles of natural causes, his wife of 43 years, actress Jan Jorden […]
For some of the closest, most diverse, and most exciting races in the world, motorsport fans turn to IndyCar. Even as F1 increases in popularity, America’s formula racing series events remain must-watch races on our calendars. If you’re figuring out how to watch IndyCar online without cable, you’re in luck: there are a few easy ways to stream IndyCar online, and even a couple of hacks that let you watch IndyCar live streams for free. Below is everything you need to know about how to watch IndyCa
|
2022-07-30T02:50:03Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Indianapolis Xfinity starting lineup: AJ Allmendinger wins pole
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/indianapolis-xfinity-starting-lineup-aj-205255559.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/indianapolis-xfinity-starting-lineup-aj-205255559.html?src=rss
|
SPEEDWAY, Ind. — The Nos. 11 and 18 teams from Joe Gibbs Racing were back in the NASCAR Cup Series inspection line at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Friday, five days after both cars were disqualified in post-race tech at Pocono Raceway. Instead of starting and finishing 1-2 last Sunday, teammates Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch were knocked to the back of the finishing order, elevating third-place finisher Chase Elliott to victory.
JGR officials opted against appealing the penalty for modifications to the front fascia of both cars earlier this week. Friday, it was back to business for both teams.
“I think we all sort of admitted we made a mistake or an error in the build process,” Ben Beshore, No. 18 crew chief, told NASCAR.com. “So we accept the penalty, and yeah, we’re going to move forward, march on and try to make the best of Indy this weekend.”
Had the victory stood, Hamlin would have been level with Elliott as the series’ only three-time winners. Instead, Elliott stands alone as a four-time victor, and Hamlin became the first driver to have a win revoked since 1960, when Emanuel Zervakis was docked for an illegal fuel tank.
The No. 11 Toyota unloaded Friday in an effort to turn the page, without the looming uncertainty of a Pocono appeal.
“There were things we need to do better, so that’s what we’re focused on,” Chris Gabehart, No. 11 crew chief, told NASCAR.com. “The appeals process is typically a pretty tall mountain to climb. It takes a lot of effort and exercise, and history shows you kind of how that goes. So we’re more focused internally on how we can get better, just like we do each and every week.”
Hamlin tried to make at least some light of the situation on social media the day after the decision, playfully offering up the trophy and champagne for eBay auction fodder. But deep down, Gabehart says, the ruling smarts, and that’s for everyone who makes the No. 11 go.
“It stinks for everybody, not just Denny. Denny is one member of this 11 team — one member. It stinks for everybody, and if it didn’t, I would be disappointed with the amount of intensity with which the 11 team wants to win,” Gabehart said. “So it stinks for everybody, but it’s motivating, too. In my three and a half years with the 11 car, we’ve been through a lot together. We’ve won a lot of races. I don’t know of any team that’s won more in that time frame, but we have lost a lot of races, too. So this is no different. We’ll learn from it, get better and move on.”
Our home is 75 miles from reliable cell phone service. The only way to report car trouble, crashes or intoxicated drivers are by satellite phone.
106th running in 106 seconds: Scenes from the 2022 Indianapolis 500
See scenes from the 106th running of the Indianapolis 500 in 106 seconds. IndyCar driver Marcus Ericsson won the race on Sunday, May 29, 2022, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
|
2022-07-30T02:50:10Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Joe Gibbs Racing Nos. 11 and 18 teams back to business after Pocono DQs: 'It stinks for everybody'
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/joe-gibbs-racing-nos-11-175533430.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/joe-gibbs-racing-nos-11-175533430.html?src=rss
|
SPEEDWAY, Ind. — One day after the fire that cloaked the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports hauler in smoke, the team had a day of relative quiet at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. On a Friday without on-track activity, crew chief Rudy Fugle and the rest of the group assessed the damage, which was thankfully minimal.
The No. 24 team unloaded and began its initial prep for William Byron’s efforts in Sunday’s Verizon 200 at the Brickyard (2:30 p.m. ET, NBC, NBC Sports App, IMS Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) with some adjustments necessary. Parts, spares and tires that ordinarily would have found homes by the No. 24 hauler all took up real estate in the Speedway’s spacious garage area, and some extra cleaning helped to remove the soot smell from the car and the team’s uniforms.
Fugle said he’d received a phone call Thursday evening as the hauler was still ablaze in a staging area adjacent to the track. He said a fortunate stroke for the team was the presence of a wash crew that was actively cleaning road grime from the NASCAR Cup Series haulers. When the fire sparked, they sprang into action and kept the flames at bay until the fire department’s arrival.
“It was a great team effort from NASCAR personnel and track workers, fellow truck drivers, the fire department to be able to get it contained where we have everything we need this weekend,” Fugle told NASCAR.com, adding that fire department officials were investigating the cause of the incident. “We have to get a new hauler, but everybody’s safe and all the equipment was able to be salvaged so that part’s great.”
Fugle said the call he received mid-fire initiated a series of contingency plans, including moving the team’s flight to an earlier time, arranging for a reserve hauler and leaning on Hendrick Motorsports’ other three teams for resources. Once on the ground in Indy, the overall assessment was a blend of thankfulness and relief.
“We’re not gonna really know until we go on track but as of right now we don’t see any kinds of performance damage at all,” Fugle said. “The biggest impact is just not having a trailer, which is our hub in the garage area for now. We probably won’t have one that we can work out of until Sunday, but we have teammates that we can borrow from and NASCAR has helped us out by having an internet hub in here so we can use our garage area toolbox generator and kind of use that as our home base for looking at information, data and things for inspection, and tomorrow to make good decisions.”
Byron arrived at the team’s garage stall shortly after lunchtime, chatting with Fugle and the rest of the crew. He said he was thankful first and foremost that no injuries were reported, and secondly that the impact of the incident to the car and equipment was small.
“I just think our team just takes it in stride, and just moves on and focuses on what we can control this weekend,” Byron told NASCAR.com. “I’m excited for it, and it doesn’t really change much for the weekend. I feel like these guys do a really good job of just adapting. We’re really fortunate to have a lot of good resources at Hendrick, so I think they’re going to bring the test hauler that we ran at Watkins Glen and tested with, so we’ve got a lot of great resources. If we were a single-car team or something, I’d be concerned, but thankful for all the people and support we have at Hendrick to deal with something like this.”
Byron is a two-time winner this season, which locks him into the Cup Series Playoffs field. His victories have come at Atlanta in March and Martinsville in April, but he hasn’t scored a top-five finish since that second tally — an especially dry 13-race stretch.
An early indicator that a turnaround could be nigh: Byron showed speed and won the pole position for the series’ Indianapolis Road Course debut last year. This year, the team has already had another first — an unwanted distinction before the haulers ever parked on the Brickyard’s grounds.
“I worked with some older guys as you’re growing up, and they say if you do this long enough, you’re gonna have something new happen and something crazy happen, and things you never thought would happen to you always happen,” said Fugle, who has been a crew chief in NASCAR national-series competition since 2011. “So definitely mark this off when they go write it down in the book.”
Indianapolis Motor Speedway president Roger Penske will bring the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship Series back to the track in the 2023 season.
|
2022-07-30T02:50:16Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
No. 24 team adapts after hauler fire at Indy: 'Everybody's safe'
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/no-24-team-adapts-hauler-170005723.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/no-24-team-adapts-hauler-170005723.html?src=rss
|
Winning away games isn’t easy in the NFL and that especially could be the case for the Jacksonville Jaguars who’ve ended the last two football seasons with the worst record in football. However, when it comes to the Jags’ Week 1 game against the Washington Commanders, their chances to win became a little better than expected on Friday.
The reason for that is because the Commanders won’t have their top pass-rusher in Chase Young, who is still in the process of recovering from an ACL tear he sustained on Nov. 14 against the Tampa Bay Bucs. Commanders coach Ron Rivera revealed the news Friday on the “Sports Junkies” show on 106.7 The Fan.
Rivera: "Going into the season, he will not play the first game, let me put it that way. He will not be ready for Week 1."
This news comes after Young was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list for training camp, and Rivera said he’d be on the list longer than others who were on there.
The Commanders were 3.5-point favorites to win, and while they still should be favorites, it eventually may not be by much as Young was ranked as the 24th-ranked edge defender by Pro Football Focus last season. That’s a significant deal for a team that ranked 28th against the pass.
Young’s status is also an important thing because the Jags could be starting Walker Little at right tackle, which is a position he hasn’t played in the regular season. He’s set to battle Jawaan Taylor for the position in camp after flashing last season in the three starts he received at left tackle.
|
2022-07-30T03:29:10Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Commanders to be without Chase Young Week 1 vs. Jags
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/commanders-without-chase-young-week-015956339.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/commanders-without-chase-young-week-015956339.html?src=rss
|
American football player, fullback
The Houston Texans worked out four defenders on Friday during the first day of training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center, according to a league source.
The Texans brought in former Pittsburgh Steelers sixth-round pick Antoine Brooks. The former Maryland product played four games with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020, and then eight games with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021 after being let go in Pittsburgh.
The other defensive back the Texans worked out was former Kentucky Wesleyan product Kishawn Walker, who actually went to rookie minicamp with the Texans this offseason.
Houston worked out defensive end Chris Odom, a former 2017 undrafted free agent from Arkansas State via Arlington Martin High School. The 6-4, 256-pound edge defender has spent time with three NFL teams, but most recently was in the USFL playing for the Houston Gamblers, where he racked up 12.5 sacks.
The Texans also worked out defensive tackle Lorenzo Neal, an undrafted free agent from Purdue and Houston’s St. Thomas High School. Neal went to camp with the Denver Broncos last offseason, but was waived after the preseason.
|
2022-07-30T03:29:23Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Houston Gamblers DE Chris Odom among Texans’ 4 workouts
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/houston-gamblers-chris-odom-among-022741911.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/houston-gamblers-chris-odom-among-022741911.html?src=rss
|
Jordan Howard among players Steelers work out originally appeared on Pro Football Talk
Sporting KC falls to the Sacramento Republic in California on Wednesday night, missing out on a berth in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup’s championship game.
Turkey’s foreign minister urged Germany on Friday to be “an honest broker” and not always side with Athens in disputes between Turkey and Greece. Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu made the comments during a tense news conference with his visiting German counterpart, Annalena Baerbock, where the two volleyed grievances back and forth, including over Turkey’s plans for a new military incursion into Syria and its human rights issues.
A stranded humpback whale died in Cape Cod Bay Tuesday.
The NBA will open a tampering investigation against the Philadelphia 76ers due to their quick free agency signings.
|
2022-07-30T03:29:29Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Jordan Howard among players Steelers work out
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/jordan-howard-among-players-steelers-022019728.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/jordan-howard-among-players-steelers-022019728.html?src=rss
|
UCLA coach Chip Kelly answers a question during Pac-12 media day. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
“I've never worried about my contract my entire life,” Kelly said. "I'm blessed just that I get a chance to coach football.”
While preaching about how he was more concerned about process than results, he acknowledged, “We're always outcome-aware, but we don't make predictions.”
|
2022-07-30T03:35:38Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Hernández: Chip Kelly on the hot seat to deliver this season at UCLA
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/hern-ndez-chip-kelly-hot-014221742.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/hern-ndez-chip-kelly-hot-014221742.html?src=rss
|
Judge is knocking down milestone after milestone and has done something that only three other American League hitters have ever accomplished. Babe Ruth struck 41 home runs by the end of July in 1928 with the New York Yankees to set an AL record, which the Philadelphia Athletics' Jimmie Foxx later tied in 1932. That record stood until 1998 when Ken Griffey Jr. hit 41 homers in 1998, his second-to-last seaon with the Seattle Mariners.
Ruth would end his 1928 campaign with 54 home runs and 146 runs batted in. Fox ended the 1932 season connecting on 58 home runs and 169 RBI, while Griffey totaled 56 home run and 146 RBI.
After hitting a walk-off homer the game before, Aaron Judge robs MJ Melendez of a would-be home run in the first at-bat of this game
Anthony Rizzo's solo home run
Anthony Rizzo drills a solo home run to left-center field, giving the Yankees a 1-0 lead in the 1st inning
|
2022-07-30T03:36:09Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Aaron Judge hits 40th, 41st home runs to tie AL record for most in a season before August
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/aaron-judge-smacks-40th-hr-012008973.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/aaron-judge-smacks-40th-hr-012008973.html?src=rss
|
With two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning, with the A's leading 5-3, Anderson took the first pitch of the at-bat, which appeared to be a ball that was high and inside. But home plate umpire Nick Mahrley called it a strike, upsetting Anderson.
Anderson turned towards Mahrley and began to argue. He walked back towards the batter's box but continued to talk. At that point, Mahrley ejected Anderson and that's when things got ugly.
Unless MLB acts quickly, Anderson -- arguably the White Sox's best player -- should be eligible to play against the A's this weekend.
|
2022-07-30T03:36:22Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Tim Anderson argues call, bumps umpire; ejected from Athletics-White Sox game
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/tim-anderson-argues-call-bumps-023622714.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/tim-anderson-argues-call-bumps-023622714.html?src=rss
|
Blue Jays right-hander Alek Manoah left Friday's start against Detroit in the sixth inning after he was hit on the right elbow by Jonathan Schoop's comebacker.
After more than two decades without a playoff appearance, the Seattle Mariners made a clear statement Friday night they intend to see their postseason drought come to an end this year. The Mariners acquired the top starting pitcher on the trade market, getting All-Star Luis Castillo from the payroll-paring Cincinnati Reds for four minor league prospects. Seattle has not been to the playoffs since 2001, the longest postseason drought in the four major North American professional sports.
Bengals linemen a focus at training camp
The Bengals have added some key additions to its offensive line in the offseason, making the position group one of the more interesting to watch as training camp kicks off.
|
2022-07-30T05:07:14Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Cincinnati Reds trade All-Star pitcher Luis Castillo to the Seattle Mariners
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/cincinnati-reds-trade-star-pitcher-030934916.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/cincinnati-reds-trade-star-pitcher-030934916.html?src=rss
|
All-Star right-hander Joe Musgrove and his hometown San Diego Padres are nearing agreement on a $100 million, five-year contract that would start next year, according to two people with knowledge of the deal. The deal was first reported by the New York Post. Musgrove, coming off the first All-Star Game appearance of his seven-year career, is 8-3 with a 2.63 ERA heading into his scheduled home start against the Minnesota Twins on Saturday.
Patrick Sandoval finding success with his evolving, 'harder bite' slider
Yermín Mercedes hit a two-run single while Alex Wood fanned three over 6 2/3 scoreless innings to lead the Giants to a 4-2 win over the Cubs
|
2022-07-30T05:07:21Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Cubs' David Ross apologizes for 'double birds' to pal Joc Pederson
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/cubs-david-ross-apologizes-double-021059386.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/cubs-david-ross-apologizes-double-021059386.html?src=rss
|
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited a Black Sea port Friday to watch crews prepare to export grain trapped by Russia’s five-month-old war, a week after a deal was struck to allow critical food supplies to flow to millions of impoverished people facing hunger worldwide. “The first vessel, the first ship is being loaded since the beginning of the war,” Zelenskyy, in his signature olive drab T-shirt, told reporters as he stood next to a Turkish-flagged ship at the Chernomorsk port in the Odesa region. Ukraine is a key global exporter of wheat, barley, corn and sunflower oil, and their loss has raised global food prices, threatened political instability and helped push more people into poverty and hunger in already vulnerable countries.
|
2022-07-30T05:07:46Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
UFC 277 video: Julianna Peña, Amanda Nunes share one last staredown before title rematch
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/ufc-277-video-julianna-pe-214610070.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/ufc-277-video-julianna-pe-214610070.html?src=rss
|
The New York Mets appear to have their sights set on a pair of Boston Red Sox players ahead of Tuesday's MLB trade deadline.
The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reports the Mets will have a scout at Friday night's Red Sox-Brewers game. They have been linked to Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras and reliever David Robertson, but could pivot to Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez and designated hitter J.D. Martinez if Chicago's price is too steep.
It apparently wouldn't be the first time the Red Sox and Mets have discussed a deal involving Vazquez. SNY's Andy Martino reported earlier on Friday that the two sides "seriously discussed" such a trade "in a previous season. The deal would have sent No. 5 ranked Mets prospect Mark Vientos and more to Boston.
Vazquez is in the midst of a rock-solid season at the plate. The 31-year-old is slashing .277/.321/.426 with eight homers in 81 games. Martinez is slumping, but the five-time All-Star should still be an attractive option for the Mets given his track record. If Martinez doesn't land in Queens, it looks like he'll be dealt elsewhere as one American League executive reportedly said he's "as good as gone" from Boston.
It's unclear whether Vientos would still be on the table in this type of deal, but it's no surprise the No. 5 ranked Mets prospect has piqued Boston's interest. The 22-year-old, selected in the second round of the 2017 MLB Draft, has a .261/.343/.511 slash line with 18 homers and 51 RBI at Triple-A Syracuse this season.
Mets vs Marlins Highlights: Brandon Nimmo's clutch two-run homer propels Mets past Marlins | Mets Highlights
Brandon Nimmo broke a 4-4 tie in the eighth inning with a two-run homer off Steve Okert to give the Mets a come-from-behind 6-4 win.
|
2022-07-30T06:36:30Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
MLB Rumors: Mets eyeing Christian Vazquez, J.D. Martinez ahead of trade deadline
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb-rumors-mets-eyeing-christian-222500122.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb-rumors-mets-eyeing-christian-222500122.html?src=rss
|
The aiding and abetting DWI charge against former Duke star Paolo Banchero has been dismissed, according to The News & Observer.
Banchero was charged in November after police stopped him and teammate Michael Savarino, who is coach Mike Krzyzewski’s grandson, driving early one morning in Orange County, North Carolina. Savarino reportedly admitted to drinking alcohol earlier in the night after police stopped him for running a stop sign, and he then received a “poor” on a field sobriety test.
Savarino was charged with DWI, driving after consuming alcohol under the age of 21 and for rolling through a stop sign. Banchero, whose car Savarino was driving, was in the passenger seat and was initially charged with aiding and abetting the DWI.
Savarino pleaded guilty to the DWI charge on Wednesday, and his other two charges were dropped. Banchero’s charge, which had been pending for months, was dropped as a result of Savarino’s guilty plea, per the report.
Banchero averaged 17.2 points and 7.8 rebounds for Duke last season. He was selected by the Orlando Magic with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft earlier this year. Savarino has since graduated from Duke and transferred to New York University, where he will finish out his collegiate career this fall.
Paolo Banchero was dropped after teammate Michael Savarino plead guilty to a DWI charge earlier this week. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
|
2022-07-30T06:40:26Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Paolo Banchero's aiding and abetting DWI charge dropped after incident with Coach K's grandson
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/paolo-bancheros-aiding-and-abetting-dwi-charge-dropped-after-incident-with-coach-ks-grandson-013011346.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/paolo-bancheros-aiding-and-abetting-dwi-charge-dropped-after-incident-with-coach-ks-grandson-013011346.html?src=rss
|
Cooper Kupp provides value to the Rams in more ways than one. Not only is he a highly productive receiver, but he’s a great blocker in the running game.
Off the field, he’s an excellent leader and someone teammates turn to on a regular basis. As a captain of the Rams, he’s taken on a key role in the locker room and Allen Robinson hasn’t hesitated to lean on his new partner at wide receiver.
At training camp this week, Robinson said he’s gone to Kupp when he has questions about things like his alignment in the formation and timing on routes. That trickles into the film room, too, going over plays and concepts with Kupp so he can get a better grasp of the offense.
“It’s been fun. Like I said before, Cooper is a guy who knows a lot of football and has played in this scheme since he got here. So again for me, clearing up things or any questions that I have as far as alignment, different assignment things, timing. I’ll definitely ask Cooper,” Robinson said. “Or just as we’re watching film, I’ll tell him sometimes during practice stuff that we can kind of talk through after practice or in meetings just to go over it and different things like that. Just for me, having clarity to everything is best. It just helps me play that much faster so I’m not going on the field thinking. Making sure that I’m over-communicating and over understanding splits and different things like that because some of the small things in this offense go a long way.”
Robinson is big on communication, being a player who isn’t afraid to ask questions. Even when Matthew Stafford wasn’t throwing during OTAs, Robinson was always asking his quarterback questions on the field in an attempt to get on the same page.
It’s much of the same in training camp, particularly with Robinson leaning on Kupp.
“He has all the experience in the world as far as playing in this offense,” Robinson said of Kupp. “So knowing a lot of the nuances, like I said before, split-wise, timing-wise, where I need to get to on this, certain things to look for on particular routes because he has the experience in the offense and he’s ran all these different concepts. I’ve been able to lean on him a lot as far as just learning the offense and just trying to find my way and find my groove through some of the concepts and some of the on-the-field stuff.”
|
2022-07-30T12:37:06Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Allen Robinson turning to Cooper Kupp as he learns Rams offense
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/allen-robinson-turning-cooper-kupp-110023622.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/allen-robinson-turning-cooper-kupp-110023622.html?src=rss
|
The Denver Broncos signed outside linebacker Randy Gregory to a five-year, $70 million contract in March. Not long after the deal became official, Gregory underwent a shoulder procedure that sidelined him for all of the team’s on-field work in the spring.
The Broncos knew about the injury when they signed Gregory and they were in agreement with the outside linebacker on the decision to have the procedure. That’s seemingly a sign that Denver’s not concerned about the severity of the injury and recovery.
The Broncos are going to play it safe, though, with Gregory beginning training camp on the physically unable to perform list. Denver won’t rush him back, but the team does hope Gregory will be ready for their season opener against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 12.
“I think Randy — obviously, there is some work to be done, but we expect him on schedule for Week 1 and we’ll see if we can take him off [PUP] before then,” general manager George Paton said on July 26. “He looks really good.”
Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett stressed that it’s more important for Gregory to recover now so he’ll be healthy for a late-season playoff push, opposed to rushing back and not allowing his shoulder to fully heal.
“In the end, it’s about doing it the right way,” Hackett said. “It’s a long season. We want [him] to be hitting that stride in December. It’s about December football. I love everything that he’s done [along with] his attitude.
“This guy loves ball. It’s everything to him, and as a coach, that’s what you want. [He’s a] great person to have in a locker room, and very much a pleasure.”
While Gregory is sidelined, the players rotating in across from Bradley Chubb will include Baron Browning, Malik Reed and Nik Bonitto.
|
2022-07-30T12:37:13Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Broncos expect OLB Randy Gregory to be ready for Week 1
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-expect-olb-randy-gregory-110021821.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-expect-olb-randy-gregory-110021821.html?src=rss
|
The career of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been progressing well since entering the league in 2017. He’s been named league MVP, he’s won a Super Bowl, and he’s secured one of the highest-paying contracts in sports history all before turning 26 years old.
Mahomes is already one of the most accomplished Black quarterbacks in NFL history. The topic of race has never been something Mahomes has shied away from in interviews or press conferences. He’s been outspoken about racial injustice and the need for change.
Mahomes’ playing style was recently criticized by an unnamed NFL defensive coordinator in an article for the Athletic. His ability to extend the play and improvise was deemed “streetball.”
“We love Mahomes because of his unorthodox throws, not because of his natural pocket presence,” said the anonymous defensive coordinator. “And when that disappears, that is when they lose games. I don’t think that is a 1. I think that is a 2. Nothing against the guy. I love the kid. But take his first read away and what does he do? He runs, he scrambles and he plays streetball.”
The same anonymous defensive coordinator also criticized Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson’s ability as a passer. It’s something that Jackson has heard dating back to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis where a throng of reporters pelted him with questions about whether he’d switch to wide receiver in the NFL.
Following the Chiefs’ Friday training camp practice, Mahomes was asked whether he felt Black quarterbacks are evaluated differently in the NFL. His response was about as perfect as you could expect.
“I don’t want to go that far and say that,” said Mahomes. “I mean obviously, the Black quarterback has to have a battle to be in this position that we are, to have this many guys in the league playing. I think every day we’re proving that we should’ve been playing the whole time. We’ve got guys that think just as well as they can use their athleticism, so it always is weird when you see guys like me and Lamar (Jackson), Kyler (Murray) kind of get that on them and other guys don’t, but at the same time we’re going to go there and prove ourselves every day to show that we can be some of the best quarterbacks in the league.”
The controversy surrounding Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray’s unique contract language regarding film study helped spur this question from reporters. The unusual clause in his contract mandated that he has four hours recorded weekly of playbook and film study, causing a stir around the league. The Cardinals ultimately removed the clause from his contract, but it’s yet another blemish on a league that has throughout its history had a certain preconception about the Black quarterback.
The latest trailer for the Andrew Dominik written and directed NC-17 film, set to be released globally on Netflix Sept. 28, also offers a closer look at the supporting cast, including Bobby Cannavale and Adrien Brody.
|
2022-07-30T12:37:19Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes responds to recent, unfounded criticisms of Black QBs
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/chiefs-patrick-mahomes-responds-recent-114515596.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/chiefs-patrick-mahomes-responds-recent-114515596.html?src=rss
|
Entering his fourth season, the Indianapolis Colts are hoping wide receiver Parris Campbell can stay on the field enough to make an impact with new quarterback Matt Ryan taking over the offense.
Campbell has been limited to just 15 games across three seasons since being selected in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft. Freak injuries have taken hold of the narrative to begin his career.
But Campbell has been healthy throughout the 2022 offseason and now the start of training camp. It’s already proving to be a positive development for the Colts as he has developed a solid rapport with Ryan.
“They have. Matt (Ryan) has done a great job of getting with all of our guys, throwing extra in the offseason. Over the summer he got with some of our guys here and there,” said offensive coordinator Marcus Brady of the duo. “The biggest thing for him is that Matt communicates what he wants, so no mistake goes uncoached there so he’s coaching him up. So, they’re getting on the same page a lot quicker.”
The pads haven’t come on yet and a player like Campbell, whose game relies on speed and elusiveness, is going to shine when there’s no contact. But we have seen flashes before of what Campbell can do.
His first official game with Philip Rivers in 2020 ended with him leading the team in both receptions (6) and receiving yards (71) during that Week 1 opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Campbell’s speed is a unique trait for the Colts to have in the offense, and it has shown throughout the offseason workouts and the beginning of training camp.
“That’s what we’ve been looking for, we’ve been waiting for him to get healthy as he is. This is his year for him to kind of show out, we’re ready for that. He’s been looking great, he’s had a great offseason,” Brady said of Campbell. “He’s had a great few days here. I think he’s made some nice catches, run some great routes. You can feel his speed out on the field. So, we’re excited about that and just continue to take it day-by-day.”
Campbell himself has felt a palpable difference in the way practice has been going with Ryan under center, especially when it comes to the tempo on the offensive side of the ball.
“Man, it’s been fast I’ll tell you that. I saw the quote that Frank (Reich) said that we got the same amount of plays in but finish ten minutes early. I think that’s crazy. Matt (Ryan) has been commanding the entire offense and he’s really been pushing the pace,” Campbell said. “One, I think that is getting us in great condition, but two also I think that is going to be at our advantage come season time, so it’s been good.”
The fourth-year wideout is competing for a starting role in the offense, and he may be on his way to solidifying it if his strong training camp continues.
|
2022-07-30T12:37:25Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Colts’ Matt Ryan, Parris Campbell building quick rapport
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/colts-matt-ryan-parris-campbell-122018329.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/colts-matt-ryan-parris-campbell-122018329.html?src=rss
|
Will Eagles be a 3-4 defense or a 4-3? The answer is unusual originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
It’s an ambitious plan, and it’s an unusual plan, and it’s an intriguing plan.
The Eagles are busy in training camp installing their 3-4 defense.
And they’re busy in training camp installing their 4-3 defense.
When defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon talks about a versatile, unpredictable, malleable unit, he’s not kidding.
The Eagles will play a four-man front this year, and they’ll also play a three-man front, and if you can’t figure out week to week what their front seven is going to look like, that’s the whole idea.
“There is value to be able to play different coverages, different fronts, depending on who you're playing and our matchups,” Gannon said before practice Friday. “I'm not a big percentage guy, but when we set up the game plan, guys, you know how we are. How do we need to win this game and what do we need to do?”
So as training camp goes along, you’ll see the Eagles line up an odd front - two defensive ends, a nose tackle and four linebackers. And you’ll also see them working in a traditional 4-3, with two ends, two tackles, a middle linebacker and two outside linebackers.
A lot of teams will change up their defensive front from time to time to throw a wrinkle into the operation, but it sure seems like the Eagles won’t really have a base front. It will vary week to week.
“You're going to see a lot out there,” Gannon said of training camp. “That's by design. That's to say, ‘Hey, over the course of training camp, we want to work this for the first week, and then the next week we want to work that. Because we might not need this for the first couple weeks, but all of a sudden, we're going to need it, and we want to have it repped and rinsed and see who’s comfortable, what looks good, what doesn't.
“You guys out here are going to (say), ‘Holy cow, seems like they're doing a lot,’ but we're really not. We're playing football. We're trying to prepare our guys for what they’re going to need to execute to win games come the fall.… You don't want to put something new in Week 4 the first time they’ve ever run it.”
It’s all about keeping offenses off balance and finding the best possible matchups on a week-to-week basis.
“That can disrupt guys, for sure,” Jason Kelce said of that sort of multiple defense. “And it definitely makes it harder for the play caller, because obviously there are plays you want to run that are better suited for certain defenses.”
The thing about preparing to run both odd and even fronts is that you need players who are versatile enough to excel at multiple spots but also smart enough to handle all of this mentally.
So you could see Haason Reddick line up as a traditional 4-3 defensive end or dropping back into coverage or rushing the passer as aSAM linebacker in a 3-4. You could see Milton Williams as an interior lineman in a 4-3 or a 3-4 defensive end. You could see Nakobe Dean at weak-side linebacker in a 4-3 or at the Mike in a 3-4.
The possibilities are limitless.
And within those fronts there are unlimited twists and packages that could make this defense even more dangerous and unpredictable.
To pull this off, you need a special kind of player, and Gannon believes the Eagles have that.
Asked about his guys’ ability to play multiple positions, Gannon said: “Yeah, everybody that we have on our roster right now wearing a white jersey can do that.”
He added that “Howie did a great job” stocking the roster with the sort of smart, versatile players who can fit into multiple schemes.
“It comes down to the fabric of our defense,” he said. “Those guys have high football character. They are unselfish. So, they understand when we ask them to do certain things, there is a reason why, and that ultimately is to win the game.”
You also need a deep group of talented linebackers, something the Eagles have rarely had but believe they have now.
An added bonus of the defense working on all these different things in camp is that it helps the offense as well.
Because it prepares them for a multitude of fronts and looks that they might see during the season.
“I’m looking forward to going up against the defensive line we have, because seeing all these different fronts, all these different alignments, is going to make our offense better,” Kelce said.
“It’s going to make us well-suited to play against anybody and be familiar (with what they do). All these things will culminate in us being better up front, being more in-tuned with how to attack and counter what the defense is doing.”
Cedric Mullins hit a tiebreaking, two-run single in a four-run ninth inning, and the Baltimore Orioles beat the payroll-cutting Cincinnati Reds 6-2 Friday night to move two games over .500 for the first time since April 2021. Baltimore had not been two games over since it was 4-2 last year. The Orioles, 37-25 following a 14-24 start, are two games over after the All-Star break for the first time since September 2017.
|
2022-07-30T12:37:40Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Will Eagles be a 3-4 defense or a 4-3? The answer is unusual
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-3-4-defense-4-110000245.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-3-4-defense-4-110000245.html?src=rss
|
To drop or not to drop? That’s the Haason Reddick question originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
The Eagles signed Haason Reddick this offseason to a $15 million-per-year deal to bolster the pass rush of a team that finished next-to-last in the NFL in sacks in 2021.
So why the heck is he dropping into coverage so much?
It’s an important question. Although, after just two days of training camp practices, it’s probably a tad premature.
Still, the prevailing fear here is that the Eagles handed out a $45 million contract to a great player and are going to get preoccupied with his versatility instead of letting him focus on what he does best. The Eagles presumably didn’t pay Reddick to cover tight ends or running backs; they paid him to sack quarterbacks — something he’s done better than just about everyone else in the NFL over the last two seasons.
On Friday, defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon was asked about this quandary surrounding his SAM linebacker: To drop or not to drop?
“That's what I love about camp,” Gannon said. “We're in the process of figuring those things out with not just Haason, but everybody. It's a process that we take that, ‘Hey, let's see what we like, what we don't. This is what this guy is good at, what he's comfortable at, what we need him to do, what looks good, what does, what we want to add, what we want to throw away.’ It's just all a process and getting better every day.”
Of course, there will be times Reddick simply has to drop into coverage. Even over the last two years, as he’s racked up 23 1/2 sacks, he’s needed to cover on occasion.
But the progression of Reddick’s career has really outlined his strengths and weaknesses. When he entered the NFL in 2017 as a first-round pick out of Temple, the Cardinals tried to make him an inside linebacker.
It wasn’t until 2020, when they finally let him become a pass rusher first, that he began to live up to his potential. Reddick had 12 1/2 sacks in his final year in Arizona and 11 last year with the Panthers, who asked him to drop into coverage at a lower rate than he had in his first four years in the league.
“As I said earlier in the spring, I’m a versatile player,” Reddick said Friday. “I do believe I’ll be doing some of that (dropping into coverage). At the end of the day, man, I’m just here to help the team get better and do my part. Whatever I’m asked to do, I’m going to do it because I can do it and go out there and try to play the best ball I can.”
When asked about the advantages of dropping Reddick, Gannon contended that Reddick is a “really good cover guy” and matchups will dictate those decision. For his part, Reddick said his bigger body (more on that in a moment) can be a weapon in space, where he can hit ball carriers and pop the rock loose.
Sure, sure, sure. There are moments when Reddick should be asked to drop. But take a look at his career numbers in coverage, via ProFootballFocus, and remember that his best two seasons in the NFL have come most recently:
2021: 73 snaps in coverage (8.57%) — 10 targets, 9 catches, 87 yards
2020: 150 snaps in coverage (17.16%) — 18 targets, 14 catches, 158 yards
2019: 347 snaps in coverage (50.29%) — 66 targets, 52 catches, 478 yards, 7 TDs
Like Gannon said, training camp is the time of year to try things. Just because Reddick is dropping more than expected on July 29, it doesn’t mean he’ll have the same role on Sept. 11 when the season begins.
There’s a lot to figure out before then.
“We’re still installing, we’re still going over everything,” Reddick said. “Nothing is set in stone.”
That includes Reddick’s weight.
While the Eagles list Reddick at 240 pounds — he’s listed at 235 in some other places — he has put on some extra lbs this summer. He got as high as 255 at one point but on Friday morning weighed in at 247. That, he feels, is an ideal playing weight. He used his workouts before camp to test his body at a heavier weight.
“I just wanted to open up my game a little bit more,” Reddick said. “Add on some more weight, add on some more strength so that way I can utilize moves like my bullrush a little more effectively. I started doing it last year towards the end of the season and I kind of liked the way I was knocking back the tackles. I wanted to add on some more weight. I worked on my strength so this season I could use that more often.”
The Eagles upgraded a ton on defense this offseason. In addition to Reddick, they also added Kyzir White, James Bradberry, Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean. But Reddick is still the premier addition on that side of the ball. He’s arguably the most important piece to Gannon’s defense in 2022 and the defensive coordinator will be tasked with figuring out how to get the most out of Reddick.
Reddick, a Camden, New Jersey, native, said it still hasn’t completely set in for him that he’s going to get a chance to play for his hometown team. He’s been able to insulate himself from hearing about the heightened expectations for the Eagles this season but he hasn’t been able to stop the ticket requests from his family and friends. It’s becoming a “headache,” Reddick said.
The hottest ticket? The Cowboys game on Sunday Night Football in Week 6.
By then, we’ll have a much better idea of how Reddick fits into this defense.
|
2022-07-30T12:37:46Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Eagles training camp 2022: Still figuring out how to use Haason Reddick
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-training-camp-2022-still-110000983.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-training-camp-2022-still-110000983.html?src=rss
|
The New York Giants have hosted a number of free agent workouts this week and at least one of those included a very familiar face.
Running back Devontae Booker returned East Rutherford on Thursday, this time on a tryout basis. He somehow flew under-the-radar until the NFL’s official transaction and tryout log was released on Friday.
Booker spent last season with the Giants after landing an over-the-market contract courtesy of former general manager Dave Gettleman. He finished the year as the team’s co-leading rusher (tied with Saquon Barkley) with 593 yards and two touchdowns. He also led Giants backs with an average of 4.1 yards per rush.
In addition to co-leading the team in rushing, Booker also hauled in 40 receptions for 268 yards and one touchdown. The 268 yards led the running back group.
After Joe Schoen took over as general manager this offseason, Booker was among the first to be released. The move saved the Giants $2.125 million in cap space, but also left them with $1 million in dead cap — the fifth-most on the team.
Despite the workout, Booker was not immediately signed to a contract. However, that doesn’t mean he won’t be somewhere down the line.
|
2022-07-30T12:37:54Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
Giants hosted Devontae Booker for workout
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-hosted-devontae-booker-workout-105520751.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-hosted-devontae-booker-workout-105520751.html?src=rss
|
It seems every day the Seattle Seahawks are in an offseason of transition. The last of the “old guard” are being transitioned out from the organization, in one way or another.
Earlier this week the Seahawks witnessed a pair of retirements from beloved players. Running back Chris Carson hung up the cleats due to a neck injury, and linebacker K.J. Wright signed a ceremonial one-day contract to retire as a member of the Seahawks. However, Wright is not alone in this department.
On Friday afternoon it was announced left guard J.R. Sweezy is following in Wright’s footsteps, and will be signing a similar ceremonial contract to officially end his career in Seattle.
We're honored to announce that we've signed J.R. Sweezy to a one-day contract to retire as a Seahawk.
Thank you, J.R.! 🙌
📰 » https://t.co/HjE8U1tZnT pic.twitter.com/w7Q75bFcbh
It’s not every day fans are invested in a left guard, but not every left guard has a unique story like J.R. Sweezy. Originally a defensive tackle from NC State, Seattle selected Sweezy in the 7th round of the 2012 NFL Draft… as an offensive linemen.
The experiment born out of the mind of Tom Cable actually payed off well for the Seahawks. From 2012-2015, the Seahawks managed to find themselves a mainstay in their offensive line as Sweezy became one of their more consistent men up front. Following a two-year stint in Tampa Bay, Sweezy would return to the Seahawks in 2018 for one final season to help bring Seattle back to the postseason.
It speaks volumes to the kind of organization Pete Carroll and John Schneider have cultivated over the past 13 years where franchise icons want to “return home” when it’s all said and done.
|
2022-07-30T12:38:06Z
|
sports.yahoo.com
|
J.R. Sweezy signs ceremonial contract to retire with Seahawks
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/j-r-sweezy-signs-ceremonial-120000100.html?src=rss
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/j-r-sweezy-signs-ceremonial-120000100.html?src=rss
|
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.