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EUGENE, Ore. (AP) Bo Nix has seen this all before.
''I wanted that really bad obviously,'' he said. ''It's something that I've always wanted to do and so I put my life to it, and that's just what I've been doing for the past couple of years, all this these competitions. I mean, you really do have to put your life to it and everything's got to be about it.''
''The brand of Oregon, the `O' itself signifies so much in college football, year in and year out, they have a chance to be in the top four in the country,'' he said. ''That's what I wanted to be a part of. I wanted to be able to play and have a chance to play in the playoff. And I know that with my skills I could contribute.''
''Especially now being here, I feel like the oldest guy. Even though it's not necessarily my age. People kind of look at me because I'm already married, I've been through a lot, they kind of assume that I'm just a lot older,'' Nix said. ''Which is a good thing, because we have a lot of younger guys that haven't had same experience.''
''We're going to compete at quarterback like we do at every position,'' Lanning said. ''I'm really excited that we have quarterbacks that can play winning football at the University of Oregon,'' Lanning said. ''If I felt like it gave us a competitive advantage to tell you, I would. I don't.''
''Bo is a natural born leader. He's like a coach on the field sometimes. He's obviously older, he's going into his fourth year in college and he's been-there, done-that in the SEC,'' Thompson said. ''So he knows his way around the field and he just does a really good job vocalizing stuff like that. And he's a really good athlete, we all know that.'' | 2022-08-04T22:46:59Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bo Nix settles into his new team, new QB competition | https://sports.yahoo.com/bo-nix-settles-team-qb-221213860.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bo-nix-settles-team-qb-221213860.html?src=rss |
ATHENS, Ga. (AP) The Georgia Bulldogs aren't resting on their laurels - or their locks - as they begin defense of college football's national championship.
Some clandestine shots of Bennett's sweet fade generated plenty of buzz on social media - and seemingly signaled a team that is hungry for another title.
''That goes back to that lock in, lock out,'' coach Kirby Smart said. ''Lock into camp, lock out all the noise and all the social media things and get really focused on being the best version of yourself. And there were several guys that, I guess, decided to do that through their hair.''
''We don't have a reason to be complacent,'' said Smart, who was recently rewarded with a 10-year contract extension worth more than $110 million. ''I've been on national championship teams that won it all that I was concerned about complacency because there were a lot of players back. We don't really have that problem.''
Five of those players went in the first round - all of them from Georgia's fearsome defense. End Travon Walker was the top overall pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars, and teammates Jordan Davis, Quay Walker, Devonta Wyatt and Lewis Cine also had their names called in the first 32 selections.
''The way we recruit, man, and the way we work, guys actually want to come here and be great,'' Logue said. ''When you have guys that want to come here and actually do the right things, do the right steps to get back to where we want to get to, I think we can be successful.''
''''The last thing I'm worried about is Dan Lanning,'' Smart said. ''We've got a million battles to face before that. I'm not even thinking about Oregon. Our concern is our roster.''
''The leadership that he brings to the table, being here for a bunch of years, and the experience,'' offensive tackle Warren McClendon said. ''He's taken a lot of reps. He's seen a lot of stuff. He helps us get in the right stuff and where we need to be.''
The coveted Honus Wagner T-206 baseball shatters yet another record sale. Check out more on why its one of the rarest sports cards out there. | 2022-08-04T22:47:18Z | sports.yahoo.com | Georgia begins national title defense with sweet fade | https://sports.yahoo.com/georgia-begins-national-title-defense-211946787.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/georgia-begins-national-title-defense-211946787.html?src=rss |
Get to Know the Queen's Great-Grandchildren
To UK citizens, Queen Elizabeth II is the Sovereign and Head of State, but to her great-grandchildren, she's known as Gan-Gan. Learn more about the youngest members of the British royal family.
Razorback head coach Eric Musselman continues to develop new ideas to bring his team closer together. During his time at Arkansas, Musselman has started with teams that don't really know each other well. With just two returning players who saw regular action last year, this season's team incorporates the most new faces of a Musselman squad in Fayetteville to this point. | 2022-08-04T23:26:07Z | sports.yahoo.com | Count on Bill Belichick monitoring player buy-in as Patriots offense scuffles | https://sports.yahoo.com/count-bill-belichick-monitoring-player-221039570.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/count-bill-belichick-monitoring-player-221039570.html?src=rss |
Considering his status as a seventh-round pick, Marcell Ateman hanging around with the team that drafted him for four years is no small accomplishment.
The 6-4, 215-pounder saw his time with the Raiders come to an end late last season when he was released from the practice squad. He had yet to resurface with another team since then.
That is, until today.
After spending his first offseason without a team to call home, Ateman was signed today by the Arizona Cardinals as the team just started their training camp.
Ateman will have nearly a full training camp to try and once again earn a spot on an NFL roster or practice squad for what would be his fifth NFL season.
The former Oklahoma receiver has appeared in 19 games in four years, with six starts, all for the Raiders during his rookie season in 2018 in which the Raiders receiving corps was riddled with injuries. | 2022-08-04T23:26:26Z | sports.yahoo.com | Marcell Ateman sighting: Former Raiders receiver signs with Cardinals | https://sports.yahoo.com/marcell-ateman-sighting-former-raiders-215004837.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/marcell-ateman-sighting-former-raiders-215004837.html?src=rss |
After a topsy-turvy blast through another road course, the NASCAR Cup Series heads to Michigan International Speedway for a more traditional oval race this weekend.
The FireKeepers Casino 400 on Sunday (3 p.m. ET, USA Network, NBC Sports App, MRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) marks one of the final four opportunities for drivers to lock their way into the playoffs, and the unknowns of the 2-mile oval might present higher chances for a new winner.
Catch up on everything you need to know ahead of this weekend’s action.
NASCAR Cup Series teams practice on Saturday afternoon (12:35 p.m. ET, NBC Sports App, MRN Radio), with the 37-car field split into Group A and Group B based on NASCAR’s metric formula. Each group will get 15 minutes of practice ahead of qualifying (1:20 p.m. ET, NBC Sports App, MRN Radio).
RELATED: Weekend schedule | Michigan qualifying order
STORY LINES FROM THE IRISH HILLS
— Kevin Harvick is on a 65-race winless streak, the second longest of his career. Twenty-one drivers won since Harvick‘s last win.
— The good news for Harvick is that he has won three of the past four races at Michigan and four of the last six. With five total wins at Michigan, Harvick is the active leader in wins at Michigan and has finished inside the top two in an astounding 29% of his 41 Michigan starts.
— The longest top-10 finish streak by a driver this year is six races by Ross Chastain and Chase Elliott.
— The longest active top-10 streak is three races by Bubba Wallace, marking his longest top-10 streak and 23XI Racing‘s longest top-10 streak.
— Chase Elliott‘s 7.7 average finish at Michigan is the best of all drivers and is nearly 3.5 positions better than any other active driver, despite being winless there.
— Kyle Busch finished outside the top 10 in the last seven races, the longest streak of his full-time Cup career.
— Tyler Reddick won two of the last five races. Richard Childress Racing failed to win in the previous 71 races.
— Both Front Row Motorsports cars finished top 10 at the Indy Road Course. That was the third time the organization had two cars finish top 10 in a race; the other two came in the two Talladega races in 2013.
After a mid-spring tire test around the 2-mile oval, Goodyear will bring new left- and right-side tires to Michigan for this weekend’s activities.
Team Penske’s Joey Logano, 23XI Racing’s Bubba Wallace and Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Dillon circled the track May 31 and June 1, allowing the tire manufacturer to determine the best compounds for the 400-mile event. Heat will be a factor with temperatures forecast in the mid-80s, providing yet another challenge for Goodyear.
“Excessive and sustained heat is the enemy of a race tire,” said Greg Stucker, Goodyear‘s director of racing. “When you have a smooth track surface, like the one at Michigan, tires just don‘t wear naturally. Heat gets generated the more a tire is run, but on most tracks that heat gets dissipated as the tread wears. At Michigan, as on other low-wear tracks, we design the tire with an appropriately formulated tread compound and minimal tread gage to help control the heat generation, and enable the tire to run at a more optimal performance level.”
MICHIGAN HISTORY
— Michigan was built in the late 1960s by Michigan land developer Larry LoPatin and his short-lived racing empire American Raceways Inc. (ARI) that grew to include tracks in Michigan, Atlanta, and Texas.
— Michigan, located on more than 1,400 acres, was designed by Charles Moneypenny, who also designed Daytona International Speedway.
— After ARI went bankrupt in 1973 the track was placed in receivership. Roger Penske purchased the facility. Under Penske‘s 25-year ownership, seating capacity grew from 25,000 to over 125,000 and many buildings and facilities were added, making MIS one of the premier tracks on the Cup circuit.
— International Speedway Corporation acquired Michigan in 1999.
— The 2012 repave consisted of removing the top two inches of the existing pavement and placing two lifts of asphalt – each 1½ inches thick – as a leveling course and a final wearing course. About 646,000-square feet of asphalt was removed and another 22,000 tons of new asphalt went in its place. Pit road was repaved in 2011. A laser survey of the existing track surface collected approximately 100 million data points, allowing engineers to replicate the original pavement yet smooth out the dips and bumps. Those data points have shown the race track has variable banking in its 18-degree turns.
— In June 2012 after the repave, 19 drivers time-trialed at more than 200 mph. Forty drivers were faster than the previous record.
BETTING THE HOUSE?
Despite having a combined one win at Michigan International Speedway, Chase Elliott and Kyle Busch enter Sunday’s race as co-favorites at 6-1 odds, according to BetMGM.
Busch scored the duo’s lone victory 11 years ago, leading 60 laps on the way to the 2011 win. But don’t be fooled by the win column — Busch has finished seventh or better in eight of the last nine Michigan races, including each of the last seven. Elliott, on the other hand, remains winless but holds the best average finish of anybody at Michigan at 7.7.
The potential steal of the week is Kevin Harvick, who enters at 22-1 odds. The No. 4 Ford has dominated Michigan in recent years with four wins in the last six Michigan races and 327 laps led in that span.
The 2022 Fantasy Live points leaders are Chase Elliott (815), Ryan Blaney (688) and Ross Chastain (681).
Will Harvick win 6th Cup race at Michigan? - Powered By PickUp
Mira (Alicia Vikander) is an American movie star disillusioned by her career and a recent breakup, who comes to France to star as "Irma Vep" in a remake of the French silent film classic, Les Vampires. Set against the backdrop of a lurid crime thriller, Mira struggles as the distinctions between herself and the character she plays begin to blur and merge. Irma Vep reveals to us the uncertain ground that lies at the border of fiction and reality, artifice and authenticity, art and life. | 2022-08-04T23:30:15Z | sports.yahoo.com | Michigan 101: Qualifying format, TV times, Goodyear tires and more | https://sports.yahoo.com/michigan-101-qualifying-format-tv-145034646.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/michigan-101-qualifying-format-tv-145034646.html?src=rss |
SAN FRANCISCO -- The frustration has been boiling over for Giants players in recent weeks, and against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday at Oracle Park, it reached the manager's chair.
The Dodgers might have gotten the last laugh, though. They led 4-2 at the time and Trea Turner extended the lead with a solo shot in the seventh. As he passed the Giants dugout, he mimicked García's celebration.
Mookie Betts crushed a solo home run and Cody Bellinger ripped an RBI triple to lead the Dodgers to a 9-5 win over the Giants
Clayton Kershaw left his start with low back pain and the Los Angeles Dodgers went on to beat the San Francisco Giants 5-3 on Thursday to complete a four-game sweep. Kershaw appeared to feel discomfort while he was warming up before the bottom of the fifth inning. Kershaw made 66 pitches through four innings, allowing one earned run and three hits with four strikeouts. | 2022-08-04T23:47:13Z | sports.yahoo.com | Enraged Gabe Kapler ejected after odd Mookie Betts-Jarlin Garcia incident | https://sports.yahoo.com/enraged-gabe-kapler-ejected-odd-215528021.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/enraged-gabe-kapler-ejected-odd-215528021.html?src=rss |
STORY: “So, it’s been very difficult, especially because I know Brittney is a great person.”
Debbie Jackson is Brittney Griner's former high school basketball coach.
She's known the WNBA star for well over a decade - and says she was frustrated to hear Thursday's verdict.
“It’s, it’s been sad."
Griner was sentenced to nine years in a Russian prison after being found guilty of deliberately bringing cannabis-infused vape cartridges into the country.
It's a ruling U.S. President Joe Biden called 'unacceptable'.
Jackson says she's upset - but she can’t imagine what Griner’s family is going through.
“And to think that you have a daughter and you can’t give them encouragement, try to boost their morale. My heart goes out to the whole Griner family as well as her wife.”
She describes Griner as someone who never wanted to be the center of attention and always had a good sense of humor.
“She’s a very caring person and I think a lot of that comes from she knows the side of when they’re, she has been bullied for her sexual orientation. She’s black. She’s a woman, very tall stature. You know, she’s bullied about her height. And so, I think she knows, she is a very caring person because she knows how words can hurt cause she experienced that.”
With the trial over, Jackson hopes talks between the U.S. and Russia will lead to a solution for Griner and other Americans held in Russia.
“I’m praying that both sides will negotiate in good faith and that Brittney and other Americans that are in Russian prison can come back home. Cause, cause every one of our citizens deserves consideration... She’s always in my prayers. Every night.”
At just 16 and 17 years old, Gisele and Alyssa Thompson became the first high school athletes to ink a deal with Nike, allowing them to use their name, image and likeness in promos and ads. They sit down with NBC’s Gadi Schwartz to talk about their athletic accomplishments.
Heavy rain may return to flood-ravaged Eastern Kentucky, Breathitt County KY
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear took the stage Thursday to offer an update on relief efforts following flooding in the state last week.
Suspect in shooting of Lady Gaga’s dog walker arrested after mistaken release from ‘clerical error’
The man was charged with attempted murder in the shooting of the dog walker and theft of Lady Gaga’s dogs in February 2021 but was freed this spring. | 2022-08-05T00:05:35Z | sports.yahoo.com | Griner's high school coach frustrated by verdict | https://sports.yahoo.com/griners-high-school-coach-frustrated-221700618.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/griners-high-school-coach-frustrated-221700618.html?src=rss |
Jerry Hughes is entering his 13th NFL season with his hometown team, but the 33-year-old isn’t letting up.
Hughes continues to go hard in reps when facing dominant starting tackles Laremy Tunsil and Tytus Howard at Houston Texans training camp.
The former Buffalo Bills defensive end (2013-21) describes the matchups as “intense.”
“We haven’t really been holding anything back,” Hughes told reporters on Aug. 3 after the fifth day of training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center. “The guys said once the pads come on to show out, and I think everybody in our room kind of took that personal, and I think everybody in the offensive line room took it, as well. We don’t want to repeat the season that we had last year, so I think with everybody understanding that, in order for us to win, up front, in the trenches, we’ve got to dominate.”
Hughes believes the Texans have to constantly prove their worth, which means even going hard during the club’s week off.
Said Hughes: “We’ve got to come out here for 18 weeks and prove who we are. Even on the bye week. We’ve got to take care of ourselves, rest up, stay in the film, and I think we’ve got a great group of guys who are understanding how to work and what it takes to actually win in this league.”
Hughes, a former Sugar Land Stephen F. Austin High School and TCU product, generated 2.0 sacks through 17 games with the Bills last season, starting in 16 of them. As the 6-2, 254-pound edge defender finds a role in coach Lovie Smith’s Tampa 2 scheme, which is comparable to what Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier ran in its 4-3 alignment, Hughes is also working to change the culture of the Texans’ defensive line. Giving Tunsil and Howard everything he has is part of the attitude reformation. | 2022-08-05T00:57:44Z | sports.yahoo.com | Texans DE Jerry Hughes hasn’t held back in battles with OTs Laremy Tunsil, Tytus Howard | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-jerry-hughes-hasn-t-232025339.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-jerry-hughes-hasn-t-232025339.html?src=rss |
As NFL training camps continue with preseason football games on the horizon, two Tar Heels have received some feedback based on their production so far.
Offensive lineman Marcus McKethan and guardJoshua Ezeudu's teammate journey followed them to the NFL, joining the New York Giants via the 2022 NFL draft. Ezeudu got drafted in the third round as the 67th overall pick, with McKethan joining him in the 5th round. Now teammates again in New York, the pair have found their pace on the team, according to head coach Brian Daboll.
“Much like everybody else, some good, some bad.” Daboll continued,. “They’re working hard. They’re trying to do the things the way we’re asking them to do. They have good physical demeanor about themselves. They pick things up well. There was a lot of good reps out there for them, and some they probably wish they had back, but that’s for all of us.”
The pair has a good shot at making the final 53-man roster for the Giants. The question remains how much playing time with either have their first year with experience playing a factor | 2022-08-05T00:57:57Z | sports.yahoo.com | New York Giants Brian Daboll talks Marcus Mckethan, and Joshua Ezeudu progress | https://sports.yahoo.com/york-giants-brian-daboll-talks-232022565.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/york-giants-brian-daboll-talks-232022565.html?src=rss |
The shooting occurred after a dispute between the suspect and a woman in an apartment complex parking lot.
The Los Angeles Angels tied a major league record with seven solo home runs, including two by Shohei Ohtani, but still lost to the Oakland Athletics 8-7 Thursday. The Angels are the first team in the majors to hit seven solo homers and score no other runs in a game. Ramon Laureano homered and drove in four runs, and Seth Brown had a two-run shot during a six-run third inning for AL-worst Oakland.
"We shot as if it was going to be the last one ever. I had to at least prepare for it," David said of the death that almost finished off the most recent season.
The Chicago White Sox would have liked to complete a few more trades prior to the deadline to give themselves the jolt they need to make a jump in the AL Central. Eloy Jiménez set season highs with three hits and four RBIs, José Abreu homered and Chicago pounded the Kansas City Royals 9-2 on Tuesday night. The White Sox made no major moves before the trade deadline and will bank on improvement from within as they try to overtake Minnesota and Cleveland to win their second straight AL Central championship. | 2022-08-05T01:16:43Z | sports.yahoo.com | Taking a chance on Michael Conforto is the right move for the White Sox | https://sports.yahoo.com/taking-chance-michael-conforto-move-235036023.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/taking-chance-michael-conforto-move-235036023.html?src=rss |
Nico Collins is still feeling his way in the NFL.
The former third-round receiver from Michigan played 14 games for the Houston Texans last year, logging eight starts. In Collins’ 536 snaps on offense, he caught 33 passes for 446 yards and a touchdown.
The 6-4, 215-pound wideout is undergoing a soft reset as the Texans transition from former offensive coordinator Tim Kelly’s scheme to that of new offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton. The emphasis is on playing up-tempo and getting the plays out quickly.
Collins is relying on the veteran experience in the receiver room to help him flourish in his second season.
“I appreciate all the vets in our room, (Brandin Cooks), Chris Conley, Phillip Dorsett, [receivers coach and pass game coordinator] Ben (McDaniels), everybody,” Collins told reporters after the fifth day of training camp on Aug. 3 at Houston Methodist Training Center. “Guys have been in the league for a minute, so they know what to expect.”
Cooks is the most prolific of the group as he has hauled in 573 catches for 7,917 yards and 46 touchdowns through 119 career games in eight seasons. The former New Orleans Saints 2014 first-round pick from Oregon State has also recorded six seasons of at least 1,000 yards receiving, including two in his time with the Texans.
“As a young guy, that’s who you want to look up to,” Collins said. “I feel like they’ve helped us out 100% of the way, every step, every young guy that got here. They’re always helping us get better and we’re always picking their brains, so I appreciate them a lot.”
In Hamilton’s offense, Collins knows that he will have chances to get his hands on the football. When his number is called, he has to come through for second-year quarterback — and fellow 2021 third-rounder — Davis Mills.
“Just get everybody opportunities to make plays on the ball,” said Collins. “Everybody get a chance, make plays. When the ball comes your way, it’s time to make a play.” | 2022-08-05T02:28:43Z | sports.yahoo.com | Nico Collins appreciates veterans in Texans’ WR room | https://sports.yahoo.com/nico-collins-appreciates-veterans-texans-005457848.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nico-collins-appreciates-veterans-texans-005457848.html?src=rss |
The Las Vegas Raiders are still figuring out how their offensive line is going to go in the 2022 season. After the unfortunate efforts of Brandon Parker in the Hall of Fame game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, there might be more questions.
Parker was selected by the Raiders in the third round of the 2018 draft out of North Carolina A&T, and last season as the team’s right tackle, he allowed nine sacks, 12 quarterback hits, and 33 quarterback hurries. Not quite the 10 sacks he gave up in his rookie campaign, but not great. Per Pro Football Focus, only David Quessenberry of the Titans and Jonah Williams of the Bengals allowed more sacks last season among all offensive tackles, and only Liam Eichenberg and Jesse Davis of the Dolphins, and Storm Norton of the Chargers, allowed more total pressures.
If Parker was hoping for a rebound season in 2022, it didn’t start well. On the first play of the game, Parker was beaten by first-overall pick Travon Walker for a hurry of quarterback Jarret Stidham…
…and then, later in the first quarter, he gave up back-to-back sacks to Walker and former Raiders pass-rusher Arden Key. Walker got there straight on, and Key got his sack on a stunt.
And then, with 7:23 left in the first half, Parker gave up ANOTHER sack to Key — as detailed by our own Laurie Fitzpatrick.
That’s three sacks and a pressure allowed in less than one half of football. We understand that the Raiders are resting stud left tackle Kolton Miller in this game, but it might be time to get somebody else in there on the left side.
UPDATE: Later in the first half, Parker was replaced on the left side by Jermaine Eluemunor. | 2022-08-05T02:28:49Z | sports.yahoo.com | Raiders left tackle Brandon Parker had a rough Hall of Fame game | https://sports.yahoo.com/raiders-left-tackle-brandon-parker-020550906.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/raiders-left-tackle-brandon-parker-020550906.html?src=rss |
Sometimes simply who takes the field can tell a story even more so than what happens on the field. In this case, it showed just how few jobs are safe for the Raiders. Most notably on the offense.
Unlike the Jaguars, who released a long list of names of which players would not be playing, every Raiders player suited up for this one.
With everyone suited up, it was hard to know who would be playing and who would not. And once they took the field for the first play, the message was immediately that there are only a handful of starting jobs that are not up for grabs.
The list of players who didn’t take the field on offense was as follows:
The real chin stroker was Josh Jacobs starting the game and playing a couple drives. The team didn’t pick up his fifth-year option this offseason, and he is not a sure thing to be this team’s workhorse back this season.
Jacobs will have a battle on his hands against the likes of Kenyan Drake, Zamir White, and Ameer Abdullah.
Every offensive line spot outside of Kolton Miller is not a lock to be the starter and thus no one else sat this game out.
The starting line for this game was as follows:
LT Brandon Parker
Simpson figures to have the best chance of remaining the starter come the season. But the battles for most of these jobs will continue throughout camp, especially on the right side.
The rest of the starting lineup was as follows:
WR Tyron Johnson | 2022-08-05T02:28:55Z | sports.yahoo.com | Raiders starting lineup on offense vs Jaguars shows whose job is safe and whose is not | https://sports.yahoo.com/raiders-starting-lineup-offense-vs-015025577.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/raiders-starting-lineup-offense-vs-015025577.html?src=rss |
The 49ers will add another player to the Pro Football Hall of Fame when Bryant Young is inducted Saturday. Young will join 22 other players who suited up for San Francisco at some point during their careers.
Fans can check out his induction beginning at 9:00am Pacific Time on NFL Network. Young will go in as part of an eight-person class that includes offensive tackle Tony Bosselli, wide receiver Cliff Branch, safety LeRoy Butler, official Art McNally, linebacker Sam Mills, defensive lineman Richard Seymour and coach Dick Vermeil.
Young landed in the NFL as a first-round pick of the 49ers in the 1994 draft. He quickly made an impact and started all 16 games for the eventual Super Bowl champions. He finished third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.
He finished his career in 2007 with 208 starts in 208 games. He was a four-time Pro Bowler, an All-Pro, a Comeback Player of the Year and a member of the Hall of Fame’s All-Decade Team for the 1990s. During his 14-year career, Young posted 627 tackles and 89.5 sacks. He had more than 5.0 sacks in a season in nine of his 14 years.
How Hall of Famer Bryant Young made impression on Patrick Willis | 2022-08-05T02:29:26Z | sports.yahoo.com | How to watch Bryant Young’s Hall of Fame induction | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-bryant-young-hall-fame-020016088.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-bryant-young-hall-fame-020016088.html?src=rss |
Red Sox reveal Eric Hosmer's new jersey number ahead of debut originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The Boston Red Sox have activated Eric Hosmer to the major league roster ahead of his debut Thursday night, and they've also given him a new jersey number.
The Red Sox revealed that Hosmer will wear No. 35. He'll be the 31st player in Red Sox history to wear the number. The most recent players to use it are Matt Andriese (2021), Josh Osich (2020) and Steven Wright (2013-2019).
Hosmer wore No. 30 for the Padres, who he signed with in MLB free agency before the 2018 season. He wore No. 35 with the Royals over the first seven seasons of his career from 2011 through 2017. He was a key member of the 2015 Royals team that won the franchise's second World Series title.
As with every Dodgers fan — no, every baseball — news of Vin Scully’s death gripped my heart and squeezed my wife’s tear ducts.
According to charging documents, the man said he would shoot officers before pointing at them and reaching into his waistband. | 2022-08-05T02:46:32Z | sports.yahoo.com | Red Sox reveal Eric Hosmer's new jersey number ahead of Boston debut | https://sports.yahoo.com/red-sox-reveal-eric-hosmers-212713495.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/red-sox-reveal-eric-hosmers-212713495.html?src=rss |
The Jets gave up the most points and yards in the NFL last season, so there’s nowhere for the team to go but up once they take the field for the 2022 season. Defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins said that the goal is for the team to go way up. Rankins told reporters on Wednesday that [more]
It felt like doomsday had come between the Devils and star Jesper Bratt with the two parties unable to agree on a salary for the upcoming season. | 2022-08-05T02:46:39Z | sports.yahoo.com | Yankees’ trade deadline moves shake up rotation and bullpen | https://sports.yahoo.com/yankees-trade-deadline-moves-shake-173600616.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/yankees-trade-deadline-moves-shake-173600616.html?src=rss |
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) Invigorated as LSU coach Brian Kelly appears to be by his first year at the helm of a traditional Southeastern Conference power, he didn't downplay the relative uncertainty surrounding the Tigers as fall camp opened.
''A lot of good and bad things happen in those units, and there's questions that have to be answered,'' Kelly said. ''Now, I stand here in front of you feeling pretty good about the players we've put together in very short order that can go out and play at a very high level in the SEC. But the fact of the matter remains, we've got to figure out who those guys are.''
''We're going to go through camp and have to make some tough decisions and, quite frankly, rely on evaluations in camp to do that,'' Kelly said. ''That's a little bit different in my years. Generally, we've had guys kind of - you know, everyone says the depth chart, it's always open - but you always have a guy penciled in somewhere. There's not a lot of penciling in yet. So, yes, there's some work to be done.''
''He's an explosive player,'' Kelly said. ''I'm excited for him, really, because you can see his potential is one of: Can he be the best receiver in the country? I think he can be.''
''I really like the depth of the group when you add Cain to the mix as well,'' Kelly said. ''All of them have a chance to contribute. ... I'm OK with that. I think that's great. All of them are very competitive and all bring a little bit something different to the table.'' | 2022-08-05T03:07:59Z | sports.yahoo.com | LSU's Kelly frank about uncertainty as camp kicks off | https://sports.yahoo.com/lsus-kelly-frank-uncertainty-camp-005926844.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/lsus-kelly-frank-uncertainty-camp-005926844.html?src=rss |
The Arizona Cardinals added receiver depth on Thursday as Antoine Wesley is set to miss some time in training camp with a hip/groin injury. They announced the signing of former Las Vegas wide receiver Marcell Ateman.
Ateman spent all or part of the last four seasons with the Raiders after being drafted by them in the seventh round in 2018 out of Oklahoma State.
The 6-4, 215-lb wideout had 20 catches for 270 yards and a touchdown in 2018-2019. He spent part of 2020 on the Raiders’ practice squad and appeared in one game last season and spent time on the practice squad as well.
Wesley is expected to be out at least a week so the team needed more depth at receiver.
To make room for Ateman, the Cardinals released tackle Eric Smith.
After sitting out a day with an ankle injury, Browns receiver Amari Cooper was back on the practice field on Wednesday afternoon. | 2022-08-05T03:59:46Z | sports.yahoo.com | Cardinals sign WR Marcell Ateman in wake of Antoine Wesley injury | https://sports.yahoo.com/cardinals-sign-wr-marcell-ateman-030221143.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/cardinals-sign-wr-marcell-ateman-030221143.html?src=rss |
Cliff Branch was the epitome of what Al Davis coveted in a receiver during his decades running the Raiders. Branch arrived in Oakland with the game-breaking speed needed to fuel the Raiders' vertical offense and as soon as he learned to harness that speed and develop reliable hands, there was no stopping Branch. Branch became one of the best deep threats of his era with some of his biggest performances coming on the game’s biggest stages to earn a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday.
While it's still just the first day of the Major, we can already see which teams are emerging as contenders and the ones that may make an early exit. Who are in the running? | 2022-08-05T03:59:59Z | sports.yahoo.com | Raiders win first preseason game, defeat Jaguars 27-11 | https://sports.yahoo.com/raiders-win-first-preseason-game-033556356.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/raiders-win-first-preseason-game-033556356.html?src=rss |
While Baltimore had been relatively healthy throughout training camp so far, they suffered their first major injury in outside linebacker Vince Biegel, who tore his achilles on Thursday. Rookie center Tyler Linderbaum as well as fullback Ben Mason also had to leave practice early, and after Thursday’s session head coach John Harbaugh provided an update on Linderbaum.
Harbaugh also provided more details on Linderbaum’s injury in a later response.
“Yes, he just kind of … Didn’t get stepped on, kind of just … It’s a physical drill there, and [he] came up a little sore. They’ve looked at it, X-rayed it. They’ll do an MRI on it to make sure, but all indications are it’s nothing serious at all.”
The rookie center was the No. 25 overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft for the Ravens, and is expected by many to play a big role in protecting quarterback Lamar Jackson early on. He’s an extremely talented player, and while it remains to be seen when he’ll be back on the field, every rep he gets is important. However, now Baltimore must decide whether to hold Linderbaum out for a few days out of caution or let him back on the practice field with the preseason quickly approaching, depending on what the injury is. However, Harbaugh’s update on the former Iowa star seemed positive, which is a good sign. | 2022-08-05T04:00:05Z | sports.yahoo.com | Ravens HC John Harbaugh discusses injury to C Tyler Linderbaum | https://sports.yahoo.com/ravens-hc-john-harbaugh-discusses-032845104.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/ravens-hc-john-harbaugh-discusses-032845104.html?src=rss |
That is why the Houston Texans signed former Seattle Seahawks 2018 third-round defensive end Rasheem Green. The 6-4, 279-pound defensive lineman has the size and speed to get upfield and wreak havoc in opposing backfields.
Defensive end Jerry Hughes has been impressed with Green’s abilities through the first five days of training camp.
“Man, he’s a very versatile player,” Hughes told reporters on Aug. 3 at Houston Methodist Training Center. “There’s not too many positions he can’t play. He’s playing all four positions on our line, but that’s just the kind of guy he is, and that’s what we expect from him. Just to kind of raise Hell wherever we put him, and he’s been doing it.”
Green generated 94 combined tackles, 13.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, 27 quarterback hits, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and six pass breakups through 53 games with Seattle, 24 of which he started. Green’s best season was last year when he had 6.5 sacks and 15 quarterback hits through 17 games (16 starts).
Hughes, who has been in the NFL since 2010, believes that it is the combination of Green’s size and quickness that makes him a dangerous matchup.
“To be that tall, that big and that fast, he can rush inside, he can rush outside, he can get his hands up, bat down passes,” said Hughes. “Everything that he kind of brings to the table is all pluses for us. We’ve just got to figure out how often we can get him out there on the field and then just let him loose.”
If the Texans are able to have Green, 25, play productively in their 4-3 base defense, it should help Houston build upon the successes they did have a defense amid the 4-13 finish, such as cultivating 25 takeaways, tied with the Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans Saints for the 10th-most in the NFL. | 2022-08-05T04:00:18Z | sports.yahoo.com | Texans DE Jerry Hughes says Rasheem Green is ‘very versatile’ | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-jerry-hughes-says-rasheem-022207035.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-jerry-hughes-says-rasheem-022207035.html?src=rss |
We’ve spent a lot of the season so far gawking at the Yankees’ ridiculous record, but sure enough, the Dodgers have pulled ahead. They both entered Thursday with baseball’s best record, full stop, and are expected to finish with it by projection systems at FanGraphs and Baseball Prospectus.
Did the Padres make up ground by adding Juan Soto and Josh Bell (plus Josh Hader and Brandon Drury in separate deals)? Well, of course they did. They’re not going to actually catch the Dodgers in the NL West, who are a dozen games ahead. But they can stand eye to eye in a playoff series — or in a delicious three-game set coming up this weekend.
If you ask FanGraphs’ rest-of-season projections, the Padres have pulled into a virtual tie for the rest of the season with the Dodgers … and the Mets and Braves. The NL East titans are in a closer race, and no matter how that turns out, both figure to have something to say about the NL pennant. The Braves did more at the trade deadline to bolster their chances, but the Mets’ ultimate edge still comes down to the health of one Jacob deGrom. If he can stay on the field and pitch alongside Max Scherzer, the Mets have the best starting pitching on the planet.
Do we believe they will both find a way to Octobe anyway? Of course we do.
Look, if you’re going to watch a bad team the rest of the season, may I recommend the Pirates? Oneil Cruz — a circus mirror Aaron Judge who plays shortstop — is still getting his sea legs in the majors. He strikes out too much, doesn’t walk enough, etc. But he’s starting to swing it. Since the All-Star break, he’s hitting .257 with four homers, every single one of which is a threat to land in some guffaw-inducing location you didn’t think possible.
The Los Angeles Angels tied a major league record with seven solo home runs, including two by Shohei Ohtani, but still lost to the Oakland Athletics 8-7.
Johnny Cueto threw a complete game but it wasn't enough as the White Sox offense struggled in a 3-2 loss to Texas. | 2022-08-05T04:18:06Z | sports.yahoo.com | MLB power rankings: Dodgers? Yankees? Padres? Who has the most formidable team after the trade deadline? | https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb-power-rankings-dodgers-yankees-padres-who-has-the-most-formidable-team-after-the-trade-deadline-202419013.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb-power-rankings-dodgers-yankees-padres-who-has-the-most-formidable-team-after-the-trade-deadline-202419013.html?src=rss |
Game Recap: Mercury 64, Sun 77
Jonquel Jones puts up 14 points and 10 rebounds as the Sun win at home, they beat the short-handed Mercury who are without Diana Taurasi (Out- Quad), despite 16 points from Skylar-Diggins Smith.
One Moment
A heart-warming story of middle-aged siblings struggling to manage their lives while caring for their recently widowed father, Joe, a demanding and difficult man! Joe stubbornly believes he is still capable of running his own life which leads to sad, but sometimes hilarious situations. Although at odds on how to best care for Joe in his final years, they are united in wanting to ensure his well-being and help him find peace of mind – without them losing their own. | 2022-08-05T04:47:54Z | sports.yahoo.com | Game Recap: Mercury 64, Sun 77 | https://sports.yahoo.com/game-recap-mercury-64-sun-015254185.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/game-recap-mercury-64-sun-015254185.html?src=rss |
On Thursday, the Carolina Panthers waived 2021 sixth-round pick Thomas Fletcher—the only challenger to the team’s longtime long snapper JJ Jansen. But now that there is no competition, the 15th-year veteran is in line to snap a franchise record.
The 36-year-old Jansen, who arrived in Carolina through a trade with the Green Bay Packers way back in 2009, will enter the 2022 campaign having played 209 games for the organization. If he plays in just 13 more—bringing that total to a magic 222—then he’ll surpass the current Panthers record of 221 held by former kicker John Kasay.
As long as head coach Matt Rhule doesn’t decide to spice things up again with another challenger and Jansen remains healthy, that mark should be broken in Week 14. That Sunday will see the Panthers travel west to take on the Seattle Seahawks on Dec. 11.
In addition to that impressive feat, Jansen has also gone over a decade without a botched snap—with that lone mistake coming in the 2010 season opener against the New York Giants. He was also selected to his first and only Pro Bowl appearance for his efforts in 2013.
So, yeah, Jansen has seen quite a bit here in Charlotte. He’s played for Rhule, Ron Rivera and John Fox, and he’s played on a 2-14 team and a 15-1 team.
And now, he’ll soon see some more history. But this time, it’ll be his own. | 2022-08-05T05:31:15Z | sports.yahoo.com | Panthers LS JJ Jansen in line to break franchise record | https://sports.yahoo.com/panthers-ls-jj-jansen-line-040046676.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/panthers-ls-jj-jansen-line-040046676.html?src=rss |
STORY: Speaking at a news conference following their 77-64 loss to the Connecticut Sun in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), Diggins-Smith and DeShields said they approached the game with a heavy heart.
Prior to the match, members of the two teams observed a 42 second moment of silence for Griner.
Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and WNBA star, was arrested in mid-February as she arrived to play for a Russian side during the WNBA offseason.
'Rainbow baby,' 'sunshine baby': After pregnancy or infant loss, grieving moms find comfort in these coded terms and symbols
Whether it's an image placed on a hospital room door or a term used to describe a baby born after a loss, these symbols and words can support families as they cope with their grief. | 2022-08-05T08:55:21Z | sports.yahoo.com | "Nobody wanted to even play today": Griner's teammates | https://sports.yahoo.com/nobody-wanted-even-play-today-073635454.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nobody-wanted-even-play-today-073635454.html?src=rss |
Bills: 70,000 tickets distributed for Friday’s ‘Red & Blue’ practice
The Bills report that 70,000 tickets have been distributed for tomorrow’s Red&Blue Practice at the Stadium. 70K!
Tickets were free. All 70K may not show. But very big crowd expected.
— Mark Gaughan (@gggaughan) August 4, 2022
Dublin, Aug. 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Next Generation Sequencing Market Report 2022" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global next generation sequencing market is expected to grow from $8.05 billion in 2021 to $9.22 billion in 2022 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.4%. The market is expected to grow to $15.21 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.4%.North America was the largest region in the next-generation sequen | 2022-08-05T11:36:24Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bills: 70,000 tickets distributed for Friday’s ‘Red & Blue’ practice | https://sports.yahoo.com/bills-70-000-tickets-distributed-095511423.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bills-70-000-tickets-distributed-095511423.html?src=rss |
New England Patriots defensive lineman Richard Seymour (93) holds the Vince Lombardi trophy after the Patriots defeated the Carolina Panthers 32-29 to win Super Bowl 38 on Feb. 1, 2004, in Houston.
The path surely worked out. Seymour, who played eight of his 12 NFL seasons in New England – and won three Super Bowls in his first four seasons – will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday. He arrived in Foxborough at an opportune time, and not only because Tom Brady, in his second NFL season, took over at quarterback.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Richard Seymour gets awaited Pro Football Hall of Fame recognition
Miguel Cabrera says he may end his likely Hall of Fame career at the end of this season. Cabrera joined the 3,000-hit/500-homer club earlier in the season, and was hitting .308 as recently as July 8. “You've got to understand your body, I understand mine and my place on this team," he said before the Tigers hosted the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday. | 2022-08-05T11:36:43Z | sports.yahoo.com | A cornerstone of Patriots' dynasty, Richard Seymour gets his Hall of Fame due | Opinion | https://sports.yahoo.com/cornerstone-patriots-dynasty-richard-seymour-100507202.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/cornerstone-patriots-dynasty-richard-seymour-100507202.html?src=rss |
The young Eagles tight end who plans to reinvent himself originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Four catches. Twenty-two yards. A long gainer of nine yards.
That could be a single series for Dallas Goedert or Zach Ertz.
For Jack Stoll, it was the entire 2021 season.
Stoll made the Eagles last year as an undrafted rookie tight end out of Nebraska, and once the season began he was asked to do one thing.
Once the Eagles traded Zach Ertz and began running the ball 40 times a game, he became even more valuable as the Eagles' TE2.
Stoll averaged 21 snaps per game last year, but during the late 7-2 stretch that propelled the Eagles into the playoffs, that number increased to 30 snaps per game, which means he was on the field for 46 percent of the Eagles’ offensive plays the second half of the season.
For an undrafted rookie, that’s remarkable. His 331 snaps were the most by any NFL undrafted rookie tight end since Ryan Hewitt of the Bengals played 466 in 2014.
“It was awesome,” Stoll said after practice Thursday. “I just kept getting better every single day, and I hope that showed on the field.
“Obviously, being an undrafted guy, you’re just trying to make the team, and after I did that I focused on doing whatever I could do to find that niche to get on the field. That wasn’t just offense, that was special teams, doing whatever I could, being in coach (Michael) Clay’s office, seeing how I could tighten up the footwork (on special teams).
“And really once you tighten up something, it allows you for more availability everywhere else, and that’s kind of how I looked at it and just kept developing everything I had, and it was awesome being out there and getting snaps and help this team get to the playoffs, especially last year, when nobody thought we would.”
All that playing time tells you what a good blocker Stoll is. Because if you’re playing nearly half of a team’s snaps during a playoff run when you’re averaging one catch per month there’s a reason for it.
Last year, being a great blocker and a non-existent receiver was enough for Stoll.
This year, he wants more.
“Absolutely,” he said. “I think last year I knew my niche was going to be blocking and that was how I was going to make the team so that was my emphasis, and kind of as the year went on I realized I could develop into being able to catch the ball a little bit more, and that’s really what I focused on at OTAs and this offseason, developing a little more fast-twitch, coming out of breaks faster and really becoming an all-purpose tight end.
“That’s really the goal at the end of the day so I think I’m progressing well. A lot I can still learn. Having a guy like Dallas Goedert in the tight end room, you can just sit there and watch what he does is unbelievable. That’s what I do. Try to learn and absorb as much as I can from him and J-Mike (tight ends coach Jason Michael).
"Everyone in that tight ends room can run routes, so it’s just great absorbing what I can from them and hopefully I’m doing the same for them, too.”
Stoll caught the ball very well the first week of training camp, and while he’ll never be an Ertz or Goedert, he knows that being able to do both - block and catch - means more playing time.
“Listen, I’ll do whatever will help the team win at this point,” he said. “If that means going out there and catching a couple balls, that would be great. Obviously, every tight end wants to be able to do both.
“But at the end of the day, as long as I’m here helping the team win ball games? Trust me, I’d rather win every single game than go out there and have a catch every single game. So as long as we keep winning football games, I couldn’t care less.” | 2022-08-05T11:36:50Z | sports.yahoo.com | Eagles training camp 2022: How Jack Stoll plans to re-invent himself | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-training-camp-2022-jack-110000773.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-training-camp-2022-jack-110000773.html?src=rss |
American basketball coach (1910–2010)
St. Louis quarterback Kurt Warner hugs coach Dick Vermeil after the Rams beat Tennessee to win Super Bowl XXXIV. (Dave Martin / Associated Press)
UCLA coach Dick Vermeil is carried from the field after the Bruins beat Ohio State in the Rose Bowl, 23-10, on Jan. 1, 1976. His success in Westwood led to another success story in the NFL. (Associated Press)
The 2022 Pro Football Hall of Fame class at the NFL Honors show. (Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)
As for Vermeil, he would love to be able to speak volumes from the lectern Saturday. But, as with the other inductees, he’s limited to eight minutes. That’s a tall order for someone whose thank-you list is as long as the rolling credits in "Star Wars." On top of that, he’s famous for the emotions that well in him and the tears that so easily fill his eyes. | 2022-08-05T11:37:08Z | sports.yahoo.com | Great coaches spurred Dick Vermeil but John Wooden's advice fueled Hall-of-Fame career | https://sports.yahoo.com/great-coaches-spurred-dick-vermeil-110046625.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/great-coaches-spurred-dick-vermeil-110046625.html?src=rss |
“Stott is going to be the shortstop,” Thomson said. “With (backups Edmundo Sosa and Yairo Munoz), we've got a lot of versatility there. So, Didi was really kind of the odd man out. That doesn't mean he's a bad player. He's played very well at shortstop for us. He just didn't hit the way that he normally hits. It doesn't mean he won't hit in the future, but right now he's not hitting and so we felt like we had better pieces.
“It's a difficult decision, but, I think, the right decision.
“We're in this thing and we're in it for real. We're serious about this. Hey, the game is about production. You have to produce. If you don't, then we have to make some decisions.”
“(Stott’s) at-bats over the last six weeks have been outstanding -- not only against right-handers but left-handers, too,” Thomson said. “Clutch situations, he's gotten on base. He's had great at-bats. He's seeing the ball well. He's really proven to be a big-league player.”
Jimmy Rollins discusses how he got Black teammates ready for the bigs
Turns out the Phillies' all-time hit king was an exemplary leader off the field as well as on it. By Dan Roche
'The View' announces Ana Navarro and Alyssa Farah Griffin as new co-hosts
“The View” is adding two new co-hosts: former Trump staffer, Alyssa Farah Griffin, as well as longtime contributor to the show, Ana Navarro, who will be permanent co-host. Both women are Republicans and will add their differing types of conservative commentary to the long-running ABC daytime talk show.
August Reliever Rankings
Matthew Pouliot breaks down the August relief pitcher rankings. (Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports)
“I know there’s lots of eyes on the CG and critique."View Entire Post › | 2022-08-05T11:55:23Z | sports.yahoo.com | Phillies in it to win it, performance outweighs money as Gregorius release shows | https://sports.yahoo.com/phillies-win-performance-outweighs-money-221000796.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/phillies-win-performance-outweighs-money-221000796.html?src=rss |
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner, who has played in Russia like many other WNBA stars, tries to power her way past Chicago Sky forward Candace Parker during a game in 2021. (Ralph Freso / Associated Press)
A look at the basketball shoes of Sparks forward Katie Lou Samuelson with "Pay Women Athletes" in writing. (Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
"As women in sports, we have to play the long game," said Allison Galer, an agent who represents the Sparks' Chiney Ogwumike, Washington forward Elizabeth Williams and reigning rookie of the year Michaela Onyenwere.
Cathy Engelbert, addressing the media during the 2020 WNBA Finals, became the league commissioner in 2019 with an eye toward making the league a thriving business. (Associated Press)
“Before I’m done," she added, "we’re going to change the broken valuation model."
"Everyone wants to go straight to the salary,” said Samuelson, a former No. 4 overall pick who has played on four teams in her four years in the WNBA. “But there are so many different things that need to be stepping stones before that happens too.”
But the opportunities to play overseas are dwindling, Galer said. She doesn’t think any agent will send an American player to Russia in light of Griner’s detention, the war in Ukraine and the Euroleague's suspension of the top Russian teams UMMC Ekaterinburg, Dynamo Kursk and MBA Moscow. COVID-19 also crippled the overseas market.
“We're just trying to chip away,” she said at the event. | 2022-08-05T12:37:11Z | sports.yahoo.com | Pay equity in women's sports: How the WNBA is playing the long game | https://sports.yahoo.com/pay-equity-womens-sports-wnba-110039143.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/pay-equity-womens-sports-wnba-110039143.html?src=rss |
Rumor: Kevin Durant to meet with Nets owner Joe Tsai Doncic, Antetokounmpo betting favorites to win 2023 NBA MVP Bam Adebayo on playing entire career with Heat: “If I could, I would”
Report: Other teams not willing to facilitate Kevin Durant trade originally appeared on NBCSports.com
NETANYA, Israel, Aug. 03, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On August 3, 2022, Leonardo DRS, Inc. (“DRS”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a registration statement on Form S-4, which includes the preliminary proxy statement for the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders (the “Meeting”) of RADA Electronic Industries Ltd. (“RADA”), relating to the approval of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated June 21, 2022, by and among DRS, RADA and Blackstart Ltd., a company orga
"As far back as June of last year we were both pitching or looking to join existing projects as individuals," podcaster says in new interview | 2022-08-05T12:54:41Z | sports.yahoo.com | Report: Other teams not willing to facilitate Kevin Durant trade | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-other-teams-not-willing-120041037.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-other-teams-not-willing-120041037.html?src=rss |
Bill Belichick often doesn't say much in media settings. Last October, he was asked about Richard Seymour, a player he traded away in 2009.
Belichick spoke 1,066 gushing words about Seymour. It started with a question about what made Seymour a special player.
"Everything," Belichick said.
Seymour came to New England with the sixth overall pick of the 2001 NFL draft. The Patriots won a Super Bowl that season, the start of their dynasty. Seymour was a big part of the first phase of that dynasty on his way to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Belichick had been in the NFL a long time when the Patriots got Seymour, and he had coached many great players. He said Seymour was "really unlike any other player that I had coached up until that point."
It takes a special player to get that kind of praise from the normally stoic Belichick. Seymour was special.
Richard Seymour helped start a dynasty
Other players through the Patriots' dynasty have gotten more of the spotlight, but Seymour helped set the tone.
“We had a bond with teammates and they were like brothers, and we felt a sense of responsibility to one another," Seymour told MassLive.com. "And, I think when you have a culture like that and it breeds success, and it breeds winning, that’s really what it’s all about.”
More than any intangibles, Seymour was a force on the field. His versatility along the defensive line was a key for the Patriots. His size and athleticism were unique. He was 6-foot-6, 317 pounds but agile enough to take a fumble recovery 68 yards for a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills in 2003.
"Richard Seymour goes the distance!" #FlashbackFriday: @BigSey93's 68-yard fumble return at Buffalo in 2004 pic.twitter.com/UjUFRXQKQy
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 27, 2019
When Belichick talked about Seymour, he referenced the defensive lineman making a key block on Troy Brown's 85-yard punt return in a 2001 win over the Cleveland Browns. You won't see many future Hall-of-Fame defensive linemen throwing key blocks on the punt return team.
"He was very, very athletic," Belichick said.
Seymour made five straight Pro Bowls and was first-team All-Pro three times with the Patriots. And then his time in New England was suddenly done.
And then Seymour was traded to the Oakland Raiders for a first-round pick before the 2009 season, one of many times the Patriots have moved on from a key veteran without much warning. Seymour did pretty well with the Raiders too.
New England Patriots defensive lineman Richard Seymour was a big part of the Patriots' first three Super Bowl championship teams. (Photo by Matthew West/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images)
Seymour had good years with Raiders
Seymour played four seasons with the Raiders and made two Pro Bowls before retiring. He finished his career with seven Pro Bowls and 57.5 sacks.
Seymour could have held a grudge over being traded while he still had prime years left, but he said he never had a problem with Belichick.
"That’s just a part of the way the NFL works," Seymour told USA Today in 2020. "So, it may have seemed like it was some tension or something, but in my mind, it’s no hard feelings."
Because Seymour's impact came from his consistent dominance and not eye-popping sack numbers, it took a few shots for him to get inducted into the Hall of Fame. As he was waiting for the call in 2019, he told Yahoo Sports' Shalise Manza Young that he was proud of his football legacy.
"I think one thing that I’ve always said is I wanted to be respected by the players I played against," Seymour said. “When you’re kind of hanging out or at events, I have a lot of offensive linemen coming up to me and telling me I played the game the right way, I was one of their toughest competitors or I was the best they played against.
“When they say that, I feel like I’m already in the Hall of Fame because of that."
Now he has a gold jacket to make it official. | 2022-08-05T13:07:30Z | sports.yahoo.com | 2022 Hall of Fame: Richard Seymour 'unlike any other player' Bill Belichick coached | https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-hall-of-fame-richard-seymour-unlike-any-other-player-bill-belichick-coached-160040163.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-hall-of-fame-richard-seymour-unlike-any-other-player-bill-belichick-coached-160040163.html?src=rss |
The Arizona Cardinals made sure they kept their starting left tackle around for a while longer. They signed former first-round pick D.J. Humphries to a three-year extension that keeps him under contract through the 2025 season.
The deal is worth a reported $66.8 million.
The Cardinals actually save a few million dollars in cap space in 2022 with the deal.
According to ESPN’s Field Yates, the Cardinals save $6.7 million in cap space with the structure of the deal.
He was scheduled to have a cap hit of more than $19.3 million, the latest cap hit on the team.
He receives a $17 million signing bonus and will make roughly $21 million in cash in 2022. His new cap hit will be $12.6 million.
The savings will allow the Cardinals to potentially add a veteran player to their roster and gives them the flexibility to work on potential contract extensions with some young players on the final year of their rookie contracts like cornerback Byron Murphy, safety Jalen Thompson and defensive lineman Zach Allen.
The specifics of Humphries’ contract have not been released or reported yet. | 2022-08-05T13:07:37Z | sports.yahoo.com | Cardinals gain $6.7M in cap space with D.J. Humphries’ contract extension | https://sports.yahoo.com/cardinals-gain-6-7m-cap-122855014.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/cardinals-gain-6-7m-cap-122855014.html?src=rss |
New England Patriots rookie quarterback Bailey Zappe is making progress throughout the course of training camp.
Zappe has found himself getting a lot of playing time after Brian Hoyer missed five of the Patriots first eight camp practices. As a result, the Western Kentucky product has managed to get some work in.
Zappe could be a crucial part of a New England quarterback room that has undergone some changes. Jarrett Stidham is in Las Vegas, and Hoyer looks to work his way back from his illness.
Zappe comes to New England after a successful collegiate career that saw him record the most passing yards in a season and most passing touchdowns in a season in 2021. Now, he is looking to make an impact for New England. Coach Bill Belichick is pleased with the progress the quarterback has made.
“He’s making progress every day,” Belichick said before Thursday’s practice, via NESN.com’s Zack Cox “Every day’s a learning day for him. Every day’s a good day — he does some things better, then we put some new things in. Sometimes that’s a process, depending on what it is and how familiar he is with it and how comfortable he is with it.
This training camp could be important for Zappe as Hoyer gets older. A good camp could help his stock improve in the quarterback room, and help New England continue to plan for the future. | 2022-08-05T13:08:15Z | sports.yahoo.com | Patriots QB Bailey Zappe noticeably improving in first training camp | https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-qb-bailey-zappe-noticeably-124132424.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-qb-bailey-zappe-noticeably-124132424.html?src=rss |
New England Patriots wide receiver Tyquan Thornton has been practicing with a Patriots legend, who also used to play the same position.
Patriots Hall of Famer Troy Brown, the team’s receivers coach, has been working with the rookie during training camp. Thornton was seven years old when Brown played his final snap with the Patriots. Now, the rookie wideout is looking to learn from Brown as he tries to leave his own mark in the New England offense.
The second-year wideout from Baylor has been watching Brown’s film. Brown had a tenacious, rugged play style, and one aspect of Brown’s game stood out to Thornton.
Brown had decent statistics as a defender as well as his reputation for being a stout receiver. For instance, he had three interceptions in the 2004 season, and finished one interception behind Eugene Wilson for the team lead that season.
Thornton won’t probably have the defensive prowess that Brown showed a bit of during his career. However, Brown’s motivation and body of work as a receiver are things that Thornton can try to emulate. | 2022-08-05T13:08:21Z | sports.yahoo.com | Patriots WR Tyquan Thornton has high praise for this Patriots legend | https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-wr-tyquan-thornton-high-124502342.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-wr-tyquan-thornton-high-124502342.html?src=rss |
Repeating as Super Bowl champions won’t be easy for the Los Angeles Rams to do. It never is for the team that won it all the previous season. But heading into the regular season, expectations remain high for Sean McVay’s team.
They have some of the best Super Bowl odds in the NFL and even though they lost the likes of Von Miller, Darious Williams and Austin Corbett, they added Bobby Wagner and Allen Robinson. It’s a (slightly) new-look team in some respects, but still one of the best in football.
Nate Davis of USA TODAY Sports released his preseason power rankings and sitting at No. 1 are the Rams.
Rams (1): Reigning champs have several key departures and newcomers, WR Odell Beckham Jr. currently somewhere in between. But factoring a guy like LB Bobby Wagner into the equation certainly won’t hinder the quest of a team trying to become the first in 18 years to successfully defend a Super Bowl crown.
The Bills moved up from No. 3 to 2, and they’ll be the Rams’ Week 1 opponent. The Bengals are now third, followed by the Packers and Chiefs in the top five.
You have to scroll a bit further down to find another NFC West team. The Rams are the only ones in the top 10, though the 49ers moved up from 14th to 11th as the second-best team in the West. The Cardinals remain No. 22 and the Seahawks slipped three spots to No. 25.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize how difficult the Rams’ schedule will be this season. They’ll face five of the top-eight teams in these rankings and nine of the top 15 teams. If they’re going to win the NFC West again, it’s going to require a bunch of tough victories against quality teams. | 2022-08-05T13:08:28Z | sports.yahoo.com | Rams atop 2022 preseason power rankings, only NFC West team in top 10 | https://sports.yahoo.com/rams-atop-2022-preseason-power-123953242.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/rams-atop-2022-preseason-power-123953242.html?src=rss |
With the dog days of August upon us, NBA executives and several free agents are awaiting a blockbuster trade domino to fall with Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Donovan Mitchell, and Russell Westbrook as potential candidates to be moved.
Several notable names remain on the free agent market, including Collin Sexton, Montrezl Harrell, Dennis Schroeder, Carmelo Anthony, LaMarcus Aldridge, Jordan Nwora, DeMarcus Cousins, Isaiah Thomas, Blake Griffin, Tristan Thompson, and Lou Williams, per our HoopsHype free agent rankings.
As those free agents wait for a blockbuster trade to open up potential roster spots, here’s the latest HoopsHype intel report on trade talks between the Knicks and Jazz for Mitchell, Westbrook’s future with the Lakers, Turner’s future with the Pacers, and several updates on the Houston Rockets.
Mike Conley is owed $47 million over the next two seasons, which has made him a more difficult trade candidate in the immediate future.
The New York Knicks have the necessary draft pick compensation to acquire Mitchell, including a maximum of eight first-round picks over the next seven years they can include. However, New York has been reluctant to give up a treasure chest of draft picks thus far, with trade talks stalling over the past few weeks. Utah and New York have haggled over the number of picks, whether they’d be protected or not, young assets (Obi Toppin, Immanuel Quickley and Quentin Grimes), and which salary filler player(s) will be used to get the deal done.
Despite the haggling back and forth, New York remains the presumptive favorite to land Mitchell should Utah ultimately trade him. The Knicks have been searching to land a star in the Leon Rose era, and Mitchell would fill that void while entering the prime of his career to mesh well with New York’s current nucleus.
Another potential plot twist to monitor is whether the Knicks would have interest in acquiring Beasley. The Knicks previously expressed interest in signing Beasley when he was a restricted free agent, and former Timberwolves executive Gersson Rosas, who signed Beasley to a four-year, $60 million deal in Minnesota, is now working for the Knicks as a senior basketball advisor.
Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner has heard his name in more rumors than a high schooler in the hallway over the past five seasons. He recently opened up about becoming “numb” to the rumblings in an interview with Andscape.
If Turner remains with the Pacers, he’s expected to have a solidified role as the starting center with more potential offensive opportunities now that Domantas Sabonis is no longer sharing the frontcourt with him.
Turner, 26, is young enough to fit Indiana’s rebuilding timeline. However, the question is whether the Pacers will want to pay the league’s top shot blocker potentially more than his current $18 million salary when he becomes a free agent next summer.
50 Cent Revisits Randall Emmett Feud With Photo of Himself and Producer's Ex-Fiancée Lala Kent
Lala Kent was seen hanging out with 50 Cent, who took to his Instagram to issue a warning to 'Power' producer and former foe Randall Emmett. | 2022-08-05T13:27:19Z | sports.yahoo.com | NBA Rumors: Donovan Mitchell, Russell Westbrook, Myles Turner, Houston Rockets | https://sports.yahoo.com/nba-rumors-donovan-mitchell-russell-070800694.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nba-rumors-donovan-mitchell-russell-070800694.html?src=rss |
As opening day gets closer, we know one thing about the first Florida football game of Billy Napier’s first season as a Gator.
This will be turned up.
In fact, I can make the argument that it might be the most electric atmosphere for a first game that we have ever seen for this program.
There are a lot of reasons. One is that Napier is starting what Florida fans hope won’t be a fourth straight short tenure for head coaches at UF. But more than that, the Gator Nation wants to see what they have and the test is going to be darn close to as difficult as you can make it.
Utah will probably be ranked in the top 10 when the first Associated Press poll comes out. If the Utes do crack the top 10, it will only be the fourth time that Florida has opened the season against a top-10 team.
One of those did not make this version of the latest Dooley’s Dozen: Houston in 1969.
I’m going by the buzz going into the game, not the one coming away from it. And the stands were far from full for that Houston game because expectations were not high.
Remember, fans started showing up at halftime to buy tickets after listening to Otis Boggs on the radio.
So, let’s see how you feel about these 12, the Dooley’s Dozen of the most electric atmospheres heading into an opener.
Rice Owls (1953)
OK, I wasn’t alive for this and I really don’t know if there was any buzz in Houston for this one, but this is the first time Florida ever played an opener with both teams ranked. Florida was 15th, Rice was 12th and the Owls won the game 20-16.
Duke Blue Devils (1970)
It might have been more noise than actual buzz, but it was Doug Dickey’s first game as head coach and not everybody was happy with the selection. Still, we all wanted to see what this coach who slid into Ray Graves’ slot could do. (Carlos Alvarez saved the day).
Illinois Illini (1967)
[autotag]Steve Spurrier[/autotag] had put Florida football on the national map with his Heisman win. Now, we’d find out if Florida could stay there with a local guy, Gainesville High’s Jackie Eckdahl. If it is as steamy for Utah as it was for Illinois that day, the Utes are in trouble. Eckdahl did score in the 14-0 win but did not score again that season.
Kentucky Wildcats (1992)
It wasn’t that Kentucky was anything special, but this was a rarity – an SEC opening game. And the first time Florida had taken the field as defending SEC champs. There was also this. Florida had lobbied to get Kentucky moved to earlier in the season and out of the cold and this is what the SEC did.
Ole Miss Rebels (2020)
Well, atmosphere-wise it may not have been the best because of limited attendance. But the buzz around this was there because it was scheduled in the summer when the SEC decided to play during the pandemic. And it was Lane Kiffin back in the SEC.
Miami Hurricanes (1985)
There was a stretch when this was a tradition, opening with Miami, and this one was a collection of some of the greatest players on the same field in front of a sellout (yes, sellout) crowd at the Orange Bowl. Florida won. Miami didn’t lose again until its bowl game. The environment was epic.
Southern Miss Golden Eagles (1997)
Like Eckdahl before him, Doug Johnson was given the task of being a local product following a Heisman winner. And this team was also defending UF’s first national title. I remember Gainesville being alive the night before the game. Unfortunately, what I remember most about that night was the death of Princess Diana.
The crowd for this game in Jerry World was almost like a Florida-Georgia crowd. Expectations for both teams — Florida was 17th and Michigan 11th — were through the roof and Florida fans were ready to get back at the Wolverines for the bowl loss two years prior. Didn’t work out.
I’ll be honest. This was a scary environment. It was loud and hot and noisy, and did I mention loud? When Miami ran out on the field, it was like the “U” was back. GameDay was there for this one and previewed it for, like, nine hours. It was beyond intense.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (2007)
I can’t name one player on that Hilltoppers team. I do remember they were still an FCS team. But that’s not what mattered. This was Tim Tebow’s first start. It was like Elvis was starting at quarterback. More than 90,000 were there and – little did we know – it would be the start of a Heisman season.
1990 Oklahoma State
Neither team went into this game ranked. Okie State was actually dealing with probation. But it was almost like UF fans were there to say, “OK, this is it. If Steve Spurrier can’t get it done here, maybe it can’t be done.” They were standing on their heads for the start of this game. Oh, and he got it done.
AP Photo/Chuck Luzier
This didn’t end well for the Gators, but the biggest reason I put this at the top was that both teams were in the top 20 (Miami was 10th) and the Hurricanes were the defending national champs and had already beaten No. 1 Auburn in a Kickoff Classic game the week before. Which was Jimmy Johnson’s first game as Miami’s coach. Also, Florida had this former fifth-string walk-on as their quarterback and a coach with the NCAA breathing down his neck. The sellout crowd in Tampa saw a doozy. | 2022-08-05T13:59:41Z | sports.yahoo.com | Dooley’s Dozen: Florida football’s 12 most electric season-openers | https://sports.yahoo.com/dooley-dozen-florida-football-12-120017008.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/dooley-dozen-florida-football-12-120017008.html?src=rss |
On Wednesday, Paul Chryst and his coaching staff broke out of a recruiting slump when they received a verbal commitment from 2023 three-star defensive end Will McDonald out of Hudson, Wisconsin, who will join the program as a preferred walk-on.
According to 247 sports, McDonald is the No. 111 DL in the country and the No. 2 player in Wisconsin.
The 6-foot-4, 235-pound DL committed to UW despite holding scholarship offers from Akron, Army, Illinois State, Iowa State, Kansas, Kent State, Lehigh, Long Island, North Dakota State, Northern Illinois, and South Dakota.
The Hudson High School standout will join his older brother Cade McDonald, who currently plays defensive end for the Badgers, fulfilling a lifelong dream of playing together.
The Wisconsin native announced his commitment to the Badgers via his Twitter account:
Wisconsin basketball's top remaining target in the 2023 recruiting class breaks down his official visit to Madison: | 2022-08-05T13:59:54Z | sports.yahoo.com | Wisconsin Lands PWO Commitment From Three-Star DE Will McDonald | https://sports.yahoo.com/wisconsin-lands-pwo-commitment-three-123739448.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/wisconsin-lands-pwo-commitment-three-123739448.html?src=rss |
The Chicago Bears are signing veteran cornerback and special teamer Davontae Harris, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Harris was one of five defensive players that the Bears worked out on Thursday, and he certainly made an impression.
His best season came with the Broncos in 2019, where he appeared in 16 games (6 starts) and totaled 35 tackles and 3 pass breakups.
Most recently, he appeared in six games between the Chargers and 49ers last season, where he had 9 tackles. Harris has served primarily as a reserve and special teams contributor.
The Chicago Bears are signing four-year veteran cornerback and special teamer Davontae Harris, per source.
The Bears have a much-improved secondary following a dismal showing in 2021, and that includes at the cornerback position. Their most notable additions include rookie Kyler Gordon and veteran nickel cornerback Tavon Young.
But with Thomas Graham Jr. sidelined with a hamstring injury, it makes sense to bring in Harris as depth at cornerback. | 2022-08-05T14:38:56Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bears are signing veteran CB Davontae Harris | https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-signing-veteran-cb-davontae-132803593.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-signing-veteran-cb-davontae-132803593.html?src=rss |
Former Buffalo Bills linebacker Kiko Alonso is making his football return. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Alonso worked out with the New Orleans Saints on Thursday and went on to sign with the team.
Alonso, 31, last played in the league in 2019 with the Saints.
In terms of Buffalo, Alonso has always lived in Bills lore.
However, Alonso missed his entire second year due to injury and then was traded.
Per Saints Wire, Alonso will battle for a depth position at linebacker. New Orleans recently lost out on the Kwon Alexander sweepstakes, as he signed with the New York Jets last week. | 2022-08-05T14:39:33Z | sports.yahoo.com | Former Bills LB Kiko Alonso back in the NFL | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-bills-lb-kiko-alonso-140550630.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-bills-lb-kiko-alonso-140550630.html?src=rss |
Through the first two weeks of training camp, Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard has taken some of the younger defensive backs under his wing.
Earlier this week, the almost 29-year-old spoke with Caleb Farley after the latter was beaten in one-on-one drills by wide receiver Racey McMath.
Byard, who learned on Thursday that his No. 20 jersey would be retired by his alma mater, Middle Tennessee State University, spoke at length with the media following the team’s seventh session of training camp.
Of the items that stood out, the Philadelphia native touched on his expectations for third-year cornerback Kristian Fulton.
According to Byard, a Pro Bowl-caliber year should be the standard for the LSU product after a career year in 2021.
“We have a lot of guys who I feel like are going to be real good X-factors for us. I’ve kind of talked to Kristian Fulton about that,” Byard said via AtoZ Sports Nashville. “Obviously, we drafted Roger [McCreary], who I think is going to be a really good corner for us. But I’m talking to Kristian like, ‘Hey, you’re going be an X-factor for us.’ A lot of guys have different expectations and have different standards for themselves.
“But I say, ‘hey, you, a Pro-Bowl year for you has to be the standard; you have to be trying to reach that next level. You had a good year last year. You had some little injuries and had some lulls or whatever. But a Pro-Bowl year has to be good for you.’ And I think if Kristian can take his game to the next level, that will help out our defense a lot.”
Fulton, 23, played and started in 13 games last season, recording 40 tackles, two interceptions and a team-high 14 pass break-ups, and made he significant strides in his pass coverage from Year 1 to Year 2.
He held opposing quarterbacks to a 51.4 percent completion rate and a 71.3 quarterback rating. As a rookie, he allowed a 68.8 completion percentage and a 91.4 quarterback rating on balls thrown his way.
That said, he struggled to play at a high level consistently. Fulton allowed just under 19 yards per completion through the first five weeks of the regular season before that average improved.
However, over the final three weeks, the young cornerback allowed an average of 14.1 yards per completion, buoyed by a seven-reception, 113-yard game on balls thrown in his direction in Week 16 against the San Francisco 49ers.
In training camp thus far, Fulton has continued to be boom-or-bust. He’s made some nice plays in one-on-one and team periods, but he also gave up two catches to Racey McMath on Thursday, including a deep ball downfield for a touchdown.
While Byard understands that the cornerback position is one of the most challenging in the National Football League, he wants to see consistency from Fulton heading into the 2022 season.
“You always have to be on point because we give up big plays; that’s what people see,” Byard said of the cornerback position. “So I think it’s just a hard position to play. I understand that you’re going to give up some plays. You’re going to face a lot of elite receivers week in and week out.
“You’ve got to make some plays; that’s what we get paid to do. But it’s all about how you respond to that. You know, if you give a play, don’t turn it into two or three. So that’s really what I want to see from him or continue to see from is it just keep battling the back,” he added. | 2022-08-05T14:40:31Z | sports.yahoo.com | Titans’ Kevin Byard on Kristian Fulton: A Pro-Bowl year ‘has to be the standard’ | https://sports.yahoo.com/titans-kevin-byard-kristian-fulton-142143085.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/titans-kevin-byard-kristian-fulton-142143085.html?src=rss |
Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyle Sloter was on an NFL field on Thursday night throwing passes in a different uniform.
The 28-year-old journeyman, now a Jacksonville Jaguar, is playing on his seventh NFL team, following a one-and-done run with the New Orleans Breakers in the USFL.
There has been some anticipation for his return after leading the Breakers to the USFL South Division championship and receiving All-USFL honors. It was also his first game back since he made the comment back in June about there not being “80 or 90 quarterbacks in the world” better than he is right now.
In the Hall of Fame Game preseason opener, he went 13-of-25 passing for 127 yards. And he also threw the Jaguars’ one and only touchdown
Sloter is currently competing with C.J. Beathard and Jake Luton for the lead backup duties behind Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence. If anything, it’s a foot in the door for NFL stability. | 2022-08-05T14:40:56Z | sports.yahoo.com | WATCH: Former Vikings QB Kyle Sloter throws touchdown pass for Jaguars | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-former-vikings-qb-kyle-130012420.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-former-vikings-qb-kyle-130012420.html?src=rss |
Moniak sounds unhappy with his 'opportunity' in Philly originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Moniak simply never put it together at the plate during his stints in the majors, and didn't exactly light it up in the Phillies' minor league system either. Bummer.
But it doesn't sound like Moniak thinks he got the fairest of shakes during his time in the Phils' organization.
MORE: Castellanos' arm, Bohm's bat propel streaking Phillies vs. Nats
Here's an intriguing quote from the 24-year-old, via Associated Press reporter Greg Beacham, after being asked if a fresh start out in Los Angeles will help:
"Looking back on my time in Philadelphia, I was grateful for it, (being) given a chance as an 18-year-old kid, came up with them, debuted with them. But I think that, you know, for me, I've always been a guy that maybe takes a little bit to get comfortable at every level, and once I get comfortable, it's on from there. So, wasn't really given that opportunity there, which makes sense. They're always in a pennant hunt with a lot of money on the field, so just to be here and be told that you're gonna go out and play and have some fun is huge."
I appreciate the self-awareness from Moniak, the way he realizes that he takes time to acclimate to each level of play before hitting his stride. A lot of guys aren't willing to admit that.
But as far as not getting a chance is concerned? The team was basically begging him to make the center field job his, and he simply never did. Sure, his major league sample size is small - just 105 plate appearances over 47 games in three years with the Phils - but racking up a .211 on-base percentage in those 105 PAs is highly concerning.
And the fact that multiple managers looked at Moniak, then looked at guys like Roman Quinn, Odubel Herrera, Adam Haseley, and others... and decided Moniak wasn't even worth plopping in center? That's not a good sign.
Maybe if the Phillies had simply given Moniak an entire season with no qualifiers, told him to just play ball and not worry about losing the job because he won't, he would've found his stride. Or maybe he would've been awful. We don't know. What we do know is that Moniak didn't show much of anything during his time here that convinces you he's got what it takes to become a legit contributor in the majors.
Perhaps that'll change in Los Angeles. He smacked a home run in his second game with the Angels, his first hit with his new team.
He's also 1-for-6 with two strikeouts.
Family fights to free beloved US lawyer imprisoned while on vacation in Venezuela | 2022-08-05T14:58:46Z | sports.yahoo.com | Angels' Mickey Moniak: Phillies didn't give me 'opportunity' to grow | https://sports.yahoo.com/angels-mickey-moniak-phillies-didnt-140535000.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/angels-mickey-moniak-phillies-didnt-140535000.html?src=rss |
In 1998, Bryant Young was a force for the San Francisco 49ers, a one-time first-team All-Pro and one of the best defensive linemen in NFL.
Then, at age 26, his career almost ended.
Young suffered a gruesome leg injury tackling New York Giants quarterback Kent Graham. Teammate Ken Norton Jr. crashed into Young's leg, causing a compound fracture of Young's tibia and fibula. Players from both teams frantically called for the trainers after seeing the damage. It was one of the worst injuries you'll see on a football field.
The trauma didn't end after he was taken off the field on a stretcher and to the hospital. An 18-inch rod was inserted into his leg. He had complications, including compartment syndrome, and spent 17 days in the hospital.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame wasn't foremost on Young's mind then. Young was unsure if would play again.
"It was so painful," Young told the 49ers' site. "There was that moment where I kind of knew that this was really serious. There were some complications that came after the surgery, so there was a thought in my mind of the reality that I could not play again."
Young's Hall of Fame story is highlighted by his greatness on the field, of course. It's also special because of his resiliency.
Bryant Young came back from injury
Young somehow made it back on the field for the 1999 season opener. He played all 16 games and had 11 sacks. A little more than a year after suffering an injury that could have easily ended his career, he was named to the NFC's Pro Bowl team. He was an obvious pick for NFL Comeback Player of the Year.
"I was so fortunate and blessed that I was able to come back from that and play again," Young said, via the 49ers' site. "That year means a lot to me."
Not only did Young come back and play, he played nine more seasons. He missed only four games after that leg injury.
He spent his entire 14-year career with the 49ers and played at a high level into his mid-30s. By the end of his career, nine years after that unforgettable injury, Young could start thinking about the Hall of Fame. Not that he would say much about it.
San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Bryant Young (97) waves to the crowd at the end of his final home game in 2007. (Nhat V. Meyer/Mercury News) (Photo by Nhat V. Meyer/MediaNews Group/Bay Area News via Getty Images)
Young got respect from teammates
Young is known for his humble personality, and that can lead to a great defensive tackle being forgotten. A group of six offensive linemen that played against Young took up his cause as he waited to get into the Hall of Fame, speaking with some Hall of Fame voters on a Zoom meeting last year to state Young's case.
It says plenty about Young's career and his personality that offensive linemen who battled him on other teams would go out of their way to try to get him into the Hall of Fame.
"I learned a long time ago, just watching my dad, to walk quietly but carry a big stick," Young said, according to ESPN. "You don't have to talk about it. You don't have to say what you're gonna do and play mind games with people. You are who you are and you do what you do. That was just my approach. I wanted to make sure I earned the respect of the guy playing on the other side of the ball. That was important to me."
Young finished his career with 89.5 sacks and was one of the dominant defensive tackles of his era. His story could have been one of a great player whose career was cut short due to a freak injury. Instead, his career was highlighted by a remarkable comeback, and a spot in the Hall of Fame. | 2022-08-05T16:10:07Z | sports.yahoo.com | 2022 Hall of Fame: Bryant Young overcame a career-threatening injury to make the HOF | https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-hall-of-fame-bryant-young-overcame-a-career-threatening-injury-to-make-the-hof-150046701.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-hall-of-fame-bryant-young-overcame-a-career-threatening-injury-to-make-the-hof-150046701.html?src=rss |
As the pads go on for the fifth time at New Orleans Saints training camp, it’s time to get back to the trenches. While positions like wide receiver and cornerback have stolen the show recently, the offensive and defensive lines have been getting a lot of work in and are improving as well. Here are three players on the interior that we’ll be watching throughout Friday’s Saints camp practice:
One of the biggest offseason questions this year has centered around the development of Ruiz. The 2020 first-round selection is finally getting a full offseason at the position he intends to play throughout the season. Head coach Dennis Allen and players on both the offensive and defensive lines have complimented Ruiz’s growth.
Padded practices are the shining opportunity for guys like Ruiz to show their growth. In 2020, his rookie season, he was credited with a blown block in passing reps 2.5% of the time. Not great. He improved a little on that number in 2021, but steps forward this offseason will be key to his outlook.
DT Kentavius Street
Street brings a different brand of interior defensive lineman than we’re accustomed to seeing in New Orleans. His athleticism and quickness is a little different than the usual power pass rushers that the Saints usually value. His abilities jump off the field when he makes a great move, changes direction quickly, or shifts gears into a power approach to get through a blocker. He’s been a fun watch thus far, another day in pads should provide some insight on his consistency.
DT David Onyemata
Onyemata has been able to show the ability to be one the best defensive tackles in the NFL, but that maybe that’s been forgotten around the league. The University of Manitoba product missed the first six games of the 2021 season with a suspension and thus had some rust to knock off as he returned. Despite all of that, Onyemata would piled on more pressures (32) than the rest of the defensive tackle room combined (30).
This offseason presents the opportunity for him to shoot out of a cannon as the season begins and reclaim his status as a top interior defender. His run-stuffing ability and excellent burst in pass rush are vital to the success of the Saints defensive line. It all starts coming together during training camp.
Matt Ryan first noticed Jonathan Taylor's natural instincts on Indianapolis Colts game film. One play proved Taylor is even more impressive in person. At Indy's first training camp practice last week, Ryan got a glimpse into this season's possibilities when his new running back caught a screen pass, quickly turned up the field and left defenders in his wake.
The Dolphins made a swap at punter on Friday. The team announced the signing of Sterling Hofrichter. Tommy Heatherly was waived to create room for Hofrichter on the 90-man roster. Hofrichter was a seventh-round pick by the Falcons in 2020 and he averaged 42.5 yards per kick during his rookie season. He was waived last [more] | 2022-08-05T16:10:26Z | sports.yahoo.com | 3 players we’re watching at Day 9 of Saints training camp | https://sports.yahoo.com/3-players-watching-day-9-142418076.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/3-players-watching-day-9-142418076.html?src=rss |
The Chicago Bears have signed cornerback Davontae Harris and defensive lineman Trevon Coley, the team announced Friday. Chicago waived defensive tackle Auzoyah Alufohai and safety Jon Alexander in corresponding moves.
Harris and Coley were among five free agents who worked out for the Bears on Thursday, and they’ve now earned a roster spot heading into the second week of training camp.
Harris has appeared in 36 games, including nine starts, where he registered 59 tackles and four pass breakups.
Coley, a former undrafted free agent out of Florida Atlantic, has had stops with several teams, including most notably the Cleveland Browns (2016-18), Indianapolis Colts (2019), Arizona Cardinals (2020) and most recently the Tennessee Titans (2021).
Coley has appeared in 44 NFL games, including 31 starts, totaling 100 tackles, 14 tackles-for-loss and 3.5 sacks. Coley played for Bears head coach Matt Eberflus, who was the Colts defensive coordinator from 2018-21. | 2022-08-05T16:10:32Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bears sign CB Davontae Harris, DL Trevon Coley | https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-sign-cb-davontae-harris-143156652.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-sign-cb-davontae-harris-143156652.html?src=rss |
The Arizona Cardinals are facing another off-field distraction this year.
Running backs coach James Saxon is awaiting a trial date after being charged with two counts of domestic battery on May 25 for an alleged incident on May 7. Saxon allegedly assaulted a woman in front of a child younger than 16 years old in Indianapolis, according to ESPN.
Saxon faces a sentence of six months to 2.5 years and a possible fine of up to $10,000 for the Level 6 felony (the least serious in Indiana) and up to one year in prison and a potential fine of up to $5,000 for the Class A misdemeanor.
Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury hired Saxon after joining the team in 2019. Saxon previously coached with the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers following his eight-year NFL career.
Saxon is accused of assaulting a woman in front of two children during an argument on May 7, when the woman alleged that Saxon repeatedly pushed her and at one point yelled, "You got your gun? You might as well just shoot me now," according to the probable cause affidavit reviewed by ESPN.
A warrant for Saxon's arrest was issued on May 25, but recalled on June 8, per court records, and Saxon posted a $2,000 bond. Saxon was issued a restraining order on June 15 and fitted with a GPS monitoring device until July 21. The Cardinals opened training camp on July 26.
The Cardinals haven't publicly commented on Saxon's charges, but ESPN reported on Thursday the team "is looking into the matter."
Cardinals facing other off-field issues
Saxon's charges are just one of a few problems to hit the Cardinals this offseason.
The first was receiver DeAndre Hopkins's six-game suspension after the NFL found he violated the league's performance-enhancing drug policy in May. Receiver Marquise Brown — whom the Cardinals acquired with their 2022 first-round pick this spring — was arrested and charged with criminal speeding on Aug. 3.
The 2022 season can't come soon enough for Arizona.
Running backs coach James Saxon is another member of the Cardinals facing off-field issues. (Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Cardinals RB coach James Saxon facing 2 domestic battery charges in Indiana
Saxon allegedly repeatedly pushed a woman in front of her two children. | 2022-08-05T16:11:03Z | sports.yahoo.com | Cardinals running backs coach facing two counts of domestic battery from May incident | https://sports.yahoo.com/cardinals-running-backs-coach-facing-two-counts-of-domestic-battery-144831260.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/cardinals-running-backs-coach-facing-two-counts-of-domestic-battery-144831260.html?src=rss |
New England Patriots punter Jake Bailey signed a contract extension that runs through the 2025 season. The four-year deal is worth $13.5 million.
Bailey was an All-Pro and Pro Bowler in 2020, and while he didn’t receive those honors in 2021, he was equally impressive. He simply attempted fewer punts, with New England’s offense growing more efficient in 2021 than it was in 2020. Still, Bailey logged his career-high average of 48.7 yards per punt in 2020. He finished 2021 at 47.3 yards per punt.
“I’m just so happy and blessed I get a few more years here,” Bailey told reporters this week. “I was just on the phone with my agent and I was like, ‘Alright, that’s it. We’re good with that,’ and it wasn’t like a crazy big moment. But it was fine and a huge milestone in my life and just thankful God put me in this position.”
So here’s a look at the terms of the deal.
Jake Bailey contract details
Signing bonus: $3.16m
Total g'tee: $6.275m
Base: $1m
Roster bonus: $340k
Cap: $2.2m
Base: $2.11m
Cap: $3.41
Cap: $3.79m
While Bailey’s contract value is seventh in the NFL among punters, his average annual value (AAV) is third highest in the league at his position. That AAV is substantial, even if the salary cap hit on an annual level isn’t high. Ultimately, Punters don’t cost much and the difference between retaining Bailey and replacing him with a rookie isn’t that significant. New England can feel good about solidifying the punter spot, which will help them control the field for years to come. | 2022-08-05T16:11:10Z | sports.yahoo.com | Here are the contract terms for Jake Bailey’s extension | https://sports.yahoo.com/contract-terms-jake-bailey-extension-143435679.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/contract-terms-jake-bailey-extension-143435679.html?src=rss |
In 2003, the New York Giants selected Troy defensive end Osi Umenyiora with the 48th overall pick in the NFL draft. His NFL career got off to a slow start, recording just one sack as a rookie but then began to heat up in Year 2 with seven sacks.
In 2005, Umenyiora was seeking a new contract. It was Week 11 and Tom Coughlin’s team was 7-3 and heading towards the playoffs. They flew west to Seattle to face the eventual NFC Champion Seahawks (8-2) and Umenyiora would have to prove his worth to the team against future Hall of Fame offensive tackle Walter Jones.
Umenyiora had a monster game with seven total tackles, two sacks and the forced fumble on Matt Hasselbeck shown above. Two weeks later, the Giants announced a six-year, $41 million extension with $15 million guaranteed.
That was investment that ultimately served the Giants well. Umenyiora helped lead the team to two Super Bowl titles and | 2022-08-05T16:11:41Z | sports.yahoo.com | Giants great Osi Umenyiora explains how he earned $41M extension in 2005 | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-great-osi-umenyiora-explains-155558808.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-great-osi-umenyiora-explains-155558808.html?src=rss |
With significant depth concerns at the offensive tackle position, the New York Giants were forced to make a move on Friday.
The team officially announced that offensive tackle Will Holden has been signed. He arrived in East Rutherford for a tryout earlier this week.
The 28-year-old Holden was originally a fifth-round pick of the Cardinals in 2017. After one year in Arizona, he became a bit of a journeyman making stops with the Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens and Detroit Lions.
Holden made two stops with both the Cardinals and Colts.
Over the course of his five-year career, Holden has appeared in 27 games with nine starts. He earned a 60.8 Pro Football Focus grade with Detroit last year.
In order to clear room for Holden on the 90-man roster, the Giants waived defensive end Niko Lalos, who had become somewhat of a fan favorite.
Giants legend Bill Parcells joins 'The 33rd Team' | 2022-08-05T16:11:55Z | sports.yahoo.com | Giants sign OT Will Holden, waive DE Niko Lalos | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-sign-ot-holden-waive-154116938.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-sign-ot-holden-waive-154116938.html?src=rss |
Denver Broncos fans have seen plenty of little-known running backs emerge as key contributors over the years.
Terrell Davis is, of course, the most notable example, and Phillip Lindsay is the most recent example. But a running back doesn’t have to become a Pro Football Hall of Famer like Davis or even a Pro Bowler like Lindsay to endear himself to fans in Denver.
Last summer, Damarea Crockett impressed during preseason and went on to have a key role on special teams in 2021. After going down with a knee injury earlier this week, Crockett will miss the 2022 season and his RB4 role is up for grabs.
To fill Crockett’s former spot on the active roster, the Broncos signed rookie Max Borghi, who tried out for the team in June. Denver liked what they saw from Borghi at the June tryout but didn’t have room for him on the roster at the time.
“Max, he came in — I think it was mini camp and he did a fine job,” coach Nathaniel Hackett said on Thursday. “I think at that time due to our numbers, we couldn’t bring him on [in June], but he was somebody that we wanted to take a look at. He’s a real smart guy — busted his butt and that’s what you need.
“Just that mindset that he’s got and now he has to pick it all up because he’s only had a day or two. This is always the trick when those guys come into training camp. All of these other guys have had [the] offseason and all of that stuff. Now they have to dive in and try and learn the entire system. I think that’s something he showed he can still do.”
When Crockett’s injury created an open spot on the roster, the Broncos signed Borghi, and his competition for the RB4 spot is fellow undrafted rookie Tyreik McAllister. Borghi won’t jump Melvin Gordon, Javonte Williams or Mike Boone on the depth chart, but he will have a shot to make the 53-man roster.
Crockett demonstrated last year that even a fourth-string running back can make an impact. Borghi will aim to prove he’s up for the task during preseason. | 2022-08-05T16:12:22Z | sports.yahoo.com | Max Borghi joins Broncos’ backfield as an underdog to watch | https://sports.yahoo.com/max-borghi-joins-broncos-backfield-152425053.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/max-borghi-joins-broncos-backfield-152425053.html?src=rss |
Mike McDaniel says he’s not concerned with Connor Williams’ snapping struggles
This offseason, the Miami Dolphins made a concerted effort to improve their offensive line after it was one of the worst units in the league in 2021.
That resulted in former New Orleans Saints left tackle Terron Armstead and former Dallas Cowboys left guard Connor Williams joining the Dolphins roster during free agency. While Armstead will be remaining at his primary position, Williams has been practicing at center, a position that he’s never played meaningful NFL snaps.
During training camp, Williams has had his struggles in getting the ball snapped to his quarterbacks. The snaps aren’t going over their heads, but they’re off enough to be noticeable, and they’ve thrown off the timing of plays a number of times.
Prior to Friday’s session, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel was asked about his confidence in Williams’ snapping ability, and the coach backed his player.
“I would be concerned if he didn’t work at it,” McDaniel said. “That is, even with guys that have been doing that for an extended period of time, shoot, Alex Mack last year, that is something that when you’re asking players to do various things post-snap out of the shotgun, you have to kinda learn how to negotiate the accuracy of those. I would be concerned if he wasn’t working at it. I’m very very confident in how far he’s come. He’s earned that because of his ownership of the position that he’s trying to go and take, and I think the rest of the team is pretty confident that that’s not necessarily an issue. There are a lot of snaps that are on target as well.”
It’s not just the work, it’s also the experience of the coaching staff.
“What’s cool is we have a plethora of offensive line coaches, as you guys know,” McDaniel said. “I have first-hand experience with Mike Person, as a player, doing the same thing. Those are things that aren’t lost, that you’re thinking about. It’s been cool. Little known fact, (offensive coordinator) Frank Smith was a center for Ben Roethlisberger in college. We have a good amount of center experience in our coaching staff, and that’s something that players can really lean on and is very helpful. That’s why I haven’t really been that concerned about it because I do have history with moving guards to center and understand the little bumps in the road along the process.”
With former Dolphins starting center Michael Deiter sidelined with a foot injury, the only other true center option for Miami is Cole Banwart at this moment.
Williams will continue to work on the most important aspect of his new position, but if he can’t adjust and do it consistently, many will wonder if it’s just a matter of time before he’s back at guard. | 2022-08-05T16:12:36Z | sports.yahoo.com | Mike McDaniel says he’s not concerned with Connor Williams’ snapping struggles | https://sports.yahoo.com/mike-mcdaniel-says-not-concerned-150509084.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/mike-mcdaniel-says-not-concerned-150509084.html?src=rss |
Carlos Dunlap participated in his first training camp practice with the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday.
The veteran edge rusher is getting his bearings with the Chiefs after having just arrived with the team this week. He’s still in the early stages of learning Steve Spagnuolo’s playbook and defensive scheme, but the defensive coordinator is confident that his skill set will translate. Right now, it’s just a matter of getting him comfortable and finding out what he can do.
“Yeah listen, he’s done it for a long time and the system he was in Cincinnati all those years was kind of conducive to him,” Spagnuolo told reporters. “Mike Zimmer had him for a long time and what they were doing— it was a four-down (linemen) system, call it what you want. We’re multiple now, so we’re in a couple of different things. I think he functions well outside. We’ve talked to him about him playing inside, we’ll see where that goes. I’m not really sure. I want to get him comfortable at one spot first.
“But again, I go back to the length, and he knows how to get to the quarterback, sometimes that’s just innate. I always say 70% of pass rush is want to, not necessarily technique.”
We know that Dunlap still has the want when it comes to rushing the passer. He’s just four sacks shy of becoming the 40th player in NFL history to record 100 career sacks since they became an official stat in 1982.
As for what Dunlap brings off the field, Spagnuolo is still getting to know that part of the player. Asked whether it was important to get another vocal leader in the room, Spagnuolo stopped short of calling Dunlap “vocal” and explained that there are many ways for veteran players to lead.
“Yeah, you just never know,” Spagnuolo said. “Not every veteran is a vocal leader. I don’t know that about Carlos (Dunlap) yet. I don’t know if he’s the silent assassin leader or if he’s the vocal leader or if he just leads by example. I don’t know him well enough, we’ll figure it out, though.”
We’ll soon find out the type of leader and player Dunlap is, but if his introductory press conference is any indication, he’s willing to contribute to team success both on and off the football field. | 2022-08-05T16:12:55Z | sports.yahoo.com | Steve Spagnuolo praises new Chiefs DE Carlos Dunlap after first practice | https://sports.yahoo.com/steve-spagnuolo-praises-chiefs-carlos-144546283.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/steve-spagnuolo-praises-chiefs-carlos-144546283.html?src=rss |
On the “I AM ATHLETE” podcast this week, Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs was asked to rank his top five wide receivers in the NFL. He left Kupp off that list, ranking his top five as follows:
Pacman Jones was surprised to learn that Kupp didn’t make the cut, asking Diggs, “Cooper Kupp didn’t make it?” Most players right now are putting Kupp in the top five, but few consider him to be the best receiver – even after his historic 2021 season. Maybe Diggs’ mind will change after he plays Kupp and the Rams in Week 5.
On the cornerback side, Diggs was asked to rank his top five, too, but he couldn’t limit the list to only five names. The first player he mentioned was unsurprisingly Ramsey, showing the Rams cornerback some serious respect – even though the list wasn’t in order. He also mentioned Darius Slay, Jaire Alexander, Denzel Ward, Patrick Peterson, A.J. Terrell and J.C. Jackson.
At both wide receiver and cornerback, there’s so much talent – and Diggs’ lists show that. It’s not easy to pick the best players at either position. | 2022-08-05T16:13:01Z | sports.yahoo.com | Trevon Diggs leaves Cooper Kupp off his top 5 WRs, puts Jalen Ramsey among top CBs | https://sports.yahoo.com/trevon-diggs-leaves-cooper-kupp-151200659.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/trevon-diggs-leaves-cooper-kupp-151200659.html?src=rss |
The Wolf Pack’s veteran running back reaches rarified air by landing on our annual list of the Mountain West’s best for the fourth time.
A minor bit of history in the making.
Typically, our annual preseason countdown of Mountain West football’s best athletes doesn’t leave a whole lot of room for breaking new ground as stars rise to the top and often makes repeat appearances. Some of the very best appear three times, but Nevada Wolf Pack running back Toa Taua is likely the first player ever to make the preseason top 50 four times.
After being named as the conference’s freshman of the year back in 2018, Taua remained remarkably consistent as a key cog in the Wolf Pack’s burgeoning Air Raid offense under Jay Norvell. He ran for 872 yards and six touchdowns that first year while also catching 22 passes for 202 yards and a score, then contributed 1,102 all-purpose yards and six more touchdowns the following year. In 2020, he added 952 more and then jumped back above 1,000 for the third time last season, with 732 rushing yards and 296 receiving yards on a career-best 39 receptions.
2022 marks his final year of eligibility and there’s a decent chance that, with a wealth of last year’s offensive stars having moved on in one way or another, he comes out with his best campaign yet under new head coach Ken Wilson. He could also finish his Wolf Pack career in the top five by career all-purpose yards, cementing himself alongside program greats like his brother Vai Taua and Trevor Insley, and make defenses miserable one last time along the way.
"Toa Taua. They can't tackle him. That's the whole problem."@NevadaFootball pic.twitter.com/eOT1KFkT0H
— CBS Sports Network (@CBSSportsNet) October 17, 2021
Toa Taua makes it look easy ⚡️@NevadaFootball extends their lead 👏 pic.twitter.com/s3zdvHMBTa
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 2, 2021 | 2022-08-05T16:14:28Z | sports.yahoo.com | 2022 Mountain West Football Top 50: #33, Nevada RB Toa Taua | https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-mountain-west-football-top-132327409.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-mountain-west-football-top-132327409.html?src=rss |
The Gators could be receiving some good news on the recruiting trail next week.
Cedric Baxter, a former Florida State commit, revealed to On3’s Chad Simmons that he will announce his commitment on August 10. The Orlando, Florida, native is down to four schools: Florida, Texas, Miami and Texas A&M.
Baxter made a point to tell Simmons that over the past few months, he has had three schools at the top of his list. But more recently, he has narrowed that down to one school. Baxter will opt for a more traditional announcement, with the hats of all four schools on a table at Edgewater High School in Orlando.
Baxter has been keeping his decision quiet, telling Simmons that only his parents know and that even his siblings aren’t in on the decision. While praising all four programs in his On3 interview, Baxter can only attend one school. Currently, Florida and Texas are the only schools with a running back prospect committed to the 2023 class.
On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine currently has the Longhorns in the driver’s seat for Baxter’s services, holding a commanding 75.9% chance to sign the 6-foot-1-inch, 215-pound prospect.
According to the On3 Consensus, Baxter is the No. 50 player nationally, the No. 13 player in the state of Florida and the No. 4 running back in the nation.
2023 Recruiting Profile: RB Cedric Baxter Jr. is a top UF target | 2022-08-05T16:14:57Z | sports.yahoo.com | This top running back recruit sets his commitment date | https://sports.yahoo.com/top-running-back-recruit-sets-155744000.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/top-running-back-recruit-sets-155744000.html?src=rss |
Since capturing a College Football Playoff national title in 2019, LSU hasn’t had much to write home about during the postseason.
The Tigers went 5-5 in 2020 but self-imposed a bowl ban as a result of the ongoing NCAA investigation into the program, and a shorthanded squad finished the 2021 season with a blowout loss against Kansas State in the Texas Bowl.
New coach Brian Kelly isn’t necessarily expected to bring the team back to title contention in Year 1, but he is expected to improve LSU’s national standing quite a bit. The latest bowl projections from Sporting News don’t exactly reflect that, however, as the Tigers are predicted to land in the mid-tier Music City Bowl in Nashville on Dec. 31.
These projections have LSU drawing Penn State in that game.
The two teams have met twice before — both in bowl games — with the Nittany Lions holding a 2-0 record in the all-time series. They won the 1974 Orange Bowl by a score of 16-9, and they survived a 19-17 affair in the Capital One Bowl in 2010.
This wouldn’t be the most exciting bowl matchup, and Tigers fans certainly hope the team can put together a good enough campaign to end up in a more high-profile game. But it would at least bring together two historic powers who rarely play against each other in a fun backdrop. | 2022-08-05T16:15:04Z | sports.yahoo.com | Where LSU lands in Sporting News’ preseason bowl projections | https://sports.yahoo.com/where-lsu-lands-sporting-news-140055071.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/where-lsu-lands-sporting-news-140055071.html?src=rss |
The Rams were coming off a 4-12 season. They lost quarterback Trent Green to a knee injury in the preseason. They weren't expected to be any good. Instead, they won a Super Bowl.
Kurt Warner has become the poster boy for that underdog story, and for good reason. Warner's story has been told countless times: He went from bagging groceries to a regular-season and Super Bowl MVP. He ended up in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Let's not forget about the coach of that unbelievable 1999 Rams team. The coach who took that former grocery bagger, got the team to believe in him as their new quarterback, and oversaw a squad that won the most improbable Super Bowl title ever.
The Hall of Fame didn't forget Dick Vermeil's career. He finally got the call and will be inducted in the class of 2022. He wouldn't be in if not for that incredible 1999 season.
Dick Vermeil had an unconventional path
Vermeil had an odd career. He became the Philadelphia Eagles' head coach in 1976 after two seasons as head coach of UCLA. He led the Bruins to a Rose Bowl win in one of his two seasons there. After two losing seasons to start his time in Philadelphia, the Eagles took off. They had a run of success and ended up in Super Bowl XV, though they lost to the Oakland Raiders. Vermeil coached two more seasons with Philadelphia and then stepped away, at age 46.
He was burned out, he said. Vermeil wouldn't coach again until he was 61.
In between, Vermeil was a popular college football broadcaster for ABC. It seemed he'd settled into his post-coaching career when the Rams made Vermeil a surprising hire in 1997. He was given control of football operations, too. And for two years, it looked like the game had passed Vermeil by. He was 9-23 after two seasons. Players didn't take to his old-school mentality, especially to grueling training camp practices. He was in danger of being fired.
Vermeil looked like a coach that had taken 14 seasons off. Then 1999 happened.
Dick Vermeil coached for three NFL teams, including one memorable season with the Rams. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Vermeil wins his Super Bowl
There was magic for the 1999 Rams. Vermeil memorably said through tears after Green's injury, "We will rally around Kurt Warner, and we will play good football." His new offensive coordinator, Mike Martz, helped. So did new running back Marshall Faulk, who was acquired in a trade brokered by Vermeil.
The Rams went 13-3 and beat the Tennessee Titans in the Super Bowl. Vermeil's comeback, almost two decades after coming up just short of a championship with the Eagles, was worth it.
Warner got the spotlight. Martz got a lot of credit for his innovative offense. But Vermeil pushed all the right buttons for one of the greatest championship stories in sports history.
"He deserves 100 percent of the credit for the turnaround," then-Rams vice president for player personnel Charley Armey told the told the Baltimore Sun during the 1999 season. "He made the right moves with the staff, with the players, with practices. He's done everything right."
Vermeil stepped away again after the 1999 season. He'd return for five more seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs and while it wasn't bad — Vermeil's Chiefs went 44-36 — it didn't result in any playoff wins. Vermeil retired for good after that.
Unlike the first time he retired from the Eagles, Vermeil walked away from the NFL with a Super Bowl ring from one of the greatest single-season runs in sports.
‘Winning a Super Bowl doesn’t change the person," Vermeil said in 2014 to the Delaware County Daily Times. "But it changes the way everyone looks at him. It’s amazing. All of a sudden you become a winning Super Bowl coach and that’s how you are introduced. But you are the same person."
Award-winning Artist CeeLo Green visits Paine College
Award-Winning artist CeeLo Green visited Paine College in January 2022. Green will be an ambassador for the school and work closely with students. | 2022-08-05T17:41:25Z | sports.yahoo.com | 2022 Hall of Fame: Dick Vermeil guided the 1999 Rams to the most unlikely title ever | https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-hall-of-fame-dick-vermeil-guided-the-1999-rams-to-the-most-unlikely-title-ever-170018345.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-hall-of-fame-dick-vermeil-guided-the-1999-rams-to-the-most-unlikely-title-ever-170018345.html?src=rss |
49ers rookie guard Burford eager to compete for starting spot originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
SANTA CLARA -- While Daniel Brunskill and Jake Brendel split practice snaps and compete for the 49ers’ starting center position, the competition going on at right guard might be even more compelling.
Currently, the battle appears to be Spencer Burford vs. Spencer Burford.
Burford, a rookie whom the 49ers selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft from the University of Texas-San Antonio, has taken all of the first-team repetitions at right guard.
Thus far, Burford (6-foot-4, 300 pounds) is taking advantage of the opportunities he is getting in practice to prove himself as the 49ers look to bolster their line in front of first-year starting quarterback Trey Lance.
“As I said to Spencer, ‘There’s no question, you’re a starting guard in the NFL.’” 49ers offensive line coach Chris Foerster said. “I have no doubt. After being here for not even two weeks in training camp, seeing the kid in the offseason, his demeanor, his work, his habits, his strength. Unless he goes off the rails, he’s a starting guard.
“Now, is he a starting guard Sept. 11 (Week 1 at the Chicago Bears)? Is he starting guard in October? Is he a starting guard in 2023? I said to him, ‘Only you will decide that.’”
One big challenge for Burford will come next week when the 49ers play their preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers. Another will come in the two days of practices against the Minnesota Vikings leading into the Aug. 20 game.
Burford appears to be getting into a rhythm with his understanding of his assignments against the defense he faces daily in training camp. While he is up against good talent on the interior of the 49ers’ defensive line, he appears to have a good grasp of his responsibilities based on where the defenders across from him are lined up.
He will face a big test when he sees unfamiliar defenses and faces a variety of alignments, especially on third downs.
“In his progression, he’s doing just what you want him to do,” Foerster said. “He’s learning. He has his mistakes, he learns from them and he doesn’t repeat them. He works every day and gets better.
“He’s a strong kid. He’s young. And he has a lot of development to do.”
Brunskill started every game at right guard last season after splitting time in 2020 at right guard and center. If Brendel wins the starting job at center, the 49ers have the option of moving Brunskill back to guard if it is determined Burford is not quite ready. | 2022-08-05T17:41:26Z | sports.yahoo.com | 49ers rookie Spencer Burford out to prove he belongs as starting guard | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-rookie-spencer-burford-prove-153221796.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-rookie-spencer-burford-prove-153221796.html?src=rss |
The thing about lightning in a bottle is, it’s still lightning. It’s awfully hard to predict when it’s going to strike or where it’s going to come from.
Even as the Cowboys assembled in southern California for training camp the last week of July, it seemed, to outside observers, that their 91-man summer roster was set.
And then KaVontae Turpin happened.
After helping his New Jersey Generals team to a 9-1 record, the MVP of the USFL’s comeback season this past spring inked a three-year deal with the team. In just over a week’s time, the 5-foot-9-inch, 158-pound speedster (some outlets list him even smaller) has made a huge impression on coaches.
“I think there’s probably been a lot of proof of a lot of little guys that are really, really good,” special teams coordinator John Fassel told the media this week in Oxnard. “Eric Metcalf- I don’t know his size. Dante Hall- maybe a little bit thicker, but Turp’s probably a little bit quicker. So I think there’s a lot; Tyreek [Hill]- obviously, he may be a little but thicker. I just know when we practice against the little guys and play against the little guys, they’re really hard to see behind blockers. And then if you can ever see them, it’s really hard to get a clean shot on them. So for those little, quick, fast guys, you’ve got to populate-tackle them, and if you don’t, you don’t ever really get clean shots. I think it’s a little bit overrated- the impact of a little guy taking big body blows- because they just don’t seem to take those. I’m excited to see what he does.”
#Cowboys WR KaVontae Turpin (the #USFL MVP) just 5-7, 158lbs able to use his speed, navigating through traffic on punt return drills. pic.twitter.com/9mniNFCABo
— Kayla Burton (@Kay_Breezy22) August 2, 2022
In fact, “Bones” was so juiced at the prospect of the Cowboys acquiring the former local college star that he offered to cut his family vacation short to help oversee Turpin’s workout with the club.
“I was actually, when we worked him out back in Dallas, I was with my family in Idaho,” Fassel explained, “and I texted Will [McClay, vice president of player personnel]. I said, ‘Will, if you want me to come back for this workout, I’ll come back.'”
Fassel was told to remain with his family, but his wheels were already turning over a player he was quite familiar with.
“He’s been on my radar since 2018. Clearly at TCU, I watched every single one of his returns, but then keeping an eye on him over the course of his Fan [Controlled] Football league and Spring League and then USFL. I’ve seen all of that work. When we found out he was on our radar, I was very hopeful, and obviously when we signed him, super excited. He’s got a long ways to go to compete, but I think this is a team that has a potential role for him, and I hope he exploits it.”
A contested back-shoulder drill is more naturally suited for the T.J. Vashers of the world. But Cowboys rookie WR KaVontae Turpin, listed at 5-7 and 158 pounds, holds his own in second NFL practice. pic.twitter.com/lP5VCbmF9j
“I have huge aspirations for him,” Fassel made it clear.
But the 26-year-old rookie has also shown impressive hands and toughness as he drills with the depleted Cowboys receiving corps. He even took snaps at running back on Thursday, with the team down several rushers.
His clearest path to the regular-season roster, though, may be as a return man. While Turpin led the USFL in receiving yards this past season, he also had the league’s only kick return for a touchdown. Collegiately with the Horned Frogs, he had two more kick returns for touchdowns, and he scored on a punt return in each of his four seasons.
With CeeDee Lamb now serving as WR1 in Dallas, there’s an opportunity for a punt return specialist. Third-round draft pick Jalen Tolbert has done a bit of work there this camp, but Turpin seems to have emerged as the frontrunner for the gig.
KaVontae Turpin handling all of the punt returns so far today pic.twitter.com/rPNKy0bk5k
Fassel and the Cowboys are hoping that Turpin can uncork that lightning in a bottle several times this season and provide a big-time spark on a unit where making a splash is the name of the game.
“Every year we get the rookies and it seems like none of them played special teams in college, and if they did it was three years ago when they were a freshman,” Fassel told reporters. “So honestly, my funnest challenge in training camp is to take these guys who maybe don’t know this is going to be their role- even though that’s what it’s going to be- and to make them really, really damn good at it because that’s what their role is going to be and they really don’t know how to do it. … Part of my thing, too, is to make special teams attractive. Like, this is your role and this is a great way to instill yourself in the National Football League.”
KaVontae Turpin is well on his way, just a week into his NFL career. | 2022-08-05T17:42:04Z | sports.yahoo.com | ‘Huge aspirations for him’: Cowboys special teams guru raves about newcomer KaVontae Turpin | https://sports.yahoo.com/huge-aspirations-him-cowboys-special-165534548.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/huge-aspirations-him-cowboys-special-165534548.html?src=rss |
The Baltimore Ravens have gone through more than a week of 2022 training camp practices, with many different players trying to show the coaching staff why they deserve a roster spot or increased playing time. Baltimore went through many different injuries in 2021 and some of the players are still recovering, which prompted the team to place them on the physically unable to perform list to start training camp.
After Thursday’s training camp session, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh provided updates on many of the key players currently on the PUP list for the team, saying that both offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley and cornerback Marcus Peters are “doing really well”, while running back J.K. Dobbins could do some individual work on Monday depending on how doctors feel. He also mentioned that running back Gus Edwards is a little further behind.
“They’re doing really well. There’s really no update with time. We’re kind of on the trajectory for Ronnie [Stanley] and Marcus [Peters] to wait a little bit. That’s not going to be anything in the next week. We’re not in a hurry with those two guys, but they’re doing really well. J.K. [Dobbins] is a little more of a hurry, because he’s making it a hurry. He wants to get back out there. So, we’ll look at it again Monday and see where we’re at Monday. Maybe he starts doing something like individual – maybe not. It will be up to the doctors. Gus [Edwards] is a little further out.”
He also spoke on outside linebacker Tyus Bowser, who Harbaugh said is sometimes trying to hurry up his return but other times remains patient.
“Sometimes he is, sometimes he’s not. But the thing about Tyus [Bowser] is that he’s so conscientious. He wants to be perfect, and that’s what you appreciate. So, he’s kind of on that same thing. We don’t have to have him back right now, so let’s just keep letting him get stronger for now.” | 2022-08-05T17:42:32Z | sports.yahoo.com | Ravens HC John Harbaugh talks about status of players on PUP list | https://sports.yahoo.com/ravens-hc-john-harbaugh-talks-164138055.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/ravens-hc-john-harbaugh-talks-164138055.html?src=rss |
For Brittney Griner, there is one silver lining to Thursday’s harsh nine-year prison sentence handed down by a Russian judge.
Meaningful negotiations for a deal to bring the WNBA star home can finally begin.
In an attempt to foster the perception that Griner was receiving a fair trial and that their efforts to hold her were legitimate, Russian officials had insisted for weeks that they wouldn’t entertain a prisoner exchange until she was tried and sentenced. With Griner’s drug trial over, Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov told reporters on Friday that the Kremlin is “ready to discuss this issue” but warned that Russia won’t tolerate public negotiations.
“There is a specified channel that has been agreed upon by [President Putin and President Biden], and despite some public statements, this retains its relevance," Lavrov said during a news conference at a diplomatic summit in Cambodia. “If the Americans still decide to engage in public diplomacy and make resounding statements about what they’re going to do now, then that is their business and even their problem.”
The U.S. has been eager to negotiate for weeks with pressure mounting on Biden to secure the release of Griner and fellow American prisoner Paul Whelan. That urgency only increased on Thursday when judge Anna Sotnikova rejected Griner’s emotional apology and plea for leniency for the “honest mistake” of bringing less than a gram of cannabis oil into Russia last February.
Standing outside the courthouse, Elizabeth Rood, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, called the ruling a "miscarriage of justice." Soon after that, Biden himself released a statement calling Griner’s sentence “unacceptable” and promising that his administration would “work tirelessly and pursue every possible avenue to bring Brittney and Paul Whelan home safely as soon as possible.”
Secretary of State Antony Blinken had already sent a public message to Griner’s supporters that the U.S. was doing all it could to negotiate a deal. On July 27, Blinken took the extraordinary step of revealing at a news conference that the U.S had made a “substantial proposal” for Griner and Whelan “weeks ago” but hadn’t received a formal Russian response.
Blinken declined to share details of the offer, but he has not denied reports that Biden has signed off on trading a notorious Russian arms trafficker who has long been high on the Kremlin’s prisoner exchange wish list. Viktor Bout is serving a 25-year sentence in an Illinois federal prison for conspiring to kill Americans and sell weapons to Colombian terrorists.
Former State Department foreign services officer David Salvo told Yahoo Sports that Blinken’s public acknowledgment of an offer was a reaction to the attention that Griner’s detainment has garnered. The U.S.’s inability to secure Griner’s release has drawn criticism from her family and friends, the American media and celebrities such as LeBron James, Kim Kardashian and Amy Schumer.
“The messaging from Tony Blinken has been for domestic political consumption,” said Salvo, the deputy director of the Alliance for Securing Democracy and an expert on Russian foreign policy. “There has been so much American attention on this case that I think he and senior administration officials felt like they couldn’t keep negotiations entirely behind closed doors. They had to show they were doing something. There were too many people who were browbeating them for not doing enough.”
And yet while Salvo understands the Biden administration’s rationale for going public with its offer, he admits he’s “pessimistic” about how that will impact diplomatic negotiations. Salvo says the “harsh reality” is that Russia can afford to drag out negotiations and let the pressure on the Biden administration continue to rise in hopes of prying more concessions from the U.S. than just the release of Bout.
“I would be very surprised if it ends up a 2-for-1 deal at this stage,” Salvo said. “The Russians will milk this for all it’s worth.”
It’s unclear who else besides Bout the Russians might target in a prisoner exchange. They reportedly requested to add former Russian intelligence officer Vadim Krasikov to the proposed swap, but U.S. officials labeled that a “bad faith” offer, pointing out that Krasikov is serving a life sentence in Germany after the murder of a former Chechen fighter in Berlin.
Negotiations between the U.S. and Russia are complicated by the hostility and mistrust between the two former Cold War adversaries. The relationship has only deteriorated further in the wake of Russia invading Ukraine and the U.S. imposing unprecedented economic sanctions.
As Griner has waited for the U.S. to strike a deal to bring her home, she hasn’t been able to do much to help her own cause. She couldn’t fight the inevitability of a guilty verdict in her trial. All she and her legal team could do was try in vain to make a case for a leniency in sentencing.
In her final statement to the judge at the end of closing arguments on Thursday, an emotional Griner apologized to her family, her teammates and her Russian club for "the embarrassment I brought on them." She reiterated that she packed in a hurry and accidentally brought the cannabis oil with her and pleaded with the judge not to “end my life” over a careless mistake.
While Griner’s attorneys intend to appeal the Russian court’s ruling, even they admit that's a long shot to improve her outlook. That means Griner will likely remain in Russian custody until a deal is struck to bring her home.
“Today’s sentencing of Brittney Griner was severe by Russian legal standards and goes to prove what we have known all along, that Brittney is being used as a political pawn,” Griner’s agent, Lindsay Kagawa Colas, tweeted Thursday.
Kagawa Colas added that negotiating a prisoner swap for Griner and Whelan “will be hard, but it is urgent and it is the right thing to do.”
THE ROYAL FAMILY: For years, the Wessexes slid under the radar when it came to the royal family. Emma Mackenzie charts how the Queen has subtly brought her youngest son into the fold following the departure of the Sussexes and the scandals surrounding Prince Andrew | 2022-08-05T17:42:44Z | sports.yahoo.com | Why diplomatic talks for Brittney Griner may drag on for awhile | https://sports.yahoo.com/why-the-harsh-reality-is-that-a-deal-to-bring-home-brittney-griner-may-take-awhile-163151615.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/why-the-harsh-reality-is-that-a-deal-to-bring-home-brittney-griner-may-take-awhile-163151615.html?src=rss |
Los Angeles Rams receiver Cooper Kupp isn’t buying Justin Jefferson’s claims of being the better receiver of the two.
Kupp lit the NFL world on fire last year with an MVP-caliber season after racking up 145 receptions for 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns. Even with his former offensive coordinator, Kevin O’Connell, joining the Minnesota Vikings, he still feels like he’s the superior player in comparison to Jefferson.
“I respect his opinion and I can also respectfully disagree,” Kupp said, via Pro Football Talk’s Michael David Smith. “I would hope he would say that. I think that’s the beauty of this game. I think it speaks to the competitiveness of this league.
“If you’re not putting yourself as the best, and you’re not working to be the best, then I’d be concerned about stepping on the field with you, if you don’t feel like you’ve prepared to be the best player that you can be.”
When speaking with the Pioneer Press’ Chris Tomasson in late July, Jefferson called Kupp a good player, while also pointing out he was better.
“Coop is good, but I’ll say he’s behind me,” said Jefferson.
Both receivers will have an opportunity to go out there and prove it in the 2022 season.
Jefferson should be even more dangerous with O’Connell taking the reins of the offense. And it remains to be seen what the Rams offense will look like with him leaving.
Could Jefferson realistically eclipse 2,000 receiving yards with an offensive-minded head coach on the sideline?
Get your popcorn ready. | 2022-08-05T18:06:26Z | sports.yahoo.com | Cooper Kupp responds to Justin Jefferson saying he’s the better receiver | https://sports.yahoo.com/cooper-kupp-responds-justin-jefferson-190203250.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/cooper-kupp-responds-justin-jefferson-190203250.html?src=rss |
There does not seem to be much consistency when it comes to predicting Auburn Football’s 2022 season.
Several media members within the conference have written off the Tigers by predicting that they will finish dead last in the SEC West. On the other hand, when talking with Bryan Harsin and several players, they have the mindset of playing the role of “spoiler” this season and winning more games than expected.
No matter the perspective, we can all agree that Auburn Football will play one of the toughest schedules in College Football this upcoming season, due to the overwhelming talent that each opponent brings in.
College Football News has recently chosen the top 10 programs from each program competing in the FBS as part of their season previews. Based on those selections, here is the best player from every team that Auburn will face this season, and why College Football News listed each player as their top choice (with the exception of Auburn’s season-opening opponent, Mercer).
Game 1: RB Fred Davis, Mercer
Davis led the Bears in rushing last season with 847 yards on 163 carries with 14 touchdowns. He rushed for over 100 yards twice last season, with his best game coming against Samford on October 2. The freshman rushed for 276 yards on 28 attempts in Mercer’s 45-42 win over the Bulldogs. He had touchdown rushes of 31, 21, and 54 yards.
Game 2: DE Cade Hall, San Jose State
Game 3: CB Joey Porter Jr., Penn State
The 6-2, 196-pound veteran corner was named a Third Team All-Big Ten performer over the last two seasons, and now he’s on the verge of becoming an All-American on the way to cementing himself as a top pro prospect. He made three tackles in a reserve role in his first season, and came up with 83 stops with one interception and eight broken up passes over the last two.
Game 4: CB Kris Abrams-Draine, Missouri
Joshua L Jones/Online Athens
He’s not all that big, and he has only had one good year as a defensive back after moving over from receiver, but until the star recruits rise up, the 5-11, 178-pound junior should be the team’s best pro prospect. He made 37 tackles last year with three interceptions, seven broken up passes, and with one recovered fumble – and he’s just getting started.
Game 5: WR Kayshon Boutte, LSU
Hurt for most of last year, the 6-0, 205-pound future NFL star only saw time in six games before having issues with his ankle. He still led the team with 38 catches for 509 yards and nine scores. He busted out as a freshman with 45 catches for 735 yards and five scores – averaging over 16 yards per catch – and he should be in the mix for the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top receiver.
Game 6: DT Jalen Carter, Georgia
Joshua L Jones/ Online Athens
It’s not fair to anyone to consider the 6-3, 310-pound defensive tackle to be as good as a No. 1 overall draft pick like Travon Walker or with the potential impact of an anchor like Jordan Davis, but … The Second Team All-SEC tackle has the talent to grow into a very, very high overall draft pick and be the standout star on another great Georgia line. He found his role last year and has been a good part of the front over the last two seasons with 51 tackles for three sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss.
Game 7: QB Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss
Okay, okay, first he actually has to win the job, but he’s got too much talent to not blow up in this offense under this coaching staff. The 6-2, 220-pounder was a superstar recruit for USC – he was the 2020 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year – comes to Ole Miss after completing 117-of-189 passes for 1,353 yards, nine touchdowns, five interceptions, and with 43 rushing yards and two touchdowns last year.
Game 8: QB KJ Jefferson, Arkansas
The 6-3, 245-pounder got in a little work in his first two years, showing good toughness, a nice arm, and good running ability. And then last year it all kicked in. Not only was he efficient and sharp – just four interceptions and 24 touchdown passes, hitting 67% of his passes for 2,676 yards – but he led the team with 664 rushing yards and six scores.
Game 9: QB Will Rogers, Mississippi State
He figured out how to run the offense, and now in his third season he should be about to take the Mike Leach attack to a whole other level. The 6-2, 210-pound veteran stepped it up last season with 4,739 passing yards and 36 touchdowns and just nine interceptions, coming off a 1,976-yard, 11 touchdown freshman campaign.
Game 10: WR Ainias Smith, Texas A&M
Okay, so this is sort of a cop out. At least three of the stars of the freshmen class could and probably should be considered in the mix for A&M’s best players, and several pro prospects should also be in the discussion, but Smith is among the dangerous all-around weapons in the SEC – now he needs the ball more. On the negative side, his situation is up in the air after being arrested for unlawful carrying of a weapon and a DWI. He has caught 112 passes for 1,321 yards and 15 touchdowns in his three years, and ran 15 times for 373 yards and four scores. He has also averaged 9.7 yards per punt return with a score
Game 11: QB Jarret Doege, Western Kentucky
Going into his sixth season, the 6-2, 210-pound veteran spent his first two years at Bowling Green throwing for just over 4,000 yards with 39 touchdowns and 15 picks. In three seasons at West Virginia he threw 19 interceptions, but he also threw for close to 6,500 yards with 40 touchdowns.
Game 12: DE Will Anderson, Alabama
The 6-4, 243-pound Anderson was the most dominant defensive force in college football last season, earning All-American honors with the Bronko Nagurski Award making 102 tackles with 17.5 sacks and 34.5 tackles for loss with three broken up passes. As a freshman he came up with 52 with seven sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss with a forced fumble. | 2022-08-05T18:25:14Z | sports.yahoo.com | The best player that Auburn Football will face each week in 2022 | https://sports.yahoo.com/best-player-auburn-football-face-165454928.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/best-player-auburn-football-face-165454928.html?src=rss |
There’s been a recent common theme among those who cover the Nebraska Cornhuskers professionally, and that theme is ranking the difficulty of the Husker’s opponents in 2022. You can find 247Sports’ coverage here and the Omaha World-Herald’s coverage here.
Stay tuned to Cornhuskers Wire as we will have all the latest coverage of the opening kickoff in Week 0 all the way to the end of the season at Iowa in November. Nebraska officially kicks off the season on August 27th when they take on the Northwestern Wildcats in Dublin, Ireland. The last time the Huskers played over was in the Coca-Cola Bowl at the Tokyo Dome in Japan in 1992. The Cornhuskers defeated the Kansas State Wildcats by 38-24.
North Dakota - September 3rd - 2:30 pm
The Husker’s lone FCS opponent this season and while FCS teams have given Power Five teams troubles I don’t see a team coming off a 5-6 record in 2021 posing that much of a threat.
Georgia Southern - September 10th - 6:30 pm
Georgia Southern is making the transitions from an option offense to a pro-style scheme. If anyone knows the difficulty of making that transition it’s Nebraska.
Indiana - October 1st - TBA
After an 8-4 season three years ago and a 6-2 season two years ago the Hoosiers fell off in a big way with a 2-10 campaign last season.
Indiana Hoosiers helmet (Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports)
Illinois - October 29th - TBA
Illinois is only in year two of the rebuild under head coach Brett Bielema. There will continue to be some difficulty.
Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema (Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports)
Northwestern - August 27th - 11:30 am (Dublin, Ireland)
After a 3-9 season, the Wildcats still have quite a few questions at Quarterback. Until those are answered the Wildcats will continue to be questioned.
@ Rutgers - September 7th - 6:00 pm
The lone Friday night game on the 2022 schedule. On a side note, the conference needs to cut the garbage out. Friday’s are for High School Football. College Football already has Saturday so they can butt out and end this terrible scheduling practice.
Minnesota - November 5th - TBA
By the time this game is played the Huskers will be entering the teeth of their schedule. The fact that this one is at home should help.
Minnesota Golden Gophers helmet (Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports)
@ Purdue - September 15th - TBA
On the road in West Layffeyette isn’t going to be especially against a Boilermaker squad expected to improve over the last several seasons.
@ Iowa - November 25th - 3:00 pm CT
The Huskers haven’t beaten since 2015 and winning in Iowa City isn’t going to make ending that streak very easy.
Oklahoma - September 17th - 11:00 am
The rivalry continues and while the talent is still on the sidelines but can new Head Coach Brent Venables make it work?
Wisconsin - November 19th - TBA
The Badgers were selected to win the Big Ten West and the Huskers haven’t defeated the Badgers since September of 2012. In fact, since the beatdown, the Badgers gave Nebraska a beatdown in the Big Ten Championship in December of 2012 by a score of 70-31 Nebraska has lost every game since.
Wisconsin Badgers helmet (Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports)
@ Michigan - November 12th - TBA
Without question the toughest game on Nebraska’s schedule and it’s only made tougher by the fact they must go to Ann Arbor to play. | 2022-08-05T18:25:51Z | sports.yahoo.com | Ranking Nebraska’s opponents in 2022 | https://sports.yahoo.com/ranking-nebraska-opponents-2022-160948547.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/ranking-nebraska-opponents-2022-160948547.html?src=rss |
Do you know that saying “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire”? Well, in Texas A&M’s case, the smoke came in the form of last Thursday night’s surprising news drop that the elite 2023 quarterback prospect Malachi Nelson, who is also currently committed to USC, had visited the Aggies that day on July 28th in an “unofficial” manner. Nelson’s visit coincidentally led up to the annual Texas A&M recruiting pool party, hosting over 30 plus recruits from the 2023, 2024, and 2025 classes on Saturday, July 30th.
After a full week of intrigue regarding his visit, the firey conclusion finally arrived in the form of 247Sports director of recruiting Steve Wiltfong’s analysis of the visit, noting that Nelson’s interest in Texas A&M “is real”, and while speaking on Wiltfong’s Recruiting Whiparound, He stated,
Talked to some people that spent some time with Malachi. Purely from a Texas A&M angle, I think that people think it’s going to be hard for Texas A&M to flip Malachi Nelson from USC and his ties to Lincoln Riley and his love for that offense and certainly his ties to the area and helping USC build this class. But I think that they believe that the interest in A&M is real, and the thought of playing elsewhere — outside of L.A. — is also real when Malchi Nelson can use Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud as a resource and lend their ear, and those guys talking about what great experiences they had leaving L.A. and thriving at Alabama, thriving at Ohio State,” Wiltfong said. “I think that those comments and those conversations have resonated with him enough to maybe make sure that he has dotted the Is and crossed the Ts on his recruitment.
As Texas A&M has yet to sign a quarterback for the 2023 cycle, landing a blue chip and then some type prospect in Malachi Nelson could change the face of Texas A&M’s offense for years to come. The California native is coming off a superb junior season for Los Alamitos High School, throwing for 2,690 yards, 39 touchdowns, and only 8 interceptions on the year.
Aggies included in Phil Steele's list college football's toughest schedules | 2022-08-05T18:26:04Z | sports.yahoo.com | Report: Malachi Nelson’s interest “is real” after his recent Texas A&M visit | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-malachi-nelson-interest-real-171206602.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-malachi-nelson-interest-real-171206602.html?src=rss |
LOS ANGELES (AP) Jordan Addison said he didn't know Southern California was the school for him until the moment he set foot on campus for his recruiting visit shortly after entering the transfer portal in May.
''It was definitely frustrating, but I wasn't too concerned because the truth always comes to the light,'' Addison said while wearing his new No. 3 cardinal jersey. ''I know what my focus is and my intent, so all of that is just outside noise.''
''I definitely feel like I got drug through the mud a little bit with the media,'' Addison said. ''But I like being the underdog, and I'm always going to come out on top. I feel like it'll be a great story at the end.''
''We've worked hard through our careers as coaches, my career as a coach, to do things with integrity,'' Riley said last week at Pac-12 media day. ''I think we've largely done that throughout my career. When someone challenges that with no facts and just only emotion, yeah, I mean, I think you take it personally. Absolutely you do.''
''He's a freak of nature,'' said running back Travis Dye, a transfer from Oregon. ''That man can run like a gazelle. I'm excited to go out and watch him in pads.''
''Just me already knowing Lincoln's history and what he did with some great receivers, that's No. 1,'' Addison said. ''And just to see how the change was going here and the rebuilding process. I'm just glad to be out here.''
''I just wanted to make sure they knew what my intention was and what my focus was going to be,'' Addison said. ''I wasn't coming out here for all the lights, camera, action and all that. I just wanted to make sure they knew that I was strictly business.'' | 2022-08-05T18:26:23Z | sports.yahoo.com | WR Jordan Addison says move to USC was only about football | https://sports.yahoo.com/wr-jordan-addison-says-move-171854734.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/wr-jordan-addison-says-move-171854734.html?src=rss |
Bears OC Luke Getsy on Aaron Rodgers’ use of psychedelics: ‘I was not invited on those trips’
Before Luke Getsy was the Chicago Bears offensive coordinator, he served as Aaron Rodgers’ quarterbacks coach with the Green Bay Packers from 2019-21. So Getsy knows Rodgers well.
Rodgers is once again in the news — this time after sharing his experience using psychedelics during trips to South America to help with his mental health and well-being.
Getsy, who spent the previous three seasons coaching Rodgers, said he had no involvement in those trips.
“I was not invited on those trips,” Getsy said with a smile. “I didn’t know all that stuff. I haven’t watched that yet but obviously I’ve been informed by a lot of people about that stuff. Whatever it takes, I guess.”
During a recent appearance on the Aubrey Marcus Podcast, Rodgers revealed that the use of the ayahuasca plant made him feel a “magical experience” and led to the “best season of my career.”
Rodgers has won back-to-back MVP awards since those trips to South America, which he said isn’t a coincidence.
Getsy was later asked if he would have liked to be invited on those trips.
“Ehhhh,” he said, before exiting stage left. | 2022-08-05T19:12:50Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bears OC Luke Getsy on Aaron Rodgers’ use of psychedelics: ‘I was not invited on those trips’ | https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-oc-luke-getsy-aaron-185200649.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-oc-luke-getsy-aaron-185200649.html?src=rss |
For those of you keeping score at home, Bears offensive tackle Teven Jenkins has now missed seven straight practices with an undisclosed injury.
Jenkins dealing with an injury would be cause for concern given his injury history. But that’s not the focal point of what’s become known as the Teven Jenkins saga.
Following a report about a disconnect between Jenkins and the new coaching staff, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport revealed that the Bears have been active in trade talks about Jenkins. And there’s been plenty of interest.
If it wasn’t something other than what the team hopes to be a minor injury, why would they actively be shopping their second-round pick from a year ago?
Assuming Jenkins does return to practice at some point, offensive coordinator Luke Getsy told reporters that Jenkins will continue to compete for a starting tackle job.
That, after Getsy said that the offensive line is far from solidified at this point of the summer, and it will carry over into the preseason.
Right now, rookie Braxton Jones appears to be the favorite to win the left tackle job. Meanwhile, veteran Riley Reiff has spent the last three practices at right tackle, where Larry Borom has rotated in, as well.
Given the Bears appear to be high on Jones and having signed Reiff to provide some stability on the offensive line, it doesn’t look like there’s a starting job for Jenkins. Not that the Bears will admit that, especially as they’re engaged in trade talks about Jenkins.
Despite not practicing with an undisclosed injury, Getsy said Jenkins has been an active participant during team meetings.
That is, assuming he’s still on the roster. | 2022-08-05T19:12:56Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bears OT Teven Jenkins still in the mix for a starting job, when healthy | https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-ot-teven-jenkins-still-181634227.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-ot-teven-jenkins-still-181634227.html?src=rss |
Russia ready to discuss swap after Griner's sentence
STORY: Russia said on Friday it is ready to discuss a prisoner swap with the United States, a day after U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner was sentenced to nine years in a Russian prison for bringing cannabis oil into the country.
The case against the Olympic gold medalist and WNBA star plunged Griner into a geopolitical storm after Russia invaded Ukraine in February.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said a proper diplomatic channel should be used to discuss possible prisoner exchanges, and criticized the U.S. for making plans to offer a prisoner exchange public.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington was prepared to engage with Moscow through the established diplomatic channels, and that Griner's conviction highlighted her wrongful detention.
"It puts a spotlight on our very significant concerns with Russia legal system and Russian government's use of wrongful detentions to advance its own agendas, using individuals as political pawns."
Griner's sentence could pave the way for a swap that would include a prolific Russian arms dealer serving a 25-year prison term in the United States, and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, jailed in Russia.
Griner was arrested in February at Moscow's airport with vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage. She had been prescribed medical cannabis in the U.S., and said she'd made an honest mistake packing the cartridges.
GRINER: "I understand everything that has been said against me, the charges that are against me, and that is why I pled guilty. But I had no intent to break any Russian laws."
The U.S. has accused Russia of detaining Griner as a political bargaining chip. Russian officials deny that, saying Griner broke Russian law and should be judged accordingly.
Meanwhile Griner's teammate, Phoenix Mercury player Skylar Diggins-Smith, said after a game on Thursday the team was devastated by Griner's sentence.
"Nobody wanted to even play today. How are you supposed to approach the game, approach the court with a clear mind and the whole group is crying before the game." | 2022-08-05T19:17:20Z | sports.yahoo.com | Russia ready to discuss swap after Griner's sentence | https://sports.yahoo.com/russia-ready-discuss-swap-griners-185041844.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/russia-ready-discuss-swap-griners-185041844.html?src=rss |
Expert weighs in on Griner's sentence and U.S.- Russia relations
WNBA star Brittney Griner was sentenced Thursday to nine years in a Russian prison. This comes after she pleaded guilty to drug possession charges for carrying a cannabis-derived vape cartridge into the country in her luggage back in February. WBAL-TV 11 News has more on what this means for U.S. - Russia relations. Dr. Mortimer Sellers, director of the Center of International and Comparative Law at the University of Baltimore, said the sentence is in line with Russian law. Griner called it an "honest mistake."
'Selling Sunset' Season 6: What We Know About Plot, Release Date, More
Selling Sunset has been renewed for season six and cast member Chelsea Lazkani shared her predictions. Here's what we know about the Netflix show including the new agents. | 2022-08-05T19:17:27Z | sports.yahoo.com | Secretary of State Antony Blinken talks possible prisoner swap after Griner’s harsh sentence | https://sports.yahoo.com/secretary-state-antony-blinken-talks-134310890.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/secretary-state-antony-blinken-talks-134310890.html?src=rss |
Sunday‘s NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway is a home game in a lot of ways for the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet team at Hendrick Motorsports.
The state of Michigan is the home base for manufacturer Chevrolet and the team‘s primary sponsor, Ally. If that weren‘t enough, crew chief Greg Ives is from Bark River, Michigan, 436 miles from the location of Sunday‘s FireKeepers Casino 400 (3 p.m. ET, USA Network, MRN).
“Growing up about 7 hours north of Michigan International Speedway, I‘ve been to the race track a few times as a fan,” said Ives, who is in his fifth full season working with driver Alex Bowman. “As a fan there was pressure for my driver, Jeff Gordon, who was my favorite at the time, to get the win.
“I feel the same way now as the crew chief for Alex, our great sponsor Ally and obviously our manufacturer Chevrolet and of course the fans that show up and want to see us do well.”
RELATED: Greg Ives’ career crew chief statistics
A strong run couldn‘t come at a better for the No. 48 team, Ives and Bowman. The No. 48 team hasn‘t finished inside the top 10 since the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May, a stretch of eight races.
During that time, Bowman has finished 32nd or worse four times. That includes a 32nd-place finish last weekend on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course.
Ives acknowledged his team‘s recent struggles but said despite what the statistics show, the team isn‘t lacking for speed. A little luck, on the other hand, would go a long way in helping the team turn things around before the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs begin at Darlington Raceway on Sept. 4.
“Ultimately it comes down to a fast car and I feel like never giving up,” Ives said. “Also making the right changes from practice to the race. I feel like we were able to do that at Indy and put ourselves in position to I think continue to march forward to the front and improve our track position every lap and every time we pitted.
“Unfortunately a flat left-front tire with contact with the 4 car (Kevin Harvick) and then ultimately the 4 car later on, contact kind of took us out of the race. Until then I thought we were executing the race as best we could and overcoming obstacles when they were presented.”
Rather than get down or get frustrated by the lack of performance by the team of late, Ives said it‘s more important to look at this situation as a chance to grow and learn how they could be better as a team.
“I feel like this is an opportunity to not only work on relationships between Alex and myself, but put some accountability and responsibility on the guys on the team to continue to improve, step up and know that the Playoffs start in a few weeks, but the trend back upwards starts this week,” Ives said.
RELATED: Alex Bowman’s 2022 NASCAR Cup Series results
A strong run, or perhaps even a victory Sunday at Michigan, would go a long way towards righting the ship for Ives, Bowman and company.
Obviously that kind of performance would serve as a confidence booster for all parties, but it would mean even more given the proximity to the home bases for Ally and Chevrolet.
“There is never any doubt that we can go into each weekend and win a race,” said Ives, who has a NASCAR Xfinity Series victory at Michigan as a crew chief for Regan Smith in 2013. “We may not be a favorite right now and may not be in consideration for the Power Rankings or what you want to talk about, but you can probably ask anybody, ‘Who can be a sleeper this weekend or has potential that hasn‘t lived up to their potential in the last few weeks‘ and we‘ll probably be part of it.
“Ultimately just go out there and execute a race. If we do that we can easily be inside the top 10 and if we qualify well, easily in the top five. All in all, to come out of there with a win, especially for the manufacturer battle, for Ally, who is a big contributor and supporter of our race team and also always there for fans, it would definitely be a big deal.”
Katie Hettinger becomes winningest female driver at Hickory Motor Speedway
At 15 years old, Katie Hettinger has already found her way into the record books at Hickory Motor Speedway. By taking home a checkered flag in the first of two Late Model Stock features July 23, she established herself as the winningest female in the history of the track with five victories. With so much […] | 2022-08-05T19:34:41Z | sports.yahoo.com | Greg Ives hoping to begin an upward trend for No. 48 team at Michigan | https://sports.yahoo.com/greg-ives-hoping-begin-upward-084159070.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/greg-ives-hoping-begin-upward-084159070.html?src=rss |
Practice: 12:35 - 1:20 p.m. (streaming on NBC Sports app)
Qualifying: 1:20 - 2:30 p.m. (streaming on NBC Sports app)
FireKeepers Casino 400: 3 - 6 p.m. ET (USA, MRN, SiriusXM)
Joe Gibbs Racing's Kyle Busch is the betting favorite to win the NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday. (Photo by Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports) | 2022-08-05T19:34:53Z | sports.yahoo.com | NASCAR Cup Series at Michigan viewers guide | https://sports.yahoo.com/nascar-cup-series-weekend-schedule-tv-streaming-info-odds-picks-and-what-to-watch-for-at-michigan-183451469.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nascar-cup-series-weekend-schedule-tv-streaming-info-odds-picks-and-what-to-watch-for-at-michigan-183451469.html?src=rss |
Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant
Bueckers received nine individual awards and recognitions during her freshman season at UConn. She became the first freshman to ever win any of the major national women’s college player of the year awards when she claimed all four she was eligible for— the Naismith, AP, USBWA, and Wooden awards in 2021. | 2022-08-05T19:39:28Z | sports.yahoo.com | Here’s what UConn women’s basketball star Paige Bueckers faces, according to Hartford Hospital doctor | https://sports.yahoo.com/uconn-women-basketball-star-paige-214100119.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/uconn-women-basketball-star-paige-214100119.html?src=rss |
Ranking the most loyal fan bases in the SEC
God, family and [insert your college football team here].
If you’re from the South, you know what I’m talking about. There’s a direct correlation between your favorite team’s record and your overall happiness. And there’s a feeling of emptiness from January to Labor Day weekend.
Some fan bases down here take football more seriously than others. But aside from Vanderbilt, there’s not a big gap separating No. 13 from No. 1 on our list of the most loyal SEC fan bases.
What exactly makes a fan base more loyal than another one?
There’s home-game attendance, which has been on a decline across the nation in recent years. There’s also road-game attendance, which I would argue is the ultimate measuring stick of just how loyal a fan base is.
But beyond attendance numbers, there’s the overall passion for your program, which is harder to measure. Aside from Alabama, every SEC team has had a bad season or stretch of seasons since 2010. How did their fans react? Did they lose interest or were they still glued to their televisions every Saturday? Do they stop wearing their team’s apparel following a loss? Stop giving thanks for their program at the dinner table?
Again, hard to measure, but here’s a list of what I consider to be the most loyal fan bases in the SEC from least loyal to the most:
SEC worst-to-first series: College towns | head coaching jobs | stadiums | helmets | logos | live mascots | traditions | uniforms
Can you blame Commodore fans for their lack of loyalty to a program that has had only four winning seasons since 1976?
This is a picture from the first half of a game last year.
Mizzou may be No. 13 in the SEC, but it would probably crack the top-30 on a nationwide list. Farout Field at Memorial Stadium gets loud, it just does not last for very long. Attendance numbers are not bad, either, but at the end of the day…it’s Missouri.
Again, another fan base that would rank high on a national list. Kentucky fans, when their team is relevant, are great. But it’s a basketball school and their fans know it. They’d rather see their basketball team succeed than the football team.
You have to love your football program to sit through a game at Davis Wade Stadium with those cowbells ringing in your ear.
They whine and complain and absolutely trash their team during the bad years. But at least they care. Florida fans won’t like this ranking.
Arkansas saw a 35.6% increase in fan attendance from the 2019 season. That’s great, but that also tells us that they lose interest when their team is bad. But still, Razorback fans love their program. They have a wild home schedule in 2022 with Cincinnati, Alabama, LSU, Ole Miss and Bobby Petrino/Missouri State coming to town. We’ll see what they’re really made of.
Ole Miss fans simply want to have fun. They can create a scary environment when they need to, but for the most part, they’re focused on having a good time. But no matter how bad their program is, they’re always out there having fun and supporting the Rebels.
Here we go. Tennessee has not had a legitimately good football team since the early 2000s, but every season Vol Nation is convinced that this is their year. They may be delusional, but at least they’re hopeful.
It’s almost like their in a toxic relationship with they’re program. They know the relationship is failing, but they’re so blinded by love that they can’t let go.
I guess you have to respect that.
It’s nearly impossible to find a better college football atmosphere than on a Saturday night in Baton Rouge. Tiger fans have no mercy and make it clear that visiting Death Valley is not for everybody.
This was the hardest fan base to rank because we don’t really know how they react when their team is not good. There’s no doubt Bama fans adore their Crimson Tide, but the newer generation of fans have never had to feel the pain the rest of the SEC has.
No. 5 in the SEC is still good enough for top-ten in the nation, so this is not a bad ranking.
Their attendance is always near the best in the nation despite their team being incredibly underwhelming in recent years. All these folks want to do is win, and you know it kills them more than anyone else to see both Alabama and Georgia thrive.
School spirit is what College Station is all about.
Nearly 73,000 students dominate the town. A midnight Yell Practice at Kyle Stadium is one of the coolest traditions in college football that any fan should want to check off their bucket list.
It’s one of the most difficult places to play no matter how good the Aggies are. And that’s how you know these fans are as loyal as it gets. The 12th Man is real.
This is a football team that has never won anything aside from a 1969 ACC championship and a 2010 SEC East divisional title. Yet, Williams-Brice Stadium is still one of the scariest places to play a football game.
I’ve been to most SEC stadiums, and aside from LSU I’ve not heard a louder, more intimidating atmosphere in my life. The date was Oct. 6, 2012 and No. 5 Georgia was visiting No. 6 South Carolina. Georgia lost 35-7 and the level of hostility was through the roof. I was actually almost scared to return two years later (which was almost just as loud) when Georgia lost again by the last link of the chain.
These fans just never quit no matter how bad things get in Columbia. And could they be rewarded for their loyalty after all these years with last year’s Heisman hopeful Spencer Rattler taking snaps under center?
If you don’t believe me go look at the 2017 season in which Georgia fans traveled better than any fan base I’ve ever seen.
Dawg Nation took over Notre Dame, they took Vanderbilt, they took over Tennessee and of course they took over Georgia Tech.
Until January 10, 2022, Georgia had not won a national championship in 41 years. But their love for their program never wavered no matter how many mediocre years the Bulldogs had. | 2022-08-05T20:26:57Z | sports.yahoo.com | Ranking the most loyal fan bases in the SEC | https://sports.yahoo.com/ranking-most-loyal-fan-bases-194519142.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/ranking-most-loyal-fan-bases-194519142.html?src=rss |
Tennessee opened its fall training camp Monday in preparation for the 2022 season.
The Vols will kickoff its season against Ball State at Neyland Stadium. Kick off is slated for 7 p.m. EDT and SEC Network will televise the season-opening matchup.
Ahead of the 2022 season, College Football News ranked the top 20 teams with a path to the College Football Playoff.
Tennessee is listed as one of 20 teams with a path to the College Football Playoff.
“It’s a heavy lift, but if the Vols somehow go 11-1 and get into the SEC championship, the respect given to the schedule might be enough to keep them in the playoff hunt even with another loss. They’ll be good, but at Pitt, Florida, at LSU, Alabama, at Georgia, Kentucky, at South Carolina, that’s too nasty.” –College Football News
Below are the top 20 teams with a path to the College Football Playoff. | 2022-08-05T20:27:03Z | sports.yahoo.com | Tennessee one of 20 teams with a College Football Playoff path in 2022 | https://sports.yahoo.com/tennessee-one-20-teams-college-195749129.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/tennessee-one-20-teams-college-195749129.html?src=rss |
Excitement for the 2022 Texas football season is extremely high. Fans are chopping at the bit to pack Darrell K Royal Memorial Stadium and support the team.
The University of Texas announced on Friday season ticket sales for the upcoming year have surpassed the all-time record. The mark was previously set in 2019 at just over 63,000 seats.
Fans will be treated to a rare seven home games in 2022, including a premier nonconference matchup against the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Texas will also play host to Louisiana Monroe and UTSA, along with Big 12 Conference foes West Virginia, Iowa State, TCU and Baylor.
Limited season tickets are still available for purchase on the official school website.
Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns are looking to get the program headed back in the right direction in front of a packed house this season.
all gas 🤘#HookEm pic.twitter.com/dS4GYOhqKh
— Texas Longhorns (@TexasLonghorns) August 5, 2022 | 2022-08-05T20:27:10Z | sports.yahoo.com | Texas football sets all-time season ticket record | https://sports.yahoo.com/texas-football-sets-time-season-192742641.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/texas-football-sets-time-season-192742641.html?src=rss |
How 49ers QB coach Griese can empathize with Jimmy G originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
SANTA CLARA -- First-year 49ers quarterbacks coach Brian Griese has not had much interaction with Jimmy Garoppolo since he stepped out of the broadcast booth to join Kyle Shanahan’s staff.
Griese said he has left the communication with Garoppolo to Shanahan and those higher in the organization.
Garoppolo is not expected to be back with the 49ers this season after the club anointed Trey Lance as the starter. Garoppolo’s scheduled base salary of $24.2 million rules him out as an option — unless he were to accept a backup role and the significant pay cut that would come along with it.
Griese, who spent 11 seasons as a quarterback in the NFL, spoke with a sense of understanding about what the veteran quarterback is experiencing this offseason.
“I was in a situation where I knew I wasn’t going to be on a team and I was let go late in the process after June 1 for salary cap reasons,” said Griese,
After five seasons and 51 starts with the Denver Broncos, the club released him after signing free-agent Jake Plummer earlier that offseason. Griese eventually signed with the Miami Dolphins.
“I remember how hard that was,” Griese said. “We all want to know where we’re going to play, where we’re going to be. And now this has gone on (for a while), so it’s very difficult for Jimmy. So I have a lot of empathy for the situation he’s in.”
Lance has taken every first-team practice snap with the 49ers this offseason. Nate Sudfeld is in line to be the backup.
Meanwhile, the 49ers continue to hold onto Garoppolo with the hope of trading him before the start of the regular season.
If the 49ers are unable to find a trade partner, they could keep him on their roster until Aug. 30 at 1 p.m. at no cost to the organization.
If the 49ers trade or release Garoppolo before that date, they would realize an immediate savings on the salary cap of $25.55 million.
It is likely the 49ers’ motivation for continuing to hold onto Garoppolo is to prevent him from the potential of joining the division rival Seattle Seahawks.
The 49ers cannot entirely block Garoppolo from going to Seattle if they were to cut him. But they do not want him to start to get acclimated to the Seahawks’ offense so far in advance of the start of the regular season.
The 49ers and Seahawks play at Levi’s Stadium in Week 2 of the regular season. Currently, Geno Smith and Drew Lock are competing to be Seattle’s starting quarterback.
Griese expressed his respect for Garoppolo, who continues to take part in daily throwing sessions at the 49ers’ training complex in Santa Clara after undergoing shoulder surgery in March.
General manager John Lynch said Garoppolo has been fully cleared but the club is opting to keep him out of practices while his future remains unresolved.
“I know what he’s meant to this organization, to this locker room, to this area, to the Bay Area,” Griese said. “So I hope this is resolved as soon as possible and he finds a place that works for him. I wish nothing but the best for him.”
Eleven golfers working the LIV golf circuit, including Phil Mickelson, have filed an antitrust lawsuit against the PGA Tour following suspensions. The suit alleges the PGA used their control of the golf market to tank their controversial LIV Golf series competitors. NBC Sports host Corey Robinson reports. | 2022-08-05T20:44:20Z | sports.yahoo.com | 49ers QB coach Brian Griese can empathize with Jimmy Garoppolo | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-qb-coach-brian-griese-190534883.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-qb-coach-brian-griese-190534883.html?src=rss |
Chargers TE Gerald Everett building chemistry with QB Justin Herbert
The Chargers returned nearly all of their skill players from last season, but they did make one addition by signing tight end Gerald Everett.
Before joining the Bolts, Everett made stops with the Rams and the Seahawks.
Everett praised his new quarterback, Justin Herbert, talking about how he has a similar skillset to the previous signal-callers he played with.
“He’s like a mesh of Russell Wilson and Jared Goff,” Everett said. I was fortunate enough to play with two great quarterbacks in Jared and Russ, and I feel like Justin is a mesh of both of those with height and the ability.”
Everett highlighted Herbert as a great guy off the field, his humbleness, ability as a scrambler, and added with how young he is, “the sky is the limit.”
Familiarity has been a mantra with most of the players acquired. Everett fits that billing, having played on the Rams in 2020, the same year that Brandon Staley was their defensive coordinator.
Drafted in 2017, Everett served as Tyler Higbee’s backup in each of his four seasons with the team. He totaled 127 catches for 1,389 yards and eight touchdowns in that timeframe.
After his rookie contract was up, Seattle signed him to a one-year deal in 2021. Last season, Everett caught 48 passes for 478 yards and four scores.
With the passing game being a vital element of the team’s success, the Chargers are hopeful that Everett can provide a boost.
“We’re really trying to gel in any way that we can,” Everett said on developing a relationship with Herbert. “I’m not really trying to force anything here, just letting it happen organically and letting Justin do the rest himself.
He’s a great quarterback and a great person. He goes through his reads. With him being as big as he is, he can see the entire field with a three-step, five-step or seven-step [drop]. It doesn’t matter. I think Justin has a great feel for the game.”
Everett will be someone who can move all over the formation and be used in various ways, with vertical and horizontal field-stretching capabilities, yards-after-the-catch ability, and the toughness to make contested catches.
Along with Everett, Donald Parham is the other member of the position group who will be a vital piece in the passing game.
“He’s huge,” Everett said on Parham. “He’s like LeBron playing tight end. I definitely want to compliment him and Tre’ [McKitty] as well. We’re going to have a great unit.” | 2022-08-05T20:44:33Z | sports.yahoo.com | Chargers TE Gerald Everett building chemistry with QB Justin Herbert | https://sports.yahoo.com/chargers-te-gerald-everett-building-163525055.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/chargers-te-gerald-everett-building-163525055.html?src=rss |
Prior to starting his team’s Friday practice, Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel met with the South Florida media.
In what has become a show within a show, the McDaniel pressers have been entertaining, informative, educational and, at times, hilarious. The personality of this young rookie coach shines through in his meetings with the media, and the most recent is no different.
Early in the questions, preseason management came up as to how the young coach will approach the upcoming exhibitions and avoid injury.
“I think it’s a tough balance; an inexact science that you try to handle on a case-by-case basis and what the team needs, understanding that every time you’re playing football, there’s always a risk in that,” he said. “There’s an inherent risk, but there’s also, preseason is a valuable time to hone your skills and having 11 people work together for the regular season. So realistically I don’t try to shortchange.”
The Dolphins will have joint practices with the Tampa Buccaneers next week, leading into a preseason game against the 2020 Super Bowl champions. McDaniel explained how he’s not getting too far ahead in the preparation process.
“We have three practices before we head off to Tampa and practice against them, and I try not to get ahead of myself and say, ‘Okay, this person, first of all, is anointed the starter. Second of all, how much are they going to play,’” he said.
McDaniel further described his process in an almost zen-like fashion, saying, “I think it’s important to wait until you get there before you really decide exactly how long each individual player will play because there’ll be starters that end up playing in Preseason (Week) 1.”
The inevitable follow-up question to anything Tampa Bay-related came quickly after, as McDaniel was asked about how the NFL’s recent ruling and the allegations against owner Stephen Ross may be impacting the team or those involved on the field.
“You said a key thing in that statement where you’re not sure if it involves the people on the field so that right there, the most important thing as a head coach is that that’s your entire focus,” he said.
McDaniel went on to stay on-brand and essentially redirected the question in his existential way saying, “So, you can say a lot by saying a lot or not saying anything at all. We have an incredible challenge in front of us as the 2022 Dolphins. I think the players are owed complete and utter focus on that, so I think there’s power in not giving legs to something that doesn’t really affect those 2022 players that really deserve full and undivided attention.”
Moving on to questions on direct player availability, McDaniel was asked if there’s any concern with veteran cornerback Byron Jones and his status leading into the regular season.
“No,” he said. “The concern is with him continuing to progress. Right now that isn’t a concern for us, but it takes a full commitment each and every day for that to hold true, so right now we’re confident in how he’s rehabbing. If there’s a setback, then we’ll be concerned, but until then, we feel pretty good about it.”
Sticking in the secondary, McDaniel had a chance to talk about second-year safety, Jevon Holland. A reporter mentioned that it’s been noticeable that McDaniel spends a good amount of time conversing with his young rising star.
“It has been really, really cool watching Tua (Tagovailoa) and him compete,” he said. “And that’s an odd thing to say, like in regards to a safety versus a quarterback, but he plays all over the place, he communicates the defense from the call from the sidelines and he’s a student. I think Tua respects that, and they have kind of a nice competitive bond going.”
Holland has been showing leadership skills and is seemingly becoming a quarterback on the defensive unit.
McDaniel continued to talk about Holland’s football IQ saying, “It speaks to how football smart he is, how to – the things that he does on the football field are super exciting for the Miami Dolphins moving forward. He is athletic and has a lot of skills, but none of that even matters if he doesn’t have a brain for football and a commitment to football like he does.”
On the offensive side of the ball, lineman Michael Deiter has been unavailable, and McDaniel had a chance to provide clarity.
“He’s feeling better. We’re trying to be pragmatic and not be greedy, so expect him sooner than later.” McDaniel said before getting more specific. “It’s not sometime this week. We’re taking it day-by-day intentionally, but also trying to battle him because he is competitive as all get out.”
Expanding on the center position that Deiter could re-enter when he returns to action, players like Connor Williams, Adam Pankey and Cole Banwart have been handling the snaps in the early goings of training camp.
“We have bullets everywhere, so we’re – adversity is an opportunity,” McDaniel said of his other options. “There’s been some great snaps for a couple other players because of his [Deiter’s] injury.
“I really challenge guys to take advantage of opportunities and utilize those practices to their benefit. There’s never too much versatility an interior offensive linemen can have, so that’s why we’re pretty comfortable being pragmatic.”
The Dolphins have a weekend of fan-attended practices before heading into a week of preparation for Tampa Bay. | 2022-08-05T20:45:11Z | sports.yahoo.com | Mike McDaniel speaks on Dolphins’ penalties, joint practices and more | https://sports.yahoo.com/mike-mcdaniel-speaks-dolphins-penalties-195733376.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/mike-mcdaniel-speaks-dolphins-penalties-195733376.html?src=rss |
Mike Tomlin took over the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2007 and has amassed a .643 winning percentage in the regular season over his 15 year NFL tenure. Tomlin's most impressive accomplishment might be the fact that he has never had a losing season as the head coach of the Steelers. Anyone who can stay competitive while throwing Duck Hodges out at quarterback for multiple weeks deserves all the credit they get.
A lot of people were down on the Pittsburgh Steelers entering the 2021 season. Ben Roethlisberger was clearly declining at a pretty rapid pace and there were questions about his offensive line and the middle of the defense. However, true to form, Tomlin's Steelers stayed in the picture all year long, and when Lamar Jackson went down with an injury late in the season, the Steelers pounced and found a way to make the playoffs with a 9-7-1 record.
A lot had to go right for the Steelers to make the playoffs. The aforementioned injury to Jackson opened the door. The Colts had to lose to the Jaguars on the final weekend. The Raiders and Chargers almost tied in the regular season finale, which would have kept the Steelers out. Even when Pittsburgh did make the playoffs, they looked completely outclassed in the wild card round by the Kansas City Chiefs.
Ben Roethlisberger has retired. The rest of the AFC has improved. The AFC North figures to be one of the most competitive divisions in football. There were questions about this team entering last season, but those questions are even louder entering this season. Overall, it seems like the football world is down on Pittsburgh. Yahoo's Frank Schwab ranked them 22nd in his preseason power rankings. The betting market seems to agree it could be a very rare losing season in the Steel City.
Will Tomlin have first losing season?
After winning nine games last season, the win total over/under for the Pittsburgh Steelers this upcoming season it set at 7.5 wins. Notably, this win total suggests a potential losing season for the Steelers, something that hasn't happened since 2003 under Bill Cowher. If you're a believer in history, the over should be your bet as Mike Tomlin has never finished a season with less than eight wins.
At BetMGM, 64% of bets are backing Pittsburgh to go over 7.5 wins. However, 54% of the money is on the under, suggesting there are a lot of big dollar wagers banking on Pittsburgh having a down season. The Steelers under has received the third most money of any team, behind just the Bears and Cowboys.
Pittsburgh is a +300 underdog to make the playoffs in 2022, odds that suggest they make the playoffs just 25% of the time. These are the worst odds to make the playoffs of any team that made the playoffs last season. The AFC is improved and so is the AFC North, and oddsmakers seem to think the Steelers haven't kept up.
Pittsburgh is +900 to win the AFC North, making them the longest shot in the division by a wide margin. Cleveland has the next worst odds at +300. The Steelers are -200 favorites to finish the season in fourth place in the division, even with all the uncertainty surrounding the Cleveland Browns' quarterback situation. The Steelers are +325 underdogs to occupy one of the top two spots in the division. All three other teams are -115 favorites or better.
If you're expecting a particularly poor season for Pittsburgh, they are 20-to-1 to finish the regular season with the fewest wins in the NFL. Those are the 10th best odds. Pittsburgh is 12-to-1 to score the fewest points during the regular season. Those odds are tied for sixth best with the Browns and New York Jets.
Pittsburgh enters the 2022 NFL season as an extreme long shot to win the Super Bowl. The Steelers are 80-to-1 to end the year as champions. Those are the 23rd best odds in football, ranking behind teams like the Washington Commanders. Pittsburgh is just ahead of the New York Giants and Chicago Bears in terms of Super Bowl odds, which highlights the low quality of company they are keeping. At 80-to-1, the Steelers have the longest Super Bowl odds of any team that made the playoffs last season.
The Steelers are 40-to-1 to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. Those are the fourth longest odds in the conference, ahead of only the Houston Texans, New York Jets and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Steelers player props and awards
What is the betting market saying about some key Steelers players ahead of the 2022 NFL season?
Who will start at quarterback for the Steelers this season? That is uncertain, and the betting market agrees. Mitch Trubisky opened camp as the No. 1 option. First round rookie Kenny Pickett opened as the No. 3, behind Trubisky and Mason Rudolph. Will Trubisky be able to hold off the rookie for long? We don't know, and that's probably the main reason why there are no season long player props posted for either player.
Trubisky is 80-to-1 to win NFL MVP. Those odds are the same as other presumed starting quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield, Carson Wentz and Justin Fields. Trubisky is 12-to-1 to win comeback player of the year, tied for the 6th best odds with Marcus Mariota. On the other hand, Pickett is the betting favorite to win offensive rookie of the year at +500. He's the most popular bet as well, getting nearly 18% of the betting handle for the award. If you think Pickett gets the job early, he might be worth a bet at those odds as the only rookie quarterback really on the radar. Both quarterbacks are 100-to-1 to lead the NFL in passing yards.
T.J. Watt won defensive player of the year last season, amassing 42 of the 50 votes. He's +650 to repeat as the winner of the award. Those are the second best odds behind Cleveland's Myles Garrett. Watt is the fifth most popular bet to win the award behind Micah Parsons, Darius Leonard, Aaron Donald and Rashan Gary.
Watt led the league last year with 22.5 sacks, tying the all-time single season record set by Michael Strahan in 2001. He's +700 to lead the NFL in sacks this upcoming season, the second best odds behind Garrett. Watt's over/under for sacks this season is set at 14 sacks. He's gone over that mark in three straight seasons.
Najee Harris enters the season with 16-to-1 odds to lead the NFL in rushing yards. Those odds are tied with Antonio Gibson for the seventh best odds. Harris finished with the fourth most yards last season. Harris is also 11-to-1 to lead the league in rushing touchdowns, which is tied for the fourth best odds with Dalvin Cook and Joe Mixon. Harris had just 7 touchdowns last year, ranking 15th in the league.
For this upcoming season, Harris' over/under for rushing yards is set at 1149.5. He had 1200 rushing yards last season. His over/under for rushing touchdowns is set at 9.5.
Diontae Johnson is 25-to-1 to lead the NFL in receiving yards. Those are the 13th best odds, right behind Mark Andrews of the Ravens. Johnson ranked 10th in receiving yards last year. He's also 16-to-1 to lead the NFL in receptions, tied for the seventh best odds with Ja'Marr Chase. Johnson finished with the fifth most receptions last season.
Johnson posted 107 receptions, 1161 receiving yards and 8 receiving touchdowns in 2021. For 2022, his season long props are set at 85.5 receptions, 999.5 receiving yards and 6.5 touchdowns. Over his three year career, Johnson is averaging 85 receptions, 921 yards and 6.7 touchdowns per season.
Alongside Johnson, Chase Claypool posted 59 receptions, 860 receiving yards and 2 receiving touchdowns last season. His props for this season are set at 58.5 receptions, 749.5 receiving yards and 4.5 receiving touchdowns.
Mike Tomlin is 20-to-1 to win NFL coach of the year this upcoming season. Those odds are tied for 11th best with Indianapolis head coach Frank Reich. Tomlin is currently the fifth most popular bet at BetMGM, and his odds have moved down after opening at 30-to-1 earlier in the offseason. Tomlin has never won the award, but if this Pittsburgh team has yet another winning season, his case will be strong.
Mike Tomlin has never had a losing season as an NFL head coach. (Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Steelers open the season as underdogs
The Pittsburgh Steelers open the season with a divisional matchup on the road. The Steelers are 6.5-point road underdogs in Cincinnati against the Bengals. The Bengals enter the season as reigning AFC champions, and oddsmakers are expecting them to start the season with a win over the Steelers.
In the two meetings between these teams last season, the Steelers went 0-2. They kept the game at home close, but were blown out by a score of 41-10 in Cincinnati. It's hard to imagine a Mitch Trubisky led team keeping up with Joe Burrow, Joe Mixon and Ja'Marr Chase. However, it's a lot of points for an early season divisional game.
The Steelers shocked the world in Week 1 last season when they went on the road and beat the Buffalo Bills. If you think Pittsburgh can repeat that performance, the Steelers are +225 underdogs on the moneyline. | 2022-08-05T20:45:23Z | sports.yahoo.com | NFL futures, odds: Will Mike Tomlin suffer his first losing season in Pittsburgh? | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-futures-odds-will-mike-tomlin-suffer-his-first-losing-season-in-pittsburgh-194659850.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-futures-odds-will-mike-tomlin-suffer-his-first-losing-season-in-pittsburgh-194659850.html?src=rss |
The more you can do. For fringe roster players battling for a spot on the 53-man, the more areas they can make an impact, the greater their chances are of making the team.
At the safety position, there are two or three roster spots up for grabs in what has become a crowded room, which could lead to some tough decisions for Matt LaFleur and Brian Gutekunst when it’s time to make cuts.
For Innis Gaines, in addition to playing the more traditional roles that come with the safety position, such as playing deep or down in the box, he has also taken snaps recently from the slot.
Last summer, Gaines spent most of his time during preseason action lined up in the box or as a free safety. So him now getting playing time from the slot is a bit of a new development. However, he does have plenty of experience there from his time at TCU.
Gaines went undrafted in 2020, and prior to that, he had taken the majority of his defensive snaps with the Horned Frogs from the slot. Over his career, he was targeted 52 times, allowing 32 completions at just 7.1 yards per catch with six pass breakups and two interceptions, according to PFF.
As Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated would note in his recent practice recap, Gaines has been able to string some successful days together, logging a few pass breakups while in coverage.
Although the expectation shouldn’t be that Gaines would take slot snaps if he were to make the 53-man roster, that is a position where the Packers are lacking experience on this roster.
After Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes, and Rasul Douglas — none of whom have much slot experience in the NFL, for what it’s worth — it is Keisean Nixon, who has only 61 career snaps from the slot, and Shemar Jean-Charles, who has only 38 total defensive snaps in his short career.
Again, this isn’t to say that Gaines will step in and fill that role, but having an additional player to lean on at a position where there is little experienced depth isn’t a bad thing either.
In addition to the plays he’s made on defense, including as a blitzer, Gaines has also impressed on special teams as a gunner and a jammer—although once the preseason begins, keep an eye on his tackling, something that gave him issues last summer.
We know that Darnell Savage and Adrian Amos will be the starters, but after that, a lot is up in the air at the safety position.
Dallin Leavitt was a core special teams contributor in Las Vegas under Rich Bisaccia. Vernon Scott has made some splash plays on defense and has been on the roster for two seasons.
Tariq Carpenter brings special teams experience from his college days and a rare combination of size and athleticism. Meanwhile, Shawn Davis appeared to be the front-runner for that third safety role coming out of offseason programs.
As LaFleur told reporters this week, these roster battles have a way of sorting themselves out once the preseason begins. But for the time being, Gaines finds himself in the thick of this competition, along with each of the players just mentioned.
The more a player can do, the better off they will be, and we are seeing that from Gaines through the first eight training camp practices as he fills a variety of roles, including in the slot where experience is lacking in this roster. | 2022-08-05T20:45:30Z | sports.yahoo.com | Packers DB Innis Gaines continues to expand role with snaps from slot | https://sports.yahoo.com/packers-db-innis-gaines-continues-190610312.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/packers-db-innis-gaines-continues-190610312.html?src=rss |
Texans coach Lovie Smith says CB Derek Stingley ‘going to be a coachable guy’
Houston Texans rookie cornerback Derek Stingley has looked the part of a potential team cornerstone.
With great power, comes great responsibility; and for rookies in training camp, that often means absorbing knowledge and understanding the ins and outs of the NFL.
Texans coach Lovie Smith believes the No. 3 overall pick is acing that part of the test, thanks to his willingness to be coachable.
“Guys are coachable or they’re not and you can tell right away,” Smith told reporters on Friday after day six of training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center. “If you just meet him you can tell he’s going to be a coachable guy. He’s eager to learn. He’s like a sponge.”
The Texans are banking on turning Stingley’s immense potential into pro-level production. The 6-1, 195-pound defensive back started 15 games for LSU as an 18-year-old true freshman in 2019, and tallied six interceptions with 15 pass breakups.
The COVID-shortened 2020 campaign and the injury-riddled 2021 season hampred Stingley as he dealt with ankle sprains and a Lisfranc injury to his left foot.
After enduring surgery on Sept. 26, 2021, Stingley was given a four to six month window until he was expected to be 100% fully recovered. Nearly a year removed from surgery, the Texans have been playing it safe with their crown jewel and easing him into form, as the long term future takes priority.
Part of the infusion of Stingley in the defense has been making sure the rookie is in rhythm.
“The big thing for him was for us to get him on the football field and let him continue to play, and that’s what we’re doing,” said Smith.
As Stingley has been ramping up his practice work, participating in individual and team drills, it’s clear to all that he’s a natural. The reps he’s been gaining versus accomplished veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks will pay off in the future. | 2022-08-05T20:45:48Z | sports.yahoo.com | Texans coach Lovie Smith says CB Derek Stingley ‘going to be a coachable guy’ | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-coach-lovie-smith-says-191240726.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-coach-lovie-smith-says-191240726.html?src=rss |
Weekly Wrap Up: NFL Football is back!
NFL Football is back! No matter what
The NFL returned to action yesterday and what better way than to do it on NBC and Peacock! The NBC Sports team welcomed the arrival of the fantasy football GOAT Matthew Berry. After a long tenure at ESPN, the fantasy pioneer comes back to where it all started for him, Rotoworld. After personally getting to know him, it's an honor to be under the same umbrella and work with someone who believes in me in this industry. Now let's get to the Hall of Fame Game. The first overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Travon Walker, made his presence felt early. The rookie had a pressure (which drew a flag) and recorded a sack. Josh Jacobs handled a full workload (I'm kidding, kind of) in a game that didn't matter. That was interesting...social media went nuts. A lot of quarterbacks played but none really stood out. Jarrett Stidham was the most effective, running for a score. Many (including myself) were impressed by Raiders rookie running back Zamir White. He took 11 carries for 52 yards and added three receptions for 23 yards. His stock is on the rise. Veteran back Ameer Abdullah was also effective and scored a touchdown. NFL Football is being played again and it's more beautiful than my prom date.
Another receiver, new money
Despite reports that Diontae Johnson and the Steelers were far apart in contract talks, they have sealed the deal. Johnson signed a two-year, $36.71 million deal with $27 million guaranteed. At 26 years old, the deal ensures Johnson will get to enter free agency again before his age 29 season. The contract also includes $2.79 million in incentives. Johnson now joins his 2019 wide receiver-classmates Deebo Samuel, A.J. Brown, DK Metcalf, Terry McLaurin and Hunter Renfrow in getting that bag. Other notable names from that class like Marquise Brown, Parris Campbell and Mecole Hardman will likely need career years in 2022 to secure long-term deals from their current (or future) teams. Johnson has carved out his own little nice career, emerging as the Steelers' top option in the passing game. For a hot second, it looked as if JuJu Smith-Schuster would be the team's WR1, but injuries and inconsistency kept him from building upon a Pro Bowl season in 2018. Johnson has steadily improved in each season in which he's played.
It makes sense that the Steelers would make sure to lock down their guy. Johnson chose not to hold out, instead “holding in” at training camp. This is when a player shows up to training camp but doesn't actively participate in team activities (see Samuel before his contract). It is somewhat a sign of good faith on the players' part. Steelers GM Omar Khan maintained that they wanted to keep Johnson in Pittsburgh and it came into fruition. In 2021, Johnson was able to put together a season in which he hauled in 107 receptions, 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns, which was good for WR8 in fantasy PPR formats. While his projections will take a slight hit into WR2 territory, it's not because of his skill. Long-time Steelers' QB Ben Roethlisberger retired and was known for churning out top receivers in fantasy (do yo' dance AB). Coming into 2022, there's now seemingly a three-man competition at quarterback that includes their current first-round pick Kenny Pickett, who is far and away in dead last. Mitch Trubisky was recently told it's his job to lose and Mason Rudolph has been closing the gap. With that situation still figuring itself out, it remains to be seen how high Johnson's ceiling can be going forward. He'll lead a receiving group that includes rookie George Pickens (who's been turning heads) and Chase Claypool, who's trying to put it all together. What Johnson does have is a lot of skill and a whole lot of new money.
The harsh realities of football
Broncos receiver Tim Patrick suffered a torn ACL earlier this week at practice. The 28-year-old receiver was looking to build upon two nearly identical seasons in which he averaged 52 receptions, 738 yards and five touchdowns. Patrick had become such a reliable player for the team, they struck a three-year $34 million ($18.5 million guaranteed) deal with him this past offseason. Despite the presence of Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy, some believed he was poised for a breakout season in 2022. Thus far, Patrick had played the role of a complimentary outside receiver. In 2021 he played almost 80% of his snaps out wide (per PFF) and that was likely to be his role in 2022. We wish Patrick a speedy recovery.
Patrick provided quality football, especially in the red zone where he caught eight touchdowns in the past three seasons. With Sutton and Jeudy locked in as their 1A-1B duo, a plethora of talented yet unproven pass-catchers must step forward. KJ Hamler, who was recently taken off the PUP list, looks to come back in a major way. After playing nearly half of his snaps out wide in 2021, he could hold down that spot while also providing a deep threat. The wildcards will be tight ends Albert Okwuegbunam and rookie Greg Dulcich. Both are competing to earn targets from Russell Wilson and both can help in the red area. Keep a lookout for rookie wideout Montrell Washington out of Samford. All the fifth-round pick has done is make plays in training camp. He's been able to use his speed to form a deep-ball connection with Wilson early in camp. With Patrick down, someone will get a shot.
Earlier this week, Browns' quarterback Deshaun Watson was handed a six-game suspension by Sue L. Robinson. The NFL quickly decided to appeal that notion and it is expected they'll seek a greater penalty. The league has appointed Peter C. Harvey to hear the appeal. Watson has been practicing in training camp and is planning on playing in the preseason. With a suspension of at least six games looming, however, Jacoby Brissett has started taking more first-team reps with the offense. Should Watson's suspension stay at six games, the schedule includes very winnable games for the Browns (Panthers, Jets, Steelers and Falcons). If it goes longer, then we may get a more full body of work from Brissett, something we saw in 2019.
Cardinals receiver Marquise Brown was arrested and charged with criminal speeding earlier this week. I don't know anything about speeding laws in Arizona, but 126-mph is fast as hell anywhere. While no one was hurt, the league has shown that it doesn't need convictions or guilty pleas to inflict punishment. Brown looks to improve upon a season in which he went 91/1,008/6 and looks to do so on an offense he feels suits his game more. With DeAndre Hopkins already serving a six-game suspension, Brown facing any potential discipline would be a blow for the Cardinals. If that is the case, my personal opinion is that I don't expect much. | 2022-08-05T20:46:01Z | sports.yahoo.com | Weekly Wrap Up: NFL Football is back! | https://sports.yahoo.com/weekly-wrap-nfl-football-back-194634003.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/weekly-wrap-nfl-football-back-194634003.html?src=rss |
Snead, 29, went undrafted in 2014 and signed with the Browns as an undraftead free agent before bouncing to the Panthers’ practice squad and the Saints’ practice squad.
He eventually debuted for New Orleans in 2015 and had a nice year with 69 receptions for 984 yards and three touchdowns. Snead was in New Orleans for three years, Baltimore for three years, then split time between Carolina and Las Vegas last season. He had just four catches for 38 yards in nine games in 2021. | 2022-08-05T22:15:25Z | sports.yahoo.com | 49ers to sign WR Willie Snead | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-sign-wr-willie-snead-215613182.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-sign-wr-willie-snead-215613182.html?src=rss |
In Week 12, the Kansas City Chiefs will host the Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams in a rematch of one of the greatest games from the 2018 NFL season.
The Rams have one of the most talented rosters in the league and are all in for a repeat. They restructured superstar defensive tackle Aaron Donald’s contract, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league. They also bolstered their wide receiving corps by signing former Pro Bowler Allen Robinson, making an already dangerous offense even better.
Although Los Angeles has plenty of playmaking weapons, they did lose a couple of key pieces along their offensive line after Andrew Whitworth retired and Austin Corbett left in free agency. Longtime backup Joseph Noteboom will try to fill Whitworth’s shoes and rookie Logan Bruss will compete to fill the void left by Corbett.
The Rams also lost a couple of key defenders in tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day, linebacker Von Miller and cornerback Darious Williams. They made a big splash signing for their linebacker corps, however, inking linebacker Bobby Wagner to a five-year, $65 million contract. With those moves in mind, let’s take a look at some of the Rams’ key players and their outlooks heading into the regular season:
QB Matthew Stafford
Kareem Elgazzar-The Enquirer
Stafford has resurrected his career in Los Angeles. Last season he tied a career-high with 41 touchdown passes and threw for his most passing yardage (4,886) in nine years. Stafford has an elite arsenal of weapons and one of the best offensive minds in the NFL for a head coach in Sean McVay. Now that he has a Super Bowl ring Stafford will look to cement his legacy as a potential Hall of Famer.
He will likely pass John Elway for 11th all-time in passing yards and Frank Tarkenton for 11th all-time in passing touchdowns this season. If he plays out his current contract and stays healthy, Stafford should relatively easily be in the top 10 all-time in passing yards and top five in touchdowns. If he accomplishes those goals and gets another ring before he retires, his case for Canton will be undeniable.
In 2021 Kupp became just the fourth receiver ever to lead the league in receptions (145), receiving yards (1,947), and receiving touchdowns (16). That earned him the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award as well as First Team All-Pro honors. Kupp carried his regular-season success to the postseason as he set a record for most receptions in a single postseason game with 33 and won Super Bowl LVI MVP.
With the addition of Allen Robinson and starting running back Cam Akers returning from injury, Kupp’s stats will likely dip a tad in 2022. He’ll still be plenty productive, however. He had an instant connection with Stafford and is one of the best route runners in the league. He also graded out as the best receiver in the NFL against man coverage per Pro Football Focus last season.
AP Photo-Nam Y. Huh
Robinson signed a three-year, $46.5 million contract with the Rams this offseason. He’ll look to bounce back from a disappointing, injury-plagued season with the Chicago Bears in 2021.
The eight-year veteran is still just 28 years old with an excellent combination of size and speed. Robinson has recorded three 1,000-yard seasons and has caught at least six touchdown passes in four of his NFL seasons.
DT Aaron Donald
What can you say about Donald that isn’t obvious at this point? He’s a sure-fire future Hall of Famer who has one of the greatest resumes of any defensive lineman in NFL history. Donald is a seven-time First Team All-Pro, eight-time Pro Bowler, 2014 Defensive Rookie of the Year, and three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
He was named to the 2010’s All-Decade Team and has been voted in the top 10 of the NFL’s Top 100 Players four times. Donald has recorded double-digit sacks in six of his eight NFL seasons and set a career-high in total tackles last season with 84. Now that he’s a Super Bowl champion, everything else in Donald’s career will be icing on the cake.
CB Jalen Ramsey
AP Photo-Kyusung Gong
Ramsey has been one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL since his rookie season in 2016. In 2021 he was named the fourth-best defensive player in the NFL by Pro Football Focus after setting career highs in tackles (77) and interceptions (4).
Ramsey is a three-time First Team All-Pro and a five-time Pro Bowl selection. He underwent shoulder surgery this offseason, having played with tears in both shoulders during most of the 2021 season.
Training camp storylines
Matthew Stafford received an anti-inflammatory injection in his elbow in March and did not throw a single pass this offseason. During his first practice of training camp, however, Stafford participated in all passing drills, although on a pitch count. Stafford should be able to knock the rust off and get back into the flow of things by the time the regular season starts, but the Rams will be cautious for possible setbacks.
Jalen Ramsey is not yet cleared for full participation in practice but can participate in “above the neck drills.” He is expected to be available by Week 1, but like with Stafford, the Rams will proceed carefully with Ramsey. With Ramsey sidelined, it will give the rest of the Rams’ inexperienced cornerback group plenty of much-needed work.
The right side of the Rams’ offensive line is up for grabs at guard and tackle. Rookie Logan Bruss will be in the mix for both spots depending on which spot he plays best at. Watch for Coleman Shelton to make his case for the right tackle spot.
While the middle of the Rams’ defense is set with Donald and Wagner, there are questions at edge rusher. Outside linebacker Leonard Floyd is a solid player, but there’s not much to complement him. Justin Hollins, Terrell Lewis, and Chris Garrett will compete to start opposite Floyd, none of which are very proven. Keep an eye on the Rams to be possible players in the edge market either by trade or free agency. | 2022-08-05T22:15:44Z | sports.yahoo.com | Chiefs 2022 schedule preview, Week 12: Rams | https://sports.yahoo.com/chiefs-2022-schedule-preview-week-205552000.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/chiefs-2022-schedule-preview-week-205552000.html?src=rss |
The Eagles’ tight end depth took another hit as former Falcons pass catcher Jaeden Graham was placed on injured reserve.
On Wednesday, tight end Richard Rodgers was activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list. Tight end Grant Calcaterra has been sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Tight end Tyree Jackson remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list.
Philadelphia also has J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, Jack Stoll, and Noah Togiai at tight end behind Dallas Goedert.
A 6-foot-4, 250-pound tight end who played college football at Yale, Graham began his NFL career in Atlanta, signing with the Falcons following the 2018 draft.
During his time with Atlanta, Graham recorded 12 receptions for 174 yards and a touchdown on 15 total targets. He played all 32 games during the Falcons’ 2019 and 2020 campaigns. He suffered a torn ACL last August, sidelining him for the entire 2021 season. | 2022-08-05T22:15:51Z | sports.yahoo.com | Eagles place TE Jaeden Graham on Injured Reserve | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-place-te-jaeden-graham-204227807.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-place-te-jaeden-graham-204227807.html?src=rss |
Football fans in the state of Ohio cannot be pleased.
The Cleveland Browns have been snatching up former Michigan football players this offseason, to go along with former draft pick wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones.
Chase Winovich came aboard after spending the first few years of his career with the New England Patriots. Then the Browns tried out and subsequently signed former Wolverine receiver Daylen Baldwin — who was a transfer from Jackson State this past year. Now another is on the move to the city on Lake Erie.
The Browns announced on Friday that they’re snatching up former Michigan cornerback Lavert Hill, the star defensive back who went undrafted in the 2020 NFL draft, but spent his career thus far on various practice squads.
Hill signed with the Kansas City Chiefs shortly after the NFL draft before going ultimately being on the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad in 2020, then the San Francisco 49ers the past year.
With Hill’s signing, he’ll get another opportunity — much like fellow former Michigan corner Channing Stribling — to make an NFL active roster.
The NFL penalized the Dolphins earlier this week for a blatant, multi-year tampering effort to an effort to acquire Sean Payton and Tom Brady. The penalties included the loss of a first-round draft selection. New coach Mike McDaniel isn’t worried about it affecting the 2022 team, including quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, believing the locker room is [more] | 2022-08-05T22:16:10Z | sports.yahoo.com | Former Michigan football CB gets new NFL opportunity | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-michigan-football-cb-gets-203747412.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-michigan-football-cb-gets-203747412.html?src=rss |
San Francisco reportedly signed veteran receiver Willie Snead, Pro Football Network's Aaron Wilson first reported, citing a league source.
Throughout his seven-year career, Snead has combined to catch 279 passes for 3,431 yards (12.3 yards-per-reception) and 16 touchdowns.
Snead's two best seasons came with the Saints in 2015 and 2016, where he caught 69 passes for 984 yards and three touchdowns and 72 passes for 895 yards and four touchdowns respectively.
In addition to Snead, the 49ers also worked out veteran receiver Dede Westbrook on Friday, ESPN's Field Yates reported. | 2022-08-05T22:16:35Z | sports.yahoo.com | NFL rumors: Willie Snead, 49ers agree to contract after workout | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-rumors-willie-snead-49ers-213007109.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-rumors-willie-snead-49ers-213007109.html?src=rss |
Marlon Mack was trucking along.
The former 2017 fourth-round pick from South Florida was coming off his first 1,000-yard rushing season. Even though the Indianapolis Colts drafted the Wisconsin running back in Round 2 of the 2020 NFL draft, the rookie would have to up his game to overtake Mack for the feature back role.
The competition was unfair, but only due to circumstances. Mack tore his Achilles in Week 1 and was lost of the year. Taylor finished with 1,169 rushing yards and a firm command of RB1. Although Mack returned in 2021, he appeared in six games with only 28 carries for 101 yards — by far the lowest statistical point of his career.
Mack is still in the AFC South, but believes he is on the verge of a revitalization with the Houston Texans.
“I definitely feel like I’m there again,” Mack told reporters Friday after the sixth day of training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center. “Last year, I didn’t get that chance to show myself, but in the few games that I did, I felt that confidence in myself.”
Mack had a 3.6 yards per carry as the reserve to Taylor. One of Mack’s best games was against the Baltimore Ravens in a 31-25 loss in Week 5. The 6-0, 210-pound running back had five carries for 47 yards.
In a new NFL city with only himself to focus on, Mack has been able to at least feel the rejuvenation on the practice field.
Said Mack: “Now, I’ve actually just got to go out there and do it again, once again. I feel good, man. Every day I’m showing that explosion. I feel it in my cuts, and every day I keep going out there and keep doing it.”
The Texans could use a dominant running back. Last year’s rushing offense was the worst in the NFL with 3.4 yards per carry and 83.6 rushing yards per game. | 2022-08-05T22:17:00Z | sports.yahoo.com | Texans RB Marlon Mack feels as great as he did before his Achilles injury | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-rb-marlon-mack-feels-212634562.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-rb-marlon-mack-feels-212634562.html?src=rss |
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman isn't wasting any time. Not with the Irish's season opener against the coach's alma mater coming up on the horizon.
''Right now, we're starting out at ground zero,'' said Freeman, who played linebacker for the Buckeyes under Jim Tressel from 2004-08. ''Long practices ... tough, hard practices because we have to develop fast, man. We've got to be ready to roll right out of the gate.''
''It has to be hard,'' Freeman said. ''It's not changing. We're not changing what we're doing. It's going to be hard. We had a couple of guys not finish practice today. It's the trainer's job to make sure they protect the player. It's (the players') job to make sure they are available for practice. The length of practice, the effort, the way we're going to challenge our players - that's not going to change.''
Freeman was hired by Notre Dame before last season to serve as Brian Kelly's defensive coordinator. He was elevated to head coach after Kelly left for LSU following an 11-1 regular season.
Notre Dame's 37-35 loss to Oklahoma State in the Fiesta Bowl on New Year's Day was Freeman's head coaching debut with the Fighting Irish.
''I believe in the core of heart that the same things that make you a successful position coach, a successful coordinator, I believe will be the same things that make you a successful head coach,'' he said. ''It still goes down to hard work, it still goes down to preparing.''
Freeman spent his first fall practice watching the development of a new offensive line under returning assistant Harry Hiestand. Jarrett Patterson, the team's starting center the past two seasons, has moved to left guard with Correll returning to center. Josh Lugg has moved to right guard, with Fisher and fellow sophomore Joe Alt the tackles.
''It's a two-quarterback battle right now between Tyler and Drew,'' Freeman said of the competition to find Jack Coan's successor. ''I love the competition aspect of it. But as soon as we're ready to name a starting quarterback, we're going to do it.'' | 2022-08-05T22:19:40Z | sports.yahoo.com | Heat, humidity test Freeman's Irish at first practice | https://sports.yahoo.com/heat-humidity-test-freemans-irish-203628726.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/heat-humidity-test-freemans-irish-203628726.html?src=rss |
The NIL (name, image and likeness) has quickly taken over the world of college sports.
There are plenty of massive deals for the top athletes and as time goes on, more and more players will hop on board.
The Pac-12 Conference recently entered a partnership with sports technology company Tempus Ex Machina, which is set to provide its FusionFeed technology in a collaboration with Twitter and Opendorse. This deal will allow Pac-12 student-athletes to get paid for posting their in-game highlights on Twitter.
Here’s a report from Pete Nakos of On3 Sports:
Come this fall on the West Coast, Pac-12 football players will be utilizing a new way to monetize their NIL. Athletes will be able to share their personal video highlights on Twitter postgame and receive income for their performance on the field.
It’s a first-of-its-kind product. There’s never been a program like this at any level of sports.
So, the Pac-12 is collaborating with Twitter, Opendorse and Tempus Ex to allow student-athletes the ability to monetize their highlights, and this is a revolutionary NIL deal for college sports.
As expected, Opendorse CEO Blake Lawrence is excited about this groundbreaking deal. Here’s what Lawrence told On3:
“It is true innovation and it’s new to all of sports and athlete media. Video highlights are kept off of lock and key,” Lawrence said. “This is something — we’ve got a breakthrough here.
This could be something that other conferences jump on board with, but for now, it is only for the Pac-12.
Colorado football's highest-valued NIL players | 2022-08-05T22:19:56Z | sports.yahoo.com | Pac-12 entering groundbreaking NIL territory | https://sports.yahoo.com/pac-12-entering-groundbreaking-nil-200408830.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/pac-12-entering-groundbreaking-nil-200408830.html?src=rss |
Russia’s justice system is so corrupt it’s impossible to know whether Griner actually did what she’s accused of - bringing vape cartridges filled with hashish oil in her luggage. Putin, however, knew he was about to invade Ukraine, and that that would make Griner a very valuable bargaining chip. It’s about time someone called him out on his role in her detainment.
When USA Basketball wouldn’t give her the time of day, Hammon, who like Griner and many others spent her off-seasons playing in Russia, accepted an offer to represent Russia at the 2008 Olympics.
“I love our country. I love what we stand for. This is an opportunity to fulfill my dream of playing in the Olympics," Hammon told ESPN.com in 2008.
When the Phoenix Mercury, Griner’s team, and the Connecticut Sun took the floor for Thursday night’s game, the faces of the players were still wet with tears. Skylar Diggins-Smith said afterward the Mercury hadn't even wanted to play but they have no choice other than to go on with life as “normal.” | 2022-08-05T22:32:43Z | sports.yahoo.com | Becky Hammon's criticism of Vladimir Putin hits hard given her history with Russia | Opinion | https://sports.yahoo.com/becky-hammons-criticism-vladimir-putin-221608923.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/becky-hammons-criticism-vladimir-putin-221608923.html?src=rss |
These NFL stars aren't expected to play in the 2022 preseason originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
After undergoing an appendectomy, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has been back at the facility this week. And while he’s been on the field, he hasn’t been practicing yet. Head coach Zac Taylor said in his Friday press conference that Burrow is still considered “day-to-day,” while declining to put a timetable on when the QB will [more]
Sarasota's 'Golden Gladiator' earns a spot in Guinness World Records
Mike Lynch was 68 when he played for the Bradenton Gladiators. The feat got him in Guinness World Records for oldest football player
The Seahawks announced a couple of roster moves on Friday afternoon. They have signed linebacker Joel Dublanko to the 90-man roster after a workout this week. Tight end Jake Hausmann was waived a week after signing with the team. Dublanko signed with the Saints after going undrafted earlier this year, but he was dropped by [more] | 2022-08-05T23:47:08Z | sports.yahoo.com | These NFL stars aren't expected to play in the 2022 preseason | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-stars-arent-expected-play-211746169.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-stars-arent-expected-play-211746169.html?src=rss |
Zaidi explains how Rodón opt-out created 'wedge' in trade talks originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
SAN FRANCISCO -- In the bottom of the fifth inning on July 21 at Dodger Stadium, Carlos Rodón got Freddie Freeman to fly out to center and Will Smith to fly out to left. He got two strikes on Justin Turner and then flipped in a curveball that the Dodgers third baseman popped up weakly to right. Rodón watched it land in Luis Gonzalez's glove and then walked slowly back to the visiting dugout.
He can -- and almost certainly will -- opt out of his deal after the season, and as the Giants surveyed the trade market this week, they found that that was a complication. Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi did not actively seek to deal Rodón, but with the Giants falling in the standings in July, he took plenty of phone calls and took a "very open-minded" approach to the deadline.
Rodón ultimately stayed in orange and black, and on Friday's Giants Talk podcast, Zaidi explained how the opt-out clause complicated discussions that might have looked more straightforward from the outside.
"It did create an interesting wedge in those discussions," Zaidi said. "First of all, we feel great about (Rodón's) health and he hasn't had any issues this year and obviously has pitched really well for us. But if he makes it to the end of the year and opts out, we have the ability to extend the qualifying offer. We certainly will have discussions about bringing him back (on a new deal). He's been a great Giant.
"When you look at an acquiring team, they lose the ability to qualify him so they don't have that potential return, and I do think acquiring teams were worried about the player option essentially serving as an insurance policy for the player, which is really what these player options are. Obviously, we were willing to take our chances because we just believed in his ability to help us and to stay healthy."
The Giants, understandably, set a high price on Rodón, who stood as easily the best starting pitcher available after Luis Castillo and Frankie Montas were traded to the Mariners and Yankees, respectively. The industry consensus was that the Reds and A's did well in those trades, and the Giants should have been able to get a good package for Rodón.
But more and more, front offices are becoming risk-averse, and Rodón did come with what some rival evaluators considered a huge complication. If he stays healthy, he will opt out. If he gets hurt, he can simply pick up his $22.5 million option for 2023 and take another shot at free agency a year later. He wasn't a true rental, but he also wasn't under club control through 2023, like Castillo and Montas.
You can make a strong argument that this is all overthinking it and that some other front offices may regret their decision. Rodón leads all starting pitchers in FanGraphs' version of Wins Above Replacement and is the kind of overpowering pitcher who can start Game 1 of a playoff series for any contender. Every pitcher is an injury risk, but if you're going to take a swing, you should do it on someone who can help you win a title.
Zaidi said the Giants will consider keeping him around long-term, and at the very least they'll recoup draft pick compensation if Rodón bolts, just as they did for Madison Bumgarner and Will Smith after a similar deadline in 2019. That may end up being somewhat equivalent to what was out there on Tuesday, as the Giants never got the kind of offer that would cause them to trade their best player, in part because of the opt-out that Zaidi called a "realistic complication."
RELATED: Even Kapler's first ejection wasn't enough to fire up Giants
"I think for the sake of our long-term picture we had to be open-minded about (trades), but we were going to have a high cost for taking a step back this year, for hurting our chances this year with (trading) some guys that could have been impact players for other teams and are impact players for us," Zaidi said. "It was an interesting deadline. I think when you compare it to last year -- even though there were some big headlines (this year) obviously -- you didn't see quite the volume of moves.
"Some teams I would categorize as pure sellers, which we were certainly not, held on to some players, and even some players on expiring contracts that was a little bit surprising. But I think that speaks a little bit to the fact that it wasn't quite the sellers' market that it was last year."
Young Cuban baseball players dream of U.S. major leagues
STORY: These Cuban baseball players dream of joining the U.S. major leagues Locator: Havana, Cuba(Leoni Venego, 7-year-old baseball player) “I want to be like Yuli Gurriel because he’s good and plays as first baseman, like me.”Baseball is Cuba’s national past time, but talented players are leaving for more opportunities abroad It mirrors a broader exodus of Cubans from the stagnating communist-run island racked by social and economic crisis(Francis Romero, Baseball expert) “I think many factors have contributed to today’s Cuban baseball decline. First and foremost, the key one, has been the exodus. In the past six years the number of baseball players that have left the country has also tripled compared with the decade between 2000 and 2010.” | 2022-08-06T00:11:40Z | sports.yahoo.com | How tricky Carlos Rodon contract created 'wedge' in Giants' trade talks | https://sports.yahoo.com/tricky-carlos-rodon-contract-created-194534340.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/tricky-carlos-rodon-contract-created-194534340.html?src=rss |
Earlier this week, Nick Saban called Alabama’s 2021 season a rebuilding year.
Saban’s comments were not perceived very well as many people viewed his comments as an excuse for the national title loss against Georgia. However, his goal was to state that the Tide had to refill a lot of lost production and relied on inexperienced players who hadn’t had substantial playing time before to make up for it.
Saban stood by his comments again today, saying, “I don’t think our standard is like everybody else’s standard.”
He is flexing his muscles by saying that even a rebuilding year for him would be the best season in program history for most teams. He is clearly displeased with people refusing to see his point yet again this summer.
Nick Saban on calling last season a rebuilding year after Alabama won the SEC championship and was the national runner-up:
"I don't think our standard is like everybody else's standard." pic.twitter.com/8vDaTI90Ls
— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) August 4, 2022
WATCH: Alabama shares clips from the Crimson Tide's first fall practice | 2022-08-06T00:12:48Z | sports.yahoo.com | Nick Saban defends ‘rebuilding year’ comments | https://sports.yahoo.com/nick-saban-defends-rebuilding-comments-235400265.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nick-saban-defends-rebuilding-comments-235400265.html?src=rss |
WATCH: Alabama shares clips from the Crimson Tide’s first fall practice
Alabama football is back in action and is preparing to open the 2022 college football season at home against Utah State on Sept. 3, 2022. The Crimson Tide will look to improve upon a 13-2 record from last year.
The SEC Championship, the Cotton Bowl and the Heisman Trophy went Alabama’s way in 2021, but that was not enough.
Now, Alabama seeks to win it all.
Practice for the upcoming season recently began and the program’s social media team released a short video loaded with clips from the practice.
Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Alabama football as the 2022 season rapidly approaches. | 2022-08-06T00:13:07Z | sports.yahoo.com | WATCH: Alabama shares clips from the Crimson Tide’s first fall practice | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-alabama-shares-clips-crimson-191813874.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-alabama-shares-clips-crimson-191813874.html?src=rss |
Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald changes his cleats during training camp at UC Irvine. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
“He is all business all the time until he decides to let it off a little bit,” Morris said. “And when he lets it off, that's when you know you got him and that's when you know he's in his best spot that he could possibly be.” | 2022-08-06T01:18:21Z | sports.yahoo.com | Even at 31, Rams' chiseled Aaron Donald flexes his body of work at training camp | https://sports.yahoo.com/even-31-rams-chiseled-aaron-000811424.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/even-31-rams-chiseled-aaron-000811424.html?src=rss |
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