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We are four weeks away from the first Colorado Buffaloes football game of the season on Sept. 2 when they kick off against the TCU Horned Frogs at Folsom Field.
After last year’s down season, both the team and the fanbase are chomping at the bit to get back to a new season of Buffaloes football. Four weeks can seem like an eternity but we are here to make your life a little easier by counting down the number of days to the game.
First up is the number 28.
Check out some fun tidbits about the number related to Colorado’s history:
Estes Banks, RB (1964-66)
Ken Culbertson, PK (1987-89)
Larry Horine, S (1950-52)
Jon Keyworth, RB (1970-73)
Tom Mackenzie, PK (1974-75)
Odis McKinney, DB (1976-77)
Andy Mitchell, P (1994-97)
Will Oliver, PK (2011-14)
Tony's favorite Buff at 28
Will Oliver is number two on the all time scoring list, second only to Mason Crosby. Oliver was a dependable kicker during his time with the Buffs and was the first CU player to ever lead the team in scoring for four straight years.
Sefo Liufau holds the record for the most touchdowns thrown in a season at 28.
Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports Copyright © 2005 Howard Smith
Koy Detmer and Sefo Liufau are tied for the most completions in a half in CU history. Detmer did it when he hit on 22-of-28 passes in the first half against Colorado State in 1996.
From Colorado’s 2021 media guide:
Oct. 28, 1978 Colorado 28, No. 12 Missouri 27
(at Columbia) Colorado rallied from 20 points down in the third quarter to defeat the hometown and No. 13 Tigers, the most points the Buffaloes have ever rallied from behind to post a victory. Bill Solomon scored on a 6-yard run to put CU up 7-0, but Missouri scored the next 27 points to take a 27-7 lead seven minutes into the third quarter (failing on a two-point pass after its third TD). Eddie Ford and Solomon scored touchdowns to cap drives of 63 and 80 yards respectively to cut the deficit to 27-21. The CU defense held and Ford scored on a 16-yard run to tie the game, and Pete Dadiotis’ extra point provided the margin of victory. | 2022-08-06T02:01:43Z | sports.yahoo.com | Colorado football countdown to Week 1 kickoff: 28 days | https://sports.yahoo.com/colorado-football-countdown-week-1-003359048.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/colorado-football-countdown-week-1-003359048.html?src=rss |
ESPN names two former Michigan football players as top 50 freshmen of all time
You don’t become the winningest program in college football by only getting contributions from your upperclassmen. Instead, younger players have to step up. Such has been the case in Ann Arbor, with the most recent data point coming by virtue of linebacker Junior Colson, who was named a Freshman All-American in 2021.
But what about those who changed the game so much that they’re considered among the best ever first-year players across the sport?
ESPN’s resident numbers guru and analyst Bill Connelly put together a list of the 50-best true freshman seasons of all time, and two former Michigan football players made the cut, starting with a player who ended up being a four-year starter at the most important position on the field.
41. QB Chad Henne, Michigan (2004)
He never really improved — his passer rating was between 130 and 143 for all four years of his career — but Henne was a stunning success out of the gate. The blue-chipper from Reading, Pennsylvania, threw for 2,743 yards and 25 touchdowns and led the Wolverines to a 9-3 season. In a classic Rose Bowl loss to Texas, he went toe-to-toe with Vince Young, throwing for 227 yards and four touchdowns.
It is true that Henne never really found much of another gear, just acting as an above-average quarterback in his entire tenure. But given that he was able to come in and have the type of performance he did as a true freshman at such a demanding position is something to relish.
Of course, the other player mentioned is a GOAT in his own right, the only defensive-minded player to ever win the Heisman Trophy.
34. CB Charles Woodson, Michigan (1995)
You don’t become the only defensive player in 60 years to win the Heisman Trophy if you don’t start generating attention immediately. A record-setting rusher from Ohio, Woodson came to Michigan to play defense and became a first-stringer almost instantly. He picked off five passes in his first season, including two in a 31-23 rivalry win over Ohio State.
Naturally, Woodson’s junior season was his crowning achievement, as that was the year he took home the award given to the nation’s best player, upsetting Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning for the award.
While that type of greatness is something that all players aspire to, for Michigan to repeat last year’s success, it will certainly need a freshman or two to play at such a level that it will contend to be on this list in the future. | 2022-08-06T02:01:55Z | sports.yahoo.com | ESPN names two former Michigan football players as top 50 freshmen of all time | https://sports.yahoo.com/espn-names-two-former-michigan-005539225.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/espn-names-two-former-michigan-005539225.html?src=rss |
Ward believes Aiyuk has potential to become No. 1 receiver originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
When the 49ers selected Brandon Aiyuk in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, they did so with the vision of seeing the Arizona State product become a No. 1 wide receiver.
The 24-year-old is heading into his third season in the NFL and for cornerback Charvarius Ward, Aiyuk is on the path to becoming the top target on the team.
"BA got the potential to be one of those great receivers," Ward told NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco on the latest edition of 49ers Talk. "Like, he can be a real wide receiver No. 1 that can run routes, go balls. He can catch slants. Short passes, everything ... He's got to continue to work on his game."
During the 2021 NFL season, Aiyuk improved upon the rookie year numbers regarding receiving yards, going from 748 in 2020 to 826. Additionally, the 49ers' wide receiver has had five touchdown campaigns in back-to-back seasons.
With Deebo Samuel drawing most of the attention from defenses, it allows Aiyuk to see coverage that he can take advantage of this upcoming 2022 NFL season.
Furthermore, it will be interesting to see the effect that quarterback Trey Lance can have on Aiyuk as the 23-year-old takes over under center and whether the change will benefit the wide receiver. | 2022-08-06T04:20:30Z | sports.yahoo.com | 49ers' Brandon Aiyuk has No. 1 receiver potential, Charvarius Ward believes | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-brandon-aiyuk-no-1-025629292.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-brandon-aiyuk-no-1-025629292.html?src=rss |
What Ryans is looking to see from 'special talent' Kinlaw originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans has high expectations for defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw heading into the 2022 NFL season.
As the 49ers slowly ease Kinlaw back into action as he recovers from his ACL surgery, Ryans has been focusing on the defensive tackle's form in training camp.
"I tell him every day I walk by him and just say 'technique, technique, technique'," Ryans said to reporters. "That's the main thing."
That said, Ryans believes that if Kinlaw can focus on honing his technique, he can reach new heights.
"Kinlaw is a special player, special talent," Ryans said. He also continued to say that despite it being a while since Kinlaw last saw live action, Ryans likes where Kinlaw is.
"He's not pressing, he's not trying to do too much. He has the right mindset every day to go out and get better," Ryans said. "I'm seeing that from him in the individual drills and also in the team drills, he's done a good job these past couple days."
Despite appearing in just four games last season after undergoing surgery to repair his ACL, Kinlaw looks like he is on track to be the impact player the 49ers know him to be. Teammate Mike McGlinchey thinks Kinlaw looks "unbelievable" while Nick Bosa said that he can't "wait to play" with the 49ers' first-round pick in 2020.
RELATED: Seven under-the-radar impact players for 49ers in 2022
Considering how well highly his teammates and coaches have talked about Kinlaw during training camp, it's no surprise that he could be in for a bounce-back season, especially with a revamped and potentially more effective defensive unit.
The 49ers would have no problem seeing him do just that.
Former Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson on Thursday said missing texts from Trump officials on Jan. 6 are problematic. “At the seniormost levels of those departments I’d have to say, it does smell, it is problematic,” he said during an interview on MSNBC’s Morning Joe. Morning Joe host Willie Geist had asked the former… | 2022-08-06T04:20:49Z | sports.yahoo.com | What Javon Kinlaw needs to show 49ers' DeMeco Ryans in training camp | https://sports.yahoo.com/javon-kinlaw-needs-show-49ers-010939713.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/javon-kinlaw-needs-show-49ers-010939713.html?src=rss |
The former Iowa star had been taking reps during 2022 training camp, but went down during Thursday’s session after getting rolled up on and didn’t practice on Friday. After practice, head coach John Harbaugh provided an initial timeline for when Linderbaum could return, saying he might be back in one or two weeks.
“[Tyler] Linderbaum got the MRI back; it’s not a serious thing. It’s going to be probably at least a week; just let it settle down. It could be two weeks. We’ll see. Of course, he’ll tell me otherwise, but it’s not going to be through all of training camp, unless something changes. So, that’s where we’re at with that today. Who else?”
Ravens C Tyler Linderbaum is expected to miss a week or two after getting his MRI
The reps that Linderbaum gets in training camp are important but it seems as if the team is using the cautious approach with the rookie, which is a smart decision. Under a one-to-two week timeline Linderbaum would miss at least the first preseason game, but if that’s what it takes to get him back to full health then it’s more than worth it. | 2022-08-06T04:20:55Z | sports.yahoo.com | Ravens HC John Harbaugh reveals initial timeline for C Tyler Linderbaum to return from injury | https://sports.yahoo.com/ravens-hc-john-harbaugh-reveals-035717891.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/ravens-hc-john-harbaugh-reveals-035717891.html?src=rss |
Reps. Matt Gaetz and Marjorie Taylor Greene speak in Crestview, Florida
Republican Congresspersons Gaetz and Taylor Greene hold Gaetz re-election stop in Crestview
Brandon Lowe had a two-run home run among his three hits and drove in three runs as the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Detroit Tigers 7-2 Thursday night. “It's nice to swing the bat and not hurt,” said Lowe, who returned in mid-July from a back injury. Randy Arozarena had four hits for Tampa Bay, which won back-to-back games for the first time since the All-Star break. | 2022-08-06T04:43:55Z | sports.yahoo.com | Cut Line: LIV Golf vs. PGA Tour lawsuit cuts deep, with anger and accusations | https://sports.yahoo.com/cut-line-liv-golf-vs-125950144.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/cut-line-liv-golf-vs-125950144.html?src=rss |
The New York Giants have waived defensive back Jarren Williams off of injured reserve with an injury settlement.
The 25-year-old Williams, who originally signed with the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted rookie out of Albany in 2020 before joining the Giants, had been converted to safety this offseason. However, he landed on IR earlier this month with a hamstring injury.
Following the injury settlement, Williams can not re-sign with the Giants until after the term of the settlement (however many weeks they agreed upon) plus three additional weeks.
Williams is, however, free to sign with other teams pending a passed physical.
In eight career games with the Giants, Williams recorded 19 tackles (15 solo) and one pass defensed. He earned a 71.1 Pro Football Focus grade last season. | 2022-08-06T10:25:38Z | sports.yahoo.com | Giants waive DB Jarren Williams off of injured reserve | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-waive-db-jarren-williams-095506035.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-waive-db-jarren-williams-095506035.html?src=rss |
“It is what it is,” Roberts said when asked about the Soto trade. “He’s a great player. It certainly makes our job a little bit harder, a lot harder. But there’s nothing we can do. We're not going to run from it.”
The Los Angeles Dodgers placed left-hander Clayton Kershaw on the 15-day injured list Friday, one day after he left a start with lower back pain. This marks the 34-year-old Kershaw’s second trip to the injured list this season. Kershaw had an X-ray and an MRI on Friday, and nothing new was revealed in the MRI. | 2022-08-06T10:48:13Z | sports.yahoo.com | Dodgers turn their Juan Soto loss into a win over new-look Padres | https://sports.yahoo.com/dodgers-turn-juan-soto-loss-055339079.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/dodgers-turn-juan-soto-loss-055339079.html?src=rss |
The New York Giants held their second annual Fan Fest on Friday night at MetLife Stadium and from the onset, it was the Kayvon Thibodeaux show.
The rookie edge rusher consistently found himself in the backfield, disrupting the rhythm and timing of the offense. He repeatedly forced quarterback Daniel Jones to flush the pocket and adjust on the fly.
“He’s tough to block. He’s done a really great job these last few practices of getting his feet underneath him. He’s got a variety of pass rush moves. Again, he’s a rookie. We’ll see when the reps become live,” head coach Brian Daboll told reporters after the scrimmage. “He’s a good young player. He’s got a lot to work on. I hope he draws more (holds).
“He’s a humble guy. He knows he doesn’t have all the answers. I think he relies a lot on the veterans, and (outside linebackers coach) Drew (Wilkins) is doing a good job with him. He’s been a good teammate, and everything that we’ve kind of researched on him, so far, it’s been right on point.”
But Thibodeaux wasn’t alone in terms of dominance on Friday night. Defensive tackle Leonard Williams, who has been the star of training camp thus far, was also creating problems. Meanwhile, cornerback Adoree’ Jackson nearly had a pick-6 but the ball slipped through his hands.
It is important to note however, there was no game-planning done ahead of the scrimmage. And with so many cameras around, the Giants hid much of their playbook and didn’t use nearly as much motion as we’ve seen in other practices this summer.
“I think that’s the great thing about training camp. You don’t gameplan, and you don’t anticipate. You just go out there, and you trust your rules,” Daboll said. “And you see what you got to fix on both sides of the ball — whether it’s turning a guy free, whether it’s a screen for 20 yards on a third down and long situation, whatever that may be. A missed protection.
“There’s certainly things in every practice. That’s what training camp it for: to improve fundamentals and techniques and to improve upon your assignments against whether you want to call it un-scouted looks or different situations. That’s why communication is so important really in every area of the field.”
The Giants will return to practice on Sunday. | 2022-08-06T11:57:27Z | sports.yahoo.com | Giants defense, Kayvon Thibodeaux shine during Fan Fest scrimmage | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-defense-kayvon-thibodeaux-shine-105529393.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-defense-kayvon-thibodeaux-shine-105529393.html?src=rss |
How to watch Dick Vermeil’s Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony
Dick Vermeil is an iconic coach in Rams history, helping lead the team to their first-ever Super Bowl win in 1999. He only spent three years with the team, but he made his final season count by winning it all after going just 9-23 in his first two seasons.
For everything he accomplished in the NFL, including leading three different franchises to the playoffs, he’s being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame with the Class of 2022. The enshrinement ceremony will take place today, Aug. 6, in Canton, Ohio.
Rather than being held in the evening as it usually is, the ceremony will begin at 12 p.m. ET. It will be broadcast on both ESPN and NFL Network, and speeches will be given to recognize each of the eight inductees.
Below is the order of speeches; family members will provide speeches for Sam Mills and Cliff Branch, who are being inducted posthumously. | 2022-08-06T11:57:45Z | sports.yahoo.com | How to watch Dick Vermeil’s Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-dick-vermeil-hall-fame-110023232.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-dick-vermeil-hall-fame-110023232.html?src=rss |
Tyler O'Neill's 3-run homer (6)
Tyler O'Neill crushes a three-run home run to left field, his 6th of the season, giving the Cardinals a 5-2 lead in the bottom of the 7th
Vin Scully, the legendary Los Angeles Dodgers broadcaster who died Aug. 2 at the age of 94, was remembered in a tribute Friday at Dodger Stadium as a towering but humble figure whose work extended beyond the team to become part of the fabric of baseball. “He wasn’t just a Dodger — he loved the […] | 2022-08-06T12:19:37Z | sports.yahoo.com | Yankees vs. Cardinals Highlights | https://sports.yahoo.com/yankees-vs-cardinals-highlights-042620720.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/yankees-vs-cardinals-highlights-042620720.html?src=rss |
Brian Griese left the broadcast booth this year to join the San Francisco 49ers as a quarterbacks coach, leaving 9News to look for a replacement to call Denver Broncos preseason games alongside Steve Levy.
9News announced earlier this week that Levy (play-by-play) will return to call Broncos games this summer, as will Chad Brown (color analyst) and Rod Mackey (sideline reporter).
The television network also announced a new addition to the commentary crew: Ryan Harris will join Levy and Brown in the both as a color analyst for the team’s three preseason games, replacing Griese.
Harris had a 10-year career as an offensive lineman in the NFL, including three stints in Denver (2007-2010, 2012 and 2015). Harris started at right tackle for the Broncos when they won Super Bowl 50, defeating the Carolina Panthers 24-10.
In addition to airing locally on 9News, all three of Denver’s preseason games will also be nationally televised on NFL Network this month. | 2022-08-06T13:28:19Z | sports.yahoo.com | Broncos Super Bowl 50 champion Ryan Harris to call team’s preseason games | https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-super-bowl-50-champion-130051466.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-super-bowl-50-champion-130051466.html?src=rss |
Second-round receiver Skyy Moore has made some impressive plays to be sure, but he faces perhaps the biggest adjustment of any player at Chiefs camp. The coaching staff has worked him in at every possible opportunity, including special teams as a punt returner.
Moore told reporters on Thursday that getting back into the return game has been a challenge, but now that as he gets more reps in, he is getting more comfortable.
“I haven’t really done it too much in-game in college,” Moore said. “So, it’s really just getting a feel for when I can take it, when I got to fair catch (it) and just doing the fundamentals of catching the punt. It’s going good, though.”
Moore returned a combined three kicks for 21 yards and one punt for no yards in college, so his experience there is quite limited. His role on offense, however, is progressing much the same. Moore explained that it may take some time given the intricacies of Andy Reid’s schemes and the different roles that he might play within them.
“It’s going to be a process because it is a complex offense,” Moore continued. “But it’s starting to click. I feel like everything in this offense counters. Like we run this play and this play is a counter to that play. So, once you get the basics of everything, it starts to click a whole lot faster.”
Kansas City has high hopes for the Western Michigan product to replace some of Tyreek Hill’s production lost this season, but that won’t happen without more time spent learning on the practice field. As training camp turns into preseason games and the regular season draws ever nearer, Moore seems on track to be a player to watch in 2022. | 2022-08-06T13:28:26Z | sports.yahoo.com | Chiefs rookie WR Skyy Moore adjusting to dual roles on offense, special teams | https://sports.yahoo.com/chiefs-rookie-wr-skyy-moore-114543987.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/chiefs-rookie-wr-skyy-moore-114543987.html?src=rss |
The last team to repeat as Super Bowl champions was the New England Patriots in 2003-2004. It’s an incredibly difficult feat to achieve, and it’s only been done eight times before.
The Rams have a chance to go back-to-back as world champions this season after keeping the core of their team intact with Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey. The additions of Allen Robinson and Bobby Wagner will help, too.
FOX Sports’ Colin Cowherd really likes the Rams to come out of a weaker NFC and make a run at the Super Bowl again. In a recent segment where he shared his five bold predictions for the 2022 season, he said the Rams will repeat as the champs.
Cowherd also points to the fact that the Rams didn’t have Cam Akers last year, so he believes the running game behind Matthew Stafford will be better. And the additions of Robinson and Wagner are viewed as upgrades at wide receiver and linebacker.
Getting through the NFC is one thing, and difficult as it is, but taking down the premier AFC team in the Super Bowl – be it the Chiefs, Broncos, Bills, Bengals, Chargers or Ravens – will be a real challenge. And the Rams’ schedule is no cakewalk, so they have their work cut out for them.
Trading in a football for a bean bag
Former NFL RB Terry Kirby is no longer hitting the gridiron, he instead is hitting the target in the game of cornhole. | 2022-08-06T13:28:32Z | sports.yahoo.com | Colin Cowherd’s bold prediction? Rams repeat as Super Bowl champions. | https://sports.yahoo.com/colin-cowherd-bold-prediction-rams-123011471.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/colin-cowherd-bold-prediction-rams-123011471.html?src=rss |
Giants’ Daniel Jones ‘getting more comfortable’ in new offense
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is entering his fourth year in the NFL under his third different head coach, fourth different offensive coordinator and learning his third offensive system.
That kind of change is not conducive to success but with each passing day, the 25-year-old says he’s becoming more and more comfortable.
“I’m getting more comfortable every day,” Jones told reporters on Friday. “We’re still early in the process. We’ve got a lot of work to do. That’s certainly my mindset, I think that’s coach (Brian) Daboll’s mindset and the whole group’s mindset. We’ve got a lot of work to do and we’re eager to do it. I’m comfortable and continuing to work to get more comfortable.”
Over the previous two practices, Jones did appear a lot more comfortable and the results spoke to that. However, he appeared to take a step backwards during Friday night’s Fan Fest scrimmage. In fact, the entire offense did.
“I thought he operated well,” head coach Brian Daboll said of Jones. “Again, I’m sure there are plays he would’ve wanted back, but I thought he did a good job with his decision-making process. Made some good throws. But certainly a lot to work on.”
Jones nearly tossed a pick-6 right out of the gate, but the ball was dropped by cornerback Adoree’ Jackson. There were other questionable passes mixed in, but it’s fair to note the Giants had not game-planned nor were they running their full offense.
Still, Jones needs to show more consistency if he’s going to win over the fans, who are already calling for Tyrod Taylor to start. But those calls will continue to fall on deaf ears. Jones is going to start barring injury.
“I think I’m a better player than in years past. I feel more comfortable from that standpoint in what I’m seeing and diagnosing what I’m seeing and making decisions,” Jones said. “As it relates to this offense and this scheme, it gives a quarterback a lot of options, and it allows for a quarterback to use what he knows and distribute the ball based on that.
“I’ve enjoyed working in this offense so far, and like I said, we’ve got a lot of work to do. It’s been fun working with Coach Daboll and his staff and working in this offense.”
Despite Jones’ inconsistency, he still has the respect and support of his teammates. Like many others, they seem to recognize that the deck has been stacked against him.
“It’s his third offense in how many years, it’s year four or something like that,” running back Saquon Barkley said. “I would say he’s coming in every single day trying to get better. He’s continuing to do a great job leading and rallying the guys up. Getting us ready to practice, and eventually when we’re out there to go out and play a game, he’ll do the same thing.”
The problem for Jones is that time has run out. There’s no more room for excuses whether that’s fair or not. It’s now or never for the former first-round pick. | 2022-08-06T13:28:51Z | sports.yahoo.com | Giants’ Daniel Jones ‘getting more comfortable’ in new offense | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-daniel-jones-getting-more-115537183.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-daniel-jones-getting-more-115537183.html?src=rss |
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley, who aims to bounce-back after two injury-plagued seasons, has looked solid this summer. Explosive, even.
In fact, one could argue that Barkley has turned back the clock. He resembles the player who won the 2018 Offensive Rookie of the Year more than the player who struggled to gain any traction over the previous two seasons.
Part of the reason for that is health. Another part stems from self-reflection and the rediscovered appreciation for where he is in life, Barkley says.
“Definitely smiling more. Not just for me personally, just trying to do a better job of living in the moment, taking it day by day, being appreciative. I get to come in and play for the New York Giants and play the game that I loved as a little kid,” Barkley told reporters on Friday. “Sometimes you can lose sight of that with the ups and downs, with the injuries or whatever is being said about you. At the end of the day, if you keep the main thing the main thing, you can go out there and perform at high level and be who you are and let your true talents show.”
That’s a far cry from where Barkley was just a season ago.
But another reason for all that smiling is the presence of rookie offensive tackle Evan Neal. The 6-foot-7, 351-pound monster of a man has helped shore up one of the Giants’ biggest issues. The running game is poised to be the primary beneficiary.
“I’m excited to play not only behind him but the offensive line and continue to work with (offensive line coach) Bobby (Johnson) and all of the offensive guys,” Barkley said. “Evan’s been doing a great job coming to work every single day. He’s a freak. He’s athletic ability is insane and how big he is. When he walks in the room, you notice when he walks in the room.
“Like I said, for all of us, every single day we’ve just got to keep improving and keep getting better. I really think he can have a great future, but we just have to keep the main thing the main thing and keep building brick by brick and day by day.”
There is some added pressure this season, Barkley admits. He feels he’s let the team down over the previous two seasons — especially quarterback Daniel Jones.
“I don’t just feel that for Daniel, I feel that for the whole offense in general,” Barkley said. “If I’m able to go out there and do the things that I’m capable of doing, it’s going to make life a lot easier — not only on Daniel, but I feel like on everyone. If we all go out there, if we all go out there and do what we are capable of doing, it’s going to make life easier for every single one of us. We just got to come in every single day, continue to get the playbook down and continue to work. All the work that we put in will pay off later on.”
The ground game is an important aspect to the offense run by head coach Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka. A healthy and productive Barkley will go a long way in elevating the level of play of those around him.
If you want to know who really controls Park City Group, Inc. ( NASDAQ:PCYG ), then you'll have to look at the makeup...
The Western Union Company ( NYSE:WU ) has announced that it will pay a dividend of $0.235 per share on the 30th of... | 2022-08-06T13:28:57Z | sports.yahoo.com | Giants’ Saquon Barkley excited to run behind ‘freak’ Evan Neal | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-saquon-barkley-excited-run-125523116.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-saquon-barkley-excited-run-125523116.html?src=rss |
Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremony: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
The Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2022 have already received their golden jackets, and on Saturday afternoon, they’ll be permanently enshrined in Canton.
This year’s class includes former New England Patriots defensive lineman Richard Seymour. He was drafted by the team in 2001 with the sixth overall pick and went on to become one of the most dominant defensive forces in franchise history.
A three-time Super Bowl champion, Seymour earned three First-team All-Pro nods, seven Pro Bowl invites and a selection to the 2000s NFL All-Decade Team.
In many ways, he was one of the first pillars that helped kick-start the Patriots dynasty as we know it today.
Here’s how to watch Saturday’s induction ceremony.
Ceremony information
Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony
Saturday, August 6, noon ET
Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio
Watch ESPN | 2022-08-06T13:29:35Z | sports.yahoo.com | Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremony: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online | https://sports.yahoo.com/pro-football-hall-fame-ceremony-114948990.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/pro-football-hall-fame-ceremony-114948990.html?src=rss |
Priest Holmes
Vermeil spent seven years in Philadelphia, three years in St. Louis and five years in Kansas City. During those five seasons with the Chiefs, Vermeil coached (80) and won the fourth-most games (44) of any coach in franchise history. His tenure didn’t result in any playoff success, but he helped change the culture for the better in Kansas City. Vermeil also mentored and coached some of the best offensive players in franchise history, including QB Trent Green, RB Priest Holmes, RB Larry Johnson, TE Tony Gonzalez, WR Dante Hall, LT Willie Roaf and RG Will Shields.
It’s going to be an emotional time for Vermeil’s family and former players, but also for many members of Chiefs Kingdom who grew up watching his teams. Vermeil will be the last enshrined of the 2022 class, which includes Tony Boselli, Bryant Young, Richard Seymour, Sam Mills, LeRoy Butler, Cliff Branch and Art McNally. Former Chiefs GM Carl Peterson will be the one to present Vermeil for enshrinement.
You can find all the important details about how to watch and stream the ceremony down below:
Event: 2022 Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony
Start time: Saturday, Aug. 6 at 12:00 p.m. ET
Location: Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton, Ohio | 2022-08-06T13:29:41Z | sports.yahoo.com | How to watch former Chiefs HC Dick Vermeil’s Hall of Fame enshrinement | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-former-chiefs-hc-dick-124549445.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-former-chiefs-hc-dick-124549445.html?src=rss |
American football player, quarterback, Pro Football Hall of Fame member
And in that regard, Skylar Thompson has been exemplary in his first NFL training camp.
Thompson has missed on some throws he should have completed, but he also hasn’t thrown a single interception in eight training camp practices entering Saturday.
The rookie seventh-round pick from Kansas State has attempted between five and 15 throws in most practices. And he has at least a half dozen completions of 20 yards or more.
“It’s a great thing not to have thrown any picks but I’ve missed some receivers downfield,” he said. “I missed a post that I need to capitalize on [Friday]. Still lots of mistakes. I knew there would be mistakes coming into this. I knew it wouldn’t be perfect.”
Thompson, if you’ve noticed, is hard on himself. So merely not throwing an interception in camp doesn’t leave him content.
“There’s a fine line of being too conservative,” he said. “We want to put pressure on the defense, take our shots, take our chances. But also take care of the football which is what we try to do.”
One thing he has noticed, compared to the Big 12, is “in this league, as I figured out, if you’re not on time, it’s most likely going to be an incompletion because the separation of being open is way different this level compared to college. Being able to throw the ball before guys are out of their break, being able to anticipate, I feel I’ve gotten better at but there’s always room for improvement and it will come.”
He said team executive and former Dolphins legend Dan Marino sits in the quarterback meetings but doesn’t talk much. Quarterbacks coach Darrell Bevell watches a quarterback make a throw on tape and kids with Marino about what Marino would have done on that throw and “we’ll giggle,” Thompson said, adding that he appreciates having Marino around.
ARMSTEAD GOAL
Left tackle Terron Armstead, working his way back from an offseason knee procedure, hopes to play a full season for the first time in his career.
Beginning in his second season in 2014, Armstead has missed 38 regular season games and played in 71.8 percent of the Saints’ games. He missed nine last season with knee and elbow injuries.
“This is what I do for a living, this is how I feed my family, this is how I make my life,” he said, when asked how often he thinks about playing a full season for the first time in his career.
“So ideally, all I want to do is play. Unfortunately, we don’t always get to do what we want to do. My injuries have been a result of a lot of different things, more so compounding, coming back too early and all those good things.
“Mike McDaniel and [athletic trainer] Kyle Johnston and the rest of those guys have been conscious and cognizant of everything that I’ve dealt with previously, but I’m trying to get on that field every day, every play. You try to prehab, do all this preventative work that I’m definitely tapped into – the nutrition, the mobility, all those good things.”
Armstead has participated in limited 11 on 11 work because of his maintenance program. How much 11 on 11 practice work or preseason action does he need to be ready?
“Ideally, I want to be able to feel like I’m ready, like I’m game-ready and season-ready as early as possible,” he said. “But I’m not there yet.”
The Dolphins and Buccaneers will have joint practices on Wednesday and Thursday in Tampa.
▪ Right guard Robert Hunt loves the team’s new wide zone blocking scheme: “This is the type of offense that I want to play for, if I can, for the rest of my career, probably.”
Hunt said he’s a “lot slimmer” than a year ago.
▪ Thompson said McDaniel has three rules: protect the team, no excuses and be on time.
▪ Porter Gustin -- who has one sack in 26 NFL games (including four starts) for Cleveland over the past three seasons -- has had at least three sacks the past week. He said he’s playing both defensive end and outside linebacker.
▪ Receivers coach Wes Welker, on his unit: “Everybody understands how deep our room is. Whenever you get an opportunity, you better take advantage of it. We’ve got to get Cheetah [Tyreek Hll] and Jaylen [Waddle] ready and still have three preseason games to see who’s going to separate themselves as far as fourth, fifth, sixth spot on the roster.
“I’m not a big fan of flash players. I like guys that are going to bring it every single day where I know who I’m getting each and every day. It’s rare you find guys in the NFL that are able to turn it on on game days.”
▪ Waddle, asked Friday about the first time he met Tua Tagovailoa: “He was quiet. He was like four lockers down from me at Bama and he kept calling me the wrong name. He kept calling me Jason. I don’t know why.”
Due to the magnitude of flames and the summer temperatures, the fire department enacted a two-alarm fire. | 2022-08-06T13:51:51Z | sports.yahoo.com | The buzz on rookie QB Skylar Thompson. And what Armstead hopes to do for first time | https://sports.yahoo.com/buzz-rookie-qb-skylar-thompson-130955526.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/buzz-rookie-qb-skylar-thompson-130955526.html?src=rss |
Nate Ulrich, Akron Beacon Journal
"It’s so special to me to be welcomed back," Thomas told the Beacon Journal on Friday.
Thomas took the field late in Monday's practice at Callahan's request to demonstrate vertical pass-set techniques for the offensive linemen, a nugget he offered on “Cleveland Browns Daily.” A future member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Thomas spent the week at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus to work on the team's in-house radio show and offer guidance to players. He attended some of the offensive line's meetings.
“You’d have to be crazy not to say Joe wasn’t the best at tackle, especially pass pro,” Pro Bowl right guard Wyatt Teller said. “He had to play a lot of games where we were passing 60, 70, 80% of the game because the Cleveland Browns were down. I wasn’t here yet, but the Cleveland Browns had to pass a lot. To do what he was doing at his level, you’d have to be crazy to not let him in and coach your players.
Former Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Joe Thomas gets the crowd excited at the start of the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday April 29, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
In recent years, Thomas has mentored several Browns players, including starting left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. and backup swing tackle James Hudson III, who had a lunchtime film session with his idol Friday. However, COVID-19 protocols prevented Thomas from being able to visit the Browns and give the players hands-on instruction during Kevin Stefanski's first two seasons (2020 and 2021) as the franchise's coach.
Told about Stefanski's comment, Thomas revealed he recently explained to his wife, Annie, it felt "really good" to be embraced by the Browns this week.
"I didn’t know really how much access I was going to be allowed after retiring," Thomas said. "Then with the COVID, two years, nobody was around. I’m not a coach. I’m not a player anymore. Are they going to let me hang around and throw my two cents in? It really felt special that they were as inviting and welcoming as they have been.
"You never know how welcome you will be because you aren’t on the team anymore. It’s totally within their right to say, ‘Hey, we love you, but this this is our business, and we’d like to keep things close.’"
CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 27: Joe Thomas #73 of the Cleveland Browns blocks Aldon Smith #99 of the Oakland Raiders during the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 27, 2015 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Former Browns All-Pro Joe Thomas could be a great football coach if he wanted to enter the profession
Cleveland Browns training camp (Day 8):Injury interferes with Mike Woods' hot start
Thomas, however, knows the time commitment required of high-level coaches. It's not appealing to the father of three children, especially not after he lived next door to former Browns coach Rob Chudzinski in 2013 and realized "Chud" only got quality time with his family on Friday evenings and on car rides after home games during the season.
"I love teaching. I love coaching. It’s always been a huge passion," Thomas said. "It was one of the most enjoyable parts of the last few years of my career when I wasn’t practicing [due to wear and tear on my body]. I could just coach, work with the young guys.
"But if you want to be a coach in college or the NFL, you have to basically say, ‘All the things that I love in life, I’m just going to give up on. Family, friends, hunting, fishing, going to nice dinners — you can’t do any of that stuff, and I kind of like that stuff."
Still, Thomas, who remains close friends with Browns four-time Pro Bowl left guard Joel Bitonio, has enough wisdom to benefit all of the offensive linemen, not just the tackles.
Browns offensive tackle Joe Thomas (73) walks on the sideline during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Cleveland. The Titans won 12-9 in overtime. [David Richard/Associated Press]
Cleveland Browns have talent to field one of NFL's better offensive lines, but there are other factors
"I’m definitely seeing good improvement from him," Thomas said of Wills. "Like with James [Hudson], you see how good he can be. Now it’s just a matter of being that on every play.
"I’ve been really impressed with [Hudson's] progress, especially as a right tackle. He’s really made big strides over where he was last year. Now it’s just for him about consistency."
More from Browns training camp:For tight end David Njoku, chief is now more than a nickname — it's 'a great honor'
Thomas studied the top-rated offensive tackles in the 2020 draft class and was thrilled when the Browns selected Wills 10th overall out of the University of Alabama.
Beacon Journal sports columnist Marla Ridenour contributed to this report.
Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich..
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Browns legend Joe Thomas helping Cleveland's offensive line
Hooks hold off Cardinals for season-best sixth consecutive win
Scores, highlights and more from the series between the Corpus Christi Hooks and Springfield Cardinals at Whataburger Field.
Shailene Woodley is an actress known for playing Tris Prior in the "Divergent" series. She was previously engaged to NFL player Aaron Rodgers. | 2022-08-06T13:51:57Z | sports.yahoo.com | Cleveland Browns legend Joe Thomas helping offensive line: 'We'll set up a locker for him' | https://sports.yahoo.com/cleveland-browns-legend-joe-thomas-185255731.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/cleveland-browns-legend-joe-thomas-185255731.html?src=rss |
At 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 6, the Pro Football Hall of Fame will have its annual ceremony celebrating a new class of enshrines.
From ESPN, who will televise the event:
(All enshrinee information courtesy of the Pro Football Hall of Fame).
HOF Finalist: 6 | Year of Eligibility: 16
Ht: 6-7, Wt: 324
NFL Career: 1995-2001 Jacksonville Jaguars
Seasons: 7, Games: 91
College: Southern California
Drafted: 1st Round (2nd Overall), 1995
Born: April 17, 1972 in Modesto, California
Quickly became face of the expansion franchise … Sat out rookie training camp with knee injury, saw first action in Week 4 … First career start came following week in franchise’s first victory … Earned All-Rookie honors … Regarded as an elite tackle in the NFL during career … Noted for superb foot speed and agility … Persevered through numerous injuries … Leader of team that led expansion Jaguars to AFC championship game by second season … Anchored offensive line that helped team to four straight playoff appearances with records of 9-7, 11-5, 11-5 and 14-2 from 1996-99 … Picked as team’s Most Valuable Player in 1998 after helping Jaguars to team’s first division title … Voted to five straight Pro Bowls (1997-2001) …
Named First-Team All-Pro three consecutive seasons … Selected to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1990s despite only playing in half of the decade … Suffered severe shoulder injury that ultimately ended career and was placed on injured reserve after three games, 2001 … Houston Texans’ first pick of 2002 expansion draft but injury prevented him from playing again.
(Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports_
Ht: 5-11, Wt: 170
NFL Career: 1972-1985 Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders
Seasons: 14, Games: 182
College: Warton County (TX) Junior College; Colorado
Drafted: 4th round (98th player overall), 1972
Born: August 1, 1948 in Houston, Texas
Died: August 3, 2019
A world-class sprinter who set an NCAA championship meet record with a 10-second 100-meter dash out of Colorado … Fourth-round draft pick (98th overall) by the Oakland Raiders … 14-year NFL career, his career stats include 501 catches for 8,685 yards and 67 touchdowns in 182 regular-season games … Branch helped lead the team to three Super Bowl appearances – XI, XV and XVIII – with a victory in each … Led the NFL with 1,092 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns in 1974 … In 22 playoff games, he caught 73 passes for 1,289 yards (17.7 average) – both NFL records at the time of his retirement … Branch received first-team All-Pro nods three times (1974-76) and was voted to four Pro Bowls (1975-77, 1978).
(Syndication: Milwaukee)
NFL Career: 1990-2001 Green Bay Packers
Drafted: 2nd Round (48th Overall), 1990
Born: July 19, 1968 in Jacksonville, Florida
One of the most prolific defensive backs in the Packers’ storied history and among premier safeties of his era … Led the team in interceptions five times … Key member of defense that guided team’s resurgence that included seven playoff appearances in nine-season span … Helped lead Packers to three straight division titles (1995-97) and two Super Bowl appearances … Started at strong safety in three consecutive NFC Championship Games and Super Bowls XXXI and XXXII … Had seven tackles and one sack in Packers’ 35-21 victory over New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXI … Intercepted a pass in every season but his last …
Career stats: 38 interceptions for 533 yards … Only pick-six came on 90-yard return versus San Diego Chargers, Sept. 15, 1996 … Registered 20.5 career sacks and one fumble recovery for a TD … Selected to four Pro Bowls … All-Pro four times (1993, 1996, 1997, 1998) … Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1990s.
(AP Photo//David Pickoff)
HOF Finalist: 2 | Year of Eligibility: n/a
Official/Administrator
Career: 1959-2015 National Football League
Born: July 1, 1925 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Served as an NFL official for nine years (Field Judge, 1959; Referee 1960-67) before he was hired as the NFL’s Supervisor of Officials in 1968 … Upon appointment, installed the first formal film study program for training and evaluation of football officials … Developed standards for the scouting, screening, hiring and grading of the crews that work each NFL game … Headed a department of five individuals who coordinated and directed a staff of 112 game officials …
The “Father of Instant Replay,” McNally introduced the system to the NFL through his leadership, instant replay has become an accepted part of the game and has spread to all major sports in America … Retired as the NFL’s Supervisor of Officials in 1991 but quickly accepted a position as Supervisor of Officials for the World League of American Football in 1992 … Returned to NFL office to work as an Assistant Supervisor of Officials during each season and continued in that capacity until 2007 … continued as an NFL Officiating Observer until 2015.
NFL Career: 1986-1994 New Orleans Saints, 1995-97 Carolina Panthers
College: Montclair State
Undrafted. Signed by New Orleans Saints in 1986 after playing three seasons in USFL
Born: June 3, 1959 in Neptune, New Jersey
Died: April 18, 2005.
Played three seasons in USFL before league folded, then signed with Saints in 1986 … Quickly became starter and team leader … Earned first Pro Bowl nod in second season … Led defense that helped Saints establish sustained success for first time in franchise history … During his tenure in New Orleans, the team made four playoff appearances … Signed with expansion Carolina Panthers as unrestricted free agent in 1995 … Key member of defense that helped Panthers claim division title and NFC Championship Game appearance in second season … Recorded five tackles and nine assists and one interception in the 1996 NFC Championship Game …
Perennial team leader in tackles for Saints (five seasons) and Panthers (twice) … Named All-Pro and All-NFC three times (1991, 1992, 1996) … Voted to five Pro Bowls … Career statistics include 11 interceptions returned for 119 yards and a TD and three fumble recoveries for touchdowns.
HOF Finalist: 4 | Year of Eligibility: 5
NFL Career: 2001-08 New England Patriots, 2009-2012 Oakland Raiders
Drafted: 1st Round (6th Overall), 2001
Born: Oct. 6, 1979 in Gadsden, South Carolina
Integral member of defense that helped Patriots to six division titles over seven-season span … Patriots teams posted 10 or more wins seven times during his eight seasons with team … Led Patriots in sacks twice (2002, 2008) … Registered a career-high 8 sacks in 2008 … Amassed 57.5 career sacks … Recorded 3 or more sacks in every season but one … In games in which he recorded a sack, teams had a record of 46-8 (.852) … Returned fumble a franchise-record 68 yards for TD against Buffalo Bills on Oct. 3, 2004 … Recorded 39 passes defensed, two interceptions in career …
Played in four AFC Championship Games and four Super Bowls, including victories in Super Bowls XXXVI, XXXVIII and XXXIX … Selected first team All-Pro three consecutive seasons (2003-05) and second team twice (2006, 2011) … All-AFC five times … Voted to seven Pro Bowls … Named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 2000s.
(Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports)
NFL Career: 1976-1982 Philadelphia Eagles, 1997-99 St. Louis Rams,
2001-05 Kansas City Chiefs
College: Napa Junior College, San Jose State
Born: October 30, 1936 in Calistoga, California
Climb to NFL job was a steady ascent that played out in his native California – from high school coach to junior college coach to four years (1965-68) as an assistant at Stanford … In 1969, became the NFL’s first designated special teams coach as a member of Hall of Famer George Allen’s staff with the Los Angeles Rams … mastered the three-year turnaround, leading the Philadelphia Eagles, St. Louis Rams and Kansas City Chiefs to the postseason after years – nearly two decades for the Eagles – on the outside looking in … Led Eagles to NFC title in 1980 and an appearance in Super Bowl XV … Abruptly resigned following the strike-affected 1982 season, citing “burnout” …
Rams lured Vermeil back to the sidelines in 1997 … Rams went 13-3 and won Super Bowl XXXIV with “The Greatest Show on Turf” in 1999 … Named NFL Coach of the Year twice by Sporting News (1979,1999) and once by the Associated Press (1999) … Regular season record: 120-109-0, .524 … Postseason record: 6-5, .545 … Overall record: 126-114-0, .525.
(Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports)
NFL Career: 1994-2007 San Francisco 49ers
Born: January 27, 1972 in Chicago Heights, Illinois
Highly touted draft pick earned All-Rookie honors … Amassed 89.5 career sacks … Registered multiple sacks in each of his 14 seasons … Recorded double-digit sack totals in a season twice (11.5 in 1996 and 11.0 in 1999) …Made NFL record-tying two safeties in a season, 1996 … Recovered from broken leg to earn 1999 NFL Comeback Player of the Year after finishing with 42 tackles, three passes defensed, 20 QB pressures and team-leading 11 sacks, 15 tackles for a loss and one safety … Started in two NFC Championship Games and one Super Bowl … Recorded three tackles, two assisted tackles and one pass defensed in 49ers’ win over Chargers in Super Bowl XXIX …
Won team’s esteemed Len Eshmont Award for “inspirational and courageous play” eight times; no other member of 49ers organization has won it more than twice … First-team All-Pro twice (1996, 1998) … Voted to four Pro Bowls … Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1990s. | 2022-08-06T14:59:37Z | sports.yahoo.com | 2022 Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremony: Who’s in, and how to watch | https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-pro-football-hall-fame-133530471.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-pro-football-hall-fame-133530471.html?src=rss |
There’s been plenty of change for the Chicago Bears defense this offseason. Whether it’s transitioning to a 4-3 scheme or the overhaul on the roster, the is going to be a new-look Bears defense in 2022.
The Bears still have some of their stars in place, including linebacker Roquan Smith and defensive end Robert Quinn, and they’ve added some impact rookies in cornerback Kyler Gordon and safety Kyler Gordon.
With training camp in full swing, the defense has been the clear winners over the offense. But we’ve yet to see them play in live action, and they’ve been without their best player in Smith. Can this defense rebound following a poor outing last season?
Our Bears Wire staff is sharing their bold prediction for the defense heading into the 2022 season. Go big or go home.
Alyssa Barbieri: Bears defense will eclipse 25 takeaways
The Bears have long stressed the importance of taking the ball away on defense, but they’ve struggled to do just that. Back in 2018, the Bears led the NFL in takeaways with 36. Since then, they’ve failed to eclipse 20. In fact, their takeaways have declined over the last three seasons — 19 in 2019, 18 in 2020 and 16 in 2021.
That should change this season under head coach Matt Eberflus, who’s instilled his H.I.T.S. principle — “T” for takeaways — that has his roster buying in. The league average in takeaways last season was in the low-20s, which is a bar this new-look Bears defense should clear with a new emphasis on forcing turnovers. Twenty-five might not sound bold, but it is for a defense that hasn’t managed 20 in three years. They have an improved secondary and edge rushers who’ve had success.
The Bears have yet to play a game — be it preseason or regular season — so it’s hard to gauge exactly how this defense will look, especially down some key starters from last year. But the defense has shown a knack for taking the ball away so far in training camp, whether it’s rookie ballhawks Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker or veterans Jaylon Johnson and Eddie Jackson.
Brendan Sugrue: Jaquan Brisker is a finalist for Defensive Rookie of the Year
Earlier this week, rookie safety Jaquan Brisker listed out his goals for the 2022 NFL season and while most were team oriented, he did indicate he wants to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Given his early outstanding play during offseason activities and training camp, I believe he’s going to be in the conversation.
Brisker has yet to play in a regular season game, let alone a preseason game. But there’s plenty of hype around him to warrant such a prediction. Brisker has been flying to the ball on many occasions and has made his presence known in a big way. He’s a playmaker who can take advantage of quarterback mistakes while also playing a big role in the run game at the strong safety position.
Having a defensive back win the award is somewhat of a rarity, with just two players capturing the honors in the last 10 years (Marshon Lattimore and Marcus Peters). Furthermore, most players who win are on teams that make the postseason and the Bears will have a hard time accomplishing that. But he will be a finalist for the award with his stellar play putting the league on notice.
Ryan Fedrau: Eddie Jackson bounces back under Matt Eberflus
It’s no secret that Eddie Jackson has struggled over the last two seasons. Jackson was a takeaway machine in his first three seasons — with 10 interceptions, 3 pick-6s, and two fumble recoveries for touchdowns.
Jackson hasn’t had an interception since Week 17 against the Vikings in 2019. His last fumble recovery was Week 10 against the Vikings in 2020. The man dubbed “Quick Six” by Jeff Joniak in 2018 has been unrecognizable over the last two seasons. In 2022, that changes.
Jackson will have a breakout year, as Chicago should be more aggressive on defense. Amidst a rebuild on both sides of the ball, there is a lot of uncertainty. One thing I’m certain of is Jackson becoming a takeaway machine again.
Nate Atkins: Roquan Smith makes first team All-Pro and Pro Bowl
Roquan Smith is a two-time second-team All-Pro and has yet to make a Pro Bowl in his four-year career.
Coming out of Georgia in 2018, teams speculated on having to move Roquan to the weak side linebacker (WILL) given his athleticism but lack of size. At 6’1 230, he’s on the smaller end for a middle linebacker but has accumulated more than 500 tackles, 14 sacks, and five interceptions.
With Eberflus moving Smith to the WILL linebacker spot, he’s putting him in the spot Shaquille Leonard plays for the Colts. Watch for Roquan to increase his pressure rate and potentially sacks. Whether it’s the combination of great defense or the defense spending a lot of time on the field, I’d expect him to have a great year. | 2022-08-06T14:59:43Z | sports.yahoo.com | 4 bold predictions for the Bears defense in 2022 | https://sports.yahoo.com/4-bold-predictions-bears-defense-142943233.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/4-bold-predictions-bears-defense-142943233.html?src=rss |
Through the first two weeks of training camp, Indianapolis Colts tight end Andrew Ogletree has made a strong impression on his coaches and teammates.
Selected in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL draft, Ogletree appeared to be more of an intriguing project behind Mo Alie-Cox, Kylen Granson and third-round pick Jelani Woods.
While Ogletree didn’t receive the same amount of buzz as Woods following the draft, he has quickly made an impression on the coaching staff. So much so that Ogletree saw reps with the first-team offense during Thursday’s training camp practice.
Offensive coordiantor Marcus Brady told the media Thursday that Ogletree has earned that right, along with monitoring Alie-Cox’s reps.
“It’s just kind of the rotation but he is moving up. I mean you can see he’s making play after play,” Brady said. “Part of it is monitoring Mo Alie-Cox’s reps a little bit as you saw he got banged up on that first day. He’s fine. So, just kind of rotating the guys, seeing what they can do.”
The Colts raved about Ogletree ever since they selected him in the sixth round. In fact, they said they had their eyes on him for two years before finally drafting him in 2022.
An extremely athletic tight end, Ogletree has the physical profile to thrive as a Y tight end in the Colts offense. While Alie-Cox and Woods share the same position and unique athleticism, it has been Ogletree making headlines.
Even though Alie-Cox is going into his first year as a starter, he has taken on the role of a mentor for the younger players in the room. Ogletree has taken advantage of that opportunity every step of the way.
And though he’s competing for snaps with a fellow rookie in Woods, it’s all about making each other better.
“Staying in the film room, learning from the vets, especially from Mo (Alie-Cox). He’s going on his fifth or sixth year now,” Ogletree said. “I am grateful I have a veteran like that and also to have a fellow rookie that was drafted with me, so nice competition. We’re roommates. I consider him my best friend on the team. Every time we go get lunch or every time we come back to the hotel, we’re always just chilling and talking it up.”
The Colts tight end room has the potential to be a lethal unit if it all comes together. The sheer size and athleticism oozing from the room are quite frankly insane. Every player in that room is a mismatch athletically.
For Ogletree, who comes in needing to make an impression, he’s just focusing on taking it one day at a time.
“Yeah, it definitely boosts my confidence. Just coming in day in and day out, doing my job. If you make a play, you make a play, but just trying to work on your fundamentals and technique throughout everything,” Ogletree said. “That’s what it’s all about here. Everybody is the best of the best, and it comes down to footwork – all your fundamentals and everything like that. So, just really trying to hone in on those skills.”
Indianapolis Colts rookie tight end Drew Ogletree discusses the mental aspect of his game. | 2022-08-06T15:00:21Z | sports.yahoo.com | Colts’ Andrew Ogletree moving up the depth chart? | https://sports.yahoo.com/colts-andrew-ogletree-moving-depth-134526513.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/colts-andrew-ogletree-moving-depth-134526513.html?src=rss |
In the first padded practice of training camp, Washington went down with an injury that will sideline him for 6-10 weeks. With Gallup still out rehabbing his knee injury, the proven receiving options are dwindling and the Cowboys need some WRs to step up. That appears to be happening.
Here is some receiver buzz coming out of the camp since Washington’s injury forced the team to take a long look at other options.
The veteran WR hasn’t contributed much since joining the Cowboys in 2017 as a seventh-round draft pick. However, Brown is just 26-years old and the light could be coming on now that he’s finally been given the opportunity.
Brown’s frame has lent him to being a bigger part of the running game for most of his career, but now he’s getting a chance to shine as a receiving option. It appears as though he isn’t wasting the added snaps as a pass catcher.
Hey Noah Brown made another play. He’s one of the 3 best WRs out here and maybe #2.
Among the wide outs with a chance to make an impression, Brown has the most experience. He has just 39 receptions for 425 yards in his career, but it’s 39 catches and 425 more yards than any other option.
Brown is taking advantage of his opportunity and showing what he can do.
Houston arrived as an undrafted WR out of Western Illinois, where as a senior he caught 90 balls for 1,015 yards and six scores. At 6-foot-1, 200 pounds, Houston has good size for the position and his scouting report shows a player who is a good route runner and has solid hands.
Thus far in camp, Houston is performing admirably and he has the approval from his most important teammate, quarterback Dak Prescott.
It’s smart to build that rapport with Prescott, the guy who will get him the ball. The communication and trust between a receiver and the quarterback are vital, especially for a new combination. Houston will now have to make sure that attention to details continues to pay off. He’s a name to keep an eye on as camp and preseason rolls on.
The big-bodied receiver out of Stanford didn’t catch a pass in his rookie season, but he’s trying to make the most of his opportunity in his second camp. Fehoko has the advantage of playing a year in the NFL already, which is something that many of the other options dont have the benefit of.
Reports had Fehoko having a solid offseason and that work has continued.
Simi Fehoko showed up again in today’s #Cowboys practice — grabbing an impressive TD on a deep ball with Trevon Diggs in coverage.
Fehoko has to be in the conversation at this point.
The Cowboys struggled in the red zone last season and Fehoko’s size could help in that area. Also, with Gallup out, the offense could use a deep threat, which is something Fehoko that provides, averaging 18.5 yards a catch in college.
There has been some buzz with Vasher this offseason and that momentum has continued into training camp. Vasher’s size is one of his best attributes and the ability to go up and make tough catches is impressive. The second-year WR already has the highlight of camp as he’s pushing to make the roster.
Vasher signed as an undrafted free agent last year and with all the injuries this offseason, he worked his way to earning some first-team snaps. He’ll have to show he can do it against competition in the preseason, but Vasher is off to a good start in training camp for the Cowboys. | 2022-08-06T15:00:27Z | sports.yahoo.com | Cowboys WR depth showing up, but is it a camp mirage? | https://sports.yahoo.com/cowboys-wr-depth-showing-camp-131442169.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/cowboys-wr-depth-showing-camp-131442169.html?src=rss |
The Miami Dolphins are always looking to improve their roster, and while they’re currently in the midst of their first training camp under new head coach Mike McDaniel, that’s still the case.
Earlier in the week, the Dolphins waived undrafted rookie punter Tommy Heatherly and signed Sterling Hofrichter to take his place in the competition with 14-year veteran Thomas Morstead.
According to Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson, Hofrichter worked out for the team alongside two other punters – Dom Maggio and Matt Mengel.
Mengel recently spent time in the USFL, winning Special Teams Player of the Week at one point, as he has the ability to kick off, kick field goals and punt. During the season, he averaged 40.5 yards per attempt with over 45% of his punts being downed inside the 20-yard line.
Maggio was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Ravens in 2020, but he joined the Atlanta Falcons during the 2021 offseason. With the Falcons he actually competed with Hofrichter for the starting job, but both players ended up on injured reserve.
Maggio was eventually signed back to the practice squad in Atlanta in November when Morstead was their punter at the time.
Now, with Hofrichter on the roster, he’ll try to beat out Morstead and earn a spot on the 53-man, but he could also carve out a practice squad role. | 2022-08-06T15:00:40Z | sports.yahoo.com | Dolphins worked out other punters before signing Sterling Hofrichter | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-worked-other-punters-signing-142212083.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-worked-other-punters-signing-142212083.html?src=rss |
Throughout the better part of the last decade, the pass rush for the Indianapolis Colts has been inconsistent at best.
With a new scheme arriving under the lead of defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, and some new pieces coming in as well, the hope is that the Colts’ pass rush will be able to make a difference moving forward.
Through two weeks of training camp, which included two padded practices, Bradley has seen encouraging flashes that the unit is on the right track.
“Well, we’re always going to ask more of them, right? But I thought there were some good rushes. We’re able to see it in one-on-one, but it’s one of those things – like a two-minute thing that we had where it’s play-after-play, that mentality to have that,” Bradley told reporters Thursday. “So, we’re building it. It’s a work in progress. You see flashes. Like we said, (DeForest) Buckner, you see his flashes, Yannick (Ngakoue) I thought had some flashes, Kwity (Paye). So, we just need to continue to develop that.”
The pass rush for the Colts has often been a reason for late-game losses in recent seasons. The 2021 campaign saw that to an extreme. While former quarterback Carson Wentz was as much to blame for some of the struggles the team had last year, we should be putting equal blame on the lack of pass rush.
It was evident in the games that the Colts couldn’t finish with their pass rush. Even when they had leads—like Week 5 against the Baltimore Ravens—the pass rush was nowhere to be found.
Then in the final month of the season, the unit simply couldn’t grasp any momentum to help clinch a playoff spot.
Things are (hopefully) different now. Bradley’s scheme is far more aggressive than that of former defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, even if it still relies on the notion of getting home with four rushers.
The Colts also brought in one of the most consistent edge rushers in the NFL since 2016 in Yannick Ngakoue, who hasn’t recorded fewer than 8.0 sacks in a season since entering the league. The emergence of second-year defenders Kwity Paye and Dayo Odeyinbgo would also go a long way.
Bradley himself is looking for a core group of eight pass rushers considering how they want to use the rotation.
“Looking at these guys, putting them in different positions to see how they fit. And remember we’re trying to go eight, we’re doing everything we can to find eight guys,” Bradley said. “That fourth-quarter rush as I mentioned before is so critical in this game. So, to find out guys, where they can be in certain situations, how we can play them to keep the whole group fresh.”
The pass rush is relying on a lot of factors going into the 2022 season and if the Colts are going to be serious contenders, this unit must come together in a big way. | 2022-08-06T15:00:46Z | sports.yahoo.com | Gus Bradley sees Colts’ pass rush coming along | https://sports.yahoo.com/gus-bradley-sees-colts-pass-140312826.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/gus-bradley-sees-colts-pass-140312826.html?src=rss |
Although the number of red jerseys have piled up a bit, the Carolina Panthers have almost gotten through the second week of training camp without any major injuries. Unfortunately, however, that may now no longer be the case.
During scrimmage action on Saturday, defensive end Marquis Haynes Sr. sustained what appeared to be a left knee injury. The 6-foot-2, 235-pound lineman, who was aided off the field by teammates Brian Burns and Matt Ionannidis, was eventually carted off into the locker room.
The Panthers have been notably thin on pass rushers, to the point where both general manager Scott Fitterer and head coach Matt Rhule have commented on their desire to add to their defensive trenches. Carolina recently lost out on their attempt to reel in two-time Pro Bowler Carlos Dunlap, who opted for a one-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs last week.
We’ll keep you updated on Haynes’ injury as more details become available.
Amazon’s The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power isn’t the first time, of course, that J.R.R. Tolkein’s Middle-earth has been seen on screen. Over 20 years ago, director Peter Jackson brought three beloved Lord of the Rings movies to theaters, followed 10 years later by a trilogy of films inspired by The Hobbit. The Rings of Power, based on Tolkien's appendix fleshing out his fantastical world, is a prequel to the stories Jackson brought to the big screen in award winning fashion. Given the di
See the lineup for the Canton Repository Grand Parade here
The Canton Repository Grand Parade is scheduled from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Aug. 6. | 2022-08-06T15:01:11Z | sports.yahoo.com | Panthers DE Marquis Haynes Sr. carted off during practice | https://sports.yahoo.com/panthers-marquis-haynes-sr-carted-140430748.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/panthers-marquis-haynes-sr-carted-140430748.html?src=rss |
The Miami Dolphins have made a number of changes to their roster this offseason, but the coaching staff may have changed just as much.
One of the more interesting additions to Miami’s coaching crew is former Dolphins cornerback Patrick Surtain being named an assistant under defensive coordinator Josh Boyer after spending multiple seasons as the head coach of American Heritage High School.
Surtain, and his son, Patrick Surtain II, recently joined “The Pivot” podcast, hosted by former NFL players Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder and Fred Taylor. Most of the conversation was about the younger Surtain’s successful rookie season and his journey. However, the older Surtain was asked about the upcoming season for the Dolphins, his first as a coach, and how they can compete with teams like the Buffalo Bills in the AFC East.
“When you have a guy like Tyreek Hill, obviously you have Jay (Jaylen Waddle), you have Cedrick Wilson, who we added, [Mike] Gesicki – I don’t know any quarterback that is great if he doesn’t have any weapons. You give Tua some weapons and see what happens. Obviously, the defense is stacked…”
Surtain believes in the improvement of Miami’s quarterback in the same way that a lot of fans and talking heads do. With a better offensive line, an offensive-minded head coach and more weapons, Tagovailoa can prove that he’s better than he’s been to this point in his career.
Whether or not that’s enough to dethrone the Bills as kings of the AFC East will take a lot more convincing. | 2022-08-06T15:01:17Z | sports.yahoo.com | Patrick Surtain: Dolphins have chance to knock off Bills | https://sports.yahoo.com/patrick-surtain-dolphins-chance-knock-131744037.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/patrick-surtain-dolphins-chance-knock-131744037.html?src=rss |
An already naturally emotional head coach, Dick Vermeil, will be crying tears of joy after finally getting his call for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Vermeil’s career in the NFL spanned 15 seasons with three teams, including the Eagles from 1976-82.
That 15-year career produced a Super Bowl appearance with Philadelphia in the 1980 season, a Super Bowl victory with the St. Louis Rams in the 1999 season, and a 2003 AFC West title with the Kansas City Chiefs.
On Friday night, Vermeil received his gold Hall of Fame jacket from his wife Carol during the Gold Jacket Dinner at the Canton Memorial Civic Center in Canton on Friday, August 5, 2
The 2022 class will also include left tackle Tony Boselli, safety LeRoy Butler, linebacker Sam Mills, defensive tackle/end Richard Seymour and defensive tackle Bryant Young as the modern-era enshrinees.
Wide receiver Cliff Branch, the seniors’ finalist, and former NFL director of officiating Art McNally (contributor finalist) also made the list.
Vermeil will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on Saturday night, August 6.
Former #Chiefs HC Dick Vermeil becomes a Pro Football Hall of Famer today. Here is how you can watch the enshrinement ceremony:
Philadelphia Eagles running back Boston Scott to miss time with a concussion | 2022-08-06T15:01:36Z | sports.yahoo.com | Watch: Former Eagles head coach Dick Vermeil receives his gold Hall of Fame jacket | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-former-eagles-head-coach-142205111.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-former-eagles-head-coach-142205111.html?src=rss |
Sabbatini got off to a great start this season when he finished T-3 at the Shriners Children's Open, positioning himself 14th in the rankings, but it was all downhill from there. After Shriners, the 46-year-old played 16 events, missing five cuts and being disqualified from The RSM Classic. His ranking steadily fell over that timeframe to 151st. His exemption for being top 50 in career earnings expires this season. | 2022-08-06T15:22:31Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bubble busts: 10 notables likely out of playoffs after missing the Wyndham Championship cut | https://sports.yahoo.com/bubble-busts-10-notables-playoffs-185853417.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bubble-busts-10-notables-playoffs-185853417.html?src=rss |
Terrelle Pryor Sr.
The NCAA video game series has been a pillar in many households since 1998 and for some even before that during the days of “Bill Walsh College Football.” It was downright devastating when EA Sport stopped producing the game after “NCAA ’14.”
The game — or a version thereof — is scheduled to return in time for the 2023 season and I just simply can’t wait. It got me wondering who the ten highest-rated Ohio State football players were in the video game’s history. It is important to remember that no names were used for the rosters, but we can make some safe assumptions that QB No. 2 would have been Terrelle Pryor. It’s part of the reason EA Sports had to stop making the game.
Another item of note is that it is extremely hard to find any rosters before the 2004 version, but I feel I exhausted my options and found the best results. I also want to note that the first “Bill Walsh College Football” game didn’t even have Ohio State and instead had an odd copycat team named Columbus. There were no individual player ratings and therefore that game was not used. Oh, and don’t forget, NCAA games were labeled a year in advance so the 2005 version of the game is actually for the 2004 season. Got it? No, maybe — sort of?
Let’s move forward anyway with the top ten rated Ohio State football players in the history of the “NCAA Football” video game franchise.
No. 5 (tie) - Brandon Joe, 96 overall (NCAA Football 2005)
38 days until @OhioStateFB
Favorite player to wear #38: FB Brandon Joe (2000-2004) pic.twitter.com/sQUMQWzvNt
— 𝔼𝕣𝕚𝕔 ℂ𝕠𝕠𝕜𝕖 (@EricWCooke) July 28, 2022
Brandon Joe was the highest-rated player on the Ohio State roster in “NCAA Football 2005” at 96 overall and he was actually the only Buckeye on the roster to even hit the 90s territory. Odd as it may be, Brandon Joe was a fullback for Ohio State from 2000-2004 and was the prototypical Ohio State fullback.
No. 5 (tie) - Marcus Freeman, 96 overall (NCAA Football 2009)
Nov 22, 2008; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Marcus Freeman (1) in action against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium. Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODay Sports
Before Marcus Freeman became the head coach at Notre Dame, he was a two-time All-Big Ten linebacker, and in “NCAA Football 2009,” Freeman was given a nice rating of 96 overall. To put into perspective how amazing that Ohio State team was in the video game, Freeman was tied for the third highest rating on the team with two others.
No. 5 (tie) - Alex Boone, 96 overall (NCAA Football 2009)
Sep 6, 2008; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive tackle Alex Boone (75) blocks against Ohio Bobcats defensive end Kris luchsinger (54) at Ohio Stadium. Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
One of Freeman’s teammates on that legendary virtual roster was offensive lineman Alex Boone. He was also provided the rating of 96 overall in “NCAA Football 2009.” Boone was named All-Big Ten twice during his career in Columbus, Ohio.
No. 5 (tie) - Malcolm Jenkins, 96 overall (NCAA Football 2009)
Jan 5, 2008; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) during warmups before the 2009 Fiesta Bowl against the Texas Longhorns at University of Phoenix Stadium. Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
Malcolm Jenkins is one of the best defensive backs in Ohio State history and his 96 overall rating was honestly too low. Jenkins is actually one of the few Buckeyes to crack the 90 overall threshold twice as he was a 96 overall in “NCAA Football 2009,” and a 94 overall in “NCAA Football 2008.” Jenkins was named All-Big Ten three times, All-American twice, and won the Thorpe Award in 2008. I hear that’s pretty good.
Malcolm Jenkins was the the best, he was probably the first Ohio State player I wanted to be like on a football field.
Here’s to an incredible career from the former Buckeye and 2 time Super Bowl champ. pic.twitter.com/ZiwQlYcnn2
— Buck Off (@buckoffpod) March 30, 2022
No. 5 (tie) - Terrelle Pryor, 96 overall (NCAA Football 2012)
Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) throws a pass during the 1st quarter of the NCAA football game against Marshall at Ohio Stadium on September 2, 2010. Credit: USA TODAY Sports Network
Terrelle Pryor is one of the best virtual quarterbacks of all time. He crossed the 90 overall threshold a whopping three times with a 90 overall rating in “NCAA Football 2010,” a 94 overall in “NCAA Football 2011,” and an even better 96 overall in “NCAA Football 2012.” Pryor was the Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2008 and was the Rose Bowl MVP in 2010.
Missing from OSU's QB history highlight package… I need to write a column on how it's time to stop ignoring Terrelle Pryor's existence. pic.twitter.com/unU8kYyXvc
— Tony Gerdeman (@TonyGerdeman) February 21, 2017
No. 5 (tie) - Braxton Miller, 96 overall (NCAA Football 2014)
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Braxton Miller (5) breaks lose from Michigan Wolverines defensive end Ryan Van Bergen (53) in the 3rd quarter during their NCAA college football game in Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Michigan November 26, 2011. (Dispatch photo by Kyle Robertson)
Braxton Miller would have likely surpassed 90 overall multiple times, but unfortunately, he was in the last version of the game. Miller was given a 96 overall rating in “NCAA Football 2014,” and for good reason. He was the Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2011, was twice named Big Ten MVP, twice named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, named the Big Ten Quarterback of the Year twice, and a two-time All-Big Ten performer.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY BRAXTON MILLER pic.twitter.com/b3eOAO6DEq
— Arrogant Urban Meyer (@ArrogantUrban) September 7, 2020
No. 3 (tie) - A.J. Hawk, 97 overall (NCAA Football 2006)
Jan. 2, 2006; Tempe, AZ USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker (47) A.J. Hawk talks with Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback (10) Brady Quinn following the Fiesta Bowl. Ohio State won 34-20. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports Copyright (c) 2006 Matt Cashore
It’s hard to believe, but A.J. Hawk was actually underrated at just 97 overall. Hawk finished his career as a national champion, a two-time Fiesta Bowl MVP, a two-time All-American, a Lombardi Trophy Award winner, a Jack Lambert Trophy Award Winner, and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.
No. 3 (tie) - Beanie Wells, 97 overall, (NCAA Football 2009)
Jan 5, 2009; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Chris Wells aka Beanie Wells (28) eludes a tackle attempt by Texas Longhorns defensive end Bryan Orakpo (98) in the first half at the 2009 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Texas defeated Ohio State 24-21. Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
Beanie Wells is another stud on that “NCAA Football 2009” team. His 97 overall rating was well deserved as he was named All-Big Ten and All-American during his career at Ohio State and went on to have a solid career in the NFL, mostly with the Green Bay Packers.
Chris “Beanie” Wells #28
5.8 avg
1st Round Draft Pick pic.twitter.com/s4JZeDLq6y
— Mr. Ohio (@MrOH1O) May 23, 2019
No. 1 (tie) - Chris Gamble, 99 overall (NCAA Football 2004)
TEMPE, ARIZONA – JANUARY 2: Kick returner Chris Gamble #7 of Ohio State Buckeyes catches a pass during the game against the Kansas State Wildcats in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on January 2, 2004, at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. Gamble announced after the game that he will not return to OSU for his senior season and enter the NFL draft. The Buckeyes defeated the Wildcats 35-28. (Photo by Elsa /Getty Images)
Chris Gamble is no doubt one of the greatest players in Ohio State history and I am glad he was able to get some respect with a 99 overall rating. I always thought he was underrated and underutilized on offense. The national champion and All-Big Ten representative played both sides of the ball for the Buckeyes — both especially well and seemed to never get tired.
CHRIS GAMBLE TO THE HOUSE#TBT pic.twitter.com/Wjy24Hu0Jo
— Arrogant Urban Meyer (@ArrogantUrban) November 21, 2019
No. 1 (tie) - James Laurinaitis, 99 overall (NCAA Football 2009)
Nov 22, 2008; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker James Laurinaitis (33) in action against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium. Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
James Laurinaitis is another Buckeye great and was rated over 90 twice during his career with a 95 overall rating in “NCAA Football 2008,” and a 99 overall rating in “NCAA Football 2009.” These high ratings are well deserved considering Laurinaitis is a Nagurski Trophy winner, three-time All-American, three-time All-Big Ten representative, Butkus Award winner, two-time Lambert Award winner, and two-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, not to mention Lott Trophy winner. That’s a lot of hardware.
33 days until kickoff!
Happy James Laurinaitis (@JLaurinaitis55) day to No. 33! Let’s rewind to when he forced a crucial fumble against Texas!#GoBucks #TakeASeat pic.twitter.com/PgWcVEOTzO
— Armchair Ohio State (@ArmchairOhioSt) July 30, 2018
The Iowa Hawkeyes have sold out all seven home games for 2022. But why? What caused that this year? A look into the draw of 2022 for fans. | 2022-08-06T15:56:08Z | sports.yahoo.com | Highest rated Ohio State football players in “NCAA Football” video game history | https://sports.yahoo.com/highest-rated-ohio-state-football-151414292.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/highest-rated-ohio-state-football-151414292.html?src=rss |
We are one step closer to solving the mystery surrounding Chicago Bears offensive tackle Teven Jenkins. The second-year offensive lineman is returning to practice on Saturday, according to multiple media reports, after missing over a week with an injury.
Jenkins hasn’t participated in practice since the first day of camp, where he was rotating as the extra lineman in jumbo packages. The former Oklahoma State standout had been competing for the starting right tackle spot with Larry Borom for much of the offseason prior to camp.
Following his injury, rumors and reports began spreading about Jenkins’ attitude and future with the team. ESPN 1000’s David Kaplan had said Jenkins was reportedly “wildly immature” and was having issues with the coaching staff. Reports then surfaced about the Bears fielding trade talks for Jenkins and even actively shopping him, according to Bears reporter Peggy Kusinski.
Now that Jenkins is back at practice, he has a chance to put all of this behind him as he competes for a starting spot on the offensive line. It won’t be easy as now he faces more competition with veteran tackle Riley Reiff now in the mix, who was signed as camp began. But with still plenty of camp practices left to go and all three preseason games yet to be played, Jenkins can put his best foot forward and show first-year general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus why he was the No. 39 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Jenkins is coming off a rookie year in which he missed most of the season due to a back injury. He returned late in the season to play in a handful of games at left tackle.
Plenty of big names are near the top of the leaderboard after the first round. | 2022-08-06T16:30:55Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bears OT Teven Jenkins is back at training camp practice | https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-ot-teven-jenkins-back-160515571.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-ot-teven-jenkins-back-160515571.html?src=rss |
The Denver Broncos have a quarterback competition!
OK, it’s not for the starting job, but the backup QB is still an important role.
Russell Wilson is the team’s obvious locked-in starter, with Josh Johnson and Brett Rypien competing for the QB2 job this summer. Through two weeks of training camp, neither QB has pulled ahead in the competition.
“Both of those guys are doing a fine job,” coach Nathaniel Hackett said on Thursday. “I don’t think anything is solidified. It’s about competition right there. ‘Ryp’ has great days. Josh does great things. Josh, by himself, has game experience. I think he’s as old as me.
“He’s just a great guy to have in the room either way. That’s what you’re looking for in that position — someone that can support ‘Russ,’ support all of us, and not have to practice a ton. He’s seen so much so he can go into the game at any time and play.”
Johnson is 36, six years younger than Hackett, but the coach wasn’t joking about the QB’s experience. He’s started nine games for three different teams in his career. Rypien is 10 years younger. He has one start on his resume, a win over the New York Jets in 2020.
The two QBs will get an opportunity to create some separation in the QB battle once preseason begins next week (view the schedule). | 2022-08-06T16:31:01Z | sports.yahoo.com | Broncos’ backup QB competition close going into preseason | https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-backup-qb-competition-close-160058494.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-backup-qb-competition-close-160058494.html?src=rss |
It seems that former New York Giants offensive lineman Justin Pugh is grateful to be teammates with another former member of Big Blue.
Pugh is pleased to have Will Hernandez joining him on the Arizona Cardinals’ offensive front this year — so much show he publicly thanked the Giants.
Hernandez was a second-round pick our of UTEP by the Giants in 2018 and his career began with much promise. His performance fell off, however, in his third and fourth seasons, often struggling in pass protection.
Hernandez was known for his feistiness and that endeared him to the Giants but they had seen enough and allowed him to leave via free agency.
Pugh was the Giants’ first-round pick out of Syracuse back in 2013. He played both tackle and guard for five seasons before leaving for Arizona via free agency in 2018. He was ironically replaced by Hernandez that year in the draft.
In a further twist, Hernandez was signed by the Cardinals to replace veteran Max Garcia at guard. Garcia signed with the Giants as a free agent this spring. | 2022-08-06T16:31:13Z | sports.yahoo.com | Cardinals’ Justin Pugh thanks Giants for Will Hernandez | https://sports.yahoo.com/cardinals-justin-pugh-thanks-giants-145540088.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/cardinals-justin-pugh-thanks-giants-145540088.html?src=rss |
One sit down with coach Lovie Smith and fifth-year NFL cornerback Issac Yiadom knew he wanted to be a part of the Houston Texans.
Even though Houston is in a rebuilding mode coming off back-to-back four-win seasons, Yiadom knew that the Texans had a leader in Smith.
“I was a big fan of his and a big fan of his defense,” said Yiadom about Lovie Smith, who also serves as defensive coordinator for the Texans. “The way he coaches guys and his message to me. I felt like he was going to coach me and give me a chance to be the best player I could be here. The connection I felt with Lovie, I felt was real right away.”
The Denver Broncos selected Yiadom in the third round (99th overall) of the 2018 NFL draft. After two years with the Broncos, the former Boston College standout was traded to the New York Giants, and one year later, he was moved to the Green Bay Packers.
Now that he is in Houston, Yiadom is looking for a fresh start and consistent playing time on the defensive side of the ball. He has caught the eye of his defensive coordinator throughout the first six practices by playing well in pass coverage and his ability to help in the run game.
“He played some good football at Green Bay last year, so we got a chance to see him play,” coach Lovie Smith said. “But as a cornerback, you notice his size. He’s going to be a special teams contributor for us, but long, he’s physical, shows up every day, good pickup. We have plans for him.”
As an unrestricted free agent, Yiadom was aware that he had choices on his playing destination in 2022 but also knew that he would have to take his offseason training to another level. He spent numerous hours honing his craft down in Florida. He applied his knowledge of going against a four-time NFL MVP in Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers every day in practice to prepare to compete for a spot on the 53-man roster.
“Last year I had the gift of playing against Aaron Rodgers and he did some things in practice that only got us better at corners,” Yiadom said. “That was a great opportunity.”
Yiadom has appeared in 61 career games with 20 starts, recording 107 tackles (76 solo), one interception, one forced fumble, and 12 passes defended.
WATCH: WR Nico Collins makes spectacular catch during Texans minicamp
NFL Draft prospect of the day: Boston College CB Isaac Yiadom | 2022-08-06T16:31:20Z | sports.yahoo.com | CB Issac Yiadom wants to be building block in Texans’ rebuilding process | https://sports.yahoo.com/cb-issac-yiadom-wants-building-160626849.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/cb-issac-yiadom-wants-building-160626849.html?src=rss |
Could some extra help on the offensive line come to the Jets?
ESPN’s Rich Cimini reports free-agent OT Duane Brown is visiting the Jets on Saturday and will attend the Jets’ Green and White scrimmage.
Cimini notes the Jets have been searching for depth at the tackle position in recent months, including previously looking at former Vikings and Bengals OT Riley Reiff, who ultimately signed with the Bears.
Brown turns 37 years old on August 30, but is still playing at a solid level. He started every game last season for the Seahawks and earned his fifth Pro Bowl nod as an injury replacement for the 49ers’ Trent Williams. He has started every game for the past two seasons and has only missed four games over the last four seasons.
Brown was drafted by the Houston Texans with the 26th overall pick in 2008 and was a four-time Pro Bowl selection during his ten seasons in Houston as well as a First-Team All-Pro selection in 2012. In five seasons with the Seahawks, he made the Pro Bowl in 2021 and was named Second-Team All-Pro in 2018.
Jets have been exploring tackle depth in recent months. Had Riley Reiff in for a visit, but he wound up signing with the Bears. https://t.co/qvGfrCalry | 2022-08-06T16:31:38Z | sports.yahoo.com | Free-agent OT Duane Brown visiting Jets, attending scrimmage | https://sports.yahoo.com/free-agent-ot-duane-brown-160052536.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/free-agent-ot-duane-brown-160052536.html?src=rss |
New Orleans Saints training camp is in full swing, and the national analysts are beginning to take notice. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport visited for their Friday practice session while making his tour of camps around the league, and he was just as impressed with Michael Thomas as the rest of us.
“I saw Michael Thomas run a bunch of routes today. He looked, I thought, excellent. He looked awesome,” Rapoport emphasized during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, “Secondary’s really, really deep. If Jameis (Winston) is just fine, I think the Saints are gonna be looking at a playoff team.”
Rapoport also made note of the rapid progress that Jarvis Landry and Chris Olave have made since landing in New Orleans, giving Winston a three-deep set of weapons that can compete with anyone in the NFL. Obviously there’s more work to do be done, and he conceded that it’s not wise to draw too much away from a single August afternoon, but clearly the Saints made a strong impression on him.
So did Thomas, who the team has taken care to ramp up as camp has continued. Thomas made his debut in 1-on-1 passing drills and immediately swept Paulson Adebo in two matchups, snaring a reception in both of his routes against the most impressive corner in town. Now he’s progressed to work in 7-on-7’s, and it’s only a matter of time before the Saints give him the green light to participate in full-squad sessions. If he’s healthy and playing as well as Rapoport and everyone else believes, New Orleans should be on the fast track to the postseason. | 2022-08-06T16:31:45Z | sports.yahoo.com | Ian Rapoport calls the Saints a playoff team after seeing ‘excellent’ Michael Thomas practice | https://sports.yahoo.com/ian-rapoport-calls-saints-playoff-150926538.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/ian-rapoport-calls-saints-playoff-150926538.html?src=rss |
Don’t let the recent viral highlights of Chris Olave and Michael Thomas fool you, New Orleans Saints corner Paulson Adebo is having a fantastic sophomore training camp. Adebo surprised many with his level of play when he was thrust into the spotlight during his rookie season, but it is quite obvious he was not at the level where the Saints would be content at the position. We talked all offseason about how the drafting of Alontae Taylor and retaining of Bradley Roby were done with the purpose of pushing Adebo for his starting job, and he has certainly stepped up to the plate.
Both individual and team drills have seen Adebo making a positive impression on media and fans, likely meaning the coaches have noticed as well. Adebo has been putting his physical coverage style to use in the one-on-one drills. He has had a great camp when lined up against veteran Jarvis Landry, staying close to the former LSU player often and even jumping in front of him for an interception thrown by Jameis Winston.
Even when Adebo has lost, he has bounced back quickly to make a good play soon after. That was the story when Thomas progressed to 1-on-1’s on Friday and beat him twice, only for Adebo to rebound against other matchups later in practice.
While a roster spot may not be in question for Adebo, playing-time certainly is. Roby and Taylor are waiting for him to slip up and look vulnerable at that second corner spot. If he struggles, they’re both well-positioned to take it from him. Adebo will need to keep up his high level of play throughout the rest of camp and into the season, as he will have players chomping at the bit to get on the field behind him all year long.
And even if Adebo does hold onto his starting gig, the Saints can trust in the quality depth stacked up behind him. Roby recently spoke about the similarities to this Saints team and the Denver Broncos squad he won a Super Bowl with — filling in as the nickel behind Aqib Talib and Chris Harris. With Marshon Lattimore on top, and Adebo entering his second season as the starter opposite him, having players like Roby and Taylor ready to go at a moment’s notice would be envious around the league. The Saints will start the best player in that spot, and right now it’s Adebo.
Two limited launches will take place before the broader Aug. 19 release date.
The author shared how she decided to stop dyeing her hair and fully accept who she is. Her husband loves her even more now, she said. | 2022-08-06T16:32:10Z | sports.yahoo.com | Paulson Adebo knocking down passes and challengers in second Saints training camp | https://sports.yahoo.com/paulson-adebo-knocking-down-passes-144640689.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/paulson-adebo-knocking-down-passes-144640689.html?src=rss |
The Chicago Bears have had a number of standouts so far during training camp, and rookie running back Trestan Ebner is among them.
Ebner, a sixth-round selection, has showcased his playmaking ability and potential in this Bears offense. His speed and penchant for being a dual-threat in the run and passing game have some comparing him to former Bears running back Tarik Cohen, and we all remember how effective Cohen was when utilized correctly.
During Friday’s practice, Ebner had a few explosive runs during the 11-on-11 period, including this run captured by the Bears social media team where he made some elusive moves en route to the end zone.
While there’s no question that David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert will be the featured backs in Luke Getsy’s offense, Ebner is certainly making a case for RB3. Ebner is competing with newcomer Darrynton Evans, who’s also had his moments this summer.
One of the core elements of Zac Taylor's offense is the flexibility it gives the receivers. The Bengals showed that at Friday's practice.
The Hall of Fame game kicked off the NFL preseason last night. Here's a look at the five biggest contests in August.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S., behind heart disease at number one. "Most cancers are not inevitable. Genes are important, but diet and lifestyle are even more important in most cases," says Dr. Ed Giovannucci, professor of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. "You can lower cancer risk, and it's never too late to start benefiting from changes." Here are five popular habits shown to increase the risk of cancer. Read on—and to ensur | 2022-08-06T16:32:22Z | sports.yahoo.com | WATCH: Bears rookie Trestan Ebner flashes speed in long run at training camp | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-bears-rookie-trestan-ebner-150321395.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-bears-rookie-trestan-ebner-150321395.html?src=rss |
If you’re going to have a good defense in the NFL these days, you better have a stud safety. That’s what the New York Giants have in second-year player Xavier McKinney, so their defense is starting on solid footing under new coordinator Wink Martindale.
The Alabama standout who fell the Giants in Round 2 of the 2021 NFL draft missed the first half of his rookie season with a fractured bone in his foot. He didn’t play his first NFL down until November.
That’s ancient history. This summer, McKinney is the centerpiece of the Giants’ defense. He is charged with wearing the headset and will be calling the defensive signals.
On Friday afternoon, the Giants held their annual Fan Fest, where fans attend a live scrimmage inside at MetLife Stadium. It would be the first time McKinney would be wearing the headset in front of a crowd. He didn’t foresee a problem.
“No, I see it as the same,” McKinney told reporters before the scrimmage.
“Obviously, we’re going to have some people in the stands but, it’s just kind of another practice to be able to communicate the calls and do what I have to do to make sure we execute on defense. Like I said it’s going to be fun, I’m looking forward to it, everybody else is too, we’re just ready for that time.”
McKinney believes the Giants’ defense will be ‘very effective’ this season as Martindale allows them to ‘fly around’ and make plays.
“We’ve got a lot of playmakers on our defense, a lot of guys that can do a lot of things very well,” he said. “We’ve got a great defensive coordinator calling the calls so, it’s going to be fun, you’re going to see a lot of guys flying around, a lot of guys making plays and getting after the ball. That’s something we pride ourselves on as a defense, so it’s going to be fun. We’re still working, we’re still getting better and improving, but you know we’re going to have a lot of fun with it.”
Former Nets guard Mike James lists Sixers’ Joel Embiid as top 5 player
Former Brooklyn Nets guard Mike James lists Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid as a top five player in the league. | 2022-08-06T16:32:29Z | sports.yahoo.com | Xavier McKinney anticipates a ‘very effective’ Giants defense in 2022 | https://sports.yahoo.com/xavier-mckinney-anticipates-very-effective-155511391.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/xavier-mckinney-anticipates-very-effective-155511391.html?src=rss |
A smiling Rowdy Tellez raises his arms in celebration as he looks into the Brewers dugout after stealing second base against the Reds during the third inning Friday nigt.
"I no-throwed it," Tellez said afterward, referring to the lack of a throw from the backstop. "Speed kills. I can't wait for all the memes that look like cheeseburgers or hot dogs floating in front of me, running. They're going to be everywhere, so it's gonna be fun. Good thing I don't have social media."
A play in which Rowdy showed off his penchant for blazing speed on the base paths, as well. https://t.co/hrBslMbnJt pic.twitter.com/hFlO3O7OFR
Brewers manager Craig Counsell was asked if he thought Tellez's 432-foot blast in the first inning or the stolen base was more impressive.
"I don't watch many homers," Counsell said. "That was worth watching, where it landed. I thought it had a chance for that next deck."
Fans gave Tellez a hearty applause after the theft Friday. Starter Eric Lauer doesn't think it stops here, and he also suggested it was the perfect medicine for a team on a frustrating four-game skid.
"He's gonna steal another one this year," Lauer opined. "I'm going to bet him. If he doesn't steal another one this year, I'm gonna be upset.
"It's the fun of the game, that's the part where it's one of those, we're still just big kids playing a game. It's a lot more serious than that. But those little fun moments where you get to just have fun with the game, take away the stress and the anxiety that it causes and just be like, 'Wow, that's something you're not going to see (except) for every once in a while.'"
So does Tellez have another stolen base in him this year?
"No," Tellez said flatly. "If it happens again, maybe. I only have two in my career. I'm still out of breath. It was good; I got a lot of razzing and my phone is blowing up. Not about hitting home runs, but about that."
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Rowdy Tellez records first stolen base with Brewers | 2022-08-06T16:54:14Z | sports.yahoo.com | Behold the glorious splendor of Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Rowdy Tellez stealing a base | https://sports.yahoo.com/behold-glorious-splendor-milwaukee-brewers-035444431.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/behold-glorious-splendor-milwaukee-brewers-035444431.html?src=rss |
We talked to Kristian Dyer, the editor of Rutgers Wire, about the Big Ten and several storylines attached to the conference which will be USC’s new home in two years. One of our questions to Dyer was about the long-term configuration of the league after USC joins:
Trojans Wire: What’s your assessment of how or when the Big Ten will expand, and what its configuration will be in 4-5 years?
Kristian Dyer: Notre Dame. Notre Dame. Notre Dame. If the Big Ten can land Notre Dame, then a lot of other pieces fall in place. Adding Notre Dame probably means the Big Ten expands to 20, with four pods of five universities. Is that crazy? Well, it’s what I’m proposing. And then you’re probably looking at the Big Ten eyeing two more programs. Oregon and Washington would fit the bill in terms of being AAU institutions and having the athletics. I’m intrigued by Arizona in all of this too. That would leave one spot after Notre Dame, Oregon and Washington are added. I think going East Coast to balance that side would be ideal. That would likely mean Virginia or North Carolina. I could see Boston College since they check off a lot of boxes but they aren’t an AAU program. | 2022-08-06T16:54:21Z | sports.yahoo.com | What will the Big Ten look like for USC in 2027? | https://sports.yahoo.com/big-ten-look-usc-2027-155917747.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/big-ten-look-usc-2027-155917747.html?src=rss |
Penn State’s first week of fall camp was capped on Saturday with the annual football media day. Head coach James Franklin highlighted the day’s schedule from Beaver Stadium as he once again had a chance to meet with the media and answer some questions that face the team going into the 2022 season.
As is typically the case, the Penn State media day event allowed Franklin to echo some thoughts and comments he shared recently at Big Ten media day, but Franklin also threw out some nuggets providing a little more in-depth insight into what to potentially expect out of the team in 2022 such as a pair of defensive players that may be more of a factor on the roster than some may have been anticipating.
Here is a roundup of everything Franklin talked about during his media day press conference on Saturday.
Manny Diaz a natural fit at defensive cooridnator
“Manny’s done a really nice job of coming in and getting adjusted,” Franklin said of his new defensive coordinator. Diaz was hired by Penn State to replace Brent Pry, a longtime Franklin assistant, after Virginia Tech hired Pry to be a head coach.
“Obviously going through the retreat and understanding how we do things and how we operate has been really helpful,” Franklin said.
“I think it’s more subtle, and that’s why we went in that direction,” franklin explained. At the end of the day we were going to go find the best defensive coordinator we could, but finding someone with a similar philosophy was helpful.”
One thing Franklin has noticed and respected in camp has been Diaz’s leading the charge to focus more on creating and generating turnovers. This should come as no surprise given that Diaz made the turnover chain a thing at Miami when he was the head coach.
“We are emphasizing turnovers like crazy,” Franklin said.
Penn State's depth has improved, and continues to improve
“I think we have more depth than we’ve had in the last few years, obviously for a number of reasons,” Franklin noted, harkening back to comments he shared at Big Ten football media day in July. “We have some question marks at some positions, but we’re working to build that depth as well.”
Importance of a big season from Parker Washington
“He’s done a nice job obviously, being with [Jahan Dotson] has been helpful,” Franklin said when asked about Parker Washington, who enters the 2022 season as Penn State’s top returning receiver from a season ago.
“He’s obviously made a number of plays here,” Franklin said. “I know [Sean Clifford] has a lot of confidence in him.”
“I think he’s going to have a big year,” Franklin continued. “We need him to have a big year.”
Franklin used the question about Washington to dive back into the idea of having better depth on the roster, specifically at the receiver position. Despite losing a first-round draft pick in Dotson, Franklin likes what his group of receivers could potentially do this fall.
“I do feel like the group has the ability to match or exceed the production from the receiver we had last year,” Franklin said. “Whether it’s a one-for-one trade-off I’m not sure. We feel really good about that group. The depth is not even close compared to last year.”
The addition of Mitchell Tinsley at receiver
On a related note, Franklin has also noted that Western Kentucky transfer Mithcell Tinsley has a chance to be a major cog in the offensive gameplan, and his choice of roommate at Penn State hasn’t hurt.
“He’s roommates with Sean [Clifford], smart move,” Franklin said. “They’ve been able to really build a repor on and off the field, which I think has been really helpful. I think he’s got a chance to have a really, really productive year.”
If nothing else, Franklin believes Tinsley will be a consistent contributor during the regular season.
“I think he’s one of those guys that you’re going to know what you are getting week in and week out from him.”
Biggest question marks on the roster?
Asked about some of his biggest questions for the upcoming season, Franklin broke it down by unit. The areas of focus weren’t too surprising.
“If you start on special teams, [Jordan Stoudt] did such a good job, so that’s a concern,” Franklin said while focusing specifically on the punting game. “I feel like we have some really good options on kickoff but punt is obviously a big question for us.”
“Obviously, it would help if you don’t punt as much,” Franklin said with a smile. Franklin did note that Barney Amor was leading the punting game at the moment.
“On defense, I would say it’s at middle linebacker,” Franklin said when shifting his focus to the defensive side of the ball.”[Tyler Elsdon] and [Kobe King] have done a really nice job there. I think that’s a legitimate competition.”
But Franklin threw another name into the mix when discussing the middle linebacker position that may have been overlooked in the competition for the starting job. Freshman Keon Wylie was mentioned as a player that has been getting some good reps in camp.
“We’ve started Wylie there,” Franklin said. “He’s super smart and seems to be handling it really well.”
Then, of course, the focus shifted to the offense with a concern about the ability to run the football.
“The running game in general,” Franklin said. “We’ve got some different people in that room… that’s created a lot of really good competition and depth.”
Why struggles developing offensive line
One of the reasons for a lack of a successful running game in 2021 was the performance, or lack thereof, of the offensive line. Franklin is well aware of the need to improve that area, which he noted at Big Ten media day as well. Asked why the offensive line has been the most consistent question mark on the roster, Franklin attempted to explain what he has learned about the trend.
“You get to an elite level or a superior level through all of those things and when it doesn’t work out the way you want it to, all those areas factor in as well,” Franklin said when asked for his explanation about recruiting and player development. “That’s why we’ve made some changes from a staff perspective,… some of our philosophies in offseason development.”
Mike Yurcich going into Year 2
Penn State enters a second season with Mike Yurcich at offensive coordinator, and Franklin is optimistic about what that means for the entire offense.
“One of the biggest things is him knowing what our personnel and our guys do well, and that will help him,” Franklin said. “Sean [Clifford]and Mike know each other better and I think that’s useful. I think there’s a ton of value in that.”
Franklin said Yurcich’s experience in the Big Ten will help going into another season as well.
“Just the familiarity with the league, with the defensive coordinator, with the venues,” Franklin said. “Obviously, Mike’s got along track record of success, and I think we have a good opportunity to do some things on offense.”
On the addition of USC and UCLA to the Big Ten
“Pat (Penn State AD Patrick Kraft) gave me a call either a day or two before it was announced publicly,” Franklin said when asked when he found out about the Big Ten’s latest expansion decision.
Obviously, Franklin knows the addition of the Trojans and Bruins has given Penn State an opportunity to open up some recruiting.
“I think obviously when you are able to add two teams from California to your conference, that should allow you to maybe get into some conversations that maybe you haven’t been able to have before,” Franklin said. Franklin also seemingly stumped for upgrades to the local airport situation in Happy Valley.
“Not having an international airport in town has some impact on that.”
Defensive backfield competition
One of the strengths on the roster may come at the defensive secondary, as was the case in 2021. But despite losing a couple of players to the NFL, Franklin likes the competition he is seeing in the backfield.
“When you look at where we’re at right now, we’re really in a pretty good spot there,” Franklin said. “One of the guys that has really come on for us and had a really great camp has been Johnny Dixon.”
Dixon joined the program a year ago via transfer from South Carolina. Franklin’s comments may suggest Dixon has a chance to be more of a factor for the defense than many had been assuming would be the case.
“Guys that people may have had pegged in as starters are being pushed to keep their starting job or could be replaced,” Franklin said. | 2022-08-06T17:52:32Z | sports.yahoo.com | Everything James Franklin said at Penn State football media day | https://sports.yahoo.com/everything-james-franklin-said-penn-171227785.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/everything-james-franklin-said-penn-171227785.html?src=rss |
Another week of practice is in the books for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. After Friday’s workout, Head Football Coach Scott Frost talked with the media on various subjects, including Saturday’s upcoming scrimmage, the development of the offense, and the current state of the team’s leadership.
The team continues to practice on a schedule of three days on the field and one day off the field and will continue on that rotation till it’s time to head across the Atlantic Ocean. It’s always good to hear from the Head Coach throughout the entire run of training camp, and we’ll hear more after Saturday’s scrimmage but don’t put too much stock into his comments. Coaches are almost always going to be overwhelmingly positive about the state of their squad, especially before any games have been played. Nonetheless, it is still good to hear from the man in charge.
Nebraska continues to prepare for the season opener in Week 0 of the college football season. On August 27th, they’ll take on the Northwestern Wildcats in Dublin, Ireland. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:30 am CST only on FOX.
On practice so far
“We are eight days into practice seeing a lot of really good things out there, we still have a lot of work to do. What I really like is being around this team. This is a really great group of guys. I think the best leadership we have had. The best overall attitude we have had. Today kind of highlighted it for me.”
On Saturday's scrimmage
On Mark Whipple's offense
“It is going well, (Mark) Whipple is in control. He is running it. I think it was important that the kids became familiar with the stuff that he wants to do. There are elements of it that we have done. I think we will add wrinkles and things that we have done but trying to get overly involved every day was probably not the right strategy.
Nebraska offensive coordinator Mark Whipple (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)
“So, I will help and I think we will end up with a good blend but to this point it has been fun to watch his offense kind of evolve and bloom and the assistant coaches on offense have been doing a great job too. It has been fun to be able to sit back and have a little more mile-high view of it all.”
“Our leaders right now are the tough working guys, and that is what you want. The guys that are working the hardest are our best players and they are our leaders so everybody needs to follow that. They are also the tough guys.
On players setting the standard for the team
“They are setting the standard that everybody else has to follow. It is fun to see. When things are happening out there that are not up to those guys’ standards, other people hear about it. And a lot of stuff is getting handled by the team that the coaches used to have to handle.” | 2022-08-06T17:52:45Z | sports.yahoo.com | Frost comments on another week of practice | https://sports.yahoo.com/frost-comments-another-week-practice-150023983.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/frost-comments-another-week-practice-150023983.html?src=rss |
If there is one thing Billy Napier has made clear since taking over the Florida Gators football team it’s that he wants to make UF the most desirable university in the state.
Napier has done well to bring in local talent, with 14 of the 16 recruits committed to the Gators in the class of 2023 coming out of Florida while the other two are Georgia kids. Two of those 14 are from Gainesville: four-star defensive lineman Gavin Hill and three-star athlete Creed Whittemore. Both are rising seniors at F.W. Bucholz High, but there’s also a rising junior that Napier has his eye on, three-star defensive lineman Kendall Jackson, according to 247Sports.
UF offered Jackson back in June after an impressive showing at one of the team’s Day One camps. Since then, the coaching staff has kept in touch with them and their message to Jackson is a familiar one: stay in Florida and be great at home.
“Their message to me is all the same. It’s they want me to stay home,” Jackson said. “That is pretty much the message every coach I talked to had. They said they want me to stay home. I talk with Coach (Kali) James from time to time when I call him … Coach James wants to make sure he keeps you close and let you know he is going to love you and that he wants you to be a Gator.”
At the time of the offer, Jackson wasn’t as well known in the recruiting space as he is now. He now holds the No. 388 overall spot on the 247Sports composite and is No. 33 among defensive linemen in the class. The service has him listed at No. 26 among those at his position in the site’s standalone rankings as well.
Those numbers could improve with a strong senior year, and Jackson is already receiving interest from some other Power Five programs. Miami is the other main school he’s gotten to know well over the summer, and he hopes to stop by both programs as well as Georgia and UCF over the course of the season.
There’s still plenty of time until he needs to make a decision, but Jackson says Florida is playing its cards the right way.
“Florida definitely is a top school for me,” he said. “I don’t necessarily have a number for anything right now. I am just keeping it open.”
Being a local talent, missing out on Jackson could look bad for the Gators, especially if it’s to the likes of another in-state program. Expect the UF staff to keep pushing for him until a decision is made.
Junior Steven Soles matched Walter Nolen, the No. 2 prospect in the country, in sacks last season. This year, he'll anchor the Powell defensive line. | 2022-08-06T17:52:51Z | sports.yahoo.com | Gators pushing hard for local defensive lineman in class of 2024 | https://sports.yahoo.com/gators-pushing-hard-local-defensive-164205020.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/gators-pushing-hard-local-defensive-164205020.html?src=rss |
Shanahan, 49ers taking cautious approach with CB Verrett originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
SANTA CLARA — Kyle Shanahan wants to have 49ers cornerback Jason Verrett back on the field as soon as he is ready.
The shutdown corner has been seen on the practice field looking fit and agile, but the head coach is not going to rush Verrett back before he is ready.
The 49ers' secondary is the most improved position group on the team and their depth offers the luxury of not pressuring the veteran back into the lineup.
“We’d love to get him into camp,” Shanahan said on Saturday. “We’d love to get him ready for Week 1. I think that’s his mindset. I’ll never go against him on that but I’m definitely ready if he’s not ready for Week 1. We’ll get him whenever he is ready. If he comes back Week 4, Week 8, end of the year.”
Shanahan's common sense approach as well as his past experiences with Verrett are the driving factors behind the cautious timeline. The club signed the cornerback to a one-year deal in 2019 knowing his skill set prior to a run of bad luck with his health.
“I thought the first year we had him here was similar,” Shanahan said. “I thought we brought him back a hair too early because he was healthy but he didn’t have his legs back quite yet. He got thrown into to that game against Pittsburgh in Week 3 and got beat on a go route and that’s when we saw he wasn’t quite there yet and it’s hard to start back.
“So we definitely don’t want to do anything too soon.”
RELATED: Shanahan encourages team's intensity without fighting
Multiple major injuries have kept Verrett from playing consistently since he was the No. 25 overall selection in the 2014 NFL Draft for the then San Diego Chargers. Because of his leadership skills as well as his talent, the club brought Verrett back for a fourth season.
The veteran has appeared in 15 games with the 49ers over the past three seasons and at the start of the 2021 season, resembled the top-flight corner Shanahan knew he could be.
An ACL injury in Week 1 ended Verrett's 2021 comeback campaign. Now, set to make another return in 2022, Verrett could be a wild card for the 49ers' defense in pursuit of another postseason run. | 2022-08-06T18:02:19Z | sports.yahoo.com | 49ers' Kyle Shanahan taking cautious approach with Jason Verrett | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-kyle-shanahan-taking-cautious-162643030.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-kyle-shanahan-taking-cautious-162643030.html?src=rss |
Some heads turned when the New Orleans Saints reunited with linebacker Kiko Alonso on Thursday — it’s unusual to bring in a player who hasn’t gotten on the field since 2019, weeks before his 32nd birthday, but Saints coach Dennis Allen shared some insight.
“We have some familiarity with the player, he did a nice job on his workout,” Allen said after practice on Friday. “He was in shape, looked good. And when he’s been healthy, he’s been a productive player in our league. And so, that was kind of what drew us to him.”
So they’re kicking the tires on a veteran who already knows the system, even if he’s been out of football for a few years recovering from a torn ACL. Alonso went down in the Saints’ 2019 playoff loss to the Minnesota Vikings and started the 2020 season on the PUP list, only to be traded to the San Francisco 49ers in a salary cap dumping move that brought back Kwon Alexander, who played really well for New Orleans in 2020 and 2021, though he too missed time with an injury.
Still, it’s tough not to compare Alonso’s arrival in New Orleans just a week after the New York Jets signed Alexander to a one-year deal at the $1,120,000 veteran’s minimum salary, guaranteeing him just $580,000 with a meager $152,500 signing bonus. That’s likely close to what Alonso received, and is mighty affordable and should have been easy for the Saints to match, but they ultimately went in a different direction. We’ll see how it plays out.
It’s probably best not to make too much of this move. Pete Werner has the starting job next to Demario Davis sewn up, with backups like Kaden Elliss, Eric Wilson, Zack Baun, and Andrew Dowell in the mix behind them, as well as rookie draft pick D’Marco Jackson. Alonso faces long odds of making the roster. For now, his focus is on competing well enough in practice to make it through the first wave of roster cuts. Alonso wasn’t spotted at Saturday’s practice session so we’ll be looking for an update. | 2022-08-06T18:02:51Z | sports.yahoo.com | Dennis Allen comments on Saints signing LB Kiko Alonso | https://sports.yahoo.com/dennis-allen-comments-saints-signing-164747865.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/dennis-allen-comments-saints-signing-164747865.html?src=rss |
One of the critical assets used by the Eagles to move up in the 2016 NFL draft has walked away from the game, as Kiko Alonso has retired.
Brooke Kirchhofer of WWL-TV in New Orleans is reporting that the linebacker retired just one day after joining the Saints on a one-year deal.
Saints head coach Dennis Allen recently spoke about how productive Alonso can be when healthy, but it appears the former University of Oregon star had a change of heart.
Initially drafted in the second round of the 2013 draft, Alonso was acquired by the Eagles in 2015 when then head coach Chip Kelly infamously traded the franchise’s all-time rushing leader, LeSean McCoy, to the Bills.
Alonso was rehabbing from a partially torn ACL tear when traded and never returned to his pre-injury form for the Eagles.
Alonso was eventually traded to the Dolphins along with Byron Maxwell and the No. 13 pick in the 2016 NFL draft for the No. 8 overall pick.
Philadelphia would ultimately acquire the No. 2 pick from the Browns, and the team selected North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz with the pick.
Outside of ‘frustrating’ Arnold Allen booking, coach Tyson Chartier likes ‘Korean Zombie’ for Calvin Kattar | 2022-08-06T18:03:03Z | sports.yahoo.com | Former Eagles linebacker Kiko Alonso retires from the NFL | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-eagles-linebacker-kiko-alonso-173323757.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-eagles-linebacker-kiko-alonso-173323757.html?src=rss |
Just in case you didn’t know why the Carolina Panthers keep pounding, you found out on Saturday.
The unique, inspiring and beautiful legacy of franchise icon Sam Mills—after 20 long years—was finally immortalized in Canton, Ohio this afternoon. He is now officially the third Panther, joining fellow defenders Reggie White and Kevin Greene, to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Mills began his pro football career on what would later prove to be a quite fitting note. After a standout four-year stay at Montclair State University, the 5-foot-9 linebacker was cut loose by the NFL’s Cleveland Browns in 1981 and the USFL’s Toronto Argonauts in 1982—without playing a snap for either organization.
He’d then stick on with Philadelphia/Baltimore Stars for the next three years—racking up three All-USFL selections, two USFL championships and, ultimately, a spot on the USFL All-Time Team.
Jim Mora and the New Orleans Saints took notice, as the head coach brought Mills over into the NFL from their stint with the Stars. There, he’d collect four Pro Bowl and two All-Pro selections from 1986 to 1994.
His next chapter, of course, took him to Charlotte—where he signed on with the Carolina Panthers. Amongst his three sparkling seasons in the black and blue, Mills notched yet another Pro Bowl appearance and a First-team All-Pro nod as a 37-year-old in 1996.
Upon retiring following the 1997 campaign, he transitioned to the sidelines as a defensive assistant and linebackers coach for Carolina. His famous “Keep Pounding” speech at halftime of the Panthers’ 2004 playoff victory over the Dallas Cowboys helped push the team to its first Super Bowl appearance and is now solidified as the franchise’s mantra.
Mills was inducted by his mentor in Mora and his wife Melanie, who delivered a graceful speech on behalf of her family and her now enshrined husband.
Listen: Sam Mills III gets the call for his father's Hall of Fame election
Panthers react to Sam Mills' Hall of Fame election | 2022-08-06T18:03:48Z | sports.yahoo.com | Panthers legend Sam Mills officially enshrined into Pro Football Hall of Fame | https://sports.yahoo.com/panthers-legend-sam-mills-officially-170738283.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/panthers-legend-sam-mills-officially-170738283.html?src=rss |
Peyton Manning teased a return to “the game” in a recent commercial, but football fans shouldn’t get too excited. He is “returning,” just not to a football field.
“Hey, I’ve got a huge announcement,” Manning said during an advertisement that aired during the NFL’s Hall of Fame Game on NBC. “I’m returning to the game … of trivia.”
Manning has returned for the second season of “College Bowl” on NBC, a game show that he produced and co-hosted last summer. His brother, Cooper, co-hosts the show with Peyton, and they exchange plenty of zingers and witty banter, as one would expect from the Mannings.
Manning has stayed busy since retiring from the NFL in 2016. He still films commercials and he’s working on several projects with ESPN. The former quarterback also recent produced another game show, The Final Straw, for ABC.
Manning’s final game in the NFL was a 24-10 win over the Carolina Panthers with the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50. Six years later, he’s now a candidate to join the team as an advisor under new ownership. | 2022-08-06T18:03:54Z | sports.yahoo.com | Peyton Manning teases NFL comeback in promo for “College Bowl” | https://sports.yahoo.com/peyton-manning-teases-nfl-comeback-170053637.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/peyton-manning-teases-nfl-comeback-170053637.html?src=rss |
“I work too hard to not be No. 1,” Heyward said. “It’s as simple as that.”
While we can appreciate Heyward’s confidence, there are probably a few folks in Los Angeles who would argue against him being on top and instead put Aaron Donald up there. But there’s something of a loophole to Heyward that you have to take into consideration.
Pittsburgh’s hybrid front moves Heyward all over the defensive line. He is designated as a defensive tackle but he takes a ton of snaps at defensive ends as well. This is a distinction none of the other top defensive tackles can say.
Heyward had his best all-around season as a pro in 2021. He not only racked up 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss he also finished with 89 total tackles and a remarkable nine passed batted. If he says he’s No. 1, you could probably make a case.
Let us know in the comments where you rank Heyward among the best in the NFL.
Whether the U.S. economy is heading for a recession got more difficult to answer Friday, when a report showed employers hired hundreds of thousands more workers last month than expected. On one hand, two straight quarters of economic contraction is a long-held, though informal, definition of a recession. It would mark a quick turnaround barely two years after the official end of the pandemic recession. | 2022-08-06T18:04:19Z | sports.yahoo.com | Steelers DT Cam Heyward says he’s the best in the NFL | https://sports.yahoo.com/steelers-dt-cam-heyward-says-172256567.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/steelers-dt-cam-heyward-says-172256567.html?src=rss |
The Baltimore Ravens are expecting big things out of their wide receiver group during the 2022 season. They traded away their No. 1 wideout during draft night in Marquise Brown, and didn’t add anyone else at the position in the draft or a veteran in free agency.
The team is trusting players such as Rashod Bateman, Devin Duvernay, James Proche II and Tylan Wallace to take steps forward and make big plays. However, both Bateman and Duvernay have dealt with injuries over the course of training camp so far, with Bateman missing his first practice on Friday. Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh gave an update on Bateman’s status on Friday, saying that he’s dealing with a minor thing but made clear that the organization is taking a cautious approach with him and others.
…”There are guys with minor things. Rashod [Bateman] is one of those guys. He probably could have gone today, and we just said, ‘No.’ We’ll probably hold him out tomorrow, too. Some of that soft tissue stuff, fatigue starts to set in. That’s where we’re at with a couple of guys…” | 2022-08-06T18:24:48Z | sports.yahoo.com | Ravens HC John Harbaugh discusses injury to WR Rashod Bateman | https://sports.yahoo.com/ravens-hc-john-harbaugh-discusses-163138274.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/ravens-hc-john-harbaugh-discusses-163138274.html?src=rss |
Aiyuk firmly believes Lance was 'born to play' quarterback originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
If one thing has been made clear in 49ers training camp thus far, it's that Trey Lance has blossomed as a leader in his second season.
He's shown flashes of improvement on the field and has struggled at times going up against an elite San Francisco first-team defense, but undoubtedly has improved greatly from the neck up.
Third-year receiver Brandon Aiyuk joined KNBR 680's "Papa & Lund" on Friday, where he discussed Lance's leadership and his demeanor on the field.
"I told him, 'you were born to play the quarterback position,' just the way he carries himself and how he acts," Aiyuk said. "When we were hanging out in Southern California, just the way that he goes from day to day, you could tell that he was a quarterback if you didn't know who he was. You start to see that on the field.
"When we don't hit on something, we come back and he's just talking. You could tell that it's not forced like he has to do that, but he just wants to talk and hear what you think or may want to do next time. But it's just a naturalness, a natural leader. He's just the definition of a quarterback in this league."
Lance impressed many with his maturity in his rookie season last year, embracing a difficult situation as the backup to veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and welcoming any and all opportunities to learn and get better.
The 49ers have made it abundantly clear that this now is Lance's team and so far as a leader, he's passing with flying colors. | 2022-08-06T19:33:31Z | sports.yahoo.com | 49ers' Trey Lance 'born to play quarterback,' Brandon Aiyuk believes | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-trey-lance-born-play-173301472.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-trey-lance-born-play-173301472.html?src=rss |
New York Giants rookie offensive lineman Marcus McKethan, who selected in the fifth-round of the 2022 NFL draft, will miss the season after suffering a torn ACL.
McKethan went down during the team’s Fan Fest scrimmage on Friday night and the team immediately called for the cart. After undergoing testing, McKethan’s worst fears were realized. | 2022-08-06T19:34:15Z | sports.yahoo.com | Giants rookie Marcus McKethan out for season with torn ACL | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-rookie-marcus-mckethan-season-190438086.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-rookie-marcus-mckethan-season-190438086.html?src=rss |
After missing the last week with an injury, Chicago Bears offensive tackle Teven Jenkins returned to training camp and practiced on a limited basis. He also met the media for the first time in over two months and shared his expectations after dealing with a whirlwind of reports such as trade rumors and clashing with coaches. But Jenkins is with the Bears for now and expects to begin the regular season with the team.
When meeting with the media, Jenkins addressed the trade rumors and alleged rift with his coaches, but also what he thinks his status will be with the Bears this season. “Do I expect to be here in the regular season? Yeah.” Jenkins said pointedly. Jenkins stated he’s focused on what he can do with the Bears as he gets back into camp. “I’m here with the Chicago Bears right now. I’m here to play football for the Chicago Bears and that’s what I’m going to do and that’s what I plan on doing right now.”
Jenkins says he expects to be with the Bears when the regular season begins.
Jenkins wouldn’t comment directly on any trade rumors that surfaced last week and just reiterated his desire to play for the Bears, even with a new staff who had no part in selecting him No. 39 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. “I’m a loyal type of guy, the Chicago Bears, they drafted me, so I’m going to stay with the Chicago Bears until, whenever it is.” Even though a new regime has taken over, Jenkins still pledges loyalty to the organization. “That’s what I believe in,” he said.
It’s been a tough offseason for Jenkins and it hasn’t gotten easier as the months roll on. He was expected to be one of the starting tackles under first-year head coach Matt Eberflus, but began falling down the depth chart, having to compete with fellow second-year tackle Larry Borom and rookie Braxton Jones. Things only got more difficult when the Bears signed veteran tackle Riley Reiff, relegating Jenkins to an extra lineman in select packages during the first training camp practice before missing time with a mysterious injury that still has yet to be revealed.
Now coming back to practice, Jenkins faces an uphill battle to earn a starting position on the offensive line. There’s still a lot of camp left, including all three preseason games, to show why he’s worthy of a spot, but reading between the lines of his press conference, it would not be a surprise to see him wind up with a new team before camp breaks.
Jenkins is saying the right things in terms of his expectations with the team come the regular season. And while he shot down the rumor that he clashed with coaches, he didn’t squash any trade rumors that have been reported from multiple outlets. As Jenkins said a number of times, he’s with the Bears “right now,” but that can change in an instant. | 2022-08-06T19:34:28Z | sports.yahoo.com | OT Teven Jenkins expects to be with the Bears during the regular season | https://sports.yahoo.com/ot-teven-jenkins-expects-bears-192018377.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/ot-teven-jenkins-expects-bears-192018377.html?src=rss |
It’s well known that Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs has a tight relationship with his brother, Trevon, who is a cornerback for the Cowboys.
The two put that on full display at the Pro Bowl as the two did a jersey swap on the field for the cameras. Not to mention, they candidly had a wrestling match at the Pro Bowl as well.
But Sports Illustrated dug a little deeper on the topic. What makes the Diggs brothers stick together?
The two discussed their “unbreakable bond” in a SI feature which can be found below: | 2022-08-06T19:34:47Z | sports.yahoo.com | Stefon Diggs discussed bond with brother Trevon discuss (video) | https://sports.yahoo.com/stefon-diggs-discussed-bond-brother-181523774.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/stefon-diggs-discussed-bond-brother-181523774.html?src=rss |
American football player and high school coach
Nix joins a team that is going through its own transition: The Ducks are embarking on their first season under Dan Lanning, former defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Georgia.
Bo Nix settles into his new team, new QB competition originally appeared on NBCSports.com
Glenn Jacobs, a former WWE wrestler known during his career as “Kane,” won reelection to a second term as mayor of Knox County, Tenn., on Thursday. Jacobs (R) defeated his Democratic opponent, labor organizer Debbie Helsley, with about 55 percent of the vote. Jacobs has branded himself as a libertarian and opposed COVID-19 restrictions like… | 2022-08-06T19:38:05Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bo Nix settles into his new team, new QB competition | https://sports.yahoo.com/bo-nix-settles-team-qb-183230636.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bo-nix-settles-team-qb-183230636.html?src=rss |
CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson coach Dabo Swinney has taught a lot of lessons the past seven seasons. Along the way, some guidance got lost amid all that winning.
“There are certain things you can’t teach on the mountaintop,” Swinney said as the Tigers opened fall camp.
Both were held out of spring drills, but were back on the field and eager to provide a punch they couldn’t fully deliver last season.
Clemson’s Dabo Swinney: New perspective for Tigers’ camp originally appeared on NBCSports.com | 2022-08-06T19:38:11Z | sports.yahoo.com | Clemson’s Dabo Swinney: New perspective for Tigers’ camp | https://sports.yahoo.com/clemson-dabo-swinney-perspective-tigers-190346979.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/clemson-dabo-swinney-perspective-tigers-190346979.html?src=rss |
“I’m just ready to go,” the ex-Oklahoma quarterback said. “It’s been some time since I played football, like, for real.”
Rattler, who led the Sooners to a Big 12 title in 2020, is among several high-profile transfers who’ve joined the Gamecocks in the offseason. Rattler believes he and the others can help the program build on a 7-6 mark in coach Shane Beamer‘s debut season.
Rattler and his teammates reported for meetings and planning sessions before hitting the field for the first time.
Spencer Rattler among newcomers ready to help South Carolina originally appeared on NBCSports.com | 2022-08-06T19:38:55Z | sports.yahoo.com | Spencer Rattler among newcomers ready to help South Carolina | https://sports.yahoo.com/spencer-rattler-among-newcomers-ready-184207456.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/spencer-rattler-among-newcomers-ready-184207456.html?src=rss |
Zay Flowers blooming at Boston College into one of ACC’s best receivers
“Win the division, go out the right way,” the BC receiver said after the Eagles opened training camp on a blistering day in Chestnut Hill. “I feel like we can be one of the best in the ACC.”
If Jurkovec can stay healthy – and he hasn’t been able to do that yet in his first two years in the Heights – Boston College could make a big jump after finishing 6-6 in each of coach Jeff Hafley‘s first two seasons. In both of those years, Boston College qualified for a bowl game but opted out.
Zay Flowers blooming at Boston College into one of ACC’s best receivers originally appeared on NBCSports.com | 2022-08-06T19:39:20Z | sports.yahoo.com | Zay Flowers blooming at Boston College into one of ACC’s best receivers | https://sports.yahoo.com/zay-flowers-blooming-boston-college-185654509.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/zay-flowers-blooming-boston-college-185654509.html?src=rss |
Kyle Larson spoke to reporters for the first time since his race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course came to an abrupt end after a vicious crash with Ty Dillon in Turn 1.
The No. 5 Chevrolet launched into the corner and wiped out Dillon’s No. 42 car, nearly T-boning the vehicle at the end of the long front straightaway. Initial replays indicated a possible mechanical failure on Larson’s car, but the defending Cup Series champion chalked it up to an error behind the wheel.
“Obviously just made a big mistake,” Larson told reporters Saturday at Michigan International Speedway. “I got in there (to the corner) deep and I got out of shape. And I was hoping that by the time I got under control, I could go straight before they turned into the corner. And once I realized that I was going to hit the (No.) 47 (of Ricky Stenhouse Jr.), I tried to just do what I could to turn right and miss both of them. And that obviously didn’t happen.”
MORE: Michigan schedule | At-track photos
As the recipient of the blindsided impact, Dillon was left wondering what happened himself.
“I knew it was a mistake,” Dillon said Saturday. “And definitely looking at the SMT, it’s a really rare mistake that you wouldn’t think that he would make, but we’re all human. And that was kind of what I told him. I was like, ‘hey, we’re gonna make mistakes.’ That’s the risk I take every weekend getting in a race car and knowing that’s a possibility. I’m glad he’s OK, I’m glad I’m OK and we get to come out here and try it again at 200 mph at Michigan.”
Both drivers were stunned after the incident itself, trying to piece together what led to such a violent hit. The two had productive conversations Monday that set things straight despite the scare both received.
“I think he was in shock initially because he asked me what happened,” Dillon said. “I was like, ‘I don’t really know. You hit me really hard.’ But I was glad to see that he was OK.”
“I think it just shocked him as much as anything. I could kind of see the fear and everything in his eyes. I’m sure from his vantage point it was really scary, and he reached out to me on Monday checking in on me and was really kind in what he said.”
Larson called the mistake “embarrassing” and remained eager to move forward ahead of practice for Sunday’s FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan (3 p.m. ET, USA Network, NBC Sports App, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).
“Feel really bad about wiping Ty out and just very thankful that him and I were both safe and didn’t get seriously injured,” Larson said, “Because yeah, it was scary for both of us. Hate that that happened and just try not to make any mistakes like that going forward.” | 2022-08-06T19:56:51Z | sports.yahoo.com | Kyle Larson on Indy crash: 'Just made a big mistake' | https://sports.yahoo.com/kyle-larson-indy-crash-just-133906643.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/kyle-larson-indy-crash-just-133906643.html?src=rss |
There was some good news on Saturday with Bears offensive tackle Teven Jenkins returning to the practice field after missing seven straight training camp practices with an undisclosed injury.
Jenkins didn’t do much — he was a limited participant — but it was certainly encouraging given he missed the entirety of training camp as a rookie dealing with a back injury.
Not only was Jenkins back at practice, he met with the media for the first time this summer, where he addressed a variety of topics ranging from reports that he’s clashing with coaches to trade reports to his future in Chicago.
Here’s everything we learned from Jenkins’ press conference following his return to training camp practice:
Jenkins has been in the training room dealing with an injury
Jenkins returned to the practice field on Saturday, where he participated in individual drills. But he’d missed the previous seven practices with an undisclosed injury.
Jenkins said he’s been in the training room working with trainers, which is what head coach Matt Eberflus had previously said. But when asked about what specifically he was working on, Jenkins wouldn’t comment.
“I don’t want to disclose that right now,” he said.
Was the injury related to his back?
“Not gonna disclose that right now,” he said.
Eberflus said that Jenkins is entering his ramp-up period as he gets back up to speed. Jenkins said that he expects to be back to 100% in a couple of days. Right now, he’s about 90%.
Jenkins said his lengthy absence was “for the betterment of my health. We had to make sure I was 100%.”
Jenkins denies clashing with coaches
When Jenkins missed his first couple of practices, there were obvious injury concerns given his history. But things got interesting when a report surfaced that his injury was the least of his worries.
According to ESPN 1000 and NBC Sports Chicago’s David Kaplan, Jenkins was clashing with the new coaching staff.
“From what I’m hearing, it’s not a serious injury,” Kaplan said. “What I’m hearing is that there’s a high level of disconnect between Teven and the new coaching staff, especially Chris Morgan, the new offensive line coach.”
Jenkins said reports that he was “clashing with coaches” are “totally not true.”
“From my understanding, I love the coaches,” Jenkins said. “We have no animosity towards each other. And that’s it.”
Jenkins remains mum on trade reports
Following reports about a disconnect between Jenkins and the coaching staff, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport the Bears received calls and had entertained trade talks involving Jenkins. It was also confirmed by ESPN’s Peggy Kusinski, who said the Bears are actively seeking a trade.
Jenkins was asked about whether he’d had discussions with general manager Ryan Poles about those trade rumors.
“The only one I talk to is my agent, Joel Segal,” Jenkins said.
As for what his agent said? “I don’t want to disclose any of that,” Jenkins said.
Jenkins expects to be on the Bears roster when the regular season begins
There’s been plenty of speculation surrounding Jenkins’ future in Chicago, even before the trade rumors started. After all, Jenkins was demoted to the second-team back in the spring, and he remained there at the start of training camp.
But Jenkins said he expects to be on the roster when the regular season begins.
“Do I expect to be here in the regular season? Yeah,” he said.
While Jenkins was limited during Saturday’s practice, he’s expecting to take team reps in practice starting Sunday. He also said he believes he’ll be ready for next Saturday’s preseason opener against the Kansas City Chiefs.
With all of the drama unfolding around him, Jenkins said that he wants to be in Chicago.
“It’s Chicago. Who’s not happy in Chicago?” he said. “A lot of things to do.”
As for the outside speculation about his future with the Bears, Jenkins is focused on football.
“Really can’t comment to that,” he said. “It’s just how it is. It’s just how it goes. That’s life. Life’s hard.”
Jenkins feels like he still has an opportunity to win a starting job
Jenkins started the spring with the first-team at right tackle, which is his natural position from college. But in the final week of OTAs, he was demoted to the second-team as the Bears elevated rookie Braxton Jones to left tackle and shifted Larry Borom over to right tackle. It’s a combination that lasted for the remainder of the spring and into the start of training camp.
Jenkins faces an uphill battle to win a starting job, where Jones and veteran Riley Reiff appear to be the favorites to start at left tackle and right tackle.
Still, Jenkins believes there’s an opportunity for him to start, which comes from belief in himself. He does feel like he’s gotten a fair shake from the new regime despite being moved from first-team to second-team.
“I want to be here in Chicago so I’m playing wherever they want me to play,” Jenkins said.
Jenkins is still with the Bears...for right now
One thing that stood out to me during Jenkins’ press conference was his repeated use of the phrase “right now” when discussing his future with the Bears. In fact, he even said it three times in one sentence.
Despite Jenkins reaffirming that he wants to be in Chicago, it’s hard not to look at the situation — and watch his body language — and not think that he might benefit from a fresh start elsewhere.
“I’m here with the Chicago Bears right now,” he said.
Still, Jenkins considers himself a loyal guy. So he’s embracing his opportunity with the Bears. You know, for right now.
“I’m a loyal-type guy,” he said. “The Chicago Bears, they drafted me. So I’m going with the Chicago Bears until whenever it is.” | 2022-08-06T21:05:20Z | sports.yahoo.com | Everything we learned from Bears OT Teven Jenkins’ press conference | https://sports.yahoo.com/everything-learned-bears-ot-teven-190832259.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/everything-learned-bears-ot-teven-190832259.html?src=rss |
The New York Giants placed rookie offensive lineman Marcus McKethan on injured reserve Saturday, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
McKethan, a fifth-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft out of North Carolina, suffered an ACL injury.
While he was expected to compete for a roster spot this season, McKethan will now have to focus on recovery and rehab, and wait to make his on-field impact next season. | 2022-08-06T21:05:39Z | sports.yahoo.com | Giants place rookie OL Marcus McKethan on injured reserve | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-place-rookie-ol-marcus-193222751.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-place-rookie-ol-marcus-193222751.html?src=rss |
Delayed, but not denied. Those are the words Cliff Branch’s sister Elaine Anderson when she took the stage to enshrine her late brother into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Here she is along with Raiders owner Mark Davis to present Branch for the Hall of Fame.
Forever in Canton. pic.twitter.com/7O4JlKAJKW
Delayed is a nice way of putting it. For the “delay” was so long that it robbed Cliff and the rest of us of allowing him to take the stage and accept enshrinement himself.
Branch was extremely deserving of being in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. And that was always the case. It should not have taken over 30 years for him to get the call. It was at year 28 of his eligibility in 2019 that Cliff passed away.
Branch’s induction was arguably the last in a previous Raiders legend logjam that included the likes of Ray Guy, Ken Stabler, and Tom Flores, all of whom required the Senior Committee to finally get their due. For Branch and Stabler, that due would come posthumously.
Now Branch joins his legendary teammates and coaches to be immortalized in the hallowed halls of Canton. | 2022-08-06T21:06:11Z | sports.yahoo.com | Watch: Raiders legendary WR Cliff Branch official induction into Pro Football Hall of Fame | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-raiders-legendary-wr-cliff-200602779.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-raiders-legendary-wr-cliff-200602779.html?src=rss |
Florida football established a reputation as the “defensive back university” in the first part of the new millennium. The Gators are hoping to keep that torch lit after Kaiir Elam was selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft.
One of those expected to help carry on the legacy is Jaydon Hill, a four-star cornerback in the 2019 recruiting cycle who signed under Dan Mullen. The Madison, Alabama, product appeared in 10 games as a reserve and was also named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll during his true freshman season.
His sophomore season saw him elevate his game, appearing in all 12 games including five starts on defense. The 6-foot, 181-pound cornerback finished 2020 with 14 tackles — nine solo and five assisted — while also ranking second amongst the Gators with seven pass breakups.
However, his junior season was spoiled by a preseason ACL tear that kept him on the sidelines in 2021. Now, the bad news is that he has still not fully recovered from his surgery and will not be available to take part in Florida’s fall camp, according to Swamp247.
“Jaydon Hill is currently not able to participate,” Napier announced. “I think a little bit of that is to be determined, based on his recovery, the rehab process.”
Florida still has a formidable lineup in the defensive backfield headlined by former five-star cornerback Jason Marshall Jr, who is getting set for his second season in Gainesville this summer. Nonetheless, if Hill can get back onto the field sooner than later, it would give the Gators a much-needed boost in Billy Napier’s first season at the helm. | 2022-08-06T21:22:25Z | sports.yahoo.com | Up-and-coming Gators cornerback still slowed by injury | https://sports.yahoo.com/coming-gators-cornerback-still-slowed-201521769.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/coming-gators-cornerback-still-slowed-201521769.html?src=rss |
As the 2022 college football season approaches, most experts have Alabama and Georgia seemed poised to battle it out for the SEC Championship once again. But we can’t help but ask the question: what are Florida’s chances of taking home the trophy in Billy Napier’s first year?
CBS Sports’ David Cobb recently went through what he believes to be the most undervalued teams in each conference heading into the season, and Florida’s odds to take the SEC are insanely low. The betting odds listed by Cobb have Florida at +5000 to win the conference, which he finds to be a bit ridiculous considering the Gators took Alabama down to the wire last season before everything fell apart.
That’s not to say that everyone who bets on college sports should go in and put money on the Gators, but rather that there’s a more realistic path to the conference championship for Florida than oddsmakers perceive.
How does Napier do the unthinkable in year one? Beat Georgia, obviously. The stretch of LSU, Georgia and Texas A&M should be the toughest leg of Florida’s season, and winning two of three — beating Georgia needs to be one of them — would put Florida at least in the conversation for a conference championship barring any major upsets.
Is it likely? No, but the odds being set at +5000 seems like a mistake. If Anthony Richardson lives up to the elite potential most experts agree he has, then Florida could have a real shot. Of course, Kirby Smart’s team looked rather unstoppable last year, so maybe the number isn’t so farfetched.
Katie Hobbs rose to prominence defending Joe Biden's 2020 election win. Here's what to know about the Democratic nominee for Arizona Governor's Office. | 2022-08-06T21:22:37Z | sports.yahoo.com | Is Florida the most undervalued team in the SEC? | https://sports.yahoo.com/florida-most-undervalued-team-sec-194150021.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/florida-most-undervalued-team-sec-194150021.html?src=rss |
Ask Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford about the mentality of the Nittany Lions in 2022, and he’ll admit it. This is a team with a desire to prove something to their doubters.
“Hard-working team,” Clifford described the team when asked how he would identify the team during a live stream of Penn State football media day coverage from the school’s official website. “Team with a chip on our shoulder. We’re ready to right the ship now.”
Penn State went 7-6 last season, a year after going just 4-5 in the COVID-modified season. After appearing in a New Years Six bowl game in three of the previous four seasons, Clifford believes Penn State has a chance to rebound a bit in 2022. And it is the work being done in the offseason that he believes will lead to positive results in the fall.
“I think from a mental standpoint, we are light years ahead of where we were last year. I think that’s just a fact, ” Clifford said. “We’re in a really good place mentally. Now to put together those physical attributes, we can go on to perform at a high level.”
“I truly believe your team is found when you’re away from the coaches and the players have to do it themselves,” Clifford explained during Penn State media day on Saturday. “The summer was a grind, but it was a really good one.”
The 2022 season will also mark the second straight season Clifford has to work with the same offensive coordinator, Mike Yurcich. And according to Clifford, and most others, having a second year to work with the same coordinator is a big plus for Penn State’s sixth-year quarterback.
“I think that the number one thing that Coach Yurcich and I have worked on is the communication presnap,” Clifford said when asked about the biggest benefit of having the same coordinator for a second season for his first time with the program. “In the game when I’m playing, that’s on me… but the presnap, eliminating missed assignments… he’s been a great resource for me.”
Clifford and Penn State open the 2022 season on Thursday, September 1 at Purdue.
Jordan Addison said he didn't know USC 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. | 2022-08-06T21:22:43Z | sports.yahoo.com | Sean Clifford says Penn State is a team with chip on its shoulder in 2022 | https://sports.yahoo.com/sean-clifford-says-penn-state-200016168.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/sean-clifford-says-penn-state-200016168.html?src=rss |
Looks like my speculation was correct, that they started moving Reed to center in response to Bradbury struggling and exploring the possibility of replacing him as a starter https://t.co/YAth5pZi9x
— Arif Hasan, former hexagon (@ArifHasanNFL) August 6, 2022
Sam Mills, who died of cancer in 2005 at the age of 45, was posthumously inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday. His widow, Melanie Mills, presented him. “There can be no better place for him to rest than in the Hall of Fame,” Melanie Mills said. Mills played in 181 games [more] | 2022-08-06T21:28:21Z | sports.yahoo.com | Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell reiterates competition at center | https://sports.yahoo.com/kevin-o-connell-reiterates-competition-193530022.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/kevin-o-connell-reiterates-competition-193530022.html?src=rss |
South African professional golfer
Ashleigh Buhai of South Africa interacts with their caddie after chipping in for a birdie on the seventeenth green during Day Three of the AIG Women's Open at Muirfield on August 06, 2022 in Gullane, Scotland. - R&A
In Gee Chun is making another strong run at a major. The South Korean golfer took the halfway lead at the Women's British Open after a 5-under 66 in the second round on Friday, putting her in position to challenge for a second major title of the year, and fourth overall. Chun had an 8-under total of 134, putting her one shot ahead of South Africa’s Ashleigh Buhai and Sweden’s Madelene Sagstrom, who both shot 65. | 2022-08-06T23:54:15Z | sports.yahoo.com | Ashleigh Buhai shoots eight birdies to take big lead into final round of Women's Open | https://sports.yahoo.com/ashleigh-buhai-shoots-eight-birdies-193244069.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/ashleigh-buhai-shoots-eight-birdies-193244069.html?src=rss |
It marked the third-fastest time of Fraser-Pryce’s career. Fraser-Pryce, who won the Olympic 100m in 2008 and 2012, has broken 10.70 seconds six times, all since returning from 2017 childbirth. No other woman has broken 10.70 more than four times in a career.
Swimming’s Chlorine Daddy is part Michael Phelps, part Ryan Lochte,... World records in focus at post-track and field worlds Diamond League; TV,... Paris 2024 Olympic day-by-day competition schedule
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce runs world’s fastest 100m this year originally appeared on NBCSports.com
Tigers’ defensive line expected to be one of the SEC’s best
LSU returns a lot of production up front on defense this fall. | 2022-08-06T23:54:22Z | sports.yahoo.com | Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce runs world’s fastest 100m this year | https://sports.yahoo.com/shelly-ann-fraser-pryce-runs-162738281.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/shelly-ann-fraser-pryce-runs-162738281.html?src=rss |
Alex Cora weighs in on Chaim Bloom's puzzling trade deadline moves originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
What's the endgame for Chaim Bloom and the Boston Red Sox?
That's what many were wondering as they watched Bloom straddle the line between buying and selling ahead of Tuesday's MLB trade deadline. The Red Sox' chief baseball officer dealt starting catcher Christian Vazquez to the Houston Astros for a pair of prospects in a move that appeared to signal "sell," but then turned around and acquired outfielder Tommy Pham, catcher Reese McGuire and first baseman Eric Hosmer, who addresses one of the team's most glaring needs.
So, did Boston actually improve via its series of moves, and is this team any better-equipped to secure a wild card spot as it sputters around .500?
Red Sox manager Alex Cora was asked Thursday if he felt his team got better and gave a somewhat diplomatic response.
"I feel like our roster is in a better place, in the sense that we got options off the bench," Cora told WEEI's "Merloni, Fauria & Mego" radio show. "Like I said, in nine innings we can do a lot of things, mix and match with the opposition. That’s the way I see it. Obviously, we’ve got to get healthy. That’s the most important thing."
While Hosmer and Pham improve Boston's depth in two key areas, neither player really moves the needle. And while injured players like Kiké Hernandez and Michael Wacha could give the Red Sox a boost upon their return, the team still will be without left-hander Chris Sale and second baseman Trevor Story for most if not all of the stretch run.
In a telling sign of how the clubhouse may have reacted to Boston's moves, Bloom decided to join the Red Sox on their road trip in Houston and Kansas City to address any concerns his players may have.
"He was going to let the team know where we’re at, and the players we have. It’s not my meeting, it’s his," Cora said of Bloom's decision to join the team on the road. "But he’s going to do what he wants to do. He’s the boss, and if he feels he needs to talk to the team, I’m good with it."
Cora's Red Sox captured some late-season magic last year amid a run to the American League Championship Series, but they face a much steeper climb this year; Boston is four games out of a wild card spot after Thursday's loss and sits last in the AL East at 53-54.
No significant reinforcements are arriving, however, so Cora has no choice but to work with what he has.
"One of the things we have to do -- and we did a good job in Houston -- is, 'Hey, this who we are. This is what we have. And look at this team,'" Cora added. "We’ve got to attack the day the right way." | 2022-08-07T00:29:46Z | sports.yahoo.com | Alex Cora shares his take on Red Sox' puzzling MLB trade deadline activity | https://sports.yahoo.com/alex-cora-shares-red-sox-160000729.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/alex-cora-shares-red-sox-160000729.html?src=rss |
Fear not, Sooners fans. We are almost there. Football season is nearly upon us. We won’t have to write about predictions fot the upcoming season much longer.
There have been passive-aggressive jabs through the media between conferences, realignment news and rumors, and of course, the coaching carousel. Enough is enough. What’s going to happen this year?
Dennis Dodd of CBS Sports put out his 22 things to watch for in the 2022 college football season, and there are quite a few interesting nuggets in there. Among these 22 things were his New Year’s Six projections.
Dodd has the Sooners making the Cotton Bowl and will face the Houston Cougers. Below are Dodd’s full predictions for the New Year’s Six games and the College Football Playoff.
Another Alabama national championship. Yay.
Oklahoma State is noticeably absent, while the Sooners and Baylor are both here.
Utah getting into the CFP isn’t something that most college football fans would expect to see, but looking at the schedule, they’re going to be the better team in all but maybe one or two of their games. Another Pac-12 title could get the Utes into the CFP for the first time in school history. Yes, I am aware USC is on their schedule.
While not landing in the playoff may seem like a bummer for Oklahoma, getting to a New Year’s Six in your first season, perhaps right after winning the Big 12, would be a very nice start for Oklahoma in year one of a complete change in direction for the program. | 2022-08-07T00:42:29Z | sports.yahoo.com | Oklahoma Sooners projected to the Cotton Bowl by CBS Sports | https://sports.yahoo.com/oklahoma-sooners-projected-cotton-bowl-230638126.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/oklahoma-sooners-projected-cotton-bowl-230638126.html?src=rss |
“When you say things are slowing down, it’s just getting better,” Lance said. “And for me it’s every single rep, like every rep I take, I think the game slows down and that’s kind of the way I’m going about it every single day, one day at a time and every single rep is trying to learn as much as I can from it.”
Training camp has been a little bit of a struggle for Lance against a tenacious 49ers defense, but it sounds like the reps against that unit are having an overall positive effect.
Practices slowing down doesn’t mean Lance will immediately be a star in the league. It’s certainly a positive step though and something the 49ers coaching staff will love to hear.
Getting the game to slow down will allow Lance to be a better decision-maker, and should open things up for head coach Kyle Shanahan to start putting more on Lance’s plate.
The real first test comes in Friday’s preseason opener against Green Bay. That’ll be live game reps where Lance will get to test just how much the game has slowed down for him over the course of the offseason. If he keeps on this trajectory, he’ll be in a good position to play well right away this season.
The New York Giants have placed rookie offensive lineman Marcus McKethan on injured reserve due to a knee injury | 2022-08-07T01:39:00Z | sports.yahoo.com | Things slowing down for 49ers QB Trey Lance | https://sports.yahoo.com/things-slowing-down-49ers-qb-010028067.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/things-slowing-down-49ers-qb-010028067.html?src=rss |
Kareem Hunt is skipping drills at Cleveland Browns training camp as he seeks a contract extension, according to multiple reports.
CBS' Josina Anderson reports that Hunt is participating in individual drills but skipped team drills for the second consecutive day on Saturday. The sixth-year running back was previously a full participant at training camp, per the report. Per Anderson and Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot, the Browns are fining Hunt for the skipped drills.
Hunt, 27, is in the second year of a two-year, $12 million contract. Cabot reports that he told the Browns that he wants to finish his career in Cleveland.
Hunt joined the Browns in 2019 after two standout seasons to start his NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs. He made the Pro Bowl and led the NFL in rushing with 1,327 yards as a rookie in 2017. The Chiefs released him in 2018 after video surfaced of Hunt shoving a woman and kicking her on the floor of a Cleveland hotel hallway.
The Browns then signed Hunt to a one-year, $1.1 million contract for 2019. He forfeited half his salary that season as he eventually served an eight-game suspension from the NFL related to the hotel incident. Hunt eventually signed another one-year deal for 2020 prior to the two-year contract he now wants extended.
Kareem Hunt wants a new contract. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Hunt has played a reduced role in Cleveland while backing up three-time Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb. He's remained a productive player in his limited role, having tallied 2,169 yards from scrimmage (67.7 per game) and 19 touchdowns in 32 games with the Browns, his hometown team.
Chubb remains atop the depth chart while third-year running back D'Ernest Johnson broke out as a reliable backup in 2021 with 534 yards and three touchdowns on 100 carries. Neither Hunt nor the Browns have addressed the subject publicly. | 2022-08-07T02:01:16Z | sports.yahoo.com | NFL training camp 2022: Kareem Hunt reportedly skipping Browns drills, wants new contract | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-training-camp-2020-kareem-hunt-reportedly-skipping-browns-drills-wants-new-contract-004534875.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-training-camp-2020-kareem-hunt-reportedly-skipping-browns-drills-wants-new-contract-004534875.html?src=rss |
UCLA head coach Chip Kelly, giving instructions to players during spring practice, hopes the best for his player when it comes to NIL revenues but says he's not part of the process. (Kyusung Gong / Los Angeles Times)
“I think people have kind of convoluted the whole rule,” Kelly said. “Name, image and likeness is the student-athletes can make money off of their name, image and likeness, but coaches can't be involved in brokering deals for student-athletes. This is not pay for play, this is not recruiting inducements.”
“Well, you shouldn't have to do it in retaining them because schools can't recruit people off your roster,” Kelly said. “So that would be an NCAA violation if that were to be occurring. So I think if the enforcement arm of the NCAA catches up to the rules of the NCAA, I think we’ll be in a great situation.”
“There's some playful jabs here and there, some jokes being thrown around like, ‘Use some of that NIL money, some for us,’ or something like that,” Bobo said. “But I mean nothing real, it doesn't create a divide or anything down there in the locker room. That’s a positive that I had a question about when this whole thing kinda got rolling, but it’s cool to see that it’s nothing serious.”
“The thing is, it's really the guys who want to do it,” Kelly said. “Not everybody wants to be involved in it, not everybody wants to make the time, because you have to show work. This is not a quid pro quo; you have to do work. So if you want to make money in name, image and likeness, you have to be willing to go do the work that you have to do in name, image and likeness.
“People just can't pay you X amount of dollars to do nothing. Maybe in some other places that happens, but at this place it doesn't.” | 2022-08-07T02:17:42Z | sports.yahoo.com | Chip Kelly says he roots for UCLA players' NIL success, even if he can't help facilitate it | https://sports.yahoo.com/chip-kelly-says-roots-ucla-002536715.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/chip-kelly-says-roots-ucla-002536715.html?src=rss |
The 2022 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony has officially concluded, which means the NFL now has added its newest members to football’s most exclusive club. That includes former Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Tony Boselli, who is now the organization’s first player to be enshrined at Canton.
Former Jaguars quarterback was given the honor of being the presenter for Boselli and helped him reveal his bust that went into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday.
How 'bout that?#DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/goW1HcwHyw
On Friday, Boselli received his gold jacket at the Gold Jacket Dinner which several of his family members attended.
Boselli’s career only lasted from 1995 to 2001 due to a shoulder injury cutting it short, and as a result, it took him longer than many in the football community felt it should have to get him enshrined in Canton. However, Boselli remained patient about getting his opportunity and his time finally came this offseason. Back in February, fellow Hall-of-Famer and friend of Boselli, Anthony Muñoz, revealed the news to him as NFL Network caught the moment.
Boselli joins the Hall of Fame after becoming a three-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowler with the Jags, marking a dominant run with the organization. Those accolades helped him become a member of the 1990s All-Decade Team and a member of the Jags’ Hall of Fame called the “Pride of the Jaguars.”
Several members from the Jags organization attended the ceremony, like Jags owner Shad Khan and co-owner Tony Khan, as well as current general manager Trent Baalke and coach Doug Pederson. His speech was just past 11 minutes as he thanked those who supported him throughout his journey.
Haniger returns: All-Star outfielder back with Mariners after three-month injury hiatus
Haniger is batting third in Seattle’s lineup for Game 2 of a split doubleheader Saturday night. | 2022-08-07T03:09:51Z | sports.yahoo.com | Former Jags LT Tony Boselli officially inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-jags-lt-tony-boselli-020747286.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-jags-lt-tony-boselli-020747286.html?src=rss |
The Houston Texans’ run game was putrid in 2021.
The Texans’ were at the bottom of the league with 3.4 yards per carry and 83.6 rushing yards per game. Not only did Houston have just one performance where a back went over 100 yards rushing, but there were only three games where the team went over 100 rushing yards.
A.J. Cann wants to change that. The former Jacksonville Jaguars guard knows that churning yards in the NFL is difficult, but his expectations are lofty.
“You know, that’s hard to call right now but of course we want to pop a hundred every single game,” Cann told reporters after the sixth day of training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center Saturday.
Cann isn’t naive, not with 95 games played for the Jaguars from 2015-21. The former 2015 third-round pick from South Carolina is well aware that teams can focus their resources to take away a run game.
“That’s what we looking to do as an offensive line, as an offense, as a team, of course we want to go over a hundred every game but these are the teams that are going to be trying to watch film and compete with us as much as we compete with them,” said Cann. “That’s a challenge and that’s what we want to get. It’s a tough league but trust me we want to pop a hundred every game.”
Burkhead had Houston’s only 100-yard rushing game for a back in 2021 in a 41-29 Week 16 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. The Texans appeared to have a strong run game to start the season as they compiled 160 in the 37-22 win over the Jaguars at NRG Stadium. The Texans also had a 100-yard game against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 6 with a 31-3 loss at Lucas Oil Stadium. | 2022-08-07T03:09:58Z | sports.yahoo.com | G A.J. Cann wants Texans run game to ‘pop a hundred every single game’ | https://sports.yahoo.com/g-j-cann-wants-texans-020935504.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/g-j-cann-wants-texans-020935504.html?src=rss |
Ross Blacklock has been like loose cargo on a ship amid a storm: going back and forth.
The Houston Texans have had as many full-time coaches for as many training camps the 2020 second-round pick has been a part of. With that comes three different schemes.
Typically. The Texans promoted 2021 defensive coordinator and associate head coach Lovie Smith to the main role following the firing of David Culley. With that comes continuity of scheme and personnel that was not present when Blacklock was transitioning from his rookie season to his second season in the NFL.
The cohesion of the defensive line is an element that Blacklock has noticed as he preps for his third season with Houston.
” would say chemistry, when like new guys came in here, we brought everybody in with open arms and everybody kind of felt the love first day in when they were here,” Blacklock told reporters on Saturday after the sixth training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center. “Some guys didn’t know anybody, but we made everybody feel like family and just growing from OTAs and going into camp right now, but the growth has been a lot better.”
Blacklock also notes that the players have a better understanding of Smith’s Tampa 2 scheme, which is a boon when coupled with the on-field cohesion.
Said Blacklock: “Guys are a lot closer and guys are understanding what we need to do as a team, and they are buying in to Coach Lovie’s system. As long as you get that, we got someone we’re working with.”
Blacklock logged 22 combined tackles, 2.0 sacks, two tackles for loss, six quarterback hits, two pass breakups, and a forced fumble through 14 games in 2021, one of which he started. The Fort Bend Elkins High School product has shown flashes through his first two seasons, but 2022 might be the year it all comes together for Blacklock. | 2022-08-07T03:10:04Z | sports.yahoo.com | Texans DT Ross Blacklock likes the chemistry of the defensive line | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-dt-ross-blacklock-likes-015802694.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-dt-ross-blacklock-likes-015802694.html?src=rss |
Lance credits 'locked in' Aiyuk for hard work during offseason originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
SANTA CLARA — The on-field chemistry between Trey Lance and Brandon Aiyuk during 49ers training camp has been noticeable, and the second-year quarterback gives all the credit to the third-year wide receiver.
Aiyuk has been a standout during camp in both 1-on-1 drills and 11-on-11 work. Along with being a reliable target for Lance, Aiyuk has been a leader on and off the field, and quarterback couldn’t be more appreciative.
Lance was the organizer of the offseason workouts in Southern California with Aiyuk, but Lance shared that what the two of them have been able to accomplish has a lot to do with Aiyuk’s focus.
“Give the credit to Brandon,” Lance said. “That’s the work that he put in. I’ve been saying it this whole spring, summer. He was locked in this offseason and I think he had a goal of separating himself and becoming a different player and he’s done that.”
Aiyuk, who started to come on strong in the second half of the 2021 NFL season, has kept the momentum rolling. After two offseasons of very truncated practice schedules, the Arizona State product took it upon himself to make sure he got the work in, and it is evident on the field.
Aiyuk has become a favorite target of the 49ers quarterbacks, not only as a result of chemistry, but because of the separation he is seen getting from the 49ers' secondary — and they are no slouches. Aiyuk’s improved route running has been noticeable.
“He’s in a great spot right now -- physically, mentally,” Lance said. “He’s seeing the game, he’s feeling the game, he’s killing guys right now. He’s making some really big plays and separating himself.
“I know he’s going to continue to do that and that’s a credit to the way he comes in every day.”
RELATED: Aiyuk believes Lance was "born to play" quarterback
Lance has very little hesitation in throwing the ball to Aiyuk, even in close coverage, but the 49ers quarterback believes the entire receiving corps has improved in that aspect. The young signal caller’s supporting cast of skill players will help relieve the pressure of his first season as the team’s starter.
“I feel like that about all our receivers,” Lance said. “We got playmakers thankfully. That’s the way we’ve done it here. We’ve got guys that can make plays across the board but B.A. has done a great job, he’s taken advantage of all the opportunities he’s been given.”
The 49ers return to the practice field on Sunday for Day 10 of training camp before a day off on Monday. | 2022-08-07T03:10:10Z | sports.yahoo.com | Trey Lance credits Brandon Aiyuk's offseason work for improved chemistry | https://sports.yahoo.com/trey-lance-credits-brandon-aiyuks-223310253.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/trey-lance-credits-brandon-aiyuks-223310253.html?src=rss |
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers might have scored the biggest steal of the 2022 NFL offseason when they traded a fifth-round pick in this year’s draft for one of the best offensive guards in the league, Shaq Mason.
Mason joins the Bucs having already spent time with Tampa Bay quarterback Tom Brady in New England, but now finds himself making the transition to a new set of teammates after spending all of his NFL career so far with the Patriots.
After Saturday’s training camp practice, Mason spoke with the media on a wide range of topics, including the process of building chemistry with his new teammates:
Spencer Sanders, from Denton, Texas, has made 32 starts for the Cowboys, 10 more than any of his teammates on the offense. | 2022-08-07T03:10:17Z | sports.yahoo.com | WATCH: Shaq Mason talks building chemistry with new Bucs teammates | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-shaq-mason-talks-building-024323872.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-shaq-mason-talks-building-024323872.html?src=rss |
LaMonte Wade Jr. and J.D. Davis homered on consecutive pitches in the sixth inning, Joey Bart also connected, and the slumping San Francisco Giants beat the Oakland Athletics 7-3 on Saturday. Carlos Rodón allowed one run over 5 1/3 innings for his team-leading 10th victory as the Giants won for the fourth time in 16 games since the All-Star break. Wade, who doubled and scored in the second, hit his fourth home run of the season off Adam Oller (1-5) following Bart’s leadoff single. | 2022-08-07T03:32:44Z | sports.yahoo.com | Montgomery beats former team as Cardinals blank Yankees 1-0 | https://sports.yahoo.com/montgomery-beats-former-team-cardinals-024108880.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/montgomery-beats-former-team-cardinals-024108880.html?src=rss |
Ty Montgomery looks poised to make the roster at this point. He’s a capable sub back. He appears to be one of the more comfortable outside zone runners on the team through two weeks of practice. He can align at receiver. And he can return kicks. The more you can do ...
The authoritarian prime minister of Hungary served up anti-LGBTQ+ and Christian right rhetoric at the Conservative Political Action Conference. | 2022-08-07T04:41:13Z | sports.yahoo.com | Patriots 53-man roster projection: Roster spots starting to become more clear | https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-53-man-roster-projection-033000892.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-53-man-roster-projection-033000892.html?src=rss |
Just three days ago, Sabrina Ionescu became just the second player in WNBA history with 500 points, 200 rebounds, and 150 assists.
She’s at it again.
The former Duck and current New York Liberty star doesn’t have to share the spotlight with Candace Parker anymore as she became the first player in league history to score 500 points, grab 200 rebounds and dish out 200 assists in a single season.
The record-breaking assist came early in the contest with the Phoenix Mercury where the Liberty (13-18) are aiming for their fourth straight win.
It’s been an incredible season for Ionescu as she is playing free and healthy for the first time in her short three-year professional career and the dividends are paying off big time.
She's done it! 😮@sabrina_i20 becomes the 1st player in #WNBA history to have 500+ points, 200+ rebounds, and 200+ assists in a single season! 👏 pic.twitter.com/uE4niOeGJo
What does a Time Lord have to do with the galaxy far, far away? Usually nothing, but in the case of Lucasfilm's Rogue One television prequel, there was some unexpected overlap between the Star Wars and Doctor Who franchises. Chatting with Empire for the magazine's September 2022 issue (now on sale), Andor cast member Denise Gough admitted she placed a collect call to the TARDIS, seeking advice from her friend Jodie Whittaker, on how to best deliver sci-fi dialogue. Whittaker's two cents on the m
As a newcomer to Neil Gaiman’s seminal comic book series “The Sandman” (cue diehard fans immediately clicking out of this review, and fair enough!), I came to Netflix’s adaptation with an open mind and curious eye. Knowing this 1989 title had spawned onscreen spinoffs of “Sandman” characters — “Lucifer,” “Constantine,” etcetera — but never one […] | 2022-08-07T05:16:37Z | sports.yahoo.com | Sabrina Ionescu makes WNBA history yet again | https://sports.yahoo.com/sabrina-ionescu-makes-wnba-history-024145658.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/sabrina-ionescu-makes-wnba-history-024145658.html?src=rss |
Maybe it shouldn't be so surprising that Brady had a tough time walking away.
Brady retired for 40 days this offseason. Whether you believe a conspiracy theory that the brief retirement had to do with a failed backroom deal with the Miami Dolphins or a rift with Bruce Arians, all that matters for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is Brady is back. For those 40 days, the Buccaneers were looking at the possibility of choosing between Kyle Trask and Blaine Gabbert to start for a team that has Super Bowl hopes. That couldn't have been fun.
Brady doesn't have anything more to prove. Either you already think he's the greatest quarterback of all time or you never will. If you don't have Brady in the top spot after seven Super Bowl titles, you won't move him up if he wins No. 8. It sounds strange, but another Super Bowl title really wouldn't move the needle at all on Brady's legacy.
“It’s been so much fun for me to come here two years ago, almost two and a half years now," Brady said, via the Tampa Bay Times. "It’s been an incredible part of my football journey, and it’s not over. We’ve still got a lot to accomplish.”
The Bucs have been loaded the past couple seasons. They won a Super Bowl two seasons ago and went 13-4 last season. They had a great comeback to tie the Los Angeles Rams in a divisional round playoff game after falling way behind, and if not for an ill-fated "Cover 0" blitz call that led to a long Cooper Kupp catch in the final seconds, they might have advanced to the NFC championship game and beyond. The roster isn't quite the same heading into this season, but it's still at a championship level.
The big change of the offseason was Arians stepping down as Bucs head coach, but that shouldn't change much. Todd Bowles moves over from defensive coordinator to head coach. Byron Leftwich remains as offensive coordinator. Arians delegated a lot to his assistants the past couple seasons, so it should be business as usual.
There are some subtractions, though the Buccaneers were proactive in filling those holes. Rob Gronkowski retired, though we'll see if that sticks. Veteran Kyle Rudolph was signed to help tight end depth. Chris Godwin is coming back from a torn ACL and MCL, though the team added Russell Gage and Julio Jones. The Buccaneers signed defensive tackle Akiem Hicks, presumably ending their series of one-year deals with Ndamukong Suh. Guard Alex Cappa left in free agency and Ali Marpet retired after seven NFL seasons at age 28, but the team traded for Shaq Mason and then drafted Luke Goedeke in the second round. There's not much reason to worry about the roster.
The Buccaneers did take on a huge injury early in training camp. Center Ryan Jensen suffered a knee injury that will keep him out at least a couple of months. That could be a big blow for the offense. It's a reminder that everything can be in place, but you can't control injury luck.
The biggest question, other than replacing a Pro Bowl center, could be Brady. There's a saying that once you've started to think about retiring from the NFL, you've already retired. That's not entirely true; plenty of players have come out of retirement and played well, including Gronkowski. But what if there's just a bit of a letdown in the maniacal competitiveness that has made Brady great? Again, he has nothing to prove anymore. He has a massive TV contract waiting for him with Fox. And physically, nobody has ever done what Brady is trying to do at age 45. Brady seems like a cyborg after beating every realistic expectation for a quarterback in his 40s, but it still wouldn't be too shocking if he falls off at age 45.
Otherwise, the Buccaneers should be very good again. They're the biggest division favorites in the NFL, mostly because the rest of the NFC South isn't posing much of a threat. The Buccaneers should be hosting at least one more playoff game this season. Maybe Brady will write the perfect ending to his career and walk away. Or, he'll just play forever.
The Buccaneers operated as you'd expect from a team with a 45-year-old quarterback and Super Bowl hopes. They aren't waiting for tomorrow. They did a good job, again, retaining their own players with new contracts to center Ryan Jensen, cornerback Carlton Davis, receiver Chris Godwin and running back Leonard Fournette, among others. Receiver Russell Gage was the big addition on a three-year, $30 million deal, then they followed that up with a late July signing of Julio Jones. The Buccaneers lost guards Alex Cappa in free agency and Ali Marpet to a surprising retirement but made a low-cost trade with the Patriots for Shaq Mason. Akiem Hicks was signed to take Ndamukong Suh's spot on the defensive line. Safety Jordan Whitehead left but Mike Edwards should replace him fine. Edge defender Jason Pierre-Paul is still unsigned and maybe pass rush depth is a bit of a concern. Otherwise, the Buccaneers retooled the roster well. The team's draft didn't get great grades, but the team's top three picks — Houston DE Logan Hall, Central Michigan OG Luke Goedeke, Arizona State RB Rachaad White — could all contribute right away.
For many years, this part of the Patriots/Buccaneers preview has been spent looking at what quarterbacks Tom Brady's age have done in the NFL. Let's take a look at the statistics of every single quarterback who has thrown a pass at age 45 or later through NFL history:
That's all folks. Blanda never started a game at quarterback after age 41 and was mainly a kicker in his 40s. We're finally to the point in which there is no historical comparison to what Brady is about to do. Do not undersell what Brady has already done in his 40s. We've never seen anything like it, or even close.
The Buccaneers have the shortest Super Bowl odds at BetMGM of any NFC team at +750. They are an overwhelming -300 favorite to win the NFC South, and you won't often see odds like that for any division favorite. They're -600 to make the playoffs. Their win total is 11.5. There is a lot of optimism about the Bucs in the betting market. I'll pass on the Bucs at those lofty odds. One number that stands out is that Tom Brady is tied for the second-shortest MVP odds at +800. Take a moment and think about how unbelievable that is for a 45-year-old NFL player.
From Yahoo's Scott Pianowski: "Mike Evans is in the boring veteran stage of his career, and perhaps that will make him a fantasy bargain. He’s quietly putting together a Hall of Fame resume, the only receiver in history to open his career with seven straight 1,000-yard seasons.
"Granted, Evans eked over that 1,000-yard mark the last two years, but he’s been Tom Brady’s money man in the scoring area. Evans has 27 touchdown catches since Brady relocated to Tampa Bay, a connection you can bank on. And with Chris Godwin a question mark to open the year and Rob Gronkowski settled into retirement, Evans should retain a massive share of the goal-line work. You have my permission to strongly consider Evans at any point in your draft’s second round; his current Yahoo ADP of 22.9 looks like a gift."
The Buccaneers had four Pro Bowl players on defense last season: defensive tackle Vita Vea, linebacker Devin White, edge rusher Shaq Barrett and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. That doesn't count linebacker Lavonte David, a former Pro Bowler who has been a defensive stalwart for 10 seasons, and underrated cornerback Carlton Davis. The Buccaneers have had a top-10 defense each of the past two seasons with Todd Bowles running it. The defense should be about at that level again this season. The offense gets most of the attention, but the Buccaneers defense has also been at a championship level since Tom Brady arrived.
Godwin missed three-and-a-half games last season and still led the Buccaneers with 127 targets. Only Mike Evans came within 38 targets of Godwin in the Bucs offense. Godwin was cleared to start training camp, which is good news as he comes off a torn ACL and MCL. There's still no guarantee he'll be ready for the season opener. Tampa Bay will hope Godwin is back to full health early in the season, because he has become a huge part of the offense and a favorite of Tom Brady. The loss of Godwin and Antonio Brown, who quit during a game late in the season, left Tampa Bay shorthanded for the playoffs. The Buccaneers lost on the final play to the Rams, and perhaps they would have won that game with Godwin in the lineup. While the Buccaneers added at receiver in the offseason, it will be challenging to win another Super Bowl if Godwin isn't his normal self. It's a situation worth watching early this season.
Tom Brady finished second in the NFL MVP voting after throwing for 5,316 yards and 43 touchdowns last season. There have been no signs of a drop off. While Brady's late-career production is hard to believe, it's happening and will probably continue until he retires for good. By the end of the season Brady could be surrounded by Mike Evans, a healthy Chris Godwin, Russell Gage, Julio Jones and Leonard Fournette, with a strong offensive line in front of him. The defense should be very good again, too. Tampa Bay has the easiest path to a division title of any NFL team, and perhaps a No. 1 seed. A second Tampa Bay Super Bowl title for Brady is certainly possible.
Clearly, the "Tom Brady is suddenly washed up" possibility is the worst case for the Buccaneers, though that seems unlikely based on how Brady played last season. It could still happen. Assuming Brady is near what he was last season and there's not a crazy string of injuries (the Ryan Jensen injury isn't a great omen that way, and it leaves the Bucs vulnerable on their interior offensive line), it's hard to imagine the Bucs not winning the division. That's a pretty good floor. But when you're in win-now mode — we've never seen a 45-year-old starting quarterback before, but that's pretty much the epitome of "win-now mode" — anything short of a Super Bowl will feel like a lost season. Maybe the passing game will be a little light if Chris Godwin doesn't look like his pre-injury self and Rob Gronkowski isn't sufficiently replaced. The defense should be good but the pass rush is a little unproven. And yes, maybe Brady goes from being great to merely very good, and that's the difference in a deep playoff run and an early exit.
Tom Brady became the greatest "old" player in NFL history ... five seasons ago when he won MVP. I've spent a lot of time in these previews through the years wondering when we'd see Brady fall off, and it hasn't happened yet. I don't think it will this season either. The Buccaneers are going to win the division unless the wheels fall off somehow. Given their competition in the NFC South, they have the clearest path to the No. 1 seed. I'm not sure yet if I'll be picking the Buccaneers to win the NFC, but they have the talent to get back to a Super Bowl. What a story that would be. | 2022-08-07T06:12:23Z | sports.yahoo.com | 2022 NFL Preview: Tom Brady returns, maybe to win another Super Bowl with Buccaneers | https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-nfl-preview-tom-brady-returns-maybe-to-win-another-super-bowl-with-buccaneers-122002514.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-nfl-preview-tom-brady-returns-maybe-to-win-another-super-bowl-with-buccaneers-122002514.html?src=rss |
Ward sets expectations high for 49ers secondary in 2022 originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
The 49ers are expecting better from their secondary ahead of the 2022 NFL season. Last year, San Francisco was near the bottom regarding interceptions (9) and pass deflections (55), so there's plenty of room for improvement.
Furthermore, NFL quarterbacks possessed a passer rating of 99.4 when facing the 49ers' pass defense last season. There were some positives for the secondary in 2021, as they were middle of the pack with passing touchdowns allowed (25) and yards allowed (3,510).
As a result, the secondary looks to make improvements and despite the numbers from last season, new 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward is confident in the group.
"In the back end, like, we're not getting any respect," Ward told NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco on the latest edition of "49ers Talk."
"So like, if it's a game, you know, you lose the game. They're probably trying to put on the DBs, but that's not going to happen this year."
Along with Ward, who signed a three-year contract in March, the 49ers re-signed veteran defensive backs Darqueze Dennard, Dontae Johnson, and Jason Verrett.
Verrett is coming off an ACL injury suffered in Week 1 that ended his 2021 NFL season, and while coach Kyle Shanahan wants Verrett back on the field, there's no plan to rush the 31-year-old into the lineup.
Furthermore, San Francisco added secondary help in the 2022 NFL Draft, landing Toledo's Samuel Womack at No. 172 and using another late selection on Penn State's Tariq Castro-Fields at No. 221.
With a mix of veterans and youth in the defensive back, Ward has high expectations for the group.
"I don't want to make any crazy predictions," Ward told Maiocco. "I feel like we're going to be a great secondary.
"All of us can cover. All of us can tackle. All of us can force turnovers and catch the ball. We're going to show the world what we are cable of."
RELATED: 49ers camp observations: Two solid drives follow slow start to practice
Ward and the rest of the 49ers' secondary will have the opportunity to make a statement and show last season's performance is behind them in Week 1 against Justin Fields and the Chicago Bears on Sept. 11 at Soldier Field. | 2022-08-07T06:12:29Z | sports.yahoo.com | Charvarius Ward expects 49ers to have 'great secondary' in 2022 | https://sports.yahoo.com/charvarius-ward-expects-49ers-great-050429936.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/charvarius-ward-expects-49ers-great-050429936.html?src=rss |
"It kinda seems like our lineup has been forgotten about with a lot of this stuff that has been happening," Muncy said. "It’s been kinda nice to go out there and prove again that we’re one of the best lineups in baseball, and there’s no question about that.”
You have to see these seriously flattering J.Crew swimsuits — they’re all less than $20 this weekend!
Stock up for this summer and next! | 2022-08-07T06:34:38Z | sports.yahoo.com | Dodgers preview their anticipated October prowess in comeback vs. Padres | https://sports.yahoo.com/dodgers-preview-anticipated-october-prowess-053247650.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/dodgers-preview-anticipated-october-prowess-053247650.html?src=rss |
Rollins expects to bring 'competitor' attitude as rookie originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
While speaking with NBC Sports Bay Area's Dalton Johnson on the latest edition of "Dubs Talk," Rollins revealed what type of player Warriors fans can expect both on and off the court.
"I'm just a polite, friendly, kind-hearted dude," Rollins told Johnson. "I show respect to everybody. You know, I'm a chill dude. I really don't do too much.
"On the basketball side. I'm a competitor. I love to play basketball. So when I go out there, I'm going to give my all on the offensive and the defensive end. I'm going to go out there, play the game the right way, and try to get a win."
RELATED: Pippen responds to Draymond's Warriors-Bulls dynasty take
The 20-year-old expects that the improvements won't stop at the college level and will follow him to his professional career with the Warriors. | 2022-08-07T06:35:10Z | sports.yahoo.com | Warriors' Ryan Rollins expects to bring 'competitor' attitude as rookie | https://sports.yahoo.com/warriors-ryan-rollins-expects-bring-233741180.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/warriors-ryan-rollins-expects-bring-233741180.html?src=rss |
Sabrina Ionescu has done it again.
The New York Liberty star etched her name into the record books one more time on Saturday, this time for a season-long accomplishment.
In the opening minute against the Phoenix Mercury, Ionescu found Crystal Dangerfield on the right wing for a 3-pointer that put the Liberty on the board. The assist was her 200th of the season, making Ionescu the first player to record 500-plus points, 200-plus rebounds and 200-plus assists in the 26-season history of the WNBA.
In the 𝑺𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒉 zone 💧 pic.twitter.com/udpnxxBZAl
She reached the milestone with four games remaining in the regular season. At 24 years old, she promises to challenge and possibly exceed those numbers multiple times throughout her career.
For Ionescu, the achievement's the latest in a young career that's seen the former Oregon standout so far live up to the expectations that came with being the No. 1 pick in the 2020 draft. Since injury limited her to just three games as a rookie, she's developed into one of the game's most productive players.
The latest statistical milestone for Sabrina Ionescu most certainly won't be her last (Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
On July 6, Ionescu tallied 31 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists to post the highest-scoring triple-double in WNBA history. The triple-double was also the third of her career, tying Candace Parker for the most in league history.
Parker, a seven-time All-Star and two-time league MVP, notched her third just weeks earlier to briefly hold the record for her own. She needed 15 seasons to reach the tally, and she's one of the greatest players in the history of the game. Ionescu reached her third in just her second full season of play.
This is what Ionescu does. She broke the NCAA record for triple-doubles by men or women with the 13th of her career as a junior in 2018. By the time she wrapped up her senior season at Oregon, she'd doubled that tally to 26. In this season — her first as an All-Star — Ionescu has averaged 17.5 points, 7.1 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game.
Unfortunately for the Liberty, Ionescu's production hasn't translated to on-court success. After a 12-20 campaign in 2021, New York is 13-19 in 2022. That includes a 76-62 loss to the Mercury on Saturday. Ionescu led the Liberty effort with 20 points alongside five rebounds and five assists. None of her teammates scored more than seven points.
New York's long-term priority is clear. Surround Ionescu with the right talent to elevate her unique skill-set into championship contention. | 2022-08-07T08:31:34Z | sports.yahoo.com | Sabrina Ionescu sets new WNBA standard for points, rebounds, assists in a season | https://sports.yahoo.com/sabrina-ionescu-sets-new-wnba-standard-for-points-rebounds-assists-in-a-season-044131138.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/sabrina-ionescu-sets-new-wnba-standard-for-points-rebounds-assists-in-a-season-044131138.html?src=rss |
Every team always has to play the delicate balance of playing time during the preseason, and the Indianapolis Colts are no different.
While it’s important for the players to get reps in a live atmosphere, there’s a fine line to walk without risking injury too much. Getting the new players acclimated to the schemes is vital, but having them available for the season is the priority.
So while the Colts have a tentative plan for playing time during the preseason, it’s always subject to change.
Head coach Frank Reich told reporters Saturday that the starters may play a little more this preseason in hopes of getting more prepared for the start of the season.
“Maybe play a little bit more than we’ve played in the past, not a whole lot more, but maybe a little bit more,” Reich said.
It’s no surprise Reich would feel this way. Given the injuries that hit the starting unit during training camp and the preseason last year, and then the subsequent 1-4 start to the season, it’s no shock that he wants the two units gelling as much as possible.
But Reich knows he has to be smart with his players, especially the ones that play positions of higher risk like running back and linebacker. It’s a constant conversation between him and general manager Chris Ballard
“Chris and I have talked about this at length. It’s like, generally speaking in the first game, it’s a quarter. It will be a quarter but it really depends how many plays per series and all that stuff. We kind of have a play number,” Reich said of the process. “Then we’ll make individual exceptions as needed, and we will determine that. That can only be determined as we get to that day. But yeah, I would say in general, right now the plan would be to play a little bit more.”
When the Colts host the Detroit Lions for joint training camp practices before the Week 2 preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium, the playing time during that preseason game may not matter as much given the physicality that will likely come from those two practices leading up to it.
“In Week 2 against the Lions, because we’re having competitive practice against them, there’s a good chance the starters won’t play in that game because we’ve got two good days of work against them, it’s highly competitive,” Reich said. “Dan (Campbell) and I have already talked so that will probably likely be the plan for that game.
“Then bounce back and play a little bit more in the third game.”
It’s a fine line to walk throughout the preseason. Every coach has a different philosophy when it comes to playing time during the preseason, and Reich is no different.
While the plan is certainly subject to change, we may see a bit more of the starters in the first and third preseason games. | 2022-08-07T12:17:47Z | sports.yahoo.com | Colts’ starters may play ‘a little bit more’ in preseason | https://sports.yahoo.com/colts-starters-may-play-little-113850920.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/colts-starters-may-play-little-113850920.html?src=rss |
The Indianapolis Colts held a tryout for four linebackers, per the league’s transaction wire Saturday.
The four linebackers included Aaron Hansford, Justin Hilliard, Dorian O’Daniel and Kadofi Wright.
The Colts showed interest in Hansford before the 2022 NFL draft. Hilliard spent some time with the San Francisco 49ers and New York Giants and is suspended for the first two games of the season after violating the league’s performance-enhancing substance policy.
O’Daniel was a third-round pick with the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2018 NFL draft. He has appeared in 58 games (one start) while spending the majority of his time on special teams.
Wright was an undrafted free agent out of Buffalo who signed with the Denver Broncos.
Miss any of our Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement coverage? Here's a look back at how it unfolded this past weekend. | 2022-08-07T12:17:54Z | sports.yahoo.com | Colts worked out four LBs | https://sports.yahoo.com/colts-worked-four-lbs-111233582.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/colts-worked-four-lbs-111233582.html?src=rss |
Why Carson Strong isn’t a shoo-in to be Eagles’ No. 3 quarterback originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
When the Eagles signed undrafted quarterback Carson Strong and gave him a contract that included a whopping $320,000, it looked like the rookie had an inside track to be the team’s third-string quarterback.
Not so fast. Don’t forget about Reid Sinnett.
Through the first couple weeks of training camp, the Eagles’ 25-year-old incumbent No. 3 quarterback has looked very good. Much better, in fact, than Strong.
“You can tell Reid’s just been here,” quarterbacks coach Brian Johnson said on Saturday. “He’s much more comfortable in what we’re doing. He’s done an excellent job just in terms of working on what we wanted to work on.”
Of course, it’s still early. Strong was once thought of as a high-round draft pick and he likely fell completely out of the draft because of concerns about his knee, not his play. In his final year at Nevada, Strong threw for 4,175 yards with 36 touchdowns and 8 interceptions.
There’s no question that Strong is talented. But there’s no substitute for experience. And Sinnett has him there.
The Eagles brought in Sinnett on Oct. 25 during last season after he was waived by the Dolphins. Miami wanted to sneak him through to their practice squad, but the Eagles pounced. They claimed Sinnett and kept him on their 53-man roster for the rest of the season.
While Sinnett didn’t get a single snap — he was inactive for eight games — he was the Eagles’ backup quarterback against the Jets in Week 13 and against the Cowboys in Week 18. No. 2 quarterback Gardner Minshew played every snap in those two games.
But behind the scenes, the Eagles liked what they saw from Sinnett. At 6-4, 220 pounds, Sinnett is the tallest of the Eagles’ four quarterbacks and has a decently strong arm. During this training camp, he’s been getting most of the third-team snaps ahead of Strong and has looked better than his rookie teammate.
Sinnett went undrafted out of San Diego back in 2020. He initially signed with the Buccaneers and spent his first training camp in Tampa. He joined the Dolphins’ practice squad that season and was with them through October of 2021, when he ended up in Philadelphia.
The Eagles have liked what they’ve seen from Sinnett this summer.
“I just can’t say enough about how much he’s progressed in terms of footwork, timing, things of that nature,” Johnson said. “Once he got the reps, I think he’s starting to show. He’s done a nice job so far this camp.”
It’s pretty clear that Jalen Hurts is the Eagles’ starter and Minshew is their backup. But Minshew is in a contract season so perhaps one of the other two quarterbacks in camp this summer could eventually grow into the backup role in Philly.
There’s no guarantee the Eagles even keep three quarterbacks on their 53-man roster this season. But if they do, Sinnett is definitely making his case.
Ty France's two-run home run (14)
Ty France crushes a two-run home run over the left-center-field wall to give the Mariners a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the 3rd inning | 2022-08-07T12:18:00Z | sports.yahoo.com | Eagles training camp 2022: How QB Reid Sinnett is impressing his coaches | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-training-camp-2022-qb-110000219.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-training-camp-2022-qb-110000219.html?src=rss |
Why every rep is 3rd-and-long in the Super Bowl for Isaac Seumalo originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Now that he’s over at right guard, Isaac Seumalo finds himself working against Fletcher Cox most of the time.
Cox may not be the player he used to be, but we’re talking about a six-time Pro Bowler who’s still a formidable talent, knows all the tricks of the trade and is giving Seumalo everything he has play after play after play.
And Seumalo loves it.
“Trust me, every rep I take with Fletch, I treat it like it’s 3rd-and-long in the Super Bowl, and I want to win,” he said. “I think about this all the time. The confidence that you see in a lot of DBs and receivers, I try to bring that to the offensive line and I learned a lot of that from Brandon Brooks and J.P. (Jason Peters).
“You’ve got to embrace those two-minute, 3rd-downs. When you’re 1-on-1? Me and Lane (Johnson) especially, we try to take a lot of pride in that. It’s not me having to face that guy, it’s, ‘He’s got to face me every play.’
“I love going up against great players and you get to test it every day. That’s the best thing and I really appreciate it.”
Seumalo is back 10 months after undergoing surgery to repair a lisfranc foot sprain that ended his 2021 season after just three games.
Some may see him as one of the few question marks on a stacked offense – coming off his second straight season-ending injury, new position on the o-line – but Seumalo said after practice Saturday he couldn’t be more encouraged by the way the first week and a half of training camp has gone.
The normally stoic Seumalo even got a little emotional talking about a moment he took in the locker room before practice Thursday to reflect on everything he’s been through.
“It’s been great being out there,” he said. “The first day we had pads on I just kind of took a minute (to reflect). It’s been nine, 10 months since I put on cleats and pads and stuff and I’m really enjoying the moment, trying to squeeze as much as I can out of every day."
And that reflective moment in the locker room?
“(I was) just taking a second to appreciate the ability to just play football again," he said. "Because those first six months after the surgery was a grueling process and all the work I put in to get to this point, it’s been a lot.”
When he’s healthy, Seumalo is very good. But he missed seven games with a knee injury in 2020 and 15 games last year. And Landon Dickerson’s emergence last year at Seumalo’s left guard spot forced Seumalo across to Brandon Brooks’ old right guard spot.
“Brandon Brooks, who’s a close friend of mine, the way he approached his injuries and the way he came back is something that I really took notice of,” Seumalo said. “So last year with the knee, I felt like I came back quicker than I was scheduled and played better, and I approached this the same way. I wanted to come back stronger.
“I try to embrace these kinds of challenges - switching sides, coming back off a bad foot injury - and then I think the last two weeks I’ve been performing at a really high level. And I think the biggest thing that attests to that is when you ask the guys you’re going up against and they say the same thing. I appreciate the respect there and embracing those challenges has always been the biggest thing for me.”
Seumalo is now in his seventh season with the Eagles, the only member of the 2016 draft class still here.
Brandon Graham, Jason Kelce, Fletcher Cox and Lane Johnson are the only other position players who’ve been here that long. Long snapper Rick Lovato also arrived in 2016.
“It’s flown by,” he said. “I try to really appreciate living in the moment and realizing that I get to play this game for a living. Especially when you get injured and you’re away from the game. It puts everything in perspective.
“I think in this league, in this business, it’s what have you done for me recently, and can you prove it today, and that’s every year, every rep, every practice, so I approach every day like that.”
The elephant in the room with Seumalo is his contract.
He’s on the last year of a three-year, $17.6 million extension he signed in 2019 that covers the 2020 through 2022 seasons. He’s only played 12 games since that contract kicked in.
Is it on his mind? Kind of.
But he knows where that can lead, and he’s smart enough to know he can't go there.
“I’m not going to say it’s not there,” he said. “But once you step on the football field, if you’re thinking about anything else other than blocking the guy in front of you, you’re thinking the wrong way.” | 2022-08-07T12:18:12Z | sports.yahoo.com | Eagles training camp 2022: Why every rep for Isaac Seumalo is 3rd-and-long in the Super Bowl | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-training-camp-2022-why-110000269.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-training-camp-2022-why-110000269.html?src=rss |
Indianapolis Colts defensive lineman Tyquan Lewis knew something was wrong with his knee after recording an interception against the Tennessee Titans in Week 8 of the regular season.
With the Colts leading 14-7 in a crucial divisional game against a team that had already beaten them once during the season, Lewis nabbed a pass from Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill late in the second quarter at midfield.
Lewis, untouched, crumbled to the ground and lost the football. The Titans recovered the ball, but the fourth-year pass rusher knew something was wrong.
“Yeah. I just looked down and I was like well, here we are. I cracked a smile and looked up at the sky and – I’m just thankful man,” Lewis told reporters Saturday. “I cherish every moment. Good, bad, ugly, it doesn’t matter what it is in my life I cherish every moment because it has made me who I am.”
Lewis was carted off the field, and the Titans had recovered the fumble following his first career interception. On the very next play, wide receiver A.J. Brown took a quick pass from Tannehill for a 58-yard touchdown, tying the game and shifting the momentum on one snap.
The Colts went on to lose that game 34-31 in overtime at home.
“I probably thought about that play 100 times this offseason,” said head coach Frank Reich.
The injury wound up being to his patellar tendon. It’s a devastating injury for any player and has been known infamously for its difficult rehab process and low rate of return for athletes.
Part of the reason it was so devastating at the time was that Lewis was in the final year of his rookie contract. The former second-round pick had battled injuries through the first three years of his career and was finally putting together a strong season.
Lewis was heading toward a career-high in sacks, tackles for loss and snaps played. The Colts wound up signing him to a one-year deal worth $2.5 million, which is something Lewis will never forget.
“I mean it just boosts your morale, knowing that someone has your back through thick and thin. Like you said, it wasn’t easy. It was gruesome,” Lewis said. “For [GM Chris Ballard] to have my back it just means a lot especially moving forward. This team, everyone around me, the chemistry we have as a whole organization just means a lot that people trust me and they want me to continue to do well.”
Despite the difficult rehab process, Lewis spent a total of one day on the PUP list at the start of training camp. Initially, the Colts wanted to take it even slower, but Lewis had shown he was ready to return.
“It’s hard. It’s a hard surgery, hard recovery but to his credit, he’s done well, especially to me in the last week. It just feels like he’s maybe a step ahead of when we got him back into it,” said Reich. “We just thought, maybe let’s go super slow, but I think he’s doing well and we’ll keep progressing it day-by-day a little bit at a time.”
Lewis is currently competing in a crowded defensive line room with several players vying for a role in Gus Bradley’s defense.
With the preseason starting up this coming week, we’ll get a good look at just how far the Ohio State product has come since the gruesome injury.
And he’s ready to show this was just a minor setback for a major comeback.
“Overcoming obstacles, whatever it is in life you need to get through, just cherish it because that grind will never go away.” | 2022-08-07T12:18:37Z | sports.yahoo.com | Tyquan Lewis cherishing opportunity after ‘gruesome’ injury | https://sports.yahoo.com/tyquan-lewis-cherishing-opportunity-gruesome-120505401.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/tyquan-lewis-cherishing-opportunity-gruesome-120505401.html?src=rss |
Aug. 7—Last year Chaim Bloom seemingly got every move right. Signing Kiké Hernández and Hunter Renfroe, trading for Kyle Schwarber, stealing Garrett Whitlock from the New York Yankees, all of those moves helped lift the Red Sox from last place to the American League Championship Series.
That isn't entirely Bloom's fault. The Red Sox have been wracked by injuries and in July saw nearly the entire starting rotation go down all at once, but Bloom also failed to address some obvious weaknesses, and some of the moves he did make haven't paid off.
It's too early to judge his trade deadline moves last week, but four months in we can confidently assess his big league moves from this past offseason. In summary, not bad, but not good enough.
You can envision a scenario where last December's Hunter Renfroe for Jackie Bradley Jr. and prospects trade works out.
Bradley was coming off a wretched offensive season in Milwaukee but had enjoyed success in Boston and remains one of the game's best defensive outfielders. The two prospects coming in are well regarded and even if they weren't going to contribute in the majors this year they could still be useful pieces in a future trade.
But for the trade to be worthwhile, it should have been treated as what it was — a long-term move to build organizational depth at the expense of big league talent. In other words, there needed to be another move once the lockout ended to shore up the outfield so Bradley could be used as a late-inning defensive replacement, the role he's best suited for at this stage in his career.
Bradley was released on Thursday, ending a disappointing second stint with the club that saw him bat .210 with a .578 OPS in 92 games this season, mostly as the starting right fielder. The Red Sox will be on the hook for his remaining salary, and as Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reported in his analysis of the deal's financial ramifications, the trade is also likely to mean the difference between the club finishing above or below the competitive balance tax threshold.
Bloom's big splash this offseason was signing Trevor Story, and while he hasn't been anything close to a bust, his first season in Boston hasn't been a rousing success either.
So far Story has been one of Boston's most prolific run producers, having posted 15 home runs, 58 RBI and 49 runs in 81 games, exactly half a season's worth of action that equates to a 30 homer, 100-plus RBI pace. He's also delivered Gold Glove caliber defense at second base and a solid 2.1 wins above replacement, and it's no coincidence that the Red Sox season turned around once he finally got going in May after a slow start.
But Story has also struggled with his consistency, and his .221 average, .289 on-base percentage and .423 slugging percentage are all far below his career averages. He's also likely going to wind up missing at least a month with a broken wrist after getting hit on the hand by a pitch back on July 12 in Tampa Bay, which isn't his or Bloom's fault but has been a major factor in the club's recent struggles.
Story is going to be in Boston for five more years after this season, so it's far too soon to draw any conclusions on him, but strictly looking at this year was he the club's best option? This past offseason he was one of five middle infielders to sign deals worth more than $100 million, along with Carlos Correa, Javy Baez, Corey Seager and Marcus Semien. Story was without a doubt a better option than Baez, who signed a nearly identical contract with the Detroit Tigers and has been a disaster, and his production has been more or less comparable to the other three, all of whom signed for a lot more money.
Coming off a couple of down years with the New York Mets and Tampa Bay Rays, Wacha has rediscovered his old St. Louis Cardinals form and at times has been arguably Boston's best starting pitcher. He's 6-1 with a 2.69 ERA on the year, but he has also been on the injured list twice and hasn't pitched since June 28. Hill also missed most of July with a sprained knee but has been a respectable No. 5 starter and a great veteran presence in the clubhouse.
Considering that the Red Sox have as many as nine starter candidates when fully healthy, you can't really fault Bloom's approach here. The Red Sox might have as much rotation depth as any club in the big leagues, but when almost everyone gets hurt all at once there's only so much you can do.
As for the starters Bloom let walk, Eduardo Rodriguez has only made eight starts in Detroit and hasn't been particularly effective since signing his five-year, $77 million deal. Garrett Richards hasn't been any good in Texas, and while Martin Perez is enjoying an All-Star resurgence with the Rangers, nobody could realistically have seen that coming after his last year in Boston.
The Red Sox bullpen was a weakness last season and while Bloom did make moves to address the issues, it's clear he didn't go far enough.
But Houck, Whitlock and Schreiber can't pitch every day and the Red Sox other relievers haven't proven they can consistently get the job done. One of Bloom's other key offseason moves, re-signing Hansel Robles, did not work out, and if the hope was that Matt Barnes would get back to his All-Star form, that hasn't panned out either.
The Red Sox needed to sign at least one other late-inning arm, ideally a right-hander, and there weren't any shortage of those available over the offseason. One option Bloom could have pursued was re-signing Adam Ottavino, who was one of Boston's top bullpen arms last year and is having a great season with the New York Mets. Ottavino signed for just one-year, $4 million and currently has as 2.38 ERA in 42 appearances while allowing fewer than one walk/hit per inning pitched.
Obviously hindsight is 20/20, but the bullpen, first base and the outfield were all known issues and weren't adequately addressed. The good news is Eric Hosmer and Tommy Pham should help shore up the latter problems and as the pitching staff gets healthier the club should still have a chance to compete.
The key difference, and the main reason why Devers has a strong case for a bigger deal than Riley, is he's been producing at an elite level for a lot longer.
Compared to Riley, who is in his fourth big league season and only really broke out last year, Devers has been a key big league contributor for nearly six years now. He's played in far more games (639 to 396), has over 1,000 more at bats (2,506 to 1,463) and a significant lead in career home runs (135 to 88). He also strikes out at a far lower rate and has significantly improved his defense, and in terms of Red Sox history he's put together a resume through age 25 that compares favorably to Ted Williams.
Will that difference help deliver Devers the $300 million contract he reportedly seeks? That remains to be seen, but $212 million should be the absolute floor at this point, and there's a good bet Devers will net a lot more than that.
Meet the new kidsIn addition to the big league additions of first baseman Eric Hosmer, left fielder Tommy Pham and catcher Reese McGuire, the Red Sox also acquired four new prospects ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline, plus a player to be named later. Here's a quick overview of each prospect and what fans can hopefully expect from them. All stats mentioned are current entering Saturday.
Enmanuel Valdez, INF: A 23-year-old utility player from the Dominican Republic acquired for Christian Vazquez, Valdez is a bat-first prospect who has posted some impressive numbers at the plate throughout his professional career. This season he has 23 home runs and 82 RBI through 85 games split between Double-A and Triple-A and he's batted .325 with a 1.022 OPS on the year. Since his arrival with the Worcester Red Sox Valdez has already hit two home runs through his first three games.
Wilyer Abreu, OF: Acquired alongside Valdez in the Christian Vazquez deal, the 23-year-old Venezuelan boasts a tantalizing combination of speed and power. Abreu currently has 15 home runs, 54 RBI and 23 stolen bases in 92 games at Double-A, and he has significantly improved his walk totals this season, helping him post a career-best .402 on-base percentage. He's also regarded as a strong defensive center fielder and a great overall athlete.
Abreu ranked as Houston's No. 21 prospect prior to the trade and in a lot of respects he has a similar profile to David Hamilton, one of the prospects Boston acquired in last offseason's Jackie Bradley Jr. trade.
Prior to the trade Ferguson ranked as San Diego's No. 23 prospect according to Baseball America. He'll now play in Greenville and is likely still at least a couple years away from the big leagues.
Corey Rosier, OF: A 12th-round pick out of UNC Greensboro last year, Rosier is not considered a high-end prospect but still offers some intriguing upside. Having spent this entire season at High-A, Rosier has demonstrated an aptitude for getting on base (.381 OBP) and has nearly as many walks (57) as strikeouts (69). He's also got some serious speed with 35 stolen bases to go along with eight triples in 87 games. Rosier was also acquired in the Hosmer deal.
Roman Anthony one to watchFirst-round draft picks always get the most attention, but when it comes to the MLB Draft it pays to follow the money. Based on that the Red Sox third selection, outfielder Roman Anthony, might be the most interesting player in this year's draft class.
So who is this guy anyway? A left-handed outfielder out of Marjory Stoneham Douglas High School in Florida, Anthony is renowned for his prodigious power and athleticism. His Baseball America scouting report describes him as looking the part of a developing young slugger and that "there are few players in the class who can send a baseball as far as he can."
"He's a tremendous athlete," Toboni said. "We think he has a really good shot at sticking in center field and he has this profile where we think he's going to get on base, he sees the ball well but he also has tremendous power potential and that's a rare combination to find with a center fielder."
"It goes without saying his best days are ahead of him," he added later. "But I think even relative to those in his class he's still just starting to scratch the surface."
La Salle Academy teammates Max Jackson and Olivia Williams both come through with commanding victories at the RIGA Junior Amateur Championships. | 2022-08-07T12:44:17Z | sports.yahoo.com | Offseason missteps have caught up with Red Sox | https://sports.yahoo.com/offseason-missteps-caught-red-sox-111800321.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/offseason-missteps-caught-red-sox-111800321.html?src=rss |
4 Ways Renting Could Save You Money This Year
Last month, my husband and I closed on our 10th house. One of the primary reasons we decided not to purchase a home when we lived in Northern California was that we'd have to give up so much to become homeowners. If real estate is all about location, location, location, our loft was in a location that would be difficult to duplicate. | 2022-08-07T12:44:29Z | sports.yahoo.com | Rogers to meet Kasatkina in San Jose WTA final | https://sports.yahoo.com/rogers-sweeps-san-jose-wta-002351074.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/rogers-sweeps-san-jose-wta-002351074.html?src=rss |
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Brandon Facyson isn’t afraid to ask questions, especially when it comes to the communication aspect of playing with new teammates.
While Facyson is new to the Colts, he’s one of the most well-versed players in Gus Bradley’s scheme. The veteran cornerback has spent the majority of the last four seasons working with Bradley from their days together with the Los Angeles Chargers (2018-2020) and Las Vegas Raiders (2021).
But even as the player with the most experience in Bradley’s secondary, Facyson is willing to ask questions if it means furthering his game.
Some of that starts with talking to the leader on the offensive side of the ball: quarterback Matt Ryan.
“That leadership quality stands out. So, going up against him – I try to ask him questions about how he sees stuff that I may give away, or anything in general that can help my game,” Facyson told reporters Saturday.
Facyson entered training camp entrenched in a battle with third-year cornerback Isaiah Rodgers for the No. 3 role in the room behind starters Stephon Gilmore and Kenny Moore II.
Through the first two weeks of training camp, however, it appears to be Facyson’s job to lose. The 27-year-old has been working mostly with the first-team defense, and he’s been thriving in Bradley’s secondary.
As he competes for the role, it’s vital that he remains in constant communication with his new teammates. That means picking the brains of both Gilmore and Moore.
“Man, I try to pick his brain all the time, even with just the small little things. [Gilmore], Kenny Moore II, all those guys have been in it for quite a while, so anytime I can try to just get something new from those guys, whether it’s slipping a dig route or slipping anything like that,” Facyson said. “They do a great job of not keeping anything to themselves. So, we just try to help each other every single day.”
Working with the first-team defense means going up against budding star wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who has made his presence known during his third training camp.
While the heat of the competition can get a little testy, Facyson recognizes that the only way to better the team is to step up to that type of challenge.
“We try to get as many reps against those guys as possible. So, it’s always a great battle every single day. We try to just compete and just try to make each other better, sharpening iron,” Facyson said. “It’s an everyday thing for us. A lot of those guys are doing a very great job. It’s just competing every single day.”
The Colts still have the entire preseason to get through, but Facyson is leading the way toward an intense battle for a crucial role on the defensive side of the ball.
Fantasy Baseball: Two-start pitching guide for MLB week ahead
Seth Trachtman looks at next week's two-start pitchers and top pitching matchups, including a two-start slate for the resurgent Lance Lynn. | 2022-08-07T13:48:44Z | sports.yahoo.com | Brandon Facyson honing communication with new teammates | https://sports.yahoo.com/brandon-facyson-honing-communication-teammates-123943945.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/brandon-facyson-honing-communication-teammates-123943945.html?src=rss |
Before he signed with the Denver Broncos in 2020, Melvin Gordon had a pair of 50-catch seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers and four seasons with more than 40 catches.
Over the last two years in Denver, Gordon has 32 and 28 catches, respectively. Last year, Javonte Williams was the team’s top receiving back, totaling 43 catches, giving the Broncos’ top two backs 71 combined receptions in 2021.
That was under the old coaching staff. The new coaching staff is led by Nathaniel Hackett, the former offensive coordinator of the Green Bay Packers.
Last year, Packers running backs Aaron Jones (52) and AJ Dillon (34) combined to total 86 receptions, 15 more than Denver’s top two backs. So it seems fair to assume Gordon and Williams might be a little more involved in the passing game this year than they were in 2021.
“If you look at the past, the experience that I’ve had with any running back — when you want to run the ball, that’s important because it helps so many different things across the board to attack a defense. But when you add them into the pass game, they’re so integral,” coach Nathaniel Hackett said last month.
“A lot of people don’t know how integral they are because they open up holes for other people and when holes close, they’re the ones that get the ball. When you get the ball to a back in space, we’re all very excited for that. I think it’s just about the quarterbacks understanding their progressions, their reads and being able to make an efficient decision to be able to get a completion. If it’s to a back, it’s usually in space and I love that.”
This is a notable development for fantasy football managers as it presumably means Gordon and Williams will both see a slight increase in value in point-per-reception leagues this season. Neither back is expected to emerge as a workhorse, so that will limit their ceilings, but both could prove to be productive RB options in fantasy football.
In real life, Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson will have two more talented weapons to work with in an offense looking to take a big step forward this fall.
At 17 years old, David Popovici scaled the heights of swimming this summer. He swept the 100m and 200m freestyles at the world championships in Hungary, a nation that borders his native Romania. Popovici, the youngest man to win a world title in 15 years, knew he could celebrate by doing just about anything he pleased. | 2022-08-07T13:48:51Z | sports.yahoo.com | Broncos RBs might be more involved in passing game this season | https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-rbs-might-more-involved-130001262.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-rbs-might-more-involved-130001262.html?src=rss |
When it comes to the Indianapolis Colts offensive line, chemistry is always at the forefront of the conversation.
As a unit working to get back into the elite tier of offensive lines across the NFL, they will be welcoming two new starters along the front five at left tackle and right guard.
Chemistry is built through shared experience and success together as a unit. A standard has been set since right tackle Braden Smith entered the league in 2018, and the unit has tried to uphold that standard ever since.
There have been bumps along the way in recent seasons, and Smith remarked that chemistry isn’t something that can be forced. It has to occur naturally and organically on its own.
“I mean you can’t fake chemistry. I think we’re just a tight-knit group as it is, we always have been,” Smith told reporters Saturday. “I feel like that kind of just reflects on the field the last couple years. You hear about some groups that aren’t as close and I mean it shows.”
At left tackle, the Colts are still trying to find the replacement for longtime starter Anthony Castonzo, who retired following the 2020 season. The Eric Fisher experiment didn’t work, and now they are leaning on a competition between the versatile veteran Matt Pryor and rookie third-round pick Bernhard Raimann.
Through the first two weeks of camp, it has been Pryor’s job to lose. He’s taken every rep with the first-team offense since the spring as the Colts hope to find the answer to the vacant role on Matt Ryan’s blindside.
“Matt has played left tackle before so it’s not like he hasn’t ever done it before,” Smith said.
On the other side of the line, third-year lineman Danny Pinter has been leading the competition at right guard following the departure of Mark Glowinski, who was the starter for the last four seasons.
Pinter, a fifth-round pick in the 2020 NFL draft, was selected for exactly this role. The Colts knew he had some development to go through, but Smith sees a player ready to take advantage of an opportunity.
“It’s Danny’s first time at guard but I mean he’s an experienced guy, smart guy and willing to learn. He’s been doing a great job just getting better every day,” said Smith.
As for Pinter himself, it’s easy to buy into the standard that has been set by Smith, Quenton Nelson and Ryan Kelly.
“Yeah, those dudes definitely set a standard a long time ago for what it means to be a Colts offensive lineman and I think the best way to put it is just work,” Pinter said Thursday at training camp. “We’ve got an awesome group of guys that are humble and just want to work and play for each other.”
The offensive line is a major storyline to watch throughout training camp and the preseason, especially considering there’s a new quarterback under center for the fifth consecutive season.
Building chemistry is always a key factor for the offensive line, but we may not know how well the unit works together until the season has already gotten underway. | 2022-08-07T13:48:57Z | sports.yahoo.com | Colts’ tight-knit offensive line welcoming new pieces | https://sports.yahoo.com/colts-tight-knit-offensive-line-132224367.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/colts-tight-knit-offensive-line-132224367.html?src=rss |
Robert Tonyan is a man on a mission. In a recent appearance on “Bussin’ With the Boys,” the Green Bay Packers tight end talked about being motivated to remind people of how good he was before his injury. Following a breakout year in 2020, Tonyan tore his ACL against the Arizona Cardinals, bringing his 2021 season to an abrupt end in Week 8.
Tonyan is looking forward to making his return to the football field at some point this season. However, as Packers fans are well aware, knee injuries can be unpredictable. Just look at teammate David Bakhtiari, who still hasn’t returned from the knee injury he suffered during a December practice in 2020.
It is important not to rush back because it can lead to setbacks like the one Bakhtiari suffered after testing his knee in last year’s season finale against the Detroit Lions. Luckily, Tonyan’s situation is different. He is making good progress in his rehab and can’t wait to show everyone what is capable of.
“Mentally, I’m not scared to get out there, I’m not overly eager to come back, I’m just smiling internally, because I’m like, some people forgot,” said Tonyan.
Tonyan said his knee “feels great” when speaking with Bussin’ With the Boys host Will Compton. In June, it was reported that Tonyan was on track to be ready for the 2022 season opener. There was some initial optimism that he would be ready for the start of training camp, but nine practices in, that hasn’t come to fruition with no updates on how close he is to returning to practice.
Green Bay would love to have their skillful receiving tight end sooner rather than later. Before the injury, Tonyan was starting to make a name for himself. In 2020, he posted career-highs of 586 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, tying Travis Kelce for the most among tight ends.
Last season, Tonyan got off to somewhat of a slow start, recording less than 10 receiving yards in four out of the first five games. Tonyan said most of that was because his role had evolved into more of a blocker, which makes sense when Elgton Jenkins and Bakhtiari were both out of the lineup due to injuries.
Then, in Week 7, he didn’t have his best game but looked more like the Tonyan of old, catching four passes for 63 yards and a touchdown in a 24-10 win over the Washington Football Team. The following week, he was on track for another strong performance against the Cardinals until a non-contact injury on a 33-yard catch and run knocked him out in the third quarter.
For a lot of players, an injury like that would have been demoralizing. Tonyan was on the brink of landing the largest contract of his career after playing on exclusive rights tenders for back-to-back seasons. Now he would have to wait even longer but still somehow managed to gain some perspective.
“Last season, I grew so much, and I’m thankful that (the injury) happened. I truly am because if I go the full season being healthy, and I’m up for a big contract – am I even in Green Bay? You never know,” Tonyan speculated.
In March, Green Bay placed a second-round tender on Tonyan. The 28-year-old tight end knows he will have a chance to compete for a championship with the Packers, but he is especially excited about stepping into an expanded role now that Davante Adams is no longer on the team.
“A good quarterback and a great defense, those are things that I want on a Super Bowl team. You have one of the best, if not the best, quarterbacks of all time, and we have a bunch of people coming back on defense and then some. And then we don’t have a number one receiver anymore, that’s what I want, that’s the pressure I want to put on myself because I want to be that guy.”
It’s a tall task for anyone coming off an ACL injury, but somebody has to step up as Aaron Rodgers’ new favorite target. Green Bay drafted three receivers in this year’s draft and retained Allen Lazard while restructuring Randall Cobb. They also brought in Sammy Watkins, hoping that the former fourth overall pick can turn his injury luck around and be a big part of the offense.
On paper, the Packers have a defense good enough to win it all. The offense may struggle more than they’re accustomed to, but don’t put it past the 4x league MVP to eventually figure it out.
That is something Tonyan is keen on doing: figuring out how to win it all. Since coming to Green Bay, Tonyan has been to two NFC Championships only to come up short both times. Last season, he watched from the sidelines as his team squandered their divisional round matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. By watching as a spectator, Tonyan believes he knows what the issue is.
“We have a great locker room, we have great chemistry,” he said. “I think it’s just the consistency of staying ourselves for a longer period of time. We come out hot, we win those close games, but then we get to the end of the season, and it’s like ‘Man (expletive) this’…but we’re a 13-3 football team, that’s our identity. We’re a winning football program, so why do we get down on ourselves as time progresses or the weight of the season gets on us – that’s not us.”
While staying in Green Bay to rehab his knee, Tonyan said he noticed the grueling stretch of the 17-game season taking a toll on his teammates. Even if you’re a winning organization like the Packers, it helps when someone is always holding you accountable. Tonyan plans to use that to his team’s advantage this time around.
“I think the consistency of being ourselves and staying true to us for a longer period of time. I think that is where we will take the next step.” | 2022-08-07T13:49:03Z | sports.yahoo.com | Highly motivated Robert Tonyan discusses post-injury expectations, how Packers can get over NFCCG hump | https://sports.yahoo.com/highly-motivated-robert-tonyan-discusses-122016578.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/highly-motivated-robert-tonyan-discusses-122016578.html?src=rss |
Matthew Stafford’s elbow is the talk of Rams training camp, but the quarterback himself would rather talk about anything other than his right arm.
It’s hard to blame him for being somewhat annoyed about all the concern and panic about his elbow considering he’s still throwing in practice and on track to be fine for Week 1. He also can’t blame reporters for asking about it because he’s the quarterback of the defending Super Bowl champions and isn’t practicing fully with one month until the season opener.
Stafford is just surprised this injury has gotten as much attention as it has.
“It’s gotten a lot more traction than I would’ve thought, to be honest with you,” he said. “But to be honest, it doesn’t really change my life. I’m just sticking to the plan and trying to get the feeling as good as I possibly can so that I can go out there and play really good football all year.”
Neither Stafford nor Sean McVay seems overly worried about the injury. McVay said he’s sleeping better at night after seeing Stafford throw it “all over the yard” on Saturday. And Stafford simply called it “irritating,” indicating he doesn’t think it’s anything serious or alarming – nor any sort of “condition.”
“I’m just going through something that is irritating at the moment but I’m working through it,” he said. “We got a great plan. I’m feeling stronger every time I come out here and throw. I don’t know if you guys were watching, I felt like I could make any throw I wanted to today. I’m just trying to be smart when I get those opportunities to make sure I can come out here, cut it loose, turn it loose like I did today and go from there.”
Stafford said his arm “felt good” in practice and it sure sounds like he looked good, too. That doesn’t mean his elbow is without soreness, though.
He was asked if his arm gets sore after throwing or if it’s all the time, but he wasn’t very specific with his answer.
“General soreness. I don’t know. It doesn’t matter,” he said.
The good news is Stafford doesn’t believe it’s an injury that gets worse the more he throws. He called it a “balancing act” when it comes to managing the soreness and still getting in work during practice.
And he doesn’t really care whether it’s deemed a baseball injury, as McVay put it, or one that football players also deal with.
“I don’t know if it’s a baseball or a football injury,” he said. “I currently play football and it’s on a football player so I guess it’s a football injury at this point. I’m not really too worried about what it’s called or whether it’s abnormal or not, or whatever. I’m worried about here today. How did I feel? Let’s continue to progress and get better.”
The next time Stafford speaks to the media, he’ll be asked about his elbow again – especially knowing he isn’t expected to throw during team drills for the final three days of training camp. We’ll see what his workload looks like once the Rams begin their regular-season prep, but until then, we’ll just have to trust what Stafford and McVay say when they aren’t worried about it. | 2022-08-07T13:49:16Z | sports.yahoo.com | Matthew Stafford downplays ‘irritating’ elbow injury, annoyed by questions about it | https://sports.yahoo.com/matthew-stafford-downplays-irritating-elbow-130818987.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/matthew-stafford-downplays-irritating-elbow-130818987.html?src=rss |
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