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Following Tim Patrick’s season-ending ACL injury, the Denver Broncos are turning to other in-house wide receivers to step up at the position.
One of the players that has stepped up is undrafted rookie Brandon Johnson, who might be a sleeper to watch during preseason.
“Brandon has done a really good job,” coach Nathaniel Hackett said last week. “It’s not too big for him, that’s for sure. We put him in on Saturday, and he did a couple of things — had a great double move for a big gain in a two-minute situation.
“There is so much great opportunity out here right now. When anything happens, you just want to see people capitalize on it and get better and get the trust of the quarterback and the coaching staff. He’s doing a fine job.”
Johnson (6-2, 195 pounds) hauled in 38 receptions for 565 yards and 11 touchdowns at UCF last season. Johnson will make his NFL debut in Saturday’s preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys, and he’ll aim to prove he deserves a spot on the 53-man roster as a rookie.
Company Announcement 11 August 2022Announcement No. 14 NKT A/S announces notice of early redemption of all of its outstanding hybrid securities due 3018 NKT A/S hereby gives irrevocable notice to all holders of its EUR 150m Callable Subordinated Capital Securities due 3018 with ISIN code DK0030427661 (the “Securities”) of the early redemption of all of the aggregate principal amount of the Securities (the “Early Redemption”) in accordance with condition 9.2 (Redemption at the option of the Issue | 2022-08-11T12:36:42Z | sports.yahoo.com | Broncos WR Brandon Johnson stepping up after Tim Patrick injury | https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-wr-brandon-johnson-stepping-110004480.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-wr-brandon-johnson-stepping-110004480.html?src=rss |
In Roob's Observations: Why I'm starting to believe in Josh Sweat originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Why I’m starting to believe in Josh Sweat, an improving young tight end and my increasing confidence in Britain Covey.
We’re knee deep in training camp, and with a day off Thursday before the preseason opener against the Jets, it’s time to share another 10 Random Eagles Training Camp Observations.
2. Jack Stoll has made significant strides as a pass catcher, and that’s big because with his elite blocking ability, if he can be a factor in the passing game he can keep defenses honest and they’re going to have to account for him. Stoll played 331 offensive snaps last year and was targeted five times, catching four passes. That’s about a target per month. With all the offensive weapons the Eagles have, Stoll will never be a huge part of the passing game, but he caught 21 and 25 passes in his two full seasons at Nebraska, so he can catch the football, and he’s caught it well this summer. If he can just catch a pass or two per game, it’ll make a huge difference.
3. After two weeks of watching Jordan Davis, I’ll be shocked if he’s not a Pro Bowler by next year.
4. The work the receivers and corners are getting against each other has been really high level, and it’s making all of them better. With Darius Slay and James Bradberry working against A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith before he got hurt and Quez Watkins and even Jalen Reagor here and there since, we’re seeing a level of competition we just haven’t seen around here. The corners and receivers are really challenging each other and it makes for some next-level work. When’s the last time the Eagles had two good corners and two good wide receivers? Probably 2009, with DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin working against Asante Samuel and Sheldon Brown. This is a team that historically just hasn’t had great corners and receivers. To see this kind of competition is really encouraging.
5. Veteran safety Jaquiski Tartt hasn’t practiced since Saturday because of personal reasons, and on the one hand you try to be as compassionate as possible and sensitive to whatever Tartt is dealing with and hope everything is OK. You certainly want to give every player in camp a fair chance, especially someone who’s dealing with a serious off-the-field issue. But on the other hand, Howie Roseman has a 53-man roster to put together, and Tartt wasn’t exactly lighting it up before he left the team. I can’t imagine after missing this much time he’ll play in the preseason opener against the Jets Friday, and this is a guy trying to learn a new system and new coaches and new teammates. Remember, he wasn’t even here until after OTAs, so he’s very new in this defense. Meanwhile, K’Von Wallace, who got off to a shaky start, has started making some plays at camp, and he’s a guy in his third year here who knows the defense. Andre Chachere, mainly considered a special teamer, has had a good camp, and undrafted rookie Reed Blankenship from Middle Tennessee has really started opening some eyes. Tartt is on a one-year contract with a modest $1.12 million base salary and $500,000 guaranteed, so he is cuttable with a small cap savings. I don’t think the Eagles are at that point yet, but the reality is that Tartt needs to get on the field and start producing if he’s going to make this team.
6. You’ve probably read about what a terrible training camp Gardner Minshew is having. One thing about Minshew – he’s a gamer. His 93.9 passer rating is one of the 20-highest in NFL history. He’s a guy that comes out in training camp and works on stuff, takes chances he wouldn’t take in a game, challenges the cornerbacks and couldn’t care less about his stats. He’s also thrown a bunch of interceptions that, as Sirianni noted Wednesday, weren’t his fault. Minshew’s stats are pretty ugly this summer, but he’s solid. I wouldn’t worry about him.
7. One guy I’m intrigued by that I really want to keep an eye on in the preseason games is 6-foot-4, 305-pound defensive tackle Marvin Wilson. He was considered a big-time prospect and potential high draft pick after his junior year at Florida State, but he returned for his senior year, did not play well, went undrafted, signed with the Browns, got cut by Cleveland and then spent all year on the Eagles’ practice squad. Wilson has shown some flashes here and there at camp, but you haven't seen the consistency you’d like. But he’s 23, he’s huge and you can’t miss the potential. The Eagles are too deep at DT for Wilson to have a real shot at the 53 this year, but Fletcher Cox and Javon Hargrave are both unsigned for 2023, and if the Eagles can keep Wilson around on the practice squad another year and continue to develop his game they might have something down the line.
8. You never want to see your Hall of Fame center undergo surgery five weeks before opening day, but what a terrific opportunity for rookie 2nd-round pick Cam Jurgens to get a healthy dose of reps with the first offense. We don’t know that this is Jason Kelce’s last year, but it really does feel that way, and if Jurgens is the Eagles’ starting center next year he’ll be that much more prepared because of this time practicing between Landon Dickerson and Isaac Seumalo and working against Fletcher Cox, Jordan Davis and Javon Hargrave. I hope Kelce plays forever just because he’s so much fun to watch. He really is one of the best to ever line up at the position. And everybody hopes he’s back for the opener. But Jurgens needs these reps more right now than Kelce. If he’s the man next year, his preparation begins today.
9. Britain Covey does something every day that makes me believe the Eagles will keep him.
10. I thought Jalen Reagor showed more maturity and growth in his remarks to the media on Wednesday than he’s shown at any point since the Eagles drafted him. It doesn’t mean I think he’s going to have a good year. It doesn’t mean I think he’s going to turn his career around. It doesn’t mean I even think he’s going to make the team. We’ll see. But just the fact that he’s showing some accountability, not other people for his miserable first two seasons, acknowledging that he’s got to start producing, those are very big steps. Reagor is still only 23, and I’m still not convinced he can play on this level, but at least he seems to have undergone an attitude shift. And whatever team he’s on this year, that will at least give him a chance. Because the Jalen Reagor of 2020 and 2021 had none.
While calling tonight's game on SNY, Hernandez took a shot at the Phillies, winners of 10 of past 11 | 2022-08-11T12:37:22Z | sports.yahoo.com | Eagles Observations: Why Josh Sweat is winning over non-believers | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-observations-why-josh-sweat-110000476.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-observations-why-josh-sweat-110000476.html?src=rss |
The NFL preseason is officially underway and that means regular season football is just around the corner. It also means it’s time for mock draft season to turn into power rankings season.
Such was the case over at Touchdown Wire, who released their preseason power rankings earlier this week. And when it came to the New York Giants, they did not fare particularly well.
The Giants were ranked the lowest of any NFC East team.
Comparatively, the Washington Commanders checked in at No. 23 overall, the Philadelphia Eagles at No. 13 overall and the Dallas Cowboys at No. 11 overall.
The New York Jets were ranked 25th overall.
The Buffalo Bills topped the rankings, while the Atlanta Falcons bottomed out at No. 32 overall. | 2022-08-11T12:37:28Z | sports.yahoo.com | Giants near bottom in Touchdown Wire’s preseason power rankings | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-near-bottom-touchdown-wire-115550847.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-near-bottom-touchdown-wire-115550847.html?src=rss |
Kam Curl is the ultimate chess piece for Commanders' defense originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
ASHBURN, Va. -- When praise is given to the Washington Commanders' defense, it usually starts by mentioning the Burgundy and Gold's defensive line.
It's understandable. All four of Washington's starters on the defensive front are first-round picks, headlined by Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jonathan Allen and Chase Young, the 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year. Daron Payne and Montez Sweat have also proven to be in the upper tier at their respective positions.
The potential of Washington's defensive line remains quite high, despite last year's underwhelming performance overall. Those four players are some of the main reasons people believe the defense can return to the top-five unit it was in 2020.
Yet, for as good as the Commanders' defensive front is capable of being, that group alone can't turn around the entire defense. The backend of the defense must do its part, too. A lot of that responsibility weights on the shoulders of Kamren Curl, Washington's rising third-year safety that is the ultimate chess piece in Jack Del Rio's defense.
Head coach Ron Rivera and his staff have prioritized positional versatility since arriving in Washington three years ago. No player on Washington's roster, offense or defense, embodies that more than Curl.
A seventh-round pick from Arkansas in 2020, Curl began his college career as a cornerback before switching to strong safety. Washington drafted Curl as a safety, but the defensive back has lined up all over the field in the two years since.
"I just play wherever it's best for the defense," Curl told NBC Sports Washington. "I just like being on the field, for real, just being on the field and helping my team. That's what I want to do."
In 2021, Curl played 878 defensive snaps: 297 snaps at free safety, 244 at slot cornerback, 240 in the box, 63 along the defensive line, and 34 as an outside cornerback.
Talk about versatility.
"Him as a player, he's just really fast," linebacker Jamin Davis said. "He's one of those guys that's not afraid to come downhill in the box and make some plays. So, it's always beneficial having a guy like 31 behind you.”
Curl has not only been able to play multiple positions but has been effective at each one, too. According to Pro Football Focus, Curl has graded out in the top third of safeties in the NFL. PFF categorizes its player grades for safeties into three categories: run defense, pass rush and coverage. Curl was in the top third of safeties in all of these individual categories as well.
While Curl might not be exceptional in one specific area, he's one of the most rounded safeties in the league.
“Kam was a guy that came in and already had a good sense of what it took to be a good player," Rivera said Saturday. "Last year we saw his development and we saw how he was learning the nuances of the game. You see him be a pro in how he handles his preparation, the way he takes care of himself, and the way he practices. He’s become such a solid football player, and there’s room for growth for him to be even better.”
Curl is far from the only player in Washington's secondary with positional flex. Safety Bobby McCain has experience playing all five positions on the backend. Kendall Fuller has played both inside and outside cornerback in his career and even lined up at safety during his time in Kansas City.
Now, though, both Fuller and McCain each have one position they almost exclusively play, while Curl continues to play all over the field.
"It's a common theme in our room," Curl said. "We call ourselves 'D-backs.' Just to have that versatility, that's what we want in our room. We've got a lot of guys who can play more than one position."
Benjamin St-Juste, a third-round pick by Washington in 2021, is another player the Commanders hope can have Curl-esque versatility. After starting his career on the outside, Washington moved St-Juste to nickel cornerback this offseason. St-Juste said earlier this week he looks at Curl's game as one he can model his own after.
“Kam Curl is a great example to follow, especially at my position," St-Juste said. "I saw him move to the Buffalo [nickel], he plays a little bit at Nickel, plays safety, and he has great coverage skills.
"He's kind of a little bit like a 2.0 version of what I'm doing with this defense," St-Juste continued. "So just by looking at him on film, seeing how he plays, his style of play, his reads, and all that stuff, that's another player that I can mold my game around.”
Curl has grown significantly as a player during his first two seasons in Washington, but his teammates have also seen a vast improvement in his communication as well.
"His communication jumped to a second-level nature," Davis said.
The safety specifically pointed out pre-snap communication as something he's worked hard on this offseason. Part of Curl's role is telling his teammates on the fly what he sees based on certain offensive formations. He's proud of the strides he's made in that aspect but knows there's room for even more improvement.
Even though Curl only has two professional seasons under his belt, the 23-year-old is quickly emerging as one of Washington's defensive leaders. Rivera said earlier this offseason that Curl is starting to find his voice. Curl concurs.
"I knew at some point I'd have to step up and be that leader, that vocal leader," Curl said. "That's what I've been working on [from] the spring and now. I feel like it's my time to do that, for sure." | 2022-08-11T12:37:34Z | sports.yahoo.com | Kam Curl is the ultimate chess piece for the Commanders' defense | https://sports.yahoo.com/kam-curl-ultimate-chess-piece-120000881.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/kam-curl-ultimate-chess-piece-120000881.html?src=rss |
The New England Patriots are likely taking the conservative approach and leaving their starters on the bench for their opening preseason game against the visiting New York Giants.
ESPN’s Mike Reiss and Dan Graziano reported the news early Thursday.
One of the starters included on that list is quarterback Mac Jones, who has been in the spotlight this week with all of the talk surrounding the early offensive struggles in training camp.
If anything, this night off gives the first-team unit a chance to pull it together ahead of next week’s joint practices with the Carolina Panthers. Perhaps they’ll get on the field against the Panthers in next Friday’s game, or coach Bill Belichick could hold off for a series or two in the preseason finale the following week against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Thursday night’s game still carries significant interest with it being an opportunity to get a look at some of the other players fighting their way up the depth chart.
This will also be a chance to see rookie quarterback Bailey Zappe under center. He should get plenty of reps in his first official NFL game, along with Mr. Dependable, Brian Hoyer. | 2022-08-11T12:37:47Z | sports.yahoo.com | Patriots starters not expected to play in Thursday’s preseason opener against Giants | https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-starters-not-expected-play-120347890.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-starters-not-expected-play-120347890.html?src=rss |
Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera knows veteran guard Trai Turner well. After all, it was Rivera and the Carolina Panthers who made Turner a third-round pick in 2014. Turner spent the first six seasons of his NFL career with the Panthers, earning five consecutive trips to the Pro Bowl.
When Rivera was fired late in the 2019 season, it wasn’t long before Turner followed him out of Charlotte. In 2020, Turner was traded to the Los Angeles Chargers, where he started nine games before he was released last March.
Turner signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers last offseason, where he started all 17 games.
The veteran guard was back on the market this offseason, and the Commanders had an opening. The match with Turner and his old offensive line coach, John Matsko, appeared perfect. So Turner signed a one-year deal with Washington with the expectation he would replace Brandon Scherff at right guard in 2022.
Unfortunately for Turner, he’s been bothered by a quad injury for all of training camp, leaving many to wonder if he’d be replaced by the dependable and versatile Wes Schweitzer at right guard.
On Wednesday, Rivera discussed Turner’s injury and the plan for him.
“He’s dealing with a quad, and he’s a veteran guy,” Rivera said. “I mean, if he were a younger guy, he’d probably be doing a lot more than he’s done right now. Because he’s a veteran guy, he knows our system. He knows the techniques that we need. There’s not a need to push him out there a lot sooner. He’s doing a lot of work inside. Today was what I think was the first day he was really outside doing some work.”
Rivera’s explanation makes perfect sense. A veteran offensive lineman, particularly one the head coach and his staff know well, can limit his reps throughout camp and still be ready for Week 1.
With the head coach saying if Turner were a young guy, he’d probably be doing more, that tells you everything you need to know about Turner’s health. Long-term, he appears fine.
As for the preseason, Rivera would still like to see him get some action.
Well, we’d like to get him in at least one,” Rivera said. “Get a nice series, get himself ready because conditioning is very important. Yeah. Again, we expect him probably out here and probably within the next 10 days.”
The Commanders are counting on a pair of experienced veteran guards in Turner and Andrew Norwell to get them through the 2022 season. | 2022-08-11T12:38:06Z | sports.yahoo.com | Ron Rivera taking it easy with veteran guard Trai Turner | https://sports.yahoo.com/ron-rivera-taking-easy-veteran-113050988.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/ron-rivera-taking-easy-veteran-113050988.html?src=rss |
Commanders WR Jahan Dotson: ‘I feel like I’m progressing really well’
Jahan Dotson continues to prove he has the right attitude entering his rookie season.
The parents of a 9-year-old child who died skiing at Mt. Bachelor ski area in central Oregon last year have filed a $49 million wrongful death lawsuit against the resort and its parent company, Powdr Corp. Angela and Brian Boice of Tacoma, Washington, filed the lawsuit Aug. 2 over the death of Brecken, who slid down one of the ski area’s slopes and crashed into rocks, The Bulletin reported. The lawsuit was filed in Deschutes County Circuit Court and alleges on the day of Brecken’s death that conditions were extremely icy and the chairlift and ski runs near the summit should not have been open. | 2022-08-11T12:58:34Z | sports.yahoo.com | Carson Wentz’s erratic accuracy a ‘daily story’ says one NFL analyst | https://sports.yahoo.com/carson-wentz-erratic-accuracy-daily-121028667.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/carson-wentz-erratic-accuracy-daily-121028667.html?src=rss |
Kyle Larson took a subtle dig at fellow NASCAR driver and “Race For The Championship” star Ross Chastain over the weekend when he refused a suggestion to work with him against the other drivers on the track.
During a race at Michigan International Speedway Sunday, Chastain was ahead of the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, but not by much. According to SportsCasting, Larson’s spotter noted that the real duel was between the duo, who drive Chevrolets, and all the other racers on the track in Toyotas. That’s when the spotter got on the radio to pitch the idea of working together with Chastain just before the halfway point of Stage 2.
“If you and Ross can work together here, try to pull away,” the spotter said (via Sportskeeda).
Larson reportedly scoffed at the idea immediately.
“Ha, Ross doesn’t work together with anybody,” he said from behind the wheel. “Funny.”
The two drivers never teamed up. Instead, Larson was able to pull ahead and finish in 7th place while Chastain found himself all the way back in 24th. Meanwhile, Larson’s finish positions him as the top Chevrolet racer on the track that day, with Fords and Toyotas dominating most of the rest of the top 10.
Larson is not the first driver to throw a little bit of shade at Chastain’s aggressive driving on the track. Following a wreck at the Atlanta Motor Speedway last month, “Life In The Fast Lane” star Austin Dillon had some choice words for the driver as well.
“Unfortunately we got our car better right there and it looks like we were just a casualty of Ross Chastain once again,” Dillon said at the time.
“We’ve got to keep on keeping on, working each week to get better to hit victory lane,” Dillon continued. “I told myself we were going to race hard all day. It wasn’t one of those things where I want to ride in the back and be there at the end, but when you’ve got guys like him out there wrecking half the field, you might as well actually take a different strategy sometimes.”
"Race for the Championship" premieres on Thursday, Sept. 1 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on USA Network. You can catch more NASCAR content on Peacock right now.
2022 Auburn football preview: Edge
Derick Hall and Eku Leota are a great 1-2 punch at edge but Auburn needs someone to step up behind them.
Artists from around West Michigan captured Felt Mansion in watercolor, sketches and memories on Sunday as part of the first annual Felt Mansion Plein Air Event.
On The Late Show With Stephen Colbert Wednesday, Succession star Kieran Culkin told the hilarious story about why co-star J. Smith-Cameron threw a drink in his face after dinner with a group of people Monday night. Smith-Cameron was already feeling insecure about her age after a table read earlier in the day, and their co-star, Sarah Snook, gave Culkin the perfect opportunity to exploit it. “You know, she was insecure about being old, and later on we’re having dinner, and Sarah Snook is saying, she’s like, ‘You know, men’s ears and noses never stop growing, so as they get older, they have long ears.’ I said, ‘You sure that’s just men?’” Culkin said, mimicking pointing at Smith-Cameron. “And J. goes — she goes, ‘Why are you pointing at me? What? What?’ And I was like, ‘No, no, no. You have long ears. Were they always that way? Or were they…’ Still I don’t have the drink in my face. That’s not — That’s early on in the dinner.” Culkin couldn’t help taking advantage of every time Smith-Cameron gave him the chance to take it even further. “Later on, the restaurant is getting more and more full, so it gets harder for her to hear,” Culkin said,. “so she just keeps having to ask, ‘What’s funny? Why are they laughing? What did he say?’ And I was like, ‘You got all that ear, and you can’t hear?’ Still no drink in my face. Still no drink in my face!” Smith-Cameron would later post a series of tweets following the incident, including a picture of the two of them together. And Culkin explained the moment he pushed her too far. “We get the check and everybody’s getting ready to go,” Culkin said. “She goes, ‘What’s happening? What are we doing?’ And I take her hand, I go, ’WE’RE GOING NOW. WE’RE ALL GOING HOME. IT’S 8 O’CLOCK. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR STAYING UP SO LATE. WE APPRECIATE…’ She goes…” Culkin acted out the moment it happened, sound effects and all. | 2022-08-11T12:58:41Z | sports.yahoo.com | Kyle Larson Scoffed At Ross Chastain When It Was Suggested They Work Together | https://sports.yahoo.com/kyle-larson-scoffed-ross-chastain-193627373.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/kyle-larson-scoffed-ross-chastain-193627373.html?src=rss |
Flemming takes jab at umpire Riggs after Davis home run originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
It looks like J.D. Davis isn't the only one hitting shots in Wednesday's game against the San Diego Padres, as Dave Flemming decided to join in as well.
The Giants' play-by-play announcer took a subtle jab at Tuesday night's officiating following Davis' blast off of Padres starting pitcher -- and former Athletic -- Sean Manaea.
"He might have done that last night, if he'd had the chance," Flemming said as Davis circled the bases. It was Davis' third home run as a Giant after coming over from the New York Mets at the trade deadline and gave San Francisco the early lead on Wednesday afternoon at Petco Park.
On Tuesday night, with the bases loaded and nobody out, Davis faced the Padres' recently-acquired closer Josh Hader as the game hung in the balance.
After getting ahead in the count 1-0, Davis struck out on the next three pitches, with home plate umpire Jeremy Riggs generously calling two of the three a strike.
Despite San Francisco scoring three runs in the top half of the frame, the Padres ultimately won the game 7-4 thanks to Manny Machado's three-run home run. The Giants have to play near-perfect baseball to make it into the playoffs, but nights like Tuesday make that task even more difficult.
At any rate, it's safe to say there's no love lost between the two NL West rivals.
This is the team the San Diego Padres envisioned having when they acquired Juan Soto, Josh Bell and Drury at last week's trade deadline. Brandon Drury hit a go-ahead, three-run home run in the sixth and Austin Nola’s two-run homer capped a seven-run rally — all with two outs — that carried the Padres to a wild 13-7 win against the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday. | 2022-08-11T14:29:49Z | sports.yahoo.com | Giants' J.D. Davis homers, prompts subtle umpire dig by Dave Flemming | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-j-d-davis-homers-210321683.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-j-d-davis-homers-210321683.html?src=rss |
Smith declined to address the report when asked about it Tuesday afternoon. The reported signing marks another significant win for the controversial Saudi-backed golf league as it secures the services of a reigning major champion and one of the game's rising stars.
Smith, 28, is a six-time winner on the PGA Tour. The Australian is less than four weeks removed from securing the British Open with a remarkable display of putting on the back nine at St. Andrews on Sunday to wrest the championship from Rory McIlroy.
Cameron Smith is joining LIV Golf. (AP/Peter Morrison)
After winning his first major title, Smith faced questioning about rumors that he was in negotiations with LIV Golf. He bristled at the inquiry.
“I just won the British Open, and you’re asking about that," Smith responded. "I think that’s pretty not that good. I don’t know, mate. My team around me worries about all that stuff. I’m here to win golf tournaments.”
He joins other high-profile defectors from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf, including fellow major winners Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau and Patrick Reed. The players have made the jump thanks to lucrative guaranteed deals, such as Smith's. The PGA Tour, meanwhile, has suspended players who sign with LIV Golf from competing.
Judge rules against LIV Golfers; Smith plans to play in FedEx Cup playoffs
Eleven LIV Golf players, including Mickelson and DeChambeau, filed a federal antitrust suit against the PGA Tour challenging those suspensions. Three of those players — Talor Gooch, Hudson Swafford and Matt Jones — joined the suit as they sought to play in the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup playoffs that start Thursday. The winner of this year's FedEx Cup championship — a season-long contest — is slated to take home $18 million.
Opening arguments in a hearing for a temporary restraining order to the ban were being heard in a U.S. district court Tuesday as news of Smith's deal with LIV Golf broke. Judge Beth Labson Freeman later ruled that the LIV Golf plaintiffs will not be eligible to compete in the FedEx Cup playoffs.
Per the Telegraph, LIV Golf is not expected to formally announce the Smith signing until after the completion of the FedEx Cup playoffs, a decision that could open the door for Smith to compete for the $18 million top prize. He's slated to compete at this week's St. Jude Championship, the opening tournament of the three-event playoff. He's the No. 2 seed of the 125-man playoff field.
Smith skirted questions about his reported LIV Golf deal at a Tuesday afternoon news conference from the St. Jude's Championship. He neither confirmed nor denied the Telegraph report and a statement from follow Aussie golfer Cameron Percy that he's "gone."
“My goal here is to win the FedEx Cup playoffs," Smith said. "That’s all I’m here for. If there’s something I need to say regarding the PGA Tour or LIV, it will come from Cameron Smith, not Cameron Percy.
"I”m a man of my word. Whenever you guys need to know anything, it will be said by me."
When pressed about LIV Golf and being a man of his word, Smith said this:
“I have no comment to that," Smith continued. "Like I said, I’m here to play the FedEx Cup playoffs.”
A federal judge in California ruled Tuesday that three golfers who joined Saudi-backed LIV Golf will not be able to compete in the PGA Tour's postseason. U.S. District Judge Beth Labson Freeman made her decision in San Jose after attorneys for the sides each spoke for about an hour. Freeman said she didn’t consider the golfers faced irreparable harm because of the big money they were guaranteed by joining LIV, a key issue in the case. | 2022-08-11T14:30:01Z | sports.yahoo.com | Report: British Open champion Cameron Smith signs $100M deal to join LIV Golf | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-british-open-champion-cameron-smith-agrees-to-100-m-deal-to-join-liv-golf-203016052.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-british-open-champion-cameron-smith-agrees-to-100-m-deal-to-join-liv-golf-203016052.html?src=rss |
The Baltimore Ravens open their 2022 preseason against the Tennessee Titans on Thursday, and will hope to extend their record straight preseason win streak. However, they’ll do it without many of their key players as quarterback Lamar Jackson and others won’t suit up.
With plenty of established veterans not taking the field, it will provide an enormous opportunity for the younger players on the roster to showcase their abilities and make names for themselves. Roster spots and playing time is up for grabs, and the preseason is a big determining factor in figuring out who earns what.
Below we take a look at six bold predictions for Baltimore in their Week 1 preseason matchup with Tennessee.
RB Justice Hill rushes for two touchdowns
Hill’s career hasn’t gone quite as planned ever since being selected in the fourth round of the 2019 draft by the Ravens. He missed all of the 2021 season with an injury, and even before the ailment wasn’t performing up to the standards that many had for him coming out of Oklahoma State.
By all accounts, Hill has looked good during 2022 training camp. He needs a big preseason in order to have a shot to make the final 53-man roster, and he could start off on a high note against Tennessee.
TE Isaiah Likely scores two touchdowns
Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely during an NFL football rookie mini camp Saturday, May 7, 2022, in Owings Mills, MD. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
Baltimore selected Likely in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Coastal Carolina. Likely has turned heads at training camp with lots of positive reviews on the rookie coming from teammates, coaches and the media as well.
With tight ends Mark Andrews and Nick Boyle expected to have little to no playing time, Likely will get plenty of snaps and find the end zone twice, lining up all over the field and showing his versatility in a big way.
OT Daniel Faalele dominates and shows why he'll be an important piece of the future
Faalele was one of the Ravens’ six fourth-round selections in the 2022 NFL draft. He is viewed as a developmental piece, so preseason games will be a key part of getting him reps to better his craft and go up against live professional competition.
Against Tennessee, his play shows what kind of player he can be and what type of potential he has. Faalele doesn’t allow a sack or a pressure in Week 1 of the preseason, showcasing his talent in a big way.
DL Travis Jones racks up three sacks
Jones somehow fell to Baltimore at pick No. 76 in the 2022 NFL draft. He was expected to be taken much earlier, but the former Connecticut star’s fall was the Ravens’ gain, as they secured a talented defensive lineman in a spot they likely thought they wouldn’t be able to get him.
The rookie provides a big interior pass rushing presence, and he could showcase it in Week 1 of the preseason. Two sacks would be a great professional debut, and Jones certainly has the skills to pull it off.
Ravens continue preseason dominance
The Ravens will play their first exhibition game of 2022 against the Tennessee Titans at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore has an exceptional track record in the preseason over the last seven years, winning a record setting 20-consecutive games in a row.
Baltimore’s last preseason loss came in 2015 against the Atlanta Falcons. With the plenty of young and new talent looking to find spots on the roster, the Ravens will add on to their preseason record with consecutive win No. 21.
Ravens rookie CBs stand out
Baltimore drafted safety Kyle Hamilton with their first pick in the 2022 draft, but in the Ravens’ opening preseason game, it’s Jalyn Armour-Davis and Pepe Williams who play stout defense to hold the Titans to 10 total points.
It’s unclear if Armour-Davis will play after missing some practice time, but if he does, he and Williams each notch an interception and have 10 combined tackles. They make a compelling case for playing time early on and show the organization why they invested in them.
It might be a huge story elsewhere, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Miami Dolphins are focused on the task at hand | 2022-08-11T14:38:24Z | sports.yahoo.com | 6 bold predictions for Ravens’ Week 1 preseason matchup vs. Titans | https://sports.yahoo.com/6-bold-predictions-ravens-week-121553541.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/6-bold-predictions-ravens-week-121553541.html?src=rss |
Are you ready for some Josh Allen? Well get ready because… actually, you’re going to keep on waiting a little bit longer.
On Thursday, Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott announced that Allen will not be on the field with his team on Saturday at Highmark Stadium. The Bills open the preseason at 4 p.m. against the Indianapolis Colts.
Regarding other starters, McDermott added that it will be a case-by-case basis.
“We’ve got to do what’s our best for our team and we’ll do that the next couple of days,” McDermott said via video conference.
On the flip side, we’ll have a bit of an uneven contest.
Indianapolis head coach Frank Reich already announced this week that the Colts will play some of their starters in Buffalo. Among those will be Indy’s new starting quarterback in Matt Ryan.
“I mean play – like we said, maybe a quarter, maybe a little less. We’ll just take it as the flow of the game,” Reich said via Colts Wire.
Ryan was just traded from the Atlanta Falcons to Indianapolis in March. Seeing the veteran play an extended period with his new teammates makes sense.
Without Allen, the Bills will likely have Case Keenum start with Matt Barkley also seeing time under center.
CBS Sports: Steve Tasker is one of NFL's top Hall of Fame snubs | 2022-08-11T14:39:09Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bills vs. Colts: No Josh Allen for Buffalo, Indy will play starters | https://sports.yahoo.com/bills-vs-colts-no-josh-142545922.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bills-vs-colts-no-josh-142545922.html?src=rss |
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Ryan is expected to play for roughly the entire first quarter of the preseason opener Saturday against the Buffalo Bills.
While the Colts will exercise caution with their starters throughout the preseason, it is necessary to at least get some game action in during these games in order to avoid a slow start as they did in 2021.
Head coach Frank Reich told the media Wednesday that the playing time is fluid, but it will be for the majority of the first quarter,
“I mean play – like we said, maybe a quarter, maybe a little less. We’ll just take it as the flow of the game,” Reich said.
Ryan has had a solid start to training camp with his new team even if the interceptions have come in bunches during recent practices.
Getting the timing down and feel for the offense in an actual game setting will be necessary leading into the regular-season opener in September, but the Colts will undoubtedly play it safe when it comes to their starting units on the field. | 2022-08-11T14:39:21Z | sports.yahoo.com | Colts’ Matt Ryan to play ‘maybe a quarter’ in preseason opener | https://sports.yahoo.com/colts-matt-ryan-play-maybe-140456605.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/colts-matt-ryan-play-maybe-140456605.html?src=rss |
Miami Dolphins fans may not get a chance to see the team at their full potential on Saturday.
During head coach Mike McDaniel’s media availability prior to the start of Thursday’s joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the coach said that he is “encouraged about the idea” of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa not playing in the preseason opener.
Tagovailoa will be going against Tampa Bay’s first-team defense for two days of practice sessions before the two teams square off Saturday night, so McDaniel may feel comfortable enough with the quarterback’s performance that he doesn’t need to see more in that game and risk injury.
The coach didn’t fully commit to a decision prior to the game, but he did that some veterans would not play in the opener, and he’d be “surprised” if Tagovailoa didn’t play at some point during the three preseason games.
Keeping quarterbacks out of the preseason is becoming more and more common. We’ve already heard that Tom Brady, who would normally be leading the Buccaneers out of the tunnels on gameday, won’t be playing against Miami in the game. | 2022-08-11T14:39:34Z | sports.yahoo.com | Dolphins may not play Tua Tagovailoa in preseason opener vs. Buccaneers | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-may-not-play-tua-142352004.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-may-not-play-tua-142352004.html?src=rss |
Training camp competitions are ramping up in the NFL. Now that teams have been battling on the field for a few weeks of training camp, some positional clashes are developing.
ESPN examined the camp battles that are heating up for ever team. For the Bills, the selection was the battle on the inside at slot wide receiver.
Here’s how ESPN broke down things there:
After wide receiver Cole Beasley was released this offseason, Isaiah McKenzie has emerged as the leading candidate to take his spot at slot receiver. Free agent addition Jamison Crowder missed a significant portion of camp with a lower-extremity issue, which leaves him behind in the battle. He will have to impress for the rest of camp and the preseason to keep up with McKenzie.
McKenzie re-signed with the Bills in March via a two-year deal.
McKenzie saw time in the slot and was a versatile receiver, often found in motion and running jet sweeps. He ended last year with 20 receptions for 178 receiving yards and nine rushes for 47 yards. McKenzie broke out when filling in for Beasley in Week 16 in 2021, catching 11 passes for 125 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Crowder, a seven-year veteran, has been a reliable player in his career. However, Crowder has missed nine games combined over the past two years with the New York Jets and time during this summer’s training camp in Rochester.
Last year, Crowder caught 51 passes for 447 yards, registering a career-low 8.8 yards per catch.
The final X-factor in this competition is fifth-round pick Khalil Shakir. Shakir had a solid senior season for Boise State, grabbing 77 passes for 1,117 yards and seven touchdowns. Shakir added 12 rushes for 130 yards as well. Shakir has had an impressive camp thus far.
In whatever way, the Bills will need to find a way to replace Beasley’s production. The veteran may not have been a massive yards after the catch player, but Beasley’s reliability in the short passing game was vital to the Bills progress last year. Beasley averaged 77 receptions on 108 targets during his three seasons in Western New York.
Training Camp update: Buffalo Bills S Jaquan Johnson speaks at camp
Buffalo Bills S Jaquan Johnson spoke at camp on August 10. | 2022-08-11T14:39:40Z | sports.yahoo.com | ESPN: Slot WR is Bills’ biggest training camp battle | https://sports.yahoo.com/espn-slot-wr-bills-biggest-125503496.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/espn-slot-wr-bills-biggest-125503496.html?src=rss |
When the Chicago Bears open the preseason against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday, they’ll welcome a familiar face in former Bears head coach — and current Chiefs quarterbacks coach — Matt Nagy.
Nagy was fired by the Bears organization, along with former general manager Ryan Pace, back in January after a disappointing 6-11 season. But, most notably, for his handling of rookie quarterback Justin Fields.
Now, Nagy will face off against his former team with what’s sure to be a vocal Soldier Field crowd, who made their feelings about Nagy perfectly clear last season.
When asked about his return to Chicago, Nagy seemed to downplay the situation, not making it about him. After all, there’s football to be played.
“It’s my professional job to make sure I step back and make sure it’s about we and not me,” he told reporters Tuesday. “I mean that when I say that, but that’s hard sometimes. And so, when you get there, I’m so used to being on the home side, right, on the home sideline, in the home locker room coming out, that’s different. I don’t know how I’ll feel when I get out there, but I’m here for this team and these guys and I built great relationships with everyone there. But it’s the preseason, too, so we’re going to go out there and have some fun.”
Following an impressive 12-4 season in 2018, things gradually got worse for Nagy’s Bears in the three years that followed. That included leading one of the NFL’s worst offenses, where Mitch Trubisky, Nick Foles, Andy Dalton nor Justin Fields couldn’t find success. Still, Nagy said he doesn’t regret his four years with the Bears.
“I wouldn’t change anything of those four years experiences,” Nagy said. “I’d change a lot of what happened of wishing we won more and could’ve done more but I learned a lot and that part I wouldn’t change. I think I got to be able to self-reflect on where I went wrong and how I could’ve been better. But I built a ton of great relationships with a lot of great people, starting with Mrs. (Virginia Halas) McCaskey, George McCaskey, Ted Phillips, Ryan Pace, and so many great players and coaches. Those will last forever; those aren’t going to leave.
“Four years is gone but it didn’t end how we wanted it to and there was disappointment, there was discouragement but in all that said, I know I’m not defeated. I know those other players, coaches, and people aren’t defeated, and we just got to be better from it.”
Whose stock is rising and falling after Week 2 of Bears training camp? | 2022-08-11T14:40:18Z | sports.yahoo.com | Matt Nagy talks return to Chicago for Bears-Chiefs preseason opener | https://sports.yahoo.com/matt-nagy-talks-return-chicago-124503456.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/matt-nagy-talks-return-chicago-124503456.html?src=rss |
The Matt Ryan era did not lead to a championship for the Atlanta Falcons. However, it did lead to six playoff berths and a heartbreaking loss in the Super Bowl at the end of the 2016 season. Ryan won Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2008 and MVP in 2016. He was the face of the franchise for almost 15 years. Anytime a franchise icon moves on, times are likely to get tough.
With Ryan traded to the Indianapolis Colts during the offseason, the Falcons are likely in for a rough season. They won just seven games last season, but even that seems like an unfair expectation for the upcoming season. With Marcus Mariota at the helm now, Atlanta might be looking forward to picking a new franchise quarterback with an early pick next spring.
There are some promising young players on the roster in Kyle Pitts, Drake London and A.J. Terrell. Falcons fans will have that to look forward to this upcoming season, because not a lot of winning is expected. Yahoo's Frank Schwab ranked the Falcons 31st in his preseason power rankings. The betting market agrees with Frank. The only thing Atlanta is expected to compete for this season is the worst record in the league.
Falcons projected to be one of the worst teams
Somehow, Atlanta won seven games last season. A closer look at the schedule shows that most of their wins came against the dreck of the league and that a 7-10 record probably flattered them. Between that and trading away their franchise quarterback during the offseason, it's likely going to be an even worse season for the Falcons in 2022.
The Falcons' projected win total for the upcoming season is 4.5. That's tied for the lowest win total in the league with the Houston Texans. The Falcons are +350 to finish the regular season with the fewest wins in the league. Only the Texans have better odds.
Atlanta is a +700 underdog to make the playoffs this coming season. Those odds suggest that Atlanta makes the playoffs just over 12% of the time. Only the Texans have worse odds to make the postseason.
The Falcons enter the season with 28-to-1 odds to win the NFC South. Those are the worst odds of any team to win its respective division, edging out the Texans who are 25-to-1 to win the AFC South and the New York Jets who are 22-to-1 to win the AFC East. Not even the lucrative odds can entice bettors to take a shot with Atlanta, as just 6% of the betting action is backing the Falcons to win the division.
The Falcons are -275 favorites to finish the season in the basement of the division. If you're looking for a way to fade the Falcons in division play, they are +500 to lose all six divisional games they play this season against the Buccaneers, Saints and Panthers.
Atlanta is 250-to-1 to win the Super Bowl, the second-worst odds in the league ahead of only the Texans. No team has had less money wagered on it in the Super Bowl futures market at BetMGM than the Falcons. Atlanta is 125-to-1 to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl, the worst odds in the conference. No other team is lower than 80-to-1.
If you're looking for other ways to fade the Falcons, here are some potential intriguing options:
Atlanta is +225 to start the season 0-4. The Falcons first four games are at home against the Saints, on the road against the Rams, on the road against the Seahawks and at home for the Browns.
Atlanta is +650 to finish the season with the fewest points scored in the league. Those are the third-best odds behind the Texans and Chicago Bears. Atlanta scored the seventh-fewest points last season, but that was with Matt Ryan.
Will a team go 0-17? We haven't had a winless team since the Browns in 2017. With the Falcons projected to be one of the worst teams in the league, maybe they can accomplish the feat. You can bet on them to finish with an 0-17 record at +900 odds.
Falcons awards and player props
Even the Atlanta Falcons have plenty of season-long player props available at BetMGM, which highlights just how many options there are to bet on. Here are some of the options available.
After losing his starting job to Ryan Tannehill in Tennessee, Mariota has spent the past few seasons backing up Derek Carr while running some gadget plays once in a while. He's finally getting another chance to be an NFL starting quarterback with Atlanta this season. Mariota is 20-to-1 to win NFL Comeback Player of the Year. Those odds are tied for eighth-best odds with Michael Thomas and Allen Robinson.
Mariota is 66-to-1 to lead the league in passing yards this upcoming season. Those are the 25th-best odds, tied with Davis Mills and Zach Wilson. Mariota is 100-to-1 to lead the league in passing touchdowns. Those odds are tied with Justin Fields and Mitch Trubisky for the worst odds among projected starting quarterbacks.
With Marcus Mariota at quarterback, the Falcons are expected to compete for the worst record in the league. (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Falcons made Drake London the first wide receiver selected in the 2022 draft. The former USC Trojan is 10-to-1 to win Offensive Rookie of the Year. Those odds are tied for fourth-best alongside Saints receiver Chris Olave and Chiefs receiver Skyy Moore. Despite being the first receiver drafted, 12 rookie receivers are receiving more betting action for the award than London. London is getting just 1.7% of bets, which is the same number as the Giants' Wan'Dale Robinson. London is receiving less betting action than mid-round picks like Jalen Tolbert, David Bell and Romeo Doubs.
London is 100-to-1 to lead the league in receiving yards. The same odds are available for him to lead the league in receptions. The season-long props for his rookie season are set at over/under 749.5 receiving yards and 4.5 receiving touchdowns.
Pitts had as good of a rookie season as you can expect from a tight end. He's already one of the better players at the position in the league. With Calvin Ridley suspended and London still learning the ropes, Pitts will likely be the No. 1 weapon in this offense. He's 50-to-1 to lead the league in receiving yards. Those odds are tied for 24th best with the likes of of JuJu Smith-Schuster and Amari Cooper. Pitts finished 24th in yards last season. Pitts finished 38th in receptions among all players in his rookie year. He's 66-to-1 to lead the league in that category this upcoming season. Those odds are tied for 27th best with players like Jerry Jeudy and D.K. Metcalf.
In his rookie season, Pitts posted 68 receptions, 1,026 receiving yards but just one touchdown. His season long props for the upcoming season are set at 69.5 receptions, 899.5 receiving yards and 4.5 receiving touchdowns.
Other Falcons props
Third-round rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder is 25-to-1 to win Offensive Rookie of the Year.
After posting three interceptions last season, A.J. Terrell's prop for the upcoming season is set at over/under 2.5 picks.
Arthur Smith is 50-to-1 to win NFL Coach of the Year. Those odds are the worst in the league, tied with Lovie Smith and Pete Carroll.
Falcons open season as an underdog
The Atlanta Falcons open their 2022 season with a home game against a divisional rival in the New Orleans Saints. The Falcons are 5.5-point home underdogs to open the year. Atlanta is a +225 underdog on the moneyline.
These two teams split their two games last season, with each team winning in the other team's building. However, by all accounts, the Saints are improved and the Falcons are not.
The total for the game is set at 41.5 points, which is the lowest total for any Week 1 game.
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Latest N'Keal Harry injury report is a tough blow for ex-Patriots WR originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
N'Keal Harry appeared very motivated to make the most of his fresh start with the Chicago Bears. But that fresh start will have to wait.
The former New England Patriots wide receiver will undergo surgery Thursday morning to address a high ankle sprain and is expected to miss about eight weeks, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports.
Harry suffered the injury at Bears training camp less than a month after the Patriots traded him to Chicago in exchange for a 2024 seventh-round pick. An eight-week recovery timeline means he'll miss the entire preseason and at least the Bears' first three regular-season games.
Perry: Five players to watch in Patriots' preseason opener
Harry entered the NFL with high expectations as New England's first-round pick (No. 32 overall) in the 2019 NFL Draft and the first wide receiver drafted by the Patriots in the first round since Terry Glenn in 1996. But the Arizona State product never lived up to the hype, mustering just 57 catches and 598 yards over three seasons in New England while missing 16 games due to multiple injuries.
The 24-year-old was excited to revive his career in Chicago, vowing to "show how dominant I can be." Instead, Harry will face another steep challenge in trying to return from an injury mid-season in a new offense. | 2022-08-11T14:40:31Z | sports.yahoo.com | N'Keal Harry injury: Bears WR likely out eight weeks after surgery | https://sports.yahoo.com/nkeal-harry-injury-bears-wr-133000404.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nkeal-harry-injury-bears-wr-133000404.html?src=rss |
Perry: Five names to watch during Patriots' preseason opener
As for Thursday night, Zappe likely to take the majority of snaps to try to prove his worth to the team. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET.
The coach who helped Morocco qualify for the World Cup was fired Thursday, barely three months before the start of the tournament in Qatar. The Moroccan soccer federation said the decision to fire Vahid Halilhodžić was because of disagreements in preparing the team for the tournament. Morocco is scheduled to play its first match on Nov. 23 against 2018 World Cup finalist Croatia.
"Those guys pitched their butts off" Canisius' Matt Duffy and Wake Forest's Seth Keener combine for six-hit shutout in Game One of championship. | 2022-08-11T14:41:09Z | sports.yahoo.com | Report: Mac Jones likely won't play in Patriots-Giants preseason game | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-mac-jones-likely-wont-123000846.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-mac-jones-likely-wont-123000846.html?src=rss |
You may have noticed that NFL players at a few different positions – namely linemen, linebackers and tight ends – have been wearing something extra on their helmets at training camp. The new Guardian Caps are required to be worn by players at those spots during practice through the first two weeks of the season.
One player who’s definitely not a fan is Seahawks defensive end Shelby Harris, who thinks they’ll lead to bad habits. Here’s Harris after practice yesterday explaining why he thinks they’re stupid, per Pro Football Talk.
“They’re stupid… Because here’s the thing though, I get what they’re trying to do, but the main thing is, you might have guys that start leading with their head more because they’re used to not feeling it, and don’t know they’re doing it, because they have this big old helmet thing on. And then you get in the game, and next thing you know, they knock themselves out. I don’t know, I just don’t think this is necessarily the answer because of the fact that if you do get used to getting hit in the head with this, you wouldn’t even know.”
Harris came over from Denver as part of the Russell Wilson trade. He’ll be starting up front next to Poona Ford and Al Woods in Seattle’s new 3-4 defensive front. Harris is entering his eighth season in the NFL.
Seattle Seahawks rookie wide receiver Bo Melton is fortunate to have veteran wideout Tyler Lockett as a mentor in the locker room. | 2022-08-11T14:41:28Z | sports.yahoo.com | Seahawks DE Shelby Harris not a fan of ‘stupid’ Guardian Caps | https://sports.yahoo.com/seahawks-shelby-harris-not-fan-140010480.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/seahawks-shelby-harris-not-fan-140010480.html?src=rss |
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady is not at practice on Thursday for personal, non-football reasons. Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles indicated that he will address the situation after practice, but according to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the team expects that Brady will be absent for a “few days.”
Rapoport also indicated that the quarterback is “fine,” and the team is “on board” with his being absent for a few days: | 2022-08-11T14:41:47Z | sports.yahoo.com | Tom Brady absent from practice | https://sports.yahoo.com/tom-brady-absent-practice-142045800.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/tom-brady-absent-practice-142045800.html?src=rss |
Bears wide receiver N’Keal Harry is undergoing tightrope surgery on Thursday after suffering a high-ankle sprain on Aug. 6, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
The timetable for his return is eight weeks, which isn’t as significant as it could’ve been in the grand scheme of things. Wide receiver Darnell Mooney told reporters Wednesday that Harry was in good spirits after getting the news.
With the NFL’s new rules involving IR — where a player must miss at least four games — Harry could return as early as Week 5 against the Vikings. That’s in line with the eight-week timetable for his return.
Other wideouts dealing with non-significant injuries include Byron Pringle, rookie Velus Jones Jr. and Dante Pettis. David Moore suffered what appears to be a. significant leg injury on Tuesday, but we don’t know the extent yet. Still, it’s safe to say that Chicago’s receiver depth took a brutal blow.
Following Harry’s injury, here’s a look at the Bears’ wide receiver depth:
Darnell Mooney is Chicago’s top wide receiver heading into 2022. Mooney is coming off his first 1,000-yard receiving season, where he cemented himself as a playmaker for the Bears. Things are looking up for Mooney entering Year 3, where he’ll look to build on his chemistry with quarterback Justin Fields and continue to grow as a downfield threat.
Byron Pringle projects to be a starting wideout for the Bears this season. Pringle was buried on the depth chart in Kansas City, and he has the chance to establish himself as a playmaker in Chicago. Poles knows what Pringle brings to the table from their time with the Chiefs, and Pringle is a low-risk, high-reward signing for the Bears. Right now, Pringle is dealing with a quad injury that makes him more than day-to-day. But his injury isn’t expected to impact him heading into the regular season.
Velus Jones Jr. is expected to play a significant role as a rookie. Jones isn’t the most polished receiver, but he’s an absolute speedster (just look at his 4.31 40-yard time). Not to mention, Jones is one of the best run-and-catch receivers in this year’s draft class. Jones is on the older side as a rookie (he’ll be 25 years old when the season starts), but he’s got the potential to develop into a playmaker in this offense. Right now, he’s day-to-day with an undisclosed injury.
Equanimeous St. Brown has been one of the standouts this summer in training camp, where he’s developing a connection with Fields. With the Packers, St. Brown dealt with injuries, which found him slipping down the depth chart in favor of guys like Allen Lazard and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. St. Brown worked with Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy in Green Bay, so he has a good understanding of Getsy’s scheme. So far, it’s translating to success on the practice field. He’s currently listed as the WR2 behind Mooney.
The Bears added a veteran wideout in Dante Pettis this offseason, where he figures to compete for one of those final receiver spots on the roster. Pettis, a former second-round pick by the 49ers in 2018, impressed during his rookie season. But he failed to catch on in San Francisco and was traded to the Giants. Perhaps a change of scenery is what Pettis needs. Right now, Pettis is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury.
The Bears added another veteran receiver in Tajae Sharpe, who will look to compete for a spot on the 53-man roster. Sharpe, a former fifth-round pick by the Titans in 2016, saw significant action with Tennessee in his first four seasons, with the exception of the 2017 season when he landed on injured reserve. Last season, he saw action in 15 games with the Falcons, logging 25 catches for 230 yards and no touchdowns. Sharpe started training camp on the non-football injury list, but he’s since returned and is taking advantage of reps with Fields following a plethora of injuries at wideout.
Dazz Newsome didn’t contribute much during his rookie season after spending most of the year on the practice squad. He’ll have a chance to compete for a roster spot, where a full offseason should help him. With injuries to a number of wideouts, Newsome has been making an impression with increased reps. Given he’s listed as the starting punt returner, his special teams contributions could be his ticket to a roster spot.
David Moore is another solid depth option at wide receiver. In his first three years with the Seahawks, Moore had 1,163 yards and 13 touchdowns. Moore is someone who’s made an impression during training camp with additional opportunities amid injuries. Moore is also a solid special teams contributor, where he played exclusively during stints with the Broncos and Packers last season. Unfortunately, Moore suffered what appeared to be a significant leg injury during Tuesday’s Family Fest. We don’t know the extent yet, but it didn’t look good.
Isaiah Coulter spent most of the 2021 season on the practice squad. He appeared in just two games for the Bears last season in a depth role. Coulter signed a reserve/future deal earlier this offseason. Coulter is coming off an impressive practice, where he connected with Fields on several occasions. Still, he isn’t expected to land on the active roster but is a candidate for the practice squad.
Nsimba Webster was claimed off waivers last September, where he was a depth receiver and primary punt returner. He was waived on Oct. 5 and re-signed to the practice squad, where he spent the remainder of the season. Webster signed a reserve/future contract with the Bears earlier this offseason. He projects to be a depth piece on the practice squad.
The Bears claimed Chris Finke off waivers from the Chiefs following the NFL draft. Finke, a former undrafted free agent by the San Francisco 49ers in 2020, has yet to see action in the NFL after a five-year career at Notre Dame. He signed with Kansas City in May 2021, which is when GM Ryan Poles served as the Chiefs executive director of player personnel. Finke faces an uphill battle for a roster spot.
Kevin Shaa signed with the Bears as an undrafted rookie free agent following a solid college career at Liberty. Shaa logged 82 catches for 1,364 yards and 12 touchdowns in four years. He’s made some impressive plays during training camp. Still, he’s not likely to earn a roster spot. But he’s a prime candidate for the practice squad. | 2022-08-11T14:41:53Z | sports.yahoo.com | Updated look at Bears wide receiver depth after N’Keal Harry’s surgery | https://sports.yahoo.com/updated-look-bears-wide-receiver-131727212.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/updated-look-bears-wide-receiver-131727212.html?src=rss |
The Rams linebacker is the second member of his unit to earn a spot on this year’s preseason list of the conference’s best.
Dangerous in the front seven.
The nature of college football is such that some athletes explode onto the scene with the first chance they get and others improve more incrementally, until their talent is impossible to ignore. Colorado State linebacker Cam’ron Carter is an example of the latter, which is why he lands on our annual countdown as one of Mountain West football’s top performers.
The Tucker, Georgia native made his first start for the Rams way back in 2018, then he’d make six more in 12 games within the 2019 season before starting all four of CSU’s contests in 2020 to stick in the starting eleven for good. That proved to be a prelude for one of the better all-around campaigns of anyone in the conference last year: Carter led the team with 100 tackles — which included four games with double-digit takedowns in CSU’s last six — and also picked up 7.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, and an interception, all of which landed him an honorable mention on the all-conference team.
While the Rams are resetting up front, Carter figures to be a key chess piece for new defensive coordinator Freddie Banks. The new offense in town might be getting the attention, but it could be Carter who generates the most excitement in the end.
😤😤 pic.twitter.com/u5MFW60DjI
— Colorado State Football (@CSUFootball) October 31, 2021
Auburn Morning Rush: Auburn to be represented in the ‘Field of Dreams’ game
Baseball, Football, Recruiting, and Gymnastics are the topics of discussion in Thursday's Auburn Morning Rush | 2022-08-11T14:51:39Z | sports.yahoo.com | 2022 Mountain West Football Top 50: #21, Colorado State LB Cam’ron Carter | https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-mountain-west-football-top-130002602.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-mountain-west-football-top-130002602.html?src=rss |
Some things may change, but others stay the same. In an offseason of turnover, the Oklahoma Sooners will still boast one of the best offenses in college football in 2022.
Led by Jeff Lebby and Dillon Gabriel, the Sooners will usher in a new fast-paced offensive attack that will provide a nice run-pass balance and set the tone for the Sooners as they look to adopt a more aggressive mindset on both sides of the football.
Brad Crawford of 247Sports recently projected the 10 best offenses for the 2022 season, and the Oklahoma Sooners come in at No. 7. They rank ahead of Red River foes the Texas Longhorns who land at No. 9.
A couple of surprises on the list include the Alabama Crimson Tide. who come in at No. 4 and the USC Trojans at No. 5.
Alabama boasts one of the best offenses in the country over the last several years and bring back the 2021 Heisman trophy winner. Perhaps the College Football Playoff Championship performance left a bad taste in Crawford’s mouth, but they should be higher. One could argue they should be right there with Ohio State as the No. 1 offense in the country, so to be behind Tennessee and Wake Forest is a bit of a surprise.
To his credit, Crawford’s piece came out before the news of Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman being forced to miss time due to a non-football related medical condition.
Speaking of the Trojans, does their No. 5 ranking pre-Hartman news indicate that the shine has worn off of Lincoln Riley a bit? Widely regarded by national media heading into 2021 as the best offensive mind in college football, things didn’t go well on the offensive side of the ball the last three games of the season. Armed with Caleb Williams, Oregon transfer Travis Dye, and Biletnikoff winner Jordan Addison, one would think the Trojans would be in the top three.
Here’s a look at the top 10.
Oct 21, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs quarterback Tanner Mordecai (8) throws a pass in the third quarter against the Tulane Green Wave at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
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Region 10 football is back, and the Desert Hills Thunder project as the top team, while Dixie, Snow Canyon, and Crimson Cliffs look to take them down. | 2022-08-11T14:51:45Z | sports.yahoo.com | 247Sports’ top 10 offenses for the 2022 season: Where does Oklahoma rank? | https://sports.yahoo.com/247sports-top-10-offenses-2022-131526698.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/247sports-top-10-offenses-2022-131526698.html?src=rss |
When it comes to the Auburn Tigers football program in 2022, it seems there are more questions than answers. One thing that is for sure, they will get tested early and often with one of the toughest schedules in college football.
The jury is still out on just how good Auburn could be in year two under Bryan Harsin, but they do have quite the opportunity before them. If you can’t compete for conference and national championships, why not ruin someone else’s opportunities?
According to CBS Sports’ Tom Fornelli, the Tigers are among the five teams that are poised for chaos in 2022.
Auburn is never more dangerous than when you expect nothing of it, so be wary, playoff contenders within the SEC. Auburn gets a home game against Penn State in the nonconference, but while the Nittany Lions want to compete for playoff berths, I don’t see them being a serious contender in 2022. Though, I suppose Auburn could put an early end to those dreams. Still, the games I’m looking at are at Georgia on Oct. 8, home against Texas A&M on Nov. 12 and the Iron Bowl at Alabama on Nov. 26. Auburn isn’t talented enough to compete for an SEC title in 2022. Still, it’s strong enough on the defensive side of the ball that it will be hard for either of those teams to blow out. Should the Tigers pair that defense with a good day on offense in those games, they could destroy somebody’s season.
Auburn Football's top 10 most played opponents | 2022-08-11T14:51:52Z | sports.yahoo.com | Is Auburn poised to wreak havoc on college football playoff teams? | https://sports.yahoo.com/auburn-poised-wreak-havoc-college-130035709.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/auburn-poised-wreak-havoc-college-130035709.html?src=rss |
Some freshman football players have the benefit of enrolling early at school and joining their team for the spring season, going through a number of practices, and ultimately getting some live reps in the annual spring game.
Others aren’t so fortunate, needing instead to try and get up to speed when fall camp rolls around. There is an acclimation period that the entire team goes through, consisting of two days of spider pads, and three days of shells (helmets and shoulder pads). This offers somewhat of a slow integration into the physical nature of college football, which can often be a wake-up for young players who are used to the high school level of play.
“I think the physicality… I mean, if you’re going to bite as a pup you’re going to bite as a dog, and we can try to enforce that a little bit,” head coach Dan Lanning said on Tuesday when asked about young players responding to the increased physicality. “But the reality is that if you’re a physical player, you’re going to be a physical player.”
For many incoming freshmen, the start of fall camp is a lot like getting thrown into the deep end of the pool. You may have been an all-star athlete in high school, but now you’re running with the big dogs who are sometimes as many as 3 or 4 years older than you.
“I think what you notice as you get into day five and day six is you start to recognize who’s actually got their head buried in their playbook — who’s spending the extra time — because it’s hard to play fast if you don’t know what you’re doing,” Lanning said. “And that probably sticks out the young guys that are putting in the extra time that’s required to be successful. Those are the guys who are reaping the benefits right now.”
When pressed to identify a player or two who have done what he was alluding to, Lanning — a coach who rarely singles out individuals thus far in his tenure at Oregon — pointed to true freshman defensive back Khamari Terrell, a former 4-star recruit out of Texas.
“There’s a few guys… I just threw kudos to Khamari Terrell, he’s done a really good job of meeting and taking extra time to watch film, doing the little things,” Lanning said.
Another place where Lanning wasn’t shy about offering praise was on the offensive line. Due to a couple of minor injuries, mainly to RT Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, there has been an opportunity for young players to step up and take advantage of some playing time on the O-line. Oregon fans will be happy to hear that Josh Conerly, the 5-star recruit who ranked as the No. 1 OT in the 2022 class, was near the top of the list.
“There’s been some guys that have stuck out and had really good days. You know, Josh Conerly had a good day, had a really good rep and competition (period) today,” Lanning said. “The competition drill — we do kind of a one-on-one drill — he did a really good job. We’ve seen some good things from Dave (Iuli), seen some good things from Kawika (Rogers). A lot of those young guys have done well up front.”
As is normally the case with training camp, an opportunity has risen for young players and underclassmen to showcase their talents and try to establish a place for themselves on the depth chart. How high up on the depth chart they actually land is a case-by-case basis, but what matters is that the players are getting a chance to show what they’re capable of.
'A lot of compete out there;' Dan Lanning emphasizes controlled aggression after Ducks practice
Lanning talks player led teams in week two of fall camp
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning talks setting examples and player led teams during the second week of fall camp.
Dan Lanning was fired up after practice. He talked on Tuesday about the level of competition, and how they can get better going forward. Here are some of his best quotes. | 2022-08-11T14:51:58Z | sports.yahoo.com | Dan Lanning highlights Josh Conerly, Khamari Terrell, other freshman standouts at practice | https://sports.yahoo.com/dan-lanning-highlights-josh-conerly-132006179.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/dan-lanning-highlights-josh-conerly-132006179.html?src=rss |
Whoever has the temerity to sit down and rank every starting quarterback across all 131 college football teams, good on them. But Michigan sure isn’t going to make it easy.
The Wolverines have a high-profile quarterback battle currently ensuing, with incumbent Cade McNamara doing everything he can to hold off upstart, former five-star J.J. McCarthy. The duo helped propel the maize and blue to the College Football Playoff last year, and with the bulk of the offense returning in 2022, whoever ends up being the man under center is working towards an even brighter season than last year.
Athlon Sports did rank all of the quarterbacks across the sport, but given that Michigan’s situation is far from settled, they lumped McNamara and McCarthy together. Still, the Wolverine duo came in at No. 27 overall among the 131 college football teams.
27. Cade McNamara/J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
We are going to cheat a bit and list both Michigan quarterbacks here. Although there’s a battle between McNamara and McCarthy in fall practice to start, both are likely going to play a lot in 2022. Essentially, we are ranking the quarterback room here, but if one starts and plays the bulk of the season snaps, the guess here is that signal-caller ends up earning second-team All-Big Ten honors (and ranks higher on this list). The combination of McNamara and McCarthy worked well for Michigan’s offense last fall, as the two signal-callers combined to guide coach Jim Harbaugh’s team to the Big Ten title and a trip to the CFB Playoff. McNamara threw for 2,576 yards and 15 touchdowns to six picks, while McCarthy added 516 yards and five scores through the air and 124 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Both quarterbacks are capable of guiding this attack, with McNamara more of a steady option and McCarthy bringing more big-play ability into the offense.
Along with this ESPN article, it’s refreshing to see at least some sort of optimism surrounding this Michigan team, given that other Big Ten schools — Wisconsin, MSU, Penn State — have been seen by many as being tougher candidates than the Wolverines.
For some, the starting quarterback is the sole link to the overall team health. But Michigan is loaded from top to bottom, even if the defense has a few question marks. | 2022-08-11T14:52:36Z | sports.yahoo.com | Where Michigan football’s starting QB ranks in all of college football | https://sports.yahoo.com/where-michigan-football-starting-qb-134939114.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/where-michigan-football-starting-qb-134939114.html?src=rss |
The NASCAR Cup Series is back on a short track this weekend as the sport storms into Richmond Raceway.
The Federated Auto Parts 400 on Sunday (3 p.m. ET, USA Network, NBC Sports App, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) marks just the second time this season that Cup cars hit a venue for a second time this season, joining Atlanta Motor Speedway as the other.
Get ready for 400 laps around the 0.75-mile oval with all the background you need to know here:
HOT LAPS AT THE ACTION TRACK
NASCAR Cup Series teams practice early Saturday evening (5:05 p.m. ET, USA Network, NBC Sports App, MRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio), with the 36-car field split into Group A and Group B based on NASCAR’s metric formula. Each group will get 15 minutes of practice ahead of qualifying (5:50 p.m. ET, USA Network, NBC Sports App, MRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).
RELATED: Weekend schedule | Points standings | Qualifying order
RICHMOND STORY LINES
— Kevin Harvick snapped a 65-race winless streak last week at Michigan, becoming the season’s 15th different winner.
— Ryan Blaney lost 52 points to Martin Truex Jr. in the last four races in the battle to not be the last driver in the playoffs in points and is now just 19 points ahead of Truex
— Truex has won three of the last six races at Richmond, owns a seven-race top-five streak there and finished fourth in April after leading 80 laps. He has also led 80 laps or more in nine of the last 11 Richmond races.
— Chase Elliott can secure the Regular Season Championship by leaving Richmond with a 121-point lead over second place. Blaney currently holds the second spot and trails by 119 points.
— The longest active top-10 streak is four races by Bubba Wallace, marking his longest top-10 streak and 23XI‘s longest top-10 streak.
With Richmond’s aging asphalt comes higher tire wear, forcing teams and drivers to be conscious of how quickly they burn through a set of Goodyear tires.
That challenge is often welcomed by teams, and pit strategy dictated the outcome of the April contest that saw Denny Hamlin leave with a win in hand. Cup teams will have nine sets of tires for the 400-lap race, which is an average of just 44 laps (33 miles) per set if they use their full allotment, according to Goodyear.
“Richmond has become a high tire wear track over the years,” said Greg Stucker, Goodyear‘s director of racing. “Drivers will search around for grip as tires wear and the track takes rubber during the course of the race. Lap times will fall off over two seconds during a run, so four-tire stops are a given. But when and how often to pit will be key, as it was in the spring race. One good thing for the teams is that this is the same tire combination they ran at Richmond in the spring and at several other tracks throughout the season. That will give them a good understanding of what to expect in this race.”
In addition to this spring’s race at Richmond, this tire setup was also utilized at Phoenix, Gateway and New Hampshire.
RICH HISTORY AT RICHMOND
— NASCAR Cup (Grand National) Series racing at Richmond Raceway began on April 19th, 1953, when Lee Petty won at what was then called the Atlantic Rural Fairgrounds. The track was a 0.5-mile dirt track through the first race of the 1968 season, 24 races. For the fall 1988 race, the half-mile oval track was reconfigured to its current shape and geometry.
— The first race ever held at Richmond was during the 1946 Exposition on Oct. 12 for open-wheel cars (pre-NASCAR), won by the legendary Ted Horn.
— Races at Richmond have been 200, 250, 300, 400 and 500 laps long. The 400-lap distance has been in effect since 1976, on the 0.5-mile track from 1976 to spring 1988 and on the 0.75-mile since September 1988.
— Richmond Raceway is located in Henrico County at the “Richmond Raceway Complex.” The 900-acre complex has six permanent buildings, including the 60,000-square foot Exhibition Hall and the 8,000-seat Classic Amphitheater.
— The first scheduled night race on the 0.75-mile track was held in September 1991, won by Harry Gant as the second win in his streak of four-straight wins that month. March 10, 1964 is the actual date of the first night race at Richmond when the final 100 laps were completed on Tuesday night after rain halted the race on Sunday.
— Ford won the pole for the last four Richmond races with qualifying, most recently with Ryan Blaney in April.
— Joe Gibbs Racing won six of the last eight Richmond races, including the last two.
— Hendrick Motorsports drivers were passed for the win in each of the last two Richmond races.
Denny Hamlin and Martin Truex Jr. are immediate locks this weekend, and the oddsmakers agree. The Joe Gibbs Racing teammates are listed as co-favorites at 6-1, according to DraftKings.
With Truex’s accomplishments listed, let’s shift the focus to Hamlin, the Chesterfield, Virginia native who has won four times at his home track. Hamlin is the most recent Richmond winner and has nine top fives in the last 11 contests at the 0.75-mile track.
In fact, the JGR quartet are all listed with the weekend’s best odds, with six-time Richmond winner Kyle Busch posted at 7-1 odds and Christopher Bell at 9-1 based off his three straight top-six finishes in four Cup Richmond starts.
Further down the list at 15-1 odds sits Kevin Harvick, a three-time Richmond winner. The No. 4 Ford was hot on the heels of Hamlin in April and can use his recently-rekindled momentum to spark quite the tear entering the playoffs.
Does Hamlin complete 2022 Richmond sweep? - Powered By PickUp
One Jackson native has his imprints on NASCAR through his manufacturing business, Technique, Inc. | 2022-08-11T15:34:43Z | sports.yahoo.com | Richmond 101: Qualifying format, TV times, Goodyear tires and more | https://sports.yahoo.com/richmond-101-qualifying-format-tv-081749543.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/richmond-101-qualifying-format-tv-081749543.html?src=rss |
NASCAR announced today that tickets are on sale for the 2023 Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum as excitement builds for racing‘s return to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The blockbuster event will be held on Feb. 5 and include all of the thrills, chills and spills that only NASCAR racing can provide inside one of the most iconic venues in the history of sport.
“The LA Coliseum was the place to be during the first Sunday in February this year, and that will certainly be the case for next year‘s Busch Light Clash,” said Ben Kennedy, NASCAR‘s senior vice president for racing development and strategy. “The fans who missed out this year now have a golden opportunity to join us in 2023, and it‘s going to be a celebration to remember. It will be the first event of NASCAR‘s 75th Anniversary season and an integral part of the Coliseum‘s centennial.”
MORE: All-time Busch Light Clash winners | Photos from 2022 Clash at the Coliseum
Tickets for the 2023 Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum begin at $65, and kids 12-and-under are $10. Those are the same prices charged for this year‘s inaugural showcase, which not only featured NASCAR‘s season-opening exhibition race, but also included unforgettable performances by international superstars Ice Cube, Pitbull and DJ Skee.
The musical lineup for the 2023 Busch Light Clash will be cast in the coming weeks, but one thing is already certain — the stars of the NASCAR Cup Series will be the main box-office draw. They‘ll deliver intense, door-to-door racing on a quarter-mile asphalt track that‘s nestled inside the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Four preliminary heats and two last-chance qualifiers will set the stage for the main event featuring 23 daring drivers. They will all try to capture the spotlight Joey Logano enjoyed by winning the first NASCAR race in the heart of Los Angeles earlier this year.
We also know that the NASCAR Fan Fest at the Coliseum will also be bigger and better, featuring more fun and interactive elements for racing fans of all ages. Fans in California can also share their excitement by purchasing customized license plates at nascarplates.com that benefit California‘s Outdoors for All initiative and The NASCAR Foundation. | 2022-08-11T15:34:50Z | sports.yahoo.com | Tickets are now on sale for NASCARs 2023 Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum | https://sports.yahoo.com/tickets-now-sale-nascars-2023-110024231.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/tickets-now-sale-nascars-2023-110024231.html?src=rss |
Dodgers' Joey Gallo looks up after hitting a three-run home run during the seventh inning against the Minnesota Twins on Aug. 10 at Dodger Stadium. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
“I think it’s just the work that we’ve been doing with the hitting coaches," Gallo said of his success in their last two games. "Since the first day I got here, they said it’s not about immediate results, just about the process and getting back to the player I know I can be. So it’s been great. It’s been relaxing. They’re really smart. I’m excited to keep working with them.”
“I think it was good for both sides just because it was the best opportunity for me and for them," he said. "So I don’t have any hard feelings about that. I didn’t do my job up to my abilities. But it’s always nice to have a fresh start. Just like a new relationship. It’s nice. Like I said, good weather, good group of guys, can’t complain.”
He's glad he could regrow his beard — the Yankees don’t allow players to have facial hair — and he’s content living near the ocean.
“No offense to New York, but I was living in a small apartment for the same price," he said. "So it’s pretty nice to be by the beach and have some waves and some sand and people walking around in flip-flops and whatnot. Yeah, it’s definitely a little more laid-back environment and that’s just the difference of different cities, in general. I think it’s a good fit.”
Here's what to know about the 2022 Field of Dreams Game between the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs at the special venue in Dyersville, Iowa. | 2022-08-11T16:01:06Z | sports.yahoo.com | Elliott: Joey Gallo finds a change in scenery is good for both him and Dodgers | https://sports.yahoo.com/elliott-joey-gallo-finds-change-142720235.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/elliott-joey-gallo-finds-change-142720235.html?src=rss |
The best way to fill the tight end spot on your fantasy roster is with someone who is only barely, technically — by the loosest possible definition — a tight end.
That is to say, you want to find a player who is essentially just a very large wide receiver, running routes on every snap, only occasionally engaged in blocking. Last year's highest-scoring fantasy tight end, Mark Andrews, led his position in slot snaps by a mile. He ran a route on 93.0 percent of all pass snaps according to PFF. Travis Kelce wasn't far behind (90.4%). Kyle Pitts was at 92.4 percent and rarely found himself in-line.
But these guys have all been licensed and certified by Tight End University, so we can't argue with their position designation.
Honestly, we might want to consider scrapping this positional requirement from fantasy leagues entirely. Andrews, Kelce, Pitts and various others would still be started as flexes, of course. If you didn't have to fill this sham of a spot in your weekly lineup, then you wouldn't have to mess around with end-of-draft fliers like these guys ...
It hasn't been a clinic at all times with Kmet in his first two seasons, but this is a notoriously slow-developing roster spot. Last year, Kmet was targeted 14 times in the red zone yet never scored a touchdown. But he's made a few highlight catches for the Bears, despite a mostly dreadful offensive environment:
THE ROOK COLE KMET MOSSES JUSTIN HOLLINS 🤯pic.twitter.com/pb44oiC4CW
After Chicago spent its offseason collecting various unwanted and undistinguished receivers discarded by other teams, Kmet finds himself well-positioned to see 100-plus targets in 2022. He saw the eighth-most slot snaps among tight ends last season on pass plays and finished eighth at his position in targets as well (93). Jimmy Graham had been a minor nuisance, but he's now out of the team picture. Bears OC Luke Getsy has consistently and aggressively talked up Kmet throughout camp, for those who care about such things.
It's not unusual to see a tight end's breakout occur with his second team, so let's please keep an open mind with Engram. The reporter drumbeat on Engram has been steady and positive this summer—here's one example, here's another and here's yet another. It should go without saying that he's made more than his share of regrettable plays in recent seasons, but that's why he's available at such a deep discount.
Could Evan Engram turn his fantasy fortunes around as a Jaguar? (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
Almost 70 percent of his snaps on passing plays came from the slot last season, so he's one of those dudes who's a tight end on the depth chart, but exclusively a receiving threat. Jacksonville's offense isn't burdened with too many elite receivers, so there's a huge opportunity ahead for Engram. He's clearly been a camp favorite for Trevor Lawrence.
Here's another tight end who basically never spends a moment pass-blocking. We don't need Brate to claim all or even most of the re-retired Rob Gronkowski's targets from last season (7.4 per game). If he can simply find an additional 25-30, he can make plenty of fantasy noise. Brate has seen 75 or more targets in just two seasons (2016-17) and he scored 14 total touchdowns in those years. Nineteen of his 57 targets last season were in the red zone, which tied him with Dawson Knox for the fourth most among all tight ends. Brate and Kyle Rudolph can certainly coexist. No one's going to fight you for him, either. His quarterback led the NFL in pass attempts, completions, yards and touchdowns last season, so the team context is pretty decent too.
So many underneath layups should be available to Hurst in Cincinnati's loaded offense. He's made plenty of noise in camp to this point:
2. Another day, another TD catch for TE Hayden Hurst who is off to a good start in his 1st Bengals camp.
“I was shocked with how smooth he was in and out of his breaks,” said Tyler Boyd. “Once he gets fundamentally sound in the offense, I think that’s when we’ll see him explode.” pic.twitter.com/evD0fAYZJB
Let's remember that C.J. Uzomah emerged as a threat for the Bengals last season, catching 49 balls for 493 yards and five spikes. Hurst is fully capable of exceeding those totals. He's a former first-rounder stepping into an upper-tier offense, now connected to a quarterback with 5,000-yard upside. It would be mildly surprising if he doesn't finish with at least 600 yards and a six-pack of touchdowns.
After re-signing to a three-year deal in the offseason, Alie-Cox finds himself at the top of the depth chart on a team that doesn't have a well-established No. 2 receiving option. His snaps and targets have risen steadily over the past four seasons and they might very well spike in 2022. The Colts have upgraded their quarterback situation and Alie-Cox definitely seems to be a fan of the move. It's not difficult to see a path to 75 or more targets for the fifth-year tight end, which would be a substantial jump from any prior season. | 2022-08-11T16:32:58Z | sports.yahoo.com | 2022 Fantasy Football Draft Prep: TE sleepers for the closing rounds | https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-fantasy-football-draft-prep-te-sleepers-for-the-closing-rounds-144212526.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-fantasy-football-draft-prep-te-sleepers-for-the-closing-rounds-144212526.html?src=rss |
UPDATE: Roquan Smith showed up to Thursday’s practice, but he’s not participating. Smith is hanging near injured players at the exercise bikes.
Just one day after the Chicago Bears removed Roquan Smith from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, the star linebacker seems to have gotten the message from general manager Ryan Poles.
As Thursday’s training camp practice kicked off, Smith was not spotted on the field. Smith had been watching from the sidelines so far this summer. But it certainly doesn’t appear to be a coincidence that, one day after being activated off the PUP, that Smith isn’t out there.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport shared that Smith doesn’t intend to practice after formally requesting a trade on Tuesday amid his contract dispute.
#Bears practice is starting. I do not see Roquan Smith out here.
The Bears can fine Smith $40,000 per day for missing practice. But if general manager Ryan Poles really wants to mend bridges, that doesn’t seem like a good option.
Poles reiterated his intentions to get a new deal in place with Smith, despite Smith declaring that he didn’t “see a path back to the organization.” It certainly appears to be a negotiation tactic on Smith’s part, one fans hope will pay off.
We’ll see what happens after practice. | 2022-08-11T16:33:04Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bears LB Roquan Smith not practicing on Thursday | https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-lb-roquan-smith-not-153011629.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-lb-roquan-smith-not-153011629.html?src=rss |
The Indianapolis Colts are going to sign left guard Quenton Nelson to a massive contract extension at some point, and it appears they want to get it done before the regular season arrives.
Nelson, who is currently playing on the fifth-year option of his rookie contract, is expected to reset the market for interior offensive linemen on this new deal. We took a look at projecting what that contract might look like earlier this offseason.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that the Colts have made Nelson’s extension a priority and want to get the deal done before the end of the preseason.
From what I’m told, the Colts’ contract strategy is clear: Figure out a way to pay guard Quenton Nelson, hopefully this month. Other contract matters can wait. That means Kenny Moore II, a standout corner who has two years left on a four-year, $33 million deal, might not cash in until 2023. The same goes for linebacker Bobby Okereke, an underrated player.
It’s no surprise that the Colts want to get this deal done quickly. It would be shocking if both sides went through the 2022 season without coming to agreement on a new deal.
It seems to be still in the works, but Nelson could be getting a massive deal before the month of August is over. | 2022-08-11T16:33:30Z | sports.yahoo.com | Colts want Quenton Nelson’s extension done ‘hopefully this month’ | https://sports.yahoo.com/colts-want-quenton-nelson-extension-143652014.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/colts-want-quenton-nelson-extension-143652014.html?src=rss |
Despite suffering through a number of coaches, inconsistent rosters, injuries and more, Matthew Stafford showed up to work every day for the city of Detroit. Stafford left a lasting legacy through different charities and foundations that he and his family established in the community.
Stafford was traded to the Los Angeles Rams prior to the 2021 season, but the love for Stafford has never wavered in Detroit as Lions fans rejoiced when he won the Super Bowl this past February.
Former Crimson Tide wide receiver, Jameson Williams, was selected No. 12 overall in the 2022 NFL by the Detroit Lions, and he hopes to leave the same impact on Detroit that Stafford did. Williams has generational speed and elite play-making talent that already makes fans fawn over him, but this classy move to the Detroit legend is what may truly win the city over.
Williams initially intended on wearing No. 18 for the Lions, however, No. 9 caught his eye and he was ready to make the switch. However, before officially doing that, Williams reached out to Stafford on his own to get his permission to wear the number. Stafford happily obliged, but the move by Williams is one that will definitely set a precedent moving forward.
Hopefully, Williams can continue his speedy recovery from a torn ACL and make his NFL debut as soon as possible.
WATCH: Former Alabama second baseman hits home run in first minor league game at Field of Dreams | 2022-08-11T16:34:07Z | sports.yahoo.com | Jameson Williams gets Matt Stafford’s approval to wear No. 9 for Detroit Lions | https://sports.yahoo.com/jameson-williams-gets-matt-stafford-153851802.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/jameson-williams-gets-matt-stafford-153851802.html?src=rss |
After an appendectomy a couple of weeks ago, it remains unclear when former LSU and current Bengals QB Joe Burrow will return to the field.
According to Burrow’s father, Jimmy, it still might be a few weeks before Burrow is back out there. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor refrained from making a prediction.
Taylor added that he doesn’t expect this to hamper Burrow’s preparation for the season. Even if Burrow was healthy, he would not be taking the field for the Bengals’ preseason opener.
Last year, Burrow led the NFL in yards per attempt and completion percentage as led the Bengals to a Super Bowl appearance.
His passer rating of 108.3 was good enough for second in the NFL, only behind Aaron Rodgers. Burrow, now 25 and in his third year, shouldn’t be too affected by missing the first few weeks of camp. This is a guy who was playing at an MVP level in 2021 and looks like he could be one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks for years to come.
Now, his receivers are only more experience and the offensive line has a chance to take another jump. The Bengals’ offense should be one of the best in the league and contend in the AFC. | 2022-08-11T16:34:14Z | sports.yahoo.com | An update on Joe Burrow’s recovery | https://sports.yahoo.com/joe-burrow-recovery-160015852.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/joe-burrow-recovery-160015852.html?src=rss |
And while it’s no secret that San Francisco’s rushing attack has flourished under coach Kyle Shanahan, the fullback joined KNBR’s “Papa & Lund” on Tuesday to detail why fans should expect big things from the group’s trio of young backs -- and why Elijah Mitchell was able to thrive in his rookie season.
Mitchell’s rookie season saw him gain 963 yards and five touchdowns while averaging 4.7 yards a carry. His durability was on display last season alongside his capability, running the ball anywhere from 21 to 27 times in each of the last five regular-season games in which he appeared. | 2022-08-11T16:34:20Z | sports.yahoo.com | Kyle Juszczyk: Why Elijah Mitchell thrived over Trey Sermon in 49ers' offense | https://sports.yahoo.com/kyle-juszczyk-why-elijah-mitchell-154537612.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/kyle-juszczyk-why-elijah-mitchell-154537612.html?src=rss |
Thursday’s joint practice between the Cowboys and Broncos has been designed to give both teams’ starting rosters a more gamelike workload than their regular intrasquad sessions or even a full preseason contest.
But it won’t resemble a “scrimmage” the way most fans think of that word.
For one, the two-hour practice will be spread across two different fields at UCHealth Training Center the Broncos’ complex in the Denver suburb of Englewood. The rosters and the starting quarterbacks will reportedly be split between them; Dak Prescott on one field, and Russell Wilson on the other. So fans hoping to see a head-to-head QB competition will instead have to choose which offensive/defensive matchup to watch.
As for fans, the event is expected to see heavy attendance. Mike Klis of Denver’s 9News reported that plenty of fans- mostly sporting the star, he noted- were lining up almost three hours prior to the start of practice in hopes of seeing their heroes in action.
And both the Cowboys and Broncos plan to give their starters a good day’s work, saving Saturday’s preseason game for younger players looking to claim a roster spot.
That’s quite a departure from the more traditional approach of playing starters for the opening drive of the first preseason contest and then benching them. But the Cowboys skipper hints that carefully controlled joint practices like Thursday’s with Denver (and next week’s with the Chargers) may be becoming the norm. And for good reason.
“I never liked the hey-play-the-guys-for-a-series, and I did it,” Mike McCarthy told the media this week. “It doesn’t make a lot of sense to give a group of guys one series.”
Three snaps against players wearing different jerseys doesn’t make much of a difference with a veteran like, say, Prescott.
“It’s not how much he plays, it’s who he plays with,” McCarty explained. “Training camp has injuries. You don’t practice as much [as the old days]. I think it’s harder to get the group of guys on the field at the same time to accomplish that. That’s why I like what we’re trying this year. We’re going to get a little safer environment, but we’ll get those reps.”
Broncos first-year head coach Nathaniel Hackett agrees and is looking forward to hosting the Cowboys.
“I’m lucky to, in the past, also be a part of a lot of intersquad scrimmages, and I think it’s fantastic work,” Hackett said, per Denver7’s Troy Renck. “I just think it’s great for both units, to be able to protect them and still get that work in like if it was a real game.”
Even though Thursday’s dual-practice session will be a closely monitored affair, things are sure to get heated, in more ways than one.
Temperatures in Denver are predicted to be in the upper 90s during the Cowboys’ visit, with heat indices pushing toward 100 degrees. Not quite what awaits them back in North Texas, but a far cry from what the Cowboys have been enjoying thus far in Oxnard.
The mercury won’t be the only thing rising at Thursday’s joint practice. Tempers will most certainly flare once the opposing teams square off wearing helmets and pads.
The Cowboys did plenty of pushing and shoving just amongst themselves in their Tuesday walkthrough. And while McCarthy doesn’t want to see anyone get hurt by throwing punches or brawling, he admits that he loved seeing the intensity ratchet up as the team’s date with Denver drew closer.
“Hell yeah,” the coach shot back during a Wednesday Q&A. “You can’t get to where you want to go without it. That’s football. You talk about getting on the edge and playing with that… we want to push the envelope, always, in the realm of emotion and competition. That’s what training camp’s for.”
And that’s what Thursday’s long-awaited joint practice will deliver.
Even if it looks very different from what the Cowboys have experienced up to now. | 2022-08-11T16:34:45Z | sports.yahoo.com | McCarthy, Cowboys look to ‘push the envelope’ vs. Denver in joint practice | https://sports.yahoo.com/mccarthy-cowboys-look-push-envelope-143157585.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/mccarthy-cowboys-look-push-envelope-143157585.html?src=rss |
Carolina Panthers fans—how many times did you think to yourself last season, “If only we had a decent quarterback . . . “? Well, it seems as though the organization itself has pondered the same exact question.
On Thursday, MMQB senior reporter Albert Breer released his latest mailbag feature. In it, he addresses the Panthers’ point of view on their ongoing quarterback battle between Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold.
And he starts by noting where it’s gone wrong for the latter.
“Now, the problem for him [Darnold] is that he really hasn’t progressed much since coming out of college as the raw, athletic, tough and likable USC quarterback who had a lot of work to do to become a proficient pro,” Breer responds to a reader. “He still doesn’t see the field fast enough and isn’t super comfortable playing from the pocket. Mayfield, on the other hand, has shown strong accuracy outside the numbers, arm strength and playmaking ability.”
Those flaws were evident throughout much of 2021 for Darnold, even in a season where he put together the most impressive three-game stretch of his career. The then fourth-year passer finished up the final nine games of last year having tossed six touchdowns to just 12 interceptions—with his jitters and his happy feet often getting the better of him.
Breer went on to add that Carolina acquired Darnold’s fellow 2018 draftee in Mayfield with hopes of him providing some sort of stability. As a more established and known commodity, the former No. 1 overall pick could keep this Panthers team afloat this fall.
“The Panthers’ idea in acquiring Mayfield was that it’d set a floor for the team,” Breer writes. “They’d be at least average at the position. And Mayfield’s shown in camp already, by the sounds of it, that he can at least get them there.”
It’s difficult to get a hit when you’re aiming for the stars in this league, especially under center. So if you can’t get an elite captain, you get one that won’t completely crash your ship—an expedition head coach Matt Rhule has yet to successfully see through here in the NFL. | 2022-08-11T16:34:52Z | sports.yahoo.com | NFL insider: Panthers set a floor in acquiring QB Baker Mayfield | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-insider-panthers-set-floor-152540555.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-insider-panthers-set-floor-152540555.html?src=rss |
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady will take some time away from the team to deal with a personal matter. Brady is expected to miss all of next week, and will return to the Bucs at some point following the team's Aug. 20 preseason game, per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network
Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said he discussed the absence with Brady prior to the start of training camp. Bowles said Brady wanted to get in early reps with the team, but would eventually step away for a bit during training camp to deal with this personal matter.
Bowles did not go into specifics on Brady's personal matter.
Brady was not expected to play in either of the Bucs' first two preseason games, so the absence should not affect his preparation for the regular season. Bowles said he has a "pretty high" level of confidence Brady will be back and playing in Week 1.
Bowles said he has a “pretty high” level of confidence Brady will be back and playing in season opener in Dallas. Later said he didn’t have doubt, said “pretty high” again.
With Brady away from the team, Blaine Gabbert and Kyle Trask are expected to see time during the team's first two preseason games.
Brady, 45, is coming off a season in which he led the NFL in passing attempts, passing yards and passing touchdowns. The Buccaneers are expected to compete for a Super Bowl title with Brady under center for another season.
Tom Brady will miss time as he deals with a personal matter. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | 2022-08-11T16:35:04Z | sports.yahoo.com | NFL training camp 2022: Tom Brady to miss over a week with Buccaneers as he deals with personal matter | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-training-camp-2022-tom-brady-to-miss-over-a-week-with-buccaneers-as-he-deals-with-personal-matter-160100217.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-training-camp-2022-tom-brady-to-miss-over-a-week-with-buccaneers-as-he-deals-with-personal-matter-160100217.html?src=rss |
New England Patriots running back James White announced his retirement on Thursday. He made the announcement via Instagram.
White was drafted by New England in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL draft. The Wisconsin product put together a strong NFL career. He recorded 1,278 yards rushing and 32 touchdowns. He also proved his worth as a receiving back, recording 381 receptions for 3,278 yards and two touchdowns.
Most will remember him for the key role he played in the Patriots’ Super Bowl victory over the Atlanta Falcons in 2017. He had 139 yards from scrimmage, including 110 receiving yards, and was named the Super Bowl MVP for his efforts. He also scored the game-winning touchdown to complete the Patriots’ improbable comeback win.
White most recently signed a two-year contract extension with the Patriots in March.
New England has a crowded running back room, headlined by Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson. The Patriots also drafted two running backs in Pierre Strong Jr. and Kevin Harris. The team is getting younger at the position, and White’s retirement signals another step towards that.
Field of Dreams tour in Dyersville, Iowa | 2022-08-11T16:35:10Z | sports.yahoo.com | Patriots RB James White announces retirement in lengthy Instagram post | https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-rb-james-white-announces-154508332.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-rb-james-white-announces-154508332.html?src=rss |
James White, the New England Patriots running back who sealed the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history, announced his retirement on Thursday.
White, 30, thanked his wife and kids, his teammates, his parents, owner Robert Kraft, and head coach Bill Belichick. He also tipped his cap to Patriots faithful, saying that playing in front of "the best fans in the NFL" for his entire career was "a tremendous blessing and an honor."
"To say that Foxboro will always hold a special place in my heart is an understatement," White wrote in his farewell message. "It's been the most significant chapter of my adulthood; my kids were born here; it's the place we know the best as adults and where I have grown and created my family."
White, a fourth-round draft pick out of Wisconsin in 2014, spent eight years in the NFL, all with the Patriots. He played in 95 regular season games, starting 13, and had 1,278 rushing yards on 319 attempts with 11 touchdowns and 381 receptions for 3,278 yards and 25 touchdowns.
White is a three-time Super Bowl champion, but he will always be remembered for his performance in Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons, which is considered to be one of the greatest Super Bowl performances of all time. He had 14 catches for 110 yards, six carries for 29 yards, a two-point conversion, and three touchdowns — but the last of those touchdowns is what made White's Super Bowl showing truly historic.
Super Bowl LI was the famous 28-3 comeback, and White scored the game-winning overtime touchdown to seal the Patriots' 34-28 victory. It was the very first (and thus far only) walk-off touchdown in Super Bowl history.
Kraft was effusive about White's impact on the team, both as a player and a human being.
"James White has always been one of the most reliable and dependable players on the field," Kraft said via the team website. "He's a soft-spoken leader who has led by example and was the best at what he did, leading all NFL running backs in receptions and receiving touchdowns over the past seven years. [...] As great of a player as James has been for us, he's an even better person. He is a man of great character and integrity and earned everyone's respect through his work ethic, professionalism and positive daily demeanor. James became a part of the Patriots' family while in New England and while his presence in our locker room will be missed, we are happy for James and his family as they embark on a new adventure. As a three-time Super Bowl Champion, we look forward to celebrating his career contributions for years to come."
Belichick, as always, had less to say, but his words were just as heartfelt.
"James defines the term consummate professional," Belichick said. "His dependability, consistency, unselfishness and performance under pressure are elite. Combining great intelligence, quickness and elusiveness, James was a perfect fit for our pass offense. While soft spoken, he brought exceptional leadership and competitive toughness to the team. He was a multi-year team captain and one of the most respected, best team players I have ever coached."
Patriots running back James White, who scored the game-winning overtime touchdown against the Falcons in Super Bowl LI, is retiring after eight seasons. (Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports) | 2022-08-11T16:35:17Z | sports.yahoo.com | Patriots RB James White, hero of Super Bowl LI, retires after eight seasons | https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-rb-james-white-hero-of-super-bowl-li-retires-after-eight-seasons-161734991.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-rb-james-white-hero-of-super-bowl-li-retires-after-eight-seasons-161734991.html?src=rss |
Going into the second preseason game of the year, the Raiders are expected to use the same starting rotation we saw in the Hall of Fame game. That means no Derek Carr, Davante Adams, etc. However, we should see all the same running backs once again.
That includes Josh Jacobs, who played 11 snaps against the Jaguars in the Hall of Fame game. The only question is, will he continue to run with the starters or could someone like Kenyan Drake or Zamir White get snaps over him?
In a recent article by Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus, he wrote about every team’s biggest storyline entering Week 1 of the preseason. For the Raiders, it was their backfield after Josh Jacobs played 11 snaps in the Hall of Fame game.
Here is what Sikkema had to say about the running back position entering their Sunday matchup against the Vikings:
Jacobs looked good in his two series with the starters last week and he is still the odds-on favorite to open the season as the starter. However, keep an eye on White as he could earn a bigger role before the start of the season. He might just be too good to keep off the field this year.
Melbourne Dua Lipa's “only intimate theater appearance worldwide.” | 2022-08-11T16:35:36Z | sports.yahoo.com | Raiders backfield among biggest storylines for Week 1 of preseason | https://sports.yahoo.com/raiders-backfield-among-biggest-storylines-154646298.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/raiders-backfield-among-biggest-storylines-154646298.html?src=rss |
HOUSTON — The Houston Texans shored up their linebacking corps by adding former Alabama product Christian Harris with their third-round selection in the 2022 NFL draft.
Houston already had youth at the position with Garret Wallow, a 2021 fifth-rounder, but the addition of Harris has provided younger reinforcements for veterans Kamu Grugier-Hill, Christian Kirksey, and Kevin Pierre-Louis.
Pierre-Louis has watched Harris throughout the offseason program and training camp, and gave a glowing endorsement of the 6-2, 232-pound linebacker.
“That kid, he’s a special talent,” Pierre-Louis said. “I’ve been in the league long enough to notice things in guys, and he has that ‘it’ factor for sure. I’m excited to see him really do his thing at this level. The sky’s the limit, honestly. As generic as that sounds, I truly believe the sky’s the limit for him.”
Although Pierre-Louis may not be adept enough with analogies to encapsulate Harris’ talent, a further elaboration demonstrated specifically what makes Harris an asset to the linebacking corps.
“It’s the athleticism, the way he approaches the game as a rookie,” said Pierre-Louis. “He already has that professional mindset. I see him — I’m a guy, I’m older, so I’m always getting in early, doing things for my body, and seeing a rookie come in and do that already, it really shows where his mindset is and what he’s trying to do for this team.”
Harris ran a 4.44 at the NFL Scouting Combine, and even being around Harris has had teammates such as Kirksey remark the rookie may be the fastest linebacker on the team.
Begrudingly, Pierre-Louis would also give the rookie that compliment.
Said Pierre-Louis: “I’m not going to lie, yeah. As much as I don’t want to say it as a competitor, that kid can move. Once again, once he figures it out in our system, he’s going to do wonderful things.”
The Texans will get to see how well Harris moves in coach Lovie Smith’s Tampa 2 scheme when they take on the New Orleans Saints Aug. 13 at NRG Stadium in the preseason opener. | 2022-08-11T16:36:04Z | sports.yahoo.com | Texans LB Kevin Pierre-Louis sees promise in rookie Christian Harris | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-lb-kevin-pierre-louis-150030137.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-lb-kevin-pierre-louis-150030137.html?src=rss |
The Gators added yet another blue-chip recruit to the class of 2023 on Wednesday and Florida has moved up to No. 12 in the latest team recruiting rankings update from On3.
Linebacker Jaden Robinson became the 15th four-star recruit to commit to UF and the 17th overall to join the class. The On3 consensus ranked him No. 379 overall in the class of 2023 and No. 36 among linebackers. Adding Robinson was enough to push Florida ahead of Tennessee to No. 12 on the overall rankings, and UF also took sole position of the No. 4 spot among SEC programs.
This will be Billy Napier’s first true recruiting class as the head coach of the Gators. He assembled a transition class for 2022 in a two-month scramble that finished 20th in the nation, but this will be the first group he gets to spend an entire year recruiting.
The hope is for a top-10 class, and that’s nearing reality as only USC and Penn State stand between Florida and the promised land. That said, Gator Nation may not be happy unless UF finishes ahead of Miami, which currently sits at No. 7 on the list with a pair of five-star recruits in tow.
If Florida lands Cormani McClain and a few more four-star recruits, passing Miami could become reality as well. Treyaun Webb, a class of 2023 running back commit, hinted at some possible recruiting news in the near future and he’s been right before. Perhaps Florida cracks the top 10 sooner than expected. | 2022-08-11T16:49:08Z | sports.yahoo.com | Florida nearing top 10 in team rankings following latest commitment | https://sports.yahoo.com/florida-nearing-top-10-team-162938700.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/florida-nearing-top-10-team-162938700.html?src=rss |
The Iowa Hawkeyes are welcoming in the South Dakota State Jackrabbits during Week 1 of the 2022 college football season on September 3 and will have anything but a pushover victory.
The Jackrabbits will be entering Kinnick Stadium as the No. 2 in the country in the FCS top 25. They are coming off of an extremely successful 2021 campaign which saw them end the season 11-4 and a trip to the FCS playoff semifinals.
The Jackrabbits still have one of the FCS’ best backfields, led by RB Isaiah Davis, and two tremendous wideouts in the Janke twins. Now, they’re healthier at QB. This team has a great chance to get back to the FCS championship game. – Hunt, CBS Sports
One extremely interesting, and slightly stomach churning, piece of information regarding Iowa and South Dakota State lies in Colorado of all places. Last year the Hawkeyes and Jackrabbits shared one common opponent, the Colorado State Rams.
The Jackrabbits went on the road and really sort of dismantled Colorado State on their home turf by a score of 42-23. The Jackrabbits passed for 224 yards and ran for 242 yards for 466 total yards of offense on their way to a dominant victory.
Iowa hosted Colorado State last season and went into halftime with a deficit of 14-7 before prevailing 24-14. The Hawkeyes had 278 total combined yards on offense.
Now, the Hawkeyes defense is in a different stratosphere than Colorado State and should thwart much of the success that South Dakota State saw against the Rams. That said, this won’t be any sort of walk in the park to open up the season.
Iowa knows that South Dakota State wants to come in and make a resounding statement against not only an FBS team, but a Power 5 team from the Big Ten. The Hawkeyes need to be ready to fire on all cylinders come September 3 and not let this thing stay close for very long to avoid giving the Jackrabbits even more pep in their step. | 2022-08-11T16:49:20Z | sports.yahoo.com | Iowa Football: Hawkeyes’ Week 1 opponent ranked No. 2 in FCS top 25 | https://sports.yahoo.com/iowa-football-hawkeyes-week-1-145424443.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/iowa-football-hawkeyes-week-1-145424443.html?src=rss |
Offensive lines are critical for allowing offenses to have balance. Without a strong offensive line it is hard to compete especially in the SEC.
Who has the best offensive line in the SEC?
The Georgia Bulldogs had a stout offensive front last season, but did not have the most rushing yards per game in the conference. Only counting the regular season and SEC championship, Ole Miss had the most rushing yards per game last year, but they don’t make the cut.
Additionally, Texas A&M, Alabama, and more recruited some elite talent along the offensive line. Third-team All-SEC offensive tackle Tyler Steen transferred to Alabama from Vanderbilt this offseason.
Here’s how ON3 ranks the best offensive fronts in college football’s best conference:
Texas A&M lost offensive guard Kenyon Green to the first round of the 2022 NFL draft. The Aggies return a lot of talent including second-team All-SEC offensive lineman Layden Robinson.
The Alabama Crimson Tide have a very talented offensive line as always. However, the Crimson Tide’s team weakness was arguably offensive line last season. Less than 10 teams in the country gave up more than Alabama’s 42 sacks allowed last year.
Alabama lost left tackle Evan Neal to the first round of the NFL draft. Still, it would be surprising to see the Crimson Tide struggle so much again. Alabama has four All-SEC players on its offensive front.
No. 3 Kentucky Wildcats
Kentucky Wildcats offensive guard Kenneth Horsey made preseason second-team All-SEC. The Wildcats ran for 206.1 yards per game last season and have had an excellent offensive line for a few consecutive seasons in a row.
No. 2 Arkansas Razorbacks
Why is Arkansas so high on the list? The Razorbacks did an excellent job of establishing the run in 2021. Arkansas finished last season averaging 217.3 rushing yards per game.
First-team All-SEC center Ricky Stormberg is a leader for the Razorbacks.
Georgia football allowed the fewest sacks per game in the conference last season. The Bulldogs gave up only 16 sacks all year en route to a national championship victory.
The Bulldogs return national championship game hero Broderick Jones, first-team All-SEC right tackle Warren McClendon, second-team All-SEC center Sedrick Van Pran, and more talented players. The Dawgs lost a pair of linemen to the 2022 NFL draft, but Georgia remains stout at the offensive tackle and center positions. | 2022-08-11T16:49:27Z | sports.yahoo.com | ON3 ranks the SEC’s best offensive lines | https://sports.yahoo.com/on3-ranks-sec-best-offensive-151700730.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/on3-ranks-sec-best-offensive-151700730.html?src=rss |
Florida football has a storied history of putting players in the NFL dating back decades and at times have been major producers at certain positions over the years.
For instance, the 1980s saw the Gators land an entire cohort of running backs into the league headlined by Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith. Then in the following decade, Steve Spurrier brought in the fun-and-gun offense that produced the program’s second Heisman Trophy winner at quarterback — though the signal-callers from that decade consistently floundered at the top level.
Then there was a stretch starting in the Urban Meyer era that lastest into the following decade when Gainesville was ground zero for Defensive Back University. Those days are now in the distant past so, where does the Orange and Blue stand now?
ESPN’s David M. Hale recently took a look at which schools currently produce the most talent in his Position U overview. The Gators were mentioned at three positions, though they did not earn the top spot in any.
At quarterback, Florida falls short despite ruling the recruiting trail under center.
No team has scored more quality QB recruits since 2006 than Florida, which has inked 16 quarterbacks with a recruiting grade of 80-plus, according to ESPN. Still, the Gators rank 11th on our QBU list, falling out of the top 10 for the first time this year.
Meanwhile, the Gators made the top five in the Tight End University category, earning a No. 4 spot and the top perch in the SEC. They were beaten by the top-ranked Miami Hurricanes, followed by the Iowa Hawkeyes and Stanford Cardinals, respectively.
The other position UF got a mention for was at defensive back, where it had once ruled the field. Instead, the Gators are — once again — No. 4 behind the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, LSU Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide, respectively. The SEC obviously is a hotbed for DB talent.
While Florida does not hold the top spot at any of the positions, the two top-five mentions as well as its success on the recruiting trail when it comes to quarterbacks is something for the Gator Nation to be proud of.
Report: Florida QB Jalen Kitna out following 'small procedure' | 2022-08-11T16:49:33Z | sports.yahoo.com | Which positions produce the most talent for Florida football? | https://sports.yahoo.com/positions-produce-most-talent-florida-152615461.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/positions-produce-most-talent-florida-152615461.html?src=rss |
The USC Trojans dropped in at No. 15 on the USA TODAY Coaches Poll that was recently released.
That seems about right, especially with the immense amount of talent they have in Los Angeles. Lincoln Riley has already changed the culture, and the Trojans haven’t even played a game yet.
The additions of Caleb Williams, Mario Williams, Travis Dye, and Jordan Addison are just the beginning, and there is serious hype building in Heritage Hall for the first time in a while.
Yet, some people aren’t all the way on board yet with the Trojans. Erick Smith of USA TODAY mentioned the Trojans as an overrated team in the recent poll:
Sure, it could take a while. On the flip side, it might not. For all we know, the Riley era might begin with a Pac-12 title, Caleb Williams heading to the Heisman Trophy ceremony as a finalist, and Travis Dye and Jordan Addison being among the best skill players in college football.
For now, they might be overrated, but landing at No. 15 in the Coaches Poll isn’t a reach at all. | 2022-08-11T16:49:40Z | sports.yahoo.com | After USA TODAY Coaches Poll is released, USC makes an overrated teams list | https://sports.yahoo.com/usa-today-coaches-poll-released-162059338.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/usa-today-coaches-poll-released-162059338.html?src=rss |
The Bears are two weeks into training camp, and the injuries have started to mount. Notably, the wide receiver group can’t seem to catch a break.
Veteran receivers N’Keal Harry and David Moore have suffered long-term injuries and will miss multiple weeks. Another veteran, Byron Pringle, is dealing with a quad injury, and it’s unknown when he’ll return.
Rookie Velus Jones Jr. has also missed multiple practices and is “day-to-day” with an undisclosed injury.
Given there are multiple receivers with long-term or unknown injuries, the Bears should consider signing additional players for depth. Here are six free agents they should consider.
Diontae Spencer
Spencer is a former Denver Bronco that was an All-Star in the CFL. With a 4.39 40-yard dash, he brings the speed the Bears want and is a return specialist. His receiving stats aren’t exciting. However, as a returner, he averaged 9.8 yards on punt returns and 21.4 yards on kick returns. Spencer would allow other receivers like Jones and Pringle to save their legs and focus on offense.
Westbrook fits the mold of the Bears’ 2022 free agent wide receivers. He was a collegiate star and has struggled to find a home in the NFL. Injuries derailed his rookie year in 2017, and he tore his ACL in 2020. Another speedster (4.39) looking for a home, Westbrook could be a great fit.
Recently cut from the 49ers, Mack is a tall, fast (4.47) rookie wide receiver who could provide depth for the Bears. In college, he was a willing and capable run-blocker with the skill set to play in the slot and on the perimeter.
A recent cut from the Raiders, rookie Tre Turner offers speed, versatility, and depth to the Bears’ offense. At Virginia Tech, Turner played outside, in the slot, and spent time in the backfield – he can do it all. He’s also a willing blocker on the perimeter.
Jared Smart
Another undrafted rookie, Smart, was cut by the Cardinals after receiving an invite to training camp. Unlike the other options, Smart isn’t a speedster. Instead, the former Hawaii wide receiver is a possession receiver with great ability for picking up yards after the catch. His game is similar to Doug Baldwin’s – tenacious, sure-handed, and underappreciated.
Landon Lenoir
Lenoir was an undrafted rookie out of Southern Illinois and lasted only four days on the Bears roster. However, assuming he wasn’t cut for off-field concerns, maybe the Bears will bring him back for roster depth. | 2022-08-11T17:32:29Z | sports.yahoo.com | 6 free agent receivers the Bears should target as injuries mount | https://sports.yahoo.com/6-free-agent-receivers-bears-120011354.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/6-free-agent-receivers-bears-120011354.html?src=rss |
How Kuminga's loneliness was cured by two French bulldogs originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
LAS VEGAS -- Jonathan Kuminga was only 17 years old on July 15, 2020 when he both reclassified from the high school class of 2021 to 2020 and announced his intentions to skip college and join the NBA G League Ignite on a one-year contract.
The Ignite, whose headquarters have moved to Henderson, Nev., were located out of Walnut Creek at the time. That's a long way away from West Virginia, New York and New Jersey, the three states Kuminga played high school basketball. It's even further, to put it lightly, from his home country of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
That didn't stop Kuminga from taking the leap and jumpstarting the process of being a professional basketball player. He wanted to learn how to be a pro on and off the court faster, provide for his family and felt it was the best opportunity to showcase his skills to NBA teams.
Loneliness crept in for the teenager at a time when he wasn't able to explore his new home or meet new people over safety concerns. As so many others did, Kuminga turned to man's best friend.
"I got my first dog when I was in the G League," Kuminga said to NBC Sports Bay Area on the latest episode of Dubs Talk in an interview during the Las Vegas Summer League. "It was around COVID and out there in Walnut Creek was boring. I didn't know anything, everything was closed, we had to order food. I was lonely basically.
"And I thought the one thing that I can be around is a dog, so I went and got the first dog."
To be exact, Kuminga went and got a French bulldog. He wasn't done either.
One pup wasn't enough.
"After the G League was over, my dog started growing and I felt bad for my dog because it was super lonely too," Kuminga said. "When I'm not home, he needs another dog to play with so I went and got another one.
"Before that, I never really wanted to have a dog. I love dogs, but I never really wanted to have a dog. But since then, I love dogs more than I used to."
The Warriors high-flier doesn't just show love to his two French bulldogs behind the scenes. He also has an Instagram account for them as well. And if you have ever seen the high-end apparel that Kuminga wears before games, it's no surprise his dogs' names are Dior and Prada.
Off the court, the 19-year-old says he usually just plays NBA 2K, hangs out and chills with his two dogs. What interest sparks his curiosity the most outside of basketball, though, clearly is fashion. If it wasn't for him going home this summer for the first time in nearly a decade, Kuminga would have been even more involved in that arena.
"I'd say I'm bigger with it than people think," Kuminga said. "I don't force it. I don't try to be out there like that. But when I do some of my fashion, people recognize. The real ones know what's going on. I'm really into fashion. If I wanted to go to fashion week, I was gonna end up going to it but I decided to go back home to Africa for my first time in almost eight years.
"If I focus and sit down and say I want to do this with fashion, I don't think anyone will try and match my level."
After giving me an are-you-f--king-kidding-me look, Kuminga didn't hesitate.
"Me, for sure," he said with a deserved laugh.
Dior and Prada have been a sense of comfort, a newfound level of love and happiness and a cure to loneliness. At the same time, those two names -- both as brands and dogs -- give Kuminga another level of passion while growing his brand as a player and person. | 2022-08-11T17:32:48Z | sports.yahoo.com | How Jonathan Kuminga's loneliness was cured by two French bulldogs | https://sports.yahoo.com/jonathan-kumingas-loneliness-cured-two-160000758.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/jonathan-kumingas-loneliness-cured-two-160000758.html?src=rss |
Belichick, Kraft reflect on James White's impressive Patriots legacy originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
New England Patriots veteran running back James White has officially retired from the NFL after eight seasons.
The former captain was known for his talent on the field, but also for his leadership in the Patriots' locker room. Many teammates have already demonstrated wide support for White on social media.
Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft and head coach Bill Belichick, both of whom White thanked in his retirement announcement, joined White's teammates to share their gratitude toward White.
"James White has always been one of the most reliable and dependable players on the field. He's a soft-spoken leader who has led by example and was the best at what he did, leading all NFL running backs in receptions and receiving touchdowns over the past seven years," Kraft said.
"As great of a player as James has been for us, he's an even better person. He is a man of great character and integrity and earned everyone's respect through his work ethic, professionalism and positive daily demeanor," Kraft continued.
"James became a part of the Patriots' family while in New England and while his presence in our locker room will be missed, we are happy for James and his family as they embark on a new adventure."
White won three Super Bowl rings with the Patriots during his career. Against the Atlanta Falcons, White caught 14 passes for 110 yards and one touchdown to help secure the Patriots victory in 2017. His phenomenal performance in Super Bowl LI led to some believing that he should have won Super Bowl LI MVP instead of Tom Brady.
Belichick added to Kraft's positive sentiment about White.
"James defines the term consummate professional. His dependability, consistency, unselfishness and performance under pressure are elite. Combining great intelligence, quickness and elusiveness, James was a perfect fit for our pass offense," Belichick said.
Belichick has coached in the NFL for 48 years and is known to be elusive with his compliments, so for White to be "one of the most respected, best team players" that Belichick has coached means a lot. White should be proud of all he has accomplished in his eight-year career as a running back for the Patriots.
"If you continue doing these functions you may create a sewer backup into your property.” | 2022-08-11T18:24:34Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft share reactions to James White's retirement | https://sports.yahoo.com/bill-belichick-robert-kraft-share-171500675.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bill-belichick-robert-kraft-share-171500675.html?src=rss |
Even before their first preseason game, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are already dealing with injuries to key players.
While some have been more serious, such as the knee injury suffered by Pro Bowl center Ryan Jensen, others have turned out to be minor.
It looks like Russell Gage can be added to the latter list, as the new addition is “day-to-day” with a hamstring injury, Bucs head coach Todd Bowles told the media after Thursday’s joint practice with the Miami Dolphins.
Gage left Wednesday’s practice with the Dolphins and didn’t return, and was on the sidelines for Thursday’s session with Miami.
Pro Bowl wide receiver Mike Evans has been nursing a minor hamstring injury of his own over the last few days, as well. Don’t be surprised if neither of them see the field in the preseason, as the Bucs do their best to preserve their health for Week 1 of the regular season.
Bilal Lashari’s much awaited Pakistani magnum opus “The Legend of Maula Jatt” has set an October release date and unveiled a new poster. Featuring immensely popular stars Fawad Khan (“Ms. Marvel”) as Maula Jatt and Mahira Khan (“Superstar”) as Mukkho, the Punjabi-language film is a reboot of Yunus Malik’s 1979 cult classic “Maula Jatt.” The […] | 2022-08-11T18:24:53Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bucs HC Todd Bowles updates Russell Gage’s injury status | https://sports.yahoo.com/bucs-hc-todd-bowles-updates-162324888.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bucs-hc-todd-bowles-updates-162324888.html?src=rss |
According to a new report out of Cleveland, the Browns will “consider” acquiring quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo if the current six-game suspension for Deshaun Watson is increased.
Following the decision by retired federal judge Sue L. Robinson to impose a six-game suspension on Watson, the NFL decided to appeal that decision under the terms of the CBA. Commissioner Roger Goodell designated former New Jersey Attorney General Peter C. Harvey to decide the appeal, but the league continues to push for a long suspension.
Commissioner Goodell said in recent days that Watson’s behavior was “predatory,” when discussing with the media why the league continues to push for a longer suspension.
As discussed on the most recent episode of the Touchdown Wire Podcast, Cleveland is likely looking at their schedule when contemplating a move at the quarterback position. Head coach Kevin Stefanski noted recently that Jacoby Brissett is the team’s backup quarterback, and will get the starts if Watson is unavailable.
Under the current six-game suspension, Watson would miss games against: The Carolina Panthers, the New York Jets, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Atlanta Falcons, the Los Angeles Chargers, and the New England Patriots. Brissett is good enough, with the talent in Cleveland around the quarterback position, to keep the team afloat given that slate.
However, the degree of difficulty increases in Week 7. Here are the next seven games on the Browns’ schedule: The Baltimore Ravens, the Cincinnati Bengals, the Miami Dolphins, the Buffalo Bills, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Houston Texans, and the Bengals again. Outside the Houston game, are games against teams with playoff — or Super Bowl — aspirations.
Furthermore, if the league does prevail in their search for a full-season suspension, Garoppolo does provide an upgrade over Brissett over the course of a full 17-game slate.
Perhaps that — or even a longer suspension that gets into that tougher second part of the schedule — could lead the Browns to give San Francisco a call… | 2022-08-11T18:25:05Z | sports.yahoo.com | Browns to consider Jimmy Garoppolo if Deshaun Watson suspension is increased | https://sports.yahoo.com/cleveland-browns-consider-jimmy-garoppolo-175910156.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/cleveland-browns-consider-jimmy-garoppolo-175910156.html?src=rss |
Former Seahawks left tackle Duane Brown is signing with the Jets, according to a report by Adam Schefter at ESPN. The Jets were in need of a new left tackle after their starter Mekhi Becton suffered a season-ending leg injury at practice a few days ago.
Brown spent the last four and a half seasons starting on the blindside for Seattle. To get him the front office sent nickelback Jeremy Lane, a 2018 fifth-round pick and a 2019 second-round pick to the Texans.
All in all, it was a solid trade for the Seahawks. Brown came over as one of the top left tackles in the league and he continued to play at a high level for several more seasons. However, Brown will turn 37 years old in a few weeks and it was time for this team to move in a different (younger) direction.
In the first round of the 2022 NFL draft they selected Charles Cross from Mississippi State. He’s first on the team’s unofficial depth chart at Brown’s former position. | 2022-08-11T18:25:43Z | sports.yahoo.com | Duane Brown: Former Seahawks left tackle signing with the Jets | https://sports.yahoo.com/duane-brown-former-seahawks-left-174403392.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/duane-brown-former-seahawks-left-174403392.html?src=rss |
Former Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson knows a thing or two about rushing for 2,000 yards in a season after the East Carolina product rushed for 2,006 yards in the 2009 season.
Johnson was recently on “Good Morning Football,” with the panel looking for his thoughts on who the next running back could be to eclipse the 2,000-yard mark. The former Titans back was quick to say that Derrick Henry is capable of doing it again.
“Derrick Henry has done it already. I think he can do it again. I think he can be a two-timer,” Johnson said. “With these offenses these days, it has to be the type of offense that’s old school that runs the ball and plays good defense. With the new offenses throwing it everywhere, it’s hard for these backs to rush for 2,000 yards. That’s why I feel like Derrick Henry can do it again, because that’s the Tennessee offense. They’re going to run the ball, run the ball, run the ball, and play good defense.
Johnson went on to say that running backs like Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffery aren’t getting 30 carries a game as they’re so heavily involved in their respective passing games.
Henry rushed for 2,027 yards during the 2020 season, averaging just under 24 carries per game. He was well on pace to shatter that number through eight games last year before missing the remainder of the regular season with a foot injury.
Johnson touched on it, but Henry has recently been getting more looks in the passing game. He had 18 catches in eight games last year, one shy of his career-high (19) set in 2020.
The King was on pace to finish with approximately 38 catches, which is incredible considering he was also averaging roughly 28 carries per contest.
Needless to say, the Titans’ offense runs through Henry and the 28-year-old figures to be relied upon heavily again this season, especially as quarterback Ryan Tannehill looks to get acclimated early on with his new receivers.
Porsche's Taycan sport sedan posted an official time of seven minutes and 33 seconds at the Nürburgring and was driven by Porsche development driver Lars Kern. | 2022-08-11T18:26:09Z | sports.yahoo.com | Ex-Titans RB Chris Johnson: Derrick Henry can rush for 2K again | https://sports.yahoo.com/ex-titans-rb-chris-johnson-173545963.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/ex-titans-rb-chris-johnson-173545963.html?src=rss |
Bears head coach Matt Eberflus said that we can expect to see the team’s starters play in Saturday’s preseason opener against the Chiefs.
Eberflus told reporters that Chicago’s starters will play 15 to 20 snaps against Kansas City. Although that number will vary depending on the player. He said some will play in the 10 to 15 range, which you figure would include quarterback Justin Fields.
It’s important to note that not every starter will play in the preseason opener, as Eberflus explained. Running back David Montgomery and tight end Cole Kmet remain day-to-day with undisclosed injuries, so we likely won’t be seeing them.
Rookies cornerback Kyler Gordon and wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. are also day-to-day with undisclosed injuries, and it’s a safe assumption they won’t be seeing the field. Although safety Jaquan Brisker and left tackle Braxton Jones are expected to see a fair share of reps on Saturday.
There are some notable players battling injuries, including wide receiver Byron Pringle (quad), cornerbacks Tavon Young and Kindle Vildor, defensive tackle Angelo Blackson, defensive end Mario Edwards and tight ends Ryan Griffin and James O’Shaughnessy. They probably won’t suit up on Saturday.
It also goes without saying that star linebacker Roquan Smith won’t be suiting up as he deals with a contract dispute. | 2022-08-11T18:27:06Z | sports.yahoo.com | How much can we expect to see the Bears’ starters in preseason opener? | https://sports.yahoo.com/much-expect-see-bears-starters-173231574.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/much-expect-see-bears-starters-173231574.html?src=rss |
History of NFL international games originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Related: Ranking the NFL’s 10 best London games of all time
How many times have the Eagles played outside the U.S.?
The Philadelphia Eagles have only made one trip across the pond.
The team visited Wembley Stadium to play the Jaguars on Oct. 28, 2018. Carson Wentz threw three touchdown passes as the Birds left London with a 24-18 win. | 2022-08-11T18:27:18Z | sports.yahoo.com | NFL International Series: History of games outside America | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-international-series-history-games-170000923.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-international-series-history-games-170000923.html?src=rss |
New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones still has confidence in his teammates and the offense after a challenging couple of days of training camp.
The offense is coming off a practice where it performed at a better pace than Tuesday, as the unit was able to move the football. Both the running and passing games were clicking with the Patriots working to implement a new offensive style.
Jones is at the center of it all, as he looks to take another step in his second season. The quarterback has had his own offensive frustrations over the course of training camp with the first preseason game slated for Thursday.
He wants his teammates to trust the offense, despite the learning curve it may entail and the challenges it has presented. When speaking with the media, via NESN’s Dakota Randall, he doubled down on his belief that the team will be able to figure things out.
“Yeah,” Jones said. “I think, right now, there’s nothing to focus on besides watching the tape and figuring out what we can do better. You can always assume things. But you know, I’ve been in different offenses, and a lot of guys on our team have, and we feel confident about it. And that just has to come with reps, and in-game reps, too. We gotta see it on tape and see how it looks. The buy-in has to be the buy-in — you have to trust it.
The Patriots’ choice to not name an offensive coordinator is certainly an intriguing one.
New England will have three preseason opportunities to test things out before they play the Miami Dolphins in the regular season opener. The starters aren’t expected to play in Thursday’s game.
But it will be intriguing to see what results a more collaborative offensive approach yield. | 2022-08-11T18:27:44Z | sports.yahoo.com | Patriots QB Mac Jones still has faith and trust in offense | https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-qb-mac-jones-still-175549186.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-qb-mac-jones-still-175549186.html?src=rss |
The contest against the Giants is the first of 17 on Tennessee’s schedule. If you’re interested in staying in the know about who the Titans play on a weekly basis, we have the perfect thing for you.
Check out our free downloadable wallpapers for your desktop and mobile devices. Simply right click or long press on either one and download/save them to your devices.
After the Titans take on the Ravens on Thursday night, they’ll have two more preseason games before the regular season begins, one against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and another against the Atlanta Falcons. | 2022-08-11T18:28:28Z | sports.yahoo.com | Tennessee Titans: Downloadable 2022 schedule wallpapers for mobile, desktop | https://sports.yahoo.com/tennessee-titans-downloadable-2022-schedule-175618904.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/tennessee-titans-downloadable-2022-schedule-175618904.html?src=rss |
"This is something we talked about before training camp started," Bowles said in a news conference. "We allotted this time because he wanted to get chemistry with the guys through the two weeks of training camp, knowing he wasn't going to play the first two games. ... We trust him. We talked about it. It was scheduled way before training camp and he will not be here until after Tennessee."
Speaking during an interview with 95.3 WDAE, Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht said Brady is "focused as ever, he'll come back even more focused and it's the least of our concerns."
Brady, 45, has had sporadic attendance at Buccaneers practice over the past week. On Aug. 3, his birthday, he had a veteran day. Two days later, he had an excused absence. He participated in Buccaneers practices on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday, the last of which was the first joint session with the Dolphins, | 2022-08-11T18:28:47Z | sports.yahoo.com | Tom Brady takes leave from Buccaneers until after Aug. 20 while attending to personal matter | https://sports.yahoo.com/tom-brady-away-buccaneers-until-162959923.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/tom-brady-away-buccaneers-until-162959923.html?src=rss |
This month, the NFL suspended Dolphins owner Stephen Ross and docked the team a first-round selection in the 2023 draft for tampering after an attempt to lure Brady to Miami. Asked by reporters if he was worried about Brady’s commitment to the Bucs, Bowles replied: “I am not worried, no.”
Elsewhere on Thursday, Brady’s former teammate at the New England Patriots, James White, announced his retirement. The 30-year-old is perhaps most well-known for his part in Super Bowl LI, when he and Brady led a remarkable comeback victory against the Atlanta Falcons. The running back’s three touchdowns in the game matched the Super Bowl record.
Red Sox vs Orioles Betting Forecast for Aug 11
Yahoo Sports looks at the latest betting information as the Boston Red Sox host the Baltimore Orioles
For Minnesota linebacker Eric Kendricks, a decade of playing next to Anthony Barr made it easy to be on the same page with his close friend and former roommate — simply with a knowing glance. Kendricks and Barr, first at UCLA and then with the Vikings, developed a sense of mutual understanding on the field that allowed them to rapidly adjust to what opposing offenses presented. Now Kendricks, in his eighth season with Minnesota, glances at Barr’s familiar purple No. 55 and instead sees former Green Bay standout Za’Darius Smith. | 2022-08-11T18:29:06Z | sports.yahoo.com | Tom Brady taking time away from Buccaneers to ‘deal with personal things’ | https://sports.yahoo.com/tom-brady-taking-time-away-164005429.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/tom-brady-taking-time-away-164005429.html?src=rss |
With the expectation that tackle Mekhi Becton is lost for the season with a fractured right kneecap, the New York Jets looked for some external help along the offensive line, signing veteran tackle Duane Brown.
Brown started all 17 games for the Seattle Seahawks last season.
Becton went down with a right knee injury at practice earlier this week, and while the Jets were hopeful that the young tackle avoided a serious injury, further testing uncovered the right kneecap fracture.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who broke the news on Thursday, the Jets signed Brown to a two-year deal:
Brown came into the league in 2008, when the Houston Texans drafted him in the first round of the 2008 NFL draft. He started all 16 games as a rookie, and spent ten full seasons in Houston. He was traded to the Seahawks midway through the 2017 campaign, and spent the past five seasons in the NFC West. He became a free agent following this past season.
Brown visited with the Jets as a free agent last weekend, giving the franchise a look at the veteran tackle. It seems they saw enough in the wake of the Becton injury to offer him a two-year deal. | 2022-08-11T18:29:13Z | sports.yahoo.com | Veteran tackle Duane Brown signing with the New York Jets | https://sports.yahoo.com/veteran-tackle-duane-brown-signing-173021773.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/veteran-tackle-duane-brown-signing-173021773.html?src=rss |
Fans of college football fanbases love to debate, especially when it comes to naming their favorite program (insert position) U.
Ohio State often gets inserted deeply into the debate because of all the talent it sends to the NFL, but so do many other programs. And when it comes to the Big Ten, the Buckeyes aren’t the only program that excels at individual positions.
ESPN ran a piece examining and researching which schools produced the best talent at each position, and as you would expect, Ohio State was well represented. But how do the Buckeyes line up with their Big Ten brethren? If we were to name a Big Ten school as the best at developing talent at each position group, which schools would come out on top for quarterbacks, running backs, defensive backs, etc.? I mean, you get the idea.
We decided to name a school as position U for each of the spots on the football field based on the research and numbers ESPN published to declare supremacy in the Big Ten.
Off we go. Get in the act and tell us where you might disagree with ESPN’s assessment.
NEXT … How it all works
Aug 31, 2018; Madison, WI, USA; ESPN College Football logo on a tv camera prior to the game between the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
The method to the madness according to ESPN
Quarterback U of the Big Ten
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields (1) celebrates a rushing touchdown from fellow quarterback C.J. Stroud (14) during the fourth quarter of an NCAA Division I football game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan. Credit: USA TODAY Sports Network
The Big Ten’s Quarterback U?
Many fans will point to the lack of success at the NFL level for OSU quarterbacks, and that’s fair. However — remember — this is about producing guys under center and nobody in the Big Ten has done it better than Ohio State recently. There have been multiple conference Players of the Year, a few Heisman finalists, and multiple records set in Columbus. Troy Smith, Terrelle Pryor, Braxton Miller, J.T. Barrett, Justin Fields, Dwayne Haskins, and now C.J. Stroud. The list goes on and on.
Running Back U of the Big Ten
The Big Ten’s Running Back U?
This is a slam dunk. Wisconsin went to a culture of physicality and keeping things on the ground when Barry Alvarez took over and has been off and running since. No Big Ten school has had the number of high-level running backs as the Badgers. Ron Dayne, Melvin Gordon, and Jonathan Taylor are just a few examples of some of the all-time great backs in the conference.
Wide Receiver U of the Big Ten
Ohio State receivers Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, to attend NFL draft
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) celebrates a 51-yard touchdown with wide receiver Chris Olave (2) during the second quarter of the NCAA football game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021. Credit: USA TODAY Sports Network
The Big Ten’s Wide Receiver U?
The Buckeyes are quickly becoming Wide Receiver U in the country with the number of high-profile recruits and coaching at that position, but historically speaking, for a program that used to go by the “three yards and a cloud of dust” way of winning, there have been some electric athletes catching passes, even before Ryan Day arrived on campus. Heck, Ohio State had two receivers go in the first round of the NFL draft this year and still look to be almost just as dangerous in the air this fall.
Tight End U of the Big Ten
Iowa tight end Sam LaPorta (84) smiles after pulling in a reception during a NCAA Big Ten Conference football game against Minnesota, Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Credit: USA TODAY Sports Network
The Big Ten’s Tight End U?
Iowa’s Sam LaPorta might be the best tight end in the Big Ten this fall, but that’s just the latest good one the Hawkeyes have churned out. Kirk Ferentz uses an offensive system that’s very tight end friendly, and it’s resulted in a lot of good ones coming to the program and then being developed. Dallas Clark anyone?
Offensive Line U of the Big Ten
Dec 19, 2020; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Jon Dietzen (67) and Wisconsin Badgers fullback Mason Stokke (34) celebrate Wisconsin’s first touchdown in the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first half at Camp Randall Stadium. Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports
The Big Ten’s Offensive Line U?
I mean, if you’re going to run the ball, you better have a way of getting guys to produce on the offensive line, and that’s exactly what Wisconsin has done over the years. Seemingly every year, the Badgers have a high-profile offensive lineman looking to hear his name called in the NFL draft. Ohio State is a close second, but there’s really no argument to flip the two.
Defensive Line U
The Big Ten’s Defensive Line U?
Penn State has a bit of an argument here, but ever since the Nittany Lions let Larry Johnson get away, he’s been recruiting and developing guys like the Bosa brothers and Chase Young. There always seems to be high production coming from the defensive line at Ohio State, and that’s because of the players being produced yearly now.
Linebacker U of the Big Ten
Ohio State football linebackers Curtis Terry (55) James Laurinaitis (33) and Marcus Freeman (1) pose for a picture during photo day Thursday, Aug 9, 2007, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Terry Gilliam)
The Big Ten’s Linebacker U?
Though there’s been a slide in production the last couple of years, Ohio State can lay claim to being Linebacker U. All-Americans like James Laurinaitis, A.J. Hawk, and Ryan Shazier have been running down ball carriers and filling holes with the best of them. Sorry, Penn State, but you just aren’t Linebacker U any longer.
Defensive Back U of the Big Ten
Ohio State vs. Clemson: Buckeyes' biggest advantage over the Tigers
December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Marshon Lattimore (2) tackles Clemson Tigers running back Tavien Feaster (28) in the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Big Ten’s Defensive Back U?
ESPN actually named Ohio State DBU in all of college football. It won’t settle the hot debate between OSU, LSU, Florida State, and Alabama among others, but it’s nice to be noticed. The Buckeyes have produced a whopping 31 All-Big Ten defensive backs since 1998, many of which have gone on to play in the NFL at a high level. Marshon Lattimore, Denzel Ward, and others are still making their names at the highest level today.
Kicker U of the Big Ten
MIAMI – JANUARY 2: Nate Kaeding #95 of Iowa kicks an extra point from the hold of David Bradley #28 against USC during the FedEx Orange Bowl at Pro Player Stadium on January 2, 2003 in Miami, Florida. USC defeated Iowa 38-17. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
The Big Ten’s Kicker U?
Ohio State is a close second, but Iowa takes the crown. Because of the ball-control offense head coach Kirk Ferentz employs, the kicker gets a lot of opportunities at kicking the ball through the uprights. There have been a lot of good ones, but Nate Kaeding might be the best of them all.
Big Ten Football power rankings after Week 6 - Buckeyes Wire
Oct 12, 2013; University Park, PA, USA; A general view of the Big Ten logo prior to the game between the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Michigan Wolverines at Beaver Stadium. Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports
Summarizing and breaking it all down | 2022-08-11T18:41:45Z | sports.yahoo.com | Big Ten position U? Which conference programs churn out the most talent at each position according to ESPN? | https://sports.yahoo.com/big-ten-position-u-conference-120008914.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/big-ten-position-u-conference-120008914.html?src=rss |
Football is the ultimate team sport. It takes 11 guys on offense and 11 on defense to make a team successful. All of that is true, yet, the quarterback position can be the biggest difference in a win or loss than any other position on the field.
A different pressure comes with playing the highest-profile position in sports. Over the last year, the Oklahoma Sooners have seen a lot of movement at quarterback and still remain in a great spot to have one of the best quarterbacks in the Big 12.
That’s why they continue to reign as “QBU,” according to ESPN. The commitment of Nick Evers quickly after Jeff Lebby arrived, the addition of Dillon Gabriel shortly after Caleb Williams entered the portal, and the commitment of Jackson Arnold back in January for 2023 all support the idea that Oklahoma will continue to recruit and produce high-level quarterback play.
Athlon Sports recently ranked the quarterback position 1-131. Notable former Sooners on the list were Tanner Mordecai at No. 26, Spencer Rattler at No. 14, and Caleb Williams at No. 3.
Let’s take a look at how Dillon Gabriel stacked up with the rest of the Big 12.
Hunter Dekkers, Iowa State
Hunter Dekkers is a great athlete that can run the ball. If he can become a more efficient passer, he’ll help Iowa State stay within the top five of the Big 12.
Jalon Daniels, Kansas
Jalon Daniels was great to close out the 2021 season. In the final four games for Kansas, he completed 70.3% of his passes for 811 yards, eight touchdowns, and ran for 140 yards and three TDs per Pro Football Focus.
Sep 4, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Tyler Shough (12) reacts after rushing for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Houston Cougars at NRG Stadium. Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Tyler Shough may not even start for the Red Raiders. Donovan Smith, who played well at the end of last season and led Texas Tech to a bowl win will have something to say about the quarterback competition in Lubbock.
Blake Shapen, Baylor
Blake Shapen didn’t play much in 2021, but when he did play, he was really good. So good, in fact, that it allowed the Baylor Bears to move on from Gerry Bohanon, who was instrumental in their resurgence last year.
Nov 20, 2021; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Max Duggan (15) is defended by Kansas Jayhawks linebacker Gavin Potter (19) during the second half at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports
Like Shough, Duggan is locked in a quarterback competition. Former Oklahoma Sooners backup Chandler Morris provides a higher passer ceiling, but Duggan is the better athlete. Fall camp and early in the season will be needed to determine this one.
Nov 20, 2021; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Adrian Martinez certainly has some weapons in his arsenal that he can use to beat you. The problem is, he struggles to protect the football, which isn’t something Skylar Thompson had a problem with. For Martinez to elevate the Wildcats into Big 12 contention, he’ll have to do better than the 30 interceptions and 42 fumbles (not all lost) in his 38 career games.
Quinn Ewers, Texas
There appears to be a bit of a quarterback battle going on in fall camp between Quinn Ewers and Hudson Card. It may be a battle akin to what Lincoln Riley would do in Norman and all signs point to Quinn Ewers as the starter, but like last year, Card appears to be making the coaches think about it at least.
J.T. Daniels, West Virginia
West Virginia is my dark horse team for Big 12 contention and that pretty much rides on the arm of J.T. Daniels. Daniels, who has transferred twice now from USC and Georgia, has a chance to make the Mountaineers a serious player in the conference as they come equipped with a standout defense.
This seems incredibly low for Dillon Gabriel. Yes, he’s taking a step up in competition, but he’s also receiving the benefit of better talent and a familiar offense to walk into.
Here’s what Athlon Sports had to say about it:
The Hawaii native became the starter for the Knights as a freshman in ’19, throwing for 3,653 yards and 29 touchdowns to just seven picks under coach Josh Heupel and coordinator Jeff Lebby. Gabriel was even more productive (3,570 yards and 32 TDs) as a sophomore but suffered a season-ending clavicle injury last season that limited him to just three games. Gabriel has good touch (60 percent in ‘20) as well as the arm to stretch teams (14 TDs of 20-plus yards in ’20). And with Lebby calling the plays now at Oklahoma, the transition should be relatively minimal, allowing Gabriel an opportunity for a fast start in ’22. – Steve Lassan, Athlon Sports
Perhaps college football just has a bunch of talented quarterbacks right now, but I’d venture to guess this is a wait-and-see ranking for Gabriel. If they were to re-rank at the end of the 2022 season, Dillon Gabriel would be well within the top 10.
The Big 12’s first-team quarterback from the 2021 season and preseason selection, Spencer Sanders, created some high expectations from his impressive performances against Oklahoma and Notre Dame. If he can be that quarterback and not the one we saw in the first half of the Big 12 championship game, when he threw four interceptions, Oklahoma State will be a contender despite what they lost on defense. | 2022-08-11T18:41:57Z | sports.yahoo.com | How did Big 12 quarterbacks stack up in Athlon Sports 1-131 rankings for 2022? | https://sports.yahoo.com/did-big-12-quarterbacks-stack-180349271.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/did-big-12-quarterbacks-stack-180349271.html?src=rss |
Athlon Sports has released their projections of college football’s most improved programs for the 2022 season, with the Florida Gators making the list.
It’s no secret that the Orange and Blue were two separate teams last year. There was the team that started 4-2, with one of those losses at the hands of eventual SEC champion Alabama by a mere two points and the other a one-possession road loss to a gritty Kentucky team. Then you have the team that lost five of its last seven games, with its only wins coming against an FSU team that was not sure who its quarterback would be for the entire game and an FCS Samford team that was winning by seven at halftime.
Needless to say, the Gators are a prime candidate for “Most Improved” in 2022.
Athlon Sports has the Gators finishing 7-5 and 4th in the SEC East. At first glance, that doesn’t look like too much of an improvement from the 6-6 regular season Florida had in 2021. Yes, the Gators go from .500 to above .500, but the improvement will be seen by being competitive on the field rather than in the win/loss column.
Florida’s schedule lends itself to some natural obstacles (vs Utah, at Texas A&M, vs Georgia in Jacksonville) but there are a lot of games that can go either way, making a 7-5, or even 8-4 season, a real possibility.
If Billy Napier can have the Gators playing tough, eliminate self-inflicted mistakes, and can keep the positive momentum he’s had on the recruiting trail as of late, Florida could certainly be a favorite for most improved in 2022, despite the incremental improvement on paper. | 2022-08-11T18:42:10Z | sports.yahoo.com | Florida football among Athlon Sports’ 2022 most improved programs | https://sports.yahoo.com/florida-football-among-athlon-sports-181259528.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/florida-football-among-athlon-sports-181259528.html?src=rss |
Playoff opponent set, work not done for Mystics originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
While the top seeds in the WNBA playoffs await this weekend's results to know their first-round opponent, the Washington Mystics are already locked into their matchup.
The Mystics will play the Seattle Storm in a rematch of the 2018 WNBA Finals as they begin their chase for a championship. The only question that remains on their playoff fate will be if the best-of-three series begins in Seattle or D.C.
Playing the Indiana Fever twice in the final weekend goes a long way in determining that outcome. Having sights purely set on Seattle isn't how the Mystics are approaching this week.
But by simply playing their opponent, there's a lot they can do to prepare for a team who has won two of the last four WNBA titles.
"I mean, it's in the back of your mind because you gotta have your staff start doing preparation," head coach Mike Thibault said. "But it's interesting, so in practicing for this weekend, there are some things that both teams do, Seattle and Indiana, defensively that will serve as well because ironically, the defense that Seattle plays a lot of it is still from [Gary] Kloppenburg when he was there, and he's now the defensive coach in Indiana. So we'll see some similar things and so that's probably helpful in our preparation too."
Kloppenburg was on the bench for both of the Storm's titles in 2018 and 2020. He actually stepped into the head coaching role for that 2020 bubble season as then-head coach Dan Hughes had to miss the year due to was recovery from cancer procedures.
His imprint remains on Seattle according to Thibault. The disruptive nature of his schemes to deny easy paths into the paint is seen across both teams.
Related: Delle Donne and Hines-Allen finally playing together
It's not just getting more accustomed to the defense. There are plenty of internal points of emphasis Washington wants to work on.
"I think that we are, unfortunately, still working on some things that have taken a little longer than you hope," Thibault said. "Particularly offensively with people in and out of the lineup. I think our team has a better understanding this last two weeks of who we are and what works best for us."
This is the first season under the new playoff format. Every team now plays in each round, unlike the previous edition that had higher seeds earning byes. The top four teams each earn the homecourt advantage for that three-game series (a 2-1 format). Each round after the first round is the traditional five-game series (2-2-1).
A tiebreaker against the Storm and a game separate Mystics from that homecourt. Washington lost two of their three games head-to-head this season with a late two-game back-to-back being the difference. There's only one path for Washington to jump up to fourth place and that's winning both games while Seattle loses their two against the Minnesota Lynx and Las Vegas Aces.
Any other scenario and the Storm have homecourt advantage where the first two games will be at Climate Pledge Arena and a potential winner-take-all Game 3 being at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Southeast.
Expanding to 12
All season the Mystics have been limited to the league-minimum 11 players because of the salary cap. But on Wednesday, the sliver of cap space remaining was opened up to sign a player on a minimum pro-rated contract. That afforded Washington the opportunity to bring 2020 first-round pick Jaz Jones out of Louisville. Thibault called the move "insurance" at the guard position.
This will be Jones' third team in three seasons after she was selected by New York. She played seven games earlier this season for the Connecticut Sun and saw 44 minutes of play.
The scientific reason why some Americans don't want Brittney Griner to come home from a Russian prison | 2022-08-11T18:59:09Z | sports.yahoo.com | Mystics know they'll face the Seattle Storm in playoffs, but their work is not done | https://sports.yahoo.com/mystics-know-theyll-face-seattle-182800855.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/mystics-know-theyll-face-seattle-182800855.html?src=rss |
Will Webber, The Santa Fe New Mexican
Aug. 11—One of the last places you'd expect to have a vehicle broken into and sports gear stolen from inside is a golf course. A nice golf course, at that.
Yet, that's exactly what happened on the eve of the Class 4A State Golf Championships at Santa Ana Pueblo in May. Three players from Los Alamos High School had their clubs stolen out of the team van prior to the May 9 opening round.
Now, one of New Mexico's all-time greats is stepping up to help those players. Notah Begay III, a four-time winner on the PGA Tour, has teamed with Realty One New Mexico and Santa Ana Pueblo to present those three Hilltoppers with new Ping clubs and bags.
"Bad things happen in life from time to time, but it's at these moments that we must come together as a community to support our kids," Begay said in a release issued Wednesday by the New Mexico Activities Association.
Los Alamos wasn't able to qualify its boys and girls teams for spring's state tournament, but players Connor Cook, Gabriela Mowrer and Natalie Crawford all made it as individual qualifiers during the regular season. The three traveled together with the Hilltoppers coaches to Santa Ana Pueblo, which is just outside Bernalillo.
"This is a wonderful example of the golf community coming together to help make things right," said Derek Martinez, the director of golf at the Santa Ana Golf Club.
Begay was part of Stanford's memorable 1994 NCAA championship team where he set the NCAA Tournament record with a second-round 62 at the Stonebridge Golf Course in McKinney, Texas. It helped the Cardinal end a 41-year title drought.
"My heart broke for the kids who had their clubs stolen, and to see local groups step up to help make the best of a bad situation is what competing with class is all about," said NMAA Executive Director Sally Marquez.
"We are pleased to be a part of a happy outcome for a very unfortunate circumstance," said R1 CEO Mike Taylor. | 2022-08-11T19:03:42Z | sports.yahoo.com | Begay steps in to replace Los Alamos golfers' stolen clubs | https://sports.yahoo.com/begay-steps-replace-los-alamos-150300534.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/begay-steps-replace-los-alamos-150300534.html?src=rss |
The same executive, who works for a team in the Eastern Conference, also told Deveney it's believed Green has always wanted to play for his hometown Pistons at some point in his career.
Green became eligible to sign a four-year deal on Aug. 3 and is set to be paid $25.8 million and $27.6 million over the next two seasons, the latter being a player option. Green could opt out of his deal for the 2023-24 season if his wishes aren't met by the Warriors and become an unrestricted free agent next summer. He could also demand a trade.
“Detroit has always wanted Draymond on that team," the executive told Deveney. "[Pistons owner Tom] Gores has always wished they had gotten him in that [2012] draft in the second round."
RELATED: Draymond's mom tweets fiery response to son's max deal debate | 2022-08-11T19:03:55Z | sports.yahoo.com | Could Draymond Green leave Warriors for Pistons? NBA exec speculates move | https://sports.yahoo.com/could-draymond-green-leave-warriors-173901339.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/could-draymond-green-leave-warriors-173901339.html?src=rss |
Ricketts: 'This is not the type of baseball Cubs fans deserve' originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
It's been a rough go this season for the Cubs.
With what's left of the 2016 World Series team, the Cubs are trying their best to produce a successful product on the field while rebuilding the roster.
So far, this season's results have reflected this.
The team holds a 45-65 record as they head into the national spotlight of Thursday's Field of Dreams game. Their record puts them in a close battle for third place in the NL Central. The Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds are each within a game behind them.
Team chairman Tom Ricketts recognized that's not good enough.
"I'll be the first to acknowledge this is not the type of baseball Cubs fans deserve," Ricketts said to ESPN's Jesse Rogers. "Our decision last year to move away from Cubs players who brought us a World Series title was tough, but we have a plan to return to championship contention by building the next great Cubs team around a young core of players augmented by free agent signings -- and we're making progress."
Despite the team's lack of success on the field this season, fans are still showing up at Wrigley. The Cubs represent the ninth-highest attendance this season across MLB. They average close to 33,000 people per game and are near 2 million total fans on the season, according to ESPN.
The fan base's loyalty cannot go overlooked. The front office failed to trade away Willson Contreras and Ian Happ at the deadline, which in turn is opposite of their plan. They're also in the midst of an ugly breakup from Jason Heyward.
Even though the plan hasn't gone exactly as they'd hoped, they've had some success. The team was able to sell some valuable pitchers at the trade deadline. David Robertson, Scott Effross, Mychal Givens and Chris Martin all played their final games in a Cubs jersey.
Leody Taveras drove in a career-high five runs as the Texas Rangers defeated the Houston Astros by a score of 8-4 in extra innings.
The Cincinnati Reds will take on the Chicago Cubs tonight at the Field of Dreams in Iowa. | 2022-08-11T19:04:01Z | sports.yahoo.com | Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts: 'This is not the type of baseball Cubs fans deserve' | https://sports.yahoo.com/cubs-chairman-tom-ricketts-not-164420137.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/cubs-chairman-tom-ricketts-not-164420137.html?src=rss |
49ers coordinator explains what coaches emphasize to Lance originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
Since Trey Lance’s arrival in Santa Clara more than a year ago, the 49ers’ coaching staff has been schooling him on the foundation of how they want the quarterback position played.
“He already did a lot of it at North Dakota State,” 49ers offensive passing game coordinator Bobby Slowik said on 49ers Talk. “That’s why we liked him as much as we did.”
Slowik said the 49ers’ coaching staff has emphasized their preferred footwork, timing and rhythm as Lance takes over this season for veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, the team’s starter since the final five games of the 2017 season.
As the 49ers get set for their preseason opener on Friday night against the Green Bay Packers at Levi’s Stadium, Lance is gaining a more firm grasp of the demands of playing the position.
“When he left OTAs, he was in a good spot and he knew what he needed to work on,” Slowik said. “When he was away, and he came back exactly where he needed to be. He did great work in the offseason and he’s had a good, productive camp so far.
“And really pulled a lot of guys with him. Also, We have some receivers who are playing well right now and they’re all jelling together. And it’s not easy against the defense we go against every day. It’s been really cool to watch.” | 2022-08-11T20:09:03Z | sports.yahoo.com | What 49ers coaches emphasize to Trey Lance, passing coordinator explains | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-coaches-emphasize-trey-lance-175845808.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-coaches-emphasize-trey-lance-175845808.html?src=rss |
New England Patriots running back James White announced his retirement on Thursday morning. Tributes began to come in from several within the organization, including coach Bill Belichick and owner Robert Kraft.
Kraft released a statement Thursday afternoon, as the running back’s career comes to a close. White was a key part of the Patriots offense for many years, serving as both an effective third-down running back and pass-catcher. Now, the Patriots will look to fill the void, as the team continues to get younger at several key positions.
Kraft highlighted some of White’s key contributions.
White was a key part of Bill Belichick’s game plan for many years, as his versatility allowed him to see the field often. His reputation for being a steadfast presence in the backfield was recognized nationally in Super Bowl 51. His 129 total yards of offense helped propel New England to the fifth Super Bowl championship in team history.
Belichick offered effusive praise for White in a statement released by Patriots.com.
The Patriots will miss White’s veteran presence in the backfield, as this represents another case of the organization building for the future. | 2022-08-11T20:09:37Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft react to James White’s retirement | https://sports.yahoo.com/bill-belichick-robert-kraft-react-194510719.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bill-belichick-robert-kraft-react-194510719.html?src=rss |
Chuck Pagano on Roquan Smith dispute: 'It's tiring' originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
The Roquan Smith contract situation is a tiring mess for him and the front office. The two sides want to make a deal, but they don't want to pass on their desires.
Because of the stalemate, Smith is conducting a "hold-in," meaning he shows up to practice, but doesn't participate. However, the situation made a turn for the worst on Tuesday. Smith announced his desire to be traded from the Bears in light of the stagnant negotiations.
These kind of situations don't go overlooked on the team. Every player on the practice field knows about it and likely talks about it when they can. It's a situation that can act as a distraction as the Bears get ready for the season.
Former NFL head coach, and defensive coordinator of the Bears, Chuck Pagano understands how the players must feel as the organization sifts through the turmoil.
"You're not focused on 'What are we trying to accomplish today?" Pagano said on The Pat McAfee show. "You're spending all that time and it's impossible for guys to keep the blinders on and the earmuffs on and stay focused."
The players have to try and remain focused on the season. But, without their defensive leader on the field, it becomes tougher for the players to maintain tunnel vision.
As for the coaches, the issue becomes more interesting to handle. Pagano claims a "hands off" approach is the way he would handle things during his tenure.
"As a coach, you kinda stay out of those things," Pagano said. "You can't be in that conversation other than say 'Hey, we got your back we're gonna support you. We want you here. We need you here, Roquan.'"
Interesting concept to reveal as a coach. Eberflus clearly has a foot in the conversation. Ryan Poles wouldn't make a move to extend Smith without running it by Eberflus.
Knowing that, how could Eberflus support Smith? He clearly reflects the decision the organization makes as a whole. Going a step further, there must be distrust from other players on the team that want to see Smith back on the field.
Especially since Smith doesn't work with an agent, things at Halas Hall must be murky. The whole situation reflects poorly on management's end if they don't provide transparency.
They might start losing trust before they even get to a game.
Defensive lineman Rasheem Green has developed as a pass rusher going against past and present Houston Texans left tackles. | 2022-08-11T20:09:43Z | sports.yahoo.com | Former Bears' DC Chuck Pagano on Roquan Smith dispute: 'It's tiring' | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-bears-dc-chuck-pagano-181440359.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-bears-dc-chuck-pagano-181440359.html?src=rss |
Rapoport on Roquan Smith contract: 'It's way backloaded' originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
Another day and no contract news from Roquan Smith's end.
The Bears caught themselves in a mess when the linebacker announced his official request to be traded from the team. The team seemingly countered by removing him from the PUP list (physically unable to perform), allowing the opportunity for the organization to fine him for not participating in practice.
But, the situation doesn't seem to be making any progress, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
"I haven't sensed any movement," Rapoport said on The Pat McAfee show. "I know the team would like to sign him, but I haven't sensed any movement toward that."
The team has made their fair share of offers to Smith. But, in his note, he admitted the front office have not "negotiated in good faith" and their manner of negotiation has been the "take it or leave it" type style.
Smith is reportedly looking for money more than Shaquille Leonard, the Colts linebacker who inked a five-year, $98.5 million contract last summer. Speculation would suggest Smith's number is around $20 million per year for five years.
Ryan Poles mentioned the contract offers the Bears made for Smith include "record breaking" parts, but they're not guaranteed.
"It's like way back loaded," Rapoport said. "The last year has a high number and it makes the average high, but it's not real. There's a couple of things they'd asked him to do in the deal that he does not want to do."
It seems like the Bears are trying to scrape by with giving him a flimsy offer that would technically make him the highest paid linebacker in the league, but wouldn't have guaranteed repercussions or cap casualties to begin with.
There's no hiding behind $100 million contracts. Offer it, or find a trade for him.
It's never easy to hand out big contracts, especially as a new regime. But, if the situation comes to a trade, prepare for the team to look differently towards management going forward as Smith is inarguably the Bears' best player. | 2022-08-11T20:09:51Z | sports.yahoo.com | Ian Rapoport offers insight to Roquan Smith contract and Bears front office | https://sports.yahoo.com/ian-rapoport-offers-insight-roquan-192639324.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/ian-rapoport-offers-insight-roquan-192639324.html?src=rss |
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady is taking some time away from the team for personal reasons, Bucs head coach Todd Bowles told the media after Thursday’s joint practice with the Miami Dolphins.
After being excused from practice multiple times over the past week, Brady will now be away from the team for an extended period of time, and is expected back sometime after the Bucs’ second preseason game against the Tennessee Titans, Bowles said.
Appearing on the “Pat McAfee Show,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport gave some insight into the situation, and why Brady is taking this time away as training camp comes to a close:
Brady wasn’t expected to play in either of Tampa Bay’s first two preseason games, and after having two weeks of training camp to build chemistry with his teammates, it makes perfect sense for him to give way to the rest of the quarterbacks on the roster, who need as many reps as they can get heading into the exhibition games.
It’s also worth noting that Brady’s top three wide receivers (Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Russell Gage) aren’t even practicing right now, so it’s not like he’s missing time with many of the pass-catchers he’ll be throwing to in Week 1.
If this is indeed simply a matter of Brady wanting to maintain a healthy work/life balance, here’s hoping that sets a positive precedent for other professional athletes to do the same. | 2022-08-11T20:10:11Z | sports.yahoo.com | More details on Tom Brady’s extended absence from Bucs | https://sports.yahoo.com/more-details-tom-brady-extended-190409865.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/more-details-tom-brady-extended-190409865.html?src=rss |
Get to know Bill Belichick: Bio, coaching history and more originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
William Stephen Belichick began working in the NFL as a staff assistant with the Baltimore Colts in 1975, following his football playing career at Wesleyan University as a center and tight end. He also played lacrosse and squash at Wesleyan in Middletown, Connecticut. He served as captain of the lacrosse team during his senior year.
Since his early days in the league, Belichick has gone on to become one of the greatest coaches in NFL history, winning six Super Bowls and holding several other coaching records.
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft hired Belichick as head coach in 2000. Belichick quickly took over as the de facto general manager and has been in both roles for more than two decades.
Get to know more about Belichick, the coach with the most wins in Patriots history and the only head coach in NFL history to win at least 14 regular-season games in five separate seasons.
Bill Belichick's bio
Birthplace: Nashville, Tennessee
NFL Experience: 48 years
Bill Belichick's career NFL coaching stats
Here are some of Bill Belichick's notable career achievements and statistics:
Six-time Super Bowl champion as head coach (2001, 2003, 2004, 2014, 2016, 2018)
Two-time Super Bowl champion as defensive coordinator (with New York Giants in 1986, 1990)
Three-time Super Bowl runner-up as head coach (2007, 2011, 2017)
One-time Super Bowl runner-up as assistant head coach (with Patriots in 1996)
Three-time AP NFL Coach of the Year (2003, 2007, 2010)
Four-time SI.com NFL Coach of the Year (2003, 2004, 2007, 2010)
ESPY for Best Coach/Manager (2004)
NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
PFWA Executive of the Year (2021)
Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World (2003)
Sports Emmy Winner (2021)
Career totals (through 2021 season):
321-156 (.673) overall record -- One of three head coaches in NFL history to win at least 300 games
290-143 (.670) regular season record
31-13 (.705) postseason record -- most playoff wins as NFL head coach
284-111 (.719) record with the Patriots
Nine Super Bowl appearances as NFL head coach (most of any NFL head coach)
Six Super Bowl wins as NFL head coach (most of any NFL head coach)
Here is Bill Belichick's salary
Bill Belichick has an average annual salary of $18 million, according to Sportico.com. The 2022 season will be Belichick's 23rd season as head coach of the Patriots. The terms and length of his contract with the Patriots remains unclear.
Bill Belichick's early coaching career
Bill Belichick worked under six different head coaches. His first job in the NFL was as a special assistant to Baltimore Colts head coach Ted Marchibroda. A year later, in 1976, Belichick served as an assistant special teams coach on Rick Forzano's staff with the Detroit Lions. Forzano gave Belichick his first positional coaching assignment the next year as the Lions tight ends and wide receivers coach.
Belichick left the Lions and joined the Denver Broncos coaching staff under head coach Red Miller as the assistant special teams coach and assistant to defensive coordinator Joe Collier in 1978. Belichick only spent one season with the Broncos.
The New York Giants hired Belichick in 1979 to serve as a defensive assistant and special teams coach under Ray Perkins. Belichick worked for the Giants for 12 years. In 1980, his coaching duties expanded to also include linebackers.
In 1983, Belichick started to coordinate the defense under head coach Bill Parcells while continuing to coach the linebackers. Two years later, Belichick was officially named defensive coordinator. He served in this position for six seasons, where he gained national recognition for his coaching.
The Giants won Super Bowl XXI and Super Bowl XXV with Belichick as defensive coordinator. His defensive plan for Super Bowl XXV, where the Giants beat the Bills 20-19, is now in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Belichick's first head coaching position was with the Cleveland Browns for five seasons (1991-95). At 38 years old, Belichick became the NFL's youngest head coach. Belichick worked to rebuild the Browns after the worst season record (3-13) in Browns franchise history. By 1994, the Browns held the second-best record in the AFC.
Belichick was fired from the Browns in 1996 when Art Modell's team moved to Baltimore, becoming the Baltimore Ravens. He was later hired by the Patriots as assistant head coach and defensive backs coach under Parcells for the 1996 season. During the 1996 season, the Patriots won their first division title in ten years with an 11-5 record. The team lost to the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXI, after the defense had allowed only nine points combined in the two previous playoff games.
From 1997 to 1999, Belichick worked for Parcells on the New York Jets as an assistant head coach and defensive coordinator. After Parcells retired as Jets head coach after the 1999 season, Belichick succeeded him as head coach. Belichick shockingly resigned a day after he was officially hired.
Belichick was hired as Patriots head coach just 23 days later on January 27, 2000. The rest is history.
Meet Bill Belichick's family
Bill Belichick is the only child of Jeannette (Munn) and Steve Belichick. Steve Belichick played for the Detroit Lions in 1941 before serving in World War II. One of Bill Belichick's most influential football mentors, Steve Belichick was an assistant football coach at the United States Naval Academy for 34 years.
Belichick married his high school sweetheart Debby Clarke in 1977. The two have three children: Amanda, Stephen and Brian. The couple divorced in 2006.
Amanda graduated from her father's alma mater, Wesleyan University, in 2007. She played lacrosse in college and has been the head coach of women's lacrosse at the College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts since 2015.
Stephen attended Rutgers University where he played lacrosse from 2008 to 2011. He also played football for Rutgers as a long snapper. Stephen served as a defensive assistant for the New England Patriots from 2012 to 2015. He later became the safeties coach (2016-2019) and has been the team's outside linebackers coach since 2020.
Brian played lacrosse at Trinity College. Brian also works for the Patriots, starting as a scouting assistant upon graduating college in 2016. Prior to becoming the safeties coach for the Pats beginning in 2020, Brian was a coaching assistant from 2017 to 2019.
Jason served Olivia custody docs while she was promoting her movie with boyfriend Harry Styles. | 2022-08-11T20:10:36Z | sports.yahoo.com | All about Patriots coach Bill Belichick with bio and coaching history | https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-coach-bill-belichick-bio-192000591.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-coach-bill-belichick-bio-192000591.html?src=rss |
Hobbs has been moved around a lot in camp as several of his teammates and coaches have noted.
“We see Nate as a football player,” said DB coach Jason Simmons. “That’s why you see Nate being moved around to utilize multiple positions. He’s also an aggressive player. He’s a competitive player. He wants to do more. He wants to learn; he is a true spark.”
Recently Hobbs said he will have a chip on his shoulder his whole life, due to always being counted out. That gives an idea of where he gets his competitiveness. It also shows why he has reason to believe in himself entirely, because of how many times he’s proven those around him wrong.
That competitiveness shows up most when DaVante Adams steps to the line. Hobbs thinks he can be the best. In order to prove it, he must beat the best. So, every chance he gets, he lines up against the All Pro receiver.
“When DaVante [Adams] walks up, Nate [Hobbs] is like ‘I want the rep’,” said Derek Carr. “He’s not backing down. He’s like ‘I want that challenge.’ If it was up to Nate, he’d guard everybody. And I think that that’s what you want out of a DB and it doesn’t matter…if Davante makes a play, then boom, Nate’s like ‘i don’t care’ and next play he’ll knock one down and that’s the competitive spirit that you hope happens on your team.”
The result is apparent on the practice field, with Hobbs picking off a couple passes and forcing incompletions on several others.
His DB teammates have been impressed with him, including veteran Duron Harmon who joined the team this offseason.
“When I talk about a guy that’s always asking questions, always trying to figure out how to get better, I’m talking about him,” said Harmon, who is Hobbs’s locker mate. “He puts in the work each and every day. He comes to work ready to go; he’s so athletic, so twitchy, can play inside and outside. I’m excited to see what Nate will do this year.”
Hobbs has lined up against more than just Adams, and he doesn’t win them all. But that’s what camp is for. He came on quickly in his rookie camp and from all accounts, he’s taking strides in his second season as well. | 2022-08-11T20:10:55Z | sports.yahoo.com | Raiders asking a lot of CB Nate Hobbs and he is stepping up to the challenge | https://sports.yahoo.com/raiders-asking-lot-cb-nate-193459305.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/raiders-asking-lot-cb-nate-193459305.html?src=rss |
The Buffalo Bills have been mum on the Tre’Davious White front.
Not only is that the smart play because nobody should be rushed back from a serious ACL injury, but Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott doesn’t give away an inch to opponents–Even if the season isn’t here yet.
However, an insider report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler provided some optimism on the cornerback.
According to Fowler, White could return “sooner than later.” That’s a very positive update with the 2022 regular season about a month away.
Here’s Fowler’s full report:
I’m told the plan is for cornerback Tre’Davious White to return to practice “sooner than later.” There doesn’t seem to be much panic out of Buffalo’s camp about his ability to return to the lineup. The Bills will likely keep their eye on veteran corners but don’t feel the need to overcompensate yet. First-round rookie Kaiir Elam has battled well throughout camp while learning some new techniques. He was mostly a press-man corner at Florida, and the Bills have worked with him on his off-coverage, which takes time to learn. He has been eager to take that challenge and apply it.
Fowler’s update is promising, but it should still be taken with a grain of salt. It’s worth noting that the report did not provide any sort of timeline.
There’s no reason for the team to rush White back into the fold. The Bills still could sit him for the first game or two of the regular season. Heck, even the first month and that would still be a very quick turnaround time from an ACL injury.
Buffalo can still certainly be happy about the update, regardless.
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Say goodbye to sticky lash glue and magnetic falsies! | 2022-08-11T20:11:01Z | sports.yahoo.com | Report: Bills plan to have Tre’Davious White back ‘sooner than later’ | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-bills-plan-tre-davious-191543220.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-bills-plan-tre-davious-191543220.html?src=rss |
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo’s future remains in limbo when the regular season on the horizon. Perhaps that could change in the near future.
According to Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot, the Cleveland Browns will consider trading for Garoppolo if Deshaun Watson’s six-game suspension increases.
The NFL is currently appealing Watson’s six-game suspension, where the league is reportedly speaking a minimum one-season suspension for Watson with the chance to apply for reinstatement after the 2022 season.
Cabot previously reported that the Browns weren’t going to trade for Garoppolo regardless of how Watson’s suspension pans out. But it sounds like the year-long ban has the organization rethinking matters.
The plan was for backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett to take the reins until Watson returned. Cleveland has a relatively easy slate to open the year, so the belief was Brissett could hold things down. But that was based on the six to eight games the organization was anticipating. | 2022-08-11T20:11:08Z | sports.yahoo.com | Report: Browns to consider trade for Jimmy Garoppolo if Deshaun Watson’s suspension increases | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-browns-consider-trade-jimmy-181801851.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-browns-consider-trade-jimmy-181801851.html?src=rss |
Powerful rookie Davis-Price eager to finish runs vs. Packers originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
SANTA CLARA -- The 49ers’ leading rushers the past four seasons have consisted of three running backs who were not drafted and one sixth-round pick.
But for the second year in a row, the 49ers selected a running back in the third round of the draft.
Rookie Ty Davis-Price is set to make his preseason debut for the 49ers on Friday night against the Green Bay Packers at Levi’s Stadium.
“I’m really excited to go out there and show what I’m about,” Davis-Price said. “I’m eager about that. I might not get any sleep the night before, but I’ll be all right.”
Elijah Mitchell enters the season as the clear No. 1 running back. Davis-Price is competing for a role against a healthy Jeff Wilson Jr. and Trey Sermon, whom the 49ers chose in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Mitchell missed six games last season due to a variety of injuries. Sermon had a difficult time earning his spot on the field. And Wilson never got to top speed after undergoing offseason knee surgery.
This year, the 49ers placed an emphasis on getting healthier and increasing their depth.
“There’s talent in everyone in that room,” Davis-Price said. “We all can do things differently. I think that’s what’s great about that room.
“They all bring different things. They’re all hard workers. We compete each and every day and make each other better. I appreciate them for pushing me, and I know they appreciate me for pushing them.”
The 49ers featured their running game Wednesday during the final full practice before the exhibition opener.
Davis-Price and Sermon lined up with quarterback Trey Lance and the 49ers’ first-team offense.
Davis-Price had seven carries in the padded practice. He will get his first opportunity Friday to finish runs against a defense that will be trying to tackle him to the ground.
In three seasons at LSU, he rushed for 1,744 yards and 15 touchdowns with a 4.6-yard average. The 49ers selected him with the No. 93 overall pick in April.
Davis-Price said he believes he is getting to the point where he has enough of an understanding of the 49ers’ offense that he can go out and play instinctively.
He’ll have an opportunity to show that against the Packers.
“The biggest thing has been a new system and getting in and learning it,” he said. “You have to study each and every day or you’ll miss something.”
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Struggling to keep your home clutter-free? Free up extra space and tidy up your house once and for all with these clever home organizers. | 2022-08-11T20:11:45Z | sports.yahoo.com | Ty Davis-Price excited to show off powerful runs in 49ers-Packers game | https://sports.yahoo.com/ty-davis-price-excited-show-194809406.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/ty-davis-price-excited-show-194809406.html?src=rss |
Von Miller and Odell Beckham Jr. him have teased the idea of the wide receiver signing with the Buffalo Bills. The pass rusher kicked things up a notch in a very big way on Thursday during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show.
Miller was asked about the two of them discussing the idea openly on social media. He went on to explain how close of a friendship they have.
From the sounds of it, Miller might have a good relationship with the Bills front office already.
Miller commented during his response that “the door is open for him to come to the Buffalo Bills.”
That’s something.
Of course, Beckham is still working his way back from injury. He tore his ACL in the Super Bowl while with the Los Angeles Rams but now he’s a free agent.
Maybe start keeping Beckham in mind?
Check out the clip below for the highlight from Miller’s interview: | 2022-08-11T20:11:52Z | sports.yahoo.com | Von Miller on Odell Beckham: ‘The door is open for him to come to the Bills’ | https://sports.yahoo.com/von-miller-odell-beckham-door-194527234.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/von-miller-odell-beckham-door-194527234.html?src=rss |
With all the hype that Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson has received heading into his first year as the Gators’ starter, it’s sometimes hard to remember that he’s a relatively unproven player.
He competed for playing time last year with Emory Jones, and Dan Mullen never really gave him a fair shot at the starting job — his one start came against Georgia. Richardson still finished his redshirt freshman year with 529 yards and six touchdowns on 38-for-64 passing. He also added 401 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 51 carries.
While he’s shown flashes of first-round potential, Richardson has also made his share of mistakes. He threw five interceptions in seven games and needs to show some consistency to make good on the draft experts’ projections. That uncertainty is why Richardson finds himself ranked 25th on Athlon Sports‘ list of the top 131 starting quarterbacks in college football.
Rounding out the top 25 isn’t synonymous with excellence in college football, and that rings true in these rankings. There’s a lot of “what if” to Richardson’s game and he could easily end up being a two-year project if things don’t click in year one with Billy Napier.
Upside and potential are the two words most often mentioned about Richardson going into the 2022 season. New coach Billy Napier is tasked with harnessing and developing the enormous talent Richardson has, and the ’21 campaign provided plenty of insight into the type of player he can become … Can Richardson turn the upside and potential into more consistent (especially through the air) production this fall? If he can, this spot will be too low on our list by December.
Given that last line, it sounds like the folks at Athlon Sports are expecting to be wrong on this one. There’s no guarantee he turns into a first-round pick as some draft experts have projected, but the consistency should come as the team’s unquestioned starter.
For those wondering, they ranked Jones at No. 58 as the likely starter for the Arizona State Sun Devils. | 2022-08-11T20:26:12Z | sports.yahoo.com | Gators QB ranked among top-25 at his position per Athlon Sports | https://sports.yahoo.com/gators-qb-ranked-among-top-193208298.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/gators-qb-ranked-among-top-193208298.html?src=rss |
With two episodes left of the second season of Hulu’s mystery romp “Only Murders in the Building,” the series is an undeniable hit on the streaming platform. Nominated for 17 Emmy Awards for its first season, this season’s final two episodes (titled “Sparring Partners” and “I Know Who Did It”) will be released while voting […]
321preps Dandy Dozen: Eddie Combs, Rockledge
Eddie Combs III of Rockledge High is a member of the 321preps Dandy Dozen, a list of the 12 most sought-after senior Brevard senior football recruits.
(Reuters) -Police were locked in a standoff on Thursday with an armed man who tried to breach the FBI building in Cincinnati, Ohio, earlier in the day before fleeing and exchanging gunfire with officers, authorities said. The incident began at about 9:15 a.m. (1315 GMT) when the suspect unsuccessfully tried to enter the FBI's visitor screening facility. A chase ensued as the suspect fired his weapon at the state trooper, Ohio State Highway Patrol spokesman Nathan Dennis said during a news briefing.
"I honestly can’t believe this is happening." | 2022-08-11T20:26:19Z | sports.yahoo.com | Lincoln Riley must be willing to win another way, not solely his own way, at USC | https://sports.yahoo.com/lincoln-riley-must-willing-win-192127023.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/lincoln-riley-must-willing-win-192127023.html?src=rss |
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — On the ‘In the Trenches’ podcast earlier this week, Michigan football head coach Jim Harbaugh said that he feels the defense is further along than last season’s ballyhooed group at this time last year.
It’s a notion that co-defensive coordinator/defensive pass game coordinator Steve Clinkscale echoes.
“Oh yeah, I agree with it,” Clinkscale said on Thursday. “In the perspective that a lot of these guys have been in the system already, it isn’t something that’s new to them, starting off in the summer last year — even though I had a little bit of a spring previous to last fall camp, we still put in a lot of stuff at the same time. Most of the menu that we have, a lot of our players have already experienced.”
But why has it looked better? The Wolverines lost the bulk of their departees on the defensive side of the ball, thus, most pundits anticipate that Michigan will take a step back on that front.
However, like we heard from players on Tuesday, the biggest step has been communication — which is borne from knowledge.
“Communicating and understanding all the nuances, what’s gonna happen, to predict and anticipate the issues,” Clinkscale said. “If you can coach like that and your players can think like that, it helps them stay further ahead with communication, with effort, with knowing your responsibility.
“I would agree with that, especially as far as understanding the game a lot better.”
This notion wasn’t explained solely by the second-year secondary coach. First-year defensive coordinator Jesse Minter led off his Thursday media availability by explaining how the coaches have been preaching ‘obnoxious communication’ on defense.
“We always have said a loud defense is a good defense. One of the pillars of our defenses is obnoxious communication,” Minter said. “And so, a lot of our calls, it might be rotation of coverage, it might be where’s the pressure coming from? It might even be just, hey, they’re lined up like this, alert for this. And so I think our group has just bought into that being a foundation of how we want to play defense. I think they started to do that but I think, as they continue in the second year, and have a lot of carryover, that allows them to do that with a lot of confidence.
“The more confidence you have, the louder you communicate. So when you look at the younger guys, sometimes it’s quieter, it’s not as good. And so the more that the more of those guys gain confidence in them, knowing what their assignment is, knowing what they’re doing, the louder it becomes.”
What makes said communication obnoxious? And why is it good? While Minter didn’t elaborate, Clinkscale had answers on that front.
“Obnoxious is good on the football field! And it’s gotta be crazy, like a fire drill, when that siren goes off,” Clinkscale said. “It’s gotta be great communication, everybody knows where they’re supposed to go, what they’re supposed to do so that we’re safe.”
Could that pay dividends this fall? We’ll find out when the season opener against Colorado State comes Sept. 3. | 2022-08-11T20:26:35Z | sports.yahoo.com | Michigan football defense propelled by ‘obnoxious communication’ | https://sports.yahoo.com/michigan-football-defense-propelled-obnoxious-201658271.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/michigan-football-defense-propelled-obnoxious-201658271.html?src=rss |
NBA to permanently retire No.6 of Bill Russell across entire league
Bill Russell's No. 6 jersey is being retired across the NBA, a first for the league. The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association announced Thursday that the number worn by the 11-time champion, civil rights activist and person good enough to be enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame as both a player and a coach was being permanently retired by all 30 teams. ''Bill Russell's unparalleled success on the court and pioneering civil rights activism deserve to be honored in a unique and historic way,'' NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. | 2022-08-11T20:35:22Z | sports.yahoo.com | Sixers’ James Harden works out with Nets’ Kevin Durant in Barcelona | https://sports.yahoo.com/sixers-james-harden-kevin-durant-192616206.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/sixers-james-harden-kevin-durant-192616206.html?src=rss |
Wisconsin Head Coach Greg Gard and his players during the second half of their game in the 2022 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament Sunday, March 20, 2022, at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. Iowa State defeated Wisconsin 54-49.
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Mar 20, 2022; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard Chucky Hepburn (23) drives to the basket against I11 during the first half during the second round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports | 2022-08-11T20:43:39Z | sports.yahoo.com | How Wisconsin basketball performed in their Paris opener | https://sports.yahoo.com/wisconsin-basketball-performed-paris-opener-170153619.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/wisconsin-basketball-performed-paris-opener-170153619.html?src=rss |
Indiana Pacers guard Victor Oladipo (4) during the first quarter of the preseason game against Philadelphia at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Friday, Dec. 18, 2020.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Victor Oladipo throws shade at Pacers in tweet
Albert Pujols and Nolan Arenado both hit home runs for St. Louis in the Cardinals' 9-5 victory over the Colorado Rockies. | 2022-08-11T21:18:52Z | sports.yahoo.com | 'Players can't always be the problem': Victor Oladipo throws shade at Pacers | https://sports.yahoo.com/players-cant-always-problem-victor-163011539.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/players-cant-always-problem-victor-163011539.html?src=rss |
Quinn teaches rookies on O and D valuable lessons originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
There’s another benefit, though. With Quinn in the building, the Bears’ younger players can learn as much as they can from him. When asked if he was taking the time to coach up Braxton Jones, a fifth-round who’s been thrust into the starting offensive line unit, Quinn quipped:
“Nope, ain’t my job. It ain’t my job to do that.”
Regardless, Quinn has taught by example.
“I was so glad for him to come back so I could watch and learn from him,” said Dominique Robinson. “He has been a help to me.”
Robinson is a toolsy pass rusher filled with upside, but he transitioned to defensive end from wide receiver in college, so he still has plenty to learn. One of the things that has impressed Robinson the most about Quinn at practice is how he attacks linemen, forcing them to make their move first. Of course seeing Quinn’s effective cross chop move is impressive, too.
Robert Quinn gets the strip sack using the jab/cross chop/club vs the blocker's low-setting hands! #passrush #bears pic.twitter.com/nBFmpxe2pv
“I was trying it before he got here,” said Robinson. “I did it a couple times and was like, ‘That’s not me.’ Watched him do it and I was like, ‘Ok, I see what I was doing wrong. I wasn’t attacking the tackle the way I was supposed to.’ I tried again, and I used it yesterday, and it kinda worked a little bit. So I’m like, ‘Ok, I see progress in this.’ I’m not going to throw it all the time, you know I’m gonna do what I do, but when the time comes I’m gonna work that move.”
Robinson gets to watch that move from afar, but Jones has experienced it up-close and personal.
“The first time he hit me with his signature it was like, ‘oh dang, it’s for real,’” Jones said.
Jones said he hasn’t been intimidated when facing off against Quinn, but maybe something like awe.
“I think the biggest thing for me is just the quickness of it,” Jones said about repping opposite Quinn. “Going against maybe a rookieー no offense to any of the rookies or anything like thatー they’re just not as quick to the point. He’s really quick to the point. He’s on you like that.”
It’s clear the work has paid off for each of the rookies. When we first saw Jones go up against Quinn, it was no contest. Quinn blew right by him. As the days have gone on, Quinn of course still wins several reps, but Jones has held his own and even stonewalled Quinn a few times. Robinson has shown growth as well, looking outright dominant in 1-on-1 drills at times.
The biggest test for each of the rookies will be this Saturday when the Bears take on the Chiefs in their first preseason game. They’ll have the opportunity to show what they’ve learned against a real opponent, in real game action. After that we’ll see if they’ve got to hit the books again, or if they’re ready for more advanced material. | 2022-08-11T21:53:19Z | sports.yahoo.com | How Bears' Robert Quinn has taught Braxton Jones and Dominique Robinson | https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-robert-quinn-taught-braxton-205742772.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-robert-quinn-taught-braxton-205742772.html?src=rss |
ESPN isn’t shy with the Anthony Richardson love. Many draft experts have pegged him as a first-round talent, and he’s the natural response when asked “who is the best NFL prospect on the 2022 Florida Gators?”
It’s not too surprising to see Richardson’s name at the top of such a list put together by ESPN, but they did hedge their bets in case Florida’s first-year starting quarterback doesn’t live up to the expectations of both fans and coaches. Defensive tackle Gervon Dexter is No. 2 on the list and has been considered an NFL-caliber athlete for some time.
“When you think of potential and ceiling at the quarterback position, Richardson fits,” ESPN’s Matt Miller wrote. ” In limited action in 2021, he showed the arm strength, playmaking ability and poise to excite both the fan base and scouts. Now we have to see it over the course of a full season while he cuts down on interceptions; he had five on just 64 throws. There’s Round 1 potential, but Richardson has to play more first.
We can’t leave defensive tackle Gervon Dexter completely off our list. If Richardson fails to live up to expectations, Dexter is next in line as the Gators’ top prospect.”
Linebacker Brenton Cox Jr. and offensive lineman O'Cyrus Torrence might be the unofficial Nos. 3 and 4 on that list. Both are veterans of the college game and are at Florida this season to boost their draft stock. Linebacker Ventrell Miller could sneak into the conversation if he has a strong bounce-back season after tearing his biceps last year. | 2022-08-11T21:53:36Z | sports.yahoo.com | Which Gator is mostly likely to be drafted in 2023, per ESPN? | https://sports.yahoo.com/gator-mostly-likely-drafted-2023-200522942.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/gator-mostly-likely-drafted-2023-200522942.html?src=rss |
The New York Giants will take on the New England Patriots in their preseason opener on Thursday night, but will do so shorthanded.
Among those sitting out for the Giants are wide receiver Kadarius Toney and defensive lineman Leonard Williams.
Giants DE Leonard Williams won't play tonight in preseason opener vs. Patriots, per source.
Williams was banged up earlier this week and stayed inside Tuesday for treatment. He's among the group of players that did not make the trip to Foxboro.
Kadarius Toney also will not play
Both Toney and Williams appeared to get dinged up earlier in the week. The Big Cat missed Tuesday’s practice entirely, while Toney left early and was later seen having his leg worked on by a trainer.
Williams had dominated camp until that point and was grinding hard each day. Toney, meanwhile, has participated in the majority of practices but head coach Brian Daboll worked in load management days following the receiver’s offseason knee surgery.
The Patriots are not expected to play any of their starters.
Giants starters are slated to play at least a series but potentially up to a full quarter or even into the second quarter.
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The Carolina Panthers officially closed up training camp for the summer on Wednesday. But they’re not coming out of Spartanburg, S.C. unscathed.
In addition to the handful of injuries sustained at the cornerback position, the Panthers’ tight end room also grew a bit thin over in Wofford College. Starter Ian Thomas is expected to miss a few weeks with a rib injury while Colin Thompson, who has appeared in 26 games for Carolina over the last two seasons, is currently dealing with a calf injury.
So, they’ll need some reinforcements. And as first reported by ESPN NFL senior reporter Jeremy Fowler, they’ve enlisted the help of former Buffalo Bill Nate Becker and former New England Patriot Ryan Izzo.
Tight end Nate Becker signing a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers, per source. Becker, formerly with the Bills, gives Panthers depth.
Becker broke into the league as an undrafted free agent with the Detroit Lions in 2019. After being cut less than two months later, the Miami University (of Ohio) product landed in Buffalo.
The 6-foot-5, 264-pound pass catcher has played in just one regular season game at the pro level—a 2020 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. He registered 30 snaps on offense—with zero targets—and four on special teams.
Izzo was a seventh-round draft pick of the Patriots in 2019. He’s amassed 313 yards and a touchdown on 19 receptions over his three-year career. | 2022-08-11T21:54:07Z | sports.yahoo.com | Panthers sign two TEs on Thursday | https://sports.yahoo.com/panthers-signing-former-bills-te-201930585.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/panthers-signing-former-bills-te-201930585.html?src=rss |
Watch James White's best highlights from epic Super Bowl LI win vs. Falcons originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The New England Patriots' incredible comeback win against the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI would not have happened without a legendary performance from James White.
The veteran running back announced his retirement from the NFL on Thursday. White was drafted by the Patriots in 2014 and played eight seasons in New England.
He won three Super Bowl titles, including his epic contributions to that historic win in Houston five years ago.
White ran for 29 yards and two touchdowns, in addition to a Super Bowl-record 14 receptions for 110 yards and another touchdown. He also scored one of two 2-point conversions the Patriots had in the fourth quarter of that game. His final rushing touchdown was the game-winner, and it also made him the only player to score an overtime TD in a Super Bowl.
Check out White's best highlights from the Patriots' 28-3 comeback in the video below:
You could make a case that White deserved Super Bowl LI MVP, but it was ultimately awarded to Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who gave an amazing performance himself with 466 yards passing, two touchdowns and one interception.
White retires as one of the most reliable and clutch players in Patriots history. He should be a lock to be inducted into the team's Hall of Fame at some point. | 2022-08-11T21:54:26Z | sports.yahoo.com | Watch James White's best highlights from Patriots' Super Bowl LI win vs. Falcons | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-james-whites-best-highlights-200629711.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-james-whites-best-highlights-200629711.html?src=rss |
The 2017 season was as close as the Oklahoma Sooners have come to reaching a College Football Playoff Championship game. It was as good a team as the Sooners have had since the 2008 team reached the BCS Championship game.
Loaded with talents like Baker Mayfield, Rodney Anderson, Marquise Brown, CeeDee Lamb. and Mark Andrews, the Oklahoma Sooners opened the season with a 56-7 win over UTEP before rolling into Columbus to beat the Ohio State Buckeyes 31-16.
Baker Mayfield’s flag plant after the game created a frenzy in college football, one that was lauded among Sooners fans.
That year, Oklahoma finished third in the nation in scoring at 45.1 points per game, winning shootout after shootout on their way to a Big 12 championship and College Football Playoff berth.
Baker Mayfield became one of the more polarizing players in college football history with the way he carried himself that season. He was the ultimate player you love to have on your team but hate if he’s on the other team. And with Mayfield leading the way, Oklahoma’s 2017 squad is among 247Sports most hated teams of all time, coming in at No. 7.
He may have reeked of unrefined arrogance on the field, but Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield backed it up. And won the Heisman Trophy, no less. The way Oklahoma’s record-setting passer carried himself on gamedays made many turn their heads, but he was absolutely a must-watch and the Sooners’ brand of a break-neck pace obliterated four top 10 teams on their way to a College Football Playoff berth. Whether you agreed with his pre-game trash talk, in-game crotch grab or post-game flag planting, Mayfield made you pay attention and did not care what anyone outside the program thought of him. College football’s bad boy in 2017 is now one of the NFL’s top signal callers. – Brad Crawford, 247Sports
The only thing missing from Mayfield and the Sooners’ magical run was a College Football Playoff Championship game appearance.
Mayfield took on a Connor McGregor-like persona before Connor McGregor skyrocketed into stardom and apologized to no one. It was what Oklahoma needed to bounce back from a 2016 season that started with two losses in their first three games.
His Heisman season saw him throw for 4,627 yards, 43 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. It was an incredible year that led to him being selected first overall by the Cleveland Brown in 2018.
Some may not have liked Baker Mayfield, but they can never deny what he accomplished as the quarterback of the Oklahoma Sooners. | 2022-08-11T22:10:31Z | sports.yahoo.com | 2017 Sooners among 247Sports ‘most hated teams of all-time’ | https://sports.yahoo.com/2017-sooners-among-247sports-most-215236797.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/2017-sooners-among-247sports-most-215236797.html?src=rss |
Chances are, considering Ojabo tied the previous sack record while Hutchinson shattered it — apropos, given that it was his father, Chris, who held it — the Wolverines won’t have a single player who matches up to what we saw a year ago, statistically. However, as far as first-year Michigan defensive coordinator Jesse Minter — who is running Mike Macdonald’s scheme from a year ago — sees it, the defense doesn’t need one guy to step up in pass rushing, it needs the entire team to take some accountability in that area.
“One of the things we’ve talked about is we’re not worried about replacing whoever,” Minter said. “There are certainly some really, really good players. We want to have the best 11 players on the field for the given situation that’s occurring. When our guys buy into that, and they play really hard, they’re not worried about who makes the play, when somebody makes the play, we all make a play. I’ve been very, very pleased with just the mentality in that regard. And then they also know that we’re going to move people around, we’re going to try to create matchups, given the opponent. And I look at it like this, whatever it looks like going into the year, I hope we have a bunch of stars at the end of the season.”
That said, who could play a major role when it comes to rushing the passer? Generally speaking, Michigan has relied on, at least in the Jim Harbaugh era, the edge rushers more than the interior line to get to the quarterback. Mo Hurst in 2017 was the exception to that rule, and Minter is hoping that it will be a group effort from the entire defensive front this year.
“I hope that it’s multiple guys,” Minter said. “I think we have some edge players — Mike Morris, Braiden McGregor, Taylor Upshaw, Jaylen Harrell — that have the capabilities of being good rushers. I think Kris Jenkins, Mazi Smith have the ability to push from inside. I think Mason Graham, Cam Goode — new guy — all these guys have capabilities of being good rushers. It’ll fall into, situationally, who we have out there. But they’re all capable of taking advantage of opportunities. I think it’s our job to just make sure we try to put each guy in the best position to have that success.
“And then, the other thing is, because it might not be one guy, it’s given us the ability to maybe move people around more, maybe a guy that rushes a lot one week, drops the next week, and it sort of changes our tendency. So I think the guys are really bought into that. We want to have a high total at the end of the year. But we’d love it for it to be a lot of different people with multiple sacks.”
Not only will the defensive front be counted on, but so, too, will the linebacking corps.
With Josh Ross now gone, the only household name comes in the form of freshman All-American Junior Colson, who was outstanding in his first year. But Nikhai Hill-Green has also started games, as has Michael Barrett. Kalel Mullings is splitting his duties between linebacker and running back, but also figures into the equation with the season forthcoming.
That said, Minter likes what he’s seen from all of the above, as he has from the two freshmen at the position.
“I think Junior’s having a really good camp so far — growing, understanding what we expect,” Minter said. “I think Nikhai is having a really good camp. I think Michael Barrett is having a really good camp. Kalel is, as you guys have heard, splitting a little bit of time. But he’s doing well at linebacker. So he’s a guy that can probably play, have roles on both sides.
“And then, the two freshmen, neither one were early enrollees — Jimmy Rolder and Deuce Spurlock. I think they have flashed, and you can tell why they were recruited here. They certainly have a lot on their plate of learning. But I’m pretty pleased with that group right now.”
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Beto O’Rourke on Wednesday snapped at a heckler who laughed as he discussed a recent mass shooting. O’Rourke, who has expressed outrage after a gunman opened fire inside an Uvalde, Texas, elementary school and killed 19 children and two adults, delivered a speech at a town hall in the city of Mineral… | 2022-08-11T22:10:56Z | sports.yahoo.com | Where will Michigan football’s 2022 pass rush come from? | https://sports.yahoo.com/where-michigan-football-2022-pass-190127730.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/where-michigan-football-2022-pass-190127730.html?src=rss |
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Stewart-Haas Racing driver Kevin Harvick certainly earned one of the most dramatic victories of the 2022 season last weekend at Michigan International Speedway. The 2014 NASCAR Cup Series champion‘s win, his first in the last 65 races, catapulted him from 17th place in the standings into playoff contention with only three races remaining to set the 16-driver field.
The clutch performance only increases the drama expected for the rest of the month which will feature races at the Richmond Raceway short track, the Watkins Glen International road course and the regular-season finale at the always unpredictable Daytona International Speedway‘s 2.5-mile superspeedway high banks.
Sunday’s Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway (3 p.m. ET on USA Network, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) has typically lived up to its “Action Track” nickname and with the current playoff intensity, the moniker is certainly well-deserved.
Playoffs 2022: Playoff Watch | Bubble Watch
Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin, a two-race winner already in 2022, won the spring Richmond race and his teammate Martin Truex Jr. is the defending winner of this summer/fall event — a good sign for the driver of the No. 19 JGR Toyota who dropped to 17th place in the standings with Harvick‘s win last week. He trails Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney by 19 points for that 16th and last automatic playoff transfer position.
Truex is one of seven multi-time winners at Richmond, sweeping the 2019 season races and last hoisting a trophy in this race last year. He‘s had top-10 finishes in three of the last four races leading into Richmond, tying a season-best fourth-place finish after leading 172 laps at New Hampshire four weeks ago. The three top-five finishes and 10 top-10 finishes through the first 23 races is well off the Truex-pace the sport has come to expect, however. He‘s had at least 20 top-10 marks in the five previous seasons.
Prior to the season‘s first green flag, most would have absolutely assumed both Truex and Blaney would have a victory by now. Blaney has nearly as many top-five finishes (eight) this year as he did all of last year (10), but third-place is his best result — earning it at Nashville earlier this summer. Twice he‘s led at least 100 laps in a race (at Phoenix and at Richmond) so maybe this return trip to Richmond will result in his first win at the track. His only two top-10 finishes in 12 starts there came in the last two races and his 128 laps led this Spring are the only laps he‘s ever led there.
MORE: Blaney v. Truex — who has the advantage?
Even if Truex doesn‘t win the race, a good finish could possibly move him ahead of Blaney‘s tenuous 19-point advantage only intensifying the dramatic run to playoff eligibility.
Seven of the nine active Richmond winners — Kyle Busch, who has a series-best six victories, Hamlin (4), Harvick (3), Truex (3), Brad Keselowski (2), Joey Logano (2), Kurt Busch (2), Alex Bowman (1) and reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson (1) — have already secured playoff positions with a win this season. Truex and Keselowski are the two still searching for their first victory of 2022. | 2022-08-11T22:23:46Z | sports.yahoo.com | NASCAR Cup Series regular season is winding down as the drama is revving up | https://sports.yahoo.com/nascar-cup-series-regular-season-140715824.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nascar-cup-series-regular-season-140715824.html?src=rss |
The NASCAR Cup Series trades the top-end speed of Michigan for short-track handling this week as the Federated Auto Parts 400 emanates from Richmond Raceway in Virginia. Here is everything you need to know for the race weekend:
Fans in the United States can watch the race on the USA network, the USA mobile app or the NBC Sports app (cable or satellite subscription required for both). Radio coverage is available on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM.
Practice: 5:05 - 5:50 p.m. (USA, MRN, SiriusXM)
Qualifying: 5:50 - 7 p.m. (USA, MRN, SiriusXM)
Federated Auto Parts 400: 3 - 6 p.m. ET (USA, MRN, SiriusXM)
Top drivers and best bets for the Federated Auto Parts 400
If “Joe Gibbs Racing” appears next to a drivers’ name this weekend, back that driver. Each of the JGR Toyotas are in the top four favorites according to BetMGM, with Richmond ace Martin Truex Jr. sporting the best odds of the lot at +600. Following him are Denny Hamlin (+700), Kyle Busch (+700) and Christopher Bell (+800). The Rick Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolets of Chase Elliott (+900) and Kyle Larson (+1000) round out the crop of drivers with 10-to-1 odds or better.
Yahoo Sports’ Nick Bromberg is bullish on the Gibbs stable as well and suggests some good value is to be found in two-time Richmond winner Joey Logano (+1600) and William Byron (+1800), who led 122 laps in the spring race there. Bromberg suggests staying away from last week’s pole-sitter and second-place finisher Bubba Wallace (+1600).
Martin Truex Jr., No. 19, has the best odds to win the NASCAR Cup Series Federated Auto Parts 400 at +600 followed by teammate Denny Hamlin, No. 11, at +700. Joey Logano, No. 22, is a good value bet at +1600. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Richmond Raceway layout, history and what to expect
In addition to being the Cup Series’ third-shortest track – at ¾ mile, the D-shaped oval is only behind Bristol and Martinsville (both half-milers) – Richmond is also its third-oldest, staging events there since 1953. From 1961-76 Richard Petty claimed all of his record 13 victories at the track. Since 2009 Toyota has been the dominant manufacturer, winning 16 of the 26 races, including six by Busch and three by Truex Jr.
Long green-flag runs are the norm, with the average run being 60 laps and there not having been more than two accident-caused cautions in each of the last six Cup races. That means pit-stop performance, in-race adjustments and strategy are even more vital which favors the larger teams with more data and more strategic options like Gibbs and Hendrick.
Weather forecast for the Federated Auto Parts 400
Warm and dry. Highs are forecast for 80 degrees with 60-degree overnight lows. That should keep the weekend – the Truck Series is also competing – on schedule without disruption.
Electric open-wheel series wraps up it's eighth season this weekend in Seoul, South Korea, with eyes to next season's Gen 3 race car. | 2022-08-11T22:23:52Z | sports.yahoo.com | Federated Auto Parts 400 viewers guide | https://sports.yahoo.com/nascar-cup-series-weekend-schedule-tv-streaming-info-odds-picks-and-what-to-watch-for-at-richmond-190059188.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nascar-cup-series-weekend-schedule-tv-streaming-info-odds-picks-and-what-to-watch-for-at-richmond-190059188.html?src=rss |
The Chargers' Joshua Kelley cuts upfield during practice. Trying to win the No. 2 running back job, Kelley should see plenty of action in the preseason. (Ashley Landis / Associated Press)
“My whole goal this offseason was to become the best football player I could possibly be,” he said Thursday. “It wasn't to relax, to wind down, to do all sorts of business activities, vacation. It was to become the best player I could be for this year.”
Rookie Isaiah Spiller (28) is the latest running back drafted who is trying to win the No. 2 job. (Alex Gallardo / Associated Press)
Along with strength training, Kelley said his offseason program emphasized nutrition. He is still listed at 5 feet 11 , 212 pounds — same as last year — but Kelley appears to be more stout.
“Nutrition was huge,” he said. “You don't get this size and this strong without being on top of your nutrition and your recovery. So, yeah, it was a lot of work.”
For young running backs, pass protection often is one of the most difficult steps in transitioning to the NFL. Kelley said that early on he had to focus on whom to block.
“I put on some strength,” Kelley said. “I’m not trying to absorb contact. When I'm watching tape, I see a lot of guys just go up there and absorb. I’m trying to deliver a blow. I think that’s helped me.”
Kicker Dustin Hopkins missed practice Thursday because of a death in his family. He was back on the field later in the day after rejoining the team. … Staley said quarterbacks Chase Daniel and Easton Stick will play against the Rams. He also said Storm Norton and Trey Pipkins III, battling for the starting right tackle job, will play.
Rashaad Penny might not have played in the Seahawks’ first preseason game anyway, but he’s “feeling a little bit of groin tightness,” coach Pete Carroll said Thursday. Penny is not expected to play against the Steelers. “We’re just taking care of him,” Carroll said, via Brady Henderson of ESPN. Penny missed a lot of game [more] | 2022-08-11T23:33:26Z | sports.yahoo.com | Bulked-up Joshua Kelley in the running for Chargers' heavily contested backup role | https://sports.yahoo.com/bulked-joshua-kelley-running-chargers-214144322.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/bulked-joshua-kelley-running-chargers-214144322.html?src=rss |
49ers stalwarts gush over what Lance brings to offense originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
With Trey Lance poised to take over under center this season, the 49ers’ offense will have a new look and feel.
It’s something his teammates certainly are excited about, and a trio of San Francisco’s offensive veterans -- Trent Williams, Kyle Juszczyk and George Kittle -- gushed to KNBR’s “Papa & Lund” on Tuesday about the new elements Lance will bring to the playbook.
Kittle said he’s impressed with Lance’s development from last year to now, noting it’s his “favorite thing” about him at the moment. And while Kittle expects the occasional interception to be thrown in practice against the 49ers’ elite defense, Lance’s confidence in taking risks is exciting to the tight end.
But most of all, Kittle is eager to see how Lance’s mobility can impact the offense.
“I think he’s got a ton of ability,” Kittle said. “What we could do with some of the run game stuff, we get into the empty and we can run gap scheme power with him running the football, which you don’t really see a lot of teams doing.
“Hey, you know what’s crazy is if you have Trent Williams, George Kittle, and our interior and Mike McGlinchey running gap scheme power, hey, good luck. I mean, especially if you’re going out against a nickel or a dime defense. Hey, good luck getting blocked, man. Hey, have fun.”
The excitement in Kittle’s voice was audible as he detailed all of the things the 49ers can do with Lance -- and it goes beyond his legs.
“He’s also got a cannon,” Kittle said. “He can throw deep balls. He’s just gotten better progressively … and we have a nice 16-day block right there after the third preseason game where we can really refine some stuff and see what we want to do with our offense. And I’m really looking forward to that.”
In Juszczyk’s eyes, Lance’s ability to extend plays with his legs is “really important in today’s NFL.”
“I think in order to be a truly elite quarterback in the NFL -- I think outside of Tom Brady, who’s the best to ever do it -- you need to be able to extend plays,” Juszczyk said. “I think the highest percentage of explosive plays last season were on broken plays. And so to be able to add that to an offense [where] we feel like we’re really good when we’re in rhythm, and when you have that extra element of not being in rhythm and being able to make plays, I think it can really add a lot.”
Williams, like Kittle, said he sees a difference in Lance this summer compared to last. The All-Pro noted Lance is making great progress on staying in the pocket and going through his reads, rather than relying on his mobility to open up a play.
“To me, I think that’s the thing that gives us the most confidence in him because he’s actually working on that part of the game,” Williams said. “We all know he can run. We all know he’s mobile. We all know he’s a special talent with the ball in his hand, but the ball moves quicker in air than it does on the ground.
“So getting him to go through those reads and hit those people and be comfortable with taking his checkdown, living to fight another down, that’s things that he’s doing. I think that’s ultimately what’s going to make him a quarterback that can win a lot of football games.”
With Lance expected to start against the Green Bay Packers during the 49ers’ first preseason game on Friday, fans and the team will get their first look at the 22-year-old as QB1 rather than Jimmy Garoppolo’s backup.
And if Kittle, Juszczyk and Williams’ endorsements hold any weight, there should be plenty to look forward to as the Sept. 11 season opener approaches. | 2022-08-11T23:33:45Z | sports.yahoo.com | George Kittle, 49ers vets gush over how Trey Lance will improve offense | https://sports.yahoo.com/george-kittle-49ers-vets-gush-223301422.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/george-kittle-49ers-vets-gush-223301422.html?src=rss |
2022 NFL preseason: 10 breakout stars to watch out for originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The rookie linebacker already might be green-dot material. The helmet with the green dot, of course, is worn by the player with a headset to communicate with coaches. Big responsibility for a 21-year-old, who fell to the Eagles in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft despite being one of the anchors of a strong Georgia defense.
"He’s already learning both the Mike and Will positions, and if all goes according to plan, his versatility and intelligence — and ability — mean he’s going to play most of the defensive snaps," wrote Reuben Frank of NBC Sports Philadelphia. "If Dean does start, he’ll be the Eagles’ youngest defensive starter since safety Joe Scarpati in 1964 — by about three months." | 2022-08-11T23:33:51Z | sports.yahoo.com | George Pickens, Nate Hobbs among stars to watch in NFL preseason | https://sports.yahoo.com/george-pickens-nate-hobbs-among-220946188.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/george-pickens-nate-hobbs-among-220946188.html?src=rss |
Rashaad Penny unlikely to play Saturday because of groin injury originally appeared on Pro Football Talk
Polk County schools will have an 'opt-out-only' process for restricting library books
Originally, the school district was going to have an opt-in and an opt-out policy for library materials. Now, only the opt-out option is available to parents. | 2022-08-11T23:34:17Z | sports.yahoo.com | Rashaad Penny unlikely to play Saturday because of groin injury | https://sports.yahoo.com/rashaad-penny-unlikely-play-saturday-214946472.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/rashaad-penny-unlikely-play-saturday-214946472.html?src=rss |
Report: Deshaun Watson would accept eight-game suspension, pay $5 million fine originally appeared on Pro Football Talk
‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ was banned from Malaysian theaters due to LGBTQ content, reveals official
Malaysia has banned Marvel’s latest movie “Thor: Love and Thunder” from releasing in theaters as the government moves to bolster censorship of LGBTQ content. Malaysia’s Film Censorship Board (LPF) already banned “Lightyear” from premiering in local theaters earlier this year after requests for cuts to be made to the film were denied by Disney. The “Toy Story” spin-off, which featured Buzz’s friend Alisha Hawthorne in a same-sex marraige, was banned in at least 16 Muslim-majority countries.
Camille Kostek is taking swimsuit-style inspiration from one of the greats. The 30-year-old, who is a successful model, television host, and actress, launched her own swimsuit collection in partnership with Swimsuits For All. In a new promotional video for the collection that Kostek ... | 2022-08-11T23:34:29Z | sports.yahoo.com | Report: Deshaun Watson would accept eight-game suspension, pay $5 million fine | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-deshaun-watson-accept-eight-223321574.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-deshaun-watson-accept-eight-223321574.html?src=rss |
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